Telecommunications

Section 3 - COMMUNICATION OUTLETS - INSIDE PLANT WIRING AND RACEWAYS

3.1 GENERAL

3.1.1 OVERVIEW
All telephone, data, video station cabling shall be continuous cabling from the TC for voice, data, video to the communication outlet. All station cables will be free of kinks, chafes, and tight bends. Any ceiling tiles removed by the contractor for cable installation will be re-installed in good condition. Replacement of damaged tiles is the contractor's responsibility at no cost to the university.
The building occupant's present and future requirements will determine the needs of multiple jack outlets. Final approval for the layout of jacks shall rest with the Telecommunications Center. During the programming stage Telecommunications Center, consulting with the building occupant(s), will supply the jack layout desired to the project architect for inclusion in the project specifications.
All voice jacks shall terminate in RJ-45 eight (8) conductor CAT 6 modular jack assemblies. The voice jack shall be the top port(s) in the wall plate. If only one voice jack, it should be terminated in the upper left port. Wire color-coding shall be per EIA/TIA-568B specifications.
All data jacks shall terminate in RJ-45 eight (8) conductor CAT 6 modular jack assemblies. The data jack shall be the lower port(s) in the wall plate. If only one data jack, it should be terminated in the lower left port. Wire color coding shall be per EIA/TIA-568B specifications.
All pairs shall be terminated on both voice and data jacks.
The total wire path length from the data outlet to the telecommunications room block must not exceed 295 feet (90 meters). This is important to meet Ethernet requirements of IEEE 802.3. Please note that in most cases the TC which houses network electronics will service both the voice and data jacks on the floor it is on. This must be considered when determining adherence to the maximum length for the data outlet wiring.
3.1.2 LABELING
Each end of all cables will be labeled at their termination locations.
All jack modules shall be color coded to University of Mississippi standards indicating that the top left jack is voice (blue) and that the bottom left jack is data (red). The faceplate shall be white.
Horizontal mounted jack positions shall be voice on the left and data on the right.
Dual voice/data jacks will utilize a single gang or double gang position face plate with voice jacks in the top two positions, data jacks in the bottom two positions and blank fillers in the spare positions.
All jacks shall be marked with identification numbers as detailed below.
Telecommunications Center will provide the identification number range to be used for the building(s). Upon project completion, the installing contractor or designee of Telecommunications Center a list of jack identification numbers used, their corresponding room numbers, location within the room, and punch block or data panel termination points. Jack identification numbers, at the jack locations, shall also be placed on the as built drawings provided by the contractor.
3.1.3 WIRING
Wiring for voice lines must be BLUE category 6 or greater as specified in the plans or specifications. Wiring for data circuits must be RED category 6 or greater as specified in the plans or specification.

3.2 COMMUNICATION OUTLET LOCATION

3.2.1 LOCATIONS AND QUANTITIES
Unless otherwise specified, a Standard Communications Outlet (SCO), shall consist of a voice jack, a data jack, and two spare ports. Other communication outlets may be installed depending on the function for that particular office or room.
- Faculty Offices: Two (2) SCOs per designated occupant. Outlets are to be installed on opposite walls. Any wall greater than 15 ft. in length shall have outlets spaced evenly apart at no more than 7 ft. intervals. Any wall greater than 15 ft. in length shall have outlets spaced evenly apart at no more than 7 ft. intervals.
- Clerical/Staff Offices/Graduate Student Offices: One (1) SCO at the location of each desk.
- Conference Rooms: One (1) SCO and one CATV outlet per room for rooms up to 200 square feet. A minimum of four (4) SCOs and two CATV outlets per room for rooms over 200 square feet. One (1) SCO shall be located on each wall. CATV outlets will be opposite from each other. Rooms with more than 500 square feet shall have additional outlets equally spaced on each wall. CATV outlet can be incorporated into a SCO spare port.
- Laboratories: One (1) SCO for each desk space. One ADA wall mount height jack located inside laboratory near doorway for wall mounted telephone. Additional outlet requirements will be determined based on size and in the design phase of the project.
- Classrooms/Lecture Halls/Auditoriums: Classrooms with teaching stations are required to have two (2) communication jacks. One designated for data, one spare. A video cable shall also be installed at the teaching station. Classrooms without a teaching station shall use the following guidelines for video cabling:
  - Number of Jacks: 1 Student Occupancy: 1-15 Student CATV Outlets: 1
  - Number of Jacks: 2 Student Occupancy: 15-50 Student CATV Outlets: 2
  - Number of Jacks: 4 Student Occupancy: 50-More Student CATV Outlets: 4
NOTE: * One TV outlet in the front of room and another in the ceiling for projection TV. If the classroom is designated as a High Tech Classroom, then the High Tech Classroom requirements in Section 4. may supersede the CATV outlet requirements listed above.
- Residence Hall Rooms: One (1) data communication jack per occupant or potential occupant of each room. One (1) telephone jack per room. One (1) CATV outlet per room. The locations will be determined during design stages of the project.
- Residence Hall Lounges: One (1) or more communication jacks and one (1) CATV outlet per lounge. The quantity and locations will be determined during design stages of the project.
- Storage Areas: One (1) communication outlet per room. Two (2) outlets for rooms over 500 square feet and one (1) additional outlet for each additional 2000 square feet.
- Mechanical Rooms: Consult the Facilities Management.
- Some rooms require communications outlets for telephones or energy management devices.
- Main Cross-connect Room and Telecommunication closets: One (1) communication jack per room minimum.

3.3 COMMUNICATION OUTLET INSTALLATION

3.3.1 MOUNTING
Use a dual gang outlet box similar to Steel City, part number 72171-3/4 or Telecommunications Center approved equivalent. When mounting the outlet box in a steel studded wall, use a back brace. Use Steel City plaster rings, part number 72-C13, (single gang) or 72-C-17 (double gang) or the Telecommunications Center approved equivalent. It is absolutely critical that the inside opening area match the outlet installation enclosure. The plaster rings must be level and positioned flush with the finished surface. For single voice/data outlets use a single gang plaster ring.
Outlets are to be mounted at standard industry heights and positions, unless otherwise specified by the Facilities Planning and/or Telecommunications Center. Standard mounting height of communication outlets:
- Desk 18 inches, AFF (above finished floor)(Single gang plaster ring).
- Handicapped wall mount 48 inches, AFF (Single gang plaster ring only).
- High Tech Classroom (See Section 4).
- CATV cable in classroom, auditorium, clinic lobby or lounge is normally installed at the height of TV mounting. CATV cable in offices, dorm rooms, or conference rooms is to be incorporated into the communications outlet.
NOTE: Electrical outlets shall be provided for TV and projection devices by contractor.

3.4 COMMUNICATION JACKS

3.4.1 At each jack location Category 6 enhanced components shall be installed. For each pair of cables, a Panduit 106 frame is required. All conduit and makeup boxes at each workstation jack shall be at least 2-1/8" deep. If installation is in a single gang EMT or Makeup box, a Single Gang Faceplate is needed. If installation is in a double gang box, a Double Gang Faceplate is needed.
3.4.2 Panduit 106 Data Frame inserts shall be used in the connector housing. Single inserts or dual inserts shall be used for voice, and Category 6 enhanced inserts shall be used for data. If no insert is required, a blank cover shall be installed. Part numbers for the inserts are as follows:
- Red Category 6 Inserts Panduit CJ688TPRD
- Blue Category 6 Inserts Panduit CJ688TPBU
- Blank Inserts Panduit CMFBAxx
- F81 Splice Barrel Connector CMFBAxx
Note: xx is a color designator to match the faceplate and 106 frames.
3.4.3 Voice (blue) is on the left; Data (red) is on the right of the 106 frames.

3.5 WIRING PATHWAYS

3.5.1 GENERAL
To avoid electromagnetic interference (EMI), all pathways should provide clearance of at least:
- 4 feet (1.2 m) from motors or transformers
- 1 foot (0.3 m) from conduit and cables used for electrical power distribution
- 5 in. (12 cm) from fluorescent lighting or power lines over 2kVA and up to 24 inches from any power line over 5kVA.
In general, communications cabling is routed separately or several feet away from power cabling. Similarly, communications cabling is routed away from large motors, generators, induction heaters, arc welders, x-ray equipment, and radio frequency, microwave or radar sources. Whenever possible, pathways should cross perpendicular to fluorescent lighting and electrical power cables or conduits.

3.6 CONDUIT

3.6.1 GENERAL
All conduit work shall meet the requirements of the National Electrical Code.
All voice, data and video wiring inside rooms shall be protected by metallic conduit or other means such as wire mold or troughs in the floor. Aluminum is not acceptable in caustic environments. Plastic surface mount molding is not acceptable in any application. EMT conduit or metal surface mount molding shall be used for all interior wiring. All conduit is to be concealed whenever possible.
No more than an equivalent of two (2) 90 degree bends are allowed in a run between junction boxes or pull boxes.
(LBs) are permitted.
Entrance to junction boxes or distribution panels shall be adjacent to the corners or directly across from each other.
The use of plenum cable instead of conduit shall be determined on a case by case basis. Telecommunications Center must be contacted for approval.
In major renovation and new construction projects where the Main Cross-connect Room and Telecommunication Closets are not in alignment, the contract shall include provisions for installation of four (4) riser conduits (4 inches minimum diameter) from the MC to each TC. A pull string and appropriate junction pull box shall also be provided in each conduit run to facilitate future installation of cable(s).
To reduce EMI, all conduit in slab shall be a minimum of 1 1/4 inches galvanized steel with threaded fittings. All exceptions shall be determined during the design stage of the project and shall be subject to the approval of Telecommunications Center.
All sleeves must protrude four (4) inches AFF and below and be capped at both ends. Coordinate with Telecommunications Center for the number of conduits entering the facility.
No horizontal conduit run shall be more than 80 feet between pull boxes.
Conduit for telephone or computer outlets shall be terminated in a dual gang box. Steel City, part numbers 52151-1, 72151-1, 52-C-17 or 72-C-17 for one (1) inch with dual gang plaster ring and 52151-3/4, 72151-3/4, 52-C-13 or 72-C-13, for 3/4 inch with single gang plastic ring. Telecommunications Center approved equivalents to the Steel City part numbers may be used.
All communications outlets shall be minimum 3/4 inch conduit, with a minimum of bends, from the outlet to the cable tray, wire way or homerun directly to the telecommunications room. Home run conduit is required when the cable path above the ceiling is not easily accessible. Examples of ceilings where conduit is required include dry wall and interlocking ceiling tiles. Pull boxes must be installed every 180 degrees or 80 feet of the conduit run. See Section 4. for conduit installation requirement for High Tech Classroom outlets.
3.6.2 CONDUIT CAPACITY
Conduit shall be sized using industry standard guidelines for telecommunications distribution methods. Such guidelines can be found in the Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI) Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual.

3.7 LADDER/CABLE/WIRE TRAYS

I. GENERAL MANUFACTURERS:

A. WBT, LLC.., 115 Harting Road, Centralia, IL 62801.
Phone: (618) 918-3821.
Toll-Free: (888) 492 8729.
Fax: (618) 918 3825.
Website: www.wbtray.com
Email: gary@wbtray.com
B. [Approved Alternates: Select one of the following, if applicable.]
1. [Hoffmann]
2. [Chatsworth]
3. [Hubbell]

II. MATERIALS AND FINISHES:

1. [Carbon steel wire, ASTM A 510, Grade 1008. Wire welded, bent, and surface treated after manufacture.]
OR
2. [Carbon steel wire, ASTM A653, Continuous galvanization before fabrication.] Additional finishing not required.

a. [Electrodeposited Zinc Plating: ASTM B 633, Type III, SC-1.]

b. [Hot-Dip Galvanizing After Fabrication: ASTM A 123.]

c. [Powder-Coated:]
1) [Black powder-coated surface treatment.
2) [Custom Color Powder-Coated surface treatment.

SHAPE

1. Mesh: 2 x 4 inches (50 x 100 mm).
2. Straight Section Lengths: 118 inches (3,000 mm).
3. Wire Diameter: 5mm and 6mm as specified by manufacturer.
4. Continuous T-Weld top wire to protect cable insulation and installers' hands.
5. Fittings: Wire mesh cable tray fittings are field-fabricated from straight tray sections, in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and Item 2.3.
6. Cable Tray Size:

3.7.1 GENERAL
All ladder trays shall be designed to accommodate all types of communication cabling, consequently any cable work that pertains to telecommunications must be designed and/or approved by Telecommunications Center.
The minimum dimensions for a ladder tray shall be 12 inches wide and 4 inches deep. In certain instances, only when indicated in the design specifications, a 6 inch wide by 3 inch deep tray may be used.
Contract documents shall show cross section of the communication wire way or cable tray. The drawing must show reference to other utilities in the building.
All conduits terminating at a cable tray must be easily accessible. Avoid ending conduits at tray in locations that are not accessible by removable ceiling tile or ceiling access panel. All conduits which are to be connected to the cable tray are to be connected according to the manufacturer's specifications and must meet the NEC.
Consideration may be given for installation of other types of cables in a ladder tray to prevent interference on unshielded cables. Location of such installation shall be approved by Telecommunications Center.
Ladder tray (cable tray) or wire way is to be supported with allthread rods in a trapeze form. Supports for cable trays larger than 12 inches in width are to be installed according to the manufacturer's specifications. Supports for cable trays 12 inches or less may be farther apart but must meet the manufacturer's installation requirements. A single support is not acceptable. All supports are to be fastened to the building structure above.
Telecommunications Center or its designee will not install any cable or perform any work until all installations are made to comply with specifications.
3.7.2 MOUNTING
Cable trays must maintain a minimum of six (6) inch clearance from obstructions above the tray and a minimum of eight (8) feet AFF. Trays are to provide access via the most direct path to all communications outlets on the floor.
Install sweeping factory 90's for all turns. Use end-of tray termination's where wire drops down to walls to prevent abrasions and cuts from metal tray edges. Use a trapeze cable tray mounting method suspended by manufacturer recommended size allthread. Fasten allthread to ceiling anchors, allowing no bends in allthread. Support the cable tray in this manner at every section-to-section junction and at five (5) feet to six (6) feet intervals (mid span) between joints. Whenever possible, the tray should be no closer than six (6) inches from the structural ceiling, ducts or pipes, considering all other possible obstructions. A minimum of 5 inches distance from lighting, especially fluorescent lighting, is required.

3.8 OPEN TOP CABLE SUPPORTS AND RINGS

3.8.1 GENERAL
3.8.1.1 All open top cable supports (J-supports) and cable rings must be suspended from or attached to the structural ceiling or walls with hardware or other installation aids specifically designed to support their weight. When used, J-supports or cable rings shall be located on 48 to 60 inch centers to adequately support and distribute the cables weight. These types of supports may typically hold up to fifty 0.25 inch diameter cables.
3.8.1.2 For larger quantities of cables that convene at the Telecommunication Closets, provide cable trays or other special supports that are specifically designed to support the required cable weight and volume.
3.8.1.3 Hooks and straps shall be attached to building members with fasteners appropriate for the material. Wood screws or lag bolts shall be used for wood, wood screws with plastic anchors shall be used for plaster and concrete, and self-taping screws shall be used for sheet metal. Threaded metal hooks attached to threaded anchors are also acceptable.
3.8.1.4 Unistrut may be used where necessary to support large bundles of cables or to provide attachment points for EMT, metal Makeup, or Panduit raceway. Unistrut allthread hangers shall be mounted with threaded anchors.
3.8.1.5 Large hooks that will carry the weight of many cables shall be attached with lag bolts, metal concrete anchors, or metal anchors with epoxy. The anchors shall extend into the mounting material at least 3 inches.
3.8.1.6 Straps and hooks shall be oversized so that additional cables can easily be installed in the future. Hooks and straps shall be filled to no more than 75% of the capacity.
3.8.1.7 Hooks or straps shall be mounted no more than four feet apart. Closer spacing may be necessary in areas where cables are routed around corners or are in close proximity to other mechanical electrical systems.
3.8.1.8 In special cases where the area above lay-in ceilings has obstructions and attaching straps to the ceiling is difficult or impossible, straps can be attached to metal clips mounted on wire hangers that hold up the ceiling grid.
3.8.1.9 When cables are installed in the wall no box is required, but a mounting bracket shall be mounted securely in the wall.
3.8.1.10 All conduit and makeup boxes at each workstation jack shall be at least 2-1/8" deep. This depth is required to accommodate the Category 6 enhanced (CAT6) jack. When a box is used as both a jack and pull box, the minimum box depth shall be 3-1/8". If fiber is installed in the box an Ortronix extender plate is to be used.
3.8.1.11 In instances where EMT (metal conduit) is used, all empty conduits shall contain a pull string. A pull box, splice box, or pulling point containing pull strings in each direction shall be installed for any constrained pathway where there are more than two 90 degree bends, a 180 degree reverse bend or length greater than 100 feet.
3.8.1.12 Cable in exposed finished areas shall be installed in raceway such as EMT conduit, metal Makeup, or Panduit.

3.9 UNDERFLOOR DUCT SYSTEM

3.9.1 GENERAL
This type of raceway is to be used minimally at all costs. Care must be taken to design a system that will consider electrical and communications requirements. Adequate electricity must be available at all locations. With proper planning, an adequate system can be installed but it is discouraged.