Statements in previous modules of this tutorial have established that it is possible to use the same type of 24–AWG UTP cable and share a common cable delivery method for all power-limited services. The next step is to determine the best way to perform systems integration. The process starts with early planning and a decision by the building owner or management to select the cabling as the first system. Once the decision is made to use a common cabling infrastructure, it is very easy to select voice, data, video, and BMS equipment that is compatible with the cabling. In fact, the sooner the consolidation of cabling systems and delivery methods is considered, the greater the potential savings and flexibility.

The Electronic Industries Association/Telecommunications Industry Association (EIA/TIA) and International Standards Organization/International Electrotechnical Commission (ISO/IEC) have created industry standards for cabling voice and data systems. These standards address the cabling and cable-delivery methods (pathways and spaces) and are based on a structured subsystem architecture or cabling elements (see Figure 2). Prior to the standards, the subsystem concept was first used for voice systems. During the 1980s, it was also adopted for data systems. Like the BMS equipment of today, there were many different types of cables and wiring methods for data systems before the standards were established. Data networks were typically unmanageable, with little or no flexibility, and new cabling was often necessary when systems were changed or upgraded.

Figure 2. Subsystem Architecture

With some slight modifications (e.g., use of a coverage area), the EIA/TIA and ISO/IEC documents can also be used to provide the same standardized cabling architecture for the BMS devices, systems, and applications. The cabling and cable-delivery methods can be designed for all the services with the telecommunications closet (TC) as the terminating point for horizontal cables. This is the key to the integration of cabling and delivery methods. The wallfields/distribution frames at the TC location can be combined for maximum flexibility, or individual termination fields can be established within the same TC. Therefore, a secure area for all cabling is created, thus reducing the multiple spaces required for traditional separate installations. Maintenance is also simplified since all systems are located in a common area.

Standardized cabling architecture allows a single delivery method to be designed for supporting the various horizontal cables in the work space. It can be taken a step further by incorporating the horizontal electrical services from the electrical panel into a modular partitioned raceway. This can be used instead of a traditional hardwired installation consisting of several conduit and cable-tray systems for the voice, data, video, BMS, and electrical services. Case studies show that an integrated approach can provide up to a 30-percent construction savings for cabling and delivery methods when a single high/low voltage cabling infrastructure is implemented. The majority of savings is attributed to the reduction in the amount of labor hours. By reducing labor hours, the space can typically be occupied at an earlier date. This means saving money by vacating other leased spaces sooner or collecting additional revenue from tenants that will occupy the new space.

Even if an integrated high/low voltage raceway system is not utilized, the methods of delivery may be consolidated by using one cable-tray system for all of the power-limited services. Conduit can also be provided from the cable tray to protect critical services. With either choice, with early planning comes the ability to evaluate all the services and consolidate individual voice, data, video, and BMS using a single cable type and delivery method instead of multiple cable types and delivery methods.

Figure 3. Separate Systems Approach Using Multiple Hardwired Cable-Delivery Methods

Figure 4. Integrated Systems Approach Using Modular Raceway and Open-Office Cabling

The building's tenants can also realize significant savings. A traditional facility with leased space may not provide horizontal cabling for any services. This makes the setup time for tenants longer. In addition, the tenant usually pays for the voice and data cabling, along with the cost of occupying the space during setup. The cost and setup time for the tenant can be dramatically reduced by installing an open office horizontal cabling grid during the construction phase. Open-office cabling, which is actually another term for prewired zone cabling, provides a building with a marketable advantage that could mean the difference between empty space and occupied space. One month of full occupancy could pay for the entire cabling system.

With open-office cabling fast becoming the preferred method of cabling for both new construction and renovations, it is possible to provide a cabling design without knowing where any of the devices will be located. The entire design for the cabling can be based on the maximum usage of the size and type of space. As an example, a typical voice and data work area for an office can be located every 100 square feet (9 square meters), and the BMS devices can be calculated based on every 250 square feet (23 square meters). Even if an open-office cabling approach is not utilized, costs can still be reduced by consolidating the cable-delivery methods for the voice, data, video, and BMS services.

Historically, voice and data horizontal cabling has not been installed during the construction phase. Installing cabling during the construction phase is easier, minimizes damage to finished surfaces, and is reusable for the life of the structure when designed properly. New cabling does not have to be installed every time the tenants move, or when systems are changed or upgraded. This helps to eliminate cluttered floor and ceiling spaces. In addition, constant rewiring within a structure tends to cause modifications that may affect the physical structure of the building and the integrity of the technology deployed in the structure. As seen in Figure 5, systems will change many times during the life of a structure. With proper planning, it is not necessary to provide new cabling every time systems are changed or upgraded.

Figure 5. Life-Cycle Diagram