Spliting a POTS line 3

[SF0751]

We're building a new office building, and my manager wants to split some of our POTS lines and share them between non-critical devices (fax machines, etc.). I think that the maximum split of a single POTS line is into 4 (1 pair per device); is this correct? In addition, do I need to worry about the distance from the dmarc to the device for ringing voltage, etc?

Thanks for any information/advice!

ps - yes, I've already suggested one POTS = one device. They (POTS lines) are cheap. But that's not how the boss wants it!

Susan
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls, and looks like work."
- Thomas A. Edison

 

[phoneguy55]

You can split it as many times as you want the problem is how many devices you want to ring at the same time. There is a REN value for each device (should be labeled on a sticker somewhere on the device), if that value added up between all you devices excedes the REN value that the CO is providing, then some devices will not ring on an incoming call.

Distance should not matter.

 

[SF0751]

Thank you. One final question - will the CO's REN value be printed or written someone on a jack in the dmarc, or do I need to contact my CO for this information?

Susan
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls, and looks like work."
- Thomas A. Edison

 

[SYQUEST]

I have never seen the REN value marked on any DEMARC.

Typically, the REN value total is 5.0 or 6.0. This has been the same I believe, since the registration program for CPE was started back in the late 1970s. You could check with the Business Ofc or Repair service of your service provider, but I would really be surprised if they knew what you are asking!

Hope this helps!

....JIM....

 

[SF0751]

Thank you both very much for your help!

Susan
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls, and looks like work."
- Thomas A. Edison

 

[hawks]

If you are going to be sharing it for fax and voice on inbound calls. Then you might want to get you a device to tell the different between voice and data calls. This way you want answer any calls that were meant for the fax machine.

 

[Dexman]

I once asked Verizon (Massachusetts) what the maximum REN can be on any given POTs line. I was told 4. Given that many telephone sets have a REN <1, I doubt 2 devices would be a problem for a single POTS line.

 

[skip555]

I always heard the REN was 10 , Ive never seen a issue with it evan with 10 or more electromechanical bells (like 2500 sets)
if it where to become a issue there are aftermartket devices that boost the ring signal .

look at line sharing devices to route the line to diffrent devices for diffent applications I like the stick by multilink , we have used a lot of them it aloows three devices to share the line

 

[GHTROUT]

Im would like to hear how this turns out, having one line for two fax machines, for example. Possible with some limitations and possibly some exlusion unit to keep the machines from interupting each other.

You might want to suggest the boss take a look at "bunk desks" to cut down on the space needs


~

http://www.GHTROUT.com/

 

[GHTROUT]

Susan, I was poking around for "Exclusion" circuits and found them here for under 10 bucks - I think if you read his description you'll agree they are going to reduce the interuptions of one phone to another

http://www.sandman.com/wizard.html#ExclusionDevices

~

http://www.GHTROUT.com/

 

[nsantin]

We use a "line splitter" from BlackBox and have it wired for incomming FAX and outgoing voice. Its about $100 for the device

 

[johnpoole]

might be surprised to find this out but "party lines" were not that hot back when they were state of the art. hassle alone is more costly then a 1fb.. if some of these boxes are used outbound only, then the ringer problem goes away. old style party lines could ring 10 sets up to 30 miles apart but that was loaded and balanced cable.. (in the late 50's)

john poole
bellsouth business
columbia,sc

 

[oldtimerbob]

Many 'daisy chain' a pots line for faxes but the problem is that on outgoings only one can get on at a time and on incomings the fax will go to the machine that picks up first.
Nowdays many use the DSL analog side for another fax line,to prevent the collision problem and don't share a dedicated fax line with any other devices.
I think the best bet would be to get additional fax lines,such as one per department as an example.

(Just my comments)

"it's better to fail trying than to fail to try'

 

[confedtech]

See if your boss will spring for a Ringmaster line from your local phone company. This will resolve any issue of having the fax answer any voice calls.