Central Washington University
Inside Plant Communications Distribution
Design Guide
(Revision 1.1)
May 25, 2001
Conley Engineering, Inc.
Consulting Electrical Engineers
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF FIGURES ................................................................................................................................................. II
LIST OF TABLES................................................................................................................................................... II
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................. 1
DOCUMENT INTENT .............................................................................................................................................................................. 1
CONSTRUCTION CATEGORIES .............................................................................................................................................................. 2
TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION ..................................................................................................................................................................... 2
NEW CONSTRUCTION
FULL REMODEL
LIGHT REMODEL
BASIC REMODEL
DESIGNER QUALIFICATIONS AND DESIGN STANDARDS ............................................................................ 5
DESIGNER QUALIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................................................................ 5
DESIGN STANDARDS ............................................................................................................................................................................ 5
REFERENCES, STANDARDS, AND CODES
MANUFACTURERS
DEVIATION FROM DESIGN STANDARDS
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS ............................................................................................................................... 8
OVERVIEW.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 8
TELECOMMUNICATIONS SPACES .......................................................................................................................................................11
PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS COMMON TO ALL SPACES
PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS SPECIFIC TO A SPACE
BACKBONE DISTRIBUTION .................................................................................................................................................................20
BACKBONE PATHWAY AND RACEWAY
BACKBONE COMMUNICATIONS MEDIA
HORIZONTAL DISTRIBUTION .............................................................................................................................................................25
HORIZONTAL PATHWAY AND RACEWAY
HORIZONTAL COMMUNICATIONS MEDIA
APPENDICES...................................................................................................................................................... 37
APPENDIX 1 — HOME-RUN CONDUIT RACEWAY SYSTEMS .........................................................................................................37
APPENDIX 2 — REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................................................40
© 2016 Conley Engineering, Inc.
FIGURES AND TABLES
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE 1 — MAJOR SUB-SYSTEM CONNECTIONS ..................................................................................... 10
FIGURE 2 — EXAMPLE LAYOUTS FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS SPACES AND RACKS ......................... 16
FIGURE 3 — CABLE TRAY SYSTEM ................................................................................................................. 28
FIGURE 4 — HOME-RUN CONDUIT SYSTEM ............................................................................................... 29
FIGURE 5 — J-HOOK/D-RING PATHWAY SYSTEM ..................................................................................... 31
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE 1 — REFERENCES, STANDARDS, AND CODES ................................................................................... 6
TABLE 2 — DEFINITION OF TERMS ................................................................................................................. 9
© 2016 Conley Engineering, Inc.
ii
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this document is to provide CWU staff, as well as consulting architects,
engineers, and designers working for CWU with a guide for the design of inside plant
(ISP) communications distribution systems that accurately reflect CWU and industry
standards in effect as of this publication.
This document was originally adapted (in 1997) from information contained in the
telecommunications standards in use at that time for CWU’s Academic facilities. Under
the current revision, it has been updated to reflect the methods, materials and standards
that have been used to retrofit telecommunications cabling in existing Residence Hall
facilities. The resulting document is specific to the design of telecommunications
infrastructure in Academic and Residence Hall facilities.
Inside plant communications distribution systems designed for CWU are expected to
support and integrate voice, data, and video communications with common media (fiber
optic and unshielded twisted pair (UTP) copper cable).
In general, it is the responsibility of the inside plant communications distribution
designer to coordinate with the other designers on a project (architecture, electrical,
HVAC, etc.) to ensure that other systems are both compatible with and complementary
to the communications cabling system. CWU’s design philosophy is that it is critical to
coordinate between disciplines during the design phase of a project, rather than
attempting to make adjustments in the field during construction.
DOCUMENT INTENT
This document addresses communications distribution system design for use within a
building1 as it relates to:



Telecommunications Spaces – Entrance facilities, equipment rooms and
telecommunications closets
Backbone Distribution – Pathway and raceway requirements, communications media
requirements
Horizontal Distribution – Pathway and raceway requirements, communications media
requirements, requirements for special work areas
This document is not intended to serve as a Master Specification nor for stand-alone use
on design build projects — it is to be used in conjunction with the CWU Communications
Communications distribution and cabling between buildings is not covered in this document. Please see the CWU
Outside Plant Communications Distribution Design Guide.
1
© 2016 Conley Engineering, Inc.
1
INTRODUCTION
Distribution System Master Specification and the CWU Communications Distribution
System Master Specification for Residence Halls. This document should serve as a guide
for making standards compliant design decisions that, in due course, will be reflected in
a system specification based upon the CWU Communications Distribution System Master
Specification and the CWU Communications Distribution System Master Specification for
Residence Halls. In addition to specifications for a telecommunications project, plan
drawings and schematic diagrams will also need to be produced by the designer. The
drawings should conform to the guidelines contained in this document.
In addition, this document is not intended to replace or detract from the
Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual (TDMM) produced and distributed by
BICSI.2 Rather, this document is to be used in conjunction with the TDMM in order to
reinforce selected TDMM content as well as highlight any differences between TDMM
content and CWU standards.
CONSTRUCTION CATEGORIES
This document will address telecommunications infrastructure construction on the CWU
campus in the following two categories:


Academic – pertaining to construction of or relevant to Academic Halls
Residence Hall – pertaining to construction of or relevant to Residence Halls.
For the most part, design trade-offs and construction requirements are the same for
Academic and Residence Halls, if the facility to be constructed is new or is being
subjected to a full remodel. However, this will not always be the case for light and basic
remodel projects.
Where design trade-offs and construction requirements differ between that required for
Academic Halls and that required for Residence Halls, references to these differences will
be made as a Construction Reference under the applicable construction type (see below).
Construction categories will largely be referenced in this document as they relate to the
type of construction.
TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION
Throughout this document, reference will be made to four types of construction: new
construction, full remodel, light remodel and basic remodel. Installation of a new
communications distribution system as well as the addition to and/or modification of an
The TDMM is widely considered to be the industry reference text for the design of standards compliant communications
distribution systems.
2
© 2016 Conley Engineering, Inc.
2
INTRODUCTION
existing communications distribution system are considered to be included in these
construction projects. Tradeoffs between design standards and practicality will many
times be dependent upon the type of construction. Differing design approaches may
also be warranted given differing types of construction.
Where the type of construction is applicable to the current
discussion, a superscripted-circled number, such as this,
will make reference next to the text. This number refers to
a comment in a special Construction Reference box to the
right of the text (see the example at right).
 CONSTRUCTION
REFERENCE
 This is an example of a
reference to the text at the left
Unless otherwise noted, a construction reference will apply to both construction
categories (Academic and Residence Hall).
The four construction types are defined below. These definitions are applicable for the
purposes of this document only.
NEW CONSTRUCTION
New construction is defined as construction that results in a new facility or addition. For
the most part, all of the construction trades are involved in a new construction project. A
recent CWU project with components that typifies new construction is:

Science Building (Academic) – 1999
FULL REMODEL
Full remodel construction is defined as construction which includes ceiling demolition,
interior wall demolition, new walls, new floors, new finishes, new lighting, new power and
HVAC distribution, and the installation of a new communications distribution system,
among others. For the most part, all of the construction trades are involved. A recent
CWU project with components that typifies full remodel construction is:

Black Hall (Academic) – 1998
While full remodel construction is similar to new construction for most issues related to
communications distribution systems, there may be some construction constraints
associated with entrance pathways and spaces.
LIGHT REMODEL
Light remodel construction is defined as construction which may involve the demolition
and construction of a few new walls, perhaps the movement or replacement of a few
light fixtures or power receptacles, and the new installation, addition to, and/or
© 2016 Conley Engineering, Inc.
3
INTRODUCTION
modification of a communications distribution system, among other things. At most,
only a few of the construction trades are involved. Recent CWU projects with
components that typify this type of construction are:


Residential Network (RESNET) (various facilities)3 (Residence Halls) – 1999-2001
CLIP 1, CLIP 2, and Library (all Academic) – 1997-1999
BASIC REMODEL
Basic remodel construction is defined as construction primarily involved with the
replacement of, modification to, or new construction of a communications distribution
system. Typically, only one trade is involved, the communications distribution system
contractor. Recent CWU projects with components that typify this type of construction
are:


Residential Network (RESNET) (various facilities)4 (Residence Halls) – 1999-2001
Power Technology (Academic) – 1999-2001
3
Various residence halls in this project required communications closet and/or soffit construction, in addition to
communications distribution system construction.
4
Various residence halls in this project required only communications distribution system construction. Communications
closet and/or soffit construction was not required.
© 2016 Conley Engineering, Inc.
4
DESIGNER QUALIFICATIONS AND DESIGN STANDARDS
DESIGNER QUALIFICATIONS AND DESIGN STANDARDS
DESIGNER QUALIFICATIONS
It is required that all inside plant communications distribution system designs executed
on the behalf of CWU be designed by a Registered Communications Distribution
Designer (RCDD) as certified by BICSI5. This means that the design project shall be
managed under the direct supervision of an RCDD on the consultant’s staff. Project
related communications between CWU and the consultant shall be mainly through the
RCDD.
In addition to the RCDD certification, it is desirable that the RCDD have the following
qualifications:
 Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the electrical engineering field
 RCDD/LAN certification from BICSI
 MCSE certification from Microsoft Corporation6
In addition, the RCDD shall have the following qualifications:




The RCDD shall demonstrate a minimum of 5 years of experience in the design of
inside plant communications distribution systems. Experience not directly related to
the design of inside plant communications distribution systems, such as sales and/or
marketing, project management, or installation experience, is not acceptable.
The RCDD shall demonstrate that he/she has designed or has had personal design
oversight of a minimum of five projects similar in size and construction cost to the
current CWU project.
The RCDD shall not be affiliated with any manufacturer associated with the
communications distribution system industry.
The RCDD shall be completely familiar and conversant with the standards listed
below.
DESIGN STANDARDS
REFERENCES, STANDARDS, AND CODES
CWU standards are based upon the Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual
(TDMM) (produced by BICSI) and TIA/EIA, ISO/IEC, and NEC standards, among others.
5BICSI,
8610 Hidden River Pkwy, Tampa, FL 33637-1000 USA, Tampa, FL 33612-6415; 1-800-242-7405; www.bicsi.org
6
Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399, (425) 882-8080; www.microsoft.com/mcse
© 2016 Conley Engineering, Inc.
5
DESIGNER QUALIFICATIONS AND DESIGN STANDARDS
It is required that the Designer be thoroughly familiar with the content and intent of
these references, standards, and codes and that the Designer be capable of applying the
content and intent of these references, standards, and codes to all inside plant
communications system designs executed on the behalf of CWU.
Listed in the table below are references, standards, and codes applicable to inside plant
communications systems design. If questions arise as to which standard should apply in
a given situation, the more stringent standard shall prevail. As each of these documents
are modified over time, the latest edition and addenda to each of these documents is
considered to be definitive.
TABLE 1 — REFERENCES, STANDARDS, AND CODES
Standard/Reference
BICSI TDMM
BICSI TCIM
TIA/EIA – 568
TIA/EIA – 569
TIA/EIA – 606
TIA/EIA – 607
TIA/EIA - 455
TIA/EIA - 526
IEEE 802.3 (series)
ISO/IEC IS 11801 (latest edition
and addenda)
National Electric Code (NEC)
National Electric Code (NEC)
National Electric Code (NEC)
Name/Description
BICSI Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual
BICSI Telecommunications Cabling Installation Manual
Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Standard
Commercial Building Standard for Telecommunication
Pathways and Spaces
The Administration Standard for the Telecommunications
Infrastructure of Commercial Buildings
Commercial Building Grounding and Bonding Requirements
for Telecommunications
Fiber Optic Test Standards
Optical Fiber Systems Test Procedures
Local Area Network Ethernet Standard, including the IEEE
802.3z Gigabit Ethernet Standard
Generic Cabling for Customer Premises
Article 250, Grounding
Article 725-5, Communications Cables
Article 250, Communications Circuits
Also of use to the Designer are the references listed in Appendix 2 – References.
MANUFACTURERS
In addition to the standards listed above, CWU has selected several manufacturers of
products for communications cabling systems (cable, connectors, termination blocks,
patch panels, etc.) and communications distribution hardware (racks, cable tray,
enclosures, etc.).
These manufacturers and their products are identified in the CWU Communications
Distribution System Master Specification and the CWU Communications Distribution
System Master Specification for Residence Halls. The inside plant communications
© 2016 Conley Engineering, Inc.
6
DESIGNER QUALIFICATIONS AND DESIGN STANDARDS
distribution designer is required to incorporate only these manufacturers into the design,
and to design a communications distribution system that will be suitable for the use of
products from these manufacturers.
DEVIATION FROM DESIGN STANDARDS
It is not the intent of CWU to rigidly impose standards on every aspect of an inside plant
communications system design. Each design is unique and special requirement may
lead to situations in which deviations from the standards are warranted.
If the Designer feels that deviation from a given standard is warranted, the Designer shall
submit a written deviation request to CWU. The request will, at a minimum, indicate the
standard from which there is a proposed deviation, the substitution being proposed in
place of the standard, the reason the request is being made, and an explanation of the
justifications (economic, technical or otherwise) for the deviation. The Designer may,
upon written approval from CWU, incorporate the design deviation into the overall
design. CWU approval is required on a project-by-project basis. The Designer should
not assume that a deviation approval for one project means that the deviation will
necessarily be approved for a subsequent project.
© 2016 Conley Engineering, Inc.
7
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
OVERVIEW
This section highlights design considerations of particular importance to CWU. It also
discusses differing CWU standards given the type of construction for a particular project,
as well as CWU standards that may differ from the standards listed previously in Table 1.
The table on the next page defines and clarifies common terms that will be used
throughout this section. It is expected that the Designer is already familiar with these
terms.
© 2016 Conley Engineering, Inc.
8
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
TABLE 2 — DEFINITION OF TERMS7
Term
Entrance Facility
(EF)
Equipment Room
(ER)
Telecommunications
Closet (TC)
Backbone Cable
Cross-connect
Main Cross-connect
(MC)
Horizontal Crossconnect (HC)
Horizontal Cable
Work Area
(WA)
Definition
The interface between the premises (in-building) communications
distribution system and the outside plant communications distribution
system and services (such as the public telephone network or interbuilding (campus) backbone cabling.)
The EF consists of protection hardware, connecting hardware and
cable and equipment necessary to connect premises distribution to
outside plant distribution.
An enclosed space containing communications equipment (i.e. PBX,
data network hardware, UPS’, etc.), usually containing the EF.
An ER provides a controlled environment for housing
telecommunications equipment, connecting hardware, splice
enclosures, grounding and bonding facilities, and protection
apparatus where applicable.
An enclosed space containing communications equipment, cable
terminations, and cross-connects. This closet is the recognized crossconnect between backbone cable (see below) and horizontal cable.
The TC’s primary function is for the termination of horizontal cabling.
Within a building (premises), the cable that distributes between the
EF/ER and the TC’s. In the outside plant, the cable which connects
between the EF/ER’s of multiple buildings.
The interconnection of signal paths between separate equipment
and/or connecting hardware.
The cross-connect in the main equipment room for connecting
entrance cables, backbone cables, and equipment cables. The MC
typically provides the cross-connection between equipment (such as a
PBX or data network equipment), and backbone cable from the
horizontal cross-connects (HC) or intermediate cross-connects (IC). It
also provides the cross-connection between equipment and outside
communications services (see EF and ER, above).
The cross-connect between horizontal cabling (see below) to the work
areas and the backbone cable (see above) from the MC.
The cable (including cables, patch cords, jump wire and connecting
hardware) between the communications outlet/connector at the work
area (WA) (see below) and the HC
The building space where the occupants interact with communications
equipment such as telephones or computers.
Many of these definitions are excerpted or modified from original definitions from: ANSI/TIA/EIA Standard 568;
ANSI/TIA/EIA Standard 569; BICSI Telecommunications Distribution Methods (TDMM) Manual; James Harry Green,
Telecommunications 2, © 1992 Irwin Professional Publishing; the NORDX/CDT IBDN Design Guide, Issue 4; and the AMP
Planning & Installation Guide
7
© 2016 Conley Engineering, Inc.
9
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
It should be noted that the type of physical space (EF/ER, TC, WA) is not necessarily
synonymous with the function to be performed in that space. For example, an
equipment room (ER) could function as an EF and a TC for a given building and support
both an MC and multiple HC’s.
In general, ER’s, EF’s, TC’s and WA’s refer to physical spaces within a building. HC’s and
MC’s refer to a communications system component (cross-connects) located within
these spaces.
Shown in the figure below are the connections between the major sub-systems (for a
typical three-story building with a basement) as defined in the table above.
FIGURE 1 — MAJOR SUB-SYSTEM CONNECTIONS
TC
HC
Ho rizon tal Cable
(typical)
3rd Floor
WA
Backbo ne Cable
(typical)
TC
WA
HC
Te leco m m u nication s Ou tlet
2nd Floor
TC
WA
HC
1st Floor
ER
WA
HC
To Pub lic Netw o rk o r
Int erbu ildin g Backbo ne
MC
EF
Basem ent
© 2016 Conley Engineering, Inc.
10
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
TELECOMMUNICATIONS SPACES
The successful implementation of the communications distribution system infrastructure
is heavily dependent upon the proper placement and sizing of telecommunications
spaces.
This section defines design considerations for entrance facilities (EF), equipment rooms
(ER) and telecommunications closets (TC) which are of particular concern to CWU. The
Designer is expected to refer to the TIA/EIA 569 standard and the BICSI TDMM for other
and more specific design criteria and detail.
PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS COMMON TO ALL SPACES
Telecommunications spaces shall be designed to provide long-term functionality for the
end user and provide for ease of communications distribution system administration,
maintenance, future expansion, and replacement of equipment and cabling as the
owner’s needs and technology change.
While equipment and cabling systems housed within telecommunications spaces may be
replaced many times over the life of a building, telecommunications spaces are
generally, and most easily, provided for only during the original construction of a
building. This fact generally translates into a single opportunity to provide properly
located, sized and designed telecommunications spaces.
Well-designed telecommunications spaces provide significant total cost of ownership
(TCO) savings over the life of a building. The initial cost of constructing these spaces
shall be carefully weighed against (and perhaps offset by) the potential lifetime
reduction in ownership costs generated by well-designed spaces.
SIZING
Historically, the architect’s focus during design was to provide as much “useable” floor
space as possible in a building. From the standpoint of the architect, “useable” floor
space usually did not equate to “telecommunications space.” This historical perspective
is changing, albeit slowly.
It is therefore expected that the communications system Designer will reinforce and/or
educate the architect on the short and long-term
 CONSTRUCTION REFERENCE
benefits of providing for adequately sized
 This is particularly the case for new
building and full remodel construction
telecommunications spaces. Inadequately sized
projects.
telecommunications spaces are not acceptable to

CWU .
© 2016 Conley Engineering, Inc.
11
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
Telecommunications spaces shall be sized to accommodate not only space for current
and future communications equipment, but also space for signal systems equipment
such as fire alarm, security, and HVAC controls.
Refer to the TIA/EIA 569 standard and the BICSI TDMM for more specific design criteria
regarding sizing these spaces.
SHARED FUNCTION
With the exception of some EF’s (see below) telecommunications spaces shall be
dedicated to the communications distribution system and related support facilities and
shall not be shared with other building functions (such as power, mechanical, janitorial,
etc.).
PLACEMENT
The most desirable location for all
telecommunications spaces is the building core .
Keeping the requirements of the Architect in mind
(i.e. “useable” floor space, see above), locating
these spaces in the building core will minimize the
amount of floor space required.
Telecommunications spaces shall not exceed the
maximum distances from one another as defined
in the TIA/EIA standards.
 CONSTRUCTION REFERENCE
This requirement is primarily
applicable to for new building and full
remodel construction. However, it is
always desirable regardless of the type of
construction.
If Gigabit Ethernet is to be deployed on
multimode fiber between
telecommunications spaces, the distances
between these closets shall be reduced
even further.
In addition, for multi-story buildings, telecommunications spaces shall be vertically
aligned wherever possible . This allows for clean, vertical pathway to be easily provided
to each space. It also eliminates the number of bends and offsets that the building
backbone system must undergo as it connects to each of these spaces.
Telecommunications spaces shall be kept as far as practical from mechanical rooms,
electrical rooms and other sources of EMI/RFI (ten feet should be considered minimum).
ELECTRICAL
It is the inside plant communications distribution designer’s responsibility to coordinate
with the electrical engineer to ensure that the power requirements for the
telecommunications spaces are met.
Specify 110 VAC 20 Ampere duplex outlets (dedicated to telecommunications
equipment) located every 4 feet along each wall (below each 4-foot wide section of
backboard). Each outlet shall be equipped with a dedicated #12AWG insulated solid
copper equipment-grounding conductor. Do not combine more than three outlets on
© 2016 Conley Engineering, Inc.
12
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
any one circuit, and do not provide less than three circuits per closet. Physically
alternate the outlets amongst the different circuits (i.e. adjoining outlets shall not be on
the same circuit).
In addition to the outlets described above, specify other 110 VAC 20 Ampere duplex
convenience outlets (for power tools and testing equipment) placed at 6-foot intervals
around perimeter walls.
Duplex outlets shall be color-coded in order to distinguish between those outlets to be
used for telecommunications equipment and those used for convenience. Outlets shall
be installed at 6 inches above finished floor (AFF) and below the base of the backboards
(see below). Label each outlet with its panel identification and circuit number.
GROUNDING AND BONDING
In accordance with TIA/EIA-607, the telecommunications grounding and bonding
infrastructure shall be designed and routed through each telecommunications space.
Each telecommunications space shall be equipped
with a Telecommunications Grounding Busbar
(TGB) bonded directly to the Telecommunications
Bonding Backbone (TBB).
 CONSTRUCTION REFERENCE
For light and basic remodel
construction, this requirement may be
waived given budgetary, project size, or
other limiting factors.
Refer to the section Grounding for Communications Circuits and Raceway in the CWU
Communications Distribution System Master Specification for more details.
HVAC
It is the inside plant communications distribution designer’s responsibility to coordinate
with the mechanical engineer to ensure that the
 CONSTRUCTION REFERENCE
HVAC requirements for the telecommunications
For light and basic remodel
construction, this requirement may be
spaces are met and also that HVAC ductwork does
waived given budgetary, project size, or
not conflict with communications cable tray or
other limiting factors.

conduit.
For light and basic remodel
construction, this requirement may be
It shall be assumed that all telecommunications
waived if existing telecommunications
spaces are being used.
spaces will at some time be required to support
electronic equipment, either immediately after construction or sometime in the future.
Because of this, separate, dedicated (or properly zoned, shared) HVAC units, sized to
accommodate the heat output of the present and future equipment, shall be provided
for each telecommunications space. In addition, a positive pressure differential with
respect to surrounding areas is required to help keep dust and other particles out of the
room.
© 2016 Conley Engineering, Inc.
13
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
EQUIPMENT
Each telecommunications space shall be provisioned with a minimum of one floorstanding 7’ high x 19” wide EIA standard
 CONSTRUCTION REFERENCE
equipment rack
For light and basic remodel
construction, this requirement may be
-- regardless of whether or not equipment is
waived given budgetary, project size, or
required at the time of construction. This
other limiting factors. The use of a wall
requirement not only provides for future
mount rack (or no rack at all) may be
acceptable, subject to CWU approval.
expansion, it also aids in ensuring that the use of
the space is “claimed” for telecommunications (as opposed to de-facto “janitorial” or
“storage” claims once the space is put to use). In addition, it aids the Designer when
defining telecommunications space requirements – it becomes readily apparent whether
or not a telecommunications space is sized properly when the Designer attempts to
place an equipment rack within the space.
Three-foot clearances from the front and rear of the equipment rack and any equipment
access panels are required.
Racks shall be sized to accommodate, at a minimum, all existing and new equipment
that is to be installed in the rack plus an additional 50% of space for expansion (i.e. if a
rack is more than 50% full, specify a second empty rack). Multiple racks may therefore
be required.
ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS
Doors shall open out from telecommunications spaces wherever possible and shall be a
minimum of 36” wide and 80” high, fitted with a lock. Coordinate lock and key
requirements with CWU. Doors shall be located in hallways or other common areas — In
no case shall the door be located in another building occupants’ designated space.
Minimum clearance height within a telecommunications space shall be 8 feet. False
ceilings (t-bar ceilings, ceiling grids, etc.) shall not be installed in telecommunications
spaces. The floor, walls, and ceilings shall be sealed to reduce dust. Provide flooring
materials with anti-static properties — carpet is not acceptable for telecommunications
spaces.
All useable wall space (typically all four walls) within a telecommunications space shall be
covered with ¾” inch void free A-C plywood backboards, painted with two coats of lightcolored fire-retardant paint, 8 feet high, with the bottom of the plywood mounted 12”
above the finished floor (AFF) and the sides mounted 6” from the corners.
LAYOUT
When designing the size and layout of a telecommunications space, all planned and
potential future hardware shall be considered. Placement of hardware and equipment
© 2016 Conley Engineering, Inc.
14
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
must account for electrical code and TIA/EIA standard clearances for maintenance and
safety.
The Designer shall prepare plan views for each telecommunications space, elevations of
each rack, and elevations of each wall containing termination blocks. These layouts and
elevations shall be included in the Contract Documents prior to the bidding and
construction of the system, and shall explicitly show a complete equipment layout
(including future equipment as dashed lines).
Please refer to the drawings in the figure below for example layouts and elevations of
telecommunications spaces and racks.
© 2016 Conley Engineering, Inc.
15
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
FIGURE 2 — EXAMPLE LAYOUTS FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS SPACES AND RACKS
RADIUS DROP
GROUNDING
BUS BAR
MOUNTED AT +12"
WORKSTATION 110 BLOCKS
TERMINATING CAT5E CABLE FROM
WORKSTATION OUTLETS
VOICE 110 BLOCKS
TERMINATING TELCO CABLE FROM
RISER PATCH PANELS RACK R1A
C
RADIUS DROP
9" CABLE TRAY
MOUNTED AT +7'
(AFFIXES RACK TO WALL)
3' 0"
15" LADDER RACK
MOUNTED VERTICALLY
AND EXTENDED
FROM BASEMENT
CONTINUOUSLY UP
AND THROUGH ALL
COMM CLOSETS TO 8'
LADDER RACK IN 3RD
FLOOR COMM CLOSET
RISER 110 BLOCKS
TERMINATING TELCO
RISER CABLE FROM
BASEMENT
6" CABLE CHANNEL
DOUBLE-SIDED
(TYPICAL OF 2)
6" CABLE CHANNEL
SINGLE-SIDED
(TYPICAL OF 2)
RACK R1
RACK R2
RACK R3
18" X 6" FLOOR SLOT
(FIRESTOPPED)
9" CABLE TRAY
MOUNTED AT +8'
C
C
TELECOM
POWER OUTLET
(TYPICAL OF 10)
8' HIGH BACKBOARD
MOUNTED AT +12"
(TYPICAL OF 4)
CONVIENCE
POWER OUTLET
(TYPICAL OF 4)
C
PLAN VIEW
EXAMPLE COMMUNICATIONS CLOSET
NOT TO SCALE
EIA 7' RACK
TOP BRACKET
(TYPICAL OF 2)
UNUSABLE SPACE
12-PORT FIBER PATCH PANEL
3 1/2"
F1
6-PORTS ACTIVE
2
1-12
SPACE FOR
FUTURE FIBER PATCH PANEL
4
3 1/2"
CABLE MANAGEMENT PANEL W/CABLE CLIPS
2
3 1/2"
NETWORK ELECTRONICS
2
3 1/2"
CABLE MANAGEMENT PANEL W/CABLE CLIPS
2
3 1/2"
NETWORK ELECTRONICS
2
3 1/2"
CABLE MANAGEMENT PANEL W/CABLE CLIPS
2
3 1/2"
NETWORK ELECTRONICS
2
3 1/2"
CABLE MANAGEMENT PANEL W/CABLE CLIPS
2
7"
BACK OF
6" DEEP CABLE
MANAGEMENT
CHANNEL
6' POWER STRIP
WIRE MANAGEMENT
CHANNEL
(6.00" WIDE)
WIRE MANAGEMENT
CHANNEL
(6.00" WIDE)
43 3/4"
SPACE FOR
FUTURE NETWORK ELECTRONICS
FRONT OF 6" DEEP CABLE
MANAGEMENT CHANNEL
WITH VERTICAL WIRE
MANAGEMENT RINGS
(TYPICAL OF 2, ONE ON EACH
SIDE OF RACK).
25
GUARD RAIL
1' 0"
5 1/4"
UNUSABLE SPACE
3"
RACK R1
7' HIGH EIA STANDARD 19"
(CPI)
© 2016 Conley Engineering, Inc.
SELF SUPPORTING BASE
(TYPICAL OF 2)
6"
1' 3"
16
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS SPECIFIC TO A SPACE
Planning considerations for each type of telecommunications space (EF, ER, and TC) are
discussed below.
ENTRANCE FACILITIES (EF)
Wherever possible the EF shall be located within the building’s ER (see below). Where
this is not possible, the EF shall be located within a TC or other enclosed, lockable
building space (such as an electrical or mechanical room), which is not accessible to the
public. All copper cables entering the building shall be protected with entrance
protectors at the EF.
EQUIPMENT ROOMS (ER)
Equipment rooms are special purpose rooms that provide space and maintain a suitable
operating environment for large communications and/or computer equipment. ER’s are
differentiated from TC’s in that they are generally considered to serve a building whereas
a telecommunications closet generally serves one floor (or portion thereof) of a building.
CWU intends to use a single ER (per building) to house all communications equipment –
including voice, data, and video. A separate room for each of these functions is not
desirable.
When selecting the equipment room site avoid locations that are restricted by building
components that may limit future expansion (i.e. elevators, outside walls, structural
components, HVAC ducts/plenums, etc.). Keep in mind the need for accessibility for the
delivery of large equipment. The ER shall be located close to backbone pathways and
central to the building, both horizontally and vertically and shall be kept as far from
EMI/RFI sources as practical (ten feet separation shall be considered minimum).
Ideally, the known sizes and placement of specific equipment, plus additional room for
expansion shall govern the size of the equipment room. If equipment is undefined,
provide 0.75 ft2 of floor space for every 100-ft2 work area (as recommended by TIA/EIA
569). If work area density is expected to be higher, the size allocation shall be increased
accordingly.
The equipment room shall be:
 CONSTRUCTION REFERENCE
 Fully provisioned ER’s may not be


possible for light and basic remodel
Sized at not less than 150 ft .
construction projects.
 For light and basic remodel
Equipped with a dedicated
construction, CWU personnel will install
telecommunications equipment power panel.
the ground wire after the Contractor has
The dedicated telecommunications equipment
installed the conduit. Coordinate with
the CWU to schedule installation.
outlets shall be connected to this panel. If
emergency power is planned for the building, the panel shall be connected to the
© 2016 Conley Engineering, Inc.
2
17
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS




emergency power supply. CWU recommends that the power panel be 100 Amp,
given no other outstanding circumstances. Label panel “FOR
TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT ONLY!”
Provided with a metallic conduit routed directly from the ER to the main electrical
service-grounding electrode, along with a dedicated/isolated ground wire for PBX
equipment — this ground wire is in addition to and separate from the
telecommunications grounding system.
Equipped with special power outlets as required by the various manufacturers of
equipment to be located in the room (such as PBX’s) that conforms to the
manufacturer’s specifications and is connected to the dedicated telecommunications
equipment power panel.
Rated for a floor load at a minimum of that specified in TIA/EIA 569 or that of the
heaviest equipment — whichever is more stringent.
Located within close proximity to service entrances for telecommunications and
power.
The ER shall be considered the most desirable location for locating the:



Entrance Facility (EF)
Main cross-connect (MC)
Telecommunications Main Grounding Busbar (TGMB).
Given the above, the ER should be located within 50 ft. of outside plant cable ingress
into the building in order to comply with the NEC 50-ft rule. If this is not possible, or if
the EF and MC are not located within the ER, metallic conduit must be installed between
cable ingress point and the location of the EFand/or MC. There are no exceptions to this
provision, regardless of the type of construction.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS CLOSETS (TC)
A minimum of one TC shall be located on each floor. For multi-story construction,
closets shall be stacked one above the other. Each TC shall be located as centrally and
as closely as possible to the area being served.
 CONSTRUCTION REFERENCE
Telecommunications closets shall have minimum
sizes as follows:
Area Served (ft2)
0 to 5000
5001 to 8000
8001 to 10000
Closet Size (ft)
10x7
10x9
10x11
 For light and basic remodel
construction, this requirement may be
waived given budgetary, project size, or
other limiting factors.

 Use the table for new and full remodel
construction. The use of shallow closets
and other small closet designs may be
considered in light and basic remodel
construction projects.
Should an area to be served exceed 10,000 ft2 or the horizontal distance between the
location of the closet and the locations of one or more work areas exceed 90m, provide
multiple closets in accordance with the table above.
© 2016 Conley Engineering, Inc.
18
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
Close attention shall be given to the location of the TC in relation to the location of the
ER (or MC) in order to ensure that the maximum length (275m) for multimode fiber
backbone used (or potentially to be used) for Gigabit Ethernet shall not be exceeded.
© 2016 Conley Engineering, Inc.
19
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
BACKBONE DISTRIBUTION
Backbone distribution is the most critical link in the telecommunications systems of
today. When the backbone fails, potentially large numbers of users are simultaneously
affected.
Poorly designed backbone distribution systems, or systems designed with little future
expansion in mind, greatly increase the amount of work required for and downtime
experienced during moves, adds, and changes (MAC’s). Given this, a well-designed
backbone can greatly minimize the total cost of ownership (TCO) for a communications
distribution system.
This section defines design considerations for pathways, raceways and communications
media (cable and connecting hardware) for backbone distribution systems that are of
particular concern to CWU. The Designer is expected to refer to the TIA/EIA 568 and 569
standards and the BICSI TDMM for other and more specific design criteria and detail.
BACKBONE PATHWAY AND RACEWAY
Technically, backbone pathway is the path (or route) between the various TC’s and the
ER (or TC) that contains the main cross-connect (MC). Backbone raceway is the physical
medium that follows this path and provides for the installation and protection of
backbone communications media.
Backbone pathway shall utilize a physical star topology such as that shown in Figure 1 —
Major Sub-system Connections on page 10. Backbone raceway shall consist of chases or
shafts, conduit, sleeves, and/or cable tray, applicable as discussed below.
© 2016 Conley Engineering, Inc.
20
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
Following is a list of general items to consider when designing a backbone distribution
system:






All TC’s shall have a direct pathway connection
 CONSTRUCTION REFERENCE
to the ER (or TC) that contains the MC8 .
 For light and basic remodel
Raceway connections between TC’s are
construction, this requirement may be
waived given budgetary, project size, or
generally not required.
other limiting factors. If this is the case,
TC’s that contain Intermediate cross-connects
pathway from one TC may connect to
(IC’s), while recognized by the TIA/EIA
another TC before connecting to the MC.
9
Transmission media, however, must not
standards , shall not be utilized.
cross-connect in the interposing TC — it
Backbone raceway shall be kept separate and
must be continuous (non-spliced)
between the MC and the farthest TC.
distinct from raceway used for any other type
of media (including CATV, intercom, and other
signal systems cabling). Physical barriers within a single raceway (such as cable tray)
used to separate communications media from other types of media are not
acceptable. Keeping communications raceway separate from that of other systems
will aid in future system and cable identification and, perhaps more importantly, will
decrease the possibility of work on the other cabling systems affecting the
communications system backbone.
Raceway shall be designed and installed in the most direct route possible.
Raceway penetrations through walls and floors shall be sealed. Fire ratings of
penetrated walls and floors shall be maintained.
Raceway shall be bonded and grounded per TIA/EIA standards and the NEC.
In general, a registered structural engineer shall review and approve all structural
changes/penetrations.
BACKBONE RACEWAY SIZE AND QUANTITY REQUIREMENTS
Sizing of the raceway shall always be viewed in light of the possible future requirements.
The cost to provide additional spare raceway during the initial installation is significantly
less than the cost of adding raceway in the future.
In general, a minimum of one 4” EMT conduit (or
sleeve) and two spare 4” conduits (or sleeves)
shall service each telecommunications closet. An
additional 4” EMT conduit (or sleeve) shall be
provided for each additional 50,000 ft2 of useable
floor space served by the telecommunications closet.
 CONSTRUCTION REFERENCE
 For light and basic remodel
construction, this requirement may be
waived given budgetary, project size, or
other limiting factors.
Yet another reason for vertically stacking telecommunications spaces in a multi-story building and locating the main
telecommunications closet centrally to the building as a whole.
9 While the TIA/EIA standards recognize the use of IC’s within a building, CWU does not. IC’s contribute significantly to
the total cost of ownership for a system and therefore are not allowed by CWU.
8
© 2016 Conley Engineering, Inc.
21
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
This requirement may be modified depending upon whether the building is a multi-story
building or a single-story building, and whether the TC’s are stacked (if a multi-story
building).
Multi-story buildings
TC’s shall be stacked wherever possible as
 CONSTRUCTION REFERENCE
discussed in Placement on page 12. Sleeves
This requirement is mainly applicable
may be substituted for conduit if the
to full remodel and new construction
projects. It can, in some cases, be applied
telecommunications closets are stacked. This
to light remodel projects.
sleeved vertical pathway shall be extended to
the roof (or to an attic area with access to the
roof), to provide access for future roof or side-of-building mounted
telecommunications equipment.
Ladder rack shall be vertically mounted in the stacked telecommunications closets to
route and support backbone cable passing from the closet below to upper closets.
If, due to design constraints, TC’s cannot be stacked, a centrally located vertical
pathway (shaft) shall be provided, dedicated to the communications distribution
system. This pathway shall consist of a chase or shaft a minimum of 2 ft2 with access
every 3 feet and shall extend to the roof, or to an attic area with access to the roof.
Pathway shall be provided to and from this vertical pathway – and will likely be
horizontal in orientation. In this case it may not be possible to route 4” conduits to
each of the TC’s from the ER, given the design restraints imposed by attempting to
route large conduit in ceiling space. Therefore, three 2” conduits may be substituted
for each required 4” conduit. In addition, for additional capacity, three 2” conduits
rather than two 4” conduits will generally suffice10.
Single-story buildings
For single-story buildings with multiple TC’s,
pathway shall be routed in as direct a manner
as possible, using 4” conduit installed under
(not in) the floor slab, in quantities according
to the minimum requirements listed above.
 CONSTRUCTION REFERENCE
This requirement is mainly applicable
to new construction projects. It can, in
some cases, be applied to full remodel
projects.
BACKBONE COMMUNICATIONS MEDIA
CWU recognizes three types of communications media used for backbone systems:

10
Category 3 UTP -- used for voice or analog applications
Subject to future planned enhancements to the system.
© 2016 Conley Engineering, Inc.
22
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS


Multimode fiber optic, 62.5/125µm, graded index, extended grade (200 Mhz @
850nm) – used for data and voice applications
Singlemode fiber optic – used for data, video, and voice applications
In addition CWU recognizes the use of Category 5E UTP for use in some instances11, and
only for connections between TC’s (or between TC’s and ER’s) that do not exceed 90m.
Each TC shall be served, at a minimum, with UTP, multimode fiber optic backbone cables
and singlemode fiber optic backbone cables:




Sizing of the backbone cable (in pair counts or strands) shall always be viewed in
light of the possible future requirements. The cost to add additional backbone cable
during the initial installation is significantly less than the cost of adding additional
capacity in the future.
UTP cable shall contain cable pairs to serve each port in each communications outlet
served by the TC to which the port connects, plus one hundred percent expansion
capability. At a minimum, provide each TC with a 50-pair Category 3 UTP cable.
Provide two strands of multimode fiber optic cable for each piece of equipment
being served in the TC, plus one hundred percent expansion capability. At a
minimum, each TC shall be served with a twelve-strand multimode fiber optic cable
and a twelve-strand singlemode fiber optic cable. In addition, single-mode fiber
optic cable shall be considered depending upon the application. Hybrid fiber optic
cabling is not allowed for inside plant backbone cabling.
Provide separate patch panels for terminating singlemode fiber and multimode fiber.
Singlemode and multimode fiber cables shall not be terminated in the same patch
panel.
Communications backbone cables serving disparate functions (voice, data, etc.) shall be
segregated into separate raceways (i.e. one raceway for voice, one for data, etc.).
Segregation can occur by using different conduits, or separate innerducts within a
conduit. Shared sleeves are acceptable if the various backbone cables are installed in
such a manner as to separate a given cable from those nearby.12
In no case shall backbone cable be run in the same raceways as those used by electrical
power conductors. This is the case for both copper and fiber optic cable. Future moves,
adds, and changes to fiber optic backbone cable installed in raceways containing power
conductors would be costly (almost always requiring an electrician to be present), and
could expose telecommunications personnel to potential safety hazards. While fiber
optic based cable is not subject to EMI/RFI, some types of fiber optic cable is
manufactured using metallic armor that could conduct electricity.
11
To be determined on a project-by-project basis
12
Segregation is desired in order to ensure that when maintenance work is required on a backbone cable for a given
function (such as voice), work on the cable will not disrupt the functionality of the other backbone cables nearby (such as
data).
© 2016 Conley Engineering, Inc.
23
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
Raceway fill shall conform to the TIA/EIA standards and the NEC.
The Designer shall refer to the Communications Circuits section of the in the CWU
Communications Distribution System Master Specification and the CWU Communications
Distribution System Master Specification for Residence Halls for more information.
© 2016 Conley Engineering, Inc.
24
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
HORIZONTAL DISTRIBUTION
Given the rapid pace of technological advancement in today’s communications industry,
standards and systems can (and will) change frequently – and it is the horizontal
distribution system that seems to be most affected by these changes. The irony is that
while horizontal distribution systems seem to change every few years, the buildings they
serve last for decades.
The communications systems Designer must therefore balance the relatively short life
cycle of horizontal distribution systems against the long life cycle of buildings – arriving
at a reasonable and cost-effective13 means of accommodating both.
In addition, today’s communications industry is witnessing a convergence of
technologies. Voice, data, and video are all capable of utilizing the same type of
communications media (Category 5E and fiber optic). A well-designed horizontal
distribution system must therefore be engineered with this in mind. An outlet and cable
used today for voice needs to be capable of being used for data or video tomorrow -without requiring re-cabling, re-termination, and/or deciphering a jungle of jumper wire
in the TC to make a cross-connect.
This section defines design considerations for pathways, raceways and communications
media (cable and connecting hardware) for horizontal distribution systems that are of
particular concern to CWU.
The Designer is expected to refer to the TIA/EIA 568 and 569 standards and the BICSI
TDMM for other and more specific design criteria and detail.
HORIZONTAL PATHWAY AND RACEWAY
Technically, horizontal pathway is the path (or route) between the TC and the user’s
communications outlet. Horizontal raceway is the physical medium that follows this path
and provides for the installation and protection of communications media.
While communications media may change frequently, the raceway for distributing the
media does not. A well-designed horizontal raceway system contributes more to reducing
the total cost of ownership of a communications system then does any other single
component. The raceway system must accommodate change.
Horizontal raceway shall utilize a physical star topology. Horizontal raceway consists of
conduit, sleeves, cable tray, J-hooks, D-rings and device boxes, all of which are applicable
as discussed later in this section.
13
In terms of total cost of ownership, NOT just initial construction cost.
© 2016 Conley Engineering, Inc.
25
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
The Designer should refer to the Raceway and Boxes for Communications Circuits
section and the Cable Tray for Communications Circuits section of the CWU
Communications Distribution System Master Specification and the CWU Communications
Distribution System Master Specification for Residence Halls for more detail regarding
specific raceway components and the installation of these components.
For the purposes of this document, horizontal raceway can be divided into two subsystems:


Raceway from the TC to a distribution point/pathway
Raceway from the distribution point/pathway to the individual work areas
© 2016 Conley Engineering, Inc.
26
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
Following is a list of general items to consider
when designing a horizontal raceway system,
applicable to both raceway subsystems:








 CONSTRUCTION REFERENCE
For light and basic remodel
construction, this requirement may be
waived given budgetary, project size, or
other limiting factors.
Raceway shall be designed for all

communications media. Communications
For light and basic remodel
construction, there may not be an
media shall not be installed without raceway to
existing (or suitable) TC available on the

support it .
same floor. This requirement may
Raceway shall be designed from the device
therefore be waived.

box serving the communications outlet to the
For light and basic remodel
nearest TC on the same floor as the outlet.
construction, this requirement may be
waived given budgetary, project size, or
Raceway shall remain on the same floor as the
other limiting factors.
TC and communications outlet for which it
serves. “Poke-thru” penetrations to the ceiling
For both Academic Buildings and
Residence Halls, if poke-thru’s must be
space of the floor below are not acceptable.
utilized, and if there is a suitable TC on
Raceway, once exiting a room or area
the same floor at which the
containing a communications outlet, shall
communications outlet originates, an
additional sleeve, slot, or conduit raceway
route through main corridors, hallways, and
must be installed which will provide
office throughways. It shall not route across
pathway back to the originating floors.
The length of pathway that is in the
office, classroom, living, or other open
ceiling space of the floor below must be

spaces . (Note: this requirement is not
kept at a minimum. Even if there is not a
applicable to home-run conduit raceway
TC on the originating floor, it is beneficial
to bring the pathway back to the
systems).
originating floor so that it may join with
Raceway shall be kept separate and distinct
other pathway on the originating floor,
from raceway used for any other type of media
and thus route together to a TC on some
other floor.
(including CATV, intercom, and other signal
systems cabling). Physical barriers within a
However, for Residence Halls (only), at
times it may be permissible (and only
single raceway (such as cable tray) used to
upon approval by CWU), to vertically
separate communications media from other
“poke-thru” floor-to-floor and distribute
types of media are not acceptable. Keeping
horizontally either in the bottom floor of
or in the attic.
communications raceway separate from that of
other systems will aid in future system and
For light and basic remodel
construction in facilities without false
cable identification and, perhaps more
ceilings (i.e. with “hard lids”) this
importantly, will decrease the possibility of
requirement may be waived. For
work on the other cabling systems affecting
Residence Halls in particular, at times it
may be permissible (and only upon
the communications media.
approval by CWU), to route raceway
Raceway shall avoid penetrating firewalls. Fire
(such as soffits) directly from room to
ratings of penetrated walls and floors shall be
room.
maintained if penetration is unavoidable.
Where penetrations are unavoidable, penetrations shall be sealed and firestopped in
order to maintain the fire ratings of the penetrated walls and floors.
Raceway penetrations through walls and floors shall be sealed.
Raceway shall be bonded and grounded per TIA/EIA standards and the NEC.
© 2016 Conley Engineering, Inc.
27
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
In general, a registered structural engineer shall review and approve all structural
changes/penetrations.
For the purposes of the discussion below, the following definitions are in order:


A home-run is defined as the direct raceway connection between a given TC and a
distribution point or a device box (see below).
A distribution point is defined as the junction/pull-box at which a home-run conduit
begins and workstation conduit ends, or as the point along the length of a cable tray
at which workstation pathway terminates, or as the point along the length of a Jhook or D-ring pathway at which workstation pathway terminates.
RACEWAY FROM THE TC/ER TO A DISTRIBUTION POINT/PATHWAY
Sizing of the raceway shall always be viewed in light of possible future requirements.
The cost to add additional raceway (or oversized raceway) during the initial installation is
significantly less than the cost of adding additional raceway in the future.
The choice of what type, size, and quantity of raceway to use will be dependent upon the
type of construction:
For New and Full Remodel Construction
As of the publication of this document, CWU has standardized on the use of cable
tray systems for horizontal cabling distribution. However, home-run conduit raceway
systems have been used in many situations14. Prior to beginning design on a project,
the Designer shall meet with CWU to determine which method of horizontal cabling
distribution is desired for the particular facility.
FIGURE 3 — CABLE TRAY SYSTEM
C ab le T r ay
D istr ib u tio n
Po in t
D evice
Bo x
D evice
Bo x
TC
1 " C o n d u it
(T yp ical o f 3 )
D evice
Bo x
In either case, conduit shall be utilized from the device box location to the distribution point (see Raceway from the
Distribution Point to the Work Area), below.
14
© 2016 Conley Engineering, Inc.
28
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
FIGURE 4 — HOME-RUN CONDUIT SYSTEM
1 -1 /2 " H o m e-r u n C o n d u it
TC
D istr ib u tio n
Po in t
J-b o x
1 " C o n d u it
(T yp ical o f 3 )
1 " H o m e Ru n
C o n d u it
D evice
Bo x
D evice
Bo x
D evice
Bo x
D evice
Bo x
While CWU has standardized on the use of cable tray systems, there are many
arguments supporting the use of home-run conduit raceway systems for new and full
remodel construction for several reasons – most of which are related to total cost of
ownership. Therefore, CWU intends to consider this issue on a case-by-case basis.
Please refer to Appendix 1 – Home-run Conduit Raceway Systems on page 37 for
more detail.
© 2016 Conley Engineering, Inc.
29
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
In general, cable tray systems shall
be located in corridor or office
throughway spaces, and shall not be
installed above office or classroom
space. (See Figure 3 above.)
Distances from EMI/RFI sources shall
be maintained according to the
TIA/EIA Category 5E cable standards,
regardless of whether the raceway is
routing copper or fiber optic based
media.
The Designer shall show all
pathway/raceway on the drawings
(from the TC/ER to the WA outlet) and
shall coordinate during design the
pathway/raceway with structural,
mechanical, and other systems likely
to be using the same space.
 CONSTRUCTION REFERENCE
For home-run conduit shall consist of a 1-1/2”
conduit from the TC to a distribution point (a
pull/junction box) serving no more than three 1”
15
conduits to device boxes.
The conduits shall run
in the most direct manner possible, designed to not
exceed 180 degrees of bends and designed to
eliminate intermediate pull boxes. See Figure 4,
above.
Pull-boxes shall be located in spaces that are easily
accessible during normal working hours – such as
hallways and common areas. Pull boxes shall not
be located in classrooms or offices unless there is
an overriding design reason for doing so,
dependent upon approval from CWU. Locating
pull-boxes in easily accessible spaces will allow for
accessing the communications system media with
a minimum of disruption to office and classroom
users.
Spare home-run conduits shall be installed from
the TC to areas where there are no present
communications outlets required if it is possible
that such areas may be remodeled into areas
requiring communications outlets in the future.
It is expected that the Designer will expend considerable coordination effort during the
design process. Non-coordinated pathway/raceway is not acceptable to CWU.
For Light Remodel and Basic Communications Construction
Existing raceway shall be reused
whenever possible, given that the
existing raceway does not violate
TIA/EIA standards in such a way as to
affect the performance of the
communications media to be
installed.
 CONSTRUCTION REFERENCE
The definition of how much violation of the TIA/EIA
standards is permissible (given budgetary, project size,
or other limiting factors) is left to the Designer. At a
minimum, the applicability for reuse of the existing
raceway shall be investigated by the Designer and
reviewed with CWU. If the reusability of the existing
raceway it indeterminable, CWU will direct the
Designer as to the desired course of action.
Cable tray shall be considered when the quantity of
If existing raceway cannot be reused
communications cable is considerable (40+).
or additional raceway is required, JFor light and basic remodel construction in facilities
hook or D-ring raceway shall be
without false ceilings (i.e. with “hard lids”) this
established down corridors and/or
requirement may be waived. For Residence Halls in

particular, at times it may be permissible (and only
office throughway spaces . This
upon approval by CWU), to route pathway (such as
raceway shall be sized for a
soffits) or raceway directly from room to room.
minimum of 100% expansion and
will be referred to as J-Hook/D-Ring pathway system.
See Horizontal Communications Media below. In general, a 1” conduit to a device box will provide pathway for 2
communications cables initially, and will provide expansion capability for up 6 cables. The 1-1/2” home run conduit will
therefore provide initial pathway for 6 communications cables, and will provide expansion capability for up to 18
communications cables.
15
© 2016 Conley Engineering, Inc.
30
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
FIGURE 5 — J-HOOK/D-RING PATHWAY SYSTEM
D evice
Bo x
J-h o o ks/D -Rin gs Path w ay
D evice
Bo x
TC
1 " C o n d u it
(T yp ical o f 3 )
D evice
Bo x
Distances from EMI/RFI sources shall be maintained according to TIA/EIA installation
standards, regardless of whether the raceway is routing copper or fiber optic based
media.
DEVICE BOXES AT THE WORK AREA (WA)
The choice of what type, size, and quantity of raceway to use will be dependent upon the
type of construction. In general, however:



Device boxes shall be located at the same height as device boxes used for other
systems (i.e. electrical power, CATV, etc.), subject to ADA limitations.
Device boxes shall not be “combo” boxes (i.e.
 CONSTRUCTION REFERENCE
Some in Residence Hall situations it
boxes used for both communications and
may be appropriate to consider using a

power, CATV, etc.)
single device box to serve both
Device boxes shall not be mounted in the
communications and CATV. These
situations shall be investigated by the
floor (i.e. “floor boxes”) except where no
Designer and reviewed with CWU.
suitable alternative exists. If device boxes
However, under no circumstances will
power outlets be acceptable in
must be mounted in the floor, each device box
combination with any other media.
shall be served with it’s own individual conduit
(i.e. floor boxes shall not be “daisy-chained”
Power outlets may be combined with
CATV, communications, etc. in floor
together).
For New and Full Remodel Construction

16
boxes if the power wiring is routed to the
floor boxes separately from the other
cable media and if the floor box provides
for segregation of the power and
communications cabling within the box.
A device box shall be provided for each
communications outlet. Device boxes shall
be 4”x4”x3-½”.16 Device boxes shall be recess-mounted. Surface mounted
device boxes are not acceptable.
3-1/2” is the combined depth of device box and extension ring.
© 2016 Conley Engineering, Inc.
31
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
1. For Academic buildings: two device boxes shall be provided for each work
area and shall be located (subject to design constraints) on opposing walls. At
a minimum, one device box shall be located on each wall of a classroom.
2. For Residence Halls: For each dorm
 CONSTRUCTION REFERENCE
Some study spaces may serve two
room, one device box shall be located
students within a single space. In these
in the common/living area (if one
cases it might be appropriate to provide a
exists), and one device box per
single device box located where it would
be reachable from both workspaces
intended resident shall be provided in
within the space. These situations shall
the study area(s) – suitably located
be investigated by the Designer and
reviewed with CWU.
within each residents’ study space.



A 1” conduit shall be provided from each device box to the nearest distribution
point/pathway. The conduit shall be concealed within the interstitial space of the
wall until it reaches the ceiling space. The conduit shall run in the most direct
manner possible to the distribution point, and shall be designed to not exceed
180 degrees of bends and to eliminate intermediate pull boxes whenever
possible. See Figures 3 and 4, above.
Device boxes shall not be “daisy-chained.” That is, each device box shall be
complete with it’s own dedicated conduit to the nearest distribution
point/pathway.
A 4”x4” device box (dual gang) with four power receptacles shall be located
near17 each communications device box. It is the Designer’s responsibility to
coordinate with the electrical engineer to ensure that power outlets are located
near communications devices boxes.
For Light Remodel and Basic Communications Construction


17
Existing device boxes and raceway shall be
 CONSTRUCTION REFERENCE
The definition of how much violation
reused whenever possible – given that the
of the TIA/EIA standards is permissible
existing raceway complies with TIA/EIA
(given budgetary, project size, or other
standards in such a way as to affect the
limiting factors) is left to the Designer. At

a minimum, the applicability for reuse of
performance of the communications
the existing raceway shall be investigated
media to be installed.
by the Designer and reviewed with CWU.
If the reusability of the existing raceway it
A device box shall be provided for each
indeterminable, CWU will direct the
communications outlet. Device boxes shall
Designer as to the desired course of
be recess-mounted wherever possible and
action.
shall be 4”x4” and at least 2 ½” deep (a 3
½” depth is preferable). Surface mounted device boxes (if required) may be
standard single gang (2” x 4”) and at least 2 ½” deep.
Within 3 feet, 12” preferable
© 2016 Conley Engineering, Inc.
32
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
1. For Academic buildings: a minimum of one device box shall be provided for
each work area and a minimum of one device box shall be located in each
classroom.
2. For Residence Halls: A minimum of one device box shall be located in each
dorm room.




Raceway shall be provided from all surface
 CONSTRUCTION REFERENCE
For Academic Buildings, surface
mounted device boxes to the accessible
raceway may be either plastic or metal,
ceiling space. Surface raceway is
keeping in mind that plastic raceway is
acceptable in those areas where no
more susceptible to vandalism.

suitable alternatives exist . Surface
For Residence Halls, surface raceway
raceway provided must conform to TIA/EIA
shall be metal, particularly in those areas
conducive to vandalism. Surface plastic
standards for bend radii for Category 5E
raceway shall not be used unless
and fiber optic cable. Surface raceway
approved by CWU.
shall be sized for the initial
For Residence Halls, soffit is also an
communications media capacity plus one
alternative, subject to approval by CWU.
hundred percent expansion.
If soffit is used, the soffit lids shall be
Raceway from recess-mounted device
secured with tamper resistant screws
(such as Torx Head) in order to
boxes shall be 1” conduit, stubbed-up into
discourage vandalism.
the accessible ceiling space whenever
possible. Where not possible, the interstitial space of the wall shall be suitable
for a fish-tape installation of the communications media.
J-Hook or D-ring raceway will be required from the ceiling space above the
device box locations to the home-run pathway when more than four
communications cables will utilize the same pathway (present or future). When
less than four communications cables will utilize the pathway, tie-wraps and
similar supports will be adequate.
Distances from EMI/RFI sources shall be maintained according to TIA/EIA
installation standards, regardless of whether the raceway is routing copper or
fiber optic based media.
COMPUTER LABS
Raceway for computer labs deviates somewhat from the above. CWU has standardized
on utilizing 3” high, raised-access flooring for horizontal distribution.
Prior to starting a cabling design for a computer lab, the Designer shall meet with CWU
to determine whether to follow the CWU-standard practice of using termination blocks
for terminating horizontal cabling (see Horizontal Cross-connects (HC), below), or
whether a small rack-mounted Category 5E 568A patch panel system is desired for
terminating computer lab horizontal cabling. A patch panel system might give the
Instructor more flexibility in configuring the lab network, as well as the ability to easily
disconnect the computer lab network from the building network when required. This
issue will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
© 2016 Conley Engineering, Inc.
33
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
The rack for mounting the patch panels and associated data network equipment shall
either be enclosed (and lockable) and shall be located within the lab itself (free standing
or wall mounted), or shall be a freestanding rack located within a small communications
closet nearby -- dedicated to the computer lab. In either case, the rack shall be provided
with standard backbone cabling as discussed in the previous section.
SERIAL CABLING APPLICATIONS
CWU uses Category 5E 100Mhz cable for a number of applications that require serial
communications, including card access, point of sale, vending machines, laundry
machines, etc. While these applications are not dependent on cabling conformance with
TIA/EIA standards (cable length in particular) it is desirable to comply with these
standards wherever possible to provide the greatest degree of flexibility for future uses.
At the application end of the cable, the contractor shall provide a 50-foot coil for future
termination by CWU, and the cable shall be left coiled in the nearest pathway or
distribution point that will accommodate the coil.
In the TC, Category 5E cabling serving these applications shall be terminated at the
bottom of the termination block serving the floor of the building where the application
end of the cable is located.
The Designer is responsible to coordinate the serial cabling requirements with CWU for
each building and should expect each building to have unique requirements.
HORIZONTAL COMMUNICATIONS MEDIA
As discussed in the introduction to this section, horizontal communications media is
considered by CWU to be “universal.” That is, the same media is to be used to support
voice, data, and video.
The design of the horizontal communications system must, therefore, support and not
constrain this universality. A given connector, terminating a given cable, within a given
communications outlet must support voice, data, and video communications by
rerouting the jumper wire or patch cable in the TC to which it is connected.
CWU therefore recognizes only a minimum of Category 5E 100Mhz or better-rated cable
for horizontal communications media. In some instances18 CWU recognizes the use of
62.5/125µm multimode fiber optic media for use for data/video intensive work areas.
Each Category 5E cable shall be terminated with an 8-position modular jack wired with
T568A pinout.
18
To be determined on a project-by-project basis
© 2016 Conley Engineering, Inc.
34
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
Each communications outlet shall be served with
a minimum of two Category 5E cables (a twoport outlet), unless the communications outlet is
to serve a single wall-mounted phone or other
device.
 CONSTRUCTION REFERENCE
Communications outlet ports shall be
independent of the application (i.e. they shall fully
support voice, data, or video)
For light remodel or basic construction
Raceway fill shall conform to the TIA/EIA
standards and the NEC.
 For light remodel or basic
construction for Residence Halls, there
shall be no less than one port per living
space per resident. For example, a living
space with two residents shall have no
less than two ports.
The Designer shall refer to the Communications
Circuits section of the in the CWU
Communications Distribution System Master
Specification and the CWU Communications
Distribution System Master Specification for
Residence Halls for more detail.
For light remodel or basic construction,
after installation of the new
communications distribution system, all
existing horizontal communications
media no longer in use shall be
demolished.
for Residence Halls, one Category 5E
cable per outlet may be acceptable on a
case-by-case basis.
For new or full remodel construction for
Residence Halls, there shall be a
minimum of two ports per living space
per resident, plus two ports “common”.
For example, a living space with two
residents shall have no less than six ports.
Two ports for the first resident, two ports
for the second resident, and two ports
“common.”
HORIZONTAL CROSS-CONNECT (HC)
CWU has standardized on termination blocks rather than patch panels for terminating
horizontal communications media, except in Computer Labs as noted above.
Termination blocks shall be designed “universally.” That is, there shall be no distinction
between horizontal media that is initially used for voice as opposed to that initially used
for data or video. The same termination block shall be used regardless of the initial use.
© 2016 Conley Engineering, Inc.
35
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
Patch cords shall be quantified and specified by
the Designer for every project. Patch cords shall
be provided for both the workstation area and the
closet. Leaving patch cords out of the bid
documents is not acceptable to CWU.
 CONSTRUCTION REFERENCE
The Designer should refer to the Communications
Circuits section of the in the CWU
Communications Distribution System Master
Specification and the CWU Communications
Distribution System Master Specification for
Residence Halls for more detail.
For Residence Halls, a patch cord shall
be provided for each port designated for
data, regardless of whether or not the
port will be placed in immediate use.
CWU has standardized on “turning up”
all data ports (in use or not) (i.e. each
data port will be connected to a
hub/switch port). Provide an additional
5% for future data capacity. For voice
ports, provide one patch cord for each
voice port planned for immediate use,
plus an additional 10% for future
capacity.
For Academic Buildings, provide patch
cords for each port planned for
immediate use, plus an additional 10%
for future capacity. Provide voice grade
patch cords for voice ports, and data
grade patch cords for data ports.
For Residence Halls, provide patch
cords for only the closet. Workstation
patch cords are not required (these will
be provided by the students themselves).
Specify that the Contractor is to preapply all data patch cords in the closet
for all workstation data ports (CWU
expects that these patch cords will be
terminated prior to the installation of
CWU provided network equipment).
© 2016 Conley Engineering, Inc.
36
APPENDICES
APPENDICES
APPENDIX 1 — HOME-RUN CONDUIT RACEWAY SYSTEMS
While CWU has standardized on cable tray raceway systems, there are many arguments
for the use of home-run conduit raceway systems (vs. cable tray raceway systems) for
new and full remodel construction. Most of the arguments supporting the use of
homerun conduit systems are related to total cost of ownership:

A well-designed home-run conduit system facilitates the moving, adding, and changing
(MAC’s) of communications media during the life of the building. As mentioned in the
introduction to this section, raceway is a permanent building fixture. The
communications media on the other hand, changes every few years. A home-run
conduit system facilitates the changing of communications media by enabling the
installers to easily identify, remove, and pull in new cable with a minimum of labor
and hassle – in other words, less cost.

A well-designed home-run conduit system minimizes the impact on the building
occupants when a change in the communications media must occur. For the most part,
a majority of the activity involved in installing communications media will occur at
the TC and at the device box location. The pathway between these two points will be
minimally accessed.

A well-designed home-run conduit system facilitates the removal of obsolete or unused
communications media. Obsolete or unused media, left in place and not in conduit
(and typically undocumented as well), is a major factor in increasing the total cost of
ownership of the system (i.e. nobody is quite sure whether it is actually in use, what it
is (or was) intended for, and whether it should really be pulled out – it therefore sits
unused, clogs the raceway system, and makes future MAC’s costly and prone to
unanticipated problems during installation). Home-run conduit systems force the
issue, during the design, of whether or not the old media should be removed.

A home-run conduit system protects the communications media from physical damage,
and clearly identifies the cable as “communications”. Cable tray systems do not
afford the protection and segregation that a conduit system does.


While a well-designed conduit system has been engineered with future expansion in
mind, this expansion capacity is not attractive to other systems which otherwise might
want to make use of the raceway (such as CATV, or intercom). Cable tray is notorious,
particularly as the buildings grows older, for being the default raceway for everything
from it’s original intention (communications) to HVAC, CATV, intercom, etc. and even
electrical power.
A well-designed home-run conduit system protects copper-based cable from EMI. This is
of particular importance as equipment using the communications media approaches
100Mhz speeds (and beyond). It is no secret that even “100Mhz guaranteed” copper
© 2016 Conley Engineering, Inc.
37
APPENDICES
systems today are beginning to exhibit problems related to EMI as the speed of the
equipment actually begins to utilize the bandwidth provided by 100Mhz. Cable tray
systems, unless entirely enclosed, do not afford the EMI protection that a conduit
system does.
© 2016 Conley Engineering, Inc.
38
APPENDICES
The standard arguments against such a system are as follows:

A home-run conduit raceway system can be costly (comparatively) to install. While this
may be true in some cases, it is generally based on second-hand information rather
than actual comparison of construction costs. Conduit systems are the bread and
butter of electricians everywhere. Every electrician installs them, and every electrician
knows the finer points of conduit system construction. Cable tray construction on
the other hand, tends to be more costly and more specialized. Many electricians
have not installed enough cable tray systems to be thoroughly familiar with the
intricacies of cable tray construction as well as the “hidden” costs. Lack of familiarity
for the Contractor means higher construction cost for CWU.
In addition, a well-designed home-run conduit system can significantly decrease the
cost associated with the installation of the communications media, an oftenoverlooked fact. In some cases, and depending upon the size of the project, the
savings associated with the communications media installation may come close to
absorbing the cost of the home-run conduit system.19

A home-run conduit raceway system can be inflexible for moves, adds, and changes
(MAC’s). This can be overcome by designing the home-runs with extra capacity from
the onset and by designing for a useable floor space served perspective, rather than
to just the number of initial communications outlets served. During future remodel
work, the home-run conduits should not require substantial change – only the
workstation conduits from the device boxes to the home-run distribution point
would typically require change.20
The key phrase, however, is “well-designed.” Improper conduit sizing, excessive pull boxes and jogs/bends, etc. will all
contribute to quick elimination of savings associated with initial and successive communications media installations.
20 Required regardless of the type of raceway system chosen.
19
© 2016 Conley Engineering, Inc.
39
APPENDICES
APPENDIX 2 — REFERENCES
Central Washington University, Premises Communications Distribution System Master
Specification
BICSI, Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual
Green, James Harry, Telecommunications 2, © 1992 Irwin Professional Publishing
AMP, Planning & Installation Guide
NORDX/CDT, IBDN Design Guide, Issue 4
© 2016 Conley Engineering, Inc.
40