8-MWJ2606 - Volume V-CCC Cabling Standards.pdf

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Electrical Low Voltage - JOC
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MWJ2606
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Cook County, Illinois

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This is a Cabling Standards document from City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) that establishes comprehensive technical requirements for network cable plant infrastructure across all CCC facilities. The document provides detailed specifications for structured cabling systems to support data communications networking and telephone services, addressing topology, media, termination, testing, and telecommunications closet standards. The standards apply to all new construction, major renovations, and new additions within the CCC district, with exceptions requiring written approval. The document has undergone multiple revisions with the most recent updates completed on April 23, 2026, involving the Network Team and Francisco Tagliatela, and serves as the controlling technical standard for all cabling installations unless specifically overridden by CCC's Office of Information Systems (OIT).

The document mandates minimum Category 6A cabling for all horizontal installations, with Category 8 cabling permitted only for short-distance data center applications. All installations must comply with referenced industry standards including TIA-568.0-D through TIA-568.3-D, TIA-569-D, TIA-606-C, TIA-607-D, and NEC requirements, with certified technicians required for installation. Fiber optic cabling standards specify OM4 multimode (50/125 micrometers) as minimum for 1 Gigabit and higher applications, with minimum 12 individual fiber strands per cable and LC simplex adapter terminations. Telecommunications Closets (IDFs) require minimum dimensions of 10 feet by 6 feet for 0-240 jacks, with larger configurations for higher densities, and each IDF must maintain minimum two fiber uplinks to the Main Telecommunications Closet (MDF) to support redundancy with minimum 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity. All installations require manufacturer-backed warranties of minimum 20 years, comprehensive testing certification using TIA/EIA compliant equipment, and as-built documentation provided in AutoCAD format within seven business days of completion.

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CCC Cabling Standards

180 N. Wabash Ave. | Chicago, Illinois 60601 | 773.COLLEGE | www.ccc.edu

Page | 1

City Colleges of Chicago

Network Cable Plant

Standards

Revision 6 0

4/23/2026 http://www.ccc.edu/

Page | 2

Cabling Strategy and Topology

The following document contains the City Colleges of Chicago standards for implementing a cabling plant to support their data communications networking and telephone environment. The standards in this document address the cabling plant of a district-wide environment. It will also address the topology, media, termination, testing, and wiring/equipment closets.

Unless noted otherwise, where conflicts between our standards and local codes and ordinances exist, local codes and ordinances will supersede all other requirements.

Page | 3

Revision 6.0 4/23/2026

City Colleges of Chicago

Network Cable Plant Standards

Index

SUMMARY OF DOCUMENT CHANGES: 5

1 CABLING PLANT STANDARDS IMPLEMENTATION 7

1.1 SCOPE 7

1.2 TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEM STANDARDS REFERENCE DOCUMENTS LIST 7

2 CABLING SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE 8

2.1 TERMINOLOGY AND DEFINITIONS 8

2.2 THE STRUCTURED CABLING SYSTEM 10

2.3 BUILDING ENTRANCE / ENTRANCE FACILITIES - EF 10

2.4 BACKBONE/VERTICAL CABLING 11

2.5 TELECOMMUNICATION CLOSET - TC / IDF 11

2.6 MAIN TELECOMMUNICATION CLOSET MC / MDF 15

2.7 HORIZONTAL CABLING 16

2.8 WORK AREA - WA 18

2.9 APPROVED UNSHIELDED TWISTED PAIR (UTP) CABLE TERMINATION AND PATCH CABLES 18

2.10 APPROVED SHIELDED TWISTED PAIR (STP) CABLE TERMINATION AND PATCH CABLES 19

3 APPROVED SHIELDED AND UNSHIELDED TWISTED PAIR CABLE AND PERFORMANCE 20

3.1 SCOPE 20

3.2 POWER OVER ETHERNET (POE) 20

3.3 SHIELDED AND UNSHIELDED TWISTED PAIR REFERENCE DOCUMENTS 20

3.4 APPLICABLE TESTING STANDARDS 21

3.5 BASELINE SHIELDED AND UNSHIELDED 4 PAIR CABLING STANDARDS 21

3.6 WIRELESS CABLING STANDARDS 21

3.7 SHIELDED AND UNSHIELDED TWISTED PAIR INSTALLATION, CERTIFICATION, AND TESTING 23

4 PREMISE FIBER OPTIC CABLING 23

4.1 SCOPE 23

4.2 FIBER OPTIC CABLING REFERENCE DOCUMENTS 23

4.3 FIBER OPTIC CABLING PERFORMANCE STANDARDS 24

4.4 FIBER OPTIC CABLE INSTALLATION, CERTIFICATION, AND TESTING 26

5 TELEPHONE WIRING STANDARDS AND TERMINATION REQUIREMENTS 26

5.1 SCOPE 26

5.2 NET POP EXTENSION 26

5.3 SERVICE PROVIDER DEMARCATION AND TERMINATION 27

5.4 IDF TELEPHONE EXTENSION 27

6 MISCELLANEOUS STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS 28

6.1 EQUIPMENT RACKS 28

6.2 REMOVAL OF NON-COMPLIANT CABLING IN THE WORK AREA 29

6.3 LABELING AND WORK AREA TERMINATION 30

6.4 INSPECTION 31

6.5 FIRE-STOPPING AND WALL PENETRATION 31

6.6 RULES OF CONDUCT 31

Page | 4

7 EQUIPMENT RACKS AND CABINETS 31

7.1 RACK LAYOUT AND INSTALLATION STANDARDS 31

7.2 CCC RACK AND CABINET STANDARDS 32

7.3 EQUIPMENT PLACEMENT 32

7.4 CLEARANCES 32

7.5 CABINET COOLING 33

7.6 CABINET RACK AND HEIGHT 33

7.7 CABINET DEPTH AND WIDTH 33

7.8 EQUIPMENT MOUNTING WIDTH 33

7.9 MOUNTING RAILS 33

7.10 FINISH 34

7.11 POWER STRIPS (PDU) 34

7.12 CABLE MANAGEMENT 34

8 TELECOMMUNICATIONS ROOM REQUIREMENTS 34

8.1 GENERAL 34

8.2 LOCATION 35

8.3 PATHWAYS 35

8.4 QUANTITY 35

8.5 HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC) 35

8.6 CONTINUOUS OPERATION 36

8.7 STANDBY OPERATION 36

8.8 POSITIVE PRESSURE 36

9 ELECTRICAL 36

9.1 POWER 36

9.2 STANDBY POWER 36

9.3 BONDING AND GROUNDING 36

9.4 SMALL ROOMS 36

10 RACK STANDARDS – INFORMATIONAL AND INSTALLATION REFERENCES 37

10.1 19-INCH RACK 37

10.2 EQUIPMENT MOUNTING – FASTENING 37

10.3 STRUCTURAL SUPPORT 38

10.4 RAILS (SLIDES) 38

10.5 COMPUTER MOUNTING 38

10.6 COMMON RACK LAYOUT PRACTICES 38

Page | 5

Summary of Document Changes:

This document reflects updates through Revision 6.0. Previous revision history prior to Revision 5 is no longer maintained in this document.

All new changes will be summarized in the following format:

• Date of change

• Page

• Name of person making the change

• Summary of the change

Date of Change

Page Name Summary of Change

10/24/2016 Calvin/Mike G Updated sections 5 and 6

2/28/2017 Calvin/Mike G./Steve Updated cable case color and updated usage for CAT6a

10/17/2019 All Anthony Williams General review of document

10/26/2020 All Michael Gudbrandsen

Updated telephone wiring in section 5. Review the entire document.

10/26/2020 All Jaroslaw Listopad Review and provide update on all sections

10/26/2020 All Frank Alesa Updated cable labeling in section 6. Review entire document

10/26/2020 All Daniel Keith Created new wireless cabling in section 3. Review entire document

10/26/2020 All Robert LaBon Proofreader for entire document. Updated section 2

10/26/2020 All Calvin Adenekan Updated figures, Added IDF/MDF dimensions. Review document

1/5/2023 Phil Olvera Added standards for building new distributor rooms

4/23/2026 All Network Team Edited standards and revised several sections

4/23/2026 All Francisco Tagliatela Edited standards and revised several sections and adjusted formatting

Page | 6

Reference Drawings

Figure 1 : Structured Cabling Wiring Plant 8 Figure 2 : Horizontal Cabling and Cross Connects 9 Figure 3 : Telecommunication Closet Dimension 12 Figure 4 : Telecommunication closet layout 13 Figure 5 : Telecommunication closet ladder layout 13 Figure 6 : Telecommunication Closet Cross Connects 14 Figure 7 : Main Telecommunication closet layout 15 Figure 8 : Main Telecommunication closet ladder layout 16 Figure 9 : Horizontal Cabling 17 Figure 10 : T568B Eight Position Connector Pin / Pair Assignment 17 Figure 11 : Example of properly dressed cables 19 Figure 12 : Shielded Cable Examples 20 Figure 13 : Pole Mounted Access Point 22 Figure 14 : Wall Mounted Access Point 22 Figure 15 : Waterproof RJ-45 connectors 22 Figure 16 : Fiber Optic Label for MDF 24 Figure 17 : Fiber Optic Label for IDF 24 Figure 18 : Optical Fiber Cable Type 25 Figure 19 : Optical Fiber Cable Reference 25 Figure 20 : Telephone Cabling System 28 Figure 21 : Equipment Rack Grounding and Bounding 28 Figure 22 : Equipment Rack Grounding 29 Figure 23 : Work Areas and Telecommunication Closet Labeling 30 Figure 24: Typical MDF layout 35 Figure 25: Typical shallow room 36 Figure 26: Hole spacing 39 Figure 27: Center hole 39 Figure 28: Inside hole 40 Figure 29: Panel width 40 Figure 30: Rack measurements 41

Page | 7

1 Cabling Plant Standards Implementation

1.1 Scope

• All new construction

• Any major renovation

• All new additions

• Exceptions to these standards must be requested and approved in writing.

• Specified Telecommunication Industry Standards and Bulletins must be complied with; with exception to those standards set by City Colleges of Chicago.

1.2 Telecommunication System Standards Reference Documents List

Standard Title / Description Applies To Notes

TIA-568.0-D

Generic Telecommunications Cabling for Customer Premises

All cabling Baseline standard

TIA-568.1-D Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling All cabling General requirements

TIA-568.2-D Balanced Twisted Pair Cabling Components Copper cabling Cat6A minimum

TIA-568.3-D Optical Fiber Cabling Components Fiber cabling

OM4

minimum

TIA-569-D Pathways and Spaces IDF/MDF rooms Replaces 569-B

TIA-606-C Administration (Labeling) Labeling & documentation

Required for all installs

TIA-607-D Grounding and Bonding All telecom spaces Required

TIA-942-B Data Center Infrastructure Standard MDF / Data Centers Use where applicable

IEEE 802.3 Ethernet Standards Network equipment Includes 1G– 100G

ISO/IEC 11801 Generic Cabling Standard Optional reference International alignment

BICSI TDMM Telecom Distribution Methods Manual Design reference Best practice guide

NEC (NFPA 70) National Electrical Code (Latest Adopted) All installs Must follow local AHJ

FCC 47 CFR Part

RF Emissions Wireless devices Latest revision applies

FCC 47 CFR Part

Telecom Network Connection Analog lines Legacy only

Page | 8

2 Cabling System Architecture

2.1 Terminology and Definitions

Structured Cabling Wiring Plant Backbone Hierarchical Star Topology

Building 1

Building 2

Interbuilding Backbone Cabling

WA

WA

TC/IDF

MC/MDF

Riser Backbone Vertical Cabling

WA

IC

Horizontal Cabling ChannelMC Main Telecommunications Closet (MDF) TC Telecommunications Closet (IDF) IC Intermediate Telecommunications Closet WA Work Area EF Entrance Facility

Telecommunication Outlet / Connector Cable Channels / Runs

EF

TC/IDF

Figure 1 : Structured Cabling Wiring Plant

Page | 9

Figure 2 : Horizontal Cabling and Cross Connects

Active Equipment

Active Equipment

Active Equipment Computer Equipment

Horizontal Cabling and Cross Connects

IDF

TC

Telecom Closet

IDF

TC

Telecom Closet

MDF

MC

Main Closet

Fiber Cable Backbone

WA

WA

Computer Room

Single User Equipment Cable Patch Cord Equipment Cables

IXI Cross Connection

Page | 10

2.2 The Structured Cabling System

The Structured Cabling System must consist of any or all of the following subsystems in accordance with

ANSI/TIA/EIA and BICSI guidelines. All new installations shall use a minimum of Category 6A cabling unless otherwise approved by CCC OIT. For assistance in interpreting any mentioned standard, the services of a Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) certified by the Building Industry

Consulting Services International (BICSI) is required.

The subsystems of a Structured Cabling System are the Building Entrance/Entrance Facilities (EF), the

Backbone Cabling, the Telecommunication Closet (TC or IDF), Main Telecommunication Closet (MC or MDF), the Horizontal Cabling, and the Work Area (WA).

Refer to figures 1 and 2.

2.3 Building Entrance / Entrance Facilities - EF

The entrance facility consists of the telecommunications service entrance into the building, including entrance points through the building walls and continuing to the entrance room or space. It may include the Main

Telecommunication Closet. The entrance may contain the backbone pathways that link other buildings in campus situations. Antenna and/or CATV entrances may also constitute part of the entrance facility.

All carriers and telecommunications providers involved in providing service to the building must be contacted to establish their requirements and explore alternatives for delivering service. The location of other utilities such as electrical, water, gas, and sewer must be considered in site selection of the telecommunication entrance facility.

A service entrance pathway must be provided. The basic methods for providing are underground or aerial pathways.

In determining the total number of pathways required, the planner must consider the following:

• Type and use of the building

• Growth

• Difficulty of adding pathways in the future

• Alternate entrance

• Type and size of cables likely to be installed

The entrance room or space (Main Telecommunication Closet) is the component of the entrance facility that provides space for the termination of the entrance campus backbone and/or telecommunication provider cabling. In accordance with NEC Article 800 Section 800-50 exception number 3, the entrance or outside building cable must be terminated and protected on a listed primary protector within 50 feet of entering the building. Where telecommunication equipment is located in the entrance room, the entire room must meet the requirements for an equipment room (Main Telecommunication Closet); as specified in Section 8 of TIA-569-

D TIA-607-D

Access must be made available to independent telecommunications grounding systems specified by 569-D

TIA-607-D

Page | 11

569-D TIA-607-D contains fire stopping requirements, miscellaneous pathways, and telecommunications recommendations of separation from less than 480VAC power lines.

Further information and requirements of entrance rooms can be found in 569-D TIA-607-D and the BICSI

Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manuals. These requirements are to be complied with unless directed in writing by The City Colleges of Chicago’s Office of Information Systems (OIT) or this document.

2.4 Backbone/Vertical Cabling

The function of the backbone cabling is to provide interconnections between Telecommunications Closets, equipment rooms, and entrance facilities in the telecommunication cabling system structure (Figure 1 and

Figure 2). In accordance with TIA-568.0-D and 568.3-D, the backbone cabling consists of cable (fiber for the network and/or copper for telephony) to intermediate and main cross-connects, mechanical termination, and/or jumpers (patch cords) used for backbone-to-backbone cross connections and connections between buildings.

Sufficient backbone cabling for both copper and fiber media should be installed to accommodate the maximum number of connections either directly or using auxiliary electronic devices.

ANSI/TIA/EIA-569-B specifies separation of the backbone cabling pathways from EMI. Grounding of all metallic shields must also be made to the main telecommunication ground. The mentioned document must also be consulted for pathway and floor penetration and conduit stub heights.

All intra-building (within the building) backbone cabling must meet the appropriate NEC flame and smoke regulations including any local (state, county, and municipality) requirements. These include NEC Article 800 for copper cables and Article 770 for fiber optics. All cables must meet or exceed the electrical specifications of ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-C. All cables must be manufactured by an ISO 9000 compliant company.

2.5 Telecommunication Closet - TC / IDF

Telecommunication Closets serve as the home to local communications electronics, cross connects, and termination of backbone and horizontal cables. All Telecommunication Closets are connected by the backbone cabling system to the Main Telecommunication Closet. Backbone and horizontal cables of recognized types are to be terminated in the Telecommunication Closet by compatible connecting hardware specified in this document.

The cross connections of the backbone and horizontal cabling must use jumpers or patch cords to allow for the flexible connectivity when extending various services to telecommunication equipment, outlets, and connectors. Connecting hardware, jumpers, and patch cords used for this purpose are collectively referred to as the “horizontal cross-connect” (Refer to Figure 2).

The Telecommunication Closet may also contain the Main Telecommunication Closet connections for different portions of the backbone cabling system.

Each Telecommunication Closet (IDF) shall have a minimum of two fiber uplinks to the Main

Telecommunication Closet (MDF) to provide redundancy. Uplinks shall support a minimum of 10 Gigabit

Ethernet connectivity, with higher speeds deployed as required. Fiber shall be a minimum of OM4 multimode or single-mode where required, and all uplinks shall be properly terminated and labeled.

For Telecommunication Closet dimensions and requirements, refer to TIA-569-D and TIA-607-D section 7 and

TIA-569-D and TIA-607-D. There shall be sufficient electrical power for the network equipment, UPS battery backup, and power distribution equipment (if required). The closet size shall be such that there is sufficient

Page | 12 room for future growth – minimum size 6ft. X 8ft. Refer to Figure 3 for estimated telecommunication closet dimension.

Number of Jacks Number of Racks Serving Area Room Size

361-480 2-3 10000 sq. ft. 10x12

241-360 1-2 8000 sq. ft. 10x10

0-240 1 5000 sq. ft. 10x6

Figure 3 : Telecommunication Closet Dimension

4 2

6 6

5 5 5

Copper Backbone wall field

(1) Quad 5-20R convenience Receptacle

¾ Fire Treated Plywood

Cooling unit

Equipment Cabinet

Dedicated 20AMP Receptacle

Ground Busbar

6" Vertical wire manager

10" Vertical wire manager

Key Notes:

9 9 8

Rack 1Rack 2Rack 3

Page | 13

Figure 4 : Telecommunication closet layout

Rack 2

Rack 3

Rack 1

Figure 5 : Telecommunication closet ladder layout

Page | 14

A AB BA AB B A AB B

A AB BA AB B A AB B

A AB BA AB B A AB B

A AB BA AB B A AB B

A AB BA AB B A AB B

A AB BA AB B A AB B

A AB BA AB B A AB B

A AB BA AB B A AB B

A AB BA AB B A AB B

A AB BA AB B A AB B

A AB BA AB B A AB B

A AB BA AB B A AB B

A AB BA AB B A AB B

A AB BA AB B A AB B

A AB BA AB B A AB B

A AB BA AB B A AB B

Backbone Cabling

Connecting Fiber Hardware

Fiber Patch Cable

Copper Patch Cable

Patch Cable Patch Cable

Telecommunication Outlet/Connector

Connecting Copper Hardware

25X 36X 37X 48X

Catalyst 9300 48 UPOE

NETWORK

MODULE

C9300-

NM-8X

43 65 87 TE/G2101X 12X 13X 24X

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Connecting Copper Hardware

Switch Equipment Switch Equipment

25X 36X 37X 48X

Catalyst 9300 48 UPOE

NETWORK

MODULE

C9300-

NM-8X

43 65 87 TE/G2101X 12X 13X 24X

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Horizontal Cabling

Horizontal Cross-Connect Telecommunication Closet

Work Area 1 Work Area 2

Figure 6 : Telecommunication Closet Cross Connects

Janitorial closets must not serve as IDF closets.

Page | 15

2.6 Main Telecommunication Closet MC / MDF

All telecommunication closets within the office or building are connected to the Main Telecommunication

Closet (MC/MDF) via backbone cables (fiber or copper). For new construction, the Main Telecommunication

Closet will also contain the demarcation points for the campus backbone and any outside telephone equipment or connections necessary to support the data-communications network. For existing Main Telecommunication

Closet or new construction there could be a separate build out from the main demarcation site via an extended net pop.

Unless prevented by a physical constraint, there should be just one Main Telecommunication Closet.

For Main Telecommunication Closet dimensions and requirements, refer to TIA-569-D and TIA-607-D section

7 and TIA-569-D and TIA-607-D.

4 2

6 6 6

5 5 5

Copper Backbone wall field

(1) Quad 5-20R convenience Receptacle

¾ Fire Treated Plywood

Cooling unit

Equipment Cabinet

Dedicated 20AMP Receptacle

Ground Busbar

Key Notes:

Figure 7 : Main Telecommunication closet layout

Page | 16

5 5 5 5

Cabinet 1Cabinet 2Cabinet 3Cabinet 4

Figure 8 : Main Telecommunication closet ladder layout

2.7 Horizontal Cabling

Horizontal cabling is the cabling system from the Telecommunication Closet (TC / IDF) to the Work Area

(WA). It will include the following:

Horizontal Cabling

Telecommunication outlet / connector at the Work Area (WA)

Cable termination and cross connects in the Telecommunication Closet (TC / IDF)

All cables must meet the appropriate NEC and local fire and smoke regulations.

NEC Article 800 for copper cabling systems

NEC Article 770 for optical fiber cabling systems

Maximum horizontal cable length for copper cabling shall not exceed 90 meters, with a total channel length of

100 meters including patch cords.

Only one transition point is allowed in the horizontal cabling into the designated Work Area.

Page | 17

It is suggested that the maximum equipment cable (patch cable) length from the telecommunication outlet to the work area equipment be limited to 7 meters. It is also suggested that the maximum equipment cable length for jumpers and patch cables in the Telecommunication Closet be limited to 3 meters. Refer to Figure 9.

All copper cabling connectors and outlets in the Main Telecommunication Closet, Telecommunication Closets, and Work Areas must conform to the T568B pin out for the 8 position Category 6A modular jacks referred to in Figure 10.

Figure 10 : T568B Eight Position Connector Pin / Pair Assignment

Workstation

Backbone

Cabling

Electronic

Equipment

Patch

Panel

Equipment Cable

Patch Cable

3 meters

Patch Cable

3 to 7 meters Telecommunication

Outlet

Horizontal Cabling System

Maximum 90 Meters

Figure 9 : Horizontal Cabling

Page | 18

2.8 Work Area - WA

Work Area components extend from the telecommunication outlet / connector end of the horizontal cabling system to the station equipment. All adapters, baluns, etc. must be external to the telecommunication outlet / connector and connected to the station equipment by a patch cable. Refer to Figure 6 and Figure 9.

Each work area shall be provisioned with a minimum of two data drops. Additional drops shall be determined by project requirements. Voice services shall be delivered over the data network unless otherwise required.

All patch cables (equipment cables) must meet or exceed ANSI/TIA/EIA standards set for 4 pair Category 6A cabling designated as the horizontal or backbone cable

2.9 Approved Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Cable Termination and Patch Cables

All telecommunication patch cables will be Category 6A and terminated in accordance to ANSI/TIA-568.2-D

(latest revision) using the T568B model in Figure 10. The following connector color codes will be used correspondingly at both ends.

T568B shall be the standard unless otherwise required.

Color coding may be used for organizational purposes but is not strictly required unless defined by project scope.

Work Area and Telecommunications Closets (RJ45) Patch Panel Connectors (keystone jacks both ends)

Green Access Points

Blue Primary LAN Data/ Digital Signage

White Secondary LAN Data/VoIP Telephone

Orange Security Equipment (DVRs, security cameras, access control)

Work Area and Telecommunications Closets (RJ45) Patch Cables

Green Access Points

Blue LAN Data/ Digital Signage

White Telephone

Orange Security Equipment (DVRs, security cameras, access control)

The scope of the work will determine the total number of drops and the connector color mix. Work areas shall include a minimum of two data drops. Additional drops shall be based on project requirements. Voice services shall be delivered over the data network unless otherwise required.

Patch cable color shall not dictate functionality. Straight-through cabling shall be used unless otherwise required by specific equipment. Crossover cables are not required due to Auto-MDIX support on modern network equipment.

Patch panels mounted in the telecommunication closet rack must be of the modular design. In all cases, unless otherwise stated in the project’s scope of work, will be of the 48-port design and consistent with the modular connector color code.

Exposed cables in the telecommunication closets must be properly dressed and bundled using either Velcro or nylon tie wraps. Nylon tie wraps should only be hand tight and never tightened in such a manner as to cause a blemish on the cables outer casing. The only exception to properly dressing and bundled cables would be if rack

Page | 19 mounted cable management is provided. Ladder (overhead or under the floor) racks will always have cables to and from the telecommunication closet properly dressed and bundled.

Figure 11 : Example of properly dressed cables

2.10 Approved Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) Cable Termination and Patch Cables

Shield twisted pair cable is to be used in areas of high radio frequency interference (RFI) and/or electrical magnetic interference (EMI) such as, but not exclusive to high voltage equipment, elevators, electrical motors, etc...).

There are two types of shielded twisted pair cables and either maybe be used in compliance of our standards to eliminate an RFI or EMI problem. These cables are described as foiled screened with unshielded twisted pair cable (F/UTP) and foil shielded twisted pair cable (S/FTP).

The cable requirements for performance must be consistent with those of unshielded twisted pair Cat6A cable and terminated using shielded twisted pair connectors.

Grounding of the RJ45 patch panel must be to the equipment rack and to the telecommunication grounding bus bar in compliance the following standard:

ANSI-J-STD-607-A Commercial Building Grounding (Earthing) and Bonding Requirements

Page | 20

Figure 12 : Shielded Cable Examples

3 Approved Shielded and Unshielded Twisted Pair Cable and Performance

3.1 Scope

This specification applies to solid Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) communications cables and stranded patch cables – NEC types CM, CMG, CMR, MP, MPG, MPR, and MPP, and where applicable, CSA FT-4 and FT-

6. Zero Halogen constructions are also included.

3.2 Power Over Ethernet (PoE)

All cabling and infrastructure shall support Power over Ethernet (PoE), including PoE, PoE+, and PoE++ requirements for access points, phones, and other powered devices. 802.3af (PoE/15W), 802.3at (PoE+/30W), and PoE++/60W-90W)

3.3 Shielded and Unshielded Twisted Pair Reference Documents

The latest edition of referenced standards (the most current available draft in the case of the purposed standards) must be used as the controlling document. Where standards seem to be in conflict, the most stringent ones must be applicable. Any questions regarding construction should be directed to The City Colleges of Chicago District

Office Facilities Engineering Department and the District Office’s Office of Information Technology Deputy

CIO for the most up to date documents, local code compliance, and revisions.

o TIA-568.0-D / 568.1-D / 568.2-D / 568.3-D o TIA-569-D o TIA-606-C o TIA-607-D

Page | 21

3.4 Applicable Testing Standards

Testing shall comply with TIA-568.2-D and all current revisions.

3.5 Baseline Shielded and Unshielded 4 Pair Cabling Standards

This document provides a minimum baseline specification standard for STP and/or UTP cabling. These are intended for reference only and the most current standards must be complied with.

Category 6A shall be the minimum standard for all horizontal cabling. Category 8 cabling may be used only for short-distance data center applications where required.

Specification Category 6 Category 6a Category 8 (Data Center Only)

Frequency Range 250 MHz 500 MHz 2000 MHz

Max. Data Rate 1000 Mbps 10 Gbps 25 or 40 Gbps

Attenuation 21.7 dB 20.9 dB ----

NEXT 39.9 dB 39.9 dB ----

Power Sum NEXT 37.1 dB 37.1 dB ----

ACR 18.6 dB 18.6 dB ----

Power Sum ACR 15.8 dB 15.8 dB ----

ELFEXT 23.3 dB 23.3 dB ----

Power Sum ELFEXT 20.3 dB 20.3 dB ----

Return Loss 12 dB 12.0 dB ----

Propagation Delay 548 ns 548 ns ----

Delay Skew 50 ns 50 ns 5 ns

Max. Cable Length 100 m 100 m 30 m

3.6 Wireless Cabling Standards

Each wireless access point shall be served by a minimum of one Category 6A cable. Two cables are recommended for high-density or future expansion deployments.

Mount outdoor access point

The two examples should be used as guides. If mounting an outdoor access point using a pole, you securely mount the access point onto a fixed pole. Refer to Figure 13.

Page | 22

1 Wireless Access Point 2 Mounting bolt 3 Mounting bracket 4 Stainless steel band straps 5 Vertical pole

Key:

Figure 13 : Pole Mounted Access Point

If attaching the access point using a flexible mounting bracket pole, ensure the device is secured using the proper pole mounting equipment. See Figure 14.

Figure 14 : Wall Mounted Access Point

The recommended wiring is with Shielded CAT6A and using waterproof RJ-45 connectors (Figure 15). All outdoor wiring needs to be properly grounded to protect the switch from lightning strikes.

Figure 15 : Waterproof RJ-45 connectors

Page | 23

3.7 Shielded and Unshielded Twisted Pair Installation, Certification, and Testing

Installation of the structured cabling plant must be done by technicians certified by the cabling solution vendor, the Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI), and/or a National Electric Code (NEC) compliant apprenticeship certification program for low voltage cabling. The installation is to include all cables, cable runs, components, connector termination, and mounting. All data and telephone terminations must be made to the existing patch panels, telephone blocks, and racks unless specified by the City Colleges of Chicago OIT department in writing.

Installation of the structured cabling plant must meet the cabling solution manufacturer’s warranty requirements and must be maintained in accordance with those requirements. Minimum 20-year manufacturer-backed warranty.

Certification, as-builds, and testing of the installed structured cabling system must be carried out using cable testing equipment that meets the latest TIA/EIA standards, bulletins, and addendums for the cabling solution used.

Final testing procedures cannot rely solely on continuity or data pass-through tests.

Certification A printed and/or electronic copy of the graphical test results (showing compliance to the TIA/EIA standards, bulletins, and addendums) must be presented to the City Colleges of Chicago OIT assigned Project Manager. It will be filed in the OIT files and at the facilities where the cabling was installed and/or tested. The installation will not be considered complete until the testing documents have been received by the City Colleges of Chicago OIT

Project Manager and the IT Director of the college associated with the project.

As-Builds Upon completion of termination and testing, as built drawing of newly installed copper cabling shall be provided within seven business days after work is completed. The as built drawings shall be provided in AutoCAD or format requested by OIT.

4 Premise Fiber Optic Cabling

4.1 Scope

This specification applies to multimode fiber optic cabling used in the backbone and horizontal premise cabling plant. It allows for the use of OM4, 50/125 laser-optimized fiber optic cable in applications of 1G, 10G, 40G, and 100G applications. OM2 and below is no longer supported and should not be installed within CCC environment in new or existing infrastructure. Single mode fiber cable should only be used for Internet or

WAN connections, and for any speeds of 25G or above when the distance exceeds 70 meters. Single mode installation requires approval from OIT Infrastructure department.

4.2 Fiber Optic Cabling Reference Documents

The latest edition of referenced standards must be used as the controlling document. Where standards seem to be in conflict, the most stringent ones must be applicable.

TIA-568.3-D Optical Fiber Cabling Components Standards

ANSI/TIA/EIA 598 Optical Fiber Color Coding

Page | 24

4.3 Fiber Optic Cabling Performance Standards

The primary fiber optic cable used for the backbone and/or horizontal multimode fiber shall be a minimum of

OM4 (50/125µm) laser-optimized fiber optic cable in all 1 Gigabit and higher applications, unless specified by

City Colleges of Chicago OIT. All fiber optic cable must meet or exceed the electronic equipment manufacture’s requirements and standards set by ANSI/TIA/EIA 568-C.3.

All fiber optic cable runs (backbone and horizontal) must contain a minimum of 12 individual fiber optic strands within the primary cable.

All fiber optic cables must be terminated in a multi-media tray, drawer mounted on the equipment rack, or enclosed fiber optic patch panel unless otherwise specified by City Colleges of Chicago OIT.

All fiber optic cable must be terminated with LC simplex adapters or those specified by City Colleges of

Chicago OIT. Refer Figure 18

All fiber optic cable must be labelled on fiber module and fiber tray face cover to identify the remote termination location. Label should identify the port range and room number of the remote location. Refer to Figure 16 and

Figure 17.

A AB B A AB BA AB B

A AB B A AB BA AB B

A AB B A AB BA AB B

A AB B A AB BA AB B A AB B A AB BA AB B

A AB B A AB BA AB B

A AB B A AB BA AB B

A AB B A AB BA AB B

1 – 12 TO IDF<RM1>

13 – 24 TO IDF<RM1>

1 – 12 TO IDF<RM2>

13 – 24 TO IDF<RM2>

1 – 12 TO IDF<RM3>

13 – 24 TO IDF<RM3>

1 – 12 TO IDF<RM4>

13 – 24 TO IDF<RM4>

1 – 12 TO IDF<RM1>

13 – 24 TO IDF<RM1>

1 – 12 TO IDF<RM2>

13 – 24 TO IDF<RM2>

1 – 12 TO IDF<RM3>

13 – 24 TO IDF<RM3>

1 – 12 TO IDF<RM4>

13 – 24 TO IDF<RM4>

Fiber Tray Door Opened

Fiber Tray Door Closed

Main Telecommunication Closet/MDF

Figure 16 : Fiber Optic Label for MDF

A AB B A AB B A AB B

A AB B A AB B A AB B

13 – 24 TO MDF<RM>

1 – 12 TO MDF<RM>

13 – 24 TO MDF<RM>

1 – 12 TO MDF<RM>

Fiber Tray Door Opened

Fiber Tray Door Closed

Telecommunication Closet/IDF

Figure 17 : Fiber Optic Label for IDF

Page | 25

Fiber Optic Patch Cable Types

Configuration Type

9/125um Single-mode

OS1/2

10Gb » 300m

50/125u m

Multi-mode

OM3

10Gb » 550m

50/125um Multi-mode

OM4

100Gb » 150m

50/125um Multi-mode

OM5

LC-LC

Duplex LC-LC LC-LC LC-LC

Figure 18 : Optical Fiber Cable Type

Single mode fiber

Single mode Fiber Optic Cable Type Specifications

Type Application Diameter Jacket Color Ethernet Speed Max Distance

OS1 Indoor 9/125um Yellow 1-10Gb 2km

OS2 Outdoor 9/125um Yellow 1-10Gb 10km

Multi-mode fiber

Multimode Fiber Optic Cable Type Specifications

Type Diameter Jacket

Color

100Mb

Distance

1Gb

Distance

10Gb

Distance

40Gb

Distance

100Gb

Distance

OM1 62.5/125um Orange 2000m 275m 33m - -

OM2 50/125um Orange 2000m 550m 82m - -

OM3 50/125um Aqua 2000m 550m 300m 100m 100m

OM4 50/125um Aqua 2000m 1000m 550m 150m 150m

OM5 50/125um Aqua 2000m 1000m 550m 440m 150m

Figure 19 : Optical Fiber Cable Reference http://www.ccc.edu/ https://www.stayonline.com/category/d-single-mode-fiber-cables.asp https://www.stayonline.com/category/d-multimode-fiber-cables.asp?pc_id=53DD6C9BAC274ADF9A2235B568C3CE98&search_keyword=&opts=&faceted_search_terms=Product+Family~1C5C4AED752A42C0AFEB93C573383E35 https://www.stayonline.com/category/d-multimode-fiber-cables.asp?pc_id=53DD6C9BAC274ADF9A2235B568C3CE98&search_keyword=&opts=&faceted_search_terms=Product+Family~0D7B1C6CA42E49D891726A77ED053769

Page | 26

Fiber Optic Connectors must have a FOCIS document (Fiber Optic Connector Intermateability Standards) and meet all standards set by ANSI/TIA/EIA 568-C.3.

Only qualified technicians with the proper tools can run the fiber optic cable, install the connectors, and test the completed installation.

All fiber optic patch cables must be of the same fiber type as the fiber optic backbone or horizontal cable it is attached.

Fiber Optic Patch cable termination will be determined by City Colleges of Chicago OIT and/or the electronic equipment manufacture’s specifications.

All fiber optic cables must be contained within a protective channel throughout their transition between terminating points.

4.4 Fiber Optic Cable Installation, Certification, and Testing

Installation of the fiber optic backbone and/or horizontal cabling solution must be done by technicians certified by the fiber optic cable manufacture, the Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI), and/or a certified apprenticeship program.

Installation of the fiber optic cable must meet the cable manufacturer’s warranty requirements and must be maintained in accordance with those requirements.

Certification and testing of the installed fiber optic cabling must be done in accordance with the most current

TIA/EIA standards, bulletins, and addendums. In addition, graphical OLTS (Optical Loss Test Set) bidirectional testing results must be provided for each terminated fiber strand.

Certification A printed and/or electronic copy of the test results (showing compliance to the TIA/EIA standards, bulletins, and addendums) must be presented to the City Colleges of Chicago OIT Project Manager and the IT Director of the college associated with the project to be filed in the OIT files and at the facilities where the cabling was installed and/or tested. No fiber optic cable installation will be considered complete unless these requirements are met, and the testing documents are received by the City Colleges of Chicago OIT Project Manager and the IT

Director of the college associated with the project.

As-Builds Upon completion of termination and testing, as built drawing of newly installed copper cabling shall be provided within seven business days after work is completed. The as built drawings shall be provided in AutoCAD or format requested by OIT.

5 Telephone Wiring Standards and Termination Requirements

5.1 Scope

This section applies only to legacy analog services where required. CCC standard deployments utilize VoIP over the data network.

5.2 Net POP Extension

Where extension of analog or legacy telephony services from an existing demarcation point (Net POP) to a new location is required, the extension shall be implemented using structured cabling practices that align with

Page | 27 current CCC standards.

Extensions may utilize multi-pair copper cabling (e.g., 25-pair or 50-pair) where necessary to support analog services. The quantity of pairs shall be determined based on project requirements.

All extensions shall terminate on approved cross-connect hardware (e.g., patch panels or equivalent) within designated telecommunications spaces (MDF/IDF). Terminations shall be clearly labeled and documented in accordance with CCC labeling standards.

Where feasible, extensions of analog services should be minimized. New installations shall prioritize IP-based telephony solutions. Use of analog extensions must be approved by CCC OIT.

5.3 Service Provider Demarcation and Termination

All service provider demarcation equipment (ISP or carrier) shall be installed within the Main

Telecommunications Closet (MDF) or designated entrance facility, unless otherwise approved by CCC OIT.

Mounting surfaces for demarcation equipment shall comply with local fire codes and may include fire-rated plywood backboards or approved mounting panels. Mounting methods shall be coordinated with facilities personnel.

All service provider equipment shall be properly grounded in accordance with TIA-607-D and applicable electrical codes.

Cross-connects between service provider circuits and internal cabling infrastructure shall be performed using structured cabling methods. Where analog services are required, connections may utilize multi-pair cabling terminated on patch panels or approved cross-connect blocks.

Where Analog Telephone Adapters (ATAs) are used, they shall be installed in the MDF or designated telecommunications space. ATAs shall connect to the network via structured cabling and be cross connected to endpoint locations through patch panels.

The MDF shall provide adequate network connectivity to support service provider equipment, including

ATAs and other IP-based services.

All installations shall be vendor-neutral and support integration with any approved service provider.

5.4 IDF Telephone Extension

This is mandatory for all new building construction. Existing construction will only require to be terminated between new IDF and existing phone room

Each IDF will be connected to the Net POP by a 25 pair Amphenol cable with a 24 port patch panel with one pair per port (inside pair on pins 4 and 5) on each end

Page | 28

24 Port Patch Panel

24 Port Patch Panel

24 Port Patch Panel

24 Port Patch Panel

24 Port Patch Panel

IDF #1

IDF #2

IDF #3

IDF #4

From IDF #1

24 Port Patch Panel

From IDF #2

24 Port Patch Panel

From IDF #3

24 Port Patch Panel

From IDF #4

Notes:

• Any IDF that needs to support more than 24 analog devices will need a 2nd pair cable run.

• Jacks are terminated with a single pair on pins 4 and 5 (inside pair). The 25th pair is not used.

Rack mounted 24 port patch panel located in

NetPop/MDF.

NetPOP/Main Telecom

Amphenol 25-Pair Cables

Amphenol 25-Pair Cables

Amphenol 25-Pair Cables

Amphenol 25-Pair Cables

Figure 20 : Telephone Cabling System

6 Miscellaneous Standards and Requirements

6.1 Equipment Racks

1 1

2 2

3 3

4 4

5 5

6 6

7 7

8 8

9 9

10 10

11 11

12 12

13 13

14 14

15 15

16 16

17 17

18 18

19 19

20 20

21 21

22 22

23 23

24 24

25 25

26 26

27 27

28 28

29 29

30 30

31 31

32 32

33 33

34 34

35 35

36 36

37 37

38 38

39 39

40 40

41 41

42 42

43 43

44 44

45 45

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48

HD5

series

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48

HD5

series

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48

HD5

series

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48

HD5

series

Building

Ground

Telecommunications

Grounging Bus Bar

Patch Panel grounded to the rack

Figure 21 : Equipment Rack Grounding and Bounding

Page | 29

Equipment racks used in the telecommunication closets must be a 19-inch-wide frame black rack, unless otherwise specified by City Colleges of Chicago OIT in writing.

All equipment racks must be grounded in accordance with NEC and ANSI/TIA/EIA-607-A standards. A telecommunication main grounding busbar (TMGB) must be provided in all telecommunication closets. Do not daisy chain grounding wires. All grounding wires must connect to a rack mounted bus bar or earthing terminals and grounded to the telecommunications grounding bus bar.

Cable trays must be used in the transition between the walls and the electronics equipment racks. Cable trays will also be used in all horizontal cabling runs throughout the Work Area. No cable runs will ever be attached to ceiling supports or thrown across ceiling tiles.

Figure 22 : Equipment Rack Grounding

6.2 Removal of Non-Compliant Cabling in the Work Area

In any new build or renovation, all non-compliant network and/or telephony cable and connecting hardware shall not be reused and must be removed. It must be removed completely from the work area and patch panel.

Care must be taken as to not cut structured cabling (compliant or non-compliant) from working areas not in the

Page | 30 scope of work. If the scope of work does not require the reuse of the existing conduit and outlet box, the removed cabling wall plate must be replaced with a blank plate.

6.3 Labeling and Work Area Termination

All Work Area termination and connectors must be labeled in accordance with the City Colleges of Chicago

OIT requirements for that location. In most cases, the drop (termination connector label) number will correspond to the building drawing (map) of the work area. See Figure 23, each face plate will be labeled in accordance with the schema shown in Figure 23.

A document (map) must be provided showing the location and labeling of all backbone and horizontal cabling termination and connectors of the network cabling plant to the City Colleges of Chicago’s OIT Project Manager and the IT Director of the college associated with the project.

Using Pencils, Ink pen, Sharpie, etc. for labeling patch panels or face plates will not be accepted. Only machine printed, fade resistance labels will be accepted.

1 3 5 7 etc.

From TC7-2 blue

Cat 6 Cable TC7 PP1 (Blue Keystones)

From TC7-2 White

Cat 6 Cable TC7 PP1 (White Keystones)

TC7-PP1.3

TC7-PP1.2

TC7-PP1.4

TC7-PP1.1

To NetPOP/MDF

Amphenol 25-Pair Cables

24 Port Patch Panel

Room 741 7th Floor

Work Area Labeling

TC7 Analog Patch Panel

TC7-PP1.2

1 3 5 7 etc.

Telecommunication Closet Labeling

Notes:

• Cable jack labeling is not room specific

Furniture Face Plate

Wall Face Plate

TC7-PP1.1

Figure 23 : Work Areas and Telecommunication Closet Labeling

Page | 31

6.4 Inspection

On-going inspections must be performed, during the network cabling plant construction, by City

Colleges of Chicago OIT Project Manager, the IT Director of the college associated with the project, and the Project Manager of the assigned installation provider

The inspection must include:

1. Work area safety procedures

2. Compliance with the City Colleges of Chicago Wiring Standards Document

3. Cleanliness of the area being worked in and after completion of the work

6.5 Fire-stopping and Wall Penetration

All penetration or core holing through floors, walls, or firewalls must be properly fire-stopped in accordance to

National Electrical Code (NEC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and all or any local ordinances.

Any transition between walls (solid or firewall) using conduit, sleeve, or penetration must be fire-stopped with the approved material to restore the fire rating of the wall before the penetration was made.

No wall or floor penetration shall be done without first contacting the local building facilities department, the City Colleges of Chicago OIT Project Manager, the IT Director of the college associated with the project, and room’s occupant. This also applies to moving furniture and equipment within your work area to facilitate any work.

6.6 Rules of Conduct

All vendors and contractors working at or representing the City Colleges of Chicago must comply with all rules of conduct expected of any City Colleges of Chicago employee:

• Require communicating through email to inform campus Security, IT and engineering of planned visit.

• Publication of work schedule to campus for the campus.

• Consult with campus engineering before any drilling/coring.

• Consult with campus IT for any cable and/or fiber patching.

• Entering classroom or making loud noises while class is in session is prohibited unless approved by campus.

Failure to do so will result in immediate removal from the site.

7 Equipment Racks and Cabinets

7.1 Rack Layout and Installation Standards

All telecommunications rooms shall be built according to the following layout standards:

Rack Layout:

• Racks shall be installed in rows with adequate front and rear clearance (minimum 3 ft).

• Aisles shall be maintained for serviceability and airflow.

Equipment Placement (Top to Bottom):

Page | 32

• Fiber patch panels (top of rack)

• Copper patch panels

• Horizontal cable managers

• Network switches

• Additional equipment (as required)

Cable Management:

• Vertical cable managers shall be installed between racks.

• Horizontal cable managers shall be installed between patch panels and switches.

• All cabling shall be routed through designated cable management systems.

Cable Routing:

• Backbone (fiber) cabling shall enter racks from overhead ladder racks.

• Horizontal cabling shall be routed through ladder racks or approved pathways.

• Fiber and copper cabling should be separated where practical.

IDF Requirements:

• Minimum of one rack per IDF

• Minimum of two fiber uplinks to MDF

• Designed for access layer switching

MDF Requirements:

• Multiple racks or cabinets as required

• Core/distribution equipment installed

• Fiber aggregation point for all IDFs

All installations shall maintain consistency across CCC locations.

7.2 CCC Rack and Cabinet Standards

All racks and cabinets deployed within CCC facilities shall meet the following requirements:

• All racks shall be 19-inch standard and a minimum of 42U in height.

• IDF installations shall utilize open 2-post racks or enclosed cabinets depending on space and cooling requirements.

• MDF installations shall utilize enclosed cabinets.

• Vertical cable managers shall be installed between racks and at both ends of each row.

• Horizontal cable managers shall be installed at regular intervals (every 2–4 rack units).

• Patch panels shall be installed above active network equipment.

• Switches and other active equipment shall be installed below patch panels.

• Cable routing shall maintain proper bend radius and shall not obstruct airflow.

• All cabling shall be properly dressed, secured, and labeled in accordance with CCC standards.

7.3 Equipment Placement

Active equipment designed for front to back air flow should be placed in cabinets and racks with

“cold” air intake at the front of the cabinet or rack, and “hot” air exhaust out the back. To improve cooling efficiency and minimize recirculation blank panels should be installed in all unused rack and cabinet spaces.

7.4 Clearances

Page | 33

A minimum of 1m (3 ft) of front clearance shall be provided for installation of equipment. A front clearance of 1.2 m (4 ft) is preferable to accommodate deeper equipment. A minimum of 0.6 m (2 ft) of rear clearance shall be provided for service access at the rear of racks and cabinets. A rear clearance of 1 m (3 ft) is preferable. Some equipment may require service clearances of greater than

1 m (3 ft). See equipment manufacturer requirements.

7.5 Cabinet Cooling

Cabinets shall be selected and configured to provide adequate cooling for the equipment they will house. Adequate cooling can be achieved using several methods including:

• Forced airflow utilizing fans.

• Natural airflow between hot and cold aisles through ventilation openings in the front and rear doors of the cabinets.

• Hot aisle/cold aisle cabinet arrangement.

• Installation of blanking panels and baffles in all open spaces between and around equipment.

• Sealing air leaks around all cable ingress points.

• Containment of cold or hot air flow streams.

• Using properly sized and located air conditioning units.

• Minimizing supply and return air flow obstructions.

• Balancing heat density across multiple cabinets.

• Using liquid cooling.

7.6 Cabinet Rack and Height

The maximum rack and cabinet height shall be 2.4 m (8 ft). Racks and cabinets should preferably be no taller than 2.1 m (7 ft) for easier access to the equipment or connecting hardware installed at the top.

7.7 Cabinet Depth and Width

Cabinets should be of adequate depth to accommodate the planned equipment, including cabling at the front and/or rear, power cords, cable management hardware, and power strips. To ensure adequate airflow and to provide adequate space for power strips and cabling, consider using cabinets that are at least 150 mm (6 in) deeper or wider than the largest installed equipment.

7.8 Equipment Mounting Width

Racks and panels should provide mounting for 480 mm (19 in) patch panels and equipment.

7.9 Mounting Rails

Racks and panels shall be equipped with mounting rails compliant with CEA-310-E.

Page | 34

Active equipment and connecting hardware should be mounted on the rails on rack unit boundaries to most efficiently utilize cabinet space and optimize cooling.

Cabinets should have adjustable front and rear rails. The rails should provide 42 or more rack units of mounting space. Rails should have marking at rack unit boundaries to simplify positioning of equipment.

If patch panels are to be installed on the front of cabinets, the front rails should be recessed at least 100 mm (4 in) to provide room for cable management between the patch panels and doors and to provide space for cabling between cabinets. Similarly, if patch panels are to be installed on the rear of cabinets, the rear rails should be recessed at least 100 mm (4 in).

Patch panels shall not be installed in a manner that prevents service access.

If power strips are to be installed on the front or rear rail of cabinets, adequate clearance should be provided for power cords and power supplies that may be installed on the power strips.

7.10 Finish

Painted finishes should be powder coat or other scratch-resistant finishes.

7.11 Power Strips (PDU)

Cabinets and racks with no active equipment do not require power strips.

The typical configuration for power strips in cabinets provides at least one 20 A, 120 Vac power strip.

Depending on the planned equipment, 240 Vac power strips that contain circuits that are fed from diverse power sources should be considered.

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