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Meeting the Requirements

There were two primary approaches to meeting the requirements of water exclusion tests: designing new parts to fit together more closely and incorporating gaskets in lids, covers, and other openings.

Poke-thru devices

A poke-thru device allows network access in an informal meeting space.

Poke-thru devices have multiple openings where water can enter. The primary design objective was to make these openings watertight within the parameters of the water exclusion tests. Further, the newest poke-thru devices are distinguished by individual slide covers – a design improvement over older-generation flip lids – that snap in place over power receptacles to prevent dirt and debris from entering the system. Reverting to flip lids and installing gaskets on them would have been a relatively simple solution, but end-users appreciate the advantages of slide covers, including long-term durability and ease of use. Instead, engineers designed a specialized gasket that remains in contact with the slide cover at all times and in all positions. The gasket material provides the proper balance between water resistance and the ability to spring back into the closed position.

Floor boxes

Infloor activation covers were reviewed and redesigned with new parts that fit together more closely. While the covers of some floor boxes, such as smaller flip lids, were already approved for tile applications, others were not. These lids were fitted with gaskets that surround the lid when it closes. Of particular concern were large floor box lids that have cut-outs for wire and cable egress. Here, specialized silicone gaskets were designed to fill these gaps, enabling the lid to meet water exclusion requirements.

Exceeding the Requirements

The standards require water exclusion only on the electrical side of a poke-thru device or floor box. (Under the revised standards, water will still be allowed to enter communications areas so long as it does not leak into the electrical side). Exceeding this requirement to exclude water from communications portions of the devices offers important benefits. Although water entry into communications compartments is not considered a high risk for fire and/or shock, the presence of moisture can damage electronic components. A more practical advantage, however, is that gaskets that are designed to deter water also keep out dust and debris that can degrade the performance of sensitive electronic systems.

In the case of poke-thru devices, the slides that cover electrical receptacles are similar to those on communications ports, so it is possible to exceed the requirements and provide water resistance for all device compartments. Similarly, floor box covers also incorporate gaskets on cut-outs for communications cables.

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