Pathway Options

Poke-thru devices and floor boxes are but two types of wire and cable management pathways. TIA/EIA-569 Commercial Building Standards for Telecommunications Pathways and Spaces defines horizontal pathways as including underfloor, access floor, conduit, tray and wireway, ceiling, and perimeter systems. The conventional – if somewhat outdated – view of premises wiring is cable in the wall and jacks in permanent outlets. Wire and cable management pathways provide greater workstation flexibility and can help to improve a building’s sustainability. [More information on contributing to sustainability is included in the Additional Reading material at the end of this article.] In addition, these systems have been designed to be as physically and visually unobtrusive as possible. Wire and cable management systems can be grouped into four categories.

Open space systems, such as floor boxes and poke-thru devices, serve areas that are not adjacent to partitions. These systems provide direct access to cabling or they can feed into modular office furniture. Architectural columns are another option for open space applications.

Infloor systems include underfloor duct and raised floors. Underfloor duct systems provide support and security for cabling in reinforced concrete and steel constructions. Raised floor boxes offer convenient access to data/communications cabling.

Perimeter systems route wiring and cabling securely along walls. These systems are often specified for conference rooms, offices, classrooms, and training centers. Unlike with conventional conduit, cabling that is laid into a perimeter system remains easily accessible at all times. These systems are also easy to expand or reconfigure.

Overhead systems offer a high degree of flexibility, both in terms of locating the components and accessing the cabling contained within them. Cable trays are available in a variety of styles, including center spine, solid bottom, and ladder. Although cable tray was historically installed above drop ceilings, it is increasingly showing up in open-ceiling applications.

[A review of the options for open-space wire and cable management systems is included in the Additional Reading material at the end of this article.]

Open space wire and cable management enable this office to be readily reconfigured.