Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1347119
April/May/June 2021 I 55 FIGURE 5: A zone cabling approach was used to distribute connectivity to laboratory benches for flexibility and ease of reconfigurations via shorter links. As described in ANSI/BICSI 007-2020, Information Communication Technology Design and Implementation Practices for Intelligent Buildings and Premises, a zone cabling approach was used to distribute the network connections to benches, incorporating a horizontal consolidation point that enables shorter cabling links from the zone enclosure to outlets and devices (Figure 5). Delivering the solution within the very aggressive timeline also required significant effort and coordination for the installation team. "The biggest challenge was staying on schedule given the extreme complexity of the design and the aesthetic requirements of the building owner. Because the cabling and conduit could not be visible throughout much of the facility, all conduit had to be designed and deployed in advance of any concrete being poured," says Sandman, the team's division manager. "And it wasn't just coordination with other trades. Ensuring availability of materials was also critical to maintaining the schedule. This required strong communication and coordination with local distributors to avoid any lead time issues. This was especially important since we had almost zero storage on site." As the project came to fruition, maximum effort and coordination among all trades became critical to meeting the strict move-in deadline. Temporary cooling was needed to get telecommunications spaces up and running as they were required for lighting throughout the facility, and the installation teams worked day and night to ensure cabling systems were ready for inspection. Following two years of construction, cabling of the facility was ultimately completed, tested, and commissioned in time for all employees to move into the facility in September 2019. One of the first of its kind with a "PoE of Everything" concept, the new eye-catching headquarters complex is now revered as one of the most iconic intelligent buildings in California. "This facility is now an unbelievable showpiece where the owner can demonstrate fully integrated systems," says Barbera. "And with every device powered via PoE, they are saving a significant amount on electricity while ensuring a facility that is easily expandable for future technologies." CABLING AND CONNECTIVITY CONSIDERATIONS FOR POE When it comes to supporting PoE, there are several considerations for any project, such as level of power needed, the potential for heat buildup within cable bundles, and electrical arcing damage to connector contacts that can occur when unmating a jack-plug "The building owner wanted plenty of flexibility in the laboratory environment with the ability to easily disconnect and move benches as necessary. That is why we ended up deploying a zone cabling approach with a consolidation point that each served four to eight users," explains Mobach. "Everything had to match, and we even had to have the zone enclosure customized with the same white color used for the custom square platform for distributing gas, power, and network connectivity."