Q: I am looking for information on undercarpet cabling systems. I would like to know the different types and applications.
Julie Perez
Universidad del Techira
Ingenieria Electronica
San Cristobal, Venezuela
A: I strongly recommend that if there`s any possible alternative to installing an undercarpet cabling system, use it. But if you must install undercarpet cabling, I offer the following advice:
Telecommunications undercarpet cabling is used only as the segment of the horizontal cabling that extends from the transition point in a wall or column to a telecommunications outlet/connector in the work-area floor. Install undercarpet cabling only as a complete system. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Use only the accessories, mechanical terminations, and fixtures designed to be used together. Don`t mix system components from different systems.
Undercarpet cabling systems include undercarpet power circuits as well as the telecommunications undercarpet cabling. To minimize the number of times you must cross the power cable with the telecommunications cable, feed power circuits and telecommunications circuits from opposite sides of the floor area being served. In all other cases, separate the telecommunications undercarpet cable from power undercarpet cable by at least 6 inches.
Don`t use undercarpet cabling systems in wet locations or in areas prone to spills. Install such systems just before the installation of the carpet. If possible, use carpet squares to provide future access to the undercarpet cabling.
For more information--with a decisively more positive tone--go to www.amp.com and search for amp Undercarpet Cabling System
Donna Ballast is a communications analyst at The University of Texas at Austin and a bicsi registered communications distribution designer (rcdd). Questions can be sent to her at Cabling Installation & Maintenance or at PO Drawer 7580, The University of Texas, Austin, TX 78713; tel: (512) 471-0112, fax: (512) 471-8883, e-mail: [email protected]
