OFFICE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY/ NETWORKING AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES (OIT/NTS) EQUIPMENT, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND WIRING STANDARDS

OFFICE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY/ NETWORKING AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES (OIT/NTS) EQUIPMENT, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND WIRING STANDARDS 1 INTRODUCTION... 2 2 GENERAL STANDARDS... 3 3 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS... 4 4 ENTRANCE FACILITIES... 4 5 TELECOMMUNICATIONS ROOMS... 5 5.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS... 5 5.2 MAIN EQUIPMENT ROOM (MDF)... 7 5.3 COMMUNICATIONS ROOMS (IDF OR RISER ROOMS)... 9 5.4 TERMINAL SPACE/SATELLITE ROOMS... 11 5.5 ELECTRICAL POWER REQUIREMENTS... 13 5.6 AIR CONDITIONING REQUIREMENTS... 14 6 BONDING AND GROUNDING... 14 6.1 BUSBARS... 15 6.2 TELECOMMUNICATIONS BONDING BACKBONE... 15 6.3 CABLES... 16 6.4 RACK GROUNDING... 16 6.5 PATHWAY GROUNDING... 16 6.6 EQUIPMENT GROUNDING... 17 6.7 ELECTRICAL SERVICE... 17 6.8 COMPRESSION FITTINGS... 17 6.9 TESTING AND DOCUMENTATION... 17 7 INTRABUILDING BACKBONE RISER FACILITIES... 18 7.1 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS... 18 7.2 INTRABUILDING BACKBONE COPPER (RISER)... 19 7.2.1 Cabling... 19 7.2.2 Terminations... 19 7.3 INTRABUILDING BACKBONE FIBER OPTIC (RISER)... 20 7.3.1 Cabling... 20 7.3.2 Fiber Terminations... 21 7.3.3 Fiber-Optic Enclosures... 21 7.4 INTRABUILDING BACKBONE PATHWAYS... 22 8 COMMUNICATIONS/TERMINAL ROOM TERMINATION REQUIREMENTS... 22 8.1 WALL TERMINATION OF COPPER WIRING... 23 8.2 EQUIPMENT RACKS... 23 8.3 PATCH PANELS... 24 8.4 HORIZONTAL MANAGEMENT... 25

9 RACEWAY/TRAY SYSTEMS... 25 9.1 J-HOOKS... 27 10 HORIZONTAL WIRING FACILITIES... 28 10.1 OUTLETS... 29 10.2 HORIZONTAL CONDUIT... 30 10.3 HORIZONTAL WIRING... 31 10.3.1 Horizontal Copper Wire... 31 10.3.2 Horizontal Fiber Optic Wire... 32 10.3.3 Small Form/Modular Style Fiber Standards... 33 10.4 JACKS... 34 11 TESTING... 35 11.1 CATEGORY 5E WIRING... 35 11.2 CATEGORY 6 WIRING... 36 11.3 FIBER OPTIC CABLE TO OUTLET... 37 11.4 INTRABUILDING BACKBONE RISER CABLE TESTING... 37 12 AS-BUILT DOCUMENTATION... 38 13 OIT/NTS OUTLET LABELING SCHEME (JACKS)... 39 14 PRODUCTS INSTALLED THAT ARE NOT COVERED BY THESE STANDARDS... 41 15 DEFINITIONS OF ABBREVIATIONS CONTAINED IN THESE STANDARDS... 42 1 Introduction The Office of Information Technology/Networking and Telecommunications Services (OIT/NTS) is responsible for providing voice, data, and video services for the University of Minnesota. Every effort is being made to keep the rates for these services as low as possible while still providing service and maintenance in a timely manner. OIT/NTS is constantly evaluating emerging technologies and equipment so that we can continue to offer the most reliable, up to date, and cost-effective services. It is essential to design the telecommunications systems to meet present and future voice and data communication needs. Horizontal and vertical wiring and the pathways and communication rooms should be considered an integral part of the building infrastructure and therefore capable of future growth as new technology and customer needs change. Refer to the NTS Web page at www1.umn.edu/nts/wiring3.shtml for the most recent revision of these standards. The standards herein apply to the technologies in use at the time of the latest update to this document. The implementation of newer technologies shall require adherence to the standards written at the time of that implementation. 2

2 General Standards Introduction Voice and data projects that are released for bid should be bid separately from and not included with security, audiovisual, building control systems, or other equipment or materials that are not directly associated with the independent high speed data or voice communications system. Telecommunications systems include vertical and horizontal copper and fiber optic wiring as well as the associated termination hardware on both ends. The system includes pathways and conduits; equipment racks; frames; wire management systems; communication rooms; and the electrical, mechanical, and environmental equipment required to support them. The space and facilities in these specifications are designed to meet the telecommunications requirements (voice and data networking) for university buildings only. These specifications are intended to allow OIT/NTS to meet the telecommunications requirements of the University over the lifetime of the buildings. It is essential that OIT/NTS shall be consulted prior to and throughout the planning and design process to ensure that present and future voice and data service requirements can be met. OIT/NTS MUST provide prior written approval for any deviations from these standards, or OIT/NTS will not assume financial responsibility to upgrade the facility to performance expectations. Where ambiguity or questions arise to specific details not mentioned in these standards, appropriate TIA/EIA, NEC, and BICSI standards shall apply. All applicable building codes must be strictly adhered to in regards to telecommunications services. OIT/NTS cannot authorize variations to any building codes. Construction specifications are a main ingredient of an Information Technology system. Information Technology systems shall adhere to these specifications in order to be functional in a wide variety of communications applications. This document does not allow or condone the avoidance of following any of the Laws, Standards, or Procedures of any, but not limited to the following: o National Electrical Code (NEC) o Uniform Building Code (UBC) o Uniform Fire Code (UFC) o Minnesota State Low Voltage Laws o Building Industry Consulting Services International (BICSI) Certification A BICSI-certified Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) shall design, engineer, and sign off on all projects, and he or she shall provide oversight during the project. 3

3 Special Requirements Introduction The OIT/NTS Wiring Standards publication is intended to address standard University installation practices, with safety and performance being the most important factors. While these standards are carefully monitored to ensure that the hardware and practices are technologically current, it is possible that some applications may require special consideration. University of Minnesota buildings frequently contain special purpose facilities and equipment with unique telecommunications requirements. Special telecommunications requirements may require deviation from these specifications. OIT/NTS needs to be notified of these special requirements as early in the design process as possible. The following is a short (but not all-inclusive) list of facilities and equipment that commonly have special telecommunications requirements: o Data centers or computer rooms o Computer labs or classrooms o Video conferencing rooms o Video equipment o Laboratories o Medical imaging equipment o Scientific equipment o Public telephones o Internet kiosks o Wireless networking Installation designs and practices not specifically identified as standard in this document will require appropriate OIT/NTS approval before connection to the campus voice or data network. To that end, any department requesting a non-standard installation of cabling infrastructure, voice/data jacks, or other items not specified in these standards should submit a written explanation of the requested variance to an OIT/NTS project coordinator for review. 4 Entrance Facilities Introduction The entrance facility is the location where the pathways for communications services penetrate the building to connect to the voice and data systems within the building. The entrance facilities are generally 4-inch rigid steel conduit that extend from the perimeter of the building to the telecommunications main equipment room (MDF). OIT/NTS shall designate the shortest practical route for the communications cable to connect from the building to the point of connection with the university telephone and 4

network cabling systems. Conduit shall be installed within the facility from the point of entry to the telecommunications main equipment room. Diverse facilities entrances are required for all new buildings that will house voice and data equipment when the scope and importance of the facility are determined to require it by OIT/NTS and the end-user. In the event that diverse cable facility entrances are not deemed necessary, provisions shall be made for four 4-inch conduits for access from the university cable system to the telecommunications main equipment room. Each of these conduits must be labeled "TELE MDF ONLY." Entrance facilities must adhere to all BICSI requirements in Chapter 6 of the Telecommunications Distributions Methods Manual (TDMM), (11th edition or subsequent releases). (Visit www.bicsi.org for purchasing information.) OIT/NTS must approve any deviations from the BICSI TDMM. 5 Telecommunications Rooms 5.1 General Requirements Introduction Telecommunications rooms are special-purpose rooms that house telecommunications equipment and wiring. These rooms have specific requirements due to the nature, size, and complexity of the equipment and wiring housed in these rooms. There may be up to three types of telecommunications rooms within a building, each supporting critical functions as part of the building wiring and telecommunications systems. In general, each room must be large enough to accommodate the wiring and equipment that will be located within it, plus provide additional space for growth over the lifetime of the building. The three types of rooms are: o Main equipment room/main Distribution Frame (MDF) o Communications rooms/intermediate Distribution Frame (IDF or riser rooms) o Terminal space/satellite rooms The following standards apply to all three types of telecommunications rooms: PROHIBITED: Using telecommunications rooms as a route for other facilities to pass through. PROHIBITED: Using boiler rooms, air exchange rooms, janitorial closets, electrical distribution closets, or areas with water heaters and wet sinks for 5

communications. It is essential that telecommunication rooms be dedicated solely to telecommunications. PROHIBITED: Placing voice or data rooms in or near areas of high electromagnetic interference (EMI) or radio frequency interference (RFI). Both adversely affect the system performance and the reliability of electronic equipment. Non-OIT/NTS resources shall not be located in telecommunications rooms without OIT/NTS approval. Communications rooms shall be located in common building areas that are readily accessible. Telecommunications rooms should be centrally located in the building to minimize the distance of all cable runs. Rooms must be spaced so that no horizontal run exceeds 90 meters (as per TIA-568B). OIT/NTS shall be consulted for any deviations. All main, communications, and terminal/satellite rooms shall have a ground buss and meet all requirements of J-STD-607 Commercial Building Grounding and Bonding Requirements, TIA/EIA-942, the NEC, and Chapter 10 of BICSI TDMM (11th edition or subsequent releases). Refer to Section 6 of this appendix for Bonding and Grounding Requirements. Fire suppression systems for all of these rooms shall be two-stage water systems; no Halon or gas systems shall be used. Pipes must be insulated to prevent water condensation from forming and possibly damaging telecommunications equipment. Fire suppression system pipes shall not be installed directly over equipment, but rather they shall be placed near the walls with the manifold pipes in ceiling corners. All penetrations into fire walls, conduits, and sleeves through floors and cable trays that pass through a fire-rated wall must be properly fire-stopped in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), ANSI/NFPA-70, the NEC, TIA- 569, and Chapter 7 of BICSI TDMM (11th edition or subsequent releases). The manufacturer's recommended installation practices must be followed. Each installation of fire-stopping material must only be used in applications as specified by the fire-stop manufacturer. When installing additional cabling/wiring, the fire stop system must be reevaluated, and if necessary, a new firestop system must be installed to restore the firewall integrity with the appropriate UL-classified system. Only use of UL-classified firestop systems is acceptable. All telecommunications rooms require overhead lighting with a minimum intensity of 50 foot-candles measured at 1 meter from the floor, and with a convenience switch at room entry. 6

All MDF, IDF, and Satellite/Terminal rooms whose size allows the placement of active electronics must be secured with an electronic card key access reader approved by University of Minnesota Access Services and OIT/NTS. All walls must be covered with 8-foot by 4-foot wide by 3/4-inch thick, unpainted, fire-retardant, CD grade or better plywood backboard, mounted with the smooth side out from the floor to a height of 8 feet. Electrical outlets shall be placed above the top edge of the plywood backboard and spaced every 6 feet. Working clearances around electrical equipment shall adhere to the NEC. OIT/NTS shall perform all buildout work in telecommunications rooms, including MDF, IDF, and Terminal Space/Satellite rooms. This includes all associated voice and data hardware. 5.2 Main Equipment Room (MDF) Introduction The main equipment room is the main room in a building into which all outside facilities are routed and terminate. This room serves as the primary telecommunications room and may house the PBX equipment and/or backbone network-related electronic equipment. All other communications rooms are fed from the main equipment room. Main equipment facilities shall be installed in a separate and secure room. The main equipment room shall serve as the primary copper and fiber-optic cable distribution center for the building. All voice and data distribution shall emanate from this room. PROHIBITED: Installing false ceilings in main equipment rooms. The size and location of this area shall be determined in feet with a minimum room size of 400 square feet and no dimension smaller than 20 feet. The minimum ceiling height shall be 8 feet 6 inches if no sprinklers/fire suppression nozzles are located within the room. If sprinklers/fire suppression nozzles are located within the room, the ceiling height must be adjusted to accommodate the racks and the tray located above the racks. Clearance shall be specified by the NEC. For additional information on room area based on useable building floor area, refer to Chapter 6 of BICSI TDMM, (11th edition or subsequent releases), and consult with OIT/NTS during the design phase. Rooms must be spaced so that no horizontal Cat 5E or Cat 6 cable exceeds 90 meters (as per TIA-568B). 7

Main equipment rooms require overhead lighting with a minimum intensity of 50 foot-candles measured at 1 meter from the floor, with (a) convenience switch(es) at room ingress and egress points. The room number shall be designated on the door or outside wall using University room numbering standards/specifications. The door on the communications room shall be a minimum of 3 feet wide, with a minimum height of 6 feet, 8 inches. It shall be equipped with a University U-Card reader and a Best core lockset that is keyed per OIT/NTS specifications. Main equipment rooms shall be free from high ambient temperature, excessive humidity, possible dripping pipes, dirt, and flooding. Main equipment rooms must be well ventilated and environmentally controlled 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The main equipment room must also maintain a positive pressure with a minimum of one complete air exchange per hour. It must maintain a heat dissipation rating of 225 BTUs/hour per square foot and maintain a constant temperature between 64 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit with a relative humidity range between 30% and 55%. Main equipment rooms must have drainage capabilities and must be equipped with a one-way drain, per TIA/EIA-942. All walls shall be covered with 8-foot by 4-foot wide by 3/4-inch thick, unpainted, fire-retardant, CD grade or better plywood backboard. It should be mounted with the smooth side out from the floor to a height of 8 feet. Electrical outlets shall be placed above the top edge of the plywood backboard; they are not to exceed 6 inches form the top edge of the plywood. One 120-volt AC dedicated duplex receptacle shall be provided for every 6 linear feet of floor perimeter. No more than three receptacles shall be dedicated per branch circuit. Installation of these receptacles shall be in consultation with OIT/NTS. Working clearances around electrical equipment shall adhere to the NEC. A Panduit NetFrame Rack System or prior OIT/NTS-approved equivalent shall be used in main equipment rooms to accommodate the fiber-optic cabling. Fiber optic cabinets shall be Panduit FRME4 Series or a prior OIT/NTS-approved equivalent. A Reliant/Marconi frame system or prior OIT/NTS-approved equivalent shall be used in this room to accommodate the copper cabling. 8

A Telecommunications Main Grounding Busbar (TMGB) shall be provided and attached to an approved building ground (as per the NEC). Refer to Section 6 of this appendix for Bonding and Grounding Requirements. When a main equipment room is to be used as a PBX equipment room, it must have a minimum of two redundant air conditioners. The air conditioners cannot be dependent on the same supporting equipment (such as a chiller, piping, motors, and power breakers). Each air conditioner must be able to support the room on its own and must be sized 50% larger than the BTU rating of the total installed equipment. The unit must cycle on and off at a 50% rate. Consult OIT/NTS for the exact type and capacity of air handling equipment. The power feed to the Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems must be included in the building generator distribution system, and appropriate transfer switches must be installed. If no generator is provided, emergency generator planning must be completed. This may include OIT/NTS placing a generator onsite or installing an emergency power coupler in a location that is accessible by OIT/NTS portable generators. Full-circuit documentation must be provided prior to starting up the switch room. A battery backup system located in a separate room specifically designed for that purpose may also be required. Where there is battery backup in rooms, they must include the required Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) containment system for sealed and spill-proof batteries. Environmental alarms must meet state, federal, and university codes and be interfaced to OIT/NTS card access/alarm panels. Panel inputs include all UPS alarms; generator active alarms; fire, temperature, humidity, A/C unit transition switch; floor water detection; battery damper; and door breech. Refer to Section 5.5 of this appendix for additional information on power requirements. Building requirements vary. It is essential that you consult with OIT/NTS prior to finalizing building plans. 5.3 Communications Rooms (IDF or Riser Rooms) Introduction A communications room is an enclosed and secured space specifically intended for housing telecommunications cables, termination hardware, cross-connect facilities, and equipment for riser facilities. Riser facilities shall be installed in a separate and secure IDF room specifically intended for this purpose. Riser cables shall be distributed in one or more riser shafts enclosed in a series of vertically aligned closets beginning in the basement and extending throughout the 9

height of the building. These shafts shall be aligned vertically to facilitate cable pulling. Communications rooms are intended for exclusive use by OIT/NTS. PROHIBITED: Installing false ceilings in communications rooms. The minimum size for a communications room is 100 square feet, with no dimension less than 8 feet. Minimum ceiling height shall be 8 feet, 6 inches. Clearance shall be specified by the NEC. To determine proper size of communications rooms, refer to Chapter 6 of BICSI TDMM (11th edition or subsequent releases), and consult with OIT/NTS during the design phase. Rooms must be spaced so that no horizontal Cat 5E or Cat 6 cable exceeds 90 meters (as per TIA-568B). Communications rooms require overhead lighting with a minimum intensity of 50 foot-candles measured at 1 meter from the floor, and with a convenience switch at room entry. The room number shall be designated on the door or outside wall using University room numbering standards/specifications. The door on the communications room shall be a minimum of 3 feet wide, with a minimum height of 6 feet, 8 inches. It shall be equipped with a University U-Card reader and a Best core lockset that is keyed per OIT/NTS specifications. The communications rooms must have adequate ventilation, and be environmentally controlled 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The rooms shall maintain a positive pressure with a minimum of one complete air exchange per hour, as well as maintain heat dissipation rating of 48 BTUs/hour per square foot. The rooms also must maintain a constant temperature between 64 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, with a relative humidity between 30% and 55%. All walls must be covered with 8-foot by 4-foot wide by 3/4-inch thick, unpainted, fire-retardant, CD grade or better plywood backboard, mounted with the smooth side out from the floor to a minimum height of 8 feet. Electrical outlets shall be placed above the top edge of the plywood backboard; they are not to exceed 6 inches form the top edge of the plywood. One 120-volt AC dedicated duplex receptacle shall be provided for every 6 linear feet of floor perimeter. No more than three receptacles shall be dedicated per branch circuit. Installation of these receptacles shall be in consultation with OIT/NTS. Working clearances around electrical equipment shall adhere to the NEC. 10

A Telecommunications Grounding Busbar (TGB) shall be provided and attached to the TMGB in the Main Equipment room. Refer to Section 6 of this document for Bonding and Grounding Requirements. Communications rooms shall be interconnected by four 4-inch sleeves with bushings that extend a minimum of 2 inches to a maximum of 3 inches above the floor and a UL-classified fire stop system. The sleeves shall be for exclusive use by OIT/NTS, and each of these sleeves must be labeled TELE RISER ONLY. The sleeves shall be located at the left edge of the terminal board, as close to the wall as possible. Sleeves shall never be placed in the center of the terminal board. If closets cannot be aligned vertically, six conduits of 4-inch size or 4-inch by 24-inch cable tray shall be placed between them for exclusive OIT/NTS use. All conduits and sleeves must be labeled TELE RISER ONLY. The termination for station cabling shall be labeled with the corresponding jack number in accordance with the jack-labeling scheme as outlined in Section 13 of this document. OIT/NTS recommends that all floor penetrations be sleeved for the following reasons: o Ease of fire-stopping o To prevent water from leaking and spilling to lower floors o To prevent cables being installed between floors from chafing 5.4 Terminal Space/Satellite Rooms Introduction Terminal space/satellite rooms are communication facility spaces that are used for riser distribution. They are connected to a communication room and connect directly back to the main equipment room via the IDF and riser rooms. Satellite rooms can be used to pick up an outlying area that is greater than 90 meters away from an IDF. Terminal spaces/satellite rooms shall be installed in a separate and secure area. These rooms are designed exclusively for OIT/NTS use. PROHIBITED: Installing false ceilings in terminal rooms. The minimum size for terminal rooms shall be 80 square feet, with no dimension shorter than 8 feet. Minimum ceiling height shall be 8 feet, 6 inches. Clearance shall be specified by the NEC. To determine the proper size of a terminal room, refer to Chapter 6 of BICSI TDMM (11th edition or subsequent releases), and consult with OIT/NTS during the design phase. 11

Rooms must be spaced so that no horizontal Cat 5E or Cat 6 cable exceeds 90 meters (as per TIA-568B). Satellite rooms require overhead lighting with a minimum intensity of 50 footcandles measured at 1 meter from the floor, and with a convenience switch at room entry. The room number shall be designated on the door or outside wall using University room numbering standards. The door for Terminal facilities shall be a minimum of 3 feet wide, with a minimum height of 6 feet, 8 inches. Terminal facilities shall be equipped with access via a Best core lockset that is keyed per OIT/NTS specifications. Terminal facilities must have space ventilation or air conditioning in order to maintain recommended operating temperature and humidity levels for the equipment. Refer to Chapter 6 of BICSI TDMM (11th edition or subsequent releases). The terminal room must be well ventilated, and environmentally controlled 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It must maintain a positive pressure with a minimum of one complete air exchange per hour, and maintain a heat dissipation rating of 60 BTUs/hour per square foot. The terminal room must maintain a constant temperature between 64 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, with a relative humidity between 30% and 55%. All walls must be covered with 8-foot by 4-foot wide by 3/4-inch thick, unpainted, fire-retardant, CD grade or better plywood backboard, mounted with the smooth side out from the floor to a height of 8 feet. Electrical outlets shall be placed above the top edge of the plywood backboard; they are not to exceed 6 inches from the top edge of the plywood. One 120-volt AC dedicated duplex receptacle shall be provided for every 6 linear feet of floor perimeter. No more than three receptacles shall be dedicated per branch circuit. Installation of these receptacles shall be in consultation with OIT/NTS. Working clearances around electrical equipment shall adhere to the NEC. A Telecommunications Grounding Busbar (TGB) shall be provided and attached to the TMGB in the Main Equipment room. Refer to Section 6 of this appendix for Bonding and Grounding Requirements. There shall be no more than 80 meters from the center of the terminal space to the center of the nearest communications room. Connections from the communications 12

room to the terminal facilities shall adhere to the raceway specifications. Refer to Section 9, "Raceway/Tray Systems." The termination for station cabling shall be labeled with the corresponding jack number in accordance with the jack-labeling scheme as outlined in Section 13 of this document. OIT/NTS recommends that all floor penetrations be sleeved for the following reasons: o Ease of fire-stopping o To prevent water from leaking and spilling to lower floors o To prevent cables being installed between floors from chaffing 5.5 Electrical Power Requirements Power to terminal rooms shall be installed using dedicated circuits to these areas. UPS system equipment shall be incorporated only if identified and budgeted in the project in consultation with OIT/NTS. Where UPS systems are required, the following criteria apply: Space ventilation or air conditioning shall be provided to maintain the recommended operating temperature of equipment. The systems shall be completely isolated from the line. The neutral shall be bonded to ground. Voltage spikes shall have attenuation of 2,000:1 from line for lightning protection. Surges shall be suppressed to safe levels as described by IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 587 A and B (guide to surge voltages). Common mode noise rejection shall be better than 120 db. Transverse mode noise rejection shall be greater than 60 db. The wave shape shall be sine. It shall be limited to 3% single harmonic distortion, and 5% total harmonic distortion. Loss of power shall be less than 2 milliseconds in transfer to the UPS and return. The waveform shall remain in phase. The unit shall run at full load without input power for 20 minutes. OIT/NTS shall review this timeframe. 13

There shall be a method of bypassing AC so the UPS may be maintained and repaired without loss of power to equipment. It is not necessary to condition power in this mode. The UPS shall be capable of handling a 25% overload for five minutes and a surge overload of 50%. There shall be a delay of more than 15 seconds before the UPS returns to normal line conditioning mode. The output waveform shall have less than 3% single harmonic distortion, and 5% total harmonic distortion. 5.6 Air Conditioning Requirements o PBX o Core Node o Data Center o Video o Other High Concentrations of Heat-producing Electronic Equipment 6 Bonding and Grounding Introduction The NEC defines bonding as, The permanent joining of metallic parts to form an electrically conductive path that ensures electrical continuity and the capacity to conduct safely any current likely to be imposed. A ground is defined as, A conducting connection, whether intentional or accidental, between an electrical circuit or equipment and the earth or to some conducting body that serves in place of the earth. The purpose of the grounding system is to direct potentially damaging currents away from people and sensitive network equipment by creating a low impedance path to earth ground for electrical surges and transient voltages. This serves to minimize the detrimental effects of these currents (which include degraded network performance and reliability, as well as increased safety risks). The grounding system must be intentional, visually verifiable, and adequately sized to handle expected currents safely. The grounding system shall be designed and installed in accordance with the NEC and with the BICSI TDMM, Chapter 8 (11 th edition or subsequent releases), TIA/EIA-942, and J-STD-607-A. 14

6.1 Busbars Each communications room in a building shall have a grounding busbar, typically installed in a lower corner of the plywood backboard at least 6 inches above the finished floor, and as close as practicable to any electrical panelboard serving the room. The main equipment room or entrance facility shall house the Telecommunications Main Grounding Busbar (TMGB), and each other equipment room shall house a Telecommunications Grounding Busbar (TGB). Busbars shall be a minimum of ¼ inch thick, of electrolytic tin plated copper construction, and must be predrilled to accept standard two-hole lugs. The TMGB shall be 4 inches high, a minimum of 20 inches long, and of variable length to accommodate the expected number of lugs and allow for future growth. The TGB shall be 2 inches high, a minimum of 12 inches long, and of variable length. Currently approved busbars are Panduit GB4 series for MDF and GB2 series for IDF. 6.2 Telecommunications Bonding Backbone The busbars on each floor shall be bonded to the Telecommunications Bonding Backbone (TBB). The TBB shall be routed in as straight a line as possible and be continuous, with no splices, from the TMGB to the top floor TGB. It shall be sized in accordance with J-STD-607-A (See Table 1). The bend radius on any necessary bends in this cable should be greater than 8 inches. Table 1: Sizing of the TBB TBB Length in Linear meters TBB Size (AWG) (feet) Less than 4 (13) 6 4-6 (14-20) 4 6-8 (21-26) 3 8-10 (27-33) 2 10-13 (34-41) 1 13-16 (42-52) 1/0 16-20 (53-66) 2/0 Greater than 20 (66) 3/0 The TMGB shall be bonded to an approved grounding electrode and to the building s main electrical ground system. This grounding electrode conductor shall 15

6.3 Cables be no smaller than the TBB. Connections to the TGBs at every floor except the top floor shall be made via copper compression H-Tap (see section 6.8) and a conductor no smaller than the TBB. In the event that more than one TBB exists in a building, the TGBs shall be connected at the top floor and at a minimum of every third floor below by a Grounding Equalizer (GE), which is equal in size to the TBB. Each conductive multipair cable in a building shall be grounded at both ends via a bond attached to the cable armor (which accepts a standard two-hole lug). The bond shall be Electric Motion Company s EM 2BBx bond, unless a substitute is approved in advance by OIT/NTS. 6.4 Rack Grounding Electrical continuity throughout each rack or cabinet is required to minimize safety risks. The racks shall be assembled using paint-piercing grounding washers (Panduit Part no. RGW, or an OIT/NTS-approved substitute) and antioxidant (per the recommendations of the manufacturer). An electrostatic discharge port kit (Panduit RGESD, or an OIT/NTS-approved substitute) shall be placed on the rack (on the right side when facing the rack) at 48 inches above the floor. All bonding connections to the rack shall be made with thread-forming screws (Panduit Part no. RGTS, or an OIT/NTS-approved substitute), or the threads must be cleaned of all paint or residue (per the NEC). In locations with multiple racks, the rack shall be connected to the common bonding network with a 6 AWG conductor and a copper compression HTAP. In locations with single racks, a 6 AWG conductor to the busbar is sufficient. The common bonding network is a 2 AWG continuous conductor placed below or above the racks. Refer to TIA/EIA-942 and IEEE-1100 for design recommendations. 6.5 Pathway Grounding Any metallic component, including equipment, ladder racks, enclosures, cable trays, etc., must be bonded to the grounding system. Provisions must be made to bond individual segments of ladder rack and basket tray together in order to make them electrically continuous. Any metallic conduit that carries a grounding conductor and is greater than 3 feet long must have both ends bonded to the conductor with a bonding jumper no longer than 12 inches and fastened with a compression HTAP to the conductor on one side and to the conduit on the other. 16

6.6 Equipment Grounding Although AC-powered equipment typically has a power cord that contains a ground wire, the integrity of this path cannot be easily verified. Thus, many equipment manufacturers require grounding above and beyond that which is specified by local electrical codes, such as the NEC. Always follow the grounding recommendations of the manufacturer when installing equipment. 6.7 Electrical Service When an electrical panelboard is located in a telecommunications room, a 6 AWG bonding conductor shall be run from the busbar to the electrical service ground. When an electrical panelboard is not located in the room, a 6 AWG bonding conductor should be run from the busbar to the nearest electrical panelboard (where feasible). 6.8 Compression Fittings Lugs and HTAPs must be manufactured of tin plated copper and fastened via irreversible compression (crimped). Lugs shall have spacing to fit Panduit GB series predrilled busbars and a window to allow for inspection of the crimp. HTAPs shall be contained in clear covers that allow inspection of the die marks to ensure that the proper die was used. 6.9 Testing and documentation o Approved lugs: Panduit LCC or LCCX series Burndy YAZ series CPI Electric Motion Company CCL Series o Approved HTAPS: Panduit HTWC series Burndy YH series (when used with clear covers) or an OIT/NTSapproved substitute. The grounding system shall be documented by means of a diagram showing the locations of the busbars and the size of the conductors, indicating all connections between conductors from the busbars or TBB back to the building electrical grounding system. This includes: connections to building AC panelboards, building steel, the building electrical service ground, connections between the busbar(s) and the TBB. If not connected with a two-hole lug, the connection type of any bonding connection 17

(HTAP, clamp, etc) between the busbar and the building ground point should be specified on the drawing. To ensure that bonding connections from the busbar to infrastructure within the telecommunications spaces are of low resistance and that the impedance to ground is as low as possible, the following checks shall be performed. Lugs: Visually check that the conductor is visible in the window of the lug to ensure that it was fully inserted, and that the lug is properly crimped. Check that the lug is fastened through both mounting holes, that the connection is tight, and that antioxidant was used (if necessary). HTAPs: Ensure that the mark left on the HTAP indicates that the appropriate manufacturer-recommended die was used for that HTAP, and that the connection is protected by a clear cover that allows visual inspection. Racks: Visually check that the racks have been assembled with paint-piercing washers or are constructed so as to make such measures unnecessary (i.e. welded). Conduits: If a bonding conductor is routed through a metallic conduit more than three feet long, ensure that both ends of the conduit are bonded to the conductor with a suitable method, avoiding sharp bends in the cable. Looping the conductor itself through the conduit bonding collar is prohibited. Measurements: Ensure that the resistance of the following connections is less than 0.1 ohms: o Lug to HTAP for any connections to Common Bonding Network o Rack bonding lug to any rack section (the paint-piercing washers make good test points) o Bonding lugs to busbar, cable tray, and cable bond 7 Intrabuilding Backbone Riser Facilities 7.1 Design Considerations OIT/NTS designs the intrabuilding backbone distribution system to meet or exceed the requirements of TIA/EIA-568-B, BICSI TDMM Chapter 5 (11 th edition or subsequent releases), the NEC, and all applicable local and national codes and regulations. The intrabuilding backbone shall be comprised of both copper and optical fiber. Cable sizing shall be in consultation with OIT/NTS for specific building requirements. 18

Intrabuilding backbone fiber and copper cables shall be sized to include 50% spare for future use. Consult with OIT/NTS for cable sizing requirements on a per building basis. Intrabuilding backbone cables comprised of steel or metallic parts must be grounded on both ends of the cable (as specified in section 6, Bonding and Grounding ). Proper firestopping of all backbone pathways shall be maintained as specified in section 5.1, General Telecommunications Rooms Requirements. Intrabuilding copper and backbone cables shall be installed without exceeding the minimum bend radius and the maximum vertical rise recommended by the cable manufacturer and must not exceed the maximum allowed pulling tension of the cable(s). 7.2 Intrabuilding Backbone Copper (Riser) 7.2.1 Cabling The intrabuilding copper backbone cable(s) shall be 100 ohm unshielded, balanced, twisted-pair, Category 3 riser-rated cable with 24 AWG round solid conductors. It shall also be armored. Copper backbone cabling shall be type CMR (Communications Riser). Where used in plenum spaces, copper backbone cabling shall be type CMP (Communications Plenum). The cable shall be UL tested and listed, and it shall meet or exceed the requirements of Category 3 cable as specified in TIA/EIA-568-B.1 and all applicable national and municipal fire codes. Copper backbone riser cable specifications are as follows: 7.2.2 Terminations o Communications Riser: Category 3 Copper Cable ARMM (Alpeth, Expanded polyethylene polyvinyl chloride, 24 AWG, ALVYN) o Communications Plenum: Category 3 Copper Cable 24 AWG Plenum Rated Intrabuilding backbone copper cabling shall be terminated on 110 termination blocks in the telecommunications riser room. Main 19

Communication room terminations must be done in accordance with OIT/NTS. Terminations must be in accordance with TIA/EIA-568-B. The cable shall be continuous without splices, unless specified differently by OIT/NTS. Intrabuilding copper backbone cables must be properly secured to the walls to prevent horizontal movement as specified in BICSI TDMM Chapter 5 (11 th edition or subsequent releases), the NEC, and all applicable national and municipal codes. 7.3 Intrabuilding Backbone Fiber Optic (Riser) 7.3.1 Cabling The intrabuilding optical fiber backbone cable(s) shall be a hybrid (singlemode/multi-mode) cable consisting of 8.3/125 μm singlemode and 62.5/125 μm multi-mode optical fiber consisting of a minimum of 12 strands of singlemode and 12 strands of multi-mode. All backbone fiber optic cabling must use Corning glass (SMF-28e for singlemode and Infinicor CL-1000 for multi-mode fiber). Cable sizing shall be in consultation with OIT/NTS. Optical fiber riser shall be type OFNR (optical fiber non-conductive riser). Where used in plenum spaces, optical fiber shall be type OFNP (optical fiber non-conductive plenum). Singlemode cable jackets shall be yellow in color, while multi-mode and hybrid cable jackets shall be orange in color. Optical fiber cables shall meet or exceed all applicable national and local building fire codes. Optical fiber backbone riser cable specifications are as follows: o Fiber Riser Cable: Corning (part number 024XW7-CK539D20) or an OIT/NTS-approved substitute. o Fiber Riser Cable Plenum Rated: Corning (part number: 024XWP- CK540D20) or an OIT/NTS-approved substitute. 20

7.3.2 Fiber Terminations The intrabuilding optical fiber backbone cable(s) shall be installed with a service loop of 25 feet at each end. Intrabuilding fiber backbone cables must be properly secured to the walls to prevent movement as specified in BICSI TDMM Chapter 5 (11 th edition or subsequent releases), the NEC, and all applicable national and local building codes. Velcro cable ties shall be used for securing fiber optic cable. All fiber optic cables are to be continuous without splicing, unless otherwise specified by OIT/NTS. Fiber optic terminations are to be field-connectorized using ST 3M Hotmelt connectors. Splicing of pigtails is not allowed. The singlemode strands of each intrabuilding backbone fiber optic cable shall be placed first in the fiber optic cabinet, followed by the multi-mode strands of the corresponding cable. Fiber optic cabinets shall be labeled according to OIT/NTS labeling scheme. Contact OIT/NTS for the correct designation. 7.3.3 Fiber-Optic Enclosures Fiber-optic rack-mounted enclosures shall consist of an EIA-approved 19- inch enclosure (with optional extensions to fit in a 23-inch rack) that is four rack units tall (7 inches) with a minimum of 72 duplex port capacity. Individual fiber couplers must be removable from the panel. Individual couplers must be replaceable without causing interruption of service to adjacent fiber strands. Dust covers must be provided for any unused couplers in each enclosure. The enclosure shall be black. Specify Panduit product FRME-enhanced series or prior OIT/NTSapproved substitute. Enclosures shall be labeled per OIT/NTS specifications. 21

7.4 Intrabuilding Backbone Pathways Intrabuilding backbone cabling shall be distributed using a series of conduits, cable trays, sleeves, and slots. Refer to section 5.3 ( Communications Rooms ) and section 9 ( Raceway/Tray Systems ) of this document for information on pathways. All conduits, cable trays, sleeves, and slots shall conform to TIA-569-B, BICSI TDMM Chapter 5 (11 th edition or subsequent releases), the NEC, and all applicable national and municipal codes. The cable must be properly supported as defined by the cable manufacturer s specifications and shall conform to TIA/EIA-568, the NEC, and all applicable national and municipal codes. 8 Communications/Terminal Room Termination Requirements For all new construction, Category 5E and/or Category 6 installations shall terminate voice on 110-style punch blocks and terminate data on patch panels. Figure A: Typical Backboard Layout for Riser Rooms 22

8.1 Wall Termination of Copper Wiring Provide 110 IDC systems mounted to the 8-foot by 4-foot wide by 3/4-inch thick unpainted, fire-retardant, CD grade or better plywood backboard that is mounted with the smooth side out. Install terminal blocks so that they are vertically plumb and securely fastened to the plywood backboards. Install the top jumper trough 2 feet down from the top of the plywood. Install a wire basket-style tray that is designed for no more than 40% fill at the top of the plywood for the length of the termination field. Install a wire basket-style tray 8 inches below the bottom of the lowest jumper trough (Refer to Figure A). This tray must be bonded and attached to the ground buss, and it must meet all of the requirements of J-STD-607 Commercial Building Grounding and Bonding Requirements, the NEC, and Chapter 8 of BICSI TDMM (11th edition or subsequent releases). Refer to Section 6 of this appendix for Bonding and Grounding Requirements. Install cables without violating the minimum bend radius specified by the cable manufacturer. Route station cables in brackets, troughs, and wire ways that are specifically designed for Cat 5E/Cat 6 applications. Fasten cables securely with Velcro-style tie wraps to prevent strain at the terminations. Wall-mounted copper connectivity specifications are as follows: 8.2 Equipment Racks o Cat 5E Systimax 5E 110 Connecting Block w/o legs 107 059 909 Systimax Jumper Trough w/o legs 107 831 141 Seltek 110 Cable Guide (backchannel) CG300 o Cat 6 Systimax 110 Connecting Block 107 059 925 Systimax Jumper Trough w/o legs 107 831 141 Seltek 110 Cable Guide (backchannel) CG300 Allow for a minimum of two floor-mounted (7-foot tall by 23-inch wide) equipment racks per room. Equipment racks shall be self-supported and floor-mounted. Equipment racks must be securely mounted to the floor with expansion anchors. 23

Equipment racks must have cable management with 6-inch vertical channels and must have pass-through holes and slots for additional cable management accessories. Wire management must accept removable, hinged doors. Racks must include movable, plastic D rings for flexible cable management. The rack system is to be installed per OIT/NTS requirements and shall be a Panduit NetFrame or a Chatsworth Rack System. Provide a horizontal wire basket-style tray that is designed for no more than 40% fill and that is mounted above all equipment racks. The tray must be properly bonded and grounded. All equipment racks shall be grounded to the ground buss and meet all of the requirements of J-STD-607 Commercial Building Grounding and Bonding Requirements, the NEC, and Chapter 8 of the BICSI TDMM (11th edition or subsequent releases). Equipment racks must meet all EIA requirements as defined in EIA-310-D. 8.3 Patch Panels Category 5E/Category 6 patch panels shall consist of EIA-approved 19-inch patch panels with optional extensions to fit a 23-inch rack. Panels must accommodate 24 jacks per 1¾ inch rack unit. Each eight-pin modular jack must provide proper strain relief by encompassing the insulation of the cable within the back of the jack. Each eight-pin modular jack must be removable from the panel. Individual jacks must be replaceable without causing any interruption of service to any other jack. Panels shall be UL 1863-listed and black in color. A labeling area shall be included on the front for jack identification. Patch panels shall be a Systimax 108 356 312 or Leviton 49255 H24 (or an OIT/NTS-approved substitute). 24

8.4 Horizontal Management Design to support Category 5E/Category 6 cables without compressing or kinking the cables. Horizontal cable management panels must be included on the racks and shall have an EIA-compliant 19-inch wiring management duct that is one rack space tall (with optional extensions to fit a 23 inch wide rack). A wire management panel must be placed above the first patch panel, every third rack unit thereafter, and below the last patch panel. The wire management panel shall have a 1½ inch by 2-inch front wire management duct, and a 1-inch by 4-inch rear wire management duct. Covers for each duct shall be removable/hinged. The entire panel shall be black. Specify Panduit product code number NCMH2 or an OIT/NTS-approved substitute. Consult with OIT/NTS with regards to the needs and design of vertical wire management ducts. 9 Raceway/Tray Systems The general requirements for raceway/tray systems are as follows: Communication tray systems shall be for exclusive use by OIT/NTS. The systems shall be designed for no more than 40% fill. The systems must be metallic and continuous, and all separate pieces must be bonded where they are joined. The systems must be grounded to the building grounding system with a minimum 6 AWG copper conductor. Refer to Section 6 for specific Bonding and Grounding requirements. Use insulated metallic bushings for attached metallic conduits. Ground and bond the conduits to the tray (Figure B). The tray shall be ladder or wire basket style. 25

The ladder-style tray shall have a rail on each side, and the rungs shall be enclosed and welded into place. The wire basket-style tray shall be U shaped and constructed of round wire mesh. The basket tray shall be installed trapeze-style or wall-mounted. It must not be center hung. End-of-tray cable waterfalls must be used where wire drops down to prevent abrasions and cuts from metal tray edges. The tray must be no closer than 6 inches from the structural ceiling, ducts, pipes, or any other possible obstructions. A minimum separation of 5 inches from lighting, especially fluorescent lighting, is required. The tray must maintain 18-inch clearance from sprinkler heads. The complete cable tray system must meet OIT/NTS approval. Compliance to this standard requires that the end of rigid or flex conduit must: o Have a bushing o Lie within the side and end planes of the cable tray o Lie within the tolerated distance as illustrated (Figure B) o Be anchored to a rigid support o Be grounded and bonded to the cable tray with a minimum 14 AWG copper conductor. Refer to Section 6 of this appendix for Bonding and Grounding Requirements. 26

Figure B: Conduit to Cable Tray Configurations 9.1 J-Hooks The use of J-Hooks to support horizontal wiring in lieu of continuous conduit or a combination of conduit and wire basket tray is currently under study by OIT/NTS. At this time, OIT/NTS cannot document any advantages to using J-Hooks other than for economic reasons. Numerous questions and concerns have arisen regarding the affects of EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) on high speed data transmissions when J-Hooks are used to suspend horizontal wiring systems. Compatibility concerns (including bend radius control and loading limitations) and EMI susceptibility between cable manufacturers and J-Hook manufacturers have not been adequately addressed, given the large number of products and the various combinations that can be used. When J-Hooks are to be installed as a substitution for continuous conduit or a combination of conduit and wire basket tray, it is the responsibility of the Architect, Electrical Engineer, Owners Representative, Professional Voice and Data Consultant, or other requesting party to provide documentation from both the cable manufacturer and the J-Hook manufacturer stating that their wire and J-Hooks are compatible and will address bend radius control, loading limitations, and EMI rejection. A plan showing the placement of each J-Hook including load capacity and bend radius control must also be provided to OIT/NTS. OIT/NTS must review the documentation and approve of the J- 27