Chapter 5: Horizontal Distribution Systems

Horizontal Cabling Systems:

A horizontal cabling system may be as simple as the cabling necessary to support a small number of
telecommunication outlets for a small business to the cabling infrastructure required to support a floor of a hospital
or an airport terminal.

A horizontal cabling system may include the following elements:

• Work area equipment cord
• Work area connecting hardware:
– Telecommunications outlets/connectors – Multiuser telecommunications outlet assemblies (MUTOAs)
• Wireless access point (WAP) • Horizontal distribution cables • Horizontal cross-connect (HC [floor distributor
(FD)]) connecting hardware (e.g., wiring blocks, patch panels)
• Jumpers and patch cords used to configure horizontal cabling connections at the HC (FD)
• Equipment cords at the HC (FD) typically located in the equipment room (ER)
telecommunications room (TR), or telecommunications enclosure (TE)
• Additional elements (connectors that may be installed between the telecommunications outlet and the HC [FD]):
– Transition point (TP)
– Consolidation point (CP)

CP = Consolidation point ER = Equipment room HC (FD) = Horizontal cross-connect (floor distributor)

MUTOA = Multiuser telecommunications outlet assembly TE = Telecommunications enclosure
TO = Telecommunications outlet/connector TR = Telecommunications room WAP = Wireless access point

Horizontal Pathways
Horizontal pathways are used for distributing, supporting, and providing access to horizontal
cabling and its associated connecting hardware between the telecommunications outlets/
connectors and the HC (FD), typically located in the ER, TR, or TE. Horizontal cabling are
Chapter 5: Horizontal Distribution Systems
the contents contained within horizontal pathways.
Pathway system implementation involves the cabling pathways (e.g., cable tray) and the
locations of related telecommunications spaces (e.g., pull boxes) that provide access to
cabling and connecting hardware.

Horizontal pathways are of one of two general types:

• Continuous pathways (e.g., conduit, cable tray, cable matting) used for containment of
telecommunications cabling.
• Noncontinuous pathways (e.g., the space between cable supports [e.g., J-hooks]) through

which cables are placed between physical supports or containment components.

Elements such as pull boxes or splice boxes, which are used with some pathway systems, are
actually considered telecommunications spaces that provide access to horizontal cabling and
its connecting hardware.

Horizontal Cabling Systems Topology.

Horizontal cabling shall be installed in a physical star topology. Each telecommunications outlet/connector shall be
cabled directly to an HC (FD) in the appropriate telecommunications space.

Horizontal Cabling Systems Configuration:

the minimum configuration is the configuration consisting of two telecommunications outlets/connectors in the
work area—one for telephony and the other for data.

If the optical fiber outlet is used in the horizontal cabling system work area configuration, two balanced twisted-pair
telecommunications outlets/connectors should also be installed rather than one since typical telecommunications
cabling work areas currently require both voice and data transmission, which are usually implemented over
balanced twisted-pairs. Thus, the work area configuration made up of only two telecommunications
outlets/connectors, one of which is optical fiber, may not allow all user requirements for telecommunications
services to be effectively met.

Transmission Channel

Within horizontal cabling, the transmission channel is the end-to-end transmission path
between two points at which application-specific equipment is connected. This channel is
composed of:
• The permanent link cabling.
• Required patch, equipment, and interconnection cords.
• The connection points.
Chapter 5: Horizontal Distribution Systems

HC (FD) = Horizontal cross-connect (floor distributor)

TO = Telecommunications outlet/connector
TR = Telecommunications room
1= Permanent link cabling
2= Work area patch cord

Transmission Channel, continued Connection Points

A maximum of four connection points (four connectors) are allowed in the channel model:

• Telecommunications outlet/connectors or MUTOAs

• Connector of the first unit of connecting hardware at the HC (FD)
• CP connector (optional)
• Connector of the second unit of connecting hardware at the HC (FD)
Chapter 5: Horizontal Distribution Systems
Chapter 5: Horizontal Distribution Systems

Horizontal Cross-Connect (HC [Floor Distributor (FD)])

Two methods of connecting active equipment to the horizontal cabling system and one method for passive
connection between the horizontal and backbone systems are used in the HC (FD). These two methods are known
as cross-connection and interconnection.

Cross-Connection
Cross-connection is a method where two connecting hardware units (e.g., balanced twisted pair, optical fiber) are
linked by patch cords or cross-connect jumpers and used to connect active equipment to the horizontal cabling
system. The passive connection of cabling segments of the horizontal and backbone systems are also known as
cross-connections.

Interconnection

Interconnection is a method where one unit of connecting hardware is linked directly between the horizontal
cabling and the active equipment via an equipment cord. Interconnection is allowed in the horizontal cabling
system to connect active equipment with

single-port (e.g., up to eight contacts [four pairs] or optical fiber) connectors to the horizontal
cabling system.
Connection of active equipment with single-port connectors to the cabling system by means
of interconnection and cross-connection enables a flexible and efficient switching scheme. If
the interconnection is used, there is no need to use the second unit of connecting hardware
and additional patch cord assembly in the horizontal cabling system.
An additional benefit of the interconnection method is the saving of valuable wall or rack/
cabinet mounting space.

NOTE: Single-port connectors may be 8-position, 8-contact (8P8C) modular connectors such as those used in the
RJ-45-type or optical fiber connectors. Details on the balanced twisted-pair and optical fiber connectors can be
found in Chapter 6: ITS Cables and Connecting Hardware.

Universal Connection Rules:

Chapter 5: Horizontal Distribution Systems

Splices
In general, splicing is not permitted within the horizontal cabling system. The only permitted exception is with the
use of optical fiber cabling when joining the optical fiber cabling to single-ended cords (i.e., pigtails) to accomplish
connection to connecting hardware in the HC (FD) and telecommunications outlet/connector. When used in this
manner, there shall be no more than two splices in the individual horizontal cabling channel.

Allowed Media Types (Important)

The following types of transmission media are allowed in the horizontal cabling system:
• Category 5e, 6, 6A, 7, and higher four-pair 100-ohm balanced twisted-pair cables and corresponding connecting
hardware

• OM1 (62.5/125-μm) optical fiber multimode cables and corresponding connecting

hardware
• OM2 (50/125-μm) optical fiber multimode cables and corresponding connecting hardware
• OM3 (50/125-μm) optical fiber multimode cables and corresponding connecting hardware
• OM4 (50/125-μm) optical fiber multimode cables and corresponding connecting hardware
• OS1 (8-10/125-μm) optical fiber singlemode cables and corresponding connecting hardware
• OS2 (8-10/125-μm) optical fiber singlemode cables and corresponding connecting hardware

Details relating to the horizontal cabling system transmission media and connecting hardware
can be found in Chapter 6: ITS Cables and Connecting Hardware.

Distances (Important)
Cabling segment lengths are defined based on the physical length of the cable jacket.
Chapter 5: Horizontal Distribution Systems

Within the permanent link, the maximum cable length shall be no more than ≈90 meters (m [300 feet (ft)])
regardless of the type of transmission media used.

Within the channel, the total length of cabling shall not exceed ≈100 m (328 ft). In addition, the total combined
length of flexible cabling (e.g., equipment cords, patch cords) within the channel shall not exceed ≈10 m (33 ft)
except when longer work area equipment cords are permitted in conjunction with a MUTOA.

When utilizing balanced twisted-pair cabling, in addition to the requirements above, an

individual balanced twisted-pair cord used within the channel but not within the permanent
link shall be no longer than:

• ≈4.9 m (16 ft) for 24 American wire gauge (AWG) [0.51 mm (0.020 in)] cords.
• ≈3.96 m (13 ft) for 26 AWG [0.41 mm (0.016 in)] cords.

Allowed Media Types, continued Cable Slack(Important)

Providing cable slack is recommended to enable the possibility of future changes in the horizontal cabling system
configuration:

• In the TR:
– Balanced twisted-pair cabling – ≈3 m (10 ft)
– Optical fiber cabling – ≈3 m (10 ft)

• In the work area:

Chapter 5: Horizontal Distribution Systems
– Balanced twisted-pair cabling – ≈0.3 m (1 ft)
– Optical fiber cabling – ≈1 m (3.3 ft)

Cable slack shall be taken into consideration in the total length of the horizontal cabling system segments.

Telecommunications Outlet/Connector(Important):
The term telecommunications outlet/connector describes a connecting device (e.g., balanced twisted-pair outlet,
optical fiber connector/adapter) in the work area on which horizontal cabling terminates. This term should not be
confused with the term telecommunications outlet box, which describes a housing used to hold telecommunications
outlets/connectors.
NOTE: A high density of telecommunications outlets/connectors will enhance the ability of the cabling system to
accommodate changes.

Balanced Twisted-Pair Telecommunications Outlet/Connector

With few exceptions, balanced twisted-pair cabling standards require each 4-pair cable to be terminated to an
8P8C-type modular connector at the work area.

NOTE: For detailed information on balanced twisted-pair connectors, refer to Chapter 6: ITS Cables and
Connecting Hardware.

Most cabling standards simply specify the pairing of pins without actually assigning color designations. The two
common pin pairings are T568A and T568B. The pin/pair assignments for these connectors are shown in Figure
5.11.
Chapter 5: Horizontal Distribution Systems

Optical Fiber Telecommunications Outlet/Connector(important)

There are many optical fiber connector/adapter types that satisfy the mechanical and transmission performance
specifications of cabling standards. The ITS distribution designer may consider any of these optical fiber
connector/adapters. Three of the most common multimode and singlemode optical fiber connectors used are:
• Subscriber connector (SC)
• Straight terminus (ST)
• Latching connector (LC)

Telecommunications Outlet Box Location Considerations:

• Each work area shall have a minimum of one balanced twisted-pair telecommunications outlet box. For work
areas in which it may be difficult to install future additional telecommunications outlets/connectors (e.g., in private
offices), a minimum of two telecommunications outlet boxes should be provided and located for equipment access
flexibility (e.g., on opposing walls).

• Work area telecommunications outlet box size requirements vary based on codes,
standards, and best practices as follows:

– The outlet box should be a minimum of ≈100 millimeters (mm [4 inches (in)]) × ≈100 mm (4 in) × ≈57 mm
(2.25). This will accommodate one or two 27 mm (1 tradesize) conduits.

– Where a larger conduit is required, the box size should be increased accordingly. A maximum 35 mm (1-1/4 trade
size) conduit will require an ≈120 mm (4.688 in) × ≈120 mm (4.688 in) × 64 mm (2.50 in) outlet box. Specialty
boxes may be used in place of the above as appropriate.

Note:(Important)
Special attention should be given to the diameter of the cable specified. The cable diameter and the number of
cables specified will determine the minimum size conduit required:

• Telecommunications outlet boxes may require supports for attaching the box and a suitable faceplate to support
the telecommunications outlets/connectors that are housed by the work area telecommunications outlet box.

• The work area telecommunications outlet box should be located near an electrical outlet (e.g., within ≈1 m [3.3
ft]) and installed at the same height.

• Floor-mounted telecommunications outlet boxes and monuments and the work area equipment cords extending
from them can present a tripping hazard. The location of these floor-mounted telecommunications outlet boxes
should be coordinated with furniture to minimize such hazards and should be removed when not in use.

• Cabling system performance may be sensitive to the arrangement and organization of cable slack located behind
the telecommunications outlet/connector. This general rule applies to all forms of media. Sufficient space shall be
provided in the telecommunications outlet box or equivalent space so that minimum cable bend radius requirements
are not exceeded.

Open office furniture openings provide for mounting faceplates containing one or more telecommunications
outlets/connectors. Numerous sizes of openings are commonly available. A minimum clearance of ≈30.5 mm (1.2
in) should be provided. If openings are not available, the telecommunications outlet/connector box should be
Chapter 5: Horizontal Distribution Systems
secured to the kick plate with screws that are blunt or filed in the back to ensure they do not damage
telecommunications cabling or electrical power wiring.

Note: The use of a MUTOA cabling design option allows work area equipment cords to extend beyond ≈5 m (16.5
ft), depending upon the length of the horizontal cable.

is the maximum total length (m) of HC (FD) equipment cords and optional HC (FD) patch cords in the TR:
5 m (16 ft) for 24 AWG [0.51 mm (0.020 in)] cords,
4 m (13 ft) for 26 AWG [0.41 mm (0.016 in)] cords.

Maximum length of the balanced twisted-pair horizontal cabling system when using a MUTOA shall not be more
than ≈90 m (300 ft) regardless of transmission media type.

The total length of the balanced twisted-pair horizontal channel, including the permanent link, work area equipment
cord, HC (FD) patch cords, and HC (FD) equipment cord in the horizontal cross-connect when using a MUTOA
shall not be more than ≈100 m (328 ft).

For balanced twisted-pair cabling, MUTOAs should be located at least ≈15 m (50 ft) from the HC (FD) to minimize
the effects of multiple connections in close proximity on near-end crosstalk loss and return loss.
Chapter 5: Horizontal Distribution Systems
• For balanced twisted-pair cabling, the CP(Consolidate Point) should be located at least ≈15 m (50 ft) from the HC
(FD).

Wireless LAN (WLAN) Access Point (AP)

A wireless LAN (WLAN) access point (AP) is a network device located in areas of a buildingor campus and placed
in relatively close proximity to where users interact with their wirelessenabled network devices. APs allow wireless
enabled devices (e.g., computer, printer) toconnect to a wired network using Wi-Fi or related standards. AP
network devices are typicallymounted on walls or ceilings with structured cabling that provides a physical
connection to an HC (FD).

NOTE: For more information, see Chapter 16: Wireless Networks.

Centralized Optical Fiber Cabling

A centralized optical fiber cabling topology is based on the principles of a centralized optical fiber network when
using recognized optical fiber cabling in the horizontal system to support centralized electronics and fiber-to-the-
desk technology.

Centralized cabling provides connections from the work areas to the centralized cross connect by allowing the use
of any of the following methods:
• Pull-through cabling from the centralized cross-connection
• Interconnection cabling in a floor-serving telecommunications space
• Spliced cabling in a floor-serving telecommunications space
Chapter 5: Horizontal Distribution Systems

Interconnection and Splice Methods

Additionally, the length limitation of centralized optical fiber cabling between the HC (FD) located in the TR or TE
and the work area connecting hardware should not exceed ≈90 m (300 ft). When implementing a centralized optical
fiber system with the interconnection or splice methods, the interconnection or splice connecting hardware should
be located in the floor-serving TR or TE.

Passive Optical Networks (PONs)

A passive optical network (PON) is a point-to-multipoint network architecture in which unpowered optical splitters
are used to enable a single optical fiber strand to serve multiple end-points. Passive optical LANs are an
implementation of PON technology for the enterprise LAN (e.g., large Layer 2 Ethernet networks).

PON technology has successfully matured into a true enterprise network architecture capable of delivering voice,
data, and video services to the end user via a single strand of singlemode optical fiber cabling. A PON solution
reduces physical cabling infrastructure, minimizes the telecommunications space requirements through the use of

passive optical splitters, and reduces electrical power and heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC)
requirements in the floor serving TR.
Chapter 5: Horizontal Distribution Systems

PONs are available in multiple variations based on standards for both gigabit and 10 gigabit
connectivity to the end user. The primary variations include:

• Broadband passive optical network (BPON) (legacy technology)

• Gigabit passive optical network (GPON)
• Ethernet passive optical network (EPON)
• 10 Gb/s passive optical network (10GPON)
• 10 Gb/s Ethernet passive optical network (10G-EPON)

Campus-Based Outside Plant (OSP)

A PON solution is suitable for deployment in a campus environment because of the ability of singlemode optical
fiber to transmit and receive signals between ≈20 km (12.5 mi) and ≈60 km (37 mi).

Telecommunications Outlets/Connectors(Important)
Telecommunications outlet/connector boxes shall be used in fire-rated wall installations and shall be firestopped
appropriately. Low-voltage mounting brackets (e.g., mud ring, plaster ring, square-drawn cover, box eliminator)
may be used where the wall is not fire rated and are typically used for work associated with MACs.

Telecommunications outlet/connector boxes installed in drywall, plaster, or concrete block wall are available in an
array of shapes and sizes. The size of each telecommunications outlet/ connector box shall be of a size that is
adequate to accommodate the type and density of cabling to be installed.
Chapter 5: Horizontal Distribution Systems
Telecommunications outlet/connector boxes should not be placed back to back to serve adjacent rooms. This can
compromise the effectiveness of the wall as a sound barrier and as a firestop.

Cover Plates
Suitable cover plates should be provided for all telecommunications outlet/connector boxes. Cover plates for wall-
mounted telecommunications outlets/connectors shall be designed to fit the device they are being mounted on.

To provide uniform appearance and accessibility in the work area, telecommunications outlet boxes should be
mounted at the same height as the outlet boxes that provide electrical power.

NOTE: For complete design and installation guidelines concerning EMI and radio frequency interference (RFI),
including equipment or system typical power factors and minimum separation distances from possible sources of
EMI and RFI, and any other guidelines, refer to Chapter 2: Electromagnetic Compatibility.

NOTE: For details on bonding and grounding (earthing) requirements, refer to Chapter 8: Bonding and Grounding
(Earthing).

Types of Horizontal Pathways:

Horizontal pathways include:

• Underfloor ducts. • Cellular floors. • Conduits. • Cable trays. • Access floors. • Ceiling distribution.
• Surface-mounted raceways. • Work area pathways. • WLAN APs.

The ITS distribution designer should design and install conduit runs:

• To achieve the best direct route (e.g., usually parallel to building lines) with no single bend greater than 90
degrees or an aggregate of bends in excess of 180 degrees between pull points or pull boxes.

• That do not contain continuous sections longer than ≈30 m (100 ft). For runs that total more than ≈30 m (100 ft)
in length, pull points or pull boxes should be inserted so that no segment between points or boxes exceeds the ≈30
m (100 ft) limitation.

• Bonded to ground on one or both ends in accordance with national or local code requirements.
• That can withstand the environment to which they will be exposed.
• Over or adjacent to heat sources such as:
– Boilers. – Incinerators. – Hot water lines. – Steam lines.

Capacity
To ensure proper capacity for cabling, a conduit from the TR should not extend to more than two and shall not
extend to more than three telecommunications outlet boxes.
The conduit size for horizontal cabling shall accommodate cables placed at different times.

Conduit Distribution Systems, continued Important.

Chapter 5: Horizontal Distribution Systems
Table 5.5 provides guidelines and recommendations on conduit fill for horizontal cabling, assuming that a straight
run of conduit is used and no conduit bends are applied. The table offers conduit sizes ranging from 21 mm (3/4
trade size) to 103 mm (4 trade size).

Important NOTE: The calculations used in Table 5.5 to determine cable fill are based on a 40 percent
initial fill factor assuming straight
runs with no degrees of bend.
These conduit sizes are typical in the United States and Canada and may vary in other
countries. The
metric trade
designators
and imperial
trade sizes are
not literal
conversions of
metric to
imperial
sizes. Fire
and smoke
stop
assemblies
may require
different fill
ratios.

Size
Cable pull force is determined by several factors, including the:
• Cable type. • Conduit type. • Conduit diameter. • Conduit length. • Conduit layout. • Number and configuration of
conduit bends. • Selection of lubricants used during the installation.
When a complex installation is anticipated, the use of a dynamometer or a gauge swivel is recommended.
Examples of complex installations include an increased cable load because of:
• Cable pulled through conduit runs longer than ≈30 m (100 ft).
• Conduit with more than one bend.
Important Note:
The portion of the cable and additional length used to grip and pull the cable should be cut off prior to terminating.
Because of the possibility of damaging existing cables and other uncertainties, pulling additional cables through a
partially filled conduit is generally not desirable. Lubricant should be carefully selected, taking into consideration
compatibility with cable jacket composition, safety, lubricity, adherence, stability, drying speed, and cable
manufacturer’s recommendations. The way a lubricant dries should also be a factor as some lubricants dry as a
solid substance.

Bend Radii-Important
Choose the bend radii for conduits as shown in Table 5.6.
Conduit bends should be smooth, even, and free of kinks or other discontinuities that may have detrimental effects
on pulling tension or cable integrity.
Chapter 5: Horizontal Distribution Systems

A third bend may be acceptable in a pull section without derating the conduit’s capacity if one
of the statements below is true:

• The total run is not longer than ≈10 m (33 ft).

• The conduit size is increased.
• One of the bends is located within ≈300 mm (12 in) of the cable feed end.
This exception only applies to placing operations where cable is pushed around the first bend.

Conduit Terminations
All conduit ends should be reamed and fitted with a suitable bushing to eliminate sharp edges that can damage
cables during installation or service.
Conduits that enter a telecommunications space should terminate near the corners to allow for proper cable racking.

These conduits should terminate as close as possible to the wall where the backboard is mounted to minimize the
cable route inside the telecommunications space.

Terminate conduits that protrude through the structural floor ≈25 mm (1 in) to ≈75 mm (3 in) above the surface.
This prevents cleaning solvents or other fluids from flowing into the conduit.

Note: ERs and TRs should not have a suspended ceiling. However, if a suspended ceiling is present, it should be
higher than any cable entry point in the room. This may minimize the number of bends required in a conduit, cable
tray, ladder, or other cabling pathway system.

Completing Conduit Installation

Chapter 5: Horizontal Distribution Systems
After the installation, conduits should be left:

• Clean, dry, and unobstructed.

• Reamed and fitted with bushings.
• Capped for protection.
• Labeled for identification.
All conduits should be equipped with a pull cord that has a minimum test rating of ≈90 kg (200 lb).

Pull Points and Pull Boxes for Conduits

NOTE: The following information applies to inside plant cabling only.

The ITS distribution designer should use the following design criteria:
• Pull points and pull boxes should be placed in easily accessible locations.
• Pull points or pull boxes should be placed in sections of conduit that are ≈30 m (100 ft) or
longer or per the specific criteria of Table 5.7
• Conduits that enter the pull point or pull box from opposite ends with each other should be
aligned. Figure 5.24 shows recommended pull box configurations.

A pull point or pull box should be placed in a ceiling space only if the pull box is:
• Listed for that purpose.
• Placed above a suitably marked, removable ceiling panel.
Pull points or pull boxes should not be used for splicing cable or used in lieu of a bend.

Choosing a Pull Box Size

Selecting the proper size of pull box facilitates:
• Pulling cable into the box.
• Looping cable for pulling into the next length of conduit.
The minimum length of a pull box shall be at least 16 times the diameter of the largest conduit entering the pull
box. In some cases (e.g., when large cables are planned to serve multiple work areas), providing additional box
length is recommended. Additionally, a pull box shall have a width and depth adequate for fishing, pulling, and
looping the cable.
Chapter 5: Horizontal Distribution Systems
Underfloor conduits may be used to:
• Extend under floor ducts to a telecommunication outlet/connector location on a wall or column.
• Connect a baseboard raceway or movable partition raceway to a building cable distribution system.

The disadvantage of under floor conduit systems is their limited flexibility (e.g., when making
cable changes):

• They are costly to add in concrete floors.

• Cabling from work areas may be exposed if desks are not located:
– Over floor-mounted telecommunications outlets/connectors.
– Adjacent to wall-mounted telecommunications outlets/connectors.

Types
Two general types of access flooring are:
• Standard-height floors— ≈150 mm (6 in) or higher (the most common type).
• Low-profile floors—Less than ≈150 mm (6 in). They are often used where structural
limitations (e.g., insufficient slab-to-slab height) are encountered.
Chapter 5: Horizontal Distribution Systems

Determining Adequate Ceiling Space

To determine how much ceiling space is adequate, the ITS distribution designer should:
• Consider the size and depth of the:
– Structural beams and girders. – Column caps. – Mechanical services.

• Allow for a minimum of:(Important)

– ≈75 mm (3 in) of clear vertical space above conduits and cables.
– ≈300 mm (12 in) of clear vertical space above the tray or raceway for overhead ceiling cable tray or raceway
systems.
Chapter 5: Horizontal Distribution Systems

Pathway and Cable Support

Every ceiling distribution system shall provide proper support for cables from the telecommunications space to the
work areas served.

Ceiling conduits, raceways, cable trays, and cabling shall be suspended from or attached to the structural ceiling or
walls with hardware or other installation aids specifically designed to support their weight.

• Have adequate support to withstand cable pulling.

• Be installed with at least ≈75 mm (3 in) of clear vertical space above the ceiling tiles and support channels (T-
bars) to ensure accessibility.
• Contain noncontiguous supports installed with additional space to allow for cable sag
while keeping cables a minimum of ≈100 mm (4 in) above ceiling grid.

Horizontal pathways or cables shall not rest directly on or be supported by:

Chapter 5: Horizontal Distribution Systems
• Ceiling panels. • Support channels (T-bars). • Ceiling support wires. • Other components of the suspended ceiling.

When sufficient space is available above the pathway, up to ≈150 mm (6 in) should be provided between the
suspended ceiling and the cabling pathways.

For large quantities of cables (50 or more) that converge at the ER, TR, and other areas, provide cable trays or
other special supports that are specifically designed to support the required cable weight and volume.

NOTE: Utility poles project through the suspended ceiling and connect to the overhead cabling system. Standard
poles accommodate ≈3 m (10 ft), ≈3.7 m (12 ft), and ≈4.6 m (15 ft) ceiling heights and mount rigidly between the
ceiling support channel grid and carpeted or tiled floor.

Cable Tray Systems(Importanat)

ITS distribution designers are strongly advised not to use shared cable trays to distribute telecommunications and
electrical power cables.

If trays or wire ways are shared, the electrical power and telecommunications cables shall be separated by a
nonconductive or grounded metallic barrier.

When a tray is used in the ceiling area, conduit should be provided from the tray to the telecommunications
outlets/connectors or zones, except in cases where loose cables are permitted by and meet the applicable codes.

NOTE: The inside of a cable tray shall be free of burrs, sharp edges, or projections that can damage cable
insulation.
Chapter 5: Horizontal Distribution Systems

Cable Tray Fittings and Accessories

The fittings used for changing the direction or size of a cable tray include:
• Elbows.• Reducers.• Crossovers.• Tees.

The accessories used with cable trays include:

• Covers. • Hold-down devices. • Dropouts. • Conduit adapters. • Dividers.
Chapter 5: Horizontal Distribution Systems
Chapter 5: Horizontal Distribution Systems
Note: important
Trays and wire ways are usually supported on ≈1.5 m (5 ft) centers unless they are designed for greater spans. A
support shall also be placed within ≈0.6 m (2 ft) on each side of any connection to a fitting.

All cable trays and bonding conductors should be clearly marked in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions,
applicable codes, standards, and regulations.

WARNING: Cable trays should never be used as walkways, ladders, or support for personnel. Cable trays shall
only be used as mechanical support for cables.

Bonding and Grounding Cable Trays

All metallic cable trays shall be grounded and all sections bonded in accordance with listing requirements for the
particular type of system.

Important Note: (Chapter 4: Pathways and Spaces)

Copper cable should be placed at a minimum depth of ≈610 mm (24 in). However, in areas where future
excavation is anticipated, it may be advisable to place the cable at a greater depth. For example, if road grading that
will remove ≈610 mm (24 in) of dirt is planned in a particular area, it would be better to initially place the cable at
≈1.2 m (4 ft). The OSP designer should also remember that depth requirements may vary by local code.

Optical fiber cable should be direct-buried at a minimum depth of ≈1016 mm (40 in). However, extra depth or an
alternate route should be considered in situations where future potential excavations and construction could damage
the cable. These depths may be reduced if the cable is adequately protected by additional means
(e.g., concrete encasement, capping).

Q:What is the power penalties.

Power Penalty in Optical Communication To compensate for the system degradation, the signal. 1. ...
power has to be increased to achieve the same SNR or BER performance as that of an ideal system. This increase
in power is called the Power Penalty.

Important Note: need to study BICSI- Chapter 1: Principles of Transmission (Page:194) for power meter test in
optical fiber.

Ceiling Home-Run Method Using Conduit

In a home-run ceiling conduit system, a continuous run of conduit is placed from the
telecommunications outlet boxes to the ER or TR.
Based on a maximum cable outside diameter of 6 mm (0.25 in), the following guidelines
apply. For conduits that serve:
• One or two boxes, an inside diameter (ID) of 25 mm (1 in) or greater is recommended.
• Three boxes, an ID of 32 mm (1.25 in) or greater is recommended.

NOTE: Although home-run conduits may serve up to three telecommunications outlet boxes, each
horizontal cable run may serve only a single telecommunications outlet/connector (e.g., no looping or
bridge taps). The increase in 4-pair cable diameters has resulted in an increased recommended minimum
conduit size to be no less than 25 mm (1 in) ID.
Chapter 5: Horizontal Distribution Systems
Zone Conduit Size
The following guidelines on zone conduit size are based on the conduit capacity recommendations (see Table
5.5) and on the assumption of three cables per individual work area and one individual work area per ≈9.3
m2 (100 ft2).

When running up to two 4-pair cables and two optical fibers to each work area, at least one 50 mm (2 trade
size) conduit should be used for each zone ranging from ≈23 m2 (250 ft2) to ≈56 m2 (600 ft2). This is based
on ≈5.6 m2 (60 ft2) to ≈9.3 m2 (100 ft2) work areas and the diameter of the cable no larger than 6 mm (0.25
in). For larger zones ranging from ≈56 m2 (600 ft2) to ≈84 m2 (904 ft2), a 63 mm (2-1/2 trade size) conduit
should be used.

NOTE: For conduits that contain more than one cable type, the size should be determined based on the
largest diameter cable and the total number of cables it is expected to hold.

The practical capacity for telecommunications cabling in perimeter raceways is between 20 percent
and 40 percent fill, depending on the cable bending radius. The pathway size shall be obtained by
dividing the sum of the cross-sectional area of all cables by the percent (expressed as a decimal
fraction) of fill.

• The cross-sectional area of the straight section of a furniture pathway for telecommunications
cabling shall be at least ≈970 mm2 (1.50 in2). The minimum size pathway shall not force the cable
bend radius to be less than ≈25 mm (1 in) under conditions of maximum cable fill.

NOTE: The bend radius is dependent on the diameter of the horizontal cable, and it could reach ≈33 mm (1.3
in).
• Furniture and horizontal initial pathway capacity should not exceed 40 percent of the pathway cross
section. A maximum of 60 percent pathway fill is allowed to accommodate unplanned additions after
initial installation. This fill ratio range may be used as an estimate and does not account for corners
and other factors.

NOTE: When telecommunications cabling pathways run parallel to electrical pathways, the recommendation
is a minimum of ≈50 mm (2 in) separation. Requirements found in applicable cabling standards or
codes shall be met. In multichannel metallic pathways, metallic dividers between channels shall be
bonded to ground (earth).

Text Telephones
A generally available public telephone with a coin slot or credit card reader mounted lower on
the equipment would allow universal installation of telephones at a height of ≈1220 mm (48
in) or less.
Chapter 5: Horizontal Distribution Systems

Multiuser Telecommunications Outlet Assembly (MUTOA) Design Considerations

Each open office furniture cluster should be served by at least one MUTOA. A single
MUTOA should be limited to serving a maximum of 12 work areas (all part of one furniture
cluster), taking into account the maximum work area equipment cord length requirements.
The larger the MUTOA capacity, the longer the work area equipment cords are likely to span.
Spare capacity should be considered when sizing the MUTOA. The use of high-density patch
panels may in some cases be used as a MUTOA.

The use of a MUTOA cabling design option allows work area equipment cords to extend
beyond ≈5 m (16.5 ft), depending upon the length of the horizontal cable.

NOTE: The total channel length is reduced as the horizontal cable is shortened because stranded conductor
cables contribute more insertion loss (attenuation) than solid conductor cables. Do not use 24 AWG
[0.51 mm (0.020 in)] work area equipment cords with lengths that exceed ≈22 m (72 ft).
Chapter 5: Horizontal Distribution Systems
Maximum lengths in Table 5.1 are based on stranded work area equipment cords exhibiting
up to 20 percent higher insertion loss than solid horizontal cable.

NOTE: Screened balanced twisted-pair work area equipment cords with stranded conductors may exhibit
attenuation losses up to 50 percent higher than the corresponding solid horizontal cable.

C is the maximum combined length (m) of the work area equipment cord, HC
(FD) equipment cord, and HC (FD) patch cord.
H is the length (m) of the horizontal system cable.

D is an insertion loss derating factor:

20% (0.2) – for 24 AWG [0.51 mm (0.020 in)] cords,
50% (0.5) – for 26 AWG [0.41 mm (0.016 in)] cords.

Note: Maximum length of the balanced twisted-pair horizontal cabling system when using a MUTOA shall
not be more than ≈90 m (300 ft) regardless of transmission media type. The total length of the
balanced twisted-pair horizontal channel, including the permanent link, work area equipment cord,
HC (FD) patch cords, and HC (FD) equipment cord in the horizontal cross-connect when using a
MUTOA shall not be more than ≈100 m (328 ft).

Since work area equipment cords connecting the MUTOA to the work area active equipment
may be rather long (up to ≈22 m [72 ft]), they should be labeled on both ends with a unique
cable identifier. The end of the work area equipment cord at the MUTOA should be labeled
with the work area identifier it serves, and the end at the work area active equipment should
be labeled with the MUTOA and its position identifier.

For balanced twisted-pair cabling, MUTOAs should be located at least ≈15 m (50 ft) from
the HC (FD) to minimize the effects of multiple connections in close proximity on near-end
crosstalk loss and return loss.