ZONE ENCLOSURES A zone enclosure (i.e., telecommunications enclosure, [TE]) is not new either. They are typically used when the served area is no greater than 1000 sq/ft or when the number of devices does not warrant a full-sized TR, though at least one TR per floor is still required. TEs can alleviate congestion in older TRs or extend active equipment closer to physically isolated building areas. For instance, Charlotte-Douglas International Airport used TEs to augment their TRs on each concourse. Plenum-rated active equipment enclosures were placed in ceilings near gates in older concourses, with shallow rooms in newer ones (Figure 8). This served one or two gates each, improving technology for flight information displays, visual messaging, Wi-Fi, overhead paging, access control, video surveillance, building automation, and passenger boarding bridges. This decentralization was crucial to accommodate substantial growth and reliance on technology for one of the world's busiest airports. After nearly a decade, they continue to serve high passenger volumes admirably. In a hospital setting, such utilization would also be beneficial. During construction, renovation, maintenance, or demolition, contractors must
and Wyndham Hotel & Resorts, have also benefited. In essence, this technology saves space and money, proving successful, reliable, scalable, and highly future-resistant. Unfortunately, US-based hospitals adopting this technology are not widely publicized, perhaps due to confidentiality or lack of adoption. As of this writing, only Guthrie Corning Hospital in Corning, NY, and Wuhan Union Hospital, China, have publicly stated using this technology (or a variant), with the former reportedly no longer using it. Microduct and Jetted/Air-Assisted Optical Fiber Microduct technology, like PON, is also not new. (Figure 7) Its benefits for large buildings, campuses, airports, factories, internet service providers, and hospitals are well-known. In a hospital, this technology offers key advantages like fewer infection control risk assessment (ICRA) conflicts, easier and more cost-effective future installations, and the ability to install backbone cabling through sterile or sub- sterile areas with highly regulated access. In short, considering this technology in a hospital environment makes good business sense due to its cost-benefit ratio and future resistance. It pairs well with passive optical technology and a hospital campus admirably.
strictly adhere to infection control risk assessment (ICRA), which is paramount for patient, staff, and visitor safety. ICRA is a crucial, multidisciplinary, and thoroughly documented process designed to prevent infection spread during these activities. Even in ICT, any moves, adds, changes, or demolition (MACD) of cabling and devices in the ceiling must respect ICRA requirements. Zone enclosures can be useful here. Whether in-wall (Figure 9) or in-ceiling, a TE can be installed to minimize or eliminate the need for ICRA documents and procedures. TEs can accept conduits or free-air cabling with applicable sealants to prevent hospital acquired infections (HAI). This gives technicians easier equipment and cabling access, reducing or preventing the need for temporary walls, HEPA filtration, dedicated personnel routes, and the time for ICRA documentation diligence. TEs can also be secured against unauthorized access, satisfying corporate information security policies. Following the airport model, a TE could serve several patient rooms with cabling and connectivity for various current and future ICT systems. According to the Facilities Guidelines Institute, the average
patient room size ranges from 240 sq/ft to 340 sq/ft. 6 Therefore, a zone enclosure could still meet the current area served standard of 1000 sq/ft. A key consideration is strategically placing the enclosure to avoid disturbing patients if service or troubleshooting is required. Fault Managed Power Fault managed power (FMP), or Class 4 Power as defined in the NEC, is relatively new to ICT and rapidly gaining momentum. Currently, VoltServer is the most prominent FMP manufacturer, though others like Panduit and Cence Power are also present. FMP, trademarked as Digital Electricity TM by VoltServer, is a power supply and distribution system offering the convenience and safety of low voltage (like PoE) with the distance and power capabilities of AC. This ensures equipment and personnel safety while minimizing downtime. FMP earns its moniker by delivering power in “packets” of electricity, like a data network (Figure 10). Unlike the constant flow of AC, these “packets” are sent as hundreds of tiny, discrete pulses per second. Between each packet, a rapid safety check is performed. If a fault condition is detected, the circuit immediately shuts down in milliseconds. Like a data network, FMP uses a transmitter unit to convert AC or DC into its digital form, a Class 4 cable (18 AWG or similar) to carry the packets, and a receiver to convert those packets back into AC or DC power at the end device. FMP benefits include centralization of transmitter equipment, redundancy from multiple power sources, distribution of safe power from centralized or decentralized branch sources, extended power delivery distance, and increased power delivery capacity. Visibility, alerting, and easy configuration allow for quick system management. Additionally, it does not require an electrical license to install, which benefits ICT installers. Hotels have successfully adopted this technology, recognizing its benefits. Notable adopters include Hotel Marcel (also a PON adopter and the first net-zero U.S. hotel), The Sinclair Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas (a historic office building where FMP powered lighting, window treatments, temperature control, and minibars without extensive
FIGURE 7 : An example of a microduct installation. Source: Dura-Line
FIGURE 8 : An example of an active equipment enclosure. Source: Panduit
FIGURE 9 : An example of an in-wall zone enclosure. Source: Legrand
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ICT TODAY
July/August/September 2025
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