Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1066130
28 I ICT TODAY Now that 90 W per channel can be delivered, doors are going to open for low-voltage. successes gets them over the hump, but we are still at the lower end of the 'J' curve in this process," he adds. "And, now that we can deliver 90 W per channel, this is going to open doors for low-voltage," predicts Billy Nantz, senior project manager for Tera Bridge. "We believe high voltage will always have a place in the market, but with the emergence of IoT (category cabling) solutions, we have been working diligently to educate ourselves as well as test and integrate PoE lighting, security, and other management systems traditionally installed by the MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) contractors," states Shane Slater, vice president of operations with DMI Technologies. "One of our concerns is that any MEP contractor will attempt to install this new technology without the proper education and without the standards that a quality low-voltage contractor would utilize, thus creating a problematic system and giving PoE lighting a bad reputation," he explains. "There will need to be coordination between the trades to ensure a seamless installation, but ultimately it will need to meet or exceed BICSI standards including documentation, labeling and testing by a certified low-voltage contractor," he adds. "Today it is the code that dictates this decision. It depends on the city and AHJ," notes Farukh Aslam. "My city of Fort Worth has embraced this technology and does not require electrical inspections for the low-voltage. Hopefully more companies and cities will realize these advantages because low voltage can save both energy and money," he adds. DOTTING THE "I'S" AND CROSSING THE "T'S" "Education will be essential for end users, architects and of course for the low-voltage installers," states Slater. "By educating them about systems monitoring, cost savings, building efficiencies and the People Factor, everyone involved will benefit from this technology. Imagine an IP-based PoE lighting system that can include a circadian rhythm playlist as well as daylight harvesting while monitoring CO 2 levels. With the right platform, these IP-based systems will be able to talk to each other and maintain an acceptable level of CO 2 and increase productivity as well as comfort. We at DMI feel that the sky is the limit for IP and PoE integration." "One of the most vital steps is to engage and communicate with the infrastructure and device manufacturers as they would have a professional or specialist knowledgeable of the design and application," states Bob Allan. "Understanding that applications requirements are a baseline, it will be critical to select cabling systems that meet or exceed industry standards. And that there is no 'one size fits all' as each installation will have different systems with different requirements," Allan adds. The standards (both TIA and BICSI) state that the minimum cable for new installations is a category 6A. But, be aware of the effects on the cable and the connectivity when transmitting higher PoE with data over all four pairs. It is imperative that a well-planned commissioning process is in place to make sure that all applications running over the network meet the specifications set by the manufacturers. For the contractor, this means understanding the testing procedures through functional network test equipment. Make sure that all systems are documented and cables labeled. Understanding PoE and the different layouts will be an ongoing exercise in education, but these new challenges will provide increasing opportunities for the ICT industry. AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY: Carol Everett Oliver, RCDD, ESS, is a network cabling specialist with The Siemon Company headquartered in Watertown, CT. She is also the chair of the BICSI Intelligent Building Standards Subcommittee and secretary on the BICSI Board of Directors. Carol is a frequent contributor to ICT Today and can be reached at carol_oliver@siemon.com.