This article is about Residential Telecommunications Infrastructure Design and explains about SAES-T-570.
Residential Telecommunications Infrastructure: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
The modern home is no longer just a place to live, but an interconnected hub of communications, entertainment, and data. It has become essential for a home to be connected to the world around it through a secure, reliable telecommunications infrastructure. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of residential telecommunications infrastructure, including grades of cabling, demarcation points, distribution devices, outlet cables, recognized cables, outlet locations, and security systems.
Components for Single Dwelling Residence
Grades of Residential Telecommunications Cabling
When it comes to residential telecommunications cabling, there are two defined grades. Grade 1 provides a minimum requirement for basic services such as telephone, satellite, digital TV, and data services. It consists of a minimum of one 4-pair UTP category 6 cable, a minimum of one 75-ohm coaxial cable, and the respective connectors at each telecommunications outlet and the distribution devices. Grade 2 provides for both current and developing telecommunications services. It consists of two 4-pair UTP category 6 cables and associated connectors; two 75-ohm coaxial and associated connectors at each telecommunications outlet and the distribution devices; and two-fiber optical fiber cabling.
Demarcation Point
The demarcation point is the point of interface between access provider and customer cabling. It may be identified by a network interface device (NID) that is provided and installed by the access provider. For single-dwelling residences, the demarcation point is usually located on the outside of an exterior building wall. The total length of cabling from the demarcation point to the furthest outlet should not exceed 150 m (492 ft). Primary protection should be installed by the service provider for all metallic telecommunications cables entering the residence.
Auxiliary Disconnect Outlet (ADO)
An auxiliary disconnect outlet provides the means for disconnecting from an access provider using a quick-disconnect method, such as a modular plug, without the need for re-terminating the service cable. It is desirable to co-locate the ADO with the distribution device. The ADO should be located indoors and be readily accessible.
Auxiliary Disconnect Outlet Cable
ADO cables extend services from the demarcation point to the ADO. At least two ADO cables should be installed. The hosting conduit should be concrete encased when exposed to weather or damp locations. Where a single-dwelling residence is part of a multi-dwelling building, the ADO cables may extend from the common telecommunication room (CTR) to the ADO in the single-dwelling residence space.
Distribution Device (DD)
The DD is a facility used for the termination and connection of outlet cables, DD cords, and equipment cords in some cases ADO cables. Space should be allocated adjacent to or within the DD for the installation of a surge protection device for each conductive cable entering or leaving the building. Access to the building electrical ground should be provided within 1.5 m (5 ft) of the DD. The DD may consist of a passive cross-connect facility, or an active cross-connect facility, or both.
Location Requirements for the Distribution Device
The location of DD should be accessible for cabling maintenance. Where practicable, the location should be centralized within the tenant space to minimize the length of outlet cables. The DD and associated equipment may be mounted on a backboard.
Wall Space Allocation for a Distribution Device and Associated Equipment
Space allocation for the DD is estimated by the grade of service and number of telecommunications outlet/connectors to be installed in the residence. Table 1 provides guidance for planning the wall space that should be allocated for the DD and associated equipment. The manufacturer of the distribution device should be consulted to ensure that communications systems fit within this space.
Electrical Power
An electrical outlet is recommended for grade 1 and required for grade 2 installations. When required, a minimum of one 15 A, 240 Vac nominal (Per local government regulations and directives), non-switched duplex electrical outlet should be provided in the DD or within 1.5 m (5 ft) of the DD.
Outlet Cable
Outlet cable provides the transmission continuity from the DD to the telecommunications outlet/connector. Outlet cable should be placed in a star topology and may be connected through a consolidation point. The length of each outlet cable should not exceed 90 m (295 ft). The 90 m (295 ft) length allows an operational length of 100 m (328 ft) including patch cords, jumpers and equipment cords.
Recognized Cables
Recognized outlet cable, as specified in TIA 570B, include a minimum of one 4-pair 100-ohm UTP (category 5e, 6) and series 6 coaxial (commonly known as RG6), tri- or quad-shield. An optional cable type is optical fiber (50/125 μm, 62.5/125 μm multimode; singlemode).
Outlet Locations
A minimum of one outlet location for each service (data, voice, sat TV) should be cabled within each of the following rooms: kitchen, bedroom/s, family room, greeting room/s, and den/study. Additional data outlet locations in the family/great room should be provided so that no point along the floor line in any wall space is more than 7.6 m (25 ft), measured horizontally, from an outlet location in that space.
Outlet and Cable Pathways
Pathways/conduits that conceal the cable should be used as a means for placing outlet cable between a DD and the telecommunications outlet box or mounting bracket. When cables are run in wall or ceiling spaces, it is recommended to maintain a 300 mm (12 in) separation from power cables and if these need to be crossed, do so at right angles.
Single-Dwelling Residence
For single-dwelling residences, a protective pathway such as conduit or bushings should be installed to minimize cable abrasion during installation, or damage that can be due to building vibrations. The interior unit walls and ceilings should be used for pathways. Exterior wall pathways may jeopardize cable installation by the nailing of siding through the sheathing, or the effects of heat during summer months in certain areas.
Multi-Dwelling Residence
For multi-dwelling residences, refer to TIA 570-B Standard Section 4.
Security Systems Device Location
Pathways and conduits should be installed in a star topology from each detector or sensor to the security panel location. The designer should consider the building design and the anticipated traffic patterns of the occupants when planning pathway/conduit design, as this will influence the program setting of arming and disarming delays, the positioning of sensors/detectors and surveillance cameras, and the provisioning of zones of protection. Installing security systems and peripherals (such as control panel, alarm panel, cables, and sensors/detectors) is not required.
Fire Alarm Systems
As a minimum guide for fire protection, a standalone smoke detector should be installed outside sleeping area, and on each additional floor of a multi-floor dwelling, including basements. Article 760 of the National Electrical Code (NEC) specifies the minimum requirements for fire alarm multi-conductor cables.
Satellite/Digital TV
Satellite/digital TV system infrastructure (such as pathways/conduits, service boxes, and cables) should be designed and installed in a star topology per Articles 820 and 725 of the NEC.
Telephone System
Telephone system infrastructure (such as pathways/conduits, service boxes, outlet/s, and cables) should be designed and installed in a star topology per Articles 820 and 725 of the NEC.
Conclusion
A comprehensive telecommunications infrastructure is essential for a modern home. This guide has provided an overview of residential telecommunications infrastructure, including grades of cabling, demarcation points, distribution devices, outlet cables, recognized cables, outlet locations, and security systems. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, homeowners can ensure that their home is connected, secure, and reliable.
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