Datacom installation, the Building One Electrical way

Sept. 1, 1999
Building One Electrical continues to look outside the box to establish and implement the communications cabling infrastructures for new construction projects. Contractors that are part of the Building One Electrical group expand traditional cabling methods into a showcase of technology, functionality, and originality. A Building One firm -Adkins Cabling, a division of Wilson Electric (Building One's

Building One Electrical continues to look outside the box to establish and implement the communications cabling infrastructures for new construction projects. Contractors that are part of the Building One Electrical group expand traditional cabling methods into a showcase of technology, functionality, and originality. A Building One firm -Adkins Cabling, a division of Wilson Electric (Building One's Electrical platform in the southwest United States)-is breaking the mold of traditional contracting.

Adkins Cabling and the Wilson Electric family of special systems divisions have worked with Building One Electrical's core of cabling divisions on distributing voice and data throughout a building.

Traditional cabling practices can limit a company. Building One Electrical is committed to the installation practices set down by BICSI (Building Industry Consulting Services International).

Three recent Building One Electrical projects include the Bank One Ballpark in Phoenix, Ariz., MicroAge/Pinacor, and the University of Advancing Computer Technology in Tempe, Ariz.

Bank One Ballpark The Bank One Ballpark is one of the country's first "Smart Stadiums," made possible with the entire integration of the low-voltage systems onto a shared backbone of copper and fiber cable. The stadium contains 13 different systems integrated on a Lucent Technologies Systimax Structured Cabling System.

The system integration required more than 1 million ft of Lucent 2061 (Category 5E) cable, more than 1 million ft of multi-mode fiber optic strands, and 36 communication closets. It also includes about 7500 system control points that operate specialized systems including HVAC, security, access control, video badging, lighting control, fire alarm, dome roof retraction, telephone, data and video. By eliminating redundant communication infrastructures, microprocessor-based systems, and operator workstations that would normally be furnished with separate specialized systems, this structure saved about 15%.

MicroAge/Pinacor MicroAge/Pinacor, a highly technical distribution and services company, faced high costs from relocating and constant rebuilding to update their facilities. Building One Electrical determined that zone cabling was a cost-effective solution to many expensive moves, adds, and changes experienced in the past.

Zone cabling is established by dividing a facility into quadrants, or zones. Each zone has an overhead termination cabinet that is pre-wired to the communication room for a predetermined density for each area. Using Cat 5 twenty-five pair and fiber-optic cable to feed these cabinets allows for the distribution of any high-speed data required. As each area of the facility is built, reworked, torn down, and built again, only the individual short station cabling has to be relocated . A small capital outlay is needed up-front, but the long-term savings proved the right fit for this solution.

The University of ACT The University of Advancing Computer Technology (UACT) needed help housing their low-voltage cabling. The university wanted to give the students a first-hand look at the technology they were using.

Building One Electrical developed glass fronts and an open architecture to allow the students to see the actual inner-workings of a computer room and auxiliary closet location. The glass fronts opened a hidden world of technology and machines that drive the computer systems.

The design of glass fronts for the computer room, the open architecture design of the actual file servers, and the 90-deg layout of the cabling distribution racks keep UACT as a leader in their industry. By opening the actual file servers mounted on the file server wall, even more technology was put on display. Allowing the technology and complex hardware involved to be seen, enhanced student and faculty respect for technology at the university.

These are just three examples of the advantages that a professional communications cabling company can offer building tenants and owners. Today's best voice and data wiring firms follow industry standards, keep abreast of the industry's advances, and have the foresight to their customer's facilities.

About the Author

Randy Groen

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EC&M, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Electrical Conduit Comparison Chart

CHAMPION FIBERGLASS electrical conduit is a lightweight, durable option that provides lasting savings when compared to other materials. Compare electrical conduit types including...

Fiberglass Electrical Conduit Chemical Resistance Chart

This information is provided solely as a guide since it is impossible to anticipate all individual site conditions. For specific applications which are not covered in this guide...

Considerations for Direct Burial Conduit

Installation type plays a key role in the type of conduit selected for electrical systems in industrial construction projects. Above ground, below ground, direct buried, encased...

How to Calculate Labor Costs

Most important to accurately estimating labor costs is knowing the approximate hours required for project completion. Learn how to calculate electrical labor cost.