Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1414667
56 I ICT TODAY FIGURE 8: Limited ceiling space in the renovated facility presented a challenge for the ICT contractor, requiring coordination with multiple trades to ensure adequate space for structured cabling supporting PoE lighting, sound masking, AV, and a variety of other low-voltage systems. EMBRACING NEW TECHNOLOGY IS CHALLENGING YET REWARDING The United Way of Central Alabama's new 40,000 square-foot (≈3,716 m 2 ) three-story building is adjacent to its existing facility that contains the main computer room, which connects to the new facility via 24 strands of singlemode optical fiber. The new building was fully renovated down to the concrete shell and provides the space to support UWCA's growth and enhanced services to the region, including new offices, meeting spaces, the two call centers, and a full kitchen to support a local Meals on Wheels program. The overall project was not without challenges and lessons learned. "The original construction of the building only had 8 to 9 foot (≈2.4 to 2.7 m) ceilings. This provided a plenum space of only 18 inches (≈46 cm), much of which needed to accommodate 12-inch (≈30.5 cm) HVAC ducting," says Sosnin. "It was not an easy endeavor and required us to coordinate carefully with multiple trades to make sure we had the space we needed for the structured cabling system." See Figure 8. "From painters to carpenters, those responsible for the finishing touches on a construction project are used to having line-voltage lights up and running since electrical is typically done early in the process. However, a PoE lighting system requires a reverse way of thinking and the need to get the telecom rooms completed in record time since they are needed to house the equip- ment that powers and controls the lights," adds Goodwin. "I learned a lot throughout this project. If I was going to deploy PoE lighting again, I would coordinate with the general contractor early in the process and educate them about the technology to give them a complete understanding of what they would be dealing with." While ceiling space was a challenge, the PoE lighting, sound masking, and advanced AV systems offer signif- icant benefits to UWCA in terms of fulfilling its mission and ensuring long-term cost savings. The project was completed in less than one year with all stakeholders satisfied with the outcome of embracing these emerging technologies. For the latest information and best practices about PoE, sound masking, and AV, ICT contractors, designers, consultants, and installers should refer to BICSI's Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual (TDMM), 14th edition. "Similar to where telephones were 20 years ago, building technology is rapidly evolving and becoming smarter. We foresee emerging technologies like PoE lighting, sound masking, and advanced AV systems really taking off over the next few years in the commercial building space," says Sosnin. "As designers and installers, While ceiling space was a challenge, the PoE lighting, sound masking, and advanced AV systems offer significant benefits to UWCA in terms of fulfilling its mission and ensuring long-term cost savings.