Two Minute Tip: Acoustics in the Structured Cabling Pathway

Acoustics may not always be top of mind when designers consider their structured cabling pathway. However, increasingly, acoustics is a major consideration for building owners and occupants.  Acoustical bleed over from neighboring compartments is not just annoying but can have adverse consequences.  Whether one lives or works in a building, noise can impact comfort and productivity. In the context of healthcare, noise can impact patient recovery, and can further result in HIPAA Violations and Fines.

Studies have shown that excessive environmental noise in office settings results in an overall reduction in productivity and employee satisfaction. In a Healthcare Environment this translates to not just unhappy staff but extended patient stays and recovery times. Additionally, ineffective acoustical protection can lead to confidential patient conversations being overheard by other patients or visitors violating HIPAA Requirements. Conduit sleeves with firestop or acoustical putties can have a significant range of achievable STC (Sound Transmission Class) values making consistent performance across the low voltage pathway borderline impossible to achieve let alone maintain overtime. Unlike traditional sleeve penetration seals, EZ-Path’s self-sealing technology provides consistent predictable STC values from day one. With EZ-Path, the devices take care of themselves resealing as cables are added or removed ensuring consistent achievable STC performance without requiring the installer to reapply hand packed putties or twist constricting rings.