MD ANDERSON Project No. XX-XXXX / MD ANDERSON Project Name
A/E Name / Issue Description
A/E Project No. / Month, 00, 0000

SECTION 27 0528 – pathways FOR COMMUNICATIONS systems

PART 1 - GENERAL

1.01RELATED DOCUMENTS

  1. Drawings and general provisions of the Contract, including General Conditions and Division 01 Specification Sections, apply to this Section.
  2. Specifications throughout all Divisions of the Project Manual are directly applicable to this Section, and this Section is directly applicable to them.

1.02SUMMARY

  1. This section includes the minimum requirements for communications cable pathway installations.
  2. Interbuilding Cable Routing
  3. Horizontal Cable Routing
  4. Products
  5. Common Requirements for Communications Installations
  6. Separation from EMI Sources
  7. Wire Mesh Cable Tray
  8. Sleeve Installation for Communications Penetrations
  9. Penetration of Building Surfaces
  10. Cutting and Patching
  11. Retrofit-Cutover

1.03REFERENCE STANDARDS and codes

  1. Refer to Section 27 00 00.

1.04INTRABUILDING CABLE ROUTING

  1. Adequate riser sleeve/slot space shall be available with the ability to ingress the area at a later date in all telecommunications rooms, such that no drilling of additional sleeves/slots are necessary.
  2. The backbone cables shall be installed in a star topology, emanating from the main cross-connect to each telecommunications room. An intermediate cross-connect may be present between the main cross-connect and the horizontal cross-connect.
  3. Backbone pathways shall be installed or selected such that the minimum bend radius and pulling tension of backbone cables is kept within cable manufacturer specifications both during and after installation.

1.05INTERBUILDING CABLE ROUTING

  1. The backbone subsystem shall include cable installed between buildings via underground, tunnel, direct -buried, aerial or any combination of these from the main cross-connect to an intermediate cross-connect in a multi-building campus.
  2. In an underground system, adequate underground conduit space shall be available and accessible at each building via the Entrance Facility or the Maintenance holes. The conduits shall not exceed a fill factor of 40 percent.
  3. All underground systems shall be designed to prevent water runoff from entering the building.
  4. The backbone cables shall be installed in a star topology, emanating from the main cross-connect to each satellite building telecommunications room.
  5. Backbone pathways shall be installed or selected such that the minimum bend radius and pulling tension of backbone cables is kept within cable manufacturer specifications both during and after installation.

1.06HORIZONTAL CABLE ROUTING

  1. All horizontal cables shall not exceed 90 m (295 ft) from the telecommunications outlets in the work area to the horizontal cross connect.
  2. Consolidation points shall not be used.
  3. Horizontal pathways shall be installed or selected such that the minimum bend radius of horizontal cables is kept within manufacturer specifications both during and after installation.
  4. In open ceiling cabling, cable supports shall be provided by means that is structurally independent of the suspended ceiling, its framework, or supports. These supports shall be spaced no more than 1.5 m (5 ft) apart. NOTE: Cable tie-downs should maintain a minimum distance of 0.6 m (2 ft) apart when within 5 m (16 ft) of the termination point. Contact Owner to get project specific requirements on use of “Saddle Bags” type of pathways.
  5. For voice or data applications, 4-pair copper balanced twisted-pair cables shall be run using a star topology from the telecommunications room serving that floor to every individual information outlet. The Owner prior to installation of the cabling shall approve all cable routes.
  6. The Contractor shall observe the bend radius and pulling strength requirements of the 4 pair copper balanced twisted-pair optic cable during handling and installation.
  7. Each run of 4-pair copper twisted-pair cable between horizontal portions of the cross-connect in the telecommunication closet and the information outlet shall not contain splices.
  8. In a false ceiling environment, a minimum of 75 mm (3 in) shall be observed between the cable supports and the false ceiling.
  9. Continuous conduit runs installed by the contractor should not exceed 30.5 m (100 ft) or contain more than two (2) 90 degree bends without utilizing appropriately sized pull boxes.
  10. All horizontal pathways shall be designed, installed and grounded to meet applicable local and national building and electrical codes.
  11. The number of horizontal cables placed in a cable support or pathway shall be limited to a number of cables that will not cause a geometric shape of the cables to be altered. Under no circumstances should cables in the horizontal pathway be bundled. This is to minimize “alien” cross talk.
  12. Maximum conduit pathway capacity shall not exceed a 40 percent fill. However, perimeter and furniture fill ratio is limited to 60% fill for moves, adds, and changes.
  13. Horizontal distribution cables shall not be exposed in the work area or other locations with public access.

PART 2 - PRODUCTS

2.01General

  1. All materials shall meet or exceed all applicable referenced standards, federal, state and local requirements, and conform to codes and ordinances of authorities having jurisdiction.

2.02submittals

  1. Refer to Section 27 00 00.

2.03cable pathway systems

  1. Cable Support: NRTL labeled and designed to prevent degradation of cable performance and pinch points that could damage cable. Also to be installed independently of “Other Trades” support system.
  2. Wire Mesh Cable Tray
  3. Support brackets with cable tie slots for fastening cable ties to brackets.
  4. Basket style cable trays are the preferred method of installation. Telecommunications cable shall be installed in “Saddle bags” type of pathways from the point of departing from main cable trays.
  5. Straps and other devices.
  6. Approved manufacturers:
  7. Snake Tray
  8. Cooper B-Line
  9. Chatsworth Products, Inc (CPI)
  10. Wiremaid
  11. Similar products, after approval by Owner

2.04cabinets/racks/vertical wire management

  1. Approved manufacturers:
  2. Chatsworth Products, Inc (CPI)
  3. CPI Rack Part # 5503-703
  4. CPI Concrete Anchor Part # 20067-001
  5. Cooper B-Line
  6. B-line Rack Part # SB506084XUFB
  7. CPI Concrete Anchor Part # 20067-001

2.05SLEEVES FOR PATHWAYS AND CABLES

  1. Steel Pipe Sleeves: ASTMA53/A53M, TypeE, GradeB, Schedule40, galvanized steel, plain ends, with plastic bushings.
  2. Sleeves for Rectangular Openings: Galvanized sheet steel.
  3. Minimum Metal Thickness:
  4. For sleeve cross-section rectangle perimeter less than 50 inches (1270 mm) and no side more than 16 inches (400 mm), thickness shall be 0.052 inch (1.3 mm).
  5. For sleeve cross-section rectangle perimeter equal to, or more than, 50 inches (1270 mm) and 1 or more sides equal to, or more than, 16 inches (400 mm), thickness shall be 0.138 inch (3.5 mm).

2.06GROUT

  1. Nonmetallic, Shrinkage-Resistant Grout: ASTMC1107, factory-packaged, nonmetallic aggregate grout, noncorrosive, nonstaining, mixed with water to consistency suitable for application and a 30-minute working time.

2.07firestopping

  1. Subject to compliance with requirements, provide products of one of the following manufacturers:
  2. Hilti Firestop Systems.
  3. 3M, Electrical Products Division, St. Paul, Minnesota.
  4. Metacaulk; Rectorseal Corp., Houston, Texas
  5. Specified Technologies Inc., Somerville, New Jersey.
  6. United States Gypsum Company.
  7. Provide materials classified by UL to provide fire barrier equal to time rating of construction being penetrated.
  8. Provide asbestos free materials that comply with applicable Codes and have been tested in accordance with UL 1479 or ASTM E 814.
  9. Fire Rated Cable Pathways: Device modules comprised of steel raceway with intumescent foam pads allowing 0 to 100 percent cable fill, the following products are acceptable:
  10. Specified Technologies Inc. (STI) EZ-PATH™ Fire Rated Pathway
  11. Or equivalent product from different manufacturer, after approval by Owner.

PART 3 - EXECUTION

3.01COMMON REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMUNICATIONS INSTALLATION

  1. Installation shall meet or exceed all applicable federal, state and local requirements, referenced standards and conform to codes and ordinances of authorities having jurisdiction.
  2. All installation shall be in accordance with manufacturer’s published recommendations.
  3. Install to facilitate service, maintenance, and repair or replacement of components of both communications equipment and other nearby installations. Connect in such a way as to facilitate future disconnecting with minimum interference with other items in the vicinity.
  4. Right of Way: Give to piping systems installed at a required slope.

3.02Separation from EMI Sources:

  1. Comply with TIAEIA-569-A recommendations for separating unshielded copper voice and data communication cable from potential EMI sources, including electrical power lines and equipment.
  2. Separation between open communications cables or cables in nonmetallic raceways and unshielded power conductors and electrical equipment shall be as follows:
  3. Electrical Equipment Rating Less Than 2 kVA: A minimum of 5 inches.
  4. Electrical Equipment Rating between 2 and 5 kVA: A minimum of 12 inches.
  5. Electrical Equipment Rating More Than 5 kVA: A minimum of 24 inches.
  6. Separation between communications cables in grounded metallic raceways and unshielded power lines or electrical equipment shall be as follows:
  7. Electrical Equipment Rating Less Than 2 kVA: A minimum of 2-1/2 inches.
  8. Electrical Equipment Rating between 2 and 5 kVA: A minimum of 6 inches.
  9. Electrical Equipment Rating More Than 5 kVA: A minimum of 12 inches.
  10. Separation between communications cables in grounded metallic raceways and power lines and electrical equipment located in grounded metallic conduits or enclosures shall be as follows:
  11. Electrical Equipment Rating Less Than 2 kVA: No requirement.
  12. Electrical Equipment Rating between 2 and 5 kVA: A minimum of 3 inches.
  13. Electrical Equipment Rating More Than 5 kVA: A minimum of 6 inches.
  14. Separation between Communications Cables and Electrical Motors and Transformers, 5 kVA or higher: A minimum of 48 inches.
  15. Separation between Communications Cables and Fluorescent Fixtures: A minimum of 5 inches.

3.03Wire Mesh Cable Tray

  1. Provide all components of the tray system (tray, supports, splices, fasteners, and accessories) from a single manufacturer.
  2. Supports will be sized at minimum to match the width of the wire mesh cable tray that is supported. The support may be wider than wire mesh cable tray.
  3. Wire mesh cable tray shall be secured independently to the structural ceiling, building truss system, wall or floor using manufacturer’s recommended supports and appropriate hardware as defined by local code or the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).
  4. When the pathway is overhead, wire mesh cable tray shall be installed with a minimum clearance of 12 inches above the tray. Leave 12 inches in between the tray and ceiling/building truss structure. Multiple tiers of wire mesh cable tray shall be installed with a minimum clearance of 12 inches in between the trays. When located above an acoustical drop ceiling, wire mesh cable tray shall be installed a minimum of 3 inches above the drop ceiling tiles.
  5. When installed under a raised floor, wire mesh cable tray shall be installed with a minimum ¾ inch clearance between the top of the tray and the bottom of the floor tiles or floor system stringers, whichever are lower in elevation. Maintain a 3 inch clearance between trays wherever trays cross over.
  6. Wire mesh cable tray shall be supported by manufacturer’s specifications. Support wire mesh cable tray on both sides of every change in elevation.
  7. Wire mesh cable tray shall be labeled with a sign along its side (6inches by 12inches) that states the Telecommunications Room that it serves and shall point to the direction of the nearest telecommunications room that it serves, spaced at intervals of every 25 feet with footage markers showing the total footage in reference to the Telecommunications Room that it serves.
  8. Secure wire mesh cable tray to each support with a minimum of one fastener. Follow the manufacturers’ recommended assembly, splice and intersection-forming practices.
  9. Use installation tools recommended by the manufacturer to field fabricate wire mesh cable tray intersections and changes in elevation. Use shear cutters to cut wire mesh cable tray. Use a bending tool to form the ends of cut sections downward at 90° to allow easy drop-in installation with approved supports.
  10. Wire mesh cable tray shall be bonded to the Telecommunications Grounding Busbar (TGB) using an approved ground lug on the wire basket tray and a minimum #6 grounding wire or as recommended by the AHJ. Verify bonds at splices and intersections between individual cable tray sections and supports. Cable pathway should be electrically continuous through bonding and attached to the TGB.
  11. The quantity of cables within the tray will not exceed a whole number value equal to 50 percent of the interior area of the tray divided by the cross-sectional area of the cable. Cable fill will not exceed the depth of the cable tray’s side rail (2, 4 or 6 inches).
  12. The combined weight of cables within the tray will not exceed stated load capacity in manufacturer’s specifications.
  13. Separate different media type within the tray. Treat each type of media separately when determining cable fill limits.
  14. When pathways for other utilities or building services are within 2 feet of the wire mesh cable tray, cover the tray after cables are installed.

3.04SLEEVE INSTALLATION FOR COMMUNICATIONS PENETRATIONS

  1. Communications penetrations occur when pathways, cables, wireways, or cable trays penetrate concrete slabs, concrete or masonry walls, or fire-rated floor and wall assemblies.
  2. Concrete Slabs and Walls: Install sleeves for penetrations unless core-drilled holes or formed openings are used. Install sleeves during erection of slabs and walls.
  3. Use pipe sleeves unless penetration arrangement requires rectangular sleeved opening.
  4. Each pipe sleeve, horizontal or vertical, shall have a plastic type “end-bushing” on both ends to protect cables from abrasion when pulled through sleeves. The “end-bushing” shall be installed prior to install cables through sleeve.
  5. Fire-Rated Assemblies: Install sleeves for penetrations of fire-rated floor and wall assemblies unless openings compatible with firestop system used are fabricated during construction of floor or wall.
  6. Cut sleeves to length for mounting flush with both surfaces of walls with respect to plastic “end-bushings”. The plastic “end-bushing” shall be plenum rated if applied in plenum space.
  7. Extend sleeves installed in floors 2 inches above finished floor level with respect to plastic “end-bushings”. The plastic “end-bushing” shall be plenum rated if applied in plenum space.
  8. Size pipe sleeves to provide ¼-inch annular clear space between sleeve and pathway or cable, unless indicated otherwise.
  9. Seal space outside of sleeves with grout for penetrations of concrete and masonry.Promptly pack grout solidly between sleeve and wall so no voids remain. Tool exposed surfaces smooth; protect grout while curing.
  10. Interior Penetrations of Non-Fire-Rated Walls and Floors: Seal annular space between sleeve and pathway or cable, using joint sealant appropriate for size, depth, and location of joint.
  11. Fire-Rated-Assembly Penetrations: Maintain indicated fire rating of walls, partitions, ceilings, and floors at pathway and cable penetrations. Install sleeves and seal pathway and cable penetration sleeves with firestop materials. Comply with requirements in Division07 Section "Penetration Firestopping."
  12. Roof-Penetration Sleeves: Weather seal penetration of individual pathways and cables with flexible boot-type flashing units applied in coordination with roofing work.

3.05SLEEVE-SEAL INSTALLATION

  1. Install to seal exterior wall penetrations.
  2. Use type and number of sealing elements recommended by manufacturer for pathway or cable material and size. Position pathway or cable in center of sleeve. Assemble mechanical sleeve seals and install in annular space between pathway or cable and sleeve. Tighten bolts against pressure plates that cause sealing elements to expand and make watertight seal.
  3. Provide sleeves for new conduit and cable penetrations of building construction.
  4. Openings to accept sleeves in new building construction will be formed in building construction by the Contractor for General Construction work. Openings to accept sleeves in existing building construction shall be provided under this division of the Specifications. Refer to Article, CUTTING AND PATCHING in this Section.
  5. Use galvanized rigid conduit sleeves for penetrations through exterior masonry/concrete walls and foundations, concrete floor slabs on grade and above grade, and concrete-filled decks.
  6. Use only fire-rated listed assemblies for the type of sleeve being installed through CMU walls or gypsum walls for communications penetrations. Sleeve type shall be galvanized rigid conduit.
  7. Where conduits are installed before building construction being penetrated, install sleeves loose around conduits.Split, fit, and weld steel sleeves over existing conduits, with respect to anything flammable in the surrounding environment.
  8. Secure sleeves firmly in place using filling and patching materials (grout) that match with surrounding construction.
  9. In floor penetrations, extend sleeve 4 inches above finished floor unless noted otherwise. In wall penetrations, cut sleeves flush with wall surface and use metal escutcheon plates in finished interior areas.
  10. Seal voids between sleeves and building construction with joint sealants. Make allowances for and coordinate the Work with installation of firestopping, conduit insulation, and waterproofing as applicable.
  11. The Contractor shall be fully responsible for final and correct location of sleeves.Sleeves which are omitted or incorrectly located in existing building construction, shall be corrected and provided by the Communications Contractor, at no additional costs to the Owner.

3.06penetration of building surfaces

  1. Above Grade Level or Non-waterproof Areas
  2. Seal each annular space between conduits or cable and building surfaces. Pack space with Oakum, other rope packing, or backer rod materials and cover with fire-resistant sealant or other protection materials.
  3. Provide sleeves as specified in Article, SLEEVE-SEAL INSTALLATION in this Section for conduit and cable penetrations. Seal each space between conduit or cable and sleeve. Sealing shall be as specified in above paragraph.
  4. Waterproof Areas (Above and Below Grade)
  5. In new and existing construction for penetrations through concrete below grade, ground water level, or in other waterproof areas, provide through-wall and floor seals having galvanized fittings, sealing assemblies, and sleeves as specified.
  6. In existing construction when core bore drilled openings are used for conduit penetrations below grade, ground water level, or in other waterproof areas, provide sealing.
  7. Fire-resistant Areas
  8. Provide through-penetration firestop systems for penetrations through fire-rated walls, floors, and other partitions of building construction. Comply with requirements in Division07 Section "Penetration Firestopping".
  9. In walls or partitions with 2-hour or less fire ratings, provide only metallic outlet or device boxes installed per UL Fire Resistance Director, NEC, and other national building code requirements.

3.07Cutting and Patching