RE: Re: Telephone wiring question : Max REN Count

["Hawes,Timothy Edward (GEG)" <haweste@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: ianh1000  Sent: 16 April 2004 09:40
>
> I am also looking at wiring my phones back to a patch panel and I am
> a little concerned about the number of devices I may have to connect.
>
> Tivo ( Modem to dial out)
> DECT phone
> Hardwired phone for backup
> ADSL Router
> BT Freeview Box ( Netgem) for caller ID only
> Printer / FAX ( plugged in only when in use )
>
> I would also like to get another 2 of the BT Freeview boxes as they
> are good value. The BT box has no record of a REN number, and I don't
> think the Router does either. I think the DECT phone and hardwired
> phone are both 1 each. Do devices like the router and Netgem box need
> to be considered? I assume they do.
>
> It could also be a bit of a mess with ADSL filters etc. I assume the
> best move would be to have 1 filter at the master socket then take
> all of the other connections in parrallel off this.

Ian,

Keith D's probably got a much more accurate answer than me, but IIRC, as a
manufacturer, you can't quote a REN less than 1.0, even if it is
substantially lower then 1.0. Also IIRC, modern telephone equipment *is*
much lower than 1.0, the REN was introduced (?) when phones still had bells
etc. in them and drew more current from the line.

If you find you've got too many devices, there is a cheap-ish solution - a
REN booster - CPC do one:
http://custom1.farnell.com/cpc/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=cpc+catalogue&product%5Fid=267172
for just under 40-quid plus VAT.

It's a mains-powered device and boosts the allowable REN from 4 to 11.

For your filter question, I don't have ADSL, but what you suggest sounds
correct :-)

HTH,

Tim H.

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