IDC Punchdown
Selecting the appropriate Punchdown Tool can significantly reduce labor costs, especially considering the eight wires that need to be pierced through IDC, necessitating eight punchdowns. The last thing you need is a poorly designed tool that hampers your user experience and causes unnecessary trouble, even if the job eventually gets done.
These tools can typically be categorized into those specifically designated for 110 blocks and dual-type tools suitable for both 110 and KRONE connectors.
110 Punchdown Tools
110 Blocks are widely used in telecom and structured cabling systems worldwide. Unless otherwise specified, they consistently feature 110 Blocks on the rear of all the jacks and panels. While many 110 Tools may appear similar in the market, the HCI 110 Punchdown Tool distinguishes itself with several notable features that differentiate itself from other tools in the market:
❏ The spring-loaded cutting provides an optimal punchdown force, effortlessly sitting wires with adjustable settings for strengths.
❏ The ergonomic cushion grip ensures a comfortable feel, reducing hand stress during extensive work on large sites.
❏ Built-in hook/spudger for convenient removal and cleaning of debris during re-termination processes.
Krone Insertion Tools
The tool for terminating the Krone LSA-PLUS block, a proprietary European alternative to the 110 block.
The Krone Block can be easily distinguished from 110 Blocks by the angle of its contacts in relation to the wire.
To insert wires into the Krone Block, a Krone-specific punch-down tool is required. The Krone insertion tool offers an excellent user experience, thanks to its swinging-scissors cutting design. Seating wires and performing cuts with this tool typically demands less effort.
Due to its mechanical design, the Krone insertion tool usually requires greater spacing between two IDC rows in comparison to a 110 punch-down tool.