UPLIFT Power & Data Rail - H-Shape

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What desks are compatible with the Power & Data Rail?

   All Power & Data Rail configurations work with any brand, make, or model of desk. The benching feature, which keeps desks nicely aligned without bolts or screws, however, is only available for UPLIFT V2 or V2-Commercial Desks 42" to 80" wide and 24" to 30" deep. UPLIFT V1 Standing Desks will not work with the benching feature, nor will desks from other brands, due to the position, size, and shape of the foot post holes. We provide separate benching brackets to keep UPLIFT V2 120-Degree Desks aligned with consistent spacing.

   When laying out benching configurations, back-to-back desktops must be the same width, but side-by-side desktops can be different. If you need a configuration using desks of varying widths, contact us for help with the rail-to-rail jumper cables required. We're always happy to help and will create a drawing of your desired configuration, determine all components, and send you a quote. Just give us a call or contact us here.

2. How does power get from the wall or ceiling to the rail?

   Power is delivered to Power & Data Rail configurations by a power infeed cable from a source at the floor, wall, or ceiling. The hardwire power source infeed provides power to up to 12 desks from four 20-amp circuits (assumes a typical power draw of about 5 amps per desk) and requires a licensed electrician to install. All instructions for the electrician are provided with your order. From the infeed, all components easily plug in, work together, and daisy chain throughout the remainder of the configuration.

   We also offer a three-pronged plug infeed option that can power up to four desks (at 5-amps each) from a single 20-amp circuit and does not require installation by an electrician. The plug-in infeeds have a 20-amp plug configuration. This plug configuration is required for UL listing as a recognized component rated for 20 amps. Do not bypass the 20-amp plug with any type of adapter. This is dangerous, will void the warranty, and may result in damage to equipment. If necessary, the outlet should be changed by a licensed electrician to one that accepts the 20-amp plug type.

   Learn more about the hardwire power source infeed (pdf).

3. How do I integrate data into the rail?

   Included with each Power & Data Rail are Byrne data plate and adapter kits. These kits add the ability to install various types of data jacks or couplers, such as ethernet ports. After making wiring connections, simply snap the jacks or couplers (not included) into the appropriate adapters, snap the adapters into the data plate, and then snap the data plate into the Power & Data Rail.

4. Do Power & Data Rails have built-in surge protection?

   No, Power & Data Rails are basically extensions of your wall outlets. The power will be grounded, but there is no built-in surge protection. Surge protection should be handled at the circuit breakers or at individual desks. Simply plug a surge protector into the Power & Data Rail as you would plug it into the wall.

5. How many colors does the rail come in?

   Power & Data Rails are available in four colors: white, gray, black, and industrial style. The industrial style finish is made to order, requires a minimum order of 50 rails, and has a three month lead time.

6. Can I request installation services?

   Yes, our white glove installation experts can assemble and install the Power & Data Rail. However, if you choose hardwire, you will need to hire an electrician yourself to hardwire the power source infeed cable.

7. Do the duplex power receptacles come in more than one color?

   The standard color of the duplex receptacles is black. Contact us to inquire about color options available for special order.

8. Do you have the electrical specs for the Byrne 8-Trac System?

   See this PDF for hardwire power source infeed information. The Byrne 8-Trac System is rated for 20 amps, allowing the use of four circuits with four line conductors, two neutrals and two grounds. The fourth circuit is isolated and dedicated and is serviced by its own line conductor, neutral and isolated ground. Under National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements, up to 13 duplex receptacles may be used per circuit, with a total of 52 available receptacles if all circuits are used, per single hardwire power infeed. The line conductors are 12 AWG and share a 12 AWG ground and 10 AWG neutral.

   The Power & Data Rail system utilizes four circuits: three for general purpose that share a common neutral and ground, and one circuit that has a dedicated neutral and ground. This dedicated circuit is sometimes used as the "computer" circuit because it does not share a neutral conductor, reducing the chance for electrical noise originating from other loads. This is not strictly necessary; many users plug their computers into any of the four circuits without issue.

   Byrne duplex receptacles are marked as 1, 2, 3, and 4. Receptacles marked 1, 2, and 3 connect to the three general purpose circuits and the receptacle marked 4 connects to the dedicated circuit. If you choose to only plug computers into the dedicated circuit, you may need to use additional power infeeds, which may require an electrician. As a general rule, you can assume 250W (2.08A) for each computer receptacle and 180W (1.5A) for each general purpose receptacle when calculating for each 20A circuit.

9. Can I order a Power & Data Rail with no outlets or ports?

   Yes, by contacting us to place a custom order. We don't offer this product without outlets or ports online because this is not a common configuration, but the rail is designed for it. Some users need a Power & Data Rail without outlets or ports in order to route power and data across an area where there aren't desks or other things that need to be plugged in.