Cable Management SOLUTIONS
ZIPIT CABLE TIDY RANGE
The ZIP IT is a unique cable management rangeZIP range, which successfully
addresses all the issues associated with segregating desk or AV power and data
cables.
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CABLE TRAY RANGE
Our
popular metal Cable Tray system has been improved. It now comes either
poly or nylon coated to ensure that all edges are smooth and to ensure
that the unit can’t corrode over time. Multiple use, metal cable
store and cable dump.
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CABLE CLIP
A neat, practical and cost effective way to secure and channel cables.
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DESKSPOOL PRO
The DeskSpool Pro connection kit provides a clever desk solution for conference or meeting rooms, but particularly for staff who use LAPTOP PC's.
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CONFERENCE HUB
The ConferenceHub™ is a multi-connection HSIA point/networking hub,
perfect for meetings or conferences. The unit acts as a hub and switch, allowing
up to 4 computers to access 1 local network (LAN)/Internet connection. The
ConferenceHub™ gets
rid of the clutter of unsightly patch cords on and under conference tables.
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FULL DETAILS
WHY IS CABLE MANAGEMENT IMPORTANT IN THE WORKPLACE?
Cable management refers to the provision of
distribution systems for electrical power, data and communications cabling
in offi ce desking and screens. This includes cable trays, power sockets
etc used for computers, computer networks and telephones. To ensure the safety
of the user all cable management systems should conform to BS 6396: 2002 – Electrical
systems in offi ce furniture and offi ce screens – Specification.
What are the key requirements of BS 6396?
Full requirements are available within the standard, however as a short summary:
All furniture must be fit for purpose, this is normally proved by testing
to current strength and stability standards.
There should be no sharp edges on any of the equipment or furniture in contact
with any cabling to prevent damage in use.
All components should conform to the British Standards relevant to those products.
All parts of the electrical distribution system should be prevented from overcurrent
and the user should never be exposed to hazardous voltages, even if there is
a failure of insulation.
Any mains power cable entering the desk should be less than 2m in length and
should feature a cable clamp at the inlet to the desk to prevent undue strain
on the cable.
The maximum rating of the electrical distribution system should be no more
than 13 amps, and the number of sockets used is limited to four (if rated no
more than 5A each) or six (if rated no more than 3.15A each).
The power sockets also need to be placed to protect them from water spillage
such as knocking over a cup of coff ee.
Power cabling needs to be segregated from data cables. This is achieved either
by having a 50mm gap between power and data cables, dedicated separate channels
for power and data cables, cable screening of individual services or insulating
all cables for the highest voltage present in the system.
Once the system is installed in an offi ce the installation also needs to be
checked for continuity, polarity and insulation resistance.
What are the marking requirements?
In addition to the physical requirements the standard also requires that instructions
and markings be supplied with the product.
The desk needs a permanent label attached to it detailing the rating of the
system and where instructions on safe operation can be found. Full details
of the requirements are contained in the standard. It should be noted that
the label must be permanent, that is it cannot be removed without destroying
it, and the text cannot be removed by rubbing with water or petroleum spirit.
In addition the minimum size of any character must be 2mm. This does not mean
a 2mm typeface used by printers, but a typeface where the lower case characters
are a minimum of 2mm in height.
Finally, adequate instructions for the safe installation and use of the equipment
must be supplied as a separate leafl et. Once again the standard contains the
minimum details required.
Did you know?
BS 6396 only covers cable management that is ultimately plugged into
a standard 13 amp socket. Where power cables are permanently wired
into the building ring main they are covered by BS7671 – the
IEE Wiring Regulation.
Article
supplied by FIRA International Ltd. 2006 www.askfira.co.uk
