Maeve Stites

Electrical Design Engineer, Sensata Technologies - High Voltage Sensing & Controls
Electrical and Computer Engineering B.S., Olin College of Engineering

Email: maeve@mstites.com

Patch Panel Project


Cover photo

Overview

I led a patch project install at the Burns & McDonnell Networking, Integration, and Automation (NIA) lab with the goal of reducing errors and increasing efficiency in lab projects. I managed the patch panel project and installed the patch network. This resulted in a decrease in engineering hours for lab testing and a safer lab environment, as engineers are no longer tempted to run cables across the floor.

My Role

  • Project planning - I planned the timeline for this project and did the preliminary research into the feasibility of different options for the patch network.
  • Running team meetings - I had check-ins and planning meetings with the lab director, the NIA projects director, and other NIA engineers to give updates as well as take inputs and suggestions for the project.
  • Managing material lists - I sourced all of the materials for the patch network. This included patch panels, keystones, cabling, connectors, cable management accessories, cable runways, and tools.
  • Managing a $10,000 budget - Along with creating a materials list, I also worked to source items that would keep this project under budget.
  • Installation - I installed the whole patch network. This included installing patch panels, installing keystones, running cables, terminating connectors, cable management, and continuity testing.

Documentation and Details

Main Patch Cabinet Front

The main patch cabinet front. The GPS splitter and clock are at the bottom.

Inside of Main Patch Cabinet

The inside of the main patch cabinet. I managed all of the cables coming into this cabinet.

Inside of Main Patch Cabinet

The other side of the same patch cabinet.

One of the Rack Rows

One of three rows of racks in the lab. You can see the patch panels at the top of the racks. Notice how messy the cable management has been up to this point.

Cable Management on Rear

Cable management on the back of some of the patch panels.

Panel Rear

A close up of the rear of one of the patch panels.