OK, doing a small office interiors project. No access to the floor below, so we need to drop power and data to some desks in the middle of the floor plate. The owner is OK with a cord(s) coming down from the ceiling - but of course I'd like it to look good. I can't find anything other than a garage type of retractable cord for power - does anyone know a similar device - with either a retractable cord, or curly cord that can carry power, data and phone?
I can't even find a google search for something that's sorta what I'm looking for...
proto
Dec 16, 14 5:28 pm
paint it white? or not...
gruen
Dec 16, 14 5:31 pm
that's pretty, but only with power. I can get power reels all day long. I need one with data too...
proto
Dec 16, 14 5:33 pm
i suspect it comes apart...
sparky should be able to convert it somewhat ok
null pointer
Dec 16, 14 5:44 pm
Just enclose it and set up outlets at the enclosure. Wiring through the ceiling and through partitions/faux columns isn't that unusual.
gruen
Dec 16, 14 5:56 pm
Maybe I'll make up a drop with some flexible cable & fun zip ties and spring strain relief. they don't need to actually reel it out at this location.
And the cool orange ball can be used where they just need power...
curtkram
Dec 16, 14 6:02 pm
something like this is typical in office/workstation environments
it's not a rick-roll ;)
it's also not attractive. i think the intent is to be not seen as much as possible.
gruen
Dec 16, 14 9:28 pm
Yeah, I'm trying to avoid a power pole. I've used them before, but they aren't much fun. I've made something up and hopefully the electrician will work with me.
go do it
Dec 17, 14 3:54 am
here is the best idea of all time.
go a head and use power poles but wrap them in white board so everybody can make cool drawings and snide remarks on them!
Looked at this once... didn't use it. Medreel. You can get power, teleco, cat 5, etc. in there. Track systems too. Didn't look too hard at it though for a school lab, but might be what you are looking for?
Saint in the City
Dec 19, 14 2:32 pm
^ Have used this type of product in some limited, more functional contexts. For flexibility, it's like a 10. The down side was that feedback from clients indicated that the aesthetics were more like a 2... the loose outlet box has the feeling of handed the end of an extension cord... couple asked when they'd be getting permanent power/data?......
How many workstations are we talking about, Gruen?
Saint in the City
Dec 19, 14 2:34 pm
CAT5, mightyaa? That's so two cable generations ago.... ;-)
gruen
Dec 21, 14 12:47 pm
2 workstations = 1 drop
Miles Jaffe
Dec 21, 14 12:59 pm
Can you use a single central drop and branch from there? If so then you can make a "feature column", maybe a detailed cabinet / structure that houses network server, routers, etc., or maybe a sculptural element that acts as a wire chase.
Saint in the City
Jan 9, 15 9:33 am
Gruen -- just curious -- what'd you ever do with this?
gruen
Jan 9, 15 10:20 pm
Hasn't been built yet, but I basically said to do a flexible power wire (yellow) from the ceiling mtd j-box, run the cat6 wire alongside it, zip tie them together, have 2 steel j-boxes at the bottom, back to back. A spring strain relief at the top. We will see what the electrician says...
OK, doing a small office interiors project. No access to the floor below, so we need to drop power and data to some desks in the middle of the floor plate. The owner is OK with a cord(s) coming down from the ceiling - but of course I'd like it to look good. I can't find anything other than a garage type of retractable cord for power - does anyone know a similar device - with either a retractable cord, or curly cord that can carry power, data and phone?
I can't even find a google search for something that's sorta what I'm looking for...
paint it white? or not...
that's pretty, but only with power. I can get power reels all day long. I need one with data too...
i suspect it comes apart...
sparky should be able to convert it somewhat ok
Just enclose it and set up outlets at the enclosure. Wiring through the ceiling and through partitions/faux columns isn't that unusual.
Maybe I'll make up a drop with some flexible cable & fun zip ties and spring strain relief. they don't need to actually reel it out at this location.
And the cool orange ball can be used where they just need power...
something like this is typical in office/workstation environments
it's not a rick-roll ;)
it's also not attractive. i think the intent is to be not seen as much as possible.
Yeah, I'm trying to avoid a power pole. I've used them before, but they aren't much fun. I've made something up and hopefully the electrician will work with me.
here is the best idea of all time.
go a head and use power poles but wrap them in white board so everybody can make cool drawings and snide remarks on them!
that's nice look. I think it very useful
why not wifi?
wifi power? Invent it and you'll be rich
laser beams?
http://large.stanford.edu/courses/2010/ph240/ma1/
Pedal power electric generators at each desk, WiFi internet, cellular telephone, all done.
You're welcome.
wifi power? Invent it and you'll be rich
i missed the boat already, microwave power transmission
Looked at this once... didn't use it. Medreel. You can get power, teleco, cat 5, etc. in there. Track systems too. Didn't look too hard at it though for a school lab, but might be what you are looking for?
^ Have used this type of product in some limited, more functional contexts. For flexibility, it's like a 10. The down side was that feedback from clients indicated that the aesthetics were more like a 2... the loose outlet box has the feeling of handed the end of an extension cord... couple asked when they'd be getting permanent power/data?......
How many workstations are we talking about, Gruen?
CAT5, mightyaa? That's so two cable generations ago.... ;-)
2 workstations = 1 drop
Can you use a single central drop and branch from there? If so then you can make a "feature column", maybe a detailed cabinet / structure that houses network server, routers, etc., or maybe a sculptural element that acts as a wire chase.
Gruen -- just curious -- what'd you ever do with this?
Hasn't been built yet, but I basically said to do a flexible power wire (yellow) from the ceiling mtd j-box, run the cat6 wire alongside it, zip tie them together, have 2 steel j-boxes at the bottom, back to back. A spring strain relief at the top. We will see what the electrician says...