labeling a 66 block

[cycochris]

I find it's the simple things that get ya. We install a lot of medium sized phone systems (mainly the IP Office) and I usually do all the wiring. By using the standards that I have learned here, I think we do a pretty good job. I use the panduit LS8 for labeling the cable and I print out the 110 block and faceplate strips on a laser printer.

However, its the small Partner system installs that give me the most headaches. We usually just punch down the stations on 66-blocks. When labeling the 66 block and jacks, I usually just start at the reception phone (Ext. 10) and go clockwise from there. However, I find by the end of the installation the extensions never match the labeling scheme.

I notice on some of the older installations the 66-blocks have CA1, CA2, CA3 etc... labeling the jack and the spot on the 66 block. What does the CA stand for?

After all my rambling, my question is this: What is the best way to label a small key system using just 66 blocks?

After organizing the larger installs it seems like stepping back in time using a Sharpie to mark a 66 block.

 

[oldtimerbob]

The term CO is for(central office) which tells you it is a phone number, try putting a butt set on the next one you see and if you hear dail tone then you know. These may go to a phone or to a switch ( and from the switch out to the extensions). Not sure about CA, but think it is the same as CO and I maybe wrong about that.

Many do use a sharpie to label 66 blocks though you can get the plastic covers that cover where the wires go into the block that you can write on or you can get the clip on covers and you can write on the inside of them. (the look like the same ones you use for 110 blocks but go vertical instead of horz).

On the partner you have to really pay attention to what port you plug in and on which card for what extension but after you run into a few it gets easier.

Good Luck

 

[mforrence]

In our world, CA means "Cable". We label all cables with a cable number, not extension number. The cable number will never change while the extension number/CO number may change - especially on systems that allow easy renumbering via software.
Mike

 

[SYQUEST]

The CA acronym actually has two designations, one is short for CABLE and the other is COMMON AUDIBLE or common bell, which was used in the old and reliable 1A2 KTS.

Hope this helps!

....JIM....

 

[Dexman]

In the Partner family, "CA" stands for Call Assistant. It is an adjunct that can be attached to an 18D or 34D phone and it allows you to see the status of all users in the system. Here is a link to metrolinedirect.com's website and a listing for such a device.

http://metrolinedirect.com/parcalasca48.html

 

[Dexman]

Chances are, the labels on these older installs could be simple station designators, CA-1 could be extension 10, CA-2 could be extension 11 etc. Even though it's overkill, I use a patch panel with the Partner system I installed and maintain.

 

[skip555]

why would you label a CA for call assitant simce it runs right off the ext ?

 

[TouchToneTommy]

Good Grief! Consider the context!

Cables on a 66 block. CA-1 is cable number 1. It doesn't matter what is jumpered to it, whether it be an Extension, with or without a Call Assistant, a Single Line like a Fax or Modem, or nothing at all.

What matters is whatever jack is installed at the other end also have the designation of 1, so when you decide what goes there, you can find both ends!

 

[Dexman]

I didn't mean to imply that CA on the block meant Call Assistant in my first post. Just wanted to toss that tidbit out. My 2nd post spelled out my thoughts.