Underfloor System Reveals Hidden Key to Success
Staff -- Consulting-Specifying Engineer, 10/1/2000
As the owner of Printing Concepts, a commercial print shop in Stow, Ohio, Ron Taggart has seen a lot of changes in his industry-particularly a greater dependence on computers and telecommunications equipment. When Taggart decided to build a new 24,000-square-foot facility for his operation, one of his top priorities was making the facility flexible for new technology and future growth. Key to meeting this demand for flexibility and cutting-edge technology was the installation of an underfloor duct, wire- and cable-management system.
"We are really seeing this pay off in the prepress production area," where equipment includes laser printers, scanners, image setters and phones, Taggart says. "There are tons of wires in this department, and this system keeps the sloppiness out."
Adaptable for the future
Taggart's system allows unshielded-twisted-pair and fiber-optic cabling to be installed in flush service fittings throughout the building. It offers bend-radius protection at all turning points for easy cable pull, and it provides up to one meter of cable-loop storage at the termination point. Wire and cable is fed through two separate ducts in the floor with many access points for reaching modular furniture. At each access point, flush brass service fittings on the floor support voice, power and data applications at the various workstations.
Unused access points are covered by carpet. And, if the room is reconfigured, access to the duct is readily available, allowing for easy hook-ups without disturbing the work being done in the office.
"This product had exactly what were looking for," adds Taggart. "We achieved our goal to have complete flexibility for the future."
For more information about the Walkerduct Pro Series System from The Wiremold Company, circle 104 on the Reader Service Card.
