GLOSSARY

Acoustical Panel- A panel with an acoustic function and Territorial Privrating.

Access- The points at which electrical equipment can be plugged into the furniture’s distribution system, and cables are made available for connecting data and telecommunications.

Accessories -Items which allow users to personalize their office furniture and/or work process, such as trays, suspended file folder frames, etc.

Acoustical Privacy -See Privacy and Interaction Levels.

Adjustable Glides- Support devices for leveling and/or stabilizing products. (Alternately referred to as glides, levelers, or height adjusters.)

Ambient Lighting Fixture – An illuminating device oriented to direct its output toward the ceiling to provide to general room illumination. The light source can be incandescent, fluorescent, or high intensity discharge lamps.

Amperage- The quantity of electrical current needed to operate an electrical device.

Anchored- Fastened to a part of the building structure or other stable support in such a way as to secure the product against tipping or displacement.

Anti-rebound- The feature that ensures that a drawer will stay closed and will not roll out of the compartment opening or recoil from it when closed with normal force.

Back Panel – An integral surface extending across the back of an open knee space of a desk, table or workstation (also referred to as a modesty panel).

Base power in- Provides power to powerways in the base of panels either at any receptacle location or at other connection points by linking them to the building’s main power source. Breakaway base power ins are available to meet OSHPD requirements in California.

Base Trim – A protective and or aesthetic component which runs along the bottom edge of a panel.

Bin- see Overhead Storage Bin

Binder Bin - see Overhead Storage Bin

Box Drawer- A pedestal drawer which accommodates tools, stationery, or personal storage.

Bridge- An auxiliary worksurface that connects two worksurfaces to create a U-shaped workstation.

Build-up -A combination of individual components in order to create a product in a size or combination of parts not available as a standard product.

Cabling- Cables carry low voltage for data and communications equipment (as opposed to wiring, which carries high voltages).

Cable Pole -Brings communications cabling from the ceiling to the panel or furniture.

Cableway- See Grommet

Cantilevered -A method of mounting a projecting surface or structure and extending it over a space.

Case -The cabinet shell, including all structural parts but excluding the drawers and shelves.

Ceiling System - The means by which electrical power is distributed through the ceiling of a commercial building.

Central-Locking System -A mechanism that allows pedestals and lateral files beneath a worksurface to be locked with a single action

Clear Access End Panel – A worksurface support, either footed or non-footed, that provides knee space clearance for movement between adjacent worksurfaces.

Churn -The physical movement of people, furniture and equipment within an office environment.

Cluster -Physical grouping of workstations that share one or more panels.

C.O.M. -See Customer’s Own Material

Component -Refers to the parts that are assembled to make buildups (worksurfaces, back panels, end panels, etc.)

Compressor - A device, generally consisting of a formed or flat plate, that is used to support materials in a file drawer and that usually locks into position.

Conventional Filing – Files are placed front-to-back in a file drawer. The method of housing filing material which uses folders and index guides that are supported by the bottom of the drawer and oriented from front to rear.

Cord Catcher -An option on some worksurfaces that has a bin for separate cord and cable management below the worksurfaces, and an opening on the worksurface that will accept pull up receptacles.

Corner Post – A vertical, integral component used at the intersection, convergence or change in direction of a panel run.

Counterweight – Material added to the product to improve stability (in lateral files as a resistance to tipping).

Credenza -Usually a low, wide cabinet containing various combinations of drawers and storage compartments.

Cross Filing – Files are placed side-by-side in a file drawer.

Customer’s Own Material (C.O.M.) – A fabric chosen by a customer from an outside vendor for use on a Knoll Product. C.O.M’s must be pre-approved by Knoll.

Dedicated Circuit -A circuit that has its own hot neutral and ground wires, designed to protect sensitive equipment.

Designated Circuit – A circuit which the user designates for use with a specific type of equipment, such as lights or personal computers. Unlike a dedicated circuit, in a designated circuit the neutral wire, ground wire, or both wires can be shared with other circuits.

Distribution – (Electrical Term) The routing of cords and cables from interface to access points.

Desk- An article of furniture with a flat top for writing and drawer(s) for article storage.

Desk-Double Pedestal - A desk or worksurface that includes two drawer pedestals with a knee space between the pedestals.

Desk- Single Pedestal - A desk or worksurface with one pedestal.

Dividers -Plates provided in drawers, roll out shelves, or fixed shelves to separate and support file contents. (Also referred to as file supports or partitions).

Drawer- A typical drawer includes the body, back, and a fixed, full drawer front which closes op the opening.

• Box Drawer – A drawer, generally 4-8″ high, used for general storage.
• Center Drawer – A centrally-located drawer under the top of the desk or desk related product, generally 4″ or less in height.
• File Drawer – A pedestal drawer which will accommodate files.
• Storage Drawer – See Box Drawer.
• Personal Drawer – A drawer generally less than 4″ or less in height, used for general storage.
• EDP Drawer – A drawer which has 15″ high sides and accommodates electronic data printouts

Duplex -Receptacle with two outlets.

End Support Panel – 1) A panel mounted at an angle to a panel run to give support to the run. 2) A specific purpose panel attached perpendicular to a panel run to add stability to the run or loaded section of a run. 3) A support used on the ends of worksurfaces and overhead storage units.

ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) – The spark generated when a person walks across a carpet or takes off a sweater on a dry day.

Filler panel – A panel intended to complete an enclosure that can be adjusted, modified, or is especially fabricated to conform to a space or surface different than that which can be accommodated by a panel available in the normal offering.

Flipper Door - An overhead storage unit door that opens up from bottom of the unit and slides into the top of the cabinet or over the top of the cabinet.

Floor System – The means by which electrical power is distributed through the floor of a commercial building.

Flush Front – A type of cabinet design in which the drawer fronts overlap the case uprights and cross rails, as opposed to a design in which the drawer heads inset in the cabinet openings and expose the cabinet members.

Foot- A support member attached near the bottom edge of a panel to assist or provide stability. See Panel Support Leg.

Fully Extended – The roll out shelf or drawer pulled out to the limit of its stops.

Ganging - The arrangement of two or more products secured together ina bank (side-to-side, opposed, or a combination of both) for the purpose of increasing stability.

Glazed Panel- A panel with a transparent or translucent material as its major surface.

Glide- A component that rests on the floor with a threaded shank that permits height adjustment.

Half Height Drawer -A drawer that is equal in height to one half an opening.

Half Height End Support – The component(s) necessary to join panels of dissimilar heights.

Half Height Rollout Shelf – Extendable shelves of a design and dimension to enable two to fit into a standard height opening. Used for card filing, etc., and secured by a standard door.

Hangar Bracket – A device fastened to any hang-on component that attaches that component to a panel.

Hang-on Capability – A panel designed to support panel mounted components.

Hang-On Component – A product intended to be used in a panel system which provides the support for the component.

Hardwired (Electrical Term) – A fixed connection between electrical components and building electrical source. Hardwiring must be done by a licensed electrical contractor or engineer.

Harness- Any of the special, concealed electrical conductors that can be used in place of light cords.

High Intensity Discharge – A lighting fixture whose illuminating device uses controlled current to provide a high level of illumination, usually reflected from a ceiling surface.

Hinge - A rigid device attached to a panel and having an external vertical axis allowing the panel to pivot out of alignment of a panel run.

Interaction Levels - See Privacy and Interaction Levels.

Interface – The points at which the furniture electrical distribution system is linked to the building system, to bring electrical power into the workstation.

Interlock- A device that couples two or more drawers together to prevent simultaneous opening.

JumperConnector – Flexible connectors at each end of the powerway that attach to a flag terminal (or parking station) on the adjacent powerway to link panels electrically. Flags allow the powerways to turn corners and form L-,T-, or X-panel configurations

JumperTerminal – A set of electrical contact points located at an end of a powerway that accepts jumper connector from a power pole.

Knocked Down – (KD) A product shipped in pieces/segments to be assembled at point of use.

Knockouts- Provisions for accommodating screws, locks, receptacles, etc. if and when they are added by the customer or dealer. This is accomplished by semi-punching the holes and leaving the slug that is normally ejected in the hole in such a way that it can be “knocked-ot” when required. In this way, unsightly open holes can be avoided.

Laminate- The product resulting from bonding two or more layers of material with adhesive.

Lateral File – A filing unit whose major dimension extends horizontally. (Also referred to as a horizontal file) The depth can vary to accept letter, legal or EDP filing material. The width is generally greater than the depth. Lateral files are usually offered in two-drawer to five drawer cabinets.

Legal Size - The dimension description for a cabinet that will accommodate 81/2″ x 14″ documents.

Letter Size – The dimension description for a cabinet that is limited to 81/2″ x 11″ documents.

Leveler – Metal or plastic disc usually attached to a threaded shank fastened to a base for stability, straightness or to prevent leaning. (see Glide)

Lock – A key or combination-operated mechanism used to secure a drawer or door.

• Cam Lock – A rotary lock that requires key action for both locking and unlocking.

Lounge Seating Freestanding seating intended for use in areas such as waiting rooms, reception areas, or lounges. Lounge seating is generally not adjustable for personal use.

Lower Storage - Storage components, such as pedestals and lateral files, which attach beneath the worksurface.

Modesty Panel – See Back Panel

Modular System – Collection of related units, some of which are dimensional multiples of others, into various horizontal and/or vertical arrangements, to serve purposes including storage, display, shelving, etc.

National Electrical Code - The most widely accepted listing of minimum standards for electrical installations in the US.

Noise Reduction Coefficient - (NRC) A measurement used to test the ability of an object to reduce sound, i.e., panel NRC rating of .65.

Outlet- A receptacle into which electrical appliances, extension cords, etc. can be plugged.

Overhead Storage – Storage components, such as shelves, and bins that attach to panels or end panels above the worksurface.

Overhead Storage- A Bin, panel or stanchion supported unit for filing or storage, as in binder bin, file bin, storage bin. Units are available in varying widths and depths, with or without doors.

Panel – A flat or curved surface that controls and/or defines space, provides privacy, and route and access utilities. Structural panels provide support for hanging components. Non-load bearing panels are used to divide space but not support components.

Panel – Base Cavity Base raceway which is an enclosed space within the panel base through which powerways or cables can be distributed.

Panel Connector – The device or collection of devices used to mechanically interconnect two or more panels.

Panel-Mounted Components – Product intended to be supported wholly by a panel system, i.e., panel-supported worksurfaces.

Panel-Mounted Light – A task or ambient light that is mounted to a panel.

Panel Run – Two or more panels connected in a straight line.

Panel Support Leg – A device attached near the base of a panel to provide or assist in maintaining the vertical stability. (see Foot)

Pedestal- A storage unit with drawers or doors attached to the underside of a worksurface.

Posting Shelf - An extendable shelf that is located between standard openings in a cabinet, and used for supporting filing material during the storage or retrieval process.

Power Pole – Brings power from the ceiling to the base of the panel or furniture.

Powerway- An electrical product that is housed in the base of a panel and used to build an electrical distribution network. Connectors link one powerway to the next, allowing for uninterrupted power flow from one panel to another. Receptacles plug into powerways.

Powerway Connection - An electrical connection between powerways in two adjacent panels that extends the distribution of electrical power through both panels.

Privacy and Interaction Levels – Panels are offered in a variety of heights to accommodate varying needs for privacy and interaction.

• Territorial Privacy: 40″-45″ Visual contact while sitting
• Seated Privacy: 48″-53″ Limits visual contact when sitting
• Standing Privacy: 60″-68″ Limits visual contact when standing
• Acoustical Privacy: 78″-83″ No visual contact, also reduces sound

Pull- The part of a drawer front that provides the means to physically open the drawer. It may be either a projecting hardware item (referred to as a handle) or a recessed part (referred to as a flush pull). The recessed type of pull may employ a separate hardware item or it may be an integral part of the drawer front

Receptacle- A fitting that allows access to electrical power. Receptacles can have one (simplex), two (duplex), or three (triplex) outlets to accept plugs.

Return- A secondary worksurface which attaches to the front of a primary worksurface to form an L-shaped workstation. A return is like a desk with one end panel.

Seated Privacy – See Privacy and Interaction Levels.

Shared Cantilever – Supports two worksurfaces at the same height and is concealed beneath the worksurfaces.

Stabilizer Panel – A panel mounted perpendicular to the normal panel run. (see End Support Panel and Return Panel)

Side Rail – A vertical, structural panel member attached along the edge of a panel and slotted to accept hanger brackets.

Sound Transmission – Class A measurement used to test the ability of an object to block sound, i.e., panel STC of .21.

Standing Privacy – See Privacy and Interaction Levels.

Storage Bin – A panel mounted storage unit with or without a door.

Support Panel – Panel Mounted at an angle to a panel run. (see Return Panel and Stabilizer Panel)

Suspension- The system that is used to facilitate the movement of the roll out shelf or drawer in and out of the case. (also referred to as drawer glides)

Systems

• Panel-Based Systems – Individually connected panels and worksurface, filing, storage and shelving components and accessories which receive their primary support from panels and which, when combined, form complete workstations.
• Freestanding Systems – Furniture made up of independent worksurface and storage units which do not require panels for support.

Tackboard - A visual display device with a substrate designed to accept and hold thumb tacks or push pins. The visible surface may have a decorative covering such as fabric.

Tackability- allows items to be solidly tacked to a surface with a thumb tack or push pin.

Territorial Privacy – See Privacy and Interaction Levels.

Three-Phase Power – The present standard for incoming electrical service in commercial buildings. Designed to support three sets of 120-Volt circuits. Also called 208Y/120V service.

Transaction Worksurface – A worksurface which attaches to the top of a panel and can be used by standing visitors.

Vertical File - A cabinet containing drawers used for storage and retrieval of documents. The majority of vertical file cabinets are of one or two widths, designed to accommodate letter or legal size documents, and two to five drawers high. Variations from these basic forms include an assortment of sizes of files to accommodate material from small cards to large drawings. The definition refers mainly to letter and legal sized files.

Wall Mount – A vertical component (wall standard) intended to be attached to an existing building wall to permit attachment of a panel or panel run.

Wire Manager – A cable handling device used to house external wires and cables.

Workstation- A grouping of furniture items and components that when assembled or placed in a location describes where a person performs his or her individual work.

Worksurface- A flat surface which provides a work area. Supported by drawer pedestals, end panels, C-legs, or panel mounted on cantilevers.