Section 27 0000

Communications Cabling

Part 1 - General Introduction

  1. The work shall consist of the design, provision, termination, testing and documentation of a complete and fully functional structured Category 6 (Cat-6) and optical fiber communications cabling system. The instructions in this section are specific to communications installations and should be read in conjunction with other contract documents as applicable.
  2. Caltech has communications specifications specific to Caltech. Attempts have been made to include Caltech specific requirements through this document. If there are questions about this specification, contact Caltech for clarification.

Part 2 - Qualifications

  1. The telephone and data cabling system installation work detailed in this section shall be carried out by a specialist installer company. The installer shall be certified by the system manufacturer (or manufacturers) in the installation and testing of the cabling system.
  2. The installer shall have a proven track record in the field of telephone and data (Category 6 and optical fiber) cabling system installation. The installer shall have completed at least three previous installations of comparable size, complexity and manpower within the last three years. Each installation shall utilize components, installation practices and testing procedure equivalent to those specified in this document.
  3. The Installer shall hold a valid California State Contractors License for the duration of the project. The Installer shall be responsible for obtaining permits and other requirements for performing work on this project. All costs associated with obtaining permits and other documentation shall be included in the bid sum for the project.

Part 3 - Definitions

  1. Provide: Supply, furnish, deliver, install, pull, fix, dress, terminate, label, test, ground and document the components as per these specifications.
  2. Main Distribution Frame (MDF): Location where external cables are to be terminated.
  3. Intermediate Distribution Frame (IDF): Secondary wiring closets which are connected to the MDF that serve localized areas.
  4. Workstation Outlet: Cable termination(s) to be used by end user equipment.
  5. Backbone Cables: Cables linking the MDF and IDFs located through out the complex.
  6. Link Cables: Cables linking Distribution Frames directly with one another.
  7. Distribution Cables: Cables linking the Communications Rooms to each workstation outlet.
  8. External Cables: Cables that link the building to external connection point(s) and/or other building(s). These cables are considered to be Outside Plant (OSP).
  9. Station Cables: Cables linking workstation outlet to active equipment.
  10. Patch Cables: Cables linking Distribution Frame Patch Panel terminations with active electronics or another Patch Panel termination.
  11. Caltech: California Institute of Technology, who will designate and be represented by a single point of contact for all issues pertaining to the job.
  12. Owner: California Institute of Technology, who will designate and be represented by a single point of contact for all issues pertaining to the job.
  13. Consultant: The party responsible for Network Services design.

Part 4 - Scope of Work

  1. The work shall consist of the furnishing, installation, termination, testing and documentation of a complete and fully functional structured communications cabling system. The work shall include the following (as identified within these documents and associated drawings):
    1. Provision of external optical fiber and copper cabling, except as specified by Caltech.
    2. Splicing external grade cables to internal grade cables.
    3. Provision of internal optical fiber and copper backbone, link and distribution cables.
    4. Provision of coaxial CATV television system cabling, if required.
    5. Termination of each optical fiber element with optical fiber connectors mounted in patch panels, termination frames and/or outlet faceplates.
    6. Termination of each copper cable with connectors mounted in patch panels, termination frames and/or outlet faceplates.
    7. Provision of equipment cabinets, racks, cable management and all accessories.
    8. Provision of patch cords, station cables and cross-connect wires, except as specified by Caltech.
    9. Full labeling of the entire installation prior to testing.
    10. Testing of each optical fiber element and connector with Power Meters and OTDR.
    11. Testing of each copper cable and connector with Tester.
    12. Documentation of the installation, including test results, cable management records and as-built documents in native, source or raw electronic format. PDF submitted documents are not accaptable.
  2. Provide and install all incidental items that belong to the Work described and which are required for a complete system.
  3. Entire copper cable plant shall be certified Panduit TX6 10GIG Copper Cabling System with end-to-end warranty for no less than 25 years.
  4. Entire fiber cable plant shall be a Corning Altos LANscape certified Solutions with Extended Warranty for no less than a 25 years. Caltech is willing to entertain a Panduit PanGen certified fiber optic solution capable of meeting the Corning certification.

Part 5 - Works not included

  1. The work detailed in this section shall not include the following:
    1. Provision of active networking equipment (electronics) and computer terminals.
    2. Installation and physical connection of active network electronics to cable plant.
    3. Provision of telephone equipment and associated services.
    4. Installation and physical connection of active telephone equipment to cable plant.
    5. Fiber Optic and Copper patch cables – Bid as a separate line item.

Part 6 - Manufacturer’s Complete Systems

  1. The cabling system specified in this document shall be an end to end solution that is sourced from a single manufacturer or partnered manufacturers. Unless explicitly noted within these specifications, this shall include patch panels, connectors, cables, patch cords, faceplates and other associated components.
  2. Bidders shall note that all components shall meet or exceed the performance requirements detailed within these specifications.
  3. Caltech reserves the right to reject any substitution on the grounds of adherence to standards, quality, performance, utility, function and/or appearance.

Part 7 - Job Conditions

  1. Prior to bidding, visit the site and determine all existing conditions affecting work. The Bidder shall examine all drawings and specifications to familiarize themselves with the type of construction to be used, and the nature and extent of work provided by other trades.
  2. Verify dimensions and the correct location of hardware before proceeding with the installation of hardware, cabling and/or connections.
  3. Notify Caltech in writing immediately on discovery of dimensional discrepancies and other conditions detrimental to proper performance of the Work.

Part 8 - Clarifications

  1. If any ambiguity, conflict, discrepancy, omission or other need for clarification is discovered in the specification, drawings and associated documents, bidders shall immediately notify the Consultant in writing and request modification and/or clarification of the document. Modifications will be made by addenda.

Part 9 - Addenda

  1. The specifications, drawings and associated documents may be modified prior to the proposal due date by issuance of an addendum. The addendum will be sent to all bidders.

Part 10 - Personnel

  1. The personnel who will be employed on the contract shall be suitably trained in the management of a project of this nature and/or in the installation and maintenance of products of the type being provided so as to be able to carry out all work in a competent manner.
  2. The Installer shall provide a site manager responsible for all site-related issues. This individual shall be the single point of contact for the project team and shall carry a mobile phone so they can be contacted during the working hours of the project.
  3. The Installer shall have a Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) as a permanent member of staff. The RCDD shall be in good standing with the Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI) and shall have a current registration. The RCDD must be available for weekly meetings or as needed to facilitate system installation and address Caltech’s needs and concerns.
  4. The Installer shall be certified by the component manufacturer(s) in the installation and testing of the cabling system and shall be able to provide a manufacturers’ extended performance warranty for the ‘end to end’ cabling system.

Part 11 - Labeling and Numbering Scheme

  1. Label each component of the communications systems with its unique identification number. The labeling scheme shall uniquely identify each outlet for the whole building. The scheme shall contain a reference to the building, outlet type, the Communications Room that serves the outlet, and the outlet number. Consult with Caltech’s Voice and Data Networks department to establish and approve the labeling scheme.
  2. Provide Panduit Pan-Net labels for Riser cables, connectors, cables, outlets, termination frames and patch panels.
  3. The lettering on each label shall be as large as is practicable. All labels shall be machine-produced. Hand-written labels will not be acceptable.
  4. A standard relative orientation shall be adopted for all labels unless otherwise specified.
  5. Labels shall be robust, durable, shall resist abrasion and shall be UV inhibiting, permanent and indelible. Labels shall be proof to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
  6. All labels shall be readily visible and shall be fixed so that they remain in a visible position wherever practical.
  7. Labels shall carry the full complement of characters to designate the unique identification for the item that they identify.
  8. Cable Labels
    1. Provide Panduit Pan-Code self laminating labels for cables with less than ½” diameter.
    2. The labels shall be a snug fit to each cable once they have been installed. Any labels that split, partially split or otherwise damaged shall be replaced. Labels shall be plenum-rated.
    3. Provide laminated, cable-tied labels for interduct and cables of ½” or greater diameter Panduit PST-FO. The labels shall be waterproof and shall be of sufficient size to include all identification letters or numbers. The label shall be punched with holes to allow two cable ties (one at each end) to be used to secure the label to the cable.
    4. Distribution / Link Cabling: Label each cable so that the label is within 8" of the end of the cable at the patch frame end and within 6" of the end of the cable at the outlet end. Labels shall be Panduit LS3E Heat shrink Markers.
    5. Backbone / External / Innerduct Cabling: Label each cable so that the label is within 40" of each end of the cable and is visible for inspection.
  9. Outlet and Patch Panel Labels
    1. Provide nameplate labels for each outlet and patch panel. The patch panel and faceplate labels are to be a white and black engraved plastic sandwich material, i.e. black letters on white background.
    2. Outlet Label: Provide sandwich style labels to identify the faceplate. The sandwich style labels are to be neatly fixed in place with epoxy adhesive.
    3. Patch Panel: Provide sandwich style labels to identify each connector. The labels shall be permanently fixed to the patch panel front cover with an epoxy adhesive.

Part 12 - Warranty

  1. Installer to provide a warranty for one year from Notice of Completion on all materials and workmanship installed or supplied as part of the optical fiber and data system.
  2. The Installer shall also supply an extended performance warranty, as offered by the components’ manufacturer(s). C. The Installer shall also supply certificates indicating extended performance warranty, per components’ manufacturer(s).

Part 13 - Quality

  1. The communications cabling installation work detailed in this section shall be carried out to a high standard and be free of defects.
  2. All installation work shall be completed to the standard of the samples approved by Caltech during the submittal process. Any products not installed to the quality detailed in these specifications and approved in the submittal process shall be reworked by the Installer to the satisfaction of Caltech at no additional cost to the Owner.

Part 14 - Materials Standards

  1. All products, services, materials and documentation provided by the Installer shall meet the requirements of the following where applicable:
    1. National Electrical Manufacturer's Association (NEMA)
    2. American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
    3. National Fire Prevention Act (NFPA)
      1. National Electric Code 2011 (NEC)
    4. Relevant State Electric and Fire Codes
    5. Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE)
    6. Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL)
    7. Telecommunications Industry Association / Electronic Industries Alliance (TIA/EIA)
      1. 568-C.0-2012: Generic Telecommunications Cabling for Customer Premises
      2. 568-C.1-2012: Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Standard
      3. 568-C.2-2010: Balanced Twisted-Pair Telecommunications Cabling and Components Standards
      4. 568-C.3-2011: Optical Fiber Cabling Components Standard
      5. 568-C.4-2011: Broadband Coaxial Cabling and Components Standard
      6. 569-C-2012: Telecommunications Pathways and Spaces
      7. 598-C-2005: Color Coding of Optical Fiber Cables
      8. 606-B-2012: The Administration Standard for the Telecommunications Infrastructure of Commercial Buildings
      9. 607-B-2011: Telecommunications Bonding and Grounding (Earthing) for Customer Premises
      10. 758-B-2012: Customer-Owned Outside Plant Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard
      11. 942-A-2012: Standard for Data Centers
    8. Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI) publications:
      1. Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual (TDMM), 12th ed.
      2. Network Design Reference Manual (NDRM), 7th ed.
      3. Outside Plant Design Reference Manual (OSPDRM), 5th ed.
      4. Information Transport Systems Installation Methods Manual (ITSIMM), 6th ed.
      5. Wireless Design Reference Manual (WDRM), 3rd ed.
      6. Electronic Safety and Security Design Reference Manual (ESSDRM), 2nd ed.
      7. AV Design Reference Manual (AVDRM), 1st ed. (IMSS - Academic Media Technologies)
    9. Manufacturer’s recommendations and installation guidelines
    10. All cabling shall comply with all appropriate requirements of NEC Articles 770 and 800 and shall comply with the State Fire Codes as interpreted by the State Fire Marshall’s Dept.
  2. All publications referred to in this document shall be the latest edition thereof together with any amendments and/or addenda current ten days before the date fixed for return of bids.

Part 15 - Cabling System Performance and Requirements

15.1 Copper Data Cabling

  1. The copper cabling system shall support data network protocols/services at rates of at least 1 Gbps. It shall support 10/100/1000BaseT, ATM (at OC-3, OC-12 and OC-48) and other network protocols. The cabling system shall also be compatible with RS-232, Voice over IP, other dedicated point-to-point protocols, and in-line power specifications.
  2. The channel performance for the Category 6 system provided as a part of this installation shall meet or exceed the Panduit TX6 criteria for swept frequency support up to 500MHz.
  3. Provide General Cable GenSPEED 6000 Category 6 or equivalent cable that will be certified as part of a Panduit Pan-Gen and Pan-Net certified end-to-end cabling system warranty with yellow color jacket for data networking and telephone cable. Each cable shall have four pairs of unshielded twisted pair 24 AWG solid copper conductors. The cable shall be plenum rated (CMP). Each cable shall meet or exceed the channel performance specifications in this document when installed as part of the end to end cabling system described in this specification. Cable choices are to be priced and submitted to Caltech for approval as part of the bidding process.
  4. Category 6 (Cat-6) Copper Jacks. Provide Panduit Mini-Com TX6 PLUS Jack Module – eight position, eight wire jacks (CJ688TP-xx). Colors to be used: IG to be used for all jacks, regardless of cable usage or designation. Each connector shall meet or exceed the channel performance specifications as described in the TIA/EIA Category 6 specification. The pin outs for the jack shall conform to the T568B wiring scheme.
  5. Faceplate, jack colors and other aesthetic issues must be approved by Caltech prior to installation.

15.2 Copper Voice Cabling

  1. The cabling system shall support telephone services from the PBX. It shall support both digital and analog telephone services and shall be compatible with direct trunk lines (POTS) and ISDN services.

15.3 Fiber Optic Cabling

  1. General Requirements
    1. The fiber cabling system shall support at least 100Gbps for all runs that are in the 100Gbps cable length spec. Fiber cable runs outside of this distance requirement must support at least 10Gbps. The fiber cabling system must support WDM signaling requirements.
    2. Faceplate, jack colors and other aesthetic issues must be approved by Caltech prior to installation.
  2. Optical Fiber External Cables – Bid as separate line item
    1. Provide optical fiber external cables from remote campus wiring centers to MDF.
    2. Optical fiber cable to be run through conduit from tunnel point of entry to MDF.
    3. Terminate each end of each pair of optical fiber elements with optical fiber connectors fitted in an optical fiber rack-mounted patch panel as described in this specification. Label each connector with the feeder cable pair number.
    4. Connector type is to be LC style.
    5. Patch Panel insert it to be of high density. For in building MDF and IDF application, a minimum of 12 strands per insert is required. For Primary Wiring Centers on campus, a minum of 24 strands per insert is required.
    6. Method of termination and connectorization to be approved by Caltech prior to installation.
  3. Optical Fiber Riser Cabling
    1. Provide optical fiber feeder cables between the MDF and IDF on each floor as shown on the drawings.
    2. Run optical fiber cable through conduit between MDF and IDFs.
    3. Terminate each end of each pair of optical fiber elements with optical fiber connectors fitted in an optical fiber rack-mounted patch panel as described in this specification. Label each connector with the feeder cable pair number.
    4. Connector type is to be LC style.
    5. Method of termination and connectorization to be approved by Caltech prior to installation.
  4. Optical Fiber Patch Panels
    1. Provide patch panels fitted in the equipment racks (as shown on the Drawings) to house optical fiber cables terminated on optical fiber connectors.
    2. Securely fix all patch panels in place.
    3. Provide a sufficient number of patch panels to house all specified optical fiber cables and connectors.
    4. Terminate all elements of each optical fiber cable with the specified connectors. Strip back the optical fiber cable jacket, providing a 24" service loop for each optical fiber element. Neatly dress these loops in the patch panel using appropriately sized spiral wrap, so they are protected.
    5. Connector type is to be LC style.
    6. Method of termination and connectorization to be approved by Caltech prior to installation.

15.4 Coaxial Cabling

  1. Coaxial cable system shall support 5MHz through 4.5 GHz frequency ranges.
  2. Faceplate, jack colors and other aesthetic issues must be approved by Caltech prior to installation.

Part 16 - Submittals

  1. All submittals shall be sent to Caltech. Three copies of each submittal should be provided unless otherwise noted. Each submittal should be provided no later than six weeks prior to the work associated with that submittal to allow time for submittal review.
  2. Project References
    1. Submit for approval, references for a minimum of three similar projects successfully undertaken and completed within the last three years. These projects should be a similar scale, complexity and have similar time scales as this project.
    2. Provide project name and address, client contact name and telephone number and construction manager name and telephone number. Provide a brief description of each project indicating types of system installed, quantities and configurations of outlets and project time scales.
    3. At least two of the references shall be located in Southern California and shall be available for Caltech and other members of the Design Team to visit and inspect the installation, should, in the opinion of Caltech, this be necessary.

Part 17 - Personnel Training

  1. Submit for approval current RCDD registration certification for the RCDD or RCDDs that are part of the Installers staff. This documentation shall clearly show that the registration is current. A currently certified RCDD is required for the duration of the project.
  2. Submit for approval records regarding the management, installation and testing personnel. These records shall include resumes, training certificates, previous work experience details (especially on reference projects) and other relevant information.
  3. Submit records to confirm that the personnel who will be employed in an installation capacity are suitably trained in the installation and maintenance of equipment and systems of the type being provided.
  4. Submit records to confirm that the personnel that will be responsible for testing the system are suitably trained in the operation of the test equipment being used in this project.

Part 18 - Cabling Diagram (required on award of Contract)

  1. Submit, for approval, a complete cabling diagram. The diagram shall be based on the single-line drawing included in the Construction Documents. It shall be updated to show quantities and part numbers for all components including patch panels, cable, conduit, cabinets and equipment racks, splices, splice cases and all other associated components.

Part 19 - Test Equipment (required on award of Contract) and Testing

19.1 General Requirement

  1. A. Submit, for approval, details of each item of test equipment to be used to test the optical fiber and copper components. Include patch cords and other specialized components.

19.2 Category 6 Test Equipment

  1. Tests performed must meet Panduit end to end Category 6 specifications.
  2. Provide test leads for the specific cabling system manufacturer as specified in this document.
  3. Caltech requires the use of a Fluke DTX 1800 cable test system with current calibration and certification for this project equipped with the Permanent Link Adapter. Caltech recommends the use of the DTX-10G Link Adapters for increased reliability over the PLA with the PM06 personality module. PM06 personality modules not capable of full and secure insertion will be rejected and cable plant test results obtained from the use of defective modules will be rejected.

19.3 Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR)

  1. OTDR is to meet optical fiber manufacturer’s requirements for certified end to end optical fiber solution. OTDR must have current certified factory calibration. OTDR must be from the optical fiber manufacturer’s approved list of testers.
  2. A copy of the emulation software for the OTDR used and the appropriate license shall be passed to the client with the test results.
  3. Any launch and drop leads used for optical fiber tests shall be at least 100m longer than the cable under test. They should be sourced from a different manufacturer from the cables under test.

19.4 Power Meter

  1. Power meter is to meet optical fiber manufacturer’s requirements for certified end to end optical fiber solution. Power meter must have current certified factory calibration. Power meter must be from the optical fiber manufacturer’s approved list of testers.

19.5 Microscope

  1. Use the Noyes OFS 300-200, portable (battery operated) inspection microscope or equivalent.
  2. The microscope shall meet or exceed the following specifications:
    1. 200X magnification
    2. Fixtures to allow the relevant connectors to be attached to the microscope and inspected in hands-free mode.
    3. Built in front illumination
    4. Built-in filter for protection against accidental viewing of live fibers

19.6 Testing Requirements Specific to Caltech in Addition to Other Requirements in this Document

  1. The testing is to show beyond reasonable doubt that there are no errors, damaged or incorrectly installed components, that the installation is correctly labeled and that all the installed components meet or exceed the criteria detailed in these specifications. Any test that does not show that a component is satisfactorily installed, as per these specifications, shall be repeated. If a test procedure needs to be modified to satisfactorily test some components, the modification shall be submitted for approval of Caltech, prior to the tests being conducted.
  2. Following optical fiber and data cable installation, including labeling and termination at both ends, undertake and record tests to ensure that the cabling system will perform satisfactorily in service. In addition to the tests detailed in this specification, the Installer shall carry out any additional tests that the Installer deems necessary to ensure the satisfactory operation of the telephone and data systems. The costs of these additional tests shall be borne by the Installer.
  3. All outlets, cables, patch panels and associated components shall be fully assembled and labeled prior to testing. Any testing performed on incomplete systems shall be redone on completion of the work.
  4. Provide Caltech with the opportunity to witness all testing. On reasonable request, the installer shall demonstrate that the test procedure competently identifies the fault conditions being tested for.
  5. Complete all of the tests identified in these specifications.
  6. Notify Caltech ten working days before the date of commencement of the cable tests. Provide details in writing, on that advance date, of proposed tests, the test schedule, equipment to be used, its certification and calibration and the names and qualifications of test personnel.
  7. The Owner and Caltech shall be invited, to the first instance of each type of test conducted. In the event of a number of tests being conducted by the Installer prior to this first inspection, Caltech reserves the right to reject these tests as non-compliant and to require them to be repeated at the Installer’s cost.
  8. Personnel shall be competent in and qualified by experience or training for comprehensive TDR and OTDR operation and troubleshooting, for both copper and optical fiber testing.
  9. Include the cost of obtaining, calibrating and maintaining test equipment and the cost of carrying out and recording the tests detailed in this specification, including labor costs, in the bid sum. No extra costs will be entertained.
  10. Ensure that all test equipment is in calibration before delivery to site and throughout the testing period. The Installer shall be responsible for ensuring that any necessary tests and rework to maintain equipment's calibration status is carried out. Any tests performed on uncalibrated test equipment shall be repeated at the Installer’s cost.
  11. The test documentation shall be available for inspection by Caltech during the installation period and copies shall be passed to Caltech within five working days of completion of tests on cables in each area. The Installer shall retain a copy to aid preparation of as-built information.
  12. Failures detected during the testing shall be noted on the test results schedule, rectified and re-tested. On the fault being rectified, this shall also be noted. These notes shall not be deleted or obliterated.
  13. Rectification of all damaged cables shall include replacing damaged cables with new cables in complete runs, replacing damaged connectors or remaking poor terminations. In-line cable joints, splices or distribution points will not be acceptable except where specified in this document. All damaged cables shall be removed from site.
  14. If on submittal of the As-Built documentation there are any missing test results or incorrectly named files, the test shall be repeated at the Installer’s expense.

Part 20 - Product Literature/Data Sheets (required on award of Contract)

  1. Submit for approval manufacturer's product data sheets for each component of the telephone and data cabling systems. Certify that the data sheets depict the components to be provided by the Installer to make up the complete system as described in this specification.

Part 21 - Component Samples and Mock-ups (required on award of Contract)

  1. Provide one full size installation sample mock-up of each of the following components for approval. All samples are to be fully labeled as per these specifications. Samples are to be delivered to Caltech a minimum of 6 weeks prior to installation.
  2. All sample mock-ups are intended to represent the components that are to be installed as part of this project; therefore, they are to be provided with all associated components and labeling necessary to make up a complete mock-up. Installation shall not proceed until Caltech has approved the samples. All samples will be retained by Caltech.
  3. Optical Fiber Cable Samples
    1. Provide a 24” length of each type of optical fiber cable being used as a part of this installation, each sample shall be complete with strength members, outer jacket and all elements.
    2. The outer jacket shall be stripped back 12" from one end of the sample to allow the individual fiber sub-cable groups to be inspected for all cables.
    3. Each color-coded sub-cable jacket shall be stripped back 6" from the end of the cable to allow its individual elements to be inspected.
    4. Label each cable as detailed in this specification. The sample shall show all the cable markings, including part numbers, manufacturer, and lengths.
  4. Copper Cable Samples
    1. Provide a 24” length of each type of copper cable being used as a part of this installation.
    2. The outer jacket shall be stripped back 6" from one end of the sample to allow the individual pairs to be inspected for all cables. Label each cable as detailed in this specification.
    3. The sample shall show all the cable markings, including part numbers, manufacturer, and lengths.
  5. Optical Fiber Patch Panel
    1. Provide an optical fiber patch panel sample.
    2. This shall consist of the specified patch panel, fully loaded with bulkhead adapters, labels and all associated components.
    3. It shall also include a 72" length of the appropriate optical fiber cable, dressed into the patch panel and terminated with optical fiber connectors as described in this specification.
  6. Category 6 Patch Panel
    1. Provide a Category 6 patch panel. This shall consist of the specified patch panel, fully loaded, complete with all associated components.
    2. The patch panel shall be fully loaded with the maximum number of cables dressed into the patch panel and terminated as described in this specification. All strain relief shall be provided as part of the sample.
    3. The unit shall be fully labeled as detailed in these specifications
  7. Outlet Samples
    1. Provide a mock-up of each communications outlet, as listed below. The sample is intended to represent a typical communications outlet and shall include all associated parts to make a complete sample. Provide bushings and strain relief for the distribution cable jacket, demonstrating how the cable shall be secured. Label the outlet and each connector as detailed in this specification.
    2. Provide samples of the following outlet configurations:
      1. Wall-mounted outlet (Quad) - provide the communications outlet and all terminations, the electrical backbox, a 12" length of 1 ¼” EMT conduit and a 36" length of the relevant cable(s). For wall-mounted outlets which support three network drops, one telephone drop and one coaxial cable, conduit size needs to be 1 ½” or larger to accommodate cabling.
      2. Furniture outlet – provide faceplate, bezel, outlets, cable and labeling only.
      3. Raceway outlet – provide faceplate, bezel, outlets, cable and labeling only.
      4. Floorbox outlet – provide faceplate, floorbox mounting plate, outlets, cable and labeling only.
      5. Poke-through outlet – provide poke-through mounting bracket, outlets, cable and labeling only.
  8. Once samples and other documents have been submitted, inspected by Caltech and approved, they shall be retained. The samples will be used as the standards by which the quality of work on the project by the Installer shall be judged. Any installation that does not meet this standard shall be replaced or re-worked as approved by Caltech, at no cost to the project.

Part 22 - Communications Manholes

  1. Provide a 20’-0” service loop for each external cable that passes through a communications manhole. Service loops of a different length will be specified by Addendum.
  2. Dress the cable to keep it clear from any water that may be in the bottom of the manholes and to minimize any risk of damage caused by later visits to the manhole.
  3. Provide bushings, grommets and strain relief for cables terminating at wall mounted outlets and patch panels to ensure durable and robust connections. The bushings and grommets are intended to protect the cables from any sharp edges that present a risk to the cables. Ensure that all sharp edges are covered to protect the cables from damage.

 

Part 23 - Installation Practices

23.1 General

  1. Installation practices are detailed in order sections of the Telecommunications Specification. This section pertains to Caltech specific concerns regarding cable plant installations. If there is a conflict or question regarding which method to apply, contact Caltech for clarification.

23.2 Specifics

  1. No cables shall be installed in a fashion that contravenes either the minimum installed or the minimum under-load bend radius of the cable.
  2. All innerduct shall run parallel or at right angles to building wall structures. Provide a support system for innerduct running in the ceiling void. Do not allow innerduct to rest on electrical or mechanical equipment. Do not tie innerduct to power or other foreign services. Support innerduct running in the vertical and horizontal direction in place at not more than 12" and 48" centers respectively.
  3. No cable is to be pulled through a conduit “L-bend” (condulets). In existing routes with L-bends, the cables are to be pulled to the L-Bend. The cable is then to be carefully pulled through the remainder of the conduit run with best effort to maintain minimum required bend radius. New paths installed with "L-bend" connectors will be rejected for use.
  4. Install all cables in complete runs from outlet or patch panel to patch panel. In line joints, splices, distribution points or other intermediate connections are not permitted unless specifically called out by this specification.
  5. At no point shall the communications cables be tied to power cables or other building services or their supports, or run in the same ducts, raceways, conduits or connection boxes as power cabling. Copper data cables must maintain the specified distance separation from electrical lines and conduits per Industry specification.
  6. Use plenum-rated tie wraps in plenum spaces. All tie wraps shall be secured in such a way that it can be rotated around the cable bundle, so as to assure no cables have been cinched too tight. Velcro tie wraps (Hook and Loop One Wrap) are to be used copper cables, plastic tie wrap may be used for inner duct, armored fiber and other applications as specified by Caltech.
  7. Reinstate all pull-wires in conduits and ducts after use to facilitate future addition of cables.
  8. Cables shall not be held so tightly with cable ties that the cable jackets are indented by the cable ties.
  9. Individually and properly ground all equipment cabinets, racks and ladder rack. Ground all metallic sheath communications cables entering the building per manufacturer specifications and NEC 770-33, 800-33, 800-40 and EIA/TIA-607 (or newest EIA/TIA code which supersedes these).
  10. Ensure that all waste materials are disposed of in a safe manner. Pay particular attention to waste materials produced during the termination of optical fiber cabling. Ensure that all used components and fiber cut-offs are collected in purpose-made containers and disposed of properly.
  11. Replace all moisture and fire barrier material in ducts, conduits and other penetrations disturbed during installation of communications cabling. Install barrier material in all fire-rated penetrations that have cabling running through them. The barrier material shall be installed so the final penetration has the same fire rating as the original wall/floor.
  12. Provide expansion plugs in all ducts/conduits entering the building. Seal all unused ducts/conduits with plugs that allow the pull-string to be tied off on the inside.
  13. Use purpose-built pulling grips during cable installation. Do not pull cables by attaching pull wires to cable jackets, elements or reinforcement. Use strain gauges or equivalent measures to ensure that the maximum tensile load rating of the cables is not exceeded during installation.
  14. External Cables shall be run in underground ducts. Ducts shall be proven to be clear prior to pulling of cables. Cable pulling tension shall not exceed manufacturers limits. The cable pulling tension shall be applied smoothly without jerks and at no time shall it exceed the manufacturers limits.
  15. The pulling equipment for pulling external cables shall be arranged either to indicate the pulling tension, which shall be continually monitored during a pull, or shall mechanically assure that the maximum permissible tension is not exceeded.
  16. The number of cables in each conduit shall be controlled to allow for future cable installation and to stay within the manufacturers maximum allowable cable pulling tension. Conduit fill ratios shall not exceed the current requirements of the NEC.
  17. The maximum run length of each distribution cable shall not exceed the 85m limit specified by EIA/TIA 568A. Notify Caltech immediately if, due to on-site conditions or other factors, a distribution cable run length exceeds this distance.
  18. Provide Plenum Rated Hook and Loop (Velcro) strapping for all cable bundles within all Communications Rooms. Panduit (HLC and HLS) HLS-75R0 cut to length according to manufacturer’s specification for strength is recommended. Straps are to be placed at 3 foot intervals along bundles. On completion of installation, neatly run and re-tie all cable bundles in the Closet and through cable plant.
  19. All cable bundles exiting floor or wall penetrations and running into furniture or casework shall be wrapped in spiral wrap or split-loom tubing to protect the cabling and provide a neat installation.

23.3 Unused Components

  1. Any components purchased in accordance with these specifications and unused shall be documented and passed to the Owner on completion of the project.

Part 24 - As-Built Documentation (required on completion of the work)

  1. Following completion of the installation, submit the following record drawings, documentation and testing for approval.
  2. As-Built Drawings
    1. As built drawings showing locations of telephone, tele/data and data outlets, backbone, distribution, link and external cable routes, data rack locations, telephone termination board locations and cable identifications.
  3. Final Test Results
    1. Test results for each cable indicating tests performed, results obtained and values measured.
  4. All documentation and drawings shall be provided in an electronic format (AutoCAD for drawings, MS Excel for schedule, etc) and supplied on CD-ROM. PDF or scans of non-electronically sourced materials are not acceptable. If there are questions regarding acceptable electronic formats, contact Caltech for clarification.

End Section

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