OnQ Network Centers (36439 Series) — Installation Instructions

Installation instructions for OnQ Basic, Universal, and Advanced Network Centers (model family 36439) — structured wiring enclosures that combine video and telecom distribution for residential installations.

Overview

The Basic Network Center is 7" wide by 12" long; the Universal and Advanced Network Centers are 7" wide by 19" long. The Universal and Advanced centers add space for OnQ Service Center modules for networking, home office, audio, and advanced video applications. All models combine a "video" section (vertical-access F-style fittings for coax) and a "telecom" section (8-position 110 punch-down connectors for 4-line phone service, plus RJ-31X security interface jacks on some modules). Base plates and covers are powder-coated steel with an integrated grounding screw.

Locating the Network Center

• Install in a space that stays between 0°C (32°F) and 50°C (122°F), free of condensation-causing humidity, dust, and dirt.
• Location must be easily accessible for checking and testing connections.
• Locate within 2 feet of a standard 110VAC outlet that stays powered continuously.

Cable Rough-In

• Cable can be surface-run or run behind the wall. For behind-the-wall runs, install a double-gang mud ring or junction box 1 inch below the top of the network center.
• Follow NEC and local code for all cable runs.
• Recommended wire types: Category 5 for telephone, quad-shield RG6 coax for video, Category 5E for data networks.
• Avoid kinks and sharp bend radii — route cable around corners smoothly.
• Run 2 Category 5/5E cables and 1 RG6 coax between the TelCo NID/service entry and the network center.
• Mark all cables with application and location, and run a ground wire from the network center to house ground.

Mounting the Network Center

1. For recessed installs, locate the stud holding the mud ring/junction box.
2. Install a screw 1 inch above the top of the opening, leaving the head slightly raised.
3. Hang the network center using its keyhole slot.
4. Level the unit and temporarily install a screw in the lower hole.
5. Mark the other two hole locations, remove the unit, and install anchors for holes not on a stud.
6. Re-install and tighten securely.

Video & Telephone Connections

• Pull cables through the rectangular opening at the top of the enclosure.
• Locate the video source cable, position it at the splitter input, trim with a quality cable cutter, strip per connector instructions, install high-quality F-style connectors, and attach securely to the splitter port. Repeat for outlet cables.
• For telephone: identify the incoming service cable, route to the "Line In" 110 punch-down block, strip ~3 inches of jacket using the OnQ strip tool (P/N 363292-01), and position pairs over the color-coded slots without untwisting them. Punch down and trim with the OnQ Punchdown Tool (P/N 363293-01).
• Bundle and group all connected cables for ease of maintenance, and connect the ground wire to the ground lug per NEC and local code.

Testing & Troubleshooting

• Check all cables for correct pairing and no opens/shorts — the OnQ Coax/UTP Tester (P/N 364276-01) makes this quick.
• Locate faults using a tone generator and probe.
• After service activation, verify the network is working at all outlets.

Advanced Applications

The security interface can be enabled for line-seizure and dial-out to most security systems: connect the security system's RJ31X cable to the RJ45 "security" jack, and turn off "Line 1" on the test switch to activate the security line. Optional surge protection is available via the OnQ Surge Suppressor Unit (P/N 363487-01).

Cover Installation (Optional)

Hang the cover on the top of the network center using its integral hooks, swing the bottom into place (taking care not to pinch cables), then secure and electrically ground the cover using the provided screws and star washers.