Telecommunication Design and Engineering Standards

This article is about Telecommunication Design, telecommunications room design standards, telecommunication closet design standards, telecommunication installation process, telecommunication system in building and telecommunication guidelines.

Telecommunication Design GUIDELINES

As technology evolves, so does the need for effective telecommunication systems in various sectors. The design and engineering of these systems require adherence to specific standards to ensure efficient and reliable performance. At the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK), the Office of Information Technology (OIT) has outlined specific requirements for telecommunication system design and installation. In this article, we’ll discuss the key UTK OIT (As Our Example for case study) requirements and how they impact telecommunication design and engineering.

Consulting with Client for Specific Requirements

One of the primary UTK OIT (Our Client) requirements is that the design team must consult with them to determine specific needs and practices. These include the implementation of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), LAN security cameras, LAN equipment, wireless LAN, classroom setup and equipment, the use of CAT5E or CAT6, fiber optic type and count, CATV, and more. The design team must seek UTK OIT’s approval for any deviations from these standards.

Standards Variance

In some cases, a standard cannot be met during the design or installation process. In such cases, the design team must fill out a “Standards Variance Form” and send it to the UTK Project Coordinator, who will deliver it to UTK OIT for approval or denial. The form can be found in Appendix C of the standards document.

Equal or Equivalent Submittals

Submittals play a critical role in construction as they confirm that the contractor has met the designer’s and owner’s intent. Submittals are also part of the as-built resource post-construction. To ensure consistency in the telecommunication system, UTK has standardized on several performance and warranty criteria relating to the campus network infrastructure.

UTK OIT will provide the design team with a list of products to use as a benchmark for equal or equivalent (terminology such as “similar” is not to be used). Submittals for any possible substitutions must be submitted to UTK OIT before the bid process and be consistent with the language of the bid document. The submittals must include full specifications and warranties and be verified with a recognized testing laboratory such as UL or ETL.

Master Format (Current Edition)

The Construction Specification must follow the Master Format 2004/2011 numbers and titles. Most of the specifications for telecommunications will be found in Section 27, although there are instances where telecommunications-related work will fall into other sections. For example, conduit and pull box requirements for telecommunications should be kept in Section ? and referenced in Section ?.” The main sections are as follows:

• General Communications Requirements
• Data Communications
• Voice Communications
• Audio – Video, MATV Communications
• Monitoring Systems Communications

Each of these main sections will have many sub-sections. The Construction Specifications must include all sections and subsections that will have any active role in the project and only the specifications related to the project. Each section shall be formatted with:

• Part 1 General
  • Summary
  • Codes, Standards, Guidelines (this Standard)
  • Definitions (Warranties, Installers Certifications and Qualification, Segregation of Work: Electrical vs. Telecom, Telecom vs. Fire Alarm, Security AV, etc.)
  • Submittals, product info, and shop drawings
• Part 2 Products
  • List out specific products with the manufacturer and part number
• Part 3 Execution
  • General installation instructions
  • Specific instructions per product

Examples of Specific Sub-Sections to be Specified

Grounding and Bonding.
Hangers and Supports.
Conduits and Back boxes.
Cable trays.
Identification.
Schedules for Communications.
Commissioning and Testing.
Equipment Room.
Entrance Protection.
Racks and Frames
Termination Blocks and Patch Panels.
Horizontal Cabling.
Data Cabling.
Faceplates and Connectors.

Understanding T-Drawings in Telecommunications

Introduction: Telecommunications drawings are an essential part of any construction project that involves the installation of telecommunication systems. These drawings are referred to as “T-Drawings” and are separate from “E-Drawings” (Electrical) in the construction plan. In this article, we’ll discuss the various elements that are included in T-Drawings, as well as the importance of bid documents and telecommunication spaces.

Section 1: What are T-Drawings?

• Definition of T-Drawings
• Importance of separating T-Drawings from E-Drawings
• Key elements of T-Drawings

Section 2: Elements of T-Drawings

• Floor layout
• Legends and industry standard symbols
• Telecommunications room layout and elevations
• Equipment rack layout
• Detailed work area outlet with labeling
• Riser diagram and cabling for voice, data, and CATV
• Outside plant, cabling, methods, and paths
• Schedule of jacks and rooms
• Pull Box detail

Section 3: Bid Documents

• Importance of bid documents
• Approval process for construction specifications and T-Drawings
• Ensuring that the project schedule is not delayed

Section 4: Telecommunications Spaces

• Overview of telecommunications spaces
• Entrance Facility (EF) and its purpose
• OSP termination and fire codes
• Space requirements for EF
• Defining the Entrance Facility in specifications and T-Drawings

Conclusion: T-Drawings are a crucial aspect of any telecommunications project, and it is essential for small businesses to understand their purpose and elements. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, small businesses can ensure that their telecommunications project is successful and meets the required standards.

Equipment Room / Telecommunication Room Space Allocation Guidelines: What You Need to Know

When it comes to designing an equipment room (ER) or telecommunications room (TR), there are specific guidelines that need to be followed. The ER/TR is a crucial part of any building, as it houses the necessary equipment and systems that keep the building running. In this article, we will explore the ER/TR space allocation guidelines to ensure that your design meets the required standards.

Shape of ER/TR

First and foremost, the ER/TR must be rectangular in shape. Triangle, L-shaped, and curved walls are not acceptable. Additionally, there must be at least one ER per building and one TR per floor vertically aligned. Any designs other than this arrangement must be approved via the Standards Variance form in Appendix C.

Determining the Size of ER

When the designer does not know the specific equipment that will be housed in the ER/TR, they can follow the steps below to determine the size of the ER:

Deduct all of the core areas from the total square footage the room will serve. If core areas are not known, then divide the total square footage by 20%.

If the floor serving area is 5,000ft2 or less, size the room 10’X8’.

If the floor serving area is 5,000ft2 to 8000ft2, size the room 10’X9’.

If the floor serving area is 8000ft2 to 10,000ft2, size the room 10’X11’.

If the floor serving area is 10,000ft2 to 20,000ft2, size the room 10’X15’.

Other Services in TR

It is not recommended by UTK OIT to house other services in the Telecommunications Rooms due to network security. However, if other services such as Fire Alarm panels or CBORD panels have to be housed in an ER or TR, increase the size of the room 20%.

Equipment and Systems Installation

Equipment not related to the support of the ER/TR, such as piping, ductwork, pneumatic tubing, etc., shall not be installed in, pass through, or enter the ER/TR. Additionally, ceiling heights in an ER/TR are recommended to be 10’ maximum. Network racks are 7’ tall, so an 8’6” ceiling is recommended to accommodate cable tray and lighting. No false (lay-in tile) is allowed in ER/TR.

Doors and Floors

Doors shall be a minimum of 36” wide and 7’6” tall, and they must swing out of the room or increase the room size 3’. Floors are to be light in color and be either VCT or treated/painted concrete to prevent dust and enhance lighting. There should not be any windows in an ER/TR. If there are, they must be sealed to prevent opening and equipped with blinds.

Generator Power

When generator power is provided to the building, all power, including power to all mechanical systems, in the ER/TR shall be installed to the building’s generator. All electrical outlets connected to the generator must be red in color with red faceplates. The circuit ID should be labeled on the faceplate for all electrical outlets.

Designing an Effective ER/TR Layout for Network Equipment

As organizations become increasingly reliant on technology, the importance of having an efficient and reliable network infrastructure cannot be overstated. An essential part of this infrastructure is the equipment room (ER) and telecommunications room (TR) layout. An effective ER/TR layout should consider factors such as cabling, equipment, HVAC, and future growth requirements.

Cabling and Equipment Racks:

A minimum of two network racks is required, one for cabling and the other for equipment. Each rack has a 2’X2’ footprint and should be bolted and bonded together. There should be a minimum of 3 ft. clearance around all sides of the connected racks, measured from equipment mounted on the wall, not the wall itself. It is essential to install appropriate 48-port patch panels and fiber optic patch panel in the cabling rack. There should be horizontal wire management for patch panels, one installed above and the other underneath the patch panel. When determining the port quantities, it is necessary to add 25% for future growth.

Cable Management

A minimum of 18” wide ladder or basket cable tray shall be installed around the room and to each rack. All fiber patch panels should be mounted in the top of the rack with the equipment. The contractor is responsible for covering all walls with ¾” Fire Rated Plywood, which should be approved by the fire marshal before painting. Plywood should be above electrical outlets (17” above finished floor typical) and extend to above the cable tray. There are different layouts for traditional phones and VoIP. Terminate traditional on plywood with 66 blocks. VoIP, terminate on patch panels below the network patch panels.

HVAC

Today’s network equipment consumes more power and generates more heat than yesterday’s equipment. Therefore, it is crucial to design for future growth of added equipment and network equipment upgrades. Design for a minimum of 5,000 BTU’s from equipment, for up to 144 data outlets, and add 1,000 BTU’s for every 48 additional outlets served. HVAC should be provided on a 24 hours-per-day, 365 days-per year basis. A stand-alone unit should be considered. When building is being backed up by generated power, it is required that the ER/TR’s HVAC be tied into the backup power to keep the network and telephones working during a power outage.

Temperature and Humidity

The temperature and humidity shall be controlled to provide continuous operating ranges of 68° F to 77° F with 40% to 55% relative humidity. The ambient temperature and humidity shall be measured at a distance of 5 ft. above floor level, after equipment is in operation, at any point along an equipment aisle centerline. When a UPS system is installed in the ER, the engineer will need to factor in the units BTU’s. The ER/TR shall have positive air pressure with at least one air change per hour.

ER/TR Power Requirements and Lighting for Data Centers and Telecommunications Enclosures

Data centers and telecommunications enclosures are critical facilities that require reliable and uninterrupted power to function properly. In this article, we will discuss the power requirements and lighting recommendations for equipment rooms (ERs), telecommunications rooms (TRs), and telecommunications enclosures (TEs).

Power Requirements for ER/TR

It is essential that the electrical feed to the ER/TR be backed up by a generator, including all convenience outlets, to conform with current NFPA code. Outlets and faceplates with a generator feed shall be red and labeled with the panel designation and breaker position of the servicing electrical panel. A separate supply circuit serving the ER/TR shall be provided and terminated in its own electrical panel inside the ER/TR.

A minimum of two dedicated non-switched 3 wire 12 gauge single-phase 120V ac 20amp duplex electrical outlets for equipment power, each on separate branch circuits, is required. These outlets shall be mounted one each above each rack. Note: A twist-lock receptacle may be required. Separate quad 120V ac convenience outlets for tools, test equipment, etc., are to be placed at a maximum of 6’ (wall space) intervals around the perimeter of the room and below the plywood.

Grounding and bonding shall be in accordance with ANSI J-STD-607-B and NEC 2011. It is also recommended to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for power needs of a UPS system.

Lighting Requirements for ER/TR

To provide adequate lighting for ER/TR, a minimum of 500 lux (50 foot-candles) measured 3’ above the finished floor should be provided. Lights should be located 8.5’ above the finished floor. Power for lighting should not come from the power panel located inside the ER.

At least one light is to be powered from the generator. The walls and ceiling of the ER/TR shall be painted in light-colored paint to enhance lighting. It is essential to coordinate the lighting layout with equipment layout, especially cable trays.

TE Power and Lighting Requirements

A TE should serve an area not greater than 3600ft2 and only be used if a TR is not available or impractical. The TE is not to be installed in furniture systems. The TE should be accessible and controlled against unauthorized access. If active equipment is to be housed in the TE:

• A minimum of one dedicated 120V, 20 amps, and non-switched, duplex electrical outlet receptacle should be provided.
• A sufficient number of air changes are required. Refer to the equipment manufacturer for standards.
• Must be bonded and grounded per ANSI J-STD-607-B.
• Doors hinged or removable to open at least 90°.
• Light measured within the TE should be a minimum of 500 lux (50 foot-candles).
• TE’s must not be used in lieu of a TR on a given floor.

Designing an Effective Telecommunications Pathway System

When designing a telecommunications pathway system, there are a few essential considerations that must be taken into account. These include the system’s ability to accommodate cabling changes, minimize occupant disruption when pathways are accessed, and facilitate the ongoing maintenance of cabling. Additionally, the designer must locate telecommunications pathways away from sources of Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), such as electrical power cables, transformers, radio frequency (RF) sources, motors and generators, induction heaters, arc welders, X-ray equipment, and photocopy equipment.

To ensure adequate capacity, the designer should plan for a pathway capacity that accommodates a minimum of three cables per every Work Area Outlet (WAO). However, additional capacity would facilitate additions and changes to user needs and as applications evolve.

When it comes to conduits and sleeves, vertically aligned Telecommunications Rooms (TRs) with connecting sleeves are the most common type of backbone pathway. There should be a minimum of three 4” conduit sleeves between each TR, one filled with 2 3X3 MaxCell, each with their own color ID. There should be no more than two 90° bends or a total of 180°, and the distance between conduits should be less than 100′. If the distance exceeds 100′ and/or the total bend is more than 180°, a Pull Box (PB) measuring 31” wide x 60” long x 8” deep should be installed. The PB must be located in an accessible area.

Empty conduits over 1” should have a minimum 3/8” nylon rope pull line rated for 200lb test, while conduits 1” and less should have a polyline (Greenlee 430) installed. If there is more than one conduit in a room, install different-colored polyline or rope. Conduits in the EF/ER/TR should extend at least 3” and no more than 4” from the floor, wall, or ceiling.

The designer must also adhere to the BICSI TDMM for conduit fill capacity. All WAOs should be fed within a minimum of 1” metal conduit, and all conduits must be installed per NEC 2011 and be terminated into a box or bushing prior to cabling. When determining the size conduit sleeve from corridor to office or room, add up all the WAO and multiply by three to get the number of cables and design for 40% fill. The minimum conduit sleeve (only 1 WAO) is 1”, and multiple conduit sleeves are acceptable.

Finally, all conduits must be labeled to/from, and conduit interior and exterior must be fire stopped to meet AHJ approval.

Telecommunications Pathways and Cable Management

Designing and installing a telecommunications pathway system requires careful planning and consideration of several key factors. These factors include the system’s ability to accommodate cabling changes, minimize occupant disruption when pathways are accessed, and facilitate ongoing maintenance of cabling. Additionally, designers must locate telecommunications pathways away from sources of Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), including electrical power cables, radio frequency sources, motors and generators, and various types of equipment.

Conduits and Sleeves

When it comes to conduits and sleeves, vertically aligned TR’s with connecting sleeves are the most common type of backbone pathway. There should be a minimum of three 4″ conduit sleeves between each TR, one filled with 2 3X3 MaxCell, each with their color ID. Conduits should not have more than two 90-degree bends or a total of 180 degrees, and they should be less than 100 feet in distance. If over 100 feet and/or more than 180 degrees, install a 31″ wide X 60″ length X 8″ deep Pull Box (PB). The PB needs to be located in an accessible area and should not be used in lieu of a bend. Empty conduits over 1″ should have a minimum 3/8″ nylon rope pull line rated for 200lb. test, while conduits 1″ and less should have a polyline (Greenlee 430) installed. If there is more than one conduit in a room, install a different-colored polyline or rope. All conduits in the EF/ER/TR should extend at least 3″ and no more than 4″ from the floor, wall, or ceiling.

Cable Trays

Most installations will require a minimum of 18″ wide cable tray. All ER/TR’s shall have cable tray around the perimeter of the room, with branches off to each network rack and bonded to an approved ground. All structured cabling shall be installed in cable tray. J-hooks are only to be used when cable tray installations cannot be used. A variance form will be required should J-hooks not be in the original design. No more than 40 or more cables shall have multiple J-Hook paths. Cable tray shall be located a minimum of 3″ above the ceiling tile and have a minimum of 12″ of unobstructed access above the tray. When designing the layout of the cable tray, the designer should ensure that other building components (e.g., lighting fixtures, structural supports, air ducts) do not restrict access to the cable tray. The use of wire basket tray is an allowed substitution in lieu of cable tray for horizontal cabling.

J-Hooks

J-Hooks are only to be used when cable tray installations cannot be used. Follow the manufacturer’s specification on sizing J-Hooks. Regardless of the J-Hook’s manufacturer’s specifications, no more than the maximum of 40 cables is allowed in any J-Hook. When there are more than 40 cables, then cable tray, wire basket or multiple J-Hook paths are required. Space J-Hooks 4’ to 5’ and anchor J-hooks to studs.

Outside Plant (OSP)

Designing and installing an Outside Plant (OSP) at the University of Tennessee Knoxville (UTK) requires careful planning and adherence to specific guidelines. To ensure the system meets UTK OIT’s requirements and methods, the designer and consultants must schedule a meeting with them beforehand. Most OSP at UTK is underground and in conduit, and aerial and direct bury cables must be pre-approved by UTK Telecommunications.

Underground requirements for OSP at UTK include 5” PVC Schedule 40 conduit only between Handholes (HH) and into buildings. For areas like parking lots, streets, and driveways, 5” PVC Schedule 80 conduit encased in concrete with warning tape on top of encasement is necessary. It’s essential to maintain a minimum of 30” from the top of the conduit to finished grade, with at least 12” separation from electrical power and 24” from steam lines.

Additionally, a minimum of four 5” conduits from Handholes (HH) to HH, with two of the four conduits to have 2 3X3 DETECTABLE MaxCell installed, is required. Also, a minimum of three 4” conduits from HH to Building is necessary, and UTK OIT will determine if more are required. At least one of the 4” conduits is to have 2 3X3 DETECTABLE MaxCell installed, and each MaxCell is to have different color ID markings and be locatable. Plastic flexible inner duct is not allowed, and all conduits (including when filled with MaxCell) are to have a pull rope (no strings) installed.

When conduits enter the buildings, they must be sloped away from the building. The HH’s are to be manufactured by Quazite, open bottom (on top of 4” of rock), with a minimum size of 30”X 48”. The cover should be labeled “Communications” and have a pull slot with a center pin. Additionally, HH covers should be heavy-duty and traffic/drive over rated. All Manholes (MH) shall be a minimum inside of 7 feet x 7 feet x 7 feet.

Hand Hole’s are to be installed at a maximum distance of 150’ intervals for straight runs, and this distance could be shorter after calculating bends and cable pulling tensions. No 90° bends in the conduit, and Communications sweeps are to be used. No “elbows or LB’s” (Smart LB allowed, see appendix H), terminate conduit in an appropriate sized pull box (PB).

When tying into an existing HH, consult with UTK OIT first to determine if an HH needs to be replaced with a larger size. When entering an HH, enter at the bottom and do not drill or punch holes in the sides of the HH. Any exceptions to this must be cleared with UTK Telecommunications. An HH is not to be used in lieu of a bend.

It’s essential to ensure conduits are free of debris and water, and seal conduits with pliable/non-hardening duct seal to keep out rodents and moisture (Ideal 31-605 or Gardner Bender GB-DS-110N or equivalent). Cabling should be neat and professional inside HH & PB’s, and cables should be labeled inside HH or PB. Every other HH is to have a 25’ maintenance loop for fiber optics, and the loop should be secured to the side of the HH.

Install “Caution Telecommunication” detectable Orange tape along the cable pathway 12” below the final grade. When splicing is necessary, use approved splicing methods and enclosures. All coax connectors should be enclosed with heat shrink, with at least 2” of shrink tube covering the outer jacket.

Understanding Horizontal Cabling: A Guide to CAT6, Coaxial Cable, and Work Area Outlets

Introduction: Horizontal cabling is a crucial component of any modern building’s network infrastructure. It involves the installation of cables that connect the telecommunications closet or equipment room (ER/TR) to the work area outlet (WAO) in each room or office. This article will provide an overview of the requirements for horizontal cabling, including the use of CAT6 cabling for voice and data, coaxial cable for CATV installations, and work area outlets.

CAT6 Cabling:

All new construction and full remodels are required to use 100 ohm UTP CAT6 cabling for both voice and data. Before designing the cabling system, the designer and/or consultant must meet with UTK OIT to determine applications, methods, and materials. The maximum cable distance from the ER/TR to the WAO is 90m (295’), which reduces to approximately 85m (281’) after mandatory minimum slack deductions. Cable slack should not be stored in bundled loops, as it degrades cabling performance. Instead, it should be stored in an extended loop or figure-eight configuration. All terminations must be done to T-568A scheme, and J-hooks are allowed only when cable tray cannot be used. No splices are allowed in telecommunications cabling, and flexible metallic conduit or plastic tubing are not allowed. Ty-wraps are also not allowed in ER/TR, and the use of Velcro strips must be approved by the UTK OIT Telecommunications group.

Coaxial Cable:

CATV installations must comply with FCC Part 76 signal leakage requirements. There should not be more than two CATV amplifiers in cascade in a building, and the system should be designed for a minimum of 1000MHZ. The design should also consider a range of 3dBmV to 10dBmV signal at the CATV outlet, with no more than 17dBmV signal on an F-fitting. All CATV drops are to be home run from TR to outlet, with no series wiring.

Work Area Outlets:

Work area outlets are the connection points for devices in each room or office. For Administration, Classroom, Mechanical, and Building Automation spaces, 4-port office white faceplates are the standard faceplate used, while 2-port flat faceplates are used in student rooms. The use of other type or color faceplates will be determined on a case-by-case basis and requires prior approval from OIT. UTK has standardized the colors of the jacks, with all Cat6 data jacks being yellow and special circuits being green. Each office space must have a minimum of two WAOs, each with 3 cables fed within a 1” conduit. Cable offices by routing cable to the center of the office before installing to WAO so the cables can be used in either WAO. Department heads that will occupy the space need to be consulted to ensure their needs are met, as network printers and fax machine locations often get overlooked.

Modular Furniture

Modular furniture is becoming increasingly popular in modern office spaces. It offers flexibility and can be reconfigured as per the needs of the organization. However, when it comes to cabling, it can pose a challenge. To ensure that the cabling is done properly, there are some guidelines that need to be followed.

• Telecommunications and power distribution planning should be done together to avoid any conflicts in pathway assignments. Untried distribution or terminations strategies should be avoided.
• Permanent cables should only be installed on permanent walls.
• All modular furniture should be fed from a “Consolidation Point” (CP) located in an accessible area free from workstations and heavy file cabinets.
• Cabling from CP to modular furniture should be through a power pole or through the wall if not blocked from furniture.
• Do not block access to horizontal cabling pathways or outlets.
• No cabling or WAO is allowed behind modular furniture.
• Label the “Consolidation Point” with an adhesive label on the ceiling grid where the CP is installed.
• The designer must calculate the maximum cable capacity allowed in the modular furniture’s raceway and feed with multiple power poles if necessary.

Classroom/Labs

Classrooms and computer labs have specific requirements for network infrastructure. To ensure proper design specifications, the designer will need to consult with the UTK OIT’s Special Project Manager.

Residence Life (Housing) In residential areas, each student bed should have one data cable, and each living room and bedroom should have a minimum of one CATV outlet. All CATV outlets should be coordinated with UTK Telephone Services. Additionally, RA and Hall Director housing units should have additional voice data outlets. When there is more than one CATV drop in a Housing unit, residential wiring scheme is permitted for CATV. The main entrances to a housing building should be equipped with an outside weatherproof wall or pedestal-mounted phone, located near the card reader door access.

Conference Rooms

Conference rooms require a minimum of two WAO on opposite walls consisting of three CAT6 and one CATV cable. Consideration should also be given to floor-mounted WAO under conference tables for data, voice, and multi-media to projector or screen.

Break Rooms, Lobby/Others

Each break room area should have one wall-mounted WAO (ADA compliant) as a general rule. The Department Head should be consulted with for specific needs in their space. Lobbies and corridors may have wall-mounted courtesy phones. Locate courtesy phones near elevators or near main entrances/exits.

Backbone Cabling

Copper riser cables

Copper riser cable sizes shall be determined on a per building basis. Copper riser cables shall be ARMM cable. The cables shall be bonded. These cables shall terminate on the backboard beside the entrance protectors in the ER. Cables are to terminate on rack mounted 110 panels in the TR.

Fiber optic riser cables

Fiber optic riser cables shall be riser rated single mode manufactured by Corning. Cables shall be terminated with Corning LC unicam connectors.

Units used in Telecommunication Engineering