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| Design of Exhibitor Utility Floorboxes |
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The typical
convention center has been designed by engineers that are doing their
first. Even though they are good engineers, they are on the bottom of
the learning curve for the unique needs of a convention center. Over the
last 22 years, I have been responsible for the design of
numerous convention centers. I have designed custom exhibitor utility floorboxes for
many of them.
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| In the beginning.... |
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My first floorbox was for the Los Angeles
Convention Center. It measured about 36" square by 18" deep. It provided 150A,
208Y/120v power (with main breaker), telephone, audio/visual, air water and drain. The
cover could withstand a load of 31,000 pounds. The box was certified by the City of Los
Angeles Test Lab. |
| Los Angeles Convention Center -
1993 |
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| ...and
then... |
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By the time
that Sacramento Convention Center was designed, I found that some services could be
simplified and the size of the boxes reduced. This painted, galvanized steel box provided 100A,
208Y/120v (with main breaker), telephone, data, air, water and drain. The dimensions were
reduced to approximately 22" x 30" x 18" deep. The load capacity of the
cover was held to 31,000 pounds. The box received field certification by UL. |
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Sacramento
Convention Center 1994 |
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| ...and then... |
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The latest
custom box to be installed is
Hawaii. Because the water table was just beneath the floor, I used a PVC box of roughly
the same dimensions as Sacramento. The services were similar except that there was no need
for a main breaker in the box anymore and the air supply was regulated in the box. A
"free-through" was provided for future services. Covers are still rated for
31,000 pounds. |
Hawaii
Convention Center-1997 |
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At the San Francisco
Trade Show for the
International Association of Assembly Managers in July of 1998, my box design was called
"...the state of the art in floor boxes."
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| ...but I wasn't through! |
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In 1998, CUB Systems,
Inc. asked for a design for a "standard" floorbox. The size of
the box is similar, but it is deeper to allow for closure of the cover with a 100A plug
and cable installed. The cover will support 32,000 pounds. The "free-through" is still included.
Covers are hinged instead of lift out. As you can see, when the covers are open there is
no obstruction. The box has listings by IAPMO PS 114 and UL 508.
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Commercial
Design -1998 |
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convention centers, since 1998, have desired even different designs for
their special needs. I have provided designs for the Puerto Rico
Trade & Convention Center and for the Phase IV expansion of the Ernest
N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA. |
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