When COVID-19 emerged, the entire country learned the true meaning of “essential work.”  “Healthcare” instantly rose to the top as the most essential business in the world.  Through this pandemic, it became essential that healthcare facilities have the right medical equipment for treatment, but also a robust communications system.  From real-time telemedicine, medical testing, extensive research and the ability to access universal medical records, the network infrastructure became the fundamental vehicle to transport the data faster and more efficiently than ever before, whether within the confines of one hospital or out to a multitude of facilities worldwide. As a result, the network has become the heartbeat of any healthcare facility. 

Healthcare networks are expanding exponentially to face the challenges of managing diverse information such as patient records and bandwidth intensive scans and virtual diagnostic information.  The amount of data that must be created, transmitted, managed and stored continues to increase dramatically.  In addition, the broad adoption of standards-based electronic health record (EHR) system, which was implemented over a decade ago, created a global health information exchange. The use of this technology for clinical decision support improves patient care and ultimately can lower healthcare costs by facilitating communication, coordination, and collaboration among healthcare providers.  

Many healthcare facilities have been re-evaluating their capability to deliver the technology needed in the healthcare environment today.  Many significant life-changing advancements in patient care, diagnostic and research are supported by both wired and wireless technologies attached to the network infrastructure, which are constantly evolving.

Addressing Healthcare Infrastructure Challenges

System designers, consultants and I.T. managers who have faced the challenges of incorporating all of the growing healthcare applications, attest that there are many differences compared to planning an enterprise network for an office facility.  These differences include a broader scope of applications which lead to increased outlet and device densities with their diverse termination locations, higher bandwidths and in more challenging installation environments.

To aid in the design and installation are two industry cabling standards, TIA-1179-A Healthcare Facility Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard, first published in 2010, revised in 2017; and ANSI/BICSI-004 Information Communication Technology Systems Design and Implementation Best Practices for Healthcare Institutions and Facilities, first published in 2012 and revised in 2018. The TIA standard addresses specific structured cable types for the backbone and horizontal, pathway and telecom room planning and recognizes the difference of outlet densities, depending on the different applications required for the specific facility areas (such as a waiting room versus and operating room). The BICSI standard builds upon the TIA document but hones in on providing guidance on the cabling layouts to address the diverse IP applications and system integration methods.  Some of these applications include clinical and non-clinical IP-based systems such as building automation systems, nurse and code calls, paging, wayfinding, emergency radio, medical imaging, patient monitoring, television and A/V, and security and safety.  

Each healthcare environment is unique and creates its own set of challenges and network priorities.  Some of the major infrastructure concerns when planning network expansion, as addressed in the standards, include:
• Protected pathways – separating data cable from other services, such as gasses and liquids that may share the same above-ceiling spaces. In addition, pathways must be firestopped to eliminate the spread of fire as well as protect clean air within the facility.
• Bandwidth and data storage – MRI files and other advanced medical imaging files, such as Picture Archiving and Communications Systems (PACS), are bandwidth intensive.  In addition to transmitting these files, networks also need to provide long-range storage which can vary from as little as seven years up to a lifetime, will translate to constant additions of servers and SANs to these facilities.  
• Telecom Rooms (TRs) – as more and more IP devices are being added to the network, telecom rooms must be sized by number of applications, not necessarily by the number of users or floor size that it is serving.
• Outlet densities – the number of outlets and cables per area will also depend on the amount of applications needed to that workstation area. 

Unique Cabling Solution

Staying on top of the IP application boom in healthcare means revamping and updating the existing infrastructure to meet the application bandwidth demands and device densities.  This includes substantially increasing the cabling runs. In healthcare facilities, the TR should be dependent on the densities of applications on each floor and for each area, which may include custom designs and solutions. 

One of the biggest growth areas is employing wireless for more than just voice and text communications.  Mobile applications allow patients and medical professionals to access medical records and provide online diagnostics, but within the facilities, the healthcare professionals rely on wireless communications for patient monitoring systems (such as physical activity, heart rate and other biometric functions), patient tracking and wayfinding.  More wireless applications require more wiring to the access points or sensors that enable these applications.

The biggest challenges to deploy increased IP applications, includes adding more connectivity to the equipment in the TRs and within the horizontal pathways to service the devices. Many of the older hospitals are struggling to find room for additional TRs and cabling.  And a major roadblock of installing cable on premises are the regulations that apply to infection control requirements (ICR). ICR limits the time allowed for installers to be onsite, as well as requiring the proper equipment such as HEPA carts and protective gear.  

System designers are looking at unique cabling solutions that would limit the installation disturbance by increasing the run lengths from the TR.  One solution is the GameChanger Cable™ which can provide both data and power to many devices that are well beyond that 100-meter limit. Paige’s patented GameChanger cable, which is UL-verified, delivers 1Gb/s Ethernet and PoE+ up to 656 feet (200 meters) and 10Mb/s Ethernet and PoE+ up to 850 feet making it an ideal for cameras, WAPs and other edge devices. This cable eliminates intermediate IDF or telecom enclosure requirements and the need to install repeaters, power supplies and other equipment, which are costly and introduce additional points of failure in the network. 

To meet increasing demands placed upon them, modern healthcare institutions must retool and rebuild.  This includes looking at solutions that fit their environment. There is not a “one-size-fits-all” as each application’s requirement and the location of the device will generate opportunities for creative solutions, such as the GameChanger.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ, June xx, 2020 – Paige DataCom Solutions, the developer of the GameChanger™ Cable, a cable designed to significantly exceed the reach of traditional category cable, announced a new version of the cable to support the special requirements of hazardous locations. These locations are defined in Article 500 of the National Electrical Code (NEC), where explosive or ignitable gases or vapors are present under normal operating conditions.

"This brings a new, important and much more affordable option to installations typically requiring very expensive solutions," said David Coleman, VP of business development for Paige. “For those applications classified as Hazardous, this really is a game changer. With the CI/D1 rating this armored cable allows installers to skip the expensive and time consuming installation of rigid pipe, and with a reach that goes well over two times traditional cable, this can save a significant amount of time and money,"   Additionally, this version of GameChanger is ordered cut by the foot and can even be factory terminated, eliminating the potential need to purchase a standard cable length that is far lengthier than the installation requires.

Paige’s GameChanger cable delivers 1Gb/s Ethernet and PoE+ up to 656 feet (200 meters) and 10Mb/s Ethernet and PoE+ up to 850 feet making it an ideal pairing for explosion proof cameras, WAPs and other edge devices. This cable eliminates intermediate IDF requirements and the need to install repeaters, power supplies and other equipment, which are costly and introduce additional points of failure.

This new GameChanger cable for Hazardous locations can support a broad range of industrial applications, including petroleum refineries, aircraft hangers with fuel servicing, gasoline storage and dispensing areas, paint shops and facilities, utility gas plants, chemical plants, and alcohol/cannabis production facilities.

An independent performance evaluation completed by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) evaluated GameChanger cable technology and verified that it delivers 1 Gbps performance and PoE+ over 200 meters. GameChanger cable is also supported by the field performance testing solutions of leading vendors, including AEM, Fluke, Ideal, Netscout, Softing and Viavi.

For more information on GameChanger cable from Paige DataCom Solutions, visit https://www.paigedatacom.com/gamechanger.

About Paige 

Paige, formerly known as Paige Electric, boasts over 10,000 customers from 10 offices across the globe. Paige manufactures and distributes a diversified set of electrical wire & wireless products, connectorized cable and accessories to the Asset Protection, Datacom, Illuminated Sign, Industrial OEM, Irrigation, Landscape Lighting, Precision Agriculture, and Submersible Pump markets. Paige is employee-owned, from factory worker to CEO, and has more than 200 employees. Visit Paige at www.paigeconnected.com.

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Ever since the dawn of IP cameras being attached to the data network, combined with the capability to add power over the same infrastructure through Power over Ethernet (PoE), the role of the low-voltage contractor has changed.  And, as more and more previously disparate building systems, including A/V, lighting, HVAC controls and fire safety, are now integrating through the IP network infrastructure, their responsibilities have expanded to include system designer, integrator, installer and application troubleshooter. 

Converged systems create intelligent buildings, which result in lower capital and operating expenses while providing a more reliable and cost-effective management system for all the integrated systems. As the applications merge, so do the professional resources.   Integrating intelligent building systems work best when there is a collaboration between all services – architects, building owners, facilities, IT contractors, designers and installers. This shift brings to light the importance for electrical contractors to understand the impact on their business and the value to partner with low-voltage installers.

Old World vs. New World

We think of electricity as being around much longer than low-voltage telecommunications cabling, but their paths have run in parallel. Electricity is thought as coming into existence with Thomas Edison’s discovery of the light bulb in 1879, but two years earlier, Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone.  Around the same time, an unknown Connecticut mill worker, Thomas Doolittle, devised a way to make the first hard-drawn copper wire strong enough for use by the telegraphy industry, in place of iron wire. In 1881, Lucien Gaulard of France and John Gibbs of England arranged the first successful alternating-current electrical demonstration in London. 

It took another 100 years for the first unshielded twisted pair (Category 1) to be manufactured.  It consisted of two insulated copper wires twisted around each other to eliminate crosstalk and used for telephone wire.  Category 3 in the early 1990s was the first of the four-pair twisted pair cable with simultaneous transmission with a data rate of 10 Mb/s.  Category cables evolved (up to today’s Category 8)  to meet demanding high-bandwidth applications and increasing data speeds.  

Electricians banded together early as organized unions to protect the workforce. In 1891 IBEW was formed and 10 years later, NECA emerged.  IEC (Independent Electrotechnical Commission) was formed in 1904 to secure the cooperation of technical societies to consider the standardization and ratings of electrical machinery.  This is not to be confused with Independent Electrical Contractors (also IEC), founded in 1957 with a goal to promote activities that enable the electrical industry to be conducted with the greatest economy and efficiency. IEC works closely with the International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI), the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) and the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) to develop the NEC and reviews standards created by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL).  For electrical wiring, it’s understood that the National Electrical Code (NEC) is the basis for licensing of electricians.  And the NEC code is enforceable by law because it is written for safety – people and equipment. 

Because low voltage includes low-wattage power, which is defined not to exceed 90W, the installers observe a different set of rules.  Collectively cabling standards, which are best practices, are created by many associations to assure that errorless data is transmitted, and low-voltage cabling does not incur signal interruption or excessive voltage drop.  

Low-voltage cabling standard bodies include IEEE, ANSI, EIA, TIA and BICSI – each with a different function. IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Standards) provides documents that established technical criteria for electrical and transmission performance.  EIA (Electronic Industries Alliance), formed in 1957, was an American trade organization for electronics’ manufacturers that developed standards to ensure the equipment between them was compatible and interchangeable. They merged with TIA (Telecommunications Industry Association), which consisted of 60 contributing organizations including manufacturers, end users and consultants. In 1991 the first published standard, TIA/EIA-568, defined structured cabling system for commercial buildings and between buildings in campus environments. Since then, several revisions have been created to keep up with cabling types, performance characteristics, cable installation requirements and methods of testing the installed cable.  Today, EIA no longer exists, and these standards are updated under TIA’s working group, TR-42.  BICSI standards are also written by manufactures, end users and consultants to provide guidelines for the design and installation of cabling systems by Information and Communication Technology (ICT) professionals. BICSI standards are focused on all manners of industry verticals such as healthcare, data centers and intelligent buildings.  ANSI (American National Standard Institute) provides a framework for standards’ development and quality conformity assessment systems for many different industries. Both TIA and BICSI standards are accredited by ANSI.

With the merging of data and power over IP cabling for building systems, a merger of professions and cooperation between low-voltage and electricians need to take place as each bring benefits to the reliability of the systems. Unlike licensed electricians who follow the written codes under NEC, low-voltage licensing varies from state to state and can even be different within states from county to county and city to city. Each contractor must check the state and the specific locality where projects are being designed and installed.   

Handle with Care

Besides the physical differences of electrical and low-voltage cabling, there are some major differences between installation means and methods.  One of the biggest differences between structured cabling and electrical wiring is the fragility of twisted-pair copper and fiber optic cabling.  It’s easy to destroy or degrade the performance of the cable if they are not handled right or follow best installation practices.  Some of these include the maximum pull tension, bending the cable too tightly (fiber will break), and kinking the cable.  Poor installation practices can result in the data and power not being transmitted and ultimately system failure.

Also, there is much caution to be taken for over bundling the cable in pathways, especially when both data and PoE are running through the same cable as higher wattage (heat) can degrade the performance, especially with smaller cable gauge sizes. Best installation practices for pathways include adhering to fill ratios for the different pathway and cable types.  

Distance is also an important factor since standards recommend not to exceed 100 meters for copper cabling but are exceptions (check the manufacturers’ specification sheets for installation and operating temperatures and check out our GameChanger™ that exceeds performance and distances for Category 6) 

There are also rules of separation between telecommunications and electrical cables as higher voltage on electrical cables can create unwanted signal interference that affect data cables.  Lastly, when terminating a four-pair cable, an untrained technician does not know that the different color scheme of the insulation over the copper conductors must match the scheme on the connector.  An improperly terminated cable will fail a wiremap test which also attributes to system failures.

The Main Squeeze

There are degrees of competency between professions.  As disciplines continue to converge, electrical contractors with structured cabling installation experience and education will have a strong edge over their competitors without low-voltage knowledge. With the intelligent building evolution, electrical contractors can benefit themselves and their customers by getting an education in ICT and partnering with low-voltage contractors.  Proper training and accreditations are available through trade associations, such as BICSI, and training from manufacturers, who can provide specific system warranties.

The ICT profession has grown from cabling system design and installation to encompass project management, system testing and commissioning.  Since technology is constantly evolving, savvy low-voltage contractors keep ahead of their competition by consistently taking courses to gain new insight and to expand their offerings.  Low-voltage contractors realize the importance of staying relevant, and in doing so find the proper training and certification programs available to them. Available resources in the market include hands-on design and installation classes, certification training, technical conferences, virtual training and webinars.  

For electrical contractors to get into the low-voltage trade means a fundamental mind shift to become more of a customer service company, spending more time with the client and learning the technology. As the degree of separation closes in, future opportunities are for the taking for both electrical and low-voltage contractors who cannot become complacent over old world technology and do take advantage of cutting-edge training and education outside of their niche.