J._1.Smithsonian_Institution_Cabling_Standards.pdf

Office of the Chief Information Officer Technical Note: IT-960-TN14 Effective: 5/25/06 Last Revised: 7/14/2017 Issuing Office: NMD

CABLING STANDARDS

1. Purpose

This technical note establishes standards and procedures for the design and installation of network cable (both fiber and copper) and the related network infrastructure (e.g., punch down blocks, cross-connect panels, conduit, enclosures, power outlets, fire stopping, and uninterruptible power supplies). Network cables and their infrastructure provide access to information technology (IT) systems, the data network, telephones and Automated Information Systems (AIS).

NOTE: Smithsonian buildings that are not capable of meeting the standard requirements, such as trailers or sheds, will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

2. Technical Standards

All designs and installations shall be done in accordance with the following standards:

• NFPA 70 National Electric Code (NEC)

• TIA-526-7 Revision A Measurement of Optical Power Loss of Installed Single-

Mode Fiber Cable Plant

• TIA-526-14 Revision C Optical Power Loss Measurement of Installed Multimode

Fiber Cable Plant

• TIA-568.C.2 Revision C Balanced Twisted-pair Telecommunications Cabling and

Components Standards

• TIA-568.C.3 Revision C Optical Fiber Cabling Components Standard

• TIA-568.C.4 Revision C Broadband Coaxial Cabling and Components Standard

• TIA-568.0.D Revision D Generic Telecommunications Cabling for Customer

Premises

• TIA-568.1.D Revision D Commercial Building Telecommunications Infrastructure

Standard

• TIA-569 Revision D Telecommunications Pathways and Spaces

• TIA-606 Revision B Administration Standard for Telecommunications

Infrastructure

• TIA-607 Revision B Generic Telecommunications Bonding and Grounding

(Earthing) For Customer Premises

• TIA-758 Revision B Customer-Owned Outside Plant Telecommunications

Infrastructure Standard

• BICSI TDMM Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual

Technical Note: IT-960-TN14 Cabling Standards

3. Scope and Applicability

This technical note applies to all Smithsonian Institution employees, interns, volunteers, contractors, and consultants who install and maintain network cables and their related infrastructure anywhere across the Institution.

This technical note applies to both new construction and renovations of existing Smithsonian buildings. It provides broad guidance to be used across the Institution and must be used with common sense when applied to buildings that range from new construction to those that predate the telephone.

4. Responsibilities

A. Network Management Division (NMD). Manages and maintains all fiber optic cable, voice and data cabling infrastructure for various systems, and network equipment for the Institution. NMD also reviews and approves the implementation of voice and data network designs, plans, and installations.

B. Smithsonian Facilities (SF). Manages the contractor implementing voice and data network plans, designs, installations for new construction and major renovations (i.e., requires “SD-410 Review”) under the oversight of OCIO.

5. Procedure

A. Renovations (Minor). The NMD and its contractors will plan, design, and install network cables and related infrastructure for existing Smithsonian buildings.

The exception is major renovation projects that require a SD 410, Facility Construction and Improvement Projects, review.

B. New Installations & Major Renovations. SF and its contractors will plan, design, and install network cables and their related infrastructure in new Smithsonian buildings and major renovations (those requiring a SD 410 Review).

OCIO will actively participate in these installations by reviewing and approving them.

C. Cable Installation. The type of cable to be installed is dependent on its usage.

Once the cable type is determined using the following table, it will be installed in accordance with the cable specifications in Appendix A, and color coded appropriately.

Usage Requirements

Backbone & Riser Cabling Fiber Optic cabling will be used. The choice of single mode vs. multimode can be based on the distances and technical considerations. For installations under 300m, use 50/125 micron OM3 Multimode fiber. In some sites with short lengths between floors use of Cat 6A may be allowed.

It is advised that a mix of single and multimode fiber be installed at the rate of three times the quantity that is required for the installation.

Whenever possible, aggregate and run the cabling in Underwriters Laboratory/Electronic Industries Alliance (UL/EIA)-approved duct work such as open trays, conduit, latch duct or, in the case of fiber optic cable, in inner-duct.

Laboratory Areas Recommendation is to have two 4-Pair copper installed every 6 feet of running lab bench.

Instances needing fiber to lab benches will require OCIO review.

Normal Desktops Duplex network drops of 4-pair of copper cable.

Conference and Work/Print Rooms

Quad network drops of 4-pair of copper cable.

Reception, Meeting Rooms & Public Gathering Areas

Two 4-pair of copper cable for every 30 linear feet of wall space.

Note: All fiber and copper cabling must be tested in accordance with the ANSI/TIA-568 Standard, with hard and soft copies of the test results to be provided to the NMD Manager. Under no circumstances is a “PASS*” or "FAIL" result acceptable.

D. Color Code. Patch cables come in many colors and should be color coded based on their usage as described in the table below.

Usage Color

Cross-Over Cables Red (required)

VoIP and Network Cables (cross-connect & wire closet cables)

Yellow (preferred)

Analog Voice Pink (preferred)

E. Wire Closets & Enclosures. Wire closets and their enclosures must meet the minimum requirements described in Wire Closet Specifications in Appendix B.

Within each wire closet, there may be one or more enclosures (e.g., cabinets, racks, boxes, patch panels). In addition, all cross connect cables for the wire closets will be sized to the shortest pre-manufactured length needed to make the connection that satisfies the requirements set forth in the table below.

F. Pathways. Per ANSI/TIA-569-D, all telecommunications cabling shall be provided a suitable means and method of support. Cable shall not lay directly on ceiling tiles, rails, or other items in the ceiling. The pathway should have 75mm (3”) clear vertical space above the ceiling tiles. The pathway should be accessible and not be blocked by conduits below or above it. A minimum of 200mm (8”) access headroom shall be provided and maintained above a cable tray system or cable runway. Care shall be taken to ensure that other building components (e.g., air conditioning, ducts, electrical conduits,…) do not restrict access. Inaccessible ceiling areas, such as lock-in type ceiling tiles, drywall or plaster, shall not be used under telecommunications pathways. If a pathway or outlets are installed in an area with hard ceiling, EMT conduit shall be installed over the hard ceiling to the nearest accessible ceiling space. Install cable tray for the main pathways and J hooks/emt conduit from the cable tray to the outlet.

Communication cabling and electrical cabling shall be physically separated. A 125mm (5in) separation shall be maintained between communications cabling and fluorescent, neon, mercury vapor, and high-intesity discharge lighting.

6. Grounding and Bonding (ANSI/TIA/EIA-607) Requirements for Telecommunications. This standard specifies uniform telecommunications grounding and bonding infrastructure that shall be followed within commercial buildings.

A. Purpose of ANSI/TIA/EIA 607

Grounding by attachment to the nearest piece of iron pipe is no longer satisfactory to provide ground-reference for sophisticated active electronics systems. Telecommunications equipment, frames, cabinets, and voltage protectors must be grounded to busbars, as described in Section B, “Design Considerations”, below.

B. Design Considerations

Solid copper grounding busbars are installed with insulated standoffs in entrance facilities (1/4” thick X 4” high X variable length) and the equipment room, as well as each telecom closet (2” high is sufficient in the telecom closet). Each busbar is drilled with rows of holes according to NEMA standards, for attachment of bolted two hole compression fittings.

Telecommunications equipment, racks, frames, cabinets, and voltage protectors must be grounded to these busbars. Busbars are connected by a backbone of insulated, solid copper cable between all closets and rooms (minimum 6 AWG up to 750 kcmil AWG dependent upon the length of the copper run per ANSI/TIA- 607-B). This backbone is connected to a main grounding busbar in the telecommunications entrance facility, to an earth ground in the electrical entrance facility, and to structural steel on each floor. Bonding conductor cabling shall be colored green or labeled appropriately.

C. Terms

• Telecommunications Main Grounding Busbar(TMGB)

• Telecom Bonding Backbone (TBB)

• Telecom Grounding Busbar (TGB)

• Grounding Equalizer(GE)

D. Schematic of Grounding/Bonding Network

The following schematic shows the grounding/bonding network:

Figure 1 - Grounding/Bonding Network Schematic

7. Technical Note Change Log

Date of Revision

Description of Changes

7/14/2017 • Added references to new technical standards

• Added new section for pathways

• Modified appenicies with updated technical standards

• Changed references from OFEO to SF

3/27/2014 • Combined the responsibilities of the Network Operations Branch and general OCIO and placed all under the Network Management Division(NMD).

• In Appendix A, corrected recommended type of fiber connectors.

• In Appendix B, added several requirements for wire closets.

• Added Appendix C: Standard Rack Guidelines Diagram

4/21/2009 • Revised color coding.

• Specified use of racks.

• In Appendix A, noted the use of lockable front panels in cabinets, if deemed necessary by OCIO and revised specifications for special purpose cabling.

• In Appendix B, revised specifications of wire closets.

5/20/2008 Minor revisions

3/22/2007 Added color-coding info for Cat6 and jacks at work site. Made minor revisions to Appendices A and B.

5/25/2006 Extensive update of grounding information

7/28/2004 Initial release.

Appendix A: Cable Specifications

Cable Specification– Copper

Project Type Specification for Copper Cable Connectors & Conduit

New Construction and Renovation (Major & Minor)

• ANSI/EIA/TIA-568 standard for testing, length, plenum rating, bend radius

• Cat 6 or 6A IEEE 802.3ab standard determined on a case by case basis

• Connectors for Cat6 cable will be EIA approved RJ-45 connectors.

• No inline RJ-45 extenders will be used.

• In the wire closet, all worksite cable running from the workstation to the closet will be terminated on EIA Cat6A approved patch panels –equipped with a lockable front panel, if deemed necessary by OCIO.

• All non-plenum rated cable will be placed in conduit, or installed to local code and OFEO design specifications.

Cable Specification– Fiber

Mode Applicable Specification for Fiber Cable

Connectors & Conduit New Construction Renovation

Multimode ANSI/EIA/TIA-568-B standard for testing, length, plenum rating, bend radius

50/125 micron OM3

ANSI/EIA/TIA-568-B standard for testing, length, plenum rating, bend radius

50/125 micron OM3 Multimode fiber

• Unless otherwise specified it is recommended that SC type connectors be used for terminations and fiber distribution boxes and panels. Connectors should be unicam or polish type connectors.

• All new fiber installation between distribution and access switches should be 50/125 micron OM3

• All termination and cross connect panels will be EIA approved.

• All panels will be secured and lockable.

• All fiber cable will be armored jacketed or installed in metal conduit, and all elbows and boxes will meet the ANSI/TIA569 standards for bend radius for the particular cable that is being installed.

• All non-plenum rated cable will be placed in conduit, or installed to local code and OFEO design specifications.

Single mode ANSI/EIA/TIA 568-B standard for testing, length, plenum rating, bend radius

8.3/125 micron OS1/OS2

ANSI/EIA/TIA 568-B standard for testing, length, plenum rating, bend radius

8.3/125 micron OS1/OS2 Singlemode fiber

Cable Specification– Special Purpose

Cable Type Specification

Connectors & Conduit New Construction Renovation

New multi purpose antenna systems for wireless

Cable specifications are determined by the design.

Cable specifications are determined by the design.

Cable specifications are determined by the design.

Armored cable (outdoor or hazardous installations)

Shielded CAT6 or 6A* Shielded CAT6 or 6A* Shielded CAT6 or 6A*

Wireless Access Points - ISO/IEC TR 24704 Information Technology Customer Premises Cabling

Standard CAT 6 or 6A* Standard CAT 6 or 6A* Standard CAT6 or 6A*

* Determined on a case by case basis

Appendix B: Wire Closet Specification

Closet Requirements

Physical • Minimum floor space of 10 feet by 8 feet.

• Room/closet shall be secured with either a badge reader access (preferred) or key access.

• The door to the room/closet should swing out to maximize usable space.

• Walls shall be slab to slab with a 1 Hour fire rating or a 2 Hour fire rating if considered “Mission Critical."

• Floors shall be anti-static or static dissipative tile.

• No drop ceiling shall be installed. Minimum clear height without obstructions shall be 2.4m (8ft).

• Sprinkler mains, plumbing pipes, and hvac ducts not servicing the Telecom Rooms shall not transit the Telecom Rooms.

Backer Board • Must have wall mounted fire-rated plywood backer board.

• Two walls should have 21mm (0.75 in.) A-C plywood 2.4m (8 ft.) high. Plywood shall be mounted 6” AFF and painted with 2 coats of fire retardant paint. Leave plywood fire stamps unpainted.

Environmental • IT spaces must have environmental controls with no HVAC units in or above these spaces.

• Telecom Room and Equipment Room shall follow ASHRAE Thermal Guidelines for Data Processing Environments.

• Provide 20,000 BTU/hr cooling per rack.

• Positive ventilation and air conditioning is required to remove the heat load generated by the equipment.

• HVAC requirements to maintain temperature the same as adjacent office area. A positive pressure shall be maintained with a minimum of one air change per hour or per code.

• Overhead HVAC units are not to be used in the IT closets.

The preferred method is that these spaces have their own thermostat and be served by external HVAC units.

• Lighting shall be a minimum of 500 lx (50 foot candles) and mounted 2.6m (8.5 ft.) above floor.

• Standard work place lighting is required.

• One or more code-approved ground busbar(s) in each

Closet Requirements

Telecom Room is required

Electrical • Dedicated grounded electrical feeds.

• Minimum of two dedicated 20 Amp, non-switched, duplex electrical outlet receptacles (5-20P); two dedicated 20 Amp, non-switched electrical outlets (L6-20); and one dedicated 30 Amp, non-switched, electrical outlet (L6-30); each on separate branch circuits.

• Additional convenience duplex outlets placed at 1.8m (6 ft.)

intervals around perimeter, 150mm (6 in.) above floor.

• The manufacturer’s installation site requirements guide for each device should be used to determine the NEMA outlet specification, and the voltage and current requirements.

• When equipment has redundant power supplies, the electrical outlets/supplies for each power supply in the device should be on a separate dedicated electrical line.

• Unless otherwise specified, electrical receptacles should not be installed on or above the IT racks.

• The receptacles for IT equipment should be tied to emergency backup power systems.

Uninterruptible Power Supply

(UPS)

• The UPS should be sized to support each piece of equipment located in the wire closet at full load for 30 minutes.

• One UPS is used per electrical supply line.

• When equipment has redundant power supplies, one power supply is connected directly to a dedicated electrical outlet and the other is connected to a UPS on a different dedicated electrical outlet.

• All equipment properly grounded according to code.

Enclosures (e.g., box, cabinet)

• The upper part of any wall mounted equipment, racks, or cabinets shall not exceed 6’ in height from the floor so that they can be safely managed without the use of ladders or other means necessary for elevated access.

• All enclosures for cable terminations will comply with the applicable EIA standard for the type of cable being installed.

• All enclosures for communication equipment will meet EIA standards, as well as the device site requirements specified by the equipment manufacturer.

• Enclosures will be attached to a ground bus bar in the closet.

• If deemed necessary by OCIO, all communication fiber optic

Closet Requirements patch panels will be lockable and use the recommended Master Lock product # 1520D combination lock. The combination of the lock will be managed, changed, and maintained by OCIO.

• 7 ft, 2-post open frame 19inch racks are the standard for mounting patch panels, fiber enclosures, and equipment.

• In the MDF, provide 4-Post open frame racks for the mounting of equipment.

• Rack elevations should follow the guidelines below:

o Fiber enclosures should be situated at the top of the rack (2U to 4U depending on fiber quantities).

o 2U RJ45 48-port patch panels should be installed below the fiber enclosure(s), beginning from the upper part of the rack and working down.

o A single 1U RJ45 24-port patch panel should be installed immediately above the first 2U RJ45 panel for the termination of a 25 pair cable for analog lines.

o 2U horizontal cable managers should be installed below the fiber enclosure, between each RJ45 panel, and one below the last panel.

o Each side rail should be equipped with vertical cable managers (6” wide minimum). Adjacent racks can share a single vertical wire manager.

• See Appendix C, Standard Rack Guideline Diagram, for more information.

Labelling of copper ports & fiber links

• All copper pairs will be labeled with the wireclosetroom#-room#-[a-z].

• All fiber links will be labeled with wireclosetroom#-[01-99]-wireclosetroom#-[01-99]

Figure 2 - Wire Closet Rack Configuration

6"

C a b l e

M a n a g e m e n t

6"

C a b l e

M a n a g e m e n t

48 Port CAT6 Patch Panel

≈ 30"

Fiber Termination Box

(2RU or 4RU)

2U Cable Management

48 Port CAT6 Patch Panel

2U Cable Management

48 Port CAT6 Patch Panel

2U Cable Management

48 Port CAT6 Patch Panel

≈ 7'

2U Cable Management

48 Port CAT6 Patch Panel

2U Cable Management

OCIO

Network Equipment

≈ Units

1U 24 Port RJ45 Patch Panel