ICT Today

ICT Today March/April 19

Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1081695

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 19 of 63

20 I ICT TODAY FIGURE 1: This depiction of an industrial IP network shows how the star, ring, and linear topologies can be utilized. Source: Rockwell Automation, ON, Canada. Something initially not considered is that the environment within an industrial building can incorporate portions of design principles that are normally thought of as outside plant (OSP). Many industrial spaces, though they may technically be inside, are not environmentally controlled and are subject to temperature and humidity extremes, which can potentially be more severe than outdoor installations. Some of the systems' data enclosures will reside within environmentally controlled spaces, and others without, so any interconnect medium will need to be capable of withstanding the transition from indoor to outdoor. For example, consider the potential implications of a designer selecting an indoor distribution type optical fiber cable to make this transition in a cold weather climate. At the transition point, the cable may accumulate condensate internally during warm humid weather, and when temperature falls below freezing in winter months and this moisture becomes ice, the glass could be severely compromised. These transitions occur between office space and factory space, but remember also that industrial control panels can be environmentally controlled, and there could be freezers and coolers within factory spaces. Operations flow and safety also dictate unique design considerations. Many industrial establishments operate around the clock, so when selecting infrastructure pathways and data enclosure locations, the installer needs to understand how to work safely and efficiently while the facility is in operation. Considerations may include overhead cranes, fork lift and automatic guided vehicle (AGV) traffic, pedestrian traffic, and operator work areas. The established pathways and spaces must be planned to minimize any negative impact on production and occupant safety, while maximizing installer efficiency and safety.

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of ICT Today - ICT Today March/April 19