Redwood Cabling
Design Guide
Executive summary
This document reviews the system architecture and
provides the cabling design guidelines and suitable
operating environments for the implementation of
a Redwood
®energy-effi cient LED lighting network.
It complements the Redwood System Installation
Guide and Redwood Commissioning and
Administration Guide.
There are three primary cabling design options illustrated in this guide:
1) Dedicated cabling terminated on patch panels in the closet
and plugs near the sensors
2) Dedicated cabling terminated on patch panels in the closet
and jacks near the sensors
3) Shared cabling terminated on patch panels in the closet
and jacks near the sensors
Each option has pros and cons, which are discussed to help the user select between them. The four primary tradeoffs that should be taken into account are:
• initial installed cost
• fl exibility for future modifi cations
• cabling bulk in pathways
• compatibility with Redwood end-point devices
The optimal solution is dependent on the relative importance of these factors as well as the labor rate for the specifi c installation at hand. The fi rst two options are supported on CommScope cabling (recommended) as well as cabling components from other vendors that are fully compliant with ANSI/TIA-568-C, ISO/IEC 11801 and EN 50173-1 standards. The third option (cable sharing) is only supported on CommScope Category-6 (or better) cabling, as it has been thoroughly tested to support this more demanding confi guration.
As noted, the three primary options include patch panels in the closet. Although patch panels are recommended, they are not required when deploying dedicated cabling (options 1 and 2 above). They are necessary when deploying shared cabling (option 3) to enable combining two Engine ports into one cable. The Appendix describes, in more detail, the rationale for recommending patch panels. Cables may be bundled in groups up to 48 cables for any portion of their length. The maximum ambient temperature for CommScope cabling is generally 50°C (122°F), although higher rated cables are available. The maximum ambient temperature for all cabling shall follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and be at least 10°C (18°F) below the maximum recommended operating temperature of the cabling to accommodate the effects of cable heating while providing power.
Local fi re and safety codes shall be followed. Local codes take precedence in case of confl ict with this guide.
It should be noted that the shared Cat-6 option is a recently introduced option that is not compatible with all Redwood end-point devices at this time:
• Devices supporting cable sharing: Sensor-3, Universal Gateway, Dimmer Switch, Scene Controller Switch, some fi xtures with embedded sensors (consult your Redwood representative)
• Devices NOT supporting cable sharing: LED gateway and some fi xtures with embedded sensors
The cabling confi gurations described in this guide are eligible for registration in the CommScope Enterprise 20-Year Extended Product Warranty and Applications Assurance Program for the Redwood application, provided that only CommScope cabling components are used from end to end, and all other terms and conditions of the program are met.
Consult your SEA Group representative with specifi c questions.
The cabling confi gurations
described in this guide are
eligible for registration in the
CommScope Enterprise 20-Year
Extended Product Warranty and
Applications Assurance Program
for the Redwood application,
provided that only CommScope
cabling components are used
from end to end, and all other
terms and conditions of the
program are met.
Overview
The Redwood system is an innovative energy-efficient lighting system that provides advanced control capabilities and building performance data to improve how commercial buildings are lit, heated, occupied and managed. Other control systems on the market are generally incrementally added to the existing electrical lighting wiring. Whether dimming, detecting motion, implementing daytime lighting, or managing to a scheduler, all of these systems traditionally sit “on top” of the power system and have fixed dependencies on the circuitry. As a result, they are complex to set up, labor-intensive, expensive to install, and difficult to modify once deployed.
Redwood’s innovative approach combines power, sensing, control, and communications with a low-voltage, DC-powered, “self-aware” network architecture that automates lighting and enables building intelligence. This new approach to commercial lighting installs simply as one cohesive network of fixture and sensor hardware and is administered through a web-based dashboard from PCs and mobile devices.
The Redwood design is comprised of the following elements:
• A highly efficient (>83%) centralized power Engine (Redwood 4834 Engine) capable of powering multiple light-emitting diode (LED) luminaires, with flexibility to support different currents and voltages for compatibility with various luminaires and applications.
• One of the following three sensor options:
1) A Redwood sensor located adjacent to each luminaire. This compact device incorporates a gateway for communicating with the Engine as well as a sensor pod for monitoring occupancy, light level and temperature. 2) A third-party fixture with an embedded Redwood sensor. 3) An LED Gateway and separate sensor pod located
adjacent to each luminaire. The LED Gateway has one primary RJ45 jack for interfacing with structured Category cabling. The LED Gateway has two additional jacks, which may be connected to separate Engine ports for luminaires that require more than 34 watts of power. Utilizing three connections in parallel, high-power luminaires up to 102 watts can be supported.
• Intelligent algorithms that utilize the data gathered from the Redwood sensors to control the LED luminaires, thereby providing light only when and where it is needed.
• Optional Redwood Dimmer Switches, which can provide manual override control of light levels for one group of lights.
• Optional Redwood Scene Controller Switches, which can provide manual override control for multiple groups of lights simultaneously for setting scenes in large areas such as conference rooms.
• Optional Redwood Universal Gateway used to control one or two relays, which may be used to control AC-powered devices such as legacy fluorescent pendants, conference room projectors, etc.
• A scalable management and monitoring software system (Redwood Manager) that captures and stores data from the sensor arrays.
Fluorescent Pendant LED Fixture LED Downlight Redwood Scene Control Wall Switch Redwood Director Redwood Manager (Software) Redwood Sensor Apps AC AC AC AC redwoodsystems Relay Redwood Open Application Framework Redwood Engines AC AC AC Category Cabling Low Voltage Line Voltage Redwood Universal Gateway Redwood Sensor Pod Redwood LED Gateway Redwood Sensor Pod Redwood does not manufacture the LED luminaires. Instead,
Redwood partners with leading LED fi xture manufacturers to provide Redwood-compatible LED luminaires for commercial spaces and data centers. Redwood-compatible fi xtures are available for general interior illumination (downlights, pendants, direct/indirect, lay-ins, troffers), accent lighting (wall washes, sconces, linear cove lighting), task lighting, and under-cabinet lighting.
Running the embedded Redwood Manager software, the Redwood Engine powers and communicates with Redwood Sensors, LED Gateways, Dimmer Switches, Scene Controllers, and Universal Gateways. It is the “brains” behind the
Redwood platform and performs the sophisticated controls that signifi cantly reduce energy consumption. Multiple Engines may be linked together to power and control hundreds or thousands of fi xtures. Figure 1 shows the Redwood architecture.
Communication media
The Redwood Engine centralizes power conversion and control processing for LED lighting. All the LED drivers are located in the Redwood Engine. The Redwood Engine takes line-voltage AC power, converts it to low-voltage DC, and distributes it via four-pair structured Category cabling to one of the Redwood end devices. Each of the Redwood end devices has an RJ45 jack, which accepts four-pair RJ45 plugs.
In addition to the four-pair structured Category cabling between the Engine and the Redwood end devices, pre-connectorized low-voltage cabling assemblies are used to connect the Redwood end devices to adjacent devices as follows:
• LED fixtures come assembled with a whip cord, which either has an RJ45 plug (to interface with the RJ45 jack in Sensor-3 labelled “luminaire”) or a 10-pin miniature connector (to interface with an LED Gateway).
• External sensor pods are shipped with a short RJ25 cord to connect to the LED Gateway or Universal Gateway.
• A Universal Gateway wiring harness (10-pin miniature connector to raw ended wires) provides the connection between the Universal Gateway and the AC relay control connection point. This wiring harness is ordered separately.
This guide focuses on the structured Category cabling connectivity. Additional guidance on the low-voltage cabling assemblies can be found in the relevant Redwood specification sheets and Redwood instruction sheets.
Each Redwood Engine is connected to the LAN via a standard 10/100/1000BASE-T port. The default policy for each Engine is “construction mode,” where each fixture turns on independently when motion is detected and stays on until no motion is detected for 30 minutes. Once the LAN is operational, the Engines are configured as part of the commissioning process, including assignment of lights into groups, assignment of policies, etc. For installations with up to eight Engines, one of the Engines can be configured as the master controller. For installations with more than eight Engines, a Redwood Director must be deployed. A Redwood Director is also required if integration with external applications/ systems is required. Consult the Redwood Networking Guide for detailed instructions on network configuration. CommScope recommends structured Category-6 (or better) connectivity for all network connections.
This section describes the three primary structured Category cabling design options that can be deployed between the Redwood Engine and the Redwood end devices. Each option has pros and cons, which are discussed to help the user select between them. The three primary tradeoffs that should be taken into account are:
• initial installed cost
• fl exibility for future modifi cations
• cabling bulk in pathways
The optimal solution is dependent on the relative importance of these factors as well as the labor rate for the specifi c installation at hand.
All cabling components deployed shall be compliant with ANSI/TIA-568-C, ISO/IEC 11801 and EN 50173-1 standards as well as applicable local fi re and safety codes. In case of confl ict, local codes take precedence.
The maximum length of the structured Category cabling (cable plus all cords) shall not exceed 100 meters.
Pros of cabling option #1
• Lowest initial cost option
• Less apparatus in ceiling area
(no jacks or mounting box in ceiling area)
• Readily field testable using hand-held testers (use channel adapter for ceiling area)
• Compatible with all Redwood end-point devices
Cons of cabling option #1
• Reduced flexibility (more difficult to move/reposition devices and more difficult to redeploy for other applications)
• Location of end of cable in user area is less controlled until sensor is mounted (may require interim
management of cable slack loops)
• Not fully compliant with structured cabling norms
Any Redwood end-device
• Sensor 3 (shown) • LED Gateway • Integrated fixture • Dimmer switch • Scene Controller • Universal Gateway
In this option, Category-5e (or better) cords, panels, and cable are used, along with field terminated plugs at the end device. Each channel consists of one cord in the closet, one port on a patch panel, one dedicated horizontal cable, and one field-terminated plug directly onto the solid conductor horizontal cable.
To support this option, Redwood has introduced a field terminated plug. The Redwood plug can be fitted on Cat-5e and Cat-6 cables (see plug specifications for cable compatibility).
It is advised to provision a small amount of slack near the sensor to enable minor repositioning of sensors if needed (if allowed by local codes). Note that Redwood-enabled fixtures come equipped with a short embedded cord and are, thus, not part of the structured Category cabling.
Figure 2: This illustrates dedicated cabling with
patch panels in the closet and plugs at the end device.
Option #1: Dedicated cabling with patch
panels and plugs
Option #1: Dedicated Cat-5e Cabling with Patch Panels and Plugs
≤ 5m
Pros of cabling option #2
• Most flexible option (easy to move/reposition devices)
• Fully compliant with structured cabling standards
• Easy redeployment for non-lighting applications
• Easy demarcation for permanently installed cabling (clear test-points and handoff, which is most relevant if multiple parties are doing portions of the installation)
• Compatible with all Redwood end-point devices
Cons of cabling option #2
• Highest initial cost option
• More apparatus in the ceiling area
• May require mounting box for jacks
Option #2: Dedicated cabling with patch
panels and jacks
Any Redwood end-device
• Sensor 3 (shown) • LED Gateway • Integrated fixture • Dimmer switch • Scene Controller • Universal Gateway
In this option, Category-5e (or better) components are deployed. The cabling connectivity for two channels is shown (one in blue, one in green). Each channel consists of one cord in the closet, one port on a patch panel, one dedicated horizontal cable, one jack in the ceiling, and one cord in the ceiling. Note that Redwood-enabled fixtures come equipped with a short embedded cord and are, thus, not part of the
Category cabling. In some jurisdictions, it may be acceptable to tie-wrap the jacks to a permanently installed building element. In other jurisdictions, though, the outlets may need to be mounted in a suitable mounting box such as a CommScope M101, M102 or M202 surface-mount box (not shown in above figure).
Figure 3: This illustrates dedicated cabling with patch
panels in the closet and jacks near the end device.
Option #2: Dedicated Cat-5e (or better) with Patch Panels and Jacks
≤ 5m
≤ 90m
In this option, CommScope Category-6 (or better) components are deployed. The cabling connectivity for two channels is shown (one in blue, one in green, with the shared cable in orange). A Redwood SP12A splitter is plugged into one port on the patch panel (thereby providing two jack references). Similarly, an identical Redwood SP12A splitter is plugged into the jack in the ceiling (thereby providing two jack references). The splitter is internally configured to carry the Redwood power and communication signals on two pairs as opposed to four pairs. This cabling option is, thus, identical to option #2 except that each patch panel port, horizontal cable, and jack in the ceiling is “shared” between two ports. The number of Engine ports and sensors is identical to the other two configurations (i.e. only the permanent link portion is “shared”). It should be noted
that this option is only supported on CommScope Category-6 (or
better) cabling from end to end. Redwood and CommScope have
performed extensive testing and systems engineering to ensure that cable sharing can be supported on CommScope SYSTIMAX® and
Uniprise® cabling even under the worst-case supported operating
conditions. Neither the use of cabling from other vendors nor the use of CommScope Category-5e cabling is supported with Option #3 for both performance and safety reasons.
In some jurisdictions, it may be acceptable to tie-wrap the jacks to a permanently installed building element. If mounting boxes are used, the jacks should be mounted with the tab up in the boxes to provide easy access to the release tab on the splitter.
Pros of cabling option #3
• Typically lowest total installed cost dependent on labor rate
• Reduced cable bulk (half as many horizontal cables)
• Most flexible option (easy to move/reposition devices)
• Fully compliant with structured cabling standards
• Easy redeployment for non-lighting applications
• Easy demarcation for permanently installed cabling (clear test-points and handoff, which is most relevant if multiple parties are doing portions of the installation)
Cons of cabling option #3
• Typically the highest cabling material cost
• Splitter may partially cover the default labeling area on some patch panels
• More apparatus in the ceiling area
• May require mounting box for jacks
• The number of drops in the ceiling for possible redeployment is cut in half.
• Not compatible with Redwood LED Gateway
• Not compatible with some fixtures with integrated sensors (consult your Redwood representative
Figure 4: This illustrates shared CommScope Cat-6 (or
better) cabling with patch panels in the closet and jacks
near the end device.
Select Redwood end-devices
• Sensor 3 (shown) • Select Integrated fixtures • Dimmer switch
• Scene Controller • Universal Gateway Excludes LED gateway
Option #3: Shared CommScope Cat-6 (or better)
cabling with patch panels and jacks
Option #3: Shared Cat-6 (or better) with Patch Panels and Jacks
(this option is only supported on Commscope cabling)
≤ 90m
≤ 5m ≤ 5m
General requirements
The Redwood Engine and the Redwood end-point devices shall be installed according to the Redwood System Installation Guide and Redwood Commissioning and Administration Guide (latest issues shall apply). Redwood compatible LED fixtures must be installed according to the vendor’s installation instructions.
For non-integrated fixtures, the Redwood Sensors and Sensor Pods must be installed next to each fixture.
In general, the Redwood Scene Controllers and Dimmer Switches should be located near the fixtures they control.
Ensure that cables and cords with the appropriate fire rating are used and installed in accordance with all applicable local regulations and practices. For instance, ensure that all cords used in a plenum environment are plenum rated.
Prerequisite: Determine locations for all fixtures, Redwood
Sensors, Redwood Dimmers & Scene Controllers, and Redwood Gateways and Sensor Pods. Please refer to the Redwood Commissioning and Administration Guide.
Engine Installation Requirements
In commercial office buildings, the Redwood Engines are typically located in 19 inch racks in the wiring closet and in close proximity to the RJ45 patch panels and cable management. Mounting brackets and mounting screws are included with each engine. Multiple engines are stacked at the bottom of each rack with patch panels and cable management located above the engines. This way the cables can be terminated on the back of sequential narrow depth patch panels while the Redwood Engines extend further back. This arrangement also ensures the weight is concentrated towards the bottom of the rack. The Redwood Engines may also be mounted in cabinets or other arrangements as long as clearance requirements and environmental operating specifications are met (see below).
In data centers, where rack space often comes at a premium, the Redwood Engines may be rack or cabinet mounted but are often vertically wall mounted using the Redwood Wall Mount Kit (PN# WALLMOUNT-TRAY-1G). The required orientation for wall mounted engines is with the front/jack face of the engines facing down.
Each engine requires a minimum front/back clearance of 6” (153mm) and may dissipate up to 375 watts of power. Minimum front and back clearances are a key design requirement for air circulation to ensure adequate dissipation of heat from the engines. All Redwood engines must be located in environments where they will remain within their rated operating specifications.
Cable bundling and cabling
operating temperature
When remote power is applied to twisted-pair cabling, the temperature of the cabling will rise slightly due to resistive heat generation in the conductors. The level of temperature rise will increase when cables are bundled. The electrical performance of the cable will also degrade slightly due to the temperature rise. Category-5e (or better) cables that have a temperature rating of at least 60°C installed in open cable pathways such as cable baskets or perforated cable trays may be bundled in groups as large as 48 cables. The cables may be bundled along their entire length or a portion thereof. The maximum ambient operating environment for cables rated at 60°C shall not exceed 50°C. This ensures that all Category-5e (or better) cables in the bundle will remain below 60°C even when all cables in the bundle carry the maximum remote power simultaneously.
Redwood and CommScope Enterprise R&D have performed extensive testing and systems engineering to ensure that cable sharing (option #3 above) can also be supported on CommScope SYSTIMAX and Uniprise Category-6 (or better) cabling under these same conditions. Cable sharing is only supported on Category-6 (or better) cabling from CommScope, and is NOT supported on any other cabling.
By using cabling with higher temperature ratings and reducing the maximum cabling length, a Redwood solution can be deployed on cabling with a maximum ambient operating environment in excess of 50°C. Please direct specific questions to Redwood technical support staff for review. It should be noted that the maximum operating temperature for Redwood Engines, directors, sensors, gateways and wall switches is generally 50°C.
Cables installed in conduit or enclosed trunking cannot dissipate heat as effectively and require smaller bundles. Many variables must be taken into account in assessing maximum cable bundles under these conditions. Please direct specific questions to SEA Group technical staff for review.
Physical layer installation and environmental
considerations
This guideline is not intended to serve as an installation guide for the Redwood equipment or the installed cabling. Design and installation of low voltage cabling must follow proper cabling installation practices and must comply with applicable national and local regulations, as well as manufacturer’s instructions.
The following documents provide relevant information for design purposes:
• SYSTIMAX SCS Design and Installation Guidelines
• Telecommunications cabling and associated standards such as ANSI/TIA/EIA (568-C, 569-B, 942),
ISO/IEC 11801, and CENELEC (EN 50173, EN 50174).
• National and local codes such as the National Electrical Code (NEC) in the US
• Manufacturer’s cable and component design and installation guidelines
Additionally, the following installation practices must be taken into account:
• Telecommunications cables should be installed with proper pathway support. Cables must not be placed directly on fluorescent light fixtures, and must not be supported by, or attached to, ceiling tile support systems, electrical conduits, gas pipes, or water pipes.
• All cables and components must be installed according to manufacturer’s guidelines, and should be visually inspected for proper installation.
• Cable installation should not significantly deform the cable jacket due to excessive pulling tension, overall twisting, compression, or bends over 90 degrees.
• Cable ties should be applied loosely to cable bundles and allow sliding of the cable tie across the cable bundle so as not to distort cable jacket.
• Avoid water, high humidity, chemical exposure, and cold temperature bending of cables.
• Installation temperature for copper cables varies depending upon the jacket material. However, at the extreme temperatures care must be exercised to prevent excessive kinking or increases in pulling tension. If CommScope cable has been stored below 32°F (0°C) for more than 8 hours, the cable must be conditioned at room temperature, 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C) for at least 4 hours before installation.
• Maximum pulling tension of each cable should be kept below 110 N (25 lbf). The use of cable-pulling lubricant is not allowed.
• If slack loops are deployed, their length should be minimized. Ensure that cable is not twisted while creating a slack loop in order to avoid untwisting the cable pairs.
• Maintain the required bend radius and avoid cable kinks or jacket damage.
• Avoid untwisting and separation of cable pairs. Maintain twists to the point of termination and avoid pair wrapping.
• Manufacturer’s specifications for cable fill limits in conduit and pathways must be followed. Cabling must not exceed 23 cm (9 in.) depth, or 15 cm (6 in) for standards compliance.
• Power separation of installed cabling must comply with applicable local or national safety regulations, as well as manufacturer’s guidelines for transmission performance.
• Bonding and grounding practices must comply with applicable local or national safety regulations.
Support for VisiPatch 360
®
in place of modular panels
and jacks
CommScope’s VisiPatch 360 is a versatile, high-density, high-performance alternative to modular panels. It is also often used as a consolidation point for zone wiring architectures in place of jacks in the ceiling. This solution can be utilized with both dedicated Category-5e cabling as well as shared CommScope Category-6 cabling. Due to the versatility of the VisiPatch 360 solution, there are too many physical layer options to list here. Some of these options may be very attractive in certain environments offering low initial installed cost and high flexibility for future modifications. Please consult your CommScope cabling representative for additional information and approval of specific architectures.
Support for direct connections
from cable to Redwood Engines
(i.e. elimination of patch panels)
Most cabling installations deploy modular patch panels (or VisiPatch panels) in the wiring closet to simplify administration, simplify testing, and improve flexibility. CommScope strongly recommends the use of patch panels, but does not require them for Redwood installations. In situations where the likelihood of equipment being moved within the lifetime of the building is low, the small incremental cost of the patch panel and corresponding patch cord may not be justified. Note that patch panels (or VisiPatch 360 panels) are required to deploy cable sharing.
To reiterate, CommScope strongly recommends the use of patch panels, but will support installations without patch panels.
Appendix: Additional physical layer design options
Pros of VisiPatch 360 in place of panels
and jacks
• Very low initial deployment cost
• Can be wall mounted (no rack space needed)
• Can be installed before racks are present
• Supports cable sharing without modular splitters
Cons of VisiPatch 360 in place of panels
and jacks
• May require proprietary VisiPatch 360 patch cords
• Zone deployments may require longer cords, if zone box is used in ceiling
Pros of direct connections
• Low initial cost (requires only field-terminated plugs)
• Does not consume rack space (no panel is required)
Cons of direct connections
• More difficult administration and reconfiguration (challenging to connect a specific cable to a specific equipment port with dressed cables)
• More difficult to identify specific horizontal cables during troubleshooting (less friendly/accessible labeling)
• Less clear demarcation for permanently installed cabling (no clear test-points and handoff, which is most relevant if multiple parties are doing portions of the installation)
• Can’t support cable sharing on CommScope Cat-6 cabling (increasing cable bulk)
Question: What are the testing requirements for the
Category cabling used to support Redwood
Answer: Continuity testing to detect pair continuity, opens,
shorts, reversals and transpositions is mandatory for all installations and must be performed on 100 percent of the copper cabling runs. Performance testing of the permanently installed cabling is recommended but not mandatory.
Question: Do patch panels have to be rack mounted? Answer: No, patch panels can be wall mounted using means
that enable access to the back for initial termination and future inspection. In addition, although CommScope strongly recommends the deployment of patch panels for administration and future flexibility, they are not required.
Question: We are renovating our existing building and
planning to abandon our obsolete Category-5e cabling. Can abandoned cabling be re-provisioned for use with Redwood systems?
Answer: There is a high likelihood that all or a high portion of
cabling needs can be met by salvaging the obsolete cabling. Please direct specifics to our technical support for additional guidance.
Question: Which pin-assignment arrangement does
CommScope recommend for terminating conductors?
Answer: CommScope recommends the TIA-568B pin
assignment. Whichever pin assignment is used, it must be used consistently throughout the installation.
Question: Can foiled cabling (F/UTP) or cabling with a shield
around each pair (S/FTP) be used?
Answer: CommScope recommends the use of U/UTP cabling
to minimize the stiffness of cables and cords, but F/UTP and S/FTP cables are also supported.
Question: When deploying cable sharing, does every cable
at the patch panel need to deploy cable sharing?
Answer: When deploying cable sharing, all cabling terminated
on the patch panel must be CommScope Category-6 cabling. Splitters are needed only on those ports of the patch panel
Question: Are splitters for cable sharing compatible with all
CommScope patch panels that have 24 ports per “U”?
Answer: Somewhat. CommScope recommends the use of
patch panels where all 24 ports in the patch panel are in a single aligned row. FlexiMAX panels where individual jacks are staggered alternatively up/down will result in extension above the “U” space when splitters are inserted into the upper staggered locations and below the “U” space when splitters are inserted into the lower staggered locations. To avoid interference, blanking panels should be used above and below the group of patch panels or a 0.5U space should be allocated. Where termination of individual jacks is desired, another alternative is to deploy CommScope’s new M2400 panels, where all 24 individual M-series jacks can be terminated in a single aligned row in the panel, thus avoiding potential interference.
Question: Can I disconnect structured Category cabling on
a Redwood solution while power is on?
Answer: Yes. When the flow of electricity is interrupted via
disconnect, the associated momentum results in “inductive kick,” which will cause a few sparks in rapid succession. A common example of severe inductive kick and the associated sparks can be observed when unplugging a vacuum cleaner while running. Standards-compliant Category-5e (or better) cabling and all Redwood end points are designed to withstand the negative effects of “inductive kick” when disconnected while carrying current. Cable sharing results in currents per contact in excess of those supported by standards, but all of CommScope’s Category-6 and Category-6A connectors were designed with adequate margin to withstand these higher current levels.
Question: Can the configurations utilizing the Redwood
field-terminated plug be registered for the CommScope 20 Year Extended Product Warranty and Applications Assurance?
Answer: The configurations using the Redwood field-terminated
plug can be registered for the CommScope 20 Year Extended Product Warranty and Applications Assurance, provided that only CommScope cabling components are used from end to end, and all other terms and conditions of the program are met. Applications Assurance for these configurations is limited
