[Deep Cover]

We are working on a job for an office space in which we need around 100 Cat5 runs total. On the lower level we need around 40 runs. A network switch is out of the question according to the IT guys, which is unfortunate, but we need a way to get these lines in after drywall so we are going to install a 2" PVC sleeve from above the 2nd floor drop ceiling, down to above the 1st floor drop ceiling. Do we need to concern ourselves with cable fill in that sleeve?

 

[ponyboy]

I'd do a couple 4" sleeves at least. When it comes to data sleeves in office buildouts I usually take whatever will get the job done and quadruple it. And on top of that, 40 cat 5s in a 2" is tight

 

[LoVolt134]

Yes, cable fill is a factor. Put at least 2 - 2" emt sleeves in with plastic push on bushing on the ends. To be kind to the next guy doing MAC work or upgrading to cat6 cable, I would install 3 total. If you can place it in a riser closet, 1 - 4" emt sleeve would be more then enough.

 

[LGLS]

I used to run thousands of these, 4 to each workstation. Then Global Crossings went bellyup. :-(

 

[Techy]

make sure you're not in a 'plenum' celing on either end, or the PVC wont be allowed

 

[LoVolt134]

NO pvc!!! Just use emt. Pvc belongs outdoors under dirt. And firestop the open ends too!

 

[someonespecial]

I like this idea - http://www.electriciantalk.com/f2/flush-53216/

 

[ponyboy]

NO pvc!!! Just use emt. Pvc belongs outdoors under dirt. And firestop the open ends too!

Okay sparky. For a 12" piece going between floors PVC is just fine.

 

[LoVolt134]

When I get home, I'm going to have to kick the dog after seeing that pic! And people wonder why comm guys get no respect from the sparkies.

 

[cortez]

Okay sparky. For a 12" piece going between floors PVC is just fine.

Here only EMT allowed, only no-go is to mix high voltage with data voltages (low =communication voltages).

 

[LoVolt134]

I'm far from a sparky... I am a communications member out of local 134. I just hate seeing pvc where emt should be. And most of the pvc in Illinois I see installed for low voltage purposes is the plumbing stuff too! This is why phone guys are the red headed stepchildren of electricians.

 

[TOOL_5150]

You have to fireblock it.... Id run 2, 2" though.

 

[Deep Cover]

No fireblocking necessary. This is an quality control room in the middle of a factory. It really is one of the strangest builds I've worked on. It's like they are building the Taj Mahal in the middle of their plant.

 

[Deep Cover]

Oh, and we are running 2 2" PVC's down, but I forgot that all the 2nd floor datas have to go down to the first floor because of the cubicles...so that makes around 75 runs. Now I wish we were running 3 2" PVC's.

 

[jeffmoss26]

I love seeing PVC plumbing pipe used as a sleeve, with plenum cable run through it. Makes me shake my head every time.

 

[chewy]

I would be installing aluminum trunking down the backside of a column or beside a window,powder coating matched to the existing aluminum trim. http://www.interservsales.co.nz this is the company we use quite often.

 

[chewy]

Oh, and we are running 2 2" PVC's down, but I forgot that all the 2nd floor datas have to go down to the first floor because of the cubicles...so that makes around 75 runs. Now I wish we were running 3 2" PVC's.

http://www.elsafe.com.au/products/cable-management/umbilical/superflex-maxi-cable-management.html These are all the rage for getting cables to office furniture now, just put a 2x 6gang i/0s in the ceiling and run long patch leads down the umbilical and into the desk troughs.

 

[Deep Cover]

I would be installing aluminum trunking down the backside of a column or beside a window,powder coating matched to the existing aluminum trim. http://www.interservsales.co.nz this is the company we use quite often.

Nothing like that would work unfortunately. I could feed 2 sets of cubes from the only wall that boarders the cubes, but the other sets are in the middle of a loft type mezzanine. So, we are going to feed all the cubes from below.

 

[chewy]

Nothing like that would work unfortunately. I could feed 2 sets of cubes from the only wall that boarders the cubes, but the other sets are in the middle of a loft type mezzanine. So, we are going to feed all the cubes from below.

To make a riser betwixt the floors I mean.

 

[360max]

Okay sparky. For a 12" piece going between floors PVC is just fine.

...since when? Your not concerned with the fire rating of pvc and the fire stopping of the sleeve? Run EMT .