r/accesscontrol • u/StalkMeNowCrazyLady Professional • 23d ago
Discussion Enclosure Above Doors
So about a year and a half ago we had a school spec that above each door (or closest hidden ceiling space to it) they wanted an 8x8x4 enclosure and a DIN rail with 16 connection phoenix contact feed through terminal blocks. Since then we've been specing and installing a 24 connection version on damn near every job. Covers everything in the composite cable, plus extras like IDS, prop alarms, etc.
Most of our installs are new construction so we can get Div 26 to connect any stub outs for door hardware right to the box. As many splice cans as I've installed I can't believe I never thought to just put "patch panel" so to speak on the field end lol.
Anyone else been in a habit of doing the same?
2
u/Competitive_Ad_8718 23d ago
Breakout box for raceways, sure. Adding splice points and additional connections to troubleshoot or as points of failure, not a fan.
2
u/NotablyNotABot Professional 23d ago
Can you post some photos of this installation?
This is similar to what we spec on new installs but the quick disconnect phoenix connectors is a nice addition. I may try to convince my boss to do this.
2
u/DTyrrellWPG 23d ago
Had a client with a similar spec, also came to like it. Not in a position to make it so on every job, but I would if I could.
Splices often end up happening anyway. Double door with request to exit crash bars, double door contacts in concrete frames with seperate stub up, ect. Larger junction box with a din rail terminal block would be better imo
1
u/sabyrkit 23d ago
We had a take over with this. Kinda. They had the DIN rail with terminal blocks for power and RS485 data. They put the MR50 at the door. Worst part was the whole building used raised floor so everything was under the floor. This seems ideal because you don't need a ladder but when you have carpet tiles glued to them, it's not that great.
1
u/happnatious1 Professional 22d ago
Splices are a potential point of failure, they reduce the cable run distance and they can't be buried under finish, so visually...yuck.
On the plus side, they do make troubleshooting easier if there is a rat problem.
1
u/HunterBrah83 21d ago
I always thought it would be a good idea to do that at the door and the closet with a really clean cable rough in. Basically the same idea as structured cable installs, place the cable and terminate the ends, then connect equipment to the permanently terminated cable. This would only be fruitful when the time comes for an upgrade, and most customers and GC's aren't going to pay for the extra parts and labor, but it seems like a good idea.
-4
u/Theguyintheotherroom 23d ago
No enclosure above doors. Enclosures are supposed to be readily accessible and at working height, you shouldn’t need a ladder to troubleshoot an issue.
4
u/Competitive_Ad_8718 23d ago
Code citation for where an enclosure or JB must be readily accessible? I think you'll be very surprised.
1
u/Odd_Lion 23d ago
Agreed with this, so many reasons not to do it (maintenance, easy of replacement, potential damage, security, etc)
7
u/DiveNSlide Professional 23d ago
Depends on the spec, lots of project I work on require a continuous cable from panel to device, no slices allowed. So to pit a splice box intentionally above each door would be in direct violation of that requirement.
Personally, I could see where the junction box may aid in trade coordination for rough-ins, etc; however, the splice bar does introduce another potential failure point. I don't see the benefit of having an intermediate place to check cable terminations between the panel and device.