Copyright 2010 by The American Institute of Architects (AIA)

Exclusively published and distributed by Architectural Computer Services, Inc. (ARCOM) for the AIA

SECTION 271500 - COMMUNICATIONS HORIZONTAL CABLING

Revise this Section by deleting and inserting text to meet Project-specific requirements.

Verify that Section titles referenced in this Section are correct for this Project's Specifications; Section titles may have changed.

PART 1 - GENERAL

1.1RELATED DOCUMENTS

Retain or delete this article in all Sections of Project Manual.

  1. Drawings and general provisions of the Contract, including General and Supplementary Conditions and Division01 Specification Sections, apply to this Section.
  2. BICSI Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual (TDMM), Eleventh Edition.

1.2SUMMARY

  1. Section Includes:
  2. UTP cabling.
  3. Coaxial cable.
  4. Cable connecting hardware, patch panels, and cross-connects.
  5. Telecommunications outlet/connectors.
  6. Related Requirements:

Retain subparagraphs below to cross-reference requirements Contractor might expect to find in this Section but are specified in other Sections.

  1. Section271300 "Communications Backbone Cabling" for voice and data cabling associated with system panels and devices.
  2. Section280513 "Conductors and Cables for Electronic Safety and Security" for voice and data cabling associated with system panels and devices.

1.3DEFINITIONS

Retain terms that remain after this Section has been edited for a project.

  1. BICSI: A professional association supporting the information technology systems (ITS) industry.
  2. Cross-Connect: A facility enabling the termination of cable elements and their interconnection or cross-connection.
  3. EMI: Electromagnetic interference.
  4. IDC: Insulation displacement connector.
  5. LAN: Local area network.
  6. Outlet/Connectors: A connecting device in the work area on which horizontal cable or outlet cable terminates.
  7. RCDD: Registered Communications Distribution Designer.
  8. UTP: Unshielded twisted pair.

1.4ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS

Revise this article to specify coordination with other parties involved in finalizing communications equipment room work. See Editing Instruction No.3 in the Evaluations.

  1. Coordinate layout and installation of telecommunications cabling with Owner's telecommunications and LAN equipment and service suppliers.

1.5ACTION SUBMITTALS

  1. Product Data: Submit data for each type of product.

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

  1. UTP Cables
  2. Coax Cables
  3. Termination Hardware
  4. Outlet Faceplates

1.6COORDINATION OF WORK

  1. Certain final connections and tie connections shall be made directly by the Owner or the telecommunications company. Coordinate with the Owner's Representative and the telecommunications company so that the tie work and final connection can be accomplished in an orderly and timely manner.

1.7FINAL DRAWINGS

  1. Provide three sets of reproducible drawings showing the asbuilt configuration of the entire system. This is to include site work. The drawings shall include terminal identification numbers, locations of all devices, specifications for all devices and cable and all other information required by the Owner for use in future tiein work to the system installed by the Contractor.

1.8SERVICE MANUALS

  1. As a condition of acceptance of the work by the Owner, the Contractor shall supply three complete sets of record drawings showing the completed work as built, operating manuals and replacement parts lists on each piece of equipment provided, including customfabricated assemblies. This information shall be suitably indexed and bound in hardback binders permanently identified on the spine with the caption "SERVICE MANUAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM." These manuals to be separately bound.

1.9TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM CONTRACTOR

  1. All telecommunications work shall be performed by qualified telecommunications personnel regularly employed in this field. This subcontractor must have been involved in telecommunications systems for at least five years continuously. The telecommunications subcontractor shall have a BICSI certified Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) on staff. All qualifications, including the firm's facilities, shall be available for inspection by the Owner and/or Architect.
  2. Provide all conduit and devices not commissioned to the telephone system subcontractor. Coordinate all requirements for the system. The Electrical Contractor shall have overall responsibility and shall coordinate all requirements for the system.

PART 2 - PRODUCTS

See Editing Instruction No.1 in the Evaluations for cautions about named manufacturers and products. For an explanation of options and Contractor's product selection procedures, see Section016000 "Product Requirements."

2.1HORIZONTAL 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 a "permanent link," a term that is used in the testing protocols.
  2. TIA/EIA-568-C.1 requires that a minimum of two telecommunications outlet/connectors be installed for each work area.
  3. Horizontal cabling shall contain no more than 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. A work area is approximately 100 sq. ft., and includes the components that extend from the telecommunications outlet/connectors to the station equipment.

2.2UTP CABLE

Copy this article and re-edit for each product.

Retain "Manufacturers" Paragraph and list of manufacturers below to require products from manufacturers listed or a comparable product from other manufacturers.

  1. Description: 100-ohm, four-pair UTP, covered with a thermoplastic jacket. Color as specified.
  2. Comply with ICEAS-90-661 for mechanical properties.
  3. Comply with TIA/EIA-568-C for performance specifications.
  4. Comply with TIA/EIA-568-C, Category5e for telephone station cables and Category6 for data station cables.
  5. Listed and labeled by an NRTL acceptable to authorities having jurisdiction as complying with UL444 and NFPA70 for the following type:

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.

  1. Communications, Plenum Rated: TypeCMP, complying with NFPA262.
  1. Cable Jacket Color:
  2. Telephone Station Cables: Blue
  3. Data Station Cables: White
  4. Where project is adding data or voice cable to the existing infrastructure, the Contractor shall match the cable color to that which is in use. Use the cable type specified above.
  5. UTP Cables for Telephone Use (Cat 5e). Use the following products or approved equivalent:
  6. General Cable, Cat 5e Blue Plenum Genspeed 5000

a.Part Number 5131278E

  1. UTP Cables for Data Use (Cat 6). Use the following products or approved equivalent:
  2. General Cable, Cat 6 White GenSpeed 6500

a.Part Number 7131931

2.3UTP CABLE HARDWARE

Retain "Manufacturers" Paragraph and list of manufacturers below to require products from manufacturers listed or a comparable product from other manufacturers.

See Editing Instruction No.4 in the Evaluations for discussion about 110-style IDC connectors and connector blocks.

  1. General Requirements for Cable Connecting Hardware: Comply with TIA/EIA-568-C, IDC type, with modules designed for punch-down caps or tools. Cables shall be terminated with connecting hardware of same category or higher.
  2. Connecting Blocks: 66-style IDC for Category5e. Provide blocks for the number of cables terminated on the block, plus 25 percent spare. Integral with connector bodies, including plugs and jacks where indicated.

Delete "Cross-Connect" Paragraph below if cross-connection is accomplished exclusively on patch panels.

  1. Cross-Connect: Modular array of connecting blocks arranged to terminate building cables and permit interconnection between cables.

Coordinate "Number of Terminals per Field" Subparagraph below with Drawings for quantity of terminals.

  1. Number of Terminals per Field: One for each conductor in assigned cables.
  1. Patch Panel: Modular panels housing multiple-numbered jack units with IDC-type connectors at each jack for permanent termination of pair groups of installed cables. The modular patch panel shall be Category 6 compliant (as described in the ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-C) multi-port panels with RJ-45 front panel modules on front side and incoming connection cable block terminations on rear. Modular patch panels shall be of the same manufacturer as the modular jack and shall be sized to accommodate the appropriate number of jacks provide patch panel for an additional 10% jacks. The panel shall fit in a 19 inch rack and be colored black. Use the following products or approved equivalent:
  1. Panduit:
  2. Mini-Com24 Port 19” - Black

1)Part Number CPP24WBLY

Coordinate "Number of Jacks per Field" Subparagraph below with Drawings for quantity of fields.

  1. Jacks and Jack Assemblies: Modular, color-coded, eight-position modular receptacle units with integral IDC-type terminals. Modular jacks shall be Category 6/5e compliant (as described in the ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-C) 8-conductor 8-position, un-keyed, and utilize IDC termination contacts. The jack shall be terminated according to the T568B wiring standard. The jack shall be of the appropriate category compliance to match the wire to be terminated.
  2. Use the following products or approved equivalent:
  3. Panduit:

1)Mini-Com CAT6 RJ45 Data Jacks - Grey (Data)

a)Part number CJ688TPIG

2)Mini-Com CAT6 RJ45 Data Jacks - Green (Tiger Cash/Vending)

a)Part number CJ688TPGR

3)Mini-Com CAT5e RJ45 Voice Jacks – Beige

a)Part number CJ5E88TEI

  1. Standard Jack color:
  2. Telephone: Electrical Ivory
  3. Data: Gray

Cords are generally available in lengths to 20 feet (6m) and longer in 24-inch (600-mm) increments.

Retain one of two subparagraphs below; retain first for Category6, second for Category5e patch cords.

2.4COAXIAL CABLE

Retain "Manufacturers" Paragraph and list of manufacturers below to require products from manufacturers listed or a comparable product from other manufacturers.

See Evaluations for discussion about coaxial cables. Indicate location of each type on Drawings.

  1. Cable Characteristics: Broadband type, recommended by cable manufacturer specifically for broadband data transmission applications. Coaxial cable and accessories shall have 75-ohm nominal impedance with a return loss of 20 dB maximum from 7 to 806 MHz.

Cable types in first five paragraphs below are typical.

  1. RG-6/U: NFPA70, TypeCATV or CM.
  2. No.18 AWG, solid, copper-covered steel conductor; gas-injected, foam-PE insulation.
  3. Double shielded with 100 percent aluminum-foil shield and 60 percent aluminum braid.
  4. Jacketed with black PVC or PE.
  5. Suitable for indoor installations.
  6. Manufacturer:
  7. Commscope/2227V-BKRL-RG6-QD
  8. Approved equal.
  9. Plenum Rated.

Paragraph below is typical of NFPA70 cable types. See NFPA70, "Community Antenna Television and Radio Distribution Systems" and "Network-Powered Broadband Communications Systems" Articles for other types that may be added to the list.

  1. NFPA and UL compliance listed and labeled by an NRTL acceptable to authorities having jurisdiction as complying with UL1655 and with NFPA70 "Radio and Television Equipment" and "Community Antenna Television and Radio Distribution" Articles. Types are as follows:
  2. CATV Plenum Rated: TypeCATVP, complying with NFPA262.

2.5TELECOMMUNICATIONS OUTLET/CONNECTORS

Coordinate "Workstation Outlets" Paragraph below with other items specified to be mounted in workstation faceplates. Revise paragraph if faceplate elevations are on Drawings.

  1. Workstation Outlets: Outlet faceplates shall be single gang and manufactured to accept the modular jack specified. Unless otherwise noted on Drawings, all faceplates shall have 4-ports minimum. Color of plate shall match the color of the outlet cover plates. Plates shall be thermo-plastic or non-conductive flexible nylon or Lexan. Use Type 302 stainless steel or concrete on masonry construction. Faceplates shall be equipped with blank inserts of same color in unused port.

Retain "Plastic Faceplate" or "Metal Faceplate" Subparagraph below, or retain both as required to match Section262726 "Wiring Devices."

  1. Plastic Faceplate: High-impact plastic. Coordinate color with Section262726 "Wiring Devices."
  2. Metal Faceplate: Stainless steel, complying with requirements in Section262726 "Wiring Devices."
  3. For use with snap-in jacks accommodating any combination of UTP, optical fiber, and coaxial work area cords.
  1. Wall Mounted Telecommunications Outlet Faceplate. Use the following products or approved equivalent:
  1. Panduit
  1. Mini-Com Faceplate, 4 module, Electric Ivory

1)Part Number CFPxEI (x indicates number of spaces in faceplate. Faceplates come in 2,4,6 position)

Retain one of three "Legend" subparagraphs below; retain first for metal faceplates.

  1. Floor Mounted Telecommunications Outlet Faceplate
  2. Provide a single gang, 4-port duplex frame. Frames shall be of the same manufacturer as the station outlet faceplates. Provide blank inserts for all unused ports.
  3. Manufacturer:

2.6IDENTIFICATION PRODUCTS

  1. Comply with TIA/EIA-606-A and UL969 for labeling materials, including label stocks, laminating adhesives, and inks used by label printers.
  2. Comply with requirements in Section260553 "Identification for Electrical Systems."

PART 3 - EXECUTION

3.1ENTRANCE FACILITIES

Retain this article if service entrance cabling and demarcation point are provided by communications service provider and horizontal cabling connects to the demarcation point. Normally, unless this is for a small single-story facility, communications horizontal cable interfaces with backbone cabling in communications rooms or spaces at cross-connects and patch panels.

  1. Coordinate backbone cabling with the protectors and demarcation point provided by communications service provider.

3.2WIRING METHODS

Retain one of first two paragraphs below and coordinate with Drawings. Delete both if wiring methods for system are indicated on Drawings.

  1. Install cables in pathways and cable trays except within consoles, cabinets, desks, and countersand except in accessible ceiling spaces and in gypsum board partitions where unenclosed wiring method may be used. Conceal pathways and cables except in unfinished spaces.

Retain first subparagraph below if retaining unenclosed wiring method option in paragraph above.

  1. Install plenum cable.
  2. Comply with requirements in Section270528 "Pathways for Communications Systems."
  3. Comply with requirements in Section270536 "Cable Trays for Communications Systems."
  1. Conceal conductors and cables in accessible ceilings, walls, and floors where possible.

3.3INSTALLATION OF CABLES

  1. Comply with NECA1.
  2. All cable shall be neatly arranged and all work performed according to telecommunications industry standard practices and to the User Agency's satisfaction. Provide knobs and ties such that wiring is neatly arranged and can be easily modified. All work shall be tied and neatly routed to the terminal blocks. All conduit ends and junction box connections shall use insulated bushings. All telecommunications cable, except for plenum cable, to be 24 gauge minimum, copper as specified above, with PVC jacket, REA Specification approved.
  3. General Requirements for Cabling:
  4. Comply with TIA/EIA-568-C.
  5. Comply with BICSITDMM, Ch.4 "Horizontal Distribution Systems".
  6. Terminate conductors; no cable shall contain nonterminated elements. Make terminations only at indicated outlets, terminals, cross-connects, and patch panels.
  7. Cables may not be spliced. Secure and support cables at intervals not exceeding 30 inches and not more than 6 inches from cabinets, boxes, fittings, outlets, racks, frames, and terminals.
  8. Install lacing bars to restrain cables, to prevent straining connections, and to prevent bending cables to smaller radii than the minimum recommended by the manufacturer.
  9. Bundle, lace, and train conductors to terminal points without exceeding manufacturer's limitations on bending radii, but not less than radii specified in TDMM, Ch.4, "Horizontal Distribution Systems."
  10. Install lacing bars and distribution spools.
  11. Do not install bruised, kinked, scored, deformed, or abraded cable. Do not splice cable between termination, tap, or junction points. Remove and discard cable if damaged during installation and replace it with new cable.
  12. In the communications equipment room, install a 10-foot- long service loop on each end of cable.
  13. Pulling Cable: Comply with BICSITDMM, Ch.4 "Horizontal Distribution Systems".
  14. Monitor cable pull tensions.
  15. UTP Cable Installation:
  16. Comply with TIA/EIA-568-C.
  17. Do not untwist UTP cables more than 1/2 inch from the point of termination to maintain cable geometry.
  18. All riser cable shall be installed in conduit. Telecommunications station cable shall be installed in conduit where routed in walls, floors, and inaccessible ceilings. Telecommunications station cable shall be permitted to run without conduit where routed in the cable tray system or where routed concealed in above accessible ceilings. Use plenum rated cable.
  19. For cable not installed horizontally in conduit, support exposed cable in accessible ceiling space at least every five feet using industry standard Jhooks. Mount as high as possible next to floor/roof deck. Do not install Jhooks directly above a work area outlet or adjacent to mechanical or electrical equipment requiring service access. Install cable such that minimum bend radius of 4times cable diameter is never exceeded. Do not tightly bundle cable together. Do not use draw band tiewraps. Do not support from conduit, joists, ductwork directly. Use only the Jhooks. All wiring must be independently supported and routed so as to avoid access points to other equipment and permit servicing. Unacceptable wiring practices shall be deemed unacceptable and shall be removed and replaced.
  20. Run cable in continuous link from closet to work area outlet, no splices. Do not exceed 295 foot cable length for station cable. Do not exceed 25 lb. maximum pull tension. Leave at least ten feet spare cable at each end.
  21. Pathway should cross perpendicular to fluorescent lighting and power cables.
  22. For inaccessible ceiling spaces, install conduit raceway system with conduit fill ratio 28% or less. No more than two 90° bends between pull points. Bond all conduits to the communications bonded grounding system. Conduit bend radius 6times conduit diameter for conduit 2 inches or less, 10times conduit for conduit greater than 2 inches. LBs are not allowed in communications pathway distribution system.
  23. Services between Telecommunications Closet and Telecommunications Outlet
  24. Standard Horizontal Distribution runs shall consist of TWO plenum rated Category 6 compliant (as described in the ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-C) four-paired unshielded twisted pair cables, blue in color and ONE plenum rated Category 5E compliant four-paired unshielded twisted pair cables, white in color.
  25. The Contractor shall maintain recommended bending radius, pulling tension and cable support requirements. All cables, wires and equipment shall be securely and neatly installed. Inside routing shall be installed parallel and perpendicular to existing structural lines and members. Cable ties may be used but shall be installed finger tight. (By finger tight, installer must be able to insert his or her small finger into the cable tie with the cable bundle.)
  26. All horizontal distribution runs shall work together to create a Permanent Link Solution for wire and jack combination. A Permanent Link solution is a pairing of wire and jack tested together to produce optimum efficiency and throughput. The permanent link solution will be tested as a complete assembly from the telecommunications outlet to the patch panel interface. This Contractor shall also provide a suitable patch cord for each data jack location.
  27. The maximum allowable horizontal cable length is 295 feet.
  28. Open-Cable Installation:
  29. Install cabling with horizontal and vertical cable guides in telecommunications spaces with terminating hardware and interconnection equipment.
  30. Suspend UTP cable not in a wireway or pathway a minimum of 8 inches above ceilings by cable supports not more than 60 inches apart.
  31. Cable shall not be run through structural members or in contact with pipes, ducts, or other potentially damaging items.
  32. Installation of Cable Routed Exposed under Raised Floors:
  33. Install plenum-rated cable only.
  34. Install cabling after the flooring system has been installed in raised floor areas.
  35. In TR group connecting hardware for cables into separate logical fields. See Appendix A Figure 3 & 4 for phone and mount date in patch panels in relay racks. At workstation outlet see Appendix A Figure 6 for all cable.

See Editing Instruction No.5 in the Evaluations for discussion about EMI.