Network Communications News (NCN) November 2016 | Page 23

PoE F E AT U R E Supporting the density and the power Due to the density of PoE lighting devices, the optimum PoE lighting device coverage area is an 18m x 18m square or grid. The dedicated PoE lighting zone enclosure should be centrally located within the coverage area and the recommended number of outlets in the enclosure is dependent upon the number and size of the PoE lighting devices and type of system. The number of available connections within the zone enclosure should be no less than 24 (e.g. for small deployments or for enclosures located on a wall) and should not exceed 96 to ensure that cable bundle sizes are manageable and that remote powering current-induced heat build-up within cable bundles is controlled. Additionally, to ensure superior support of PoE lighting systems, it is recommended to install class EA/ category 6A or higher performing shielded cabling as shielded cabling deals much better with heat dissipation. Horizontal cable should be temperature rated to 75°C and connecting hardware should be independently certified to ensure reliable support. In spaces that do not have environmental control, solid conductor cables and equipment cords should be used for optimum thermal performance. Part of distribution specialist Cray Valley Communication’s portfolio of ConvergeIT cabling solutions from Siemon, include advanced copper shielded cables and connectivity that provide superior support of PoE-enabled systems. Partnering for success Besides cost savings, PoE lighting also provides a more robust service. However, several variables must be considered prior to identifying the right PoE lighting system for an environment and the process to design and deploy lighting devices in coverage areas can be complex and confusing. The use of digital lighting partners that are certified in cabling design and are installation experts can help ensure that customers receive a cost-effective, manageable infrastructure design to support the density of PoE lighting devices. The right partner Eddie Brady, business development executive at Cray Valley, explains: ‘The opportunities that are presented by PoE lighting and the ‘intelligent building’ concepts are huge for network cabling contractors who engage these ideals at an early stage. Whilst the ‘intelligent building’ concept is not exactly new, the fact that we now live in an IP world and with the advances in smart devices and the use of Apps to control these devices has changed the way we engage with technology forever. ‘This phenomenon will have a direct impact on how we design buildings in the future and these concepts will eventually become the norm. The early adopters to these concepts will get the maximum benefit from these opportunities in terms of customer retention by becoming valued advisers to their customers and delivering the future of the industry today. Delivering all these benefits ahead of the competition will also help installers build stronger relationships for the future.’ Eddie adds: ‘These changes are likely to be the biggest that we’ve seen in the structured cabling industry since telephone systems started to become IP based and will have an enormous impact on the industry. It is really important to be aware of the challenges and also best practices in terms of design and installation to be able to offer the very best solutions to your customers. Cray Valley is hosting a seminar with Siemon at the end of November to discuss these opportunities further.’ 2016 has been a year of big changes for Cray Valley, the most significant change took place in April when the business was taken over and now has new ownership. The impact of new ownership has seen many changes including substantial investments in supporting the Siemon brand including staff training enabling the company to deliver for the first time in-house Registered Installer (RI) training. The levels of Siemon stock have also been substantially increased and a new four hour emergency delivery service has been added for deliveries into the City of London and also the Docklands. More Information: Cray Valley Components +44 (0)1959 573444, www.crayvalleycomms.co.uk 23 22-23 PoE – Commsbuyer.indd 23 01/11/2016 14:57