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Installation guidance
Laying vs pulling
It is important to consider the
installation method prior to installing
data cables. Incorrect method or poor
installation techniques can alter the
cable characteristics and degrade the
overall specification of the data cable.
When pulling cables into trunking
systems it is important to note the
manufactures maximum pulling force as
this can reduce the minimum bend radii
of the data cable. Laying data cables
into a trunking system ensures that
minimum bend radius can be achieved
and that the data cables installed
complies with the required
specifications for the installation.
Types of screening available
Materials of screening
The shielding of data cables is important
as this stops the signal generated within
the data cable radiating and interfering
with signals in nearby cables and
circuitry. The shielding also protects the
signal from surrounding cables and other
external influences. The two main types
of shielding material are metallic foil and
metallic braid. A number of factors
should be considered before selecting
the type of shielding for an installation.
• The flexibility of the data cable
• The mechanical strength
• The required shield effectiveness
• Ease of stripping and terminating
Once the correct type of shielding has
been selected it is important that the
shielding is bonded correctly for it to be
effective in protecting against signal
interference.
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Data cable types
Advantages/disadvantages
Advantages:
• Screened cables offer better
protection against electromagnetic
interference compared to un-screened
data cables.
• Screened and unscreened cables
work fine at 1Gigabit Ethernet data
rates but screened data cables will
outperform at data rates such as
10Gigabit due to their ability to
support higher frequency
transmissions.
Disadvantages:
• Unscreened data cables require a
physical barrier and or separation
distance between power cables must
be increased.
Data aperture sizes – LJ6C
and Euro modules
LJ6C data modules are suitable for use
in trunking systems, floor boxes or any
systems that has an industry standard
LJ6C aperture. The aperture size for the
LJ6C module is 22mm x 37mm but may
differ slightly between manufacturers.
The Euro data modules have a slightly
larger aperture at 25mm x 50mm. Co-
ordinating accessory plates can
accommodate one or multiple Euro data
modules.
PVC-U vs Aluminium trunking
Advantages/disadvantages
PVC-U trunking systems are low cost,
light weight and can be easily fabricated
whilst on site, however PVC-U is a non-
conductive material so offers no
protection against EMI. When using a
PVC-U trunking for data installation it is
important to segregate and screen the
data cables from power and control
cables.
This can be easily overcome by either
using our range of conductive copper
sprayed multi compartment trunking
systems or by using the steel screening
divider. Steel screening dividing strips
can be easily retro fitted to an existing
PVC-U trunking installation.
Aluminium trunking systems are
lightweight and easy to handle and have
high impact and mechanical strength
compared to a PVC-U trunking
installation. Aluminium trunking systems
offer great protection against EMI
especially at higher frequencies.
Both material options aid and support
compliant installations.