This article is about Telecommunications Cabling Testing and Inspection notes for telecom QC Inspectors and is referenced from international standards and SAES-T-570.
Telecommunications Cabling Testing and Inspection: What You Need to Know
The installation of telecommunications cabling can be a tricky process. It is important to have an experienced technician to ensure the job is done correctly, as the cabling can be damaged during the construction phases of rough-in, drywall installation, and even during the siding of the exterior. To ensure that the cabling is compliant with the industry standards, it is important to perform acceptance testing, which includes a visual examination, verification, and qualification or performance characterization tests.
What is Visual Examination?
Visual examination of all cabling is the first step in acceptance testing. This involves looking for obvious damage to the cable, correct bend radii, and ensuring that the cable is separated from electromagnetic sources.
What is Verification Testing?
Verification testing is generally performed in two steps: prior to the installation of insulation and gypsum board and during the “trim-out” stage of the cabling after painting. Coaxial cables must be verified to ensure connectivity to the remote end with an absence of shorts, while twisted-pair cabling tests include wiremap, length, continuity to the remote end, shorts between any two or more conductors, crossed pairs, reversed pairs, split pairs, and any other mis-wiring.
Performance Characterization of Copper and Optical Fiber Cabling
Performance characterization tests the cabling to all performance criteria of a category of cable specified by ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.2. This involves using either a permanent link or channel measurement in accordance with ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.1 clause 11. Optical fiber cabling must be tested following the requirements of ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.1.
Cable and Outlet Identification
Cable runs from the distribution device to the outlet must be labeled on each end of the cable, and outlet labeling is desired but not a requirement. At a minimum, a label must be provided within the distribution device denoting each cable run.
Multi-Dwelling Buildings
Multi-dwelling residences, such as apartment buildings and condominiums, must be administered in the same manner as commercial buildings. The choice selection of Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 is based on the number of residential units in a building and the number of buildings in a development.
Conclusion
Telecommunications cabling testing and inspection is an essential part of the installation process, to ensure that the cabling is compliant with industry standards. It involves a visual examination, verification, and either qualification or performance characterization tests. Cable runs, outlets, and distribution devices must also be labeled as necessary. For multi-dwelling buildings, the choice selection of Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 is based on the number of residential units and buildings in a development.
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