Cool vertical cable drops?

April 9, 2012 11:26 AM

Office design: What are some neat ways to get networking cables from the ceiling to a cubicle cluster?

I don't even know what the correct name for this item is - vertical cable chase, cable pipe/conduit, etc...

What are some unique ways you've seen to solve this problem? I recall seeing one scenario where cables were threaded down a heavy-gauge spring coil. That, or any other cool options would be great.

We're comfortable with customizing items as necessary, but would like to avoid heavy modifications like welding or extensive metal cutting.

posted by odinsdream to grab bag (5 answers total)

An office in my building is kinds doing the spring coil thing, but they look more like those coiled air hoses you see in auto shops. Lots of pretty colours. This is a bank, mind, so it might be spendy.
posted by scruss at 12:19 PM on April 9, 2012

PVC pipe that is cut to fit and spray-painted with a cool color? PVC pipes are cheap as is spray paint. Or use another kind of paint if you don't have a place to disperse the fumes.
posted by dfriedman at 12:35 PM on April 9, 2012

step 1) acquire a hollow pool noodle. (color of your choice)

step 2) run cables vertically from ceiling, through pool noodle, to cubicles.

step 3) acquire buttons, pins, feathers, or anything else you want to stick into the foam. I prefer palm leaves at the top.

step 4) stick buttons, pins, feathers, palm leaves, etc into the foam.

step 5) enjoy your beach-themed office.
posted by cmchap at 12:39 PM on April 9, 2012 [1 favorite]

Here's a quick shot of ceiling above me at Major Communications Company. If you're into that whole raw look thing.
posted by jay.eye.elle.elle. at 1:23 PM on April 9, 2012

We bought 6" clear PVC pipe, sandblasted the exterior, and ran both data and power cabling inside. We then loosely wrapped blue LED lights around the bundle of cables. This is what it looks like:

https://secure.flickr.com/photos/clockworkactivemedia/3364379604/in/photostream
https://secure.flickr.com/photos/clockworkactivemedia/3363559033/in/photostream

Unfortunately I haven't found an evening shot with the LEDs turned on.
posted by insyte at 11:43 PM on April 9, 2012