White Paper An Introduction To Space Planning for Audio/Video Systems Electronics Design Group EDGonline.com EDGWhitePapers.com
Why is AV Important? Using and integrating technology creates possibilities. One part art, another part science, AV systems are used to communicate, entertain, provide comfort, security and ambience. The convergence of architectural design and AV technologies creates opportunities for integrating form and function in innovative ways from sophisticated conferences rooms, private screening rooms to the ambiance of lighting and entertainment solutions. AV technology plays a pivotal role to bring your visions to life. No longer an afterthought, but an important planning element in the design process.
Š 2010 Electronics Design Group, Inc.
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Challenges
“This white paper defines ten guiding criteria that can be used ... in the allocation of space for electronics.�
Š 2010 Electronics Design Group, Inc.
Historically, space planning for audio and video systems has been a haphazard process. Electronics systems contractors have not always done their best at allocating and communicating the need for things like wire management, termination space for that wire, thermal load, equipment requirements, and serviceability. Additionally, electronics systems contractors do not have an inspecting body to oversee implementation criteria. Lack of communication, lack of knowledge and lack of an inspecting body have resulted in poorly designed product, unreliable systems, missed client expectations, and reduced lifespan of electronic components. This white paper defines ten guiding criteria that can be used by Architects, designers and other electronic systems contractors in the allocation of space for electronics. The goal is to achieve a properly designed product for the end user and show how these criteria effect successful outcomes on the highest profile projects. We have included four case studies noting applications from a space restricted New York City apartment to a large New Jersey estate home with ample space for a dedicated electronics room. Each space is graded using the ten criteria noted below. All criteria carry equal weight and each is worth ten points towards the total score for the room or space. We recognize that it is not always possible for every space to be perfect, although we wish they could be. With this in mind there is room for calculated error in the design process. If a room falls under 80% on the overall score it is considered a failing space. Over 80% is a passing grade and is a functional space for housing electronics systems.
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Electronics Space Allocation Criteria and Test
Score of 1-10 for each category, 10 being the best and 1 being the worst. Score below of 80% should be re-evaluated. 1. Easy access to equipment rack. Service area of 24”-36” in front and behind of rack, Racks can be serviced without kneeling or climbing 2. Wires can be patched between racks or added to system with one technician in future 3. Ventilation – Active, Passive or none. Space should be able to move enough air through racks so max temp not to exceed 80 Degrees F 4. Power connections are not susceptible to false disconnect and ground bonding point is provided 5. Dust Management: Racks area can be dust free. Room has no 3rd party heat sources or water sources (Air Handlers, Remote Vacuums, dryer ducts, sump pumps, water heaters or tanks or boilers) 6. Wires are supported from above, Wires are all terminated in wall mounted or free standing racks and sufficient space to terminate all field wires are provided 7. Client access to front of equipment, storage for manuals and spare remotes are provided, Power switches are easily accessible for easy service 8. Expandability: Rack system should have a minimum of 15% of free rack space for future expansion 9. Power and Data have separate paths with in the rack system and wire tray. Power should maintain max distance from low voltage wires at all times 10. No exposed terminations or distribution points. (Cable distribution, Cresnet, Thermostats) All distributions are either panel mount or rack mounted.
© 2010 Electronics Design Group, Inc.
www.EDGonline.com