Pathways® Modular Power Overview The value of an integrated interior architectural system is having the infrastructure be just as flexible as the movable walls and furniture. Using a modular wiring product beneath an access floor provides a reconfigurable power solution to support access wherever users choose to work. Pathways Modular Power is a system of electrical components that provide connectivity starting with the end user, and carried back all the way to the circuit breaker panel in the electrical closet. This product can reduce the installation time of a conventional power application and provide unprecedented flexibility to move and change with long term building reconfigurations. The system replaces conventional “pipe and wire” branch circuits with pre-engineered, manufactured, multi-circuit, modular components that snap together. It supports user access with floor boxes, Steelcase Hub products, desktop placement with Pathways Internode®, or energizes a Steelcase wall or panel product. 
Key Features and Benefits of Pathways Modular Power Feature: Modular components
Feature: UL/cUL listed; rated for “other air handling spaces”
Feature: 10-gauge conductors
Feature: 3 wiring schematics; 3+1, 2+2, 3 circuit/separate neutrals
Feature: Direct connections into architecture and furniture
Feature: Desktop access with Internode and Hub tables and posts
Feature: Recessed floor boxes
Specifications Modular Power, manufactured by Steelcase Inc., is a modular, branch circuit electrical system based on zone wiring architecture that is suitable for either a raised floor or suspended ceiling plenum. It consists of pre-assembled, modular components including multi-circuit distribution cables, zone distribution elements, pre-wired outlet assemblies, furniture system interfaces, and various user-access modules. All components utilize quick connect assemblies from the user-access points back to the circuit panel. All components are UL/cUL listed, and are constructed and tested appropriately in accordance with the following industry standards:
The product also complies for use in other air handling spaces specifically per UL 183, 7.6B, and NEC 300.22C. Multi-circuit assemblies are based on an eight-wire configuration and are available with specific conductor designations to align with common furniture electrical systems. Wiring diagrams include:
All connectors are keyed to prevent misalignment of circuits. Components are all tamperproof to prevent unauthorized field modification. Maximum height of all components is 2-inches to minimize interference in shallow depth areas. Electrical rating is engineered for 120/208-volt applications. 
The Zone Distribution Box supports 12 circuits from a single home run cable to be distributed to multiple workstation clusters or other user outlets through three, 4-circuit ports. Four circuit branching connectors can further sub-divide circuits. The box is constructed of 16-gauge cold rolled steel with a galvanized finish. All connectors are permanently attached. Four mounting supports are provided. The home run cable is constructed of 1-inch (trade size) flexible conduit with 18 No. 10 AWG, type THHN/T90 stranded load carrying conductors and two No. 10 AWG grounding conductors. Home run cables can also be equipped with No. 8 AWG neutral conductors if specified. For runs over 150’, the home run cable consists of 12 No. 8 AWG, type THHN/T90 stranded load carrying conductors and 2 No. 8 AWG grounding conductors. Branching connectors are also available to allow the distribution of circuits to multiple locations. Three-way branching connectors allow one infeed connection point and three output connection points. It is constructed of ultramid nylon and is only 1 ¾” tall and 1 ½” wide by 2-5/8” long. Multi-circuit distribution cables are available in various lengths, up to 50-feet. Construction of cables include ½-inch diameter (trade size) flexible conduit with six No. 10 AWG, type THHN/T90 stranded load carrying conductors and two No. 10 AWG grounding conductors. Cables have male connectors at each end and can be connected together using either a two-way or three-way branching connector. Distribution cables are also available with power-out conductors at one end for hardwiring into field supplied electrical devices. Modular connectors are constructed of eight tin-plated copper alloy contacts enclosed in fire retardant thermoplastic, supported by a galvanized steel enclosure. Grounding conductors are connected to the appropriate grounding pin in addition to all metal enclosures. Mechanical latching of connectors can withstand a minimum 50-pound pull-apart force. Cable assemblies are offered with modular connections to feed directly into Steelcase furniture systems. Transition harnesses connect the furniture power system into the branch circuit distribution system. These specific harnesses can directly enter the furniture product at discreet locations, completely hidden from view. Cable assemblies can also connect at the base of the furniture system and egress through a 3-inch diameter hole in the floor tile, concealed by a decorative plastic shroud. Pre-wired outlet assemblies consist of floor access boxes designed to provide power and communication access in a vehicle flush with the finished floor. Boxes include mounting flange and hinged lid with a recess to accept floor covering. Boxes are pre-wired with a 10-foot long cable assembly and modular connector. Low profile access box will fit into floors with a minimum clearance height of 2 ½” and house two modular 15-amp or 20-amp duplex receptacles and accommodate two modular furniture communication faceplates. Standard access boxes fit into floors with a minimum clearance height of 5 ½” and house four modular 15-amp or 20-amp duplex receptacles and accommodate three NEMA, single-gang outlet faceplates. The duplex receptacles are utilized to designate circuits and can be specified with either a system or isolated ground. Service modules also include user-accessible Hub elements above the floor with integral cable assemblies and modular connectors. The power and communication element is constructed of a metal housing supporting four single outlets with a spillproof covering and an interface for one modular furniture communication faceplate. The element can be attached directly to the floor, surrounded by a protective, flexible bumper, or supported by a post, or a post and table surface at 31-inches above the floor. 
Pathways® Zone Cabling Overview Integrating technology into the workplace encompasses more than just the appliances that users touch. A truly holistic solution must provide a cabling plan that supports the information systems requirements of today as well as addressing the dynamic changes expected in the future Pathways Zone Cabling is a new way to deliver structured communications cabling to the workplace. It is a communication solution that is:
Steelcase acquired Custom Cable Industries in August 2001. We gained the knowledge and success of a company that had been in the structured cabling industry for over 20 years. Together, Steelcase and Custom Cable conceived Pathways Zone Cabling as part of the Pathways family of products—a factory assembled structured cabling solution, saving significant time and money over traditional methods. Approved by the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) in 1996, zone cabling is designed for growth and for faster, less expensive moves, adds, and changes. Pathways Zone Cabling product and the factory assembly process have been tested and approved by most major cabling manufacturers and fully comply with TIA standards. Key Features and Benefits of Pathways Zone Cabling Feature: Solution designed by a Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD)
Feature: Standards-based solution
Feature: Zone solution
Feature: Client prescribed growth factor
Feature: Factory-assembled and tested
Feature: Affordable solutions
Feature: Fast installation
Value Conventional cabling infrastructure has historically been very inflexible, as each computer, phone, fax machine, and printer plugs into a communications outlet that has a direct connection back to the telecommunications closet. When moves, additions, or changes are needed, the cabling infrastructure must be redone. Existing cables often must be removed and additional cables must be run from the new connection all the way back to the telecommunications closet. Work needs to be scheduled, the budget is impacted, and the workplace is disrupted. Pathways Zone Cabling builds cost-effective growth into a grid of connectivity. Instead of each communications outlet connecting directly to the telecommunications closet, it only needs to connect to consolidation points that support an entire area. Moves, additions, and changes become much simpler, faster, and less expensive. Merely activate a new outlet by utilizing an “extension cable” to connect to the consolidation point. Or for a move, simply unplug the extension cable and plug it into the consolidation point in the new area. The time and cost of moves, adds, and changes are reduced by up to 80% versus conventional home run wiring. In addition, Pathways Zone Cabling utilizes a single communications cabling plant, meaning that there is a single solution for the entire voice and data communications network. This greatly simplifies the administration of the communications system with only one group and one set of documentation for the entire solution, where it traditionally has taken two. It allows users to plug in their equipment anywhere, without worrying whether or not it is a voice or data connection. It also leads to a more cost effective initial installation as the spare growth is pooled at the consolidation point and extending patch cables are only installed where and when needed. Additionally, a single cable plant prepares the workplace for implementation of future technologies such as voice over internet protocol phones. Planning The Pathways Zone Cabling solution starts with a team of Registered Cable Distribution Designers (RCDDs). The RCDD designation is recognized industry-wide as indicating superior design expertise. It is an indication of experience and knowledge that is valued and mandated by many private and public organizations. These professionals develop an extremely detailed strategy based on the customer’s unique circumstances, including its workspace and furniture. The strategy is based on the user and technology requirements—as well as leveraging Steelcase’s tacit knowledge of work and how the workplace evolves as your business changes. Manufacturing and Installation The plan is sent to the factory, where the solution is completely assembled and terminated. A team of professionals engineer, assemble and test (first test), every cable according to the plan. It is then rolled onto spools for shipment to the job site where it can be easily installed per your specifications and requirements. The entire system is then thoroughly and completely tested for a second time. This process parallels the construction process—as the space is being built, the structured communications cabling solution is being assembled in the factory, allowing the final installation to take up to 70-percent less time than conventional cabling methods. Steelcase, Inc. |