Copyright 2014 AIAMasterSpec Premium09/14

PRODUCT MASTERSPEC LICENSED BY ARCOM TO LEGRAND US.

Copyright 2014 by The American Institute of Architects (AIA)

Exclusively published and distributed by Architectural Computer Services, Inc. (ARCOM) for the AIA

This Product MasterSpec Section is licensed by ARCOM to Legrand ("Licensee").

This Product MasterSpec Section modifies the original MasterSpec text, and does not include the full content of the original MasterSpec Section.

Revisions made to the original MasterSpec text are made solely by the Licensee and are not endorsed by, or representative of the opinions of, ARCOM or The American Institute of Architects (AIA). Neither AIA nor ARCOM are liable in any way for such revisions or for the use of this Product MasterSpec Section by any end user. A qualified design professional should review and edit the document to suit project requirements.

For more information, contact Legrand US, 8319 State Route 4, Mascoutah, IL, 62258; Phone: (618) 566-3244; Fax: (618) 566-3250; Website: Email: .

For information about MasterSpec contact ARCOM at (800) 424-5080 or visit

SECTION 271300 - COMMUNICATIONS BACKBONE CABLING

TIPS:

To view non-printing Editor's Notes that provide guidance for editing, click on Masterworks/SingleFile Formatting/Toggle/Editor's Notes.

To read detailed research, technical information about products and materials, and coordination checklists, click on Masterworks/Supporting Information.

Revise this Section by deleting and inserting text to meet Project-specific requirements.

Verify that Section titles referenced in this Section are correct for this Project's Specifications; Section titles may have changed.

See "Sustainable Design Considerations" Article in the Evaluations for a discussion of sustainable design requirements that may impact the editing of this Section.

PART 1 - GENERAL

1.1RELATED DOCUMENTS

Retain or delete this article in all Sections of Project Manual.

  1. Drawings and general provisions of the Contract, including General and Supplementary Conditions and Division01 Specification Sections, apply to this Section.

1.2SUMMARY

  1. Section Includes:
  2. Pathways.
  3. UTP cable.
  4. [50/125] [62.5/125]-micrometer, optical fiber cabling.
  5. Coaxial cable.
  6. Cable connecting hardware, patch panels, and cross-connects.
  7. Cabling identification products.
  8. Related Sections:

Retain subparagraph below for requirements Contractor might expect to find in this Section but are specified in other Sections.

  1. Section280513 "Conductors and Cables for Electronic Safety and Security" for voice and data cabling associated with system panels and devices.

1.3DEFINITIONS

Retain definition(s) remaining after this Section has been edited.

  1. BICSI: Building Industry Consulting Service International.
  2. Cross-Connect: A facility enabling the termination of cable elements and their interconnection or cross-connection.
  3. EMI: Electromagnetic interference.
  4. IDC: Insulation displacement connector.
  5. LAN: Local area network.
  6. RCDD: Registered Communications Distribution Designer.
  7. UTP: Unshielded twisted pair.

1.4BACKBONE CABLING DESCRIPTION

  1. Backbone cabling system shall provide interconnections between communications equipment rooms, main terminal space, and entrance facilities in the telecommunications cabling system structure. Cabling system consists of backbone cables, intermediate and main cross-connects, mechanical terminations, and patch cords or jumpers used for backbone-to-backbone cross-connection.
  2. Backbone cabling cross-connects may be located in communications equipment rooms or at entrance facilities. Bridged taps and splitters shall not be used as part of backbone cabling.

1.5PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

  1. General Performance: Backbone cabling system shall comply with transmission standards in TIA/EIA-568-B.1, when tested according to test procedures of this standard.

1.6ACTION SUBMITTALS

  1. Product Data: For each type of product indicated.

Retain subparagraph below for coaxial cable. Installation data for UTP and optical fiber cabling are specified in referenced TIA/EIA standards. See Editing Instruction No.5 in the Evaluations for discussion about recommended parameters.

  1. For coaxial cable, include the following installation data for each type used:
  2. Nominal OD.
  3. Minimum bending radius.
  4. Maximum pulling tension.
  1. Shop Drawings:

Retain one of first two subparagraphs below.

  1. System Labeling Schedules: Electronic copy of labeling schedules, in software and format selected by Owner.
  2. System Labeling Schedules: Electronic copy of labeling schedules that are part of the cabling and asset identification system of the software.
  3. Cabling administration drawings and printouts.
  4. Wiring diagrams to show typical wiring schematics including the following:
  5. Cross-connects.
  6. Patch panels.
  7. Patch cords.
  8. Cross-connects and patch panels. Detail mounting assemblies, and show elevations and physical relationship between the installed components.
  9. Cable tray layout, showing cable tray route to scale, with relationship between the tray and adjacent structural, electrical, and mechanical elements. Include the following:
  10. Vertical and horizontal offsets and transitions.
  11. Clearances for access above and to side of cable trays.
  12. Vertical elevation of cable trays above the floor or bottom of ceiling structure.
  13. Load calculations to show dead and live loads as not exceeding manufacturer's rating for tray and its support elements.
  1. Sustainable Design Submittals:

"Product Data" Subparagraph below applies to LEEDv4 for HealthcareMRCredit, "PBT Source Reduction – Lead, Cadmium, and Copper."

  1. Product Data: For each conductor and cable indicating lead content.

"Product Data" Subparagraph below applies to LEED 2009 NC, CI, and CS; LEEDv4; IgCC; ASHRAE189.1; and Green Globes. Coordinate with requirements.

  1. Product Data: For solvents and adhesives, indicating VOC content.

"Laboratory Test Reports" Subparagraph below is an additional requirement for schools projects.

  1. Laboratory Test Reports: For solvents and adhesives, indicating compliance with requirements for low-emitting materials.

1.7INFORMATIONAL SUBMITTALS

Coordinate first paragraph below with qualification requirements in Section014000 "Quality Requirements" and as supplemented in "Quality Assurance" Article.

  1. Qualification Data: For [Installer,]qualified layout technician, installation supervisor, and field inspector.
  2. Source quality-control reports.

Retain first paragraph below if Contractor is responsible for field quality-control testing and inspecting.

  1. Field quality-control reports.
  2. Maintenance Data: For splices and connectors to include in maintenance manuals.

1.8CLOSEOUT SUBMITTALS

Retain paragraph below for PC-based, cabling administration systems.

  1. Software and Firmware Operational Documentation:
  2. Software operating and upgrade manuals.
  3. Program Software Backup: On magnetic media or compact disk, complete with data files.
  4. Device address list.
  5. Printout of software application and graphic screens.

1.9MAINTENANCE MATERIAL SUBMITTALS

  1. Furnish extra materials that match products installed and that are packaged with protective covering for storage and identified with labels describing contents.
  2. Patch-Panel Units: [One] <Insert number> of each type.
  3. Connecting Blocks: [One] <Insert number> of each type.

1.10QUALITY ASSURANCE

BICSI is an industry trade association. See Editing Instruction No.2 in the Evaluations for summaries of qualifications for registration.

  1. Installer Qualifications: Cabling Installer must have personnel certified by BICSI on staff.
  2. Layout Responsibility: Preparation of Shop Drawings[and Cabling Administration Drawings][,Cabling Administration Drawings, and field testing program development] by an RCDD.
  3. Installation Supervision: Installation shall be under the direct supervision of [Registered Technician] [Level2 Installer], who shall be present at all times when Work of this Section is performed at Project site.

Delete subparagraph below if Contractor performs field quality-control testing.

  1. Testing Supervisor: Currently certified by BICSI as an RCDD to supervise on-site testing.

Retain first paragraph below if Contractor or manufacturer selects testing agency or if Contractor is required to provide services of a qualified testing agency in "Field Quality Control" Article. Qualification requirements are in addition to those specified in Section014000 "Quality Requirements," which also includes the definition for "NRTL" (nationally recognized testing laboratory).

  1. Testing Agency Qualifications: An NRTL.
  2. Testing Agency's Field Supervisor: Currently certified by BICSI as an RCDD to supervise on-site testing.
  3. Surface-Burning Characteristics: As determined by testing identical products according to ASTME84 by a qualified testing agency. Identify products with appropriate markings of applicable testing agency.
  4. Flame-Spread Index: [25] <Insert value> or less.
  5. Smoke-Developed Index: [50] [450] <Insert value> or less.
  6. Electrical Components, Devices, and Accessories: Listed and labeled as defined in NFPA70, by a qualified testing agency, and marked for intended location and application.
  7. Telecommunications Pathways and Spaces: Comply with TIA/EIA-569-A.
  8. Grounding: Comply with ANSI-J-STD-607-A.

1.11DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING

According to BICSIITSIM, cables should be tested upon receipt.

  1. Test cables upon receipt at Project site.

Retain one or both of first two subparagraphs below.

  1. Test optical fiber cable to determine the continuity of the strand end to end. Use [optical fiber flashlight] [or] [optical loss test set] <Insert test instrument>.
  2. Test optical fiber cable while on reels. Use an optical time domain reflectometer to verify the cable length and locate cable defects, splices, and connector, including the loss value of each. Retain test data and include the record in maintenance data.
  3. Test each pair of UTP cable for open and short circuits.

1.12PROJECT CONDITIONS

  1. Environmental Limitations: Do not deliver or install cables and connecting materials until wet work in spaces is complete and dry, and temporary HVAC system is operating and maintaining ambient temperature and humidity conditions at occupancy levels during the remainder of the construction period.

1.13COORDINATION

Revise this article to specify coordination with other parties involved in finalizing communications equipment room work. See Editing Instruction No.3 in the Evaluations.

  1. Coordinate layout and installation of telecommunications pathways and cabling with Owner's telecommunications and LAN equipment and service suppliers.

1.14SOFTWARE SERVICE AGREEMENT

Retain this article for computer-based, special-purpose cabling administration software, provided that cabling administration details are not included in Section271500 "Communications Horizontal Cabling" for voice and data cabling associated with system panels and devices.

Services in this article may not be allowed for publicly funded projects.

  1. Technical Support: Beginning with Substantial Completion, provide software support for [two] <Insert number> years.
  2. Upgrade Service: Update software to latest version at Project completion. Install and program software upgrades that become available within [two] <Insert number> years from date of Substantial Completion. Upgrading software shall include operating system. Upgrade shall include new or revised licenses for use of software.
  3. Provide [30] <Insert number> days' notice to Owner to allow scheduling and access to system and to allow Owner to upgrade computer equipment if necessary.

PART 2 - PRODUCTS

Manufacturers and products listed in SpecAgent and Masterworks Paragraph Builder are neither recommended nor endorsed by the AIA or ARCOM. Before inserting names, verify that manufacturers and products listed there comply with requirements retained or revised in descriptions and are both available and suitable for the intended applications. For definitions of terms and requirements for Contractor's product selection, see Section016000 "Product Requirements."

2.1PATHWAYS

  1. General Requirements: Comply with TIA/EIA-569-A.

Retain first paragraph below if cable support brackets are used in communications equipment rooms.

  1. Cable Support: NRTL labeled for support of Category6 cabling, designed to prevent degradation of cable performance and pinch points that could damage cable.
  2. Support brackets with cable tie slots for fastening cable ties to brackets.
  3. Lacing bars, spools, J-hooks, and D-rings.
  4. Straps and other devices.
  5. Cable Trays:
  6. Basis-of-Design Product: Subject to compliance with requirements, provide Legrand US; WIRE MESH CABLE TRAY CF54 or comparable product by one of the following:
  7. Allied Tube & Conduit; a part of Atkore International.
  8. B-line, an Eaton business.
  9. Cable Management Solutions, Inc.
  10. GS Metals Corp.
  11. Insert manufacturer’s name>.

Besides two corrosion-protection options in subparagraph below, alternative methods include trays fabricated from Types304 and 316 stainless steel, steel with electrogalvanized zinc plating and coated with yellow dichromate, steel coated with PVC, and steel with powder coating.

  1. Cable Tray Material: Metal, suitable for indoors, and protected against corrosion by [electroplated zinc galvanizing, complying with ASTMB633, Type1, not less than 0.000472 inches (0.012 mm) thick] [hot-dip galvanizing, complying with ASTMA123/A123M, Grade0.55, not less than 0.002165 inches (0.055 mm) thick].

Retain one or more of five subparagraphs below. If multiple types or various dimensions are required, delete five subparagraphs and indicate location and dimensions on Drawings. Trays in first subparagraph are generally available in widths of between 2 and 24 inches (50 and 600 mm) and in depths of between 1 and 4 inches (25 and 100 mm).

  1. Basket Cable Trays: [6 inches (150 mm) wide and 2 inches (50 mm) deep] <Insert dimensions>. Wire mesh spacing shall not exceed 2 by 4 inches (50 by 100 mm).

Trays in first subparagraph below are generally available in widths of between 6 and 36 inches (150 and 915 mm).

  1. Trough Cable Trays: [Nominally 6 inches (150 mm)] <Insert dimension> wide.

Trays in first subparagraph below are generally available in widths of between 6 and 36 inches (150 and 915 mm) and in rung spacings of between 6 and 18 inches (150 and 455 mm).

  1. Ladder Cable Trays: [Nominally 18 inches (455 mm)] <Insert dimension> wide, and a rung spacing of [12 inches (305 mm)] <Insert spacing>.

Trays in first subparagraph below are generally available in widths of 3, 4, and 6 inches (75, 100, and 150 mm).

  1. Channel Cable Trays: One-piece construction, [nominally 4 inches (100 mm)] <Insert dimension> wide. Slot spacing shall not exceed 4-1/2 inches (115 mm) o.c.

Trays in subparagraph below are generally available in widths of between 6 and 36 inches (150 and 915 mm).

  1. Solid-Bottom Cable Trays: One-piece construction, [nominally 12 inches (305 mm)] <Insert dimension> wide. Provide [with] [without] solid covers.
  1. Conduit and Boxes: Comply with requirements in Section260533 "Raceway and Boxes for Electrical Systems."[Flexible metal conduit shall not be used.]
  2. Outlet boxes shall be no smaller than 2 inches (50 mm) wide, 3 inches (75 mm) high, and 2-1/2 inches (64 mm) deep.

2.2BACKBOARDS

  1. Backboards: Plywood, [fire-retardant treated,]3/4 by 48 by 96 inches (19 by 1220 by 2440 mm). Comply with requirements in Section061000 "Rough Carpentry" for plywood backing panels.

2.3UTP CABLE

Copy this article and re-edit for each product.

  1. Manufacturers: Subject to compliance with requirements, provide products by one of the following:
  2. 3M.
  3. AMP NETCONNECT; a TE Connectivity Ltd. company.
  4. Belden CDT Networking Division/NORDX.
  5. Berk-Tek Leviton; a Nexans/Leviton alliance.
  6. CommScope, Inc.
  7. Draka USA.
  8. General Cable; General Cable Corporation.
  9. Genesis Cable Products; Honeywell International, Inc.
  10. Hitachi Cable America Inc.
  11. Mohawk; a division of Belden Networking, Inc.
  12. Optical Cable Corporation.
  13. Superior Essex Inc.
  14. SYSTIMAX Solutions; a CommScope Inc. brand.
  15. Insert manufacturer’s name>.
  16. Description: 100-ohm, [100] <Insert number>-pair UTP, formed into 25-pair binder groups covered with a[gray] thermoplastic jacket[and overall metallic shield].
  17. Comply with ICEAS-90-661 for mechanical properties.
  18. Comply with TIA/EIA-568-B.1 for performance specifications.

"Lead Content" Subparagraph below applies to LEEDv4 for HealthcareMRCredit "PBT Source Reduction-Lead, Cadmium, and Copper."

  1. Lead Content: Less than 300 parts per million.
  2. Comply with TIA/EIA-568-B.2, [Category5e] [Category6].
  3. Listed and labeled by an NRTL acceptable to authorities having jurisdiction as complying with UL444 and NFPA70 for the following types:

Type requirements in subparagraphs below are minimum requirements and may be revised to suit Project. Retain options if "permitted substitutions," as defined in NFPA70, are appropriate for this Project.

  1. Communications, General Purpose: TypeCM or CMG[;or MPP, CMP, MPR, CMR, MP, or MPG].
  2. Communications, Plenum Rated: TypeCMP[or MPP], complying with NFPA262.
  3. Communications, Riser Rated: TypeCMR[;or MPP, CMP, or MPR], complying with UL1666.
  4. Communications, Limited Purpose: TypeCMX[;or MPP, CMP, MPR, CMR, MP, MPG, CM, or CMG].
  5. Multipurpose: TypeMP or MPG[;or MPP or MPR].
  6. Multipurpose, Plenum Rated: TypeMPP, complying with NFPA262.
  7. Multipurpose, Riser Rated: TypeMPR[or MPP], complying with UL1666.

2.4UTP CABLE HARDWARE

  1. Manufacturers: Subject to compliance with requirements, provide products by one of the following:
  2. 3M.
  3. American Technology Systems Industries, Inc.
  4. AMP NETCONNECT; a TE Connectivity Ltd. company.
  5. Belden CDT Networking Division/NORDX.
  6. Berk-Tek Leviton; a Nexans/Leviton alliance.
  7. CommScope, Inc.
  8. Draka USA.
  9. Dynacom Corporation.
  10. General Cable; General Cable Corporation.
  11. Genesis Cable Products; Honeywell International, Inc.
  12. Hubbell Premise Wiring.
  13. KRONE Incorporated.
  14. Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
  15. Mohawk; a division of Belden Networking, Inc.
  16. Molex Premise Networks.
  17. Panduit Corp.
  18. Siemon Co. (The).
  19. Superior Essex Inc.
  20. SYSTIMAX Solutions; a CommScope Inc. brand.
  21. Insert manufacturer’s name>.

See Editing Instruction No.4 in the Evaluations for discussion about 110-style IDC connectors and connector blocks.

  1. General Requirements for Cable Connecting Hardware: Comply with TIA/EIA-568-B.2, IDC type, with modules designed for punch-down caps or tools. Cables shall be terminated with connecting hardware of same category or higher.
  2. Connecting Blocks: [110-style IDC for Category5e] [110-style IDC for Category6] [66-style IDC for Category5e]. Provide blocks for the number of cables terminated on the block, plus [25] <Insert number> percent spare. Integral with connector bodies, including plugs and jacks where indicated.

Delete first paragraph below if cross-connection is accomplished exclusively on patch panels.

  1. Cross-Connect: Modular array of connecting blocks arranged to terminate building cables and permit interconnection between cables.

Coordinate subparagraph below with Drawings for quantity of fields.

  1. Number of Terminals per Field: [One] <Insert number> for each conductor in assigned cables.
  1. Patch Panel: Modular panels housing multiple-numbered jack units with IDC-type connectors at each jack for permanent termination of pair groups of installed cables.

Coordinate subparagraph below with Drawings for quantity of fields.

  1. Number of Jacks per Field: One for each four-pair [UTP cable indicated] [conductor group of indicated cables, plus spares and blank positions adequate to suit specified expansion criteria].
  1. Jacks and Jack Assemblies: Modular, color-coded, eight-position modular receptacle units with integral IDC-type terminals.

Cords are generally available in lengths to 20 feet (6m) and longer in 24-inch (600-mm) increments.