10 Reasons we recommend Velcro

Datcom carries VELCRO® brand fasteners in both riser and plenum fire rated varieties as well as cable ties. Both are used for keeping cords, wires, and even hoses contained and yet there are several situations where we would recommend Velcro over the cable ties.

Within TIA 568C.0, it states that:

Cable stress, such as that caused by tension in suspended cable runs and tightly cinched bundles, should be minimized. Cable bindings, if used to tie multiple cables together, should be irregularly spaced and should be loosely fitted (easily moveable).

Additional guidance can be found in the BICSI Information Transport Systems Installation Methods Manual (ITSIMM), 5th edition, which reads:

Use hook and loop straps to secure the cables. The hook and loop straps should be evenly spaced throughout the dressed length. Hook and loop straps should be used to prevent a change in the physical geometry of the cable that typically results from use of nylon tie wraps.

Here are our Top 10 Reasons for recommending VELCRO® brand fasteners

1. Velcro causes less cable stress
2. Velcro has a wider footprint and therefore more support
3. Velcro requires no tooling
4. Velcro is available in Riser and Plenum versions
5. Velcro is reusable and recyclable
6. Velcro is available in multiple colours
7. Velcro is easily movable and adjustable
8. Velcro works with a variety of cable managers and enclosure holds
9. Velcro is more flexible
10. Velcro is available in "Cut as you require" lengths

Although you can ensure that cable ties do not cinch a bundle of cable using specified tension tools and applicators, to be safe we would advise using Velcro for any critical cabling medium.

How to deliver professional cable and network testing documentation

Professional cable installers want to exhibit the highest level of quality and standards in offering services to the customer. In doing so, maintaining proper documentation is best business practice that can pay off both during the job and after it’s completion. 

• Makes sure the job is done right
• No aspect is omitted
• Provide the customer with printable documentation

Keeping detailed documentation ensures that the job is done right and that no aspect of the service installation is omitted. Documentation identifies each step of the entire installation project for both managers and clients. Documentation can be customized according to the site specifications and the type of installation being performed.

The Testing Process

Providing the customer with detailed documentation is a sign of a quality and professional install.  It demonstrates attention to detail and thoroughness which is the hallmark of a job well-done. Besides, modern handheld devices and software make it both quick and easy to record and report on the different facets of the installation, and they make it easy to print specifications when needed.

It is essential that results of each test be recorded as soon as the test is performed — avoiding loss of data and ensuring the results are included in the final report. Additionally, it is of the imperative to upload to your computer software all the data and readings that were taken during the testing process so that this information can be used to populate your report.

The Final Report

When the installation is complete and all the testing data from the installation has been uploaded from your test equipment to your computer, you can compile the final report.  Your cable test report will be organized in a logical user friendly format.

It is up to you to decide which values are relevant based on who the report is being distributed to. For example, a report that is sent to a non-technical client would be different from one that sent to an engineering firm or your main office.

It is recommended that detailed results be included in the final reports.  This detail can aid in future troubleshooting as well as satisfying the warranty requirement for some manufacturers.

Correct Labeling

Professional installers understand that detailed labeling is essential and it should map directly to your documentation. Remember…good documentation and cable labeling go hand in hand.

Each work area outlet is commonly labeled with the floor, room, patch panel and the port where it originates. If documentation or cable labeling is not provided, then a proper installation has not been completed.

Proof In The Reporting

Accurate reporting and labeling provides a means for quantifying the installation and documenting that it was done correctly. Furthermore, it provides an overview of the entire process that can be very useful in the future for troubleshooting problems, choosing upgrades, moving devices and/or adding or making hardware changes to the installation.

Handheld testing devices such as the Net Chaser™ which are used to troubleshoot signal, connectivity, and cabling issues, offer several printing options that can be presented to the client based on their needs.  Cable installers often bring portable printers allowing them to immediately print and provide the final report prior to leaving the job — further improving customer satisfaction.

Platinum Net Chaser™ handheld testing devices generate concise and informative deliverable reports that list all of the technical specifications that technology personnel and management would need for strategic planning and maintenance. The reports are easily customizable with your company logo and contact information giving your reports a professional look and feel.

10 Advantages of Emerson's Smart Rack PDUs

In the world of power management selecting the right product can sometimes prove to be difficult, but in the PDU market place the choice has never been simpler to make.

Emerson Network Power’s MPH2 is the most intelligent, high-availability line of managed rack PDUs. They offer remote monitoring and control capabilities as well as environmental input options, with multiple power input selections and output configurations along with best in class cost and time saving features.

10 Advantages of the MPH2 PDU Series from Emerson

1. Lowest PDU power consumption in the industry of all switched rack PDU’s and they feature bi-stable relays which are the most energy efficient in the market.
2. They leverage the Mass configuration tool for firmware upgrades and alarm management which allows the user to save time by changing the configuration of multiple units at one time.
3. MPH2s have one of the highest temperature ratings in the market. Their ceiling 60 degrees Celsius will allow you to run higher temperatures in the rack in order to optimize cooling and thermal systems without impacting hardware fans or power systems.
4. Accuracy on the MPH2 PDU is unparalleled +/- 1% which is great for billing third parties. Most other product offerings only have a +/- factor of 3-5%
5. Emerson’s PDUs can be daisy chained through the BD monitor and be controlled by one IP address and if used with the UMG up to 160 PDUs can be controlled by one IP. This is great if you pay for every IP used in a Colocation environment.
6. Features locking receptacles for C19 and C13 and can also take the standard cables as well and works with locking sleeves.
7. The PDUs have low profile circuit breakers which are great when you need to swap out hardware in a rack. This helps with the prevention of nuisance breaker tripping.
8. Comprehensive alarming including notification of overloaded branch circuits allows for pro-active environment for maintaining critical systems with threshold and alarm set-points.
9. They can be pre-packaged and pre-configured in the rack or cabinet at the factory which speeds up site installation and supports Emerson’s new focus of “Just make it Easy.”
10. Great inventory. Emerson’s operations are based in the US and they have been expanding their inventory levels and will have approximately 1300 different SKUs in stock by the end of July. They also have Canadian warehouses that will allow for quick and easy site delivery.
11. These features, combined with Emerson’s superior support, software monitoring, service offerings, and feet on the street make the choice of PDUs easy to make.

Not convinced? Here are the typical savings that can be achieved in a PDU implementation

For more information or to request an onsite consultation or assessment just give us a call or send an email. Or you can also download more about the Emerson PDU family.

Try the handy new PDU selector and PDU cross reference tool.

White Paper: The need for Smart (PDUs) Power Distribution Units