January 2016 Version.0
1 Title: University of Leeds IT Cabling Standard Version:.0 Date of Issue: 1 st January 2016 Date of expiry: 31 st December 2018 Date originally Written: 31 st December 200 Owner: Document Owner: Source Location: Related Documents: Acknowledgements: Confidentiality: Andrew Steel, University of Leeds, Network Manager Amanda Wheatley, University of Leeds, Network Delivery Manager http://it.leeds.ac.uk/itcablingstandard Note: The relevant University and BS standards are an integral part of these standards Many people throughout the University have contributed to the production of this document. IT gratefully acknowledges their contributions. General Release Copyright University of Leeds. This document may not be copied in part or full without written permission of the University of Leeds. Change Control Version Date Circulation Changes 0.0 1/02/00 IT Network groups First Draft 1.0 12/0/00 University Changes following feedback from Network Group 1.1 18/0/01 University Changes following new TIA/EN/ISO standards 1.1.1 08/0/01 University Minor revisions 1.1.2 31/0/01 Not released C&IT Standards Agency branding 1.1.3 22/0/02 University Minor revisions 1.2 01/08/02 University Minor Revisions 1.3 01/08/03 University Extended with no changes 1. 01/02/0 General Release Extended with no changes 1. 01/08/0 General Release Extended with no changes 1.6 01/02/0 General Release Extended with no changes 1.7 01/08/0 General Release Extended with no changes 1.8 01/02/06 General Release Extended with no changes 2.0 01/08/06 General Release Complete Rewrite 2.1 01/08/08 General Release Minor Revisions 2.1 01/08/09 General Release Extended with no changes 3.0 01/08/10 General Release Complete Rewrite 3.1 01/08/11 General Release Extended with no changes.0 01/01/12 General Release Amended to include alternative cabling manufacturer.1 01/01/13 General Release Extended with no changes.2 01/01/1 General Release Extended with no changes.0 01/01/16 General Release Amended to include alternative cabling
2 Index Introduction... Preface... Feedback... Abbreviations... 1. Standards... 6 1.1 British and international standards... 6 1.2 Health and safety standards and documentation... 6 1.3 IT Cabling Standard... 6 2. Points of emphasis and clarification... 7 2.1 Design principles... 7 2.1.1 General... 7 2.1.2 Cabling and containment... 8 2.2 Design principles for communication rooms... 9 2.2.1 Principles for existing communication rooms... 9 2.2.2 General... 9 2.2.3 Proposed size of communication room... 10 2.2. Electrical requirements... 10 Diagram 1: Typical communication room layout for CATe... 11 Diagram 2: Typical communication room layout for CAT6a... 11 2.2. Air conditioning / manual ventilation... 12 2.3 Inspections and handover... 12 3. Cabling practices... 1 3.1 Cabling Contractor accreditation... 1 3.2 Redundant cabling and re-use of existing cabling... 1 3.3 Cabling and containment... 1 3.3.1 Cable containment... 1 Table 1: Separation of UTP from mains... 1 Table 2: Recommendations of populations per containment size... 16 3.3.2 Cable protection and fire-stopping through walls... 16 3.3.3 Terminating UTP in a rack... 16 Photo 1: Terminating UTP onto Patch Panel... 17 3.3. Terminating UTP at RJ outlets... 18 Photo 2: Termination and securing of UTP cable onto RJ outlet... 18 3. Labelling... 18 3..1 UTP outlets and labelling scheme... 18 3..2 2 way patch panels... 19 Photo 3: Typical label designed to fit across a bank of eight patch panel positions... 19 Diagram 3: Room outlet and patch panel labelling scheme... 20 Diagram 6: Room outlet and patch panel labelling scheme... 20
3. Communication rooms and racks... 21.1 Rack installation details... 21.1.1 Category e rack installations only... 22.1.2 Category 6a rack installations only... 22 Photo : Typical installation method for APF racks... 23 Photo : Typical example of cable containment on an APF rack... 23 Diagram : Typical communications rack layout single rack... 2 Diagram : Typical communications rack layout 3 racks... 2 Diagram 6: Typical communications rack layout racks... 2.2 Earthing of racks... 2. Backbone Cabling... 26.1 Terminating voice multicore cables in racks... 26 Photo 6: Termination of voice multicore cable on voice panels... 26 Table 3: Termination sequence for voice multicore cables... 27.2 Terminating fibre optic cables... 27 Photo 7: Fibre tray internal organisation... 28.3 Voice equipment and cables... 28.3.1 237a module strip designation labelling scheme... 28.3.2 Voice Multicore label... 29.3.3 Fibre optic equipment and cables... 29 Photo 8: Fibre tray label... 29 Photo 9: Front of fibre tray... 30 6. Duct installation... 31 6.1 Provision of ducts... 31 7. Test results... 32 7.1 UTP and U/FTP Cables... 32 7.2 Voice multicore cables... 32 7.3 Fibre optic cables... 32 8. Patching within communication rooms... 3 8.1 Background... 3 Photo 10: Incorrect patching scheme... 3 8.2 Patching standard... 3 Photo 11: Correct patching scheme... 3 9. Handover acceptance criteria... 36 9.1 Requirements... 36 9.2 Specific project details... 36 Table : Example of handover documentation report to be submitted... 37 9.3 Operational acceptance... 37 10. Manufacturers and products that MUST be used... 38
Introduction Preface This document governs the installation of the infrastructure to support electronic data and voice signal transmission throughout the University of Leeds and is mandatory to contractors and others employed by the University of Leeds. This document does not detail how to install that infrastructure; that is covered by the Standards of the BSI (British Standards Institute) and other bodies (refer to Section 1). This document is issued by Information Technology Service (IT) with the authority of the University. No changes to parts of the document are anticipated, but the document will be revised on a regular basis and reissued in full. The latest version of the standard can be found at: http://it.leeds.ac.uk/itcablingstandard This document does list those standards the University considers essential, and stresses those points that the University wishes contractors and others to particularly note. It also details any exceptions to the published standards that the University believes to be necessary. It is essential that contractors and others involved in installing and maintaining the infrastructure know and follow the published standards as well as this document. Of paramount importance to the University is health and safety and all relevant laws, regulations and University standards that must be followed. The University has certain manufacturers and products that must be used in any cabling installation. For example, all UTP cable must be Excel Category e Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) violet coloured sheath. The University has established standards for the communication rooms, cable runs and cable laying. All references to cabling in this document that are not qualified (e.g. electrical) shall be taken to mean copper or fibre optic cable used for electronic transmission of signals. For new buildings and major refurbishments there will be consideration for CAT6a to be installed providing a strong business case has been put forward and agreed prior to commencement of any works. This document covers the relevant information for both types of installation. All active equipment will be supplied and installed by the IT network group. Any active equipment provided by others will not be permitted connection to the university network. The IT network group have trained design consultants who can be involved at the early stages of a project and who can significantly contribute to the quality of the design and the accuracy of the budget. If you are in any doubt as to what action to take or what product to use, you must refer the matter to IT for a decision and not proceed until you have received a positive response. It will not be acceptable afterwards to say that either these standards were not clear or that they did not address the matter. Non-compliance in following this cabling standard will result in installations being rejected and having to be replaced at the contractor's expense.
The following staff can be contacted for further information: IT Network Group University Network Manager: Andrew Steel a.j.steel@leeds.ac.uk Tel: 0113 33 88 Network Team Manager: Amanda Wheatley a.r.wheatley@leeds.ac.uk Tel: 0113 33 06 Project Managers: Harry Cherone h.cherone@leeds.ac.uk Tel: 0113 33 776 Tony Durham a.r.durham@leeds.ac.uk Tel: 0113 33 676 Feedback The University welcomes feedback, comments and suggestions on how to improve this document. These should be addressed to: Network Manager IT Services Woodhouse Lane Leeds LS2 9JT Tel: 0113 33 88 Email: a.j.steel@leeds.ac.uk Abbreviations APF BMS CCTV CIBSE CR FD FT IP IT LSZH OTDR PAN PoE PVC TP UTP VPAN WAP Advanced Patching Frame II Building Management Systems Closed Circuit Television Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers Communication Room Facilities Directorate (Estate Services) Fibre Tray Internet Protocol Information Technology Low Smoke Zero Halogen Optical Time Domain Reflectometer Patch Panel Power over Ethernet Polyvinyl Chloride Termination Point Unshielded Twisted Pair Voice Panel Wireless Access Point
6 1. Standards 1.1 British and international standards All cabling work for the University must be undertaken to the most recent version of the following standards: BS6701 EN 0310 EN 0173-1 EN 017-1, 2, 3 EN 036 BS 7718 BS 7671 IEE Wiring Regulations BS 678 Building Regulations: Approved Document M NJUG Guidelines on the Positioning and Colour Coding of Underground Utilities Apparatus All designers, architects, consultants and installers must be wholly conversant with these standards as they are the criteria by which work will be judged. This document offers emphasis on those points where the University judges them particularly important, as well as clarification of some points that may be open to misinterpretation (and requirements for those areas not covered by the standards). In particular this document offers illustrative photos to assist in understanding what is required. 1.2 Health and safety standards and documentation It is an expected that the cabling contractor will comply with all the relevant health and safety laws and regulations whilst working on University premises. However, attention is particularly drawn to the University s policies: Facilities Directorate Creating and Maintaining a Safe Environment www.leeds.ac.uk/estate_services/safety/index.htm Contractor safety for schools and services http://wsh.leeds.ac.uk/info/198/contractors/120/contractors 1.3 IT Cabling Standard The University of Leeds IT Cabling Standard applies to all external contractor and University staff and as such should be followed at all times. Any issues discovered (i.e. health and safety, noncompliance) should be reported to the IT network group immediately with photographic evidence where appropriate so that the issues can be addressed and resolved.
7 2. Points of emphasis and clarification 2.1 Design principles IT are the design authority for all IT cabling within the University and are to be included in the design stage of any installation in order to advise and comment on the proposed installation. The network design must be agreed and signed-off, and will include the size and location and number of communication rooms (CR) and the required quantity and capacity of racks and containment. Any proposed changes or modifications to a design previously agreed and signed-off, must be agreed again in writing prior to commencement of the project. The CR will be dedicated for the use of housing IT network equipment, and will not be shared with other services and/or equipment, or used as storage area for any purpose. IT will provide all network equipment, cable management bars, patch leads and telephone handsets (charged to the project) as well as a list of responsibilities, which will detail what has been agreed. The following points highlight important issues that need to be considered and addressed. 2.1.1 General a) Drawings and specifications need to be submitted to the IT project manager prior to the work commencing and as revisions are made. AutoCAD.dwg files are the mandatory format for drawings. PDF files will not be acceptable. b) Removal of redundant cabling. The contractor is to allow for the removal throughout the entire length all the way back to the appropriate patch panel within the CR and removed from the patch panel. Cables are not to be cut and left in ceiling voids (refer to Section 3.2). c) The University is building a cabling infrastructure based on structured principles. Within buildings there will be one or more CR, each of which will serve defined catchment areas, and from each of these there will be links both to the backbone network and to outlets in the user areas within the University. It is important that these are secure, of sufficient size to allow access to all sides of the racks, and planned to support the most efficient routing of cables within the building (refer to Section 2.2). d) The contractor is to allow in every case for making good to all surfaces and finishes where disturbed or exposed, and for providing all finishings to match the existing in all respects. e) Where the contractor has needed to move furnishings, they are responsible for the reinstatement to their original position and will be held responsible for all damage done by their employees to furniture and fittings. The contractor will be responsible for the protection and safe custody of property contained in any room which is opened to enable completion of the necessary works. f) The existing building management systems (BMS) are being migrated onto the IT managed campus network. Allowance needs to be given at the design and planning stage for the installation and location of sockets for this requirement. Examples of these requirements include lift phones, refuge points, electrical meters, door entry systems, trend and IP cameras.
8 g) The University has invested in providing a dedicated wireless service throughout campus. New buildings will need to be designed for the provision of blanket coverage, whilst any refurbished areas will need to ensure infrastructure is reinstated for existing wireless access points (WAP), and provision made for new installations if deemed necessary. Outlets for WAPs should be ceiling mounted or, in the case of accessible suspended ceiling, they should be installed within the ceiling voids. Location of proposed installations should be agreed with the IT project manager. h) Where areas are refurbished and IT equipment is present in the area (e.g. WAP, IP cameras) these units should be carefully disconnected and removed from service once the area has become unoccupied and returned to the IT network group by the contractor managing the work. It should be noted that prior to removing any equipment the IT network group should be contacted for authorisation to remove the equipment, and once removed, the IT Network Systems Administration Team must be informed (nasa@leeds.ac.uk or 0113 33881). 2.1.2 Cabling and containment a) In line with the Estates Services specification, all data cabling must be installed in fully contained data cabling risers, and not shared with electrical or mechanical services. The standard data cabling riser lock must be installed on all such risers prior to handover. b) There may be instances where historically cables have been installed with little or no containment such as in ceiling or floor voids. In situations such as these where refurbishment works are undertaken and the cables service areas outside of the refit works, the contractor shall include in the tender as part of the works for securing the cables using appropriate containment (this is expected to be picked up during the site survey by the contractor tendering for the work). c) The cables to the backbone will normally include fibre optic for the data and multicore copper for the voice. IT network group are responsible for the installation of all such cabling. If backbone cabling is required between buildings (either existing or new), then it is the responsibility of the contractor to provide and install any required ducts as part of the project. d) In an open plan office flood-wiring to a suitable grid pattern is the best approach wherever possible. All design of cable routing should be based on the principle that access will be needed to the cabling in future for maintenance, faults or for new requirements. e) Adequate containment will be used to carry all cabling. Buildings can be considerably improved in appearance and efficiency if attention is given at the design stage as to how and where this containment is installed. When installing cables in new containment the specification must allow for 0% future expansion. f) It is important to install sufficient RJ outlets at the initial stage. This will then avoid costly and often unsightly (as decoration is disturbed) installations later at additional cost to the University. Network splitters are not acceptable for use. g) The cabling to be used to the outlets is Excel Category e unscreened LSZH with a violet coloured sheath or Excel Category 6a U/FTP S foil LSOH 00m ice blue. One cabling manufacturer only is to be used on any installation (no mixing of cables will be permitted). Termination is to be on an RJ outlet. It is important to realise that to achieve
9 the desired performance with computer transmissions it is essential that all the components in the link comply with the manufacturers and products detailed in this document. h) The UTP cable length should not exceed 90 metres in length in the end-to-end run (plus patch leads). i) Cabling required for BMS systems should not be installed within electrical or BMS control equipment enclosures of any kind, outlets should be installed adjacent to the enclosure and patch leads used to connect the device to the outlet. It is also not acceptable to connect BMS systems directly to the network using a patch lead without a socket being installed. j) RJ outlets shall be installed at a safe working height to allow for maintenance, ease of access and as to prevent damage and ingress of dust or fluids in accordance with Approved Document M. Where outlets are installed in inaccessible locations the maintenance of these outlets will be chargeable to Estates Services. k) Single back boxes with faceplate mountings should not be used except on power poles. The top/bottom faceplate mountings tend to snag the cable sheathing. 2.2 Design principles for communication rooms 2.2.1 Principles for existing communication rooms a) In the event of any building, or part of, undergoing refurbishment it is not to be assumed that the existing CR within the refurbishment area will be adequate and suitable for use (refer to Section 2.1). The proposed work is to be discussed and agreed with the IT project manager before commencement. b) During any proposed works where an existing CR is providing service to areas outside the refurbishment area, the contractor is to make provision for unhindered access to the IT network group in order for services to be maintained. c) Any proposed works where an existing CR becomes part of the building site, the contractor shall not be allowed to storage any tools, equipment or materials. Alternative storage must be sought within the building compound. d) The design of comms rooms should allow for 0% future expansion. This would include space within the room and within each passive comms rack. 2.2.2 General a) During the design stage it is important that the CR is located in a suitable position (to be agreed with the IT project manager), and that number or rooms are kept to a minimum taking into consideration the maximum permitted UTP cable lengths. It should not be assumed that new cables can be routed to existing CR locations as there may be instances where these will require upgrading or consolidating in order to meet the new demands. Any such works will be charged to the project.
10 b) Where a new CR is created, it shall be the responsibility of the contractor to provision for two physically separate and diverse cable routes into each building and to each main CR. The cable routes (usually ducts) into the building should connect to the communication containment of adjacent buildings. The routes will be agreed at the design stage with the IT project manager. Additionally, there should be adequate containment (e.g. minimum 100mm basket tray) to connect each CR to the duct system and to other CR within the same building (or buildings). The following points detail specific requirements that must be adhered to and addressed: All communications rooms should be accessible directly off a public corridor Door to room must be of solid construction (without glass panel), and lock must be Simon Voss SO.A 0 night latch The floor covering must be vinyl. Carpet or concrete floor finish is not acceptable. Do not install lighting fixtures directly above communication racks Racks have been standardised on the Advanced Patching Frame (APF) II for CATe installations, and Cooper B-line Speciality DRS range for CAT6a installations Smoke detector to be installed Allowance is to be made for the supply and installations of both active and passive racks 2.2.3 Proposed size of communication room a) The designer should base CR design on the theory that racks shall be positioned to allow access and be provided with illumination and temperature conditions suitable to allow installation and operation of the equipment and cabling contained therein. Access to the front, rear and sides of racks is required, unless otherwise agreed with the IT project manager. The minimum clearance on all faces of the frames and racks where access is required shall be 1.2 metres b) The size and location of any CR should be agreed with the IT project manager who upon request will provide CR floor plans detailing the rack location and quantity within the room (specified from the final quantity of outlets proposed by the installation contractor). Refer to Diagrams 1 and 2 for example of typical CR layout. 2.2. Electrical requirements a) In a typical CR containing one rack there should be a twin 8 watt high frequency enclosed light fitting. In a room containing two APF racks there should be two twin 8 watt high frequency light fittings, but whatever is installed must be to CIBSE lighting standards. b) A minimum of three unswitched fused connection units each with a neon indicator and a twin switched socket outlet should be installed per CR (all should be the moulded MK Logic Plus range). These should be installed 2000mm from the finished floor level and each electrical accessory should be fed on a dedicated 20amp radial circuit supplied directly from a suitable distribution board and labelled to current BS7671 IEE wiring regulations. In addition, a 100 amp insulated single pole earth block should be mounted at 2000mm from the finished floor level directly adjacent to the electrical accessories, connected by a minimum 6mm 2 green/yellow earth cable supplied from a local suitable distribution board.
600mm tray 300mm 300mm 11 Diagram 1: Typical communication room layout for CATe Typical communication room showing minimum space requirements around racks for installation requiring 3 Krone APFII advanced patching frames Passive equipment Active equipment Passive equipment Rack109 Rack109 Rack1096 Front of racks All dimensions in millimetres. KEY Unswitched fused connection unit with neon (MK Logic Plus) Twin switched socket outlet (MK Logic Plus) Insulated 100amp single pole earth block supplied with min. 6mm² earth cable from suitable distribution board. Diagram 2: Typical communication room layout for CAT6a Typical communication room showing minimum space requirements around racks for installation requiring 3 Cooper B-Line Speciality DRS range IT comms room 600mm tray Space for patching field 300mm Space for patching field 300mm Front of racks KEY Basket tray installed vertically within each rack (see details for sizes) Unswitched fused connection unit with neon (MK Logic Plus) Twin switched socket outlet (MK Logic Plus) Insulated 100amp single pole earth block supplied with min. 6mm² earth cable from suitable distribution board.
12 2.2. Air conditioning / manual ventilation a) When determining the location of the CR, it is important to consider the possible ambient temperature of the room when fully populated with network infrastructure. Whilst it is not necessary to install air conditioning, it is prudent to ensure suitable ventilation is provided to prevent excessive heat build-up. b) The room should never exceed temperatures of 28 C even when fully populated with racks and network equipment. 2.3 Inspections and handover a) IT reserve the right to undertake first fix inspections of any installation. This needs to be specified to the M&E contractor prior to commencement of the project. The IT project manager will need to be informed one week before the inspection can take place (prior to ceiling installations or false floors being completed). Also upon any point during the works, IT may undertake a thorough inspection and, if necessary, produce a snagging/defects list which will be given to the FD project manager to take action with the contractor. b) There are a number of activities within any building project that will involve IT, particularly when the users are moving in. It is essential that the dates for these activities are discussed with IT as early as possible, including involvement in the planning meetings with the users. Failure to do this will affect the users' move, as IT resources may not be available to meet the requests given other demands (especially at extremely busy times of the year). c) Where networked BMS services are required prior to handover, the FD project manager must supply detailed requirements to the IT network group giving a minimum of days notice. This must be done by contacting the IT Service Desk (helpdesk@leeds.ac.uk), and the work will only be completed subject to the CR being in a finished state (clean, complete and secure). The FD project manager must ensure that there is adequate insurance in place to cover the cost of any loss of the equipment being installed. Specific example of the information that must be provided: Service Required Exact location Full network socket label CCTV 1 Loading Bay/Post Room LG.01 1.23,81,11 /LG,01,01 CCTV 2 Circulation corridor A.06 lower ground 1.23,81,12 /LG,A06,01 Simons Voss Circulation corridor A.06 lower ground 1.23,81,13 /LG,A06,02 Trend Plantroom X.10 1.23,81,1 /LG,X10,01 d) Where telephony BMS services are required prior to handover, the FD project manager must supply details for all Lift Phones and Refuge Points to the IT network group giving a minimum of days notice. This must be done by submitting the Estates Services pro-forma document Notification of Refuge Alarm or Lift Intercom to the IT Service Desk (helpdesk@leeds.ac.uk). e) Operational acceptance and handover will only be approved as specified in Section 9 with the exception of BMS (see item c and d above). Acceptance only refers to the cabling between the patch panel within the CR and the room outlets. Any peripheral devices connected to the room outlets are not the responsibility of the cable installer or IT to maintain.
13 f) The principle contractor must ensure that the test results are submitted to IT prior to any requests for devices to be made live on the network. g) Before handover, the contractor must ensure that all CR locations included within the scope of the project are thoroughly cleaned and dust free. Any rooms left in an unsatisfactory state will be cleaned by an external contractor appointed by IT, with the full cost being recovered from the project.
1 3. Cabling practices 3.1 Cabling Contractor accreditation The contractor is to ensure that all data cable engineers are fully Excel Cate and Cat6a accredited and registered end to end installers, and evidence should be provided in the form of certification to the IT project manager prior to any works commencing. 3.2 Redundant cabling and re-use of existing cabling a) Removal of redundant cabling. Wherever network cabling is to be cut or disconnected from use permanently within rooms/areas being refurbished, they have to be removed throughout the entire length all the way back to the appropriate patch panel within the CR and removed from the patch panel. Cables are not to be cut and left in ceiling voids. There is already a large amount of redundant cabling in the University and this leads to a number of problems; removing it will help to free space in critical areas and make problem solving easier and quicker. b) The contractor is to ensure that the IT project manager is sent details for any redundant cabling removed, which should include the CR, patch panel and position for each cable. Additionally, the patch panel positions should be re-labelled by the contractor to reflect the spare positions. c) The re-routing and re-use of existing cabling or RJ outlets is not permitted. Any area being refurbished where existing cabling is present, this needs to be removed and re-instated with new. 3.3 Cabling and containment 3.3.1 Cable containment The following instructions shall apply: a) All cabling from the patch panel to the RJ outlet should, as far as reasonably practicable, take the shortest route possible and remain with the catchment area for a given CR. b) Cable containment shall be used to support all cables, which should be loose laid horizontally and not formed. The cables should be secured at each corner. c) Cables should be adequately supported along the entire length using containment (free spacing of cables is not acceptable). Cable containment should also be continuous in length and coupled using proprietary fixings. On conduit systems, inspection boxes to be fitted at every change of direction and at every 6 metres on straight runs.
1 d) All cable containment systems should be designed such that ease of access can be gained for future cable installations, repair and maintenance. For example a containment system between floor joists which has been boarded above and below and carpeted is not acceptable, whereas a containment system comprising of a basket tray above a suspended ceiling leading to multi-compartment trunking within rooms is acceptable. e) In multi-compartment trunking, power cables must be installed in the lower compartment and copper voice/data cables installed in the top compartment. Segregation rules as specified in Table 1 must be followed. It is preferable that the data cables are screened from the mains cables. Therefore screening inserts should be placed in the base of the top compartment. f) As a general rule recommended populations for given containment sizes should be followed as specified in Table 2. g) Basket, cable tray and trunking should not be installed in an inverted manner. All tray type containment should be installed in order that cables may be laid into the basket. h) All PVC containment is to be fixed using plug and screw method. Self-adhesive trunking must not to be used. No containment is to be fixed to asbestos containing materials, alternative routes should be sought. Within rooms, single compartment trunking should be installed in as less conspicuous a position as possible vertical trunking should be installed in the corner of rooms and horizontal trunking on the wall immediately below the ceiling. Any deviations should be agreed in writing with the Project Manager. i) All cables within CR and racks to be secured to cable tray and racks using Velcro hook and loop ties only. Nylon cable ties must not be used, except on patch panels. j) The electrical continuity of the installed sections shall be maintained and bonded to earth in accordance with the current IEE Wiring Regulations. k) Where 3 or cables are installed within very close proximity to each other in a room (e.g. 1.0 metre), the cables should be installed in a double back box. The fourth position, if not used, should be fitted with a blanking module. Table 1: Separation of UTP from mains The following shows the required separation between power and unscreened Cate cabling (applies to a nominal phase to phase voltage of 80 volts or less). Cables running in parallel UTP With Unscreened mains UTP With Screened mains Separation Distance Without Separator (Or Non- Metallic) Aluminium Separator Steel Separator 200mm 100mm 0mm 30mm 10mm 2mm
16 Table 2: Recommendations of populations per containment size Minimum Trunking Size (mm) Population levels Cate Minimum Tray Size (mm) Population levels Cate 2x16 2 10 76 38x2 3-9 22 77-128 0x30 10-13 300 129-168 0x0 1-23 0 169-22 7x7 2-9 600 23-32 100x100 0-9 For Centaur Compartment Trunking Population levels Cate Minimum Conduit diameter (mm) ACD 7 20 1 ACD2 8-21 2 2 - ASD1 22-2 32-7 Population levels Cate 3.3.2 Cable protection and fire-stopping through walls Cable protection and fire-stopping should be installed as follows: a) Where walls will be penetrated for the routing of cables, all cables shall be routed on or within containment through walls. Walls should be sleeved with consideration for future expansion. b) The contractor is to ensure that all new and existing entry points through walls are to be sealed with a fire resistant material. This material is to be of a composition such that it can be easily removed for future work and reinstalled without compromising the integrity of the fire seal. This is to be the case whether or not the wall is at the time designated as a fire check wall. c) Cable containment systems should not contain sharp edges or corners that may potentially cause damage to cables. 3.3.3 Terminating UTP in a rack When terminating UTP cables, all pairs should remain twisted right up to the insulation displacement connector. The untwisted ends of the UTP cable shall not be longer than 13mm, and specifically: a) Installation staff should form and terminate the cables such that cable excess of 00mm only remains to enable re-termination of the cables. Coils of excess UTP cables hanging from the patch panels, underneath the racks, in ceiling voids or any other location are unacceptable. Cables to be formed onto each patch panel from one side of the rack only, cables formed onto each patch panel from both sides will not be accepted. Cables should be formed in bundles of 2. b) Patch panels shall permit termination of incoming cables from the front so that rear access is not required. Patching shall be done from the front of the panels.
17 c) Precautions shall be taken to prevent cable damage due to kinking, ravelling, twisting, abrasion or crushing. d) Cables should be terminated on the patch panels in the following ascending order: 1) Lowest floor level (e.g. basement) 2) Lowest room number (e.g. B01) 3) First outlet on left upon entry into room continuing in a clockwise direction. (e.g. B01,01 B01,02 B01,03 B01,0 B02,01 B02,02 etc.) ) Different floors should be terminated onto different patch panels ) Outlets in corridors and stair areas should be positioned on the patch panel after all the room outlets have been terminated for each floor respectively Where the FD numbering scheme use the same numbers on corridors and flights of stairs on each floor (e.g. corridor A20 on level 7 has the same number A20 on level 8 corridor), the outlet and patch panel labels should differentiate between the levels. For example the first outlet on level 7 in corridor A20 should have '7,A20,01' and the first outlet on level 8 corridor should have the label '8,A20,01. Organisation of cables for termination on both patch panel and RJ outlets is detailed in Diagram 3. e) Each individual cable is to be secured to the patch panel using 100mm nylon cable ties (refer to Photo 1). The cable tie should be secured over the sheathing of the cable and not over the conductors. Photo 1: Terminating UTP onto Patch Panel
18 3.3. Terminating UTP at RJ outlets As previously specified in Section 6.3, when terminating UTP cables, all pairs should remain twisted right up to the insulation displacement connector. The untwisted ends of the UTP cable shall not be longer than 13mm. All RJ outlets and UTP cables shall be terminated using the T68B pin designation. Each cable should be secured to outlet with 100mm nylon cable tie. The cable tie should be secured over the sheathing of the cable and not over the conductors (refer to Photo 2). Photo 2: Termination and securing of UTP cable onto RJ outlet 3. Labelling Equipment designation numbers for racks, patch panels, voice panels, fibre optic trays, active equipment will be allocated by the IT project manager. Do not allocate numbers other than those officially issued by IT. Patch panel, voice panel and fibre tray ID labels are to be placed on front-left and front-right of panels. All outlet labels should correspond to the final FD room numbering scheme. It is the responsibility of the contractor to confirm with the FD Project Manager that the room numbers issued are correct. Where patch panel and room outlet labels are issued by IT, it is the responsibility of the contractor to verify that they are correct. Any incorrect labels fitted to equipment must be removed and replaced with the correct type by the contractor at no cost to the University. 3..1 UTP outlets and labelling scheme The labels should be produced using Microsoft Excel and each label placed behind the outlet ID window only. Self-adhesive labels are not permitted on outlets.
19 Specific details for the Excel spreadsheet are as detailed below: CATe Each column width 8.3 Each row height 12.7 The font type Arial Font size 8 Bold Text to be centred within each portion of the label both horizontally and vertically Gridlines present Each part of the label ID should be separated by a comma only CAT6a Each column width 7 Each row height 19 The font type Arial Font size 10 Bold Text to be centred within each portion of the label both horizontally and vertically Gridlines present Each part of the label ID should be separated by a comma only Example: B08,620,01 B08,620,02 B08,620,03 B08,620,0 B08,620,0 B08,620,06 B08,620,07 B08,620,08 1.01,01 1.01,02 1.01,03 1.01,0 1.02,01 1.02,02 1.02,03 1.02,0 3..2 2 way patch panels The labels should be produced using Brother P-Touch software and printed on Brother TZ 9mm tape using a P-Touch printer. The Brother software should have a length margin of 12mm and page margin of mm. The easiest method of producing the labels is by copying the bottom half of the above spreadsheet label and pasting it into the P-Touch software and modifying it to fit (refer to Photo 3 and Diagram 3). Photo 3: Typical label designed to fit across a bank of eight patch panel positions The manufacturers screen printing on the patch panel indicating the RJ positions (i.e. 1-2) must not be obscured with the labels.
20 The room number in which the outlet is located (in this instance G.02). The screen printing on the panel should not be obscured with the labels. G.01,01 G.01,02 Details for labelling patch panels and room outlets The number of the outlet within the room (in this instance 01). Within each room, each outlet must be numbered in ascending order in a clockwise direction from the main entry point into the room. Additionally, when preparing the cables at the patch panel, all cables from a particular room should be grouped together and terminated onto the patch panel in both room outlet ascending order and room number ascending order. Each floor should be terminated onto separate patch panels. Patch panel PAN numbers (in this instance PAN8) are issued by ISS and the labels, without spaces between the text, should be fitted horizontally to both the left and right side of each patch panel. Communications room number (G.38). Unique patch panel number assigned by ISS (PAN088). Patch panel position onto which the cable is terminated (position 2). G.01,02 Number of the outlet within the room (02). All outlets within each room must be numbered in ascending order in a clockwise direction from the main entry point into the room. Room number in which the outlet is located (G.01). Diagram 3: Room outlet and patch panel labelling scheme
21. Communication rooms and racks The specific requirements detailing size, location, services and layout for the CR can be found in Section 3.2. Racks have been standardised on the Advanced Patching Frame (APF) II for CATe and Cooper B-line Access rack system (ARS) for CAT6a..1 Rack installation details The following points detail specific requirements that must be followed: a) Each rack should be labelled with an identifier label (issued by the IT project manager upon request). b) M6 steel cage nuts to be fitted in all U positions at front of all racks. c) The mains flex of power distribution units should be terminated into the unswitched fused connection unit. 600mm of flex to be left coiled within rack. The flexible cable should be routed to the fused connection unit using the shortest route possible but without compromising on tidiness. d) Each rack should be fitted with side panels. Where several racks are bayed together, side panels should only be fitted to the outer most racks. e) The contractor shall allow spaces within comms rack for the installation of cable management bars (provided by IT) in accordance with the rack layout diagrams provided by the IT project manager. These bars should be collected from the IT project manager and installed by the project data contractor. f) The racks should be secured at the top using shallow slotted channel strut. The channel struts should be placed unbroken immediately on top of the racks at the front and at the rear. Each channel strut should be secured to the wall using an angle bracket and each rack secured to each channel strut using a minimum of 2 x M6 bolts. If necessary, an additional channel strut should be used to secure the racks at right angles. Each rack should also be screwed to the floor (though the base of the rack). It is important that there is no movement of the racks (refer to Photo ). g) The basket tray should be formed such that it sits directly on the channel struts. Cables shall be formed neatly in bundles of 2 within the rack. h) Each rack should be populated as specified by the IT project manager, who will designate locations for data and voice panels, cable management bars and network equipment and provide a detailed diagram (refer to Diagrams, and 6). The diagram will only be provided upon request and with adequate notice once the IT project manager has received the final total number of outlets for each floor. i) The basket tray should be cut above each rack to allow for passage of cables from the tray into the racks (refer to Photo ). No sharp or rough edges should remain once the basket tray has been cut.
22.1.1 Category e rack installations only Each rack should be fitted with 30 Krone cable management arms. Refer to Diagram 3 for precise fitting location details..1.2 Category 6a rack installations only a) Each front vertical rack mount to be fitted at a distance of 130mm from the front of rack. b) Full height 300mm x 60mm and 600mm x 60mm basket trays to be fitted vertically within each of the racks as detailed in Diagram 2. The basket trays should be fitted to the inner sides at the back of each of the racks. c) There should be a distance of 10mm between each comms rack to allow for a patching field (refer to Diagram 2). d) Racks to be secured to floor to prevent movement. e) Each patch panel should be individually screened to the earth bar.
23 Photo : Typical installation method for APF racks Photo : Typical example of cable containment on an APF rack
SYSTEM SYSTEM SYSTEM SYSTEM SYSTEM SYSTEM 1 2 RPS RPS RPS RPS RPS RPS SYSTEM RPS Catalyst 370 series 3 7 9 11 13 1 17 19 21 23 2 27 29 31 33 3 37 39 1 3 7 6 8 10 12 1 16 18 20 22 2 26 28 30 32 3 36 38 0 2 6 8 SYSTEM 1 2 RPS Catalyst 370 series Catalyst 2970 series Catalyst 2970 series 3 7 9 11 13 1 17 19 21 23 2 27 29 31 33 3 37 39 1 3 7 6 8 10 12 1 16 18 20 22 2 26 28 30 32 3 36 38 0 2 6 8 2 Diagram : Typical communications rack layout single rack Typical comms rack layout where 1 rack is utilised RACK99 PAN338 Lower ground floor room outlets PAN3386 Upper ground floor room outlets PAN3387 Upper ground floor room outlets PAN3388 Upper ground floor room outlets PAN3389 Upper ground floor room outlets PAN3390 First floor room outlets PAN3391 First floor room outlets PAN3392 First floor room outlets PAN3393 First floor room outlets PAN339 First floor room outlets Distribution switch Power over ethernet (POE) switch Cisco switch Cisco switch Cisco switch Cisco switch Cisco switch VPAN26 voice patch panel Cable management FT1382 fibre tray Diagram : Typical communications rack layout 3 racks RACK109 RACK109 RACK1096 PAN03 level 8 links to 8.130 DSW11-1 PAN300 level 10 outlets PAN036 level 8 links to 8.130 PAN10 level 8 outlets PAN11 level 8 outlets PAN12 level 8 outlets DSW11-2 DSW11-3 ESW3002 PAN301 level 10 outlets PAN302 level 10 outlets PAN303 level 10 outlets PAN30 level 10 outlets PAN13 level 8 outlets PAN1 level 8 outlets PAN1 level 8 outlets PAN088 level 9 outlets PAN089 level 9 outlets Space for future expansion ESW2992 ESW2993 ESW299 ESW299 ESW2996 ESW2997 ESW2998 Space for future expansion PAN30 level 10 outlets PAN306 level 10 outlets PAN082 level 11 outlets PAN083 level 11 outlets PAN08 level 11 outlets PAN16 level 9 outlets PAN17 level 9 outlets PAN18 level 9 outlets PAN081 level 9 outlets ESW2999 ESW3000 ESW3001 PAN08 level 11 outlets PAN086 level 11 outlets PAN087 level 11 outlets PAN29 level 9 outlets PAN296 level 9 outlets PAN297 level 9 outlets PAN298 level 9 outlets PAN299 level 9 outlets VPAN77 voice panel VPAN81 voice panel VPAN78 voice panel FT131 VPAN82 voice panel (Note: Krone cable management arms have been removed for clarity)
SYSTEM 1 2 RPS Catalyst 370 series 3 7 9 11 13 1 17 19 21 23 2 27 29 31 33 3 37 39 1 3 7 6 8 10 12 1 16 18 20 22 2 26 28 30 32 3 36 38 0 2 6 8 2 Diagram 6: Typical communications rack layout racks RACK13 RACK136 RACK137 RACK138 PAN76 PAN77 PAN78 PAN79 PAN70 PAN71 PAN72 PAN73 PAN7 PAN7 PAN76 PAN77 PAN78 PAN79 PAN760 PAN761 PAN762 PAN763 PAN76 PAN76 PAN766 DSW160 ESW000 ESW3020 ESW38 ESW132-1 ESW132-2 ESW132-3 ESW132- ESW132- ESW132-6 ESW31 FT1761 Gig 2 port POE Std 2 port POE Std 2 port POE ESW001 ESW126 ESW3700 ESW133-1 ESW133-2 ESW133-3 ESW133- ESW133- ESW133-6 ESW3233 ESW237 8port Gig 2 port POE Std 2 port POE Std 2 port POE Gig POE Std 2 POE Std 2 POE PAN77 PAN77 PAN776 PAN777 PAN778 PAN779 PAN780 PAN781 PAN782 PAN783 PAN78 PANtbc PANtbc PANtbc PANtbc PANtbc PANtbc PANtbc PANtbc ESW129 ESW133 ESW130 ESW13 ESW131 ESW13 ESW132 ESW136 VPAN96 VPAN600 (Note: Krone cable management arms have been removed for clarity) Note: Installation of racks will only be used in exceptional circumstances, and will be specified by the IT project manager (refer to Section 2.2.2)..2 Earthing of racks The following instructions shall apply: a) A 6mm 2 (minimum) green/yellow insulated earth cable should be installed from the nearest suitable distribution board and terminated into a 100amp single pole insulated earth block adjacent to the unswitched fused connection units. b) All racks to be fitted with proprietary earthing kits. Each rack should be earth bonded to a suitable earthing point. Where more than one rack is installed within a CR, each rack should be individually earthed back to the earthing point. Earthing in the form of a daisy chain is not acceptable. c) Each earth cable connection is to be accessible for maintenance, inspection and testing purposes.
26. Backbone Cabling.1 Terminating voice multicore cables in racks The voice multicore cable should have no more than 1m excess coiled and secured to the side of rack. Multicore termination sequence (refer to Table 3). a) The termination sequence for incoming voice multicore cables onto voice patch panels shall be sequential and in ascending order and with patch panels installed at the bottom of the racks. Each voice panel should be separated by a cable management bar immediately above and below. b) The termination sequence for incoming and outgoing voice multicore cables within a building distribution frame and connection boxes onto Krone 237a modules shall be in ascending order from top left to bottom right. c) The incoming voice multicore cables will have all pairs terminated at both the patch panel and the 237A IDF/BDF/FDP, unless otherwise instructed by IT project manager. d) The termination of voice cables on 237a modules must be in ascending sequence from top to bottom. e) For installations where 3 comms racks are present, the voice patch panels shall be installed in the centre rack. Photo 6: Termination of voice multicore cable on voice panels Detailing 100 pair CW1308B terminated on 2 x 1U voice panels. Single pair termination.
27 Table 3: Termination sequence for voice multicore cables COLOUR CODES PAIR NUMBER INSULATION COLOUR A-Wire B-Wire 1 WHITE/ Blue BLUE/ White 2 WHITE/ Orange ORANGE/ White 3 WHITE/ Green GREEN/ White WHITE/ Brown BROWN/ White WHITE/ Grey GREY/ White 6 RED/ Blue BLUE/ Red 7 RED/ Orange ORANGE/ Red 8 RED/ Green GREEN/ Red 9 RED/ Brown BROWN/ Red 10 RED/ Grey GREY/ Red 11 BLACK/ Blue BLUE/ Black 12 BLACK/ Orange ORANGE/ Black 13 BLACK/ Green GREEN/ Black 1 BLACK/ Brown BROWN/ Black 1 BLACK/ Grey GREY/ Black 16 YELLOW/ Blue BLUE/ Yellow 17 YELLOW/ Orange ORANGE/ Yellow 18 YELLOW/ Green GREEN/ Yellow 19 YELLOW/ Brown BROWN/ Yellow 20 YELLOW/ Grey GREY/ Yellow.2 Terminating fibre optic cables When terminating fibre optic cables, the following points detail specific requirements that must be followed: a) The front of each fibre optic tray installed in each rack should be flush with the mounting bracket. Each tray should be no more than 1U and have a minimum of 2 fully loaded duplex green SC/APC (subscription channel/angled physical connector) adaptors for singlemode fibres or, in the case of multimode fibre, 32 way fully loaded ST (straight tip) adaptors (refer to Photo 7). b) All cores should be fusion spliced onto pre-prepared pigtails. All cores and pigtails should be neatly formed within the fibre tray using suitable cable management. c) A gland should be used where the cable enters the fibre tray. The gland should be fastened securely to the fibre tray with the supplied locknut ( finger tight is not acceptable). When the cable has been pulled through the gland, the gland should be fastened securely ( finger tight is not acceptable). The cable must not be able to be pulled from or pushed into the tray. Additionally, the gland should be secured so there is no rotational movement of the cable. There should be a minimum of cm fibre cable sheathing visible within the fibre tray. No more than ONE cable should be routed through each gland.
28 Photo 7: Fibre tray internal organisation d) Each fibre cable should have no more than 1m excess coiled and secured to the side of rack. e) The final presentation should be such that the first core of the cable is terminated on the first available free position of the fibre tray at both ends. This same sequence should be applied to the remainder of the cores respectively. f) All fibre cores should be terminated and presented to the industry standard colour code sequence within each optical fibre tray..3 Voice equipment and cables.3.1 237a module strip designation labelling scheme The VPAN labels (without spaces between the text) should be fitted horizontally to both the left and right side of each panel. Example: 0pair to Parkinson comms room 2.18 Rack117 VPAN97 01 02 03 0 0 06 07 08 09 10
29.3.2 Voice Multicore label Each voice multicore cable should be identified using a lasting permanent label with printed clearly legible and indelible ink as shown below. Each label should have the following information: Cable owner Number of pairs within the cable Origin of cable (i.e. building, room, and vertical frame number) Destination of cable (i.e. building and room number) The labels should be fitted, using cable ties dedicated for the purpose of securing the label to the cable, every 10 metres along the cable length and within each access chamber, each building entry/exit point, and within 00mm of each cable termination point. Machine produced Brady labels type PTL- 12-109 are the most suitable. Example: IT 100 pair voice Parkinson B0 vert J Clothworks Bld North B0.3.3 Fibre optic equipment and cables The FT labels (without spaces between the text) should be fitted horizontally to both the left and right side of each tray. The fibre tray positions upon which the cable is terminated should be labelled with the following details. The label is to be affixed to the fibre tray above the positions onto which the cable is terminated and should not impede onto the unused positions of the tray (refer to Photos 8 and 9): Fibre tray number and pairs onto which the fibre cable is terminated. Number of cores and grade of fibre. Destination building name, communications room number, fibre tray number and pairs onto which the cable is terminated. Photo 8: Fibre tray label
30 Photo 9: Front of fibre tray Each fibre optic cable sheath should be low smoke zero halogen and have the following manufacture printed text every metre along its entire length. Each marking should be permanent and clearly legible: Incremented metre marks Manufacturer Number of cores Type and grade of fibre Each fibre optic cable should be identified using a lasting permanent label with printed clearly legible and indelible ink as shown below. Each label should have the following information: Cable owner Number of cores and grade of fibre Origin of cable (i.e. building, room, fibre tray and terminated pair number) Destination of cable (i.e. building, room, fibre tray and terminated pair number) The labels should be fitted, using cable ties dedicated for the purpose of securing the label to the cable, every 10 metres along the cable length and within each access chamber, each building entry/exit point, and within 00mm of each cable termination point. Machine produced Brady labels type PTL-12-109 are the most suitable Example: IT 2xOS2 fibre Sadler B07 FT137/1-12 Parkinson B0 FT136/1-12
31 6. Duct installation 6.1 Provision of ducts The IT project manager will present a detailed diagram showing the duct route and access chamber locations for any proposed installations. Ground conditions should be carefully considered when considering the protection of buried cables, then note the following: a) Underground ducts All underground ducts should be of non-porous durable material and should have smooth internal walls. Sections should be jointed to prevent the ingress of foreign material. The minimum duct internal/external diameter should be 9/110mm respectively and purple in colour. Metallic tape should be laid and buried with the duct to help with locating the duct. Ducts should be cut flush were they enter buildings and access chambers. All underground ducts should be sealed to prevent the ingress of gases, water or rodents at points of entry to buildings. The sealing material should be of a composition such that it may be easily removed for cable installation purposes and re-instated to form an effective seal. Each time a cable is installed into a building, the contractor must ensure the entry hole is sealed after the installation work is complete. b) Jointing chambers In all locations, carriageway rated inspection chambers should be installed. Access chambers should be installed every 70m on straight runs and at each major change of direction (i.e. greater than degrees). c) All chambers to be constructed to minimum D00 loading with a 600mmx0mm D00 rated chamber cover. d) To facilitate the pulling in of additional cables a 10mm polypropylene draw rope should be left and secured within the ducts. To maintain the facility, another draw rope should be pulled in with each new length of cable to replace the original. e) Anyone undertaking street work must be in possession of a valid Street Works licence and all work must be carried out in accordance with the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991.
32 7. Test results Test results are required a minimum of 10 working days prior to practical completion in order that they can be checked prior to acceptance of the installation. The test results shall be provided electronically in PDF format. The project will NOT be deemed complete until such time as these results have been accepted by the IT project manager. They must be presented in patch panel sequence and ascending number sequence. Test result cable lengths to be presented in metric. Electrical or optical tests shall be carried out on cables used for the distribution of voice, data and video services. These tests are to be carried out following the terminations and labelling of the cabling. A copy of the test results shall also be included in the "As Installed" manuals for future reference. 7.1 UTP and U/FTP Cables All cables must be subjected to 100% testing. The minimum acceptable results for Cate UTP cable are defined in BS EN 0173 Permanent Link Class D 100Mhz. The minimum acceptable results for Cat6a U/FTP cable are defined in BS EN0173-1 and ISO.IEC 11801:2011 Ed2.2 Permanent Link Class EA 00Mhz. Test results must include the following information for each individual circuit tested: The name of the test operator. The date of the test. Each individual cable test must show the comms room number, the patch panel number and the patch panel position number (e.g. G.38,088,02). Complete test results should be submitted with a valid calibration certificate for the test equipment used. 7.2 Voice multicore cables Voice multicore cables should be tested across all pairs for continuity. 7.3 Fibre optic cables Each fibre core should be sequence tested using a laser pen to ensure the cores are presented in the same order at both ends. This test should be carried out at both ends of the fibre cable. The test should be documented and forwarded, electronically in Excel or PDF format to the IT project manager.
33 Individual fibre cores must be tested bi-directionally using optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) to both 1310 and 10nm wavelengths. They should be presented in the form of a single electronic PDF file for each end of the tested fibre cable. In all cases the test result and its fibre optic are unambiguously and clearly matched and should state: The date of the test. The tester s details. The equipment used for the test and the ID of the launch or tail cords used (in case the tests need to be repeated). The wavelength of the light used for the test. The ID and type of fibre optic tested. The fibre tray FT number, core and location for each end. The direction in which the measurement was made. The optical fibre optic link shall meet optical class link performance testing as specified in current FIA standard. Refer to The Fibre optic Industry Association s Technical Support Guides that are based on international standard: FIA-TSD-2000--2-2 Optical Fibre optic cabling Testing Installed Cabling Using Optical Time Domain (OTDR) Equipment. OTDR Tests are carried out in both directions in order to identify any problems that are direction dependent (e.g. changes in refractive index of the fibre optic at intermediate joints) or when single ended measurement techniques are used. The direction in which the measurement was taken is recorded in the results. All cores to be presented in industry standard colour sequence at either end within each optical fibre tray. Continuity tests to be carried out on each core using a trailing fly lead and results obtained: The end face of the launch lead is cleaned for each test to avoid any contamination being transferred to the face of each fibre optic under test. For singlemode testing a launch lead with a minimum length of 1 km is required. For multimode testing a launch lead with a minimum length of 0 metres is required or a launch conditioning lead / mandrel wrap that is longer than the dead zone of the OTDR. Time averaged results are required. The sampling time used should allow the equipment to make a minimum of 90 readings (Usually about 1 minute but this depends on the equipment). The sampling time setting is included in the table of results. Appropriate range, power and pulse width values should be used that maximise the resolution of the test equipment. These settings and the value chosen for the refractive index of the fibre optic are included in the table of results.
3 8. Patching within communication rooms 8.1 Background The IT network group work to ensure that communication rooms are kept to the expected standard. If it is deemed that the standard is not being maintained, access will be revoked until such time that the individual(s) is/are able to follow and adhere to the standards. This will apply to all University staff and external contractors. Where patching has been carried out by different individuals, the standard of work has been variable and sometimes has fallen short of expectations. This can be seen in the use of Cate patch leads that are too long or too short for the purpose and patch leads that are the wrong colour coding. This can result in health and safety issues such as trip hazards and also hinders fault rectification. The work involved in correcting this can be very disruptive, time consuming and expensive (as re-patching is normally expected to be completed out of hours ). Photo 10 shows such a room where all the above issues are displayed. Photo 10: Incorrect patching scheme All redundant patch leads (i.e. that carry no service) should be unpatched and removed completely from the comms rack.
3 8.2 Patching standard The IT network group have adopted a standard for patching. Contractors and other staff need to ensure individuals with responsibility to carry out patching follow the same standard. IT network group install various coloured patch leads for other purposes including: network switch uplinks, IP cameras, refuge points and lift phones, building management systems and wireless access points. The patching colour coding scheme to follow: Data: blue cables with blue boots Voice: yellow cables with yellow boots All cables to be appropriate length and routed neatly using the cable management provided. It is essential that individuals do not modify patching using any other colour than described above. If any colours other than blue or yellow are used for standard data and voice patching, then they will be removed. Assistance and training will be given by the IT network group to any individual if required. The IT network group will provide all patch leads, there are two standard lengths (2m or 3m depending on requirement). All patch leads have unique identifier numbers, and detail length of cable. Photo 11 shows a Krone APF with the patching carried out correctly. This shows the colour coding and correct lengths of patch leads so allowing for easy identification of cables without creating any trip hazards. Where racks are bayed together, voice patch leads should be routed with the blue patch leads. Patch leads should be installed directly into the patch panel and network equipment without any loops being left within the cable management. Photo 11: Correct patching scheme