Table of ContentsContentsDesignIntelligent buildings are the smart way to goRemember back in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when intelligent buildings were all the rage? What ever happened to the intelligent-building movement? It seems to have fizzled out--or has it?
Optoelectronics--where photons meet electronsOptoelectronic technology promises higher bandwidth, faster transmission speed, and other benefits for the networks of the future.
From glass to optical fiberBy now, many cable installers, engineers, and network managers have observed firsthand the performance characteristics of fiber-optic cable in its two main product categories--singlemode and multimode fiber. They`ve learned that singlemode fiber often excels at providing error-free transmission over long distances, while multimode fiber`s ease of handling and connectorization make it a popular choice in the fast-growing market for local-area and wide-area networks (lans/wans).
Provide adequate support for Category 5 horizontal cabling runsAppropriate routing equipment for twisted-pair cable will ensure compliance with installation standards and smooth future moves.
Fiber to conquer premises data networks?Twisted-pair copper will finally take a back seat in premises applications, according to North American sales projections.
A field guide to wireless lansWith possibly as many as 50 manufacturers worldwide now offering wireless local area network (lan) equipment, wireless in-building and interbuilding networking has assumed the appearance of a technology ground swell. And if for no other reason than the sheer level of manufacturing activity, this aspect of wireless computer networking should command at least a certain measure of attention on the part of any diligent mis manager or cabling contractor.
InstallationDealing with a power outageIf your plant loses power, it is critical to have a plan in place that will enable you to bring it back online. Planning for a power outage is critical because planning, coupled with training, will minimize the effects of such an outage and, more important, get you back in business faster.
Product UpdateShielded twisted-pair cable fights an uphill battle for market acceptanceFor a medium that does not represent a significant portion of the North American premises cabling market, shielded twisted-pair (stp) cable has been the topic of much conversation lately. In fact, if you consider the sometimes vexing nomenclature associated with shielded cabling and the imminent standard that will cover one type of the medium, you may conclude that professionals in the premises cabling industry are talking about shielded cabling a lot more than they are actually installing it.
StandardsAdditional cabling practices for open officesPart of the horizontal cabling in typical North American open offices runs through furniture pathways. This makes moving the furniture difficult because it usually involves replacing the entire horizontal cabling run. Meanwhile, user organizations are demanding offices that are much easier to reconfigure.
Screened twisted-pair cabling standard forthcomingOne hundred-ohm screened twisted-pair (sctp) cabling, also called foiled twisted-pair cabling, took another step closer to standardization when the latest draft document was sent out for tia TR-41.8.1 committee ballot in July. Ballots were due back to tia by early August and scheduled for review at the tia TR-41.8.1 meetings later that month.
TechnologyPower meters and light sources-- necessary testing toolsTo test the end-to-end performance of an optical-fiber system, an installer needs two pieces of handheld equipment--a light source and a power meter. The light source, which in its most basic form is nothing more than a flashlight, sends a wavelength of light down the fiber. At the other end of the cable, the power meter reads that light, or optical power level, and determines the amount of signal loss.
Crosstalk & FeedbackAsk DonnaZero-halogen cablesQ: I am trying to ascertain whether polyvinyl chloride (pvc) or other halogen-containing insulation is in any real danger of getting superseded in the foreseeable future by non-halogen types in the United States for wire and cable insulation applications. Any comments on this?
More on zero-halogen cablesQ: Your reply to my question about non-halogen wire and cable is interesting, and I am curious as to how you got the market information--the 1% figure. I always have difficulty coming up with that kind of information.
Splitters in Category 5 networksQ: A large percentage of our buildings here on station are wired with Category 5 unshielded twisted-pair (utp) cable. We know that Category 5 cable is capable of carrying 100 megabits per second, but right now 10 Mbits/sec is the most we are carrying. In the near future we plan to implement Asynchronous Transfer Mode and Fast Ethernet. But we are finding that people have taken it upon themselves to install splitters on their utp jumpers running from the jacks to their PCs. These splitters appea
Cabling lengths for equipment cordsQ: I hope you will be able to clarify my understanding of the tia/eia-568a standard. Clause 5.5.1, "Intra and Inter-Building Distances," has an allowance of 5 meters for equipment connection cables or cords. I have assumed that this is for applications requiring Category 3, 4, or 5 unshielded twisted-pair (utp) cable or stp-a shielded twisted-pair (stp) cables. I presume the standard makes no allowance for crossconnect jumpers or patch cords, and that the connections to the equipment are single-
Information on rcddQ: We have had a management change in my company, and my manager has asked me if I would be willing to become a registered communications distribution designer (rcdd). I am a Novell Certified Netware Engineer and have been in the networking business for more than 10 years. In the process, I have designed cable runs and an entire cabling plant. Could you give me some information on the rcdd and point me in the right direction?
Mini-style fiber connector standardQ: Are any tia/eia (Arlington, VA) standards committees currently developing a standard for the mini-style fiber connector? We are planning to use Panduit`s opti-jack because of its size and compatibility with the Mini-Com Outlet, and we want to be sure that this style of connector will be compatible with any new standard.
EditorialInstaller training is finally shaping upTraining in the cabling industry has been a lot like the weather; it generates a lot of discussion, but not much action is taken--until now.
A new model for multimode fiber qualificationThe U.S. market for multimode fiber-optic cabling in data-communications applications is growing. In fact, Kessler Marketing Intelligence Corp. (Newport, RI) estimates that the market in this country is growing at a compounded rate of 20% per year and will exceed $1.45 billion in 2001.
Automatic and manual polishing of fiber terminationsAdvances in automation have introduced a viable alternative to the traditional way of manually polishing multimode optical-fiber ends when terminating connectors in the field. Automatic polishing machines are now available that provide the speed, flexibility, portability, and economy required by the customer premises market.
To The EditorReader survey results mixed on Category 6In the March 1997 issue of Cabling Installation & Maintenance (page 4), we published a fax-back survey asking readers about the need for a Category 6 cabling designation. In April ( page 4), we again surveyed our readers, this time on the trends they consider important in the cabling industry. In addition, we maintained a survey form on our Web site for several months, asking Internet visitors what they thought about the magazine.
Cabling industry trends predictedA baker`s dozen thoughtful readers responded to Cabling Installation & Maintenance`s second reader survey, on cabling industry trends, if one includes the replies to an earlier survey on the same topic run in the magazine`s companion publication, Cabling News.
Megahertz/ megabitsI felt compelled to write concerning the fax-back survey on the need for a Category 6 specification. You will doubtless receive many letters on both sides of the issue, but my concern is not so much the need for a specification as it is that your questions in the survey could be misleading and are illustrative of the technical sloppiness that results in many inappropriate arguments over Category 6.
"Infoglut" survey conductedAnother question that the editors of Cabling Installation & Maintenance have been examining recently is how our readers handle the buzz of information that assails them every day and whether they are feeling overloaded by it. At a conference held not long ago by bicsi, the audience for a talk on the so-called infoglut problem was asked to fill out a survey on their information needs and habits. A total of 82 members of the audience returned the survey form.
High cost of standards-makingYour editorial in the May 1997 issue ("The high cost of standards-making," page 3) hit a sore spot with me. I have watched many changes to the standards recently that were not necessarily improvements to the design and installation of high-speed data-link cabling. Most of these changes are driven by special interests to accommodate weaknesses in their areas of interest, and not to improve the basic link or channel.
Sleepless in NashuaIn the July 1997 issue (page 5), you talk about the "Four great mysteries of the cabling industry." Your editorial reminded me of Category 5 wiring that is now being employed in the housing industry.
Still sleeplessI wonder about Mysteries No. 1 and 2 [Why doesn`t the FCC enforce its EMI regulations, and what ever happened to low-cost fiber-optic transceivers?] myself. As for Mystery No. 3 [Who has the purchasing influence in the cabling industry?], I think the end-users ultimately have the purchasing influence.
Letters to the EditorAs usual, I find your editorial interesting and stimulating reading. Your four mysteries are indeed thought-provoking. I can solve one of them, perhaps.
More on Mystery No. 4This industry is still in its infancy, compared to the electrical and heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning industries. These established industries have had time to set policy, develop national codes, and establish standards.
As to your Mystery No. 4,I believe that the National Electric Code (nec), Article 770, has brought the electricians into the fiber-optic installation world. The National Fire Protection Association has established a set of fire rules for fiber-optic cable, so by default the nec is now specifying the cable and its installation.
Defending bicsiI recently read some things about bicsi (not in your magazine, though) that just do not ring true. I wanted to answer those comments as a concerned member of the bicsi organization.
Products & ServicesNew ProductsCabling Installation Expo 97 showcases new productsWith more than 150 exhibitors expected to fill the Charlotte Convention Center (Charlotte, NC) for Cabling Installation Expo `97, attendees can expect to see firsthand the cutting-edge products being introduced in the cabling industry.
BICSI Cabling Workshop brings training to Cabling Installation Expo 97Based on attendees` reactions to last year`s program, bicsi (Tampa, FL) is anticipating another successful Cabling Workshop this fall. Held in conjunction with Cabling Installation & Maintenance`s Cabling Expo, Cabling Workshop will take place October 13 to 15 at the Charlotte, NC, Convention Center.
Reach for success at Cabling Installation Expo 97Launched in 1996, Cabling Installation Expo was the first annual "hands-on" trade show to serve the cabling industry. Not only did the event attract more than 120 exhibitors, but it also debuted bicsi`s (Tampa, FL) Installation Training and Registration Program.
Patch cableemaxx utp enhanced patch cable exceeds Category 5 impedance and structural return-loss specifications to 400 MHz. It is also tia/eia-568a and iso-11801 approved. Featuring 24-awg bare copper conductors, this 100-ohm cable is unshielded and available with blue, white, and gray pvc jackets. Designed for RJ-45 connector applications, emaxx utp has four wire pairs; the white conductor of each pair has a color-coordinated stripe for easy mating.
Outside-plant cableEZ Prep outside-plant cables feature advanced water-blocking agents that eliminate the need for cleaning buffer tubes in a filled cable. And because the buffer tube material is more flexible than other materials, the risk of fiber damage is reduced and the need for routing tubes is eliminated. EZ Prep comes in armored and dielectric constructions in fiber counts to 264 fibers and meets or exceeds Bellcore standards.
Cable tone probeFluke 140 tone probe detects and amplifies audio tones in the 500- to 5000-Hz range. Because only the probe`s tip detects the signal, technicians can easily find the correct cabling link. The unit also identifies a pair in a 25-pair backbone cable. Battery life of the unit is 40 continuous hours, and the unit automatically powers down after 5 minutes of idle time to increase battery life. List price is $150.
Cable tagsU1900T-Series one-piece cable identification tags come with adjustable-length tie-wraps for quicker cable tagging and reduced parts inventory. The self-laminating feature permanently preserves recorded information, and the plates are waterproof and resistant to heat and abrasion. The tags come in a variety of colors, sizes, and materials, including pvc, polyester, polycarbonate, and Torlon.
Outdoor telecommunications enclosuresLightweight aluminum housings for electronics systems incorporate sophisticated thermal management, alarm control, and power. The cabinets can be used in ground, roof, and pole-mounted locations. The enclosures come in a range of sizes and are available as single or bayed units with optional separate battery compartments. Other options and accessories include emc shielding, various IP ratings (dust and water protection), internal mounting hinges, high-security locking systems, and advanced alarm
Communications outletnetconnect HideAway multimedia communications outlet seamlessly integrates copper, fiber, coaxial cable, or a combination at a single point. Up to four twisted pairs and two optical-fiber pairs can be housed in a single gang box. Front-loading jacks and snap-on cover simplifies installation and access, while colored jacks and icons allow easy port identification.
Fiber-optic adaptersA line of fiber-optic adapter components for singlemode and multimode applications is available in all adapter styles, including ST, SC, FC, ST duplex, SC duplex, and hybrid adapters. All are available with either zirconia or phosphor bronze sleeves as well as plastic and metal body versions.
Handheld wire strippersStripmaster wire strippers use knife-type blades with form-ground stripping holes that cleanly remove insulation. The tools handle wire to 7/8 inch (22 mm) and have jaws that are automatically held open for removing the wire end without damage. Stripmaster does not nick, cut, or fray wire and can be used with 8- through 30-awg wires.
Coaxial-cable assembliesThis series of miniature coaxial-cable components and assemblies has been designed for wireless technology in the 800- to 2000-megahertz range. The devices are manufactured for surface-mount, printed-circuit, and microwave-substrate use and serve as jumpers, resonators, and impedance transformers.
Network-management softwareRelease 2.0 of cane network design, analysis, and simulation software facilitates network design, installation, and changes. The optional IP Planner module allows network administrators to design, configure, and manage networks, subnetworks, and dynamic subnetworks. The cane Rapid Auto Discovery Module is also available separately.
Automated loss testerThe fot-920 MaxTester combines an automated bidirectional tester with an optical-return-loss tester, a full-duplex talk set, a message exchanger, and a visual fault locator. It uses a referencing technique that performs diagnostic functions at the same time the reference is taken. The product can store 500 fiber tests.
Mini otdrThe mts 5100 multipurpose mini optical time-domain reflectometer provides singlemode and multimode installations, in-service testing, and out-of-band monitoring. The unit features optical testing from 635 to 1625 nanometers and dead zones as low as 1 meter. It has two available bays featuring field-interchangeable modules with varying dynamic ranges and wavelengths, as well as a light source, power meter, and visual fault locator.
otdr video"Understanding and Using the otdr" is geared toward technicians and instructors. The video covers the optical time-domain reflectometer`s functions and uses, including acceptance testing, splice and span monitoring, and emergency restorations. It also explains terms such as dead zone, index of refraction, and pulsewidth.
pvc floor boxThe Walker Ratchet-Pro floor box is made of polyvinyl chloride and contains an adjustment ring that ratchets into place and eliminates the need for glue during installation. It has four 1-inch conduit hubs in a parallel configuration, a divider for dual-service applications, and integral cubic-inch markings.
Multimedia service polesAluminum multimedia service poles have communications and power terminations on the same side of the pole for quick and easy access. The poles offer high-capacity Category 5 cable performance in ceiling-delivered multiservice distribution applications. Available prewired or unpopulated, the poles come in three standard sizes--10 feet, 2 inches; 12 feet, 2 inches; and 15 feet, 2 inches. All terminations have the industry- standard Styleline rectangular openings.
Handheld printerPan-Quik LS3 handheld printer creates crisp, clear legends in various sizes and widths (1/4 to 11/2 inches) for wire markers, component labels, and data- communications labels. This 2.7-pound, battery-operated, dot-matrix printer produces labels in a variety of materials, including self-laminating vinyl, vinyl cloth, and heat-shrink tubing. The printer comes with rechargeable NiCad battery pack, printer ribbon, wrist strap, battery charger, and operator`s manual.
Cable racewayWith its 4-inch electrical metallic tubing, the Multi-Gard emt cable raceway system protects and manages cable for inside premise applications. The UL-approved tubing houses a gasketed coupling body with three or four pre-installed inner ducts. To install, the inner duct spigot end is inserted into the coupling body and tightened using the emt coupling screws.
Fiber-optic fastenerPart of the CableCat series, the cat425 cloth wrap fastener holds up to 425 4-pair utp or fiber-optic cables and attaches quickly to beams or purlins. Adjustable to 6 inches deep, the fastener has a simple locking/unlocking mechanism so that cables can be easily added or pulled through the wrap. cat425 is suitable for air-handling spaces (plenum) for loads to 100 pounds.
Table frameA pin-in-hole table frame accommodates work surfaces from 30 x 30 inches to 36 x 72 inches. Constructed of welded 12-gauge steel, the frame has a scratch-resistant powder coat finish. It provides a full 8-foot range of height adjustment and assembles in just 10 minutes with a crescent wrench. List price is $319.
Multicell innerductOptiDuct multicell innerduct allows installation of up to six fiber-optic cables in a 4-inch pvc duct. The device is made of polyethylene and is available in single-, two-, or three-cell configurations. The two- and three-cell versions include shared-wall features. Individual cells can be color-striped for cable identification. Preinstalled pull tapes are also optional.
Fiber-optic attenuatorsSeries ilbr attenuators for telephone and cable-TV applications eliminate the use of air gaps, filters, and other types of attenuating techniques, while providing a ? -55 decibel backreflection. These inline attenuators are available for sc/pc, fc/pc, and sc/apc interfaces at 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 15, and 20 dB. Series ilbr attenuators are wavelength independent between 1.3 and 1.55 microns, and are polarized-insensitive.
Electronic cablesAvailable in three categories--fire alarm, security alarm, and data/electronic--New Generation low-voltage electronic cables feature a ripcord beneath the jacket for easy removal at installation. Sequential footage markings on the cable jacket also eliminate guesswork and waste. The cables are predominantly nec riser-rated (cmr and fplr), and all CM, cmr, and cmp types are both UL and C(UL) rated.
Fiber-optic testersots-300 Express Series includes power meter, light sources, and testers that test and store dual-wavelength power and attenuation measurements simultaneously. Capable of storing 900 dual-wavelength measurements, the ots-300 suits installation, system qualification, and maintenance for fiber-optic testing environments, including multimode lan and singlemode telephony. The units are calibrated at 850, 1300, 1310, and 1550 nanometers with a standard measurement range of +3 to -70 dBm. Three-way pow
Duct-sealing foamQ-Tel 2032 two-part duct-sealing polyurethane foam seals conduits in manholes, cable vaults, and buildings. It is packaged with the Q-Pak Portable Dispenser, in which the two components are mixed internally as the product is dispensed.
Drop cable shutoff deviceDropCheck meets proposed nec requirements for an automatic shutoff device for powered telephony coaxial drop cable. The device can be used on buried drop cable where 60-hertz powering voltages exceed the UL low-voltage safety limit and where the drop is buried less than 18 inches. DropCheck is housed in two separate units--a monitoring/switching unit and a terminating unit. The device resets the power once the cable is reconnected or properly repaired.
RJ-45/stp balunatm Balun connects 155-megabit-per-second atm hub or adapter cards with 16-Mbit/sec ibm cabling system RJ-45 ports. Only two baluns are needed to make the connection. The device provides 0.5-decibel insertion loss from 0.1 to 100 megahertz and less than -40-dB crosstalk at 100 MHz. The baluns can also be used with shielded RJ-45 modular jacks.
ibdn 4-port outletbix dvo 4-port outlets for high-density bix terminations work with bix insulation displacement clip (idc) technology combined with printed circuit boards and standard modular jacks. These single-gang outlets are preconfigured to Category 5 T568A-isdn or T568B-alt wiring assignments. The plastic housing protects idc termination and has a snap-on faceplate for easy access. The flush-mount version fits over standard electrical single-gang boxes, while the surface-mount version can be used on walls,
Sonet/sdh transceiversTwo coded mark inversion transceivers handle E4 and stm-1 full-duplex data at distances greater than 175 meters on 75-ohm coaxial cable. Transformer coupling is used to match impedances of the ecl circuit and the cable plant within the application for an output signal with a -15-decibel minimum return loss. Wideband transformers provide little radiated emissions and high noise immunity. Model TM311trfva with los detection measures 0.760 x 0.610 x 0.180 inches; Model TM311dva measures 0.800 x 0.4
Singlemode transceiverModel 374 fiber-optic transceiver is compatible with singlemode fiber-optic transmission for distances greater than 9 miles. The unit is 10 Base-FL compatible and can be used with any hub offering singlemode capability to extend a lan to lan, or it can be used in pairs to communicate over distances greater than 14 kilometers. An sqe switch allows the sqe Heartbeat option to be enabled or disabled, so the unit is compatible with old and new Ethernet adapters. Model 374 measures 1.5 x 4 x 1 inch
Rack-mount fiber cabinetsORMACC multiport rack-mount fiber cabinets patch up to 144 fibers using the flush Mini-Mod modules or 108 fibers with the 45o-exit Mini-Mod modules. The cabinets come in one-, two-, or three-drawer configurations, and all cabinets feature drawer faceplates, designation labels, slide-out drawers, hinged back and removable top panels, bend-limiting jumper management, and cable entry at the top, sides, and bottom. Interfaces include ST, SC, and FC connectors.
Optical-fiber cablesSuitable for riser, duct, and aerial environments, freedm/lst optical cables are flame retardant, UV-stabilized, and waterproof. The cables have a loose-tube design to accommodate up to 12 fibers and come in multimode, singlemode, and hybrid versions. The dielectric strength elements around the core eliminate preferential bending, result in easier installation, and improve handling.
Cable trayThe modular Cen-Tray center-spine cable tray system features separate rungs that lock into place. Because there are no large preformed center spine components, factory-assembled fittings, such as tees, 90o and 45o bends, crosses, and verticals, are not needed. Three primary strut designs--standard, deep, and shallow spine--optimize loading requirements and are compatible with conventional metal framing accessories.
Fiber-optic connector cleanerA fiber-optic connector cleaner removes dust from ferrule ends. The ferrule end is wiped against the lint-free cloth, and the used cloth section is then torn off to expose a new cloth surface. Each cloth section cleans approximately six connectors. The cost of the cleaner is $15.
Fiber-optic test videoA videotape for technicians covers acceptance testing of optical cables from the basic to the most complex methods. How to Perform a Fiber Acceptance Test, the video demonstrates three testing techniques, what to look for, and how to document the test. It also shows the use of reusable mechanical splices, bare fiber adapters, test equipment, power meters, tracers, and otdrs. Cost of the video is $100 in small quantities.
Telephone test setModel 390 telephone test set for premises wiring installation and repair technicians includes audible ringer, ten-number memory, redial, polarity indication, and high-impedance monitor. This test set is available with standard or ground start clips.
Plenum coaxial cableAirCell plenum-rated (UL-910) 50-ohm coaxial cable features a corrugated outer conductor with flame-retardant pvc jacket. The cable provides maximum attenuation of 2.45 decibels per 100 feet at 1 gigahertz and 3.5 dB per 100 feet at 2 GHz for pcs applications. The cable does not use Teflon. Applications include RF distribution in confined areas where fire-code requirements dictate plenum-rated cable, such as multistory commercial buildings, manufacturing facilities, and other RF- restricted loc
Uninterruptible power supplymps 2000 uninterruptible power supply (ups) isolates sensitive systems from all AC power problems, including blackouts, brownouts, spikes, surges, and line noise. The unit outputs full-time pure sine-wave AC power with zero transfer time. For automatic shutdown, remote power condition viewing, enhanced power graphing, and cross-platform control, the unit comes with PowerAlert Plus network ups management software and complete cabling. Suggested retail price is $1999.
Telecommunications catalogA full-color catalog covers cable management products for networking and telecommunications applications. The 56-page catalog features technical information, photos, and illustrations of products, including those that meet eia/tia-568 commercial wiring standard and Category 5 requirements. A detailed facility drawing demonstrates product applications to help customers determine the appropriate products for their applications.
Surge suppressorsProShield surge suppressors provide AC surge protection and a configurable three-bay design called traps (transient-reducing add-in peripheral). traps are available for telephone lines, networks (10Base-T, 100Base-T, 100VG, and Token Ring), and cable/dss applications. The appropriate module is slid into the ProShield platform to provide up-gradable protection for any electronic system. The suppressor is csa-approved and UL-1449 listed.
Flexible patch cableDataMax 350 patch cables allow lan premises systems to achieve atm, 100Base-T, and full-duplex protocols. These patch cables provide a minimum attenuation-to-crosstalk ratio of 10 decibels per 100 meters through 155 megahertz. Every manufacturing lot is tested to 350 MHz. The cables are also tested to the near- and far-end power-sum crosstalk, delay, and delay-skew requirements that are expected to be added tia/eia-568a standard.
Singlemode fiber-optic connectorCompatible with both FC and SC connectors, sup-1 singlemode fiber-optic connectors feature preassembled, one-piece crimp technology and funnel-type, factory-radiused ferrules. The connectors comply with iec, tia, and Bellcore performance specifications for telecommunications and data communications. The connectors accommodate 3-, 2-, and 0.9-millimeter fiber types. sup-1 is rated at less than 0.5-dB typical insertion loss with a -50-dB typical return loss (ultra PC polish).
Cable fault finderA ground fault locator kit (catalog number 62-142) identifies the site of high-resistance, earth-ground faults in underground cable. The kit includes 12V battery-powered pulse generator (for de-energized conductors only), receiver frame, 9V battery-powered receiver with self-centering meter, and weather-resistant carrying case. Applications include street lighting, cable-TV drops, power secondaries, or irrigation feeds.
Computer interconnection brochureA full-color brochure covers interconnection solutions for multiuser computer applications. Some of the topics covered are multilayer board manufacturing, high-speed cable assemblies, and system analysis.
Cable cabinetThe 19-inch Quick Mount cabinet for cables and patch panels comes in six separate boxes and can be transported and handled by one person. With only eight bolts already fixed within the frames, one person can install the cabinet in 15 minutes with a hexagonal key. All side panels rotate in either direction to allow full accessibility, and cables can enter the cabinet from all four sides, including the base and top. Extension cabinets without side panels are also available for installing cabinets
Network design and documentation softwareVisio Network Equipment, an add-on solution for designing and documenting local, wide area, and telecommunications networks, offers a library of more than 8000 exact-replica network device shapes from more than 300 manufacturers. Visio Network Equipment can be used with Visio Professional. Estimated price is $499. Visio Network Equipment requires Visio software version 4.0 or higher.
Subrack kit and assembliesEnhancements to the KM6-II subrack system include an embedding kit, kms subrack front-panel frame, and new 4U and 7U subrack assemblies. The embedding kit integrates 19-inch pluggable modules and subracks without requiring a dedicated 19-inch rack or enclosure, while the kms front-panel frame allows 3U single Eurocards with front panels to be mounted in a 19-inch enclosure. The 4U and 7U assemblies maintain emc integrity in the screened front panels in vmebus systems.
Power surge protectorUsed as a replacement for standard duplex receptacles, Sentrex surge receptacles protect electronic equipment from power surges, spikes, and emi/rfi noise. They protect against all three legs (line/neutral, line/ground, and neutral/ ground). The units are offered in 15- or 20-amp specification grade and 20-amp hospital grade. These UL-listed devices come in orange, blue, ivory, and gray.
Remote fiber test systemrfts tests fibers up to 200 kilometers from a central location. This remote test system automatically monitors a fiber network, performs tests, and detects and locates faults, breaks, and other abnormalities without shutting down the network. The unit can test up to 48 fibers through a built-in otdr that has a dynamic range of >40 decibels and a dead-zone of less than 5 meters. The system includes a test system controller, optical test access unit, and otdr.
Fiber-optic enclosurescpe-12 and cpe-24 fiber-optic enclosures are suitable for use in building entrances, wiring closets, remote hubs, and lan applications. cpe-12 holds 12 fibers, while cpe-24 holds 24 fibers. These low-profile, stackable enclosures have separate service provider and customer sides. The service provider side has a lock and key, while the customer side has a captive push-pull fastener with a lock and key option. Accessory kits are available for clamping, grounding, and dust protection.
Fiber-optic tool kitThe Fiber U Toolbox now includes tools for terminating singlemode fiber optics in the field. The tool kit comes with tools for installing, testing, splicing, and terminating singlemode and multimode fiber-optic cable in the field. An option for logging test data into a notebook computer is also available. Starting price for the kit is $1395.
Circular wire connectorsmil-c38999, Series I, II, and III circular connectors have hard plastic interfaces with chamfered conical entries to ensure proper mating of contacts. Fluorosilicone interfacial seals have conical risers around each pin contact to compress into the socket interface and ensure sealing of the mating surfaces. Series I environmental resistant bayonet connectors offer high-contact density for smaller wire gauge applications; Series II bayonet connectors feature a lower profile design and short sock
Light-curable adhesivesThe F400 product series is a line of light-curable, one-part adhesives for microassembly applications. F401 is a high-refractive index, low-ionic adhesive for optical, fiber-optic, and optoelectronic devices. It is especially suited for optical interconnects. F402 low-viscosity adhesive can be cured with UV or visible light, and its transparency makes it ideal for terminating optical fibers.
Wire bladeWith the Dually blade, installers using the D914 impact tool can install Krone and 110-type blocks. The blade offers low insertion force with scissor-cutting action, which protects terminations from damage, extends blade life, and reduces installer fatigue. The D914 includes a built-in wire extractor and blade storage compartment. Dually blades also fit the D814.
Faceplate labelsNew paper label inserts for outlet and faceplate identification come in sheets of 100 and can be used with most laser printers. The labels are generated using the Labelmark PC-based software. The 1.975 x 0.375-inch labels fit under the protective plastic covers on cabling system faceplates and outlets manufactured by a number of suppliers, including Ortronics, Krone, Siemons, and amp.
Wiring boxesTwo-gang Old Work Boxes from Steel City Union and Bowers have combination screws and steel swing ears so they can be snugly installed on walls from 1/4-inch plywood to 5/8-inch drywall. These nonmetallic boxes can be used for applications that require two devices or additional wiring capacity. Capacity of the boxes is 32 cubic inches.
Static-control mats and runnersThe 9500 series static-control, anti- fatigue mats and runners have smooth black rubber surfaces bonded to a base of resilient, insulating vinyl and rubber sponge. Both mats and runners have a carbon-loaded rubber surface, which features surface-to-ground electrical resistance of 104 to 106. The mat measures 3 feet wide by 5 feet long; the runner is 3 feet wide and comes in lengths to 75 feet. Custom sizes are also available. Snaps and ground cords are standard.
Optical splicing enclosureT-slot, wall-, or rack-mounted Universal Optical Splice Enclosures (ose) accommodate preconnectorized cable assemblies or stubbed optical patch panels. Adjustable and movable cable entry plates provide standard cable entry and mid-span cable access, and fibers can be routed through the four horizontal pass-through ports near the top and bottom of the cabinet sides. Two versions are available: ose-hd supports 864 single-fiber splices or 144 mass-fusion splices from as many as 42 cables, while ose
Telecommunications toolCombining four tools in one, the phd Telecommunicator integrates the features of a butt set, hands-free monitor, signal-level meter, and digital multimeter. The lcd shows tone and pulse digits, including on/off time, decibel level for tones, pulses per second, and interdigit time. The unit monitors the line status (on or off hook), zero-volt intervals, and non-dtmf voice band tones. The multimeter measures AC and DC voltage to 199.9V and DC current to 199.9 milliamperes.
Category 5 cableslanmark-1000 cables are fully characterized for complete power-sum electrical parameters (ps-next, ps-acr, and ps-el fext). The cables use all four twisted pairs in the cable to handle higher data-rate applications, and additional bandwidth is available for future applications. lanmark-1000 can be used for 622 atm, video (digital and broadband), and present and future 1000Base-T applications. The cables are ansi/tia/eia-568a-compliant and are tested to 500 megahertz.
Fiber-optic cableGX-series Subgrouping fiber-optic cable meets the UL-910 tunnel test for 144 fibers within a single jacket without requiring tape wrap, so there is no need to unravel the wrap for 10 to 15 feet before terminating the cable. Kynar Flex grade 2950-05 material provides a protective jacketing over the core of the cable and minimizes the risk of damage.
Industry SpotlightConsortium to develop next-generation pofW ith the help of the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (darpa), the next generation of plastic optical fiber (pof) is in the works. darpa recently awarded a $7 million contract to a consortium of companies to develop new pof technology.
Moves, Adds & ChangesThe Telecommunications Industry Association (tia--Arlington, VA) has promoted five staff members. Cathy Tavarozzo has been named associate vice president of trade shows and conferences, Sharon Grace has been appointed director of communications, and Anna Amselle has been promoted to controller. Christina Kim has been named accounting manager, and Laurie Cipriano has been appointed manager of trade shows and conferences. tia is a trade organization that provides communications and information tec
Association to study fibers competitiveness in premises applicationsThe Fiber Optic Association (foa--Boston) has initiated a study of the competitiveness of fiber optics in premises cabling. The foa says the purpose of the study is to determine why fiber has succeeded in some markets and not in others.
Wireless lan standard ratifiedAfter seven years of development, the 802.11 standard covering wireless local area networks (lans) was ratified by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (ieee--Piscataway, NJ) standards activity board in late June. Acceptance of the standard, which defines the air interface between wireless lan stations and between stations and access points, promises to let information technology professionals breathe a little easier when they attempt to select wireless lan products and incorpor
Academic institutions to offer bicsis Apprentice programA vocational school in Zanesville, OH, will be the first of many academic institutions throughout the nation to offer bicsi`s (Tampa, FL) Cabling Installation Apprentice program. According to Larry Hamlin, coordinator of industrial programs at the Mideast Ohio Vocational School, the school`s first apprentice course began late last month.
Thomas & Betts acquires two manufacturing companiesThomas & Betts (T&B--Memphis, TN), a connector and component manufacturer, has recently acquired two electrical-product manufacturing companies. In June, T&B purchased Electroline Manufacturing Co. (Cleveland, OH), which manufactures die-cast, steel, plastic, and malleable iron fittings and accessories for electrical applications. In July, the company purchased Patriot Products Inc. (Chicago, IL), which manufactures in-floor and cellular duct systems for voice, data, and power applications.
Tomorrows office environment on display in SeattleAn exhibit that is intended to depict the workplace of the future is on display in Seattle, WA, through May 1998. Residing on the twenty-eighth floor of the city`s Columbia Seafest Center, the Future@Work exhibit is a result of donations of services and products by members of the non-profit organization, The Office of the Future Consortium (otfc).
fcc may mandate Category 3 in residential applicationsThe Federal Communications Commission (fcc--Washington, DC) has filed an interim standard that specifies Category 3 cable as the minimum requirement for simple wiring in residential applications. The standard was filed in early August, approximately a year and a half after bicsi (Tampa, FL) filed a petition requesting a Category 3 specification. According to the fcc, the standard had been filed but not yet approved.
Cable Installer TipsTerminating fiber-optic cable to quick-connect connectorsFiber-optic connectors that require no epoxy and no polishing--often referred to as "quick-connect" connectors--have grown in popularity and are now widely used. Because a quick-connect connector is preloaded with a fiber stub that has been bonded and polished at the factory, it is sensitive to the quality of the cleave made to the fiber to be terminated. If proper installation procedures--particularly cleaving procedures--are not followed, these connectors may fail and be perceived as unreliabl
Eliminating tangles when pulling new cableWhen the backstring is tied off at a wall at both the pull end and feed end of a conduit, tray, or other piece of cable-routing equipment, cables that are subsequently pulled can become entangled with the backstring, causing snags and loops.
Removing a tile from a drop ceilingAfter ceiling tiles have been installed, routing horizontal cables can lead to extra work for the installer because he or she has to climb a ladder several times to remove ceiling tiles to establish a cable pathway. Also, dust from ceiling tiles can fall during this procedure, and tiles can break.
|
This IssueNo Image Available Volume 5
Issue 10
October 1997
|
Cabling, Installation & Maintenance Topic and Resouce Categories:
| Data Centers | Cabling Standards |
| Network Cable | Connectivity Technologies |
| Network Protocols | IP Convergence |
| Wireless | Design, Installation & Testing |
| Current Issue | Archives |
| Cabling Blog | Buyer's Guide |
Wire News provided by
