Conference Table – Power & Data Cabling
Conference tables are in right now. They are no longer just used for meetings and conferencing, but also as open workplaces where people can freely place their laptops for work.
I have worked on dozens of corporate installs, and I can say that power and data cabling of a conference table is one of the most important components of a conference room setup.
Why? Just think of this. If you lose power, your meetings will come to a complete halt. If your data connections are bad, your video conferences will not work.
Now, here are some things you might want to know about the power and data cables that come along with it.
First, understand what you really need. Most conference tables today would require the following:
– Power outlets for laptops
– USB ports for mobile devices
– Data ports for internet connection
– HDMI ports for presentations
Now how many outlets do you need? Here’s a quick guide based on our previous installations:
For a 6-seater table:
– 4 power outlets
– 4 USB ports
– 2 data ports
– 1 HDMI port
For a 12-seater table:
– 8 power outlets
– 8 USB ports
– 4 data ports
– 2 HDMI ports
Power Connections Types
There are different ways you can bring power or electricity to your conference table. Some of these are the below:
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Cable Wells
When you order your conference tables, have the supplier put a provision for cable wells. They are intended to hold power outlets, data ports, and other ways to connect.
They keep wires and cables orderly when not in use and let users reach power and network connections without making the table surface a mess.
A good cable well usually has a cover that slides open so that computers, phones, and other devices can be plugged in. When you’ve finished your presentations, your meetings, or your own work, you just have to close the cover. And voila! your table looks clean without the cluttered wires.
In cable wells, you can also connect other things like USB ports, HDMI links, Ethernet jacks, and even wireless charging pads.
The standard size for these cable wells is 250mm x 150mm. Depth would be about 100mm to 120mm. This gives you enough space for:
– Power outlets
– Data ports
– Extra cable length
2. Pop-Up Power Modules
These pop-up power modules are neat power solutions. They are not visible on top when not in use but as the name suggests (yes, you got it), they pop-up when needed, for your easy access.
They are a spring-loaded or gas-lift mechanism, which would allow the users to press or pull the module for access.
Most high-end business offices have these. They maintain your table neat and professional-looking even in when not in use.
Popular sizes:
– Mini (2 power, 2 USB)
– Standard (4 power, 2 USB, 1 HDMI)
– Premium (6 power, 4 USB, 2 HDMI, 2 data)
3. Table Edge Solutions
Table edge power solutions involve placing your power and data modules along the edge of a conference table. This in effect would give you easy access without the need for making holes in the tabletop.
This has also some advantages:
-Easy Access: Users can reach power and data ports from any side of the table.
-No Table Modifications: Since you don’t have to drill, you can maintain the surface of the table.
-Cheaper: Less expensive to install than the ones mentioned above, the embedded options.
One thing to consider tho is that the cables will be visible, as they drop from the table edge to the floor. Expect some clutter underneath the table.
4. Surface Mount Power Solutions
Surface mount power modules are standalone units installed on top of conference tables. It’s easy to access the power and data ports.
There is no need to modify your conference table. This is the most popular in conference tables. You just buy the unit and install it on top of your existing table.
Wondering why they are popular? Yes, most of our customers, in our experience, would just prefer these types.
They are the most affordable option. There is no drilling or complicated setup—just plug and play. And they easy to replace if broken or outdated.
How to Install the Power and Data Connections
Now here are some tips or guide in the event you’d like to have your own technician do the installation from among the types of power connections mentioned above:
a.. Plan Your Layout First
Before cutting any holes in your expensive table, you have to know where conference chairs and the executive chairs positioned. You also have to know the location of floor boxes and the cable routes under the table.
b. Consider Your Floor Boxes
Most modern offices have floor boxes with a distance of every 6 meters. When planning your conference table layout, align the conference table and seating arrangement with these existing floor box locations.
Avoid table layouts that place your power and data cables far from floor boxes. Start from these access points.
c. Plan for future expansion
In your design, think ahead by installing more than your present requirement. The installation you’ll do ensures not only addressing future needs as your office grows but also the entry of new technology. Now here are some tips.
Install More than the Present Requirement
-Install Extra Power Outlets: Adding a few additional outlets now will accommodate future devices without needing costly upgrades.
-Include Additional Data Ports: Extra data ports allow for flexible connectivity and can support more users or advanced tech, such as video conferencing tools.
-Increase Cable Capacity: Choose cable management systems with extra space to easily include new cabling without re-installation.
Now what are the most common mistakes to avoid when doing the power and data connections? Here are some we have observed:
Mistakes When Installing Power and Data Wiring
1. Don’t place power modules where they block leg space. You may have experienced it yourself, wires and cables blocking your legs when you stretch.
2. Don’t install these connectors too far from users.
3. Avoid installing power outlets in places where drinks are likely to spill. I once saw this happen at a popular coffee shop where an outlet was installed just below a table. A family with young kids sat there, and while the kids were playing, one of them accidentally hit their mom’s coffee. The drink spilled directly into the outlet, causing a mess and not only that it would a potential hazardous situation.
4. And lastly, don’t forget about proper grounding, circuit loading calculations (your in-house electrician know this).
Make Your Installation Professional
Now here are some things that would make your installation truly professional:
1. Clean Cable Management
– No visible cables on the table surface
– Properly bundled cables under the table
– Clear separation of power and data
2. Proper Documentation
– Circuit diagrams
– Cable routing plans
– Maintenance procedures
3. User Convenience
– Easy access to all connections
– Clear labeling of ports
– Simple instructions for users
So that’s it! A professional power and data setup makes your conference room look great as well as useful. At Workzone, we don’t just sell you office furniture and cubicles; we also know how to put these together in your conference tables. Please call us!
Remember, your conference table is an investment. The power and data solution you choose will affect your meetings’ efficiency for years to come.