[SUBMITTAL INFORMATION]

DESIGN A/E NOTE - GUIDE SPECIFICATION CONVENTIONS

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SECTION 271500

COMMUNICATIONS HORIZONTAL CABLING

(Edited from DeCA June 2017 Design Criteria)

PART 1 - GENERAL

1.1  SUMMARY

  1. Section Includes:
  2. Pathways.
  3. UTP cabling.
  4. Micrometer, optical fiber cabling.
  5. Coaxial cable.
  6. Multiuser telecommunications outlet assemblies.
  7. Cable connecting hardware, patch panels, and cross-connects.
  8. Telecommunications outlet/connectors.
  9. Cabling system identification products.
  10. Cable management system.

1.2  DEFINITIONS

Retain definition(s) remaining after this Section has been edited.

  1. Basket Cable Tray: A fabricated structure consisting of wire mesh bottom and side rails.
  2. BICSI: Building Industry Consulting Service International.
  3. Channel Cable Tray: A fabricated structure consisting of a one-piece, ventilated-bottom or solid-bottom channel.
  4. Consolidation Point: A location for interconnection between horizontal cables extending from building pathways and horizontal cables extending into furniture pathways.
  5. Cross-Connect: A facility enabling the termination of cable elements and their interconnection or cross-connection.
  6. Ladder Cable Tray: A fabricated structure consisting of two longitudinal side rails connected by individual transverse members (rungs).
  7. LAN: Local area network.
  8. MUTOA: Multiuser telecommunications outlet assembly, a grouping in one location of several telecommunications outlet/connectors.
  9. Outlet/Connectors: A connecting device in the work area on which horizontal cable or outlet cable terminates.
  10. RCDD: Registered Communications Distribution Designer.
  11. Solid-Bottom or Nonventilated Cable Tray: A fabricated structure consisting of longitudinal side rails and a bottom without ventilation openings.
  12. Trough or Ventilated Cable Tray: A fabricated structure consisting of longitudinal side rails and a bottom having openings for the passage of air.
  13. UTP: Unshielded twisted pair.

1.3  HORIZONTAL CABLING DESCRIPTION

  1. Horizontal cable and its connecting hardware provide the means of transporting signals between the telecommunications outlet/connector and the horizontal cross-connect located in the communications equipment room. This cabling and its connecting hardware are called "permanent link", a term that is used in the testing protocols.
  2. TIA/EIA-568-B.1 recommends that a minimum of two telecommunications outlet/connectors be installed for each work area.
  3. Horizontal cabling shall contain no more that one transition point or consolidation point between the horizontal cross-connect and the telecommunications outlet/connector.
  4. Bridged taps and splices shall not be installed in the horizontal cabling.
  5. Splitters shall not be installed as part of the optical fiber cabling.
  6. A work area is approximately 100 sq. ft., and includes the components that extend from the telecommunications outlet/connectors to the station equipment.
  7. The maximum allowable horizontal cable length is 295 feet. This maximum allowable length does not include an allowance for the length of 16 feet to the workstation equipment. The maximum allowable length does not include an allowance for the length of 16 feet in the horizontal cross-connect.

1.4  PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

  1. General Performance: Horizontal cabling system shall comply with transmission standards in TIA/EIA-568-B.1, when tested according to test procedures of this standard.

1.5  SUBMITTALS

  1. Product Data: For each type of product indicated.

Retain subparagraph below for coaxial cable. Installation data for UTP and optical fiber cabling are specified in the referenced TIA/EIA standards.

  1. For coaxial cable, include the following installation data for each type used:
  2. Nominal OD.
  3. Minimum bending radius.
  4. Maximum pulling tension.
  5. Shop Drawings:

Retain one of first two subparagraphs below.

  1. System Labeling Schedules: Electronic copy of labeling schedules, in software and format selected by Government.
  2. System Labeling Schedules: Electronic copy of labeling schedules that are part of the cabling and asset identification system of the software.
  3. Cabling administration drawings and printouts.
  4. Wiring diagrams to show typical wiring schematics, including the following:
  5. Cross-connects.
  6. Patch panels.
  7. Patch cords.
  8. Cross-connects and patch panels. Detail mounting assemblies, and show elevations and physical relationship between the installed components.
  9. Cable tray layout, showing cable tray route to scale, with relationship between the tray and adjacent structural, electrical, and mechanical elements. Include the following:
  10. Vertical and horizontal offsets and transitions.
  11. Clearances for access above and to side of cable trays.
  12. Vertical elevation of cable trays above the floor or bottom of ceiling structure.
  13. Load calculations to show dead and live loads as not exceeding manufacturer's rating for tray and its support elements.

Retain first paragraph below when workstation outlet faceplates have critical features needing hands-on appraisal.

  1. Samples: For workstation outlets, jacks, jack assemblies, in specified finish, one for each size and outlet configuration and faceplates for color selection and evaluation of technical features.

Coordinate first paragraph below with qualification requirements in Division01 Section Quality Control and as supplemented in "Quality Assurance" Article.

  1. Qualification Data: For Installer,qualified layout technician, installation supervisor, and field inspector.
  2. Source quality-control reports.

Retain first paragraph below if Contractor is responsible for field quality-control testing and inspecting.

  1. Field quality-control reports.
  2. Maintenance Data: For splices and connectors to include in maintenance manuals.

Retain paragraph below for PC-based cabling administration systems.

  1. Software and Firmware Operational Documentation:
  2. Software operating and upgrade manuals.
  3. Program Software Backup: On magnetic media or compact disk, complete with data files.
  4. Device address list.
  5. Printout of software application and graphic screens.

1.6  QUALITY ASSURANCE

  1. Installer Qualifications: Cabling Installer must have personnel certified by BICSI on staff.
  2. Layout Responsibility: Preparation of Shop Drawingsand Cabling Administration Drawings,Cabling Administration Drawings, and field testing program development by an RCDD.
  3. Installation Supervision: Installation shall be under the direct supervision of Level2 Installer, who shall be present at all times when Work of this Section is performed at Project site.

Delete subparagraph below if Contractor performs field quality control.

  1. Testing Supervisor: Currently certified by BICSI as an RCDD to supervise on-site testing.

Retain first paragraph below if Contractor or manufacturer selects testing agency or if Contractor is required to provide services of a qualified testing agency in "Field Quality Control" Article. Qualification requirements are in addition to those specified in Division01 Section Quality Control, which also includes the definition for "NRTL" (nationally recognized testing laboratory).

  1. Testing Agency Qualifications: An NRTL.
  2. Testing Agency's Field Supervisor: Currently certified by BICSI as an RCDD to supervise on-site testing.
  3. Surface-Burning Characteristics: As determined by testing identical products according to ASTME84 by a qualified testing agency. Identify products with appropriate markings of applicable testing agency.
  4. Electrical Components, Devices, and Accessories: Listed and labeled as defined in NFPA70, by a qualified testing agency, and marked for intended location and application.
  5. Telecommunications Pathways and Spaces: Comply with TIA/EIA-569-A.
  6. Grounding: Comply with ANSI-J-STD-607-A.

1.7  DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING

According to BICSIITSIM, cables should be tested upon receipt.

  1. Test cables upon receipt at Project site.

Retain one or both of first two subparagraphs below.

  1. Test optical fiber cables to determine the continuity of the strand end to end. Use optical loss test set.
  2. Test optical fiber cables while on reels. Use an optical time domain reflectometer to verify the cable length and locate cable defects, splices, and connector; including the loss value of each. Retain test data and include the record in maintenance data.
  3. Test each pair of UTP cable for open and short circuits.

1.8  PROJECT CONDITIONS

  1. Environmental Limitations: Do not deliver or install cables and connecting materials until wet work in spaces is complete and dry, and temporary HVAC system is operating and maintaining ambient temperature and humidity conditions at occupancy levels during the remainder of the construction period.

1.9  COORDINATION

  1. Coordinate layout and installation of telecommunications pathways and cabling with Owner's telecommunications and LAN equipment and service suppliers.
  2. Coordinate telecommunications outlet/connector locations with location of power receptacles at each work area.

1.10  SOFTWARE SERVICE AGREEMENT

Services in this article may not be allowed for publicly funded projects.

Retain this article for computer-based, special-purpose cabling administration software.

  1. Technical Support: Beginning with Substantial Completion, provide software support for two years.
  2. Upgrade Service: Update software to latest version at Project completion. Install and program software upgrades that become available within two years from date of Substantial Completion. Upgrading software shall include operating system. Upgrade shall include new or revised licenses for use of software.
  3. Provide [30] <Insert number> days' notice to Government to allow scheduling and access to system and to allow Government to upgrade computer equipment if necessary.

1.11  EXTRA MATERIALS

  1. Furnish extra materials that match products installed and that are packaged with protective covering for storage and identified with labels describing contents.
  2. Patch-Panel Units: One of each type
  3. Connecting Blocks: One of each type.
  4. Outlet Assembly: [One] <Insert number> of each type for every 25 installed, but not less than one.

PART 2 - PRODUCTS

2.1  PATHWAYS

  1. General Requirements: Comply with TIA/EIA-569-A.

Retain first paragraph below if cable support brackets are used in communications equipment room.

  1. Cable Support: NRTL labeled for support of Category6 cabling, designed to prevent degradation of cable performance and pinch points that could damage cable.
  2. Support brackets with cable tie slots for fastening cable ties to brackets.
  3. Lacing bars, spools, J-hooks, and D-rings.
  4. Straps and other devices.
  5. Cable Trays:
  6. See Division 26 Section Cable Trays for Electrical Systems.
  7. Conduit and Boxes: Comply with requirements in Division26 Section Raceway and Boxes for Electrical Systems.
  8. Outlet boxes shall be no smaller than 2 inches wide, 3 inches high, and 2-1/2 inches deep.

2.2  BACKBOARDS

  1. Backboards: Plywood, fire-retardant treated, 3/4 by 48 by 96 inches. Comply with requirements in Division06 Section Rough Carpentry for plywood backing panels.

Delete paragraph below if all cross-connect and patch panels are mounted on backboards. Coordinate with Drawings.

2.3  MOUNTING ELEMENTS

  1. Distribution Racks: Freestanding and wall-mounting, modular-steel units designed for telecommunications terminal support and data service, coordinated with dimensions of units to be supported.

Revise dimensions in first subparagraph below to suit project or delete and indicate on Drawings.

  1. Approximate Module Dimensions (free-standing): 84 inches high by 24 inches wide by 30 inches deep; front and back doors, 4 post.
  2. Where double-width freestanding modules are required or shown on the drawings, the units shall consist of two modules as described above, unitized by bolting together. The finished metal sidewalls between the two unitized modules may be omitted.
  3. Approximate module Dimensions (wall-mounted): 48 inches high by 22.85 inches wide by 20.29 inches deep; front door only, 2 post.
  4. Finish: Baked-polyester powder coat.
  5. Doors: Acrylic front door, lockable; lockable rear door.
  6. Ventilation: Low-dB forced air, top loaded, 400 cfm for free-standing modules.
  7. Power strip.
  8. Shelves: Webbed or vented for air flow, ¾ depth; 3 each (free-standing), 1 ea. (wall-mtd.).
  9. Rails: For 19” standard mounting, adjustable.
  10. Bolts: Provide 80 each equipment mounting bolts with each free-standing module; 30 each for wall-mount cabinets for mounting user-furnished equipment.

2.4  UTP CABLE

Copy this article and re-edit for each product.

  1. Manufacturers: Subject to compliance with requirements, available manufacturers offering products that may be incorporated into the Work include, but are not limited to, the following:
  2. Belden CDT Inc.; Electronics Division.
  3. Berk-Tek; a Nexans company.
  4. CommScope, Inc.
  5. Genesis Cable Products; Honeywell International, Inc.
  6. KRONE Incorporated; ADC Telecommunication, Inc.
  7. Mohawk; a division of Belden CDT.
  8. Nordex/CDT; a subsidiary of Cable Design Technologies.
  9. Superior Essex Inc.
  10. SYSTIMAX Solutions; a CommScope, Inc. brand.
  11. Tyco Electronics/AMP Netconnect; Tyco International Ltd.
  12. Description: 100-ohm, 4-pair UTP covered with a thermoplastic jacket.
  13. Comply with ICEAS-90-661 for mechanical properties.
  14. Comply with TIA/EIA-568-B.1 for performance specifications.
  15. Comply with TIA/EIA-568-B.2, Category6.
  16. Listed and labeled by an NRTL acceptable to authorities having jurisdiction as complying with UL444 and NFPA70 for the following types:

Type requirements in subparagraphs below are minimum requirements and may be revised to suit Project. Retain options if "permitted substitutions," as defined in NFPA70, are appropriate for this Project.