Q: On L1.4.9 (NEW) Are all the bays required to be designated with a DC power source
label at the top front of the bay?
A: The designation in Figure L-10 for the power source is a designation for the power
source for the bay and not the shelves within the bay. For example, when there is a fuse
panel in the bay being powered from a BDFB/SPDU or power board, the power source for
that fuse panel needs to be designated. The equipment shelves within the bay are not
required to be designated with a power source. If there are two fuse panels in the bay,
then there should be two power source designations on the top of the bay. Only bays that
have power coming into them require the designation. The designation is not required on
FOT bays and such.
Q: For Legacy “T”, what information is required on 145 Tags for Battery and Battery
Return cables? The labeling supplement does not address this. Is it per the TP section “L”?
A: Follow Section L requirements for designating the 145 type tags on the battery and
battery return leads.
Q: On 3.2 Volatile work activities: The maintenance window is no longer defined as the
hours between 10:00PM and 6:00AM and is directed by AT&T.
If for example, we are running a 12-pack of coax cable from one bay to another and it is over
live equipment (which is 100% of the time), this work would be considered 6-6 maintenance
window work per the Ask yourself document. With that said if the onsite where the work is
being performed would rather have us run the cables during the normal work day can they
supersede the SMOP and approve us to work during the day vs. maintenance window? And if so
how would we go about changing the SMOP to day work?
A: The AT&T Ask Yourself Handbook
http://www.qms.att.com/odms/NM/NPQ/GENERAL-METHODS/NCS/148/010-515170.html , specifically section 4, defines the AT&T Maintenance Windows. AT&T SMEs
can override hours to meet critical business needs. AYS is owned by Network Operations,
NP&E supports the requirements with our Installation Suppliers. I’ve added Alyson
Peacock of the GNOC for any questions/support required.
Page 1 of 97
Suppliers are required to arrange access and any coverage with the local operations teams.
Q: L1.4.9 - Figure L-10, is this meant to be a design or template? Do we include the
words POWER SOURCE followed by the pertinent information as in the format
shown with P-touch?
A: Figure L-10 is a template. The words “Power Source” are required to be designated.
Q: L1.4.9 - The label is to be placed "at the top front of the bay" would that be either side if this
is an independent P-touch and centered if a single label?
A: The label can be placed anywhere at the top front of the bay. There is no location
specified in the requirement.
Q: L1.4.9 - Figure L-10 indicates 1/2"-1" tape, Table L-3 for sizing has no specific
size lettering for this label, would 3/8" be appropriate for each line,
regardless of the width of the tape?
A: These designations fall under the "far end cabling information" field of Table L-3. We
will expect to see 3/8" size characters for this designation
Q: For Legacy “S”… Is it no longer a requirement for the Job Folder to be yellow?
A: The job folder is not required to be yellow anymore. For the folks who still use the job
folder, we would like them to continue to be yellow. It makes it a lot easier to find and
differentiate.
Q: Are the building blocks going to be updated to absorb the additional costs for changes
relating to the new TP.
A: This is not a TP question and needs to be answered by the Transport Build organization.
Q: If currently engineered or being installed before 4-1-8 the standard would be to the old TP.
The supplier asked the question yesterday, to whom I do not know, and was told two different
answers: one was yes, the other was no, if finished after 4-1-8 regardless of the job being
engineered and installed prior to 4-1-8 the standard would be under the new TP.
Page 2 of 97
A: The 1/1/08 version of TP76300 and TP76400 will be used on all jobs completing on or
after 4/1/08. If the job completes prior to 4/1/08, the 3/31/07 version of TP76300 will be
used.
Q: Once the training has been held internally by the supplier, according to the TP call yesterday
the log was to go to the Area Manager or Regional SME. Is there one person to whom the log
should go, sounds conflicting and confusing.
A: Send them to the Quality Assurance Area Manager for area you work in.
Q: I have a question on the updates, particularly Section 8 1.6.5 and 1.6.7. These two
requirements don't seem to mesh as one says one thing and the second says another with respect
to running cables directly on floor (1.6.5) and on racks (1.6.7). Can you clarify AT&T's
position?
A: Section 8, par. 1.6.5 is for existing raised floor environments where the are no cable
racks for transmission cables currently under the raised floor . Par. 1.6.7 is for any new
raised floor applications. All the new cable routes will have cable racking.
Q: K3.4.12 - Midwest states training shall be yearly (Trompeter). Kings connectors in the south
state that training should be carried out yearly. Who does the 3 year training apply to?
A: Except for the Midwest States, all of AT&T.
.
Q: L1.2.7.B Cables and wires less than 1/4" shall have a flag tag. Does this mean that every
DS1 and DS3 wire must be tagged?
A: DS0 and DS1 = NO, DS3 = YES
Q: Although you have clearly mentioned that in an added or a new area, it is imperative that the
vendor keep a record of all cable paths, etc. The only confusion that I encountered was when we
make a new run going through an existing area (especially when the existing area looks like a
spaghetti), how are we to create a path through the existing mess?
A: You make a new cable path up to the existing cable runs and then continue it on the
other side. You are not expected to install cable racking through an existing mass of cables.
Page 3 of 97
Q: Do the changes regarding K4.4.14 apply to all types of cables? (grounding, battery & battery
return cables)
A: The changes to K4.4.14 apply only to battery and battery return cables. This
requirement is under the "Power Connections" section of Section K. FYI, clear H-taps
covers are required on H-taps used for grounding connections also per ATT-P-05405-E,
Note 13. (Per Al Bergman, Common Systems Standards)
Q: Could you explain the addition of the Skill Level 4A or will it be detailed more in the
training sessions?
A: A Skill Level 4A only does test and turn-up work on the equipment like the Tellabs
Titan systems. They do not do any installation work at all.
Q: Section I, 2.6.5 seems to be saying that all new equipment frames installed will be 7' high
seismic Zone 4 yet 2.6.7 refers to installing 7' low seismic frames. What is the requirement for
our low seismic area, is a mix of the two types still acceptable as in the past? Are all frame
extenders in our area, to 9' and 11'6", required to be high seismic also? We have quite a few
various height low seismic frames and extenders in stock that will need to be used or junked
depending on your answer.
A: Per TP76400, Section 6, par 6.1.3 and TP76300, Section I, par. 2.6.5, all new frames
added in our central offices have to be Zone 4 type frames no matter where they are
installed. Existing and new line-ups have to have Zone 4 frames installed.
Q: Do we have to label each individual fiber at the FOT end with a flag type label?
A: Yes, as long as they are larger than 900 microns.
Q: Do we have to have both near and far end information on the FOT Panel label?
A: Yes, if it is the flag type marker placed on the individual fiber conductors
No, not on the manufacturer supplied designation card, only the far end information.
L2.2.3
Q: Where are we required to run OSP fiber tails in innerduct?
A: If is traditional OSP type fiber cable, it is required to be ran in innerduct anytime it is
run inside the central office. Per O3.1a and Mike Yeilding
Page 4 of 97
Q: Does AT&T Mobility fall under the TP’s now? I am still a little unclear as to where AT&T
Mobility is fitting nationwide, if anywhere when it comes to the TP standards
A: Not currently at this time. They are still working on when they will start using
TP76300. Yes, Mobility is using all the TPs now. All work is to be performed and audited
under the TPs.
Q: J3.3.13 - Battery return cables terminating on the battery return bus bar shall not be reduced.
Does this requirement just cover the power plant return bar?
A: No, it also includes the return bus bar in BDFBs/SPDUs.
Q: Has the BDFB Load Demand Worksheet been updated by anyone to coincide with the new
TP issue? Also, where can the Legacy T vendors find it.
A: The BDFB Load Demand Worksheet (LDW) has been updated. The latest version is
Issue 4. It can be found on Woodduck under the Transport Build Table of Contents link.
Legacy AT&T will not be utilizing the BDFB LDW because of their data bases that are
currently utilized.
Q: Sec. N, - N2.3.3. Is this continuity check/test performed just on the original install of the
bay and ESD jack or anytime work is performed in that bay or cabinet. What if no use of the
jack is required, etc.
A: The continuity test for the ESD jack has to be tested only on the initial install of the bay.
Q: L2.1.2. - What about the 5ESS environment where the unit names and equipment numbers
(PSU2-01) are not designated in the rear of the 5ESS cabinets. They are placed on the shelf
bezel on the front Had a situation where we installed some misc. equipment in a M02 cabinet
and we designated the front, but did not do the rear. The installer was not sure if he was required
to do so and I wanted to make sure that we comply. I know that we must have a unit number if
applicable or EQL location but the Name?
A: You do not need the rear designations on the main bays, LTPs, SMCs, etc., but in the
Misc. bays, you do need them front and rear because the tech does work in the rear of those
bays. The designations should read, Shelf-1, 2, 3, etc, Panel-1, 2, 3, etc, or Unit-1, 2, 3, etc.
Q: TP-76300 Sec G Para3.2.1 a states:
Complete the Negative Exposure Assessment (NEA) form (Figure G-3). The completed form
shall be maintained on-site until all drilling activities have been completed. Page 3 of the
completed form shall be sent or faxed to the NEA Management Center within two days of
completion of the drilling activities.
Page 5 of 97
And later on per:
TP-76300 Sec G Para 3.2.1 m) iii states the following:
Fax a completed MDR to 512.250.2940.
What’s this for? This is the NEA vendor.
A: The NEA vendor maintains and checks the NEA training data base and verifies that the
people listed on the NEA form are currently trained to perform the floor drilling. The
MDR is for audit tracking to make sure we are disposing of the drilling debris as required.
Q: TP76400, Section, par. 2.1.1 - Equipment frames, as defined here, include relay racks, bays,
and floor-supported cabinets comprised of a structural framework, and all equipment mounted
thereon. All frameworks shall be designed and constructed for Zone 4 service when installed in
AT&T equipment areas. Does this include battery stands?
A: No, Zone 4 requirements everywhere are only for electronic equipment frames. That
includes unequal flanged frames, network bay frames, data cabinets used to house
equipment shelves. Battery stands do not need to be Zone 4 when the battery string is
installed in low seismic risk locations. However, there are requirements that all battery
stands shall be anchored to the building floor and that they have side and end rails in all
locations no matter the seismic risk. The only difference is that heavier duty anchors are
used in higher risk locations and lighter duty anchors in low seismic risk locations. Jeff
Stroman in Bill Price's groups maintains the list of approved battery stands for all zones.
Q: 6.1.3 - Low seismic risk requirements have incorporated minimum equipment securing
measures required for all sites to reduce risks for equipment overturning or equipment walking
due to building vibration, accidental impacts, unbalanced loads or other physical mishaps. All
network equipment frames and DC power equipment including battery stands shall always be
secured to building floor in all locations. Battery stands shall be equipped with side and end
rails around all jars in all locations in accordance to DC power section of this document.
Do round cell stands with lock wedges meet this requirement?
A: Per Larry Wong: The locking wedges and the curved rear panel of the Tyco composite
battery stand replaces side and end rails of a conventional stand.
3/28/08
Q: On the fiber jumpers' that are internal to the 5ESS switch, do these require flag labels on
both ends?
Page 6 of 97
A: Per Mike Yeilding, the fibers internal to the switch do not require the flag markers.
Q: Can everything can be listed on one (1) MDR other than removed equipment including the
bag of drilling debris. The TP does not say anything about separate MDR's.
A: No, the drilling debris is not a tangible item and is not being turned over to AT&T.
The floor drilling debris needs to be on a separate MDR.
Q: K4.4.10. Barrel taps? Yes Are you still looking for these? Yes Appears that we are
getting clear H-taps rather than barrel taps. There is no such thing as a clear H-tap. There is
a clear H-tap cover. I thought that this was the, preference-barrel taps.
A: The in-line reduction (barrel) taps are required to be used instead of H-taps. If for some
reason there is no size available in the in-line reduction tap, then an H-tap can be used, but
only if there is no size available or if the application requires an H-tap (transitions). If you
have to use an H-tap, then a clear H-tap cover is required.
Q: L2.2.3. AT&T installers had questions regarding this and more than anything as to where
and exactly how the information is to be listed. Such equipment as the new DMX equipment,
etc.
A: If you add equipment or cabling into a transport type of bay, then a designation
showing the far end terminations of the added cabling is required. It can be on the shelf
itself, or on the bay upright. For example, adding DSX-1 or DSX-3 cabling. You designate
it tomorrow as you do today. If it is a switch bay, then this requirement is not
applicable. Requirement removed per Issue 1/1/10.
Q: F2.1.16. If the panned rack is to end just at the opening of the penetration and pick up on the
other side. It then says to secure the cable to the nearest strap on the cable rack. Are you just
referring to the straps that run through the cable hole, because as I see it all the straps on the
outside of the hole will be covered up with the pan.
A: Correct, just the straps through the cable hole if the panning stops just before the hole.
Q: Also, will need to take the pan to the last strap so it can be properly taped so it does not hang
loose or fall through?
A: Correct
Q: Will the JSA be required for engine alternator, PM340 and fuel monitor power monitor
installations?
Page 7 of 97
A: If you are not using the JSA today for any of your jobs, per D2.0.1, it is not required to
be used tomorrow.
Q: Would a Critical MOP be required any time the utility power to the office is interrupted?
A: Per D4.1.1e, a Critical Power MOP is required.
Q: The MOP is quite different than the version in EJF: my question is do we use the TP version
or do we continue to use the MOP form in EJF and as always upload the Volatile Work Power
MOP plus added will be the ASK YOURSELF SECTION for any volatile work and the Dry Run
Walkthrough for Critical Power Work?
A: Continue to use your current processes until told to do otherwise. Use the EJF version.
Q: Does the AFL Quality Audit have to be uploaded to EJF?
A: Yes, if that is what you do today. Continue to use your current processes until told to
do otherwise.
Q: Will the current forms in EJF be replaced with the forms listed in the TP 76300? If yes, will
all required forms be added to the EJF database? Are all forms listed in the TP 76300 required in
BellSouth? If no, will BellSouth provide a list of required forms?
A: The Installation Supplier shall use the current version of all forms, unless AT&T
authorizes the use of surplus stock forms.
Q: Is the current BellSouth Quality Checklist acceptable to meet this requirement?
A: The Installation Supplier shall consider the job complete when all items described
below have been complied with: An Installation Supplier quality performance audit of the
installation has been completed; results of the audit documented in the job folder, and
documentation that all defects and/or discrepancies have been corrected. This includes
when the defect was corrected and who corrected the defect. A check list is not an audit.
Q: What are drop in ceiling plates and why would a label not be required?
A: Drop in ceiling plates are the 3M plates you drop down into the cable hole that is
supported by either stirrups or a ledge made by a modified steel cover plate at the bottom
of a cable hole.
Q: Where does the vendor acquire the cable hole labels?
A: The labels are procured through Wallace. See ordering information below.
Page 8 of 97
Form No.
SBC40001
SBC40000
SBC40000-TEMP
Description
Yellow Wallet Label
Cable Hole Firestopped Label
Cable Hole Temporarily Opened Label
TO ORDER FORMS
Contact:
Wallace
Acct. Rep: Ben Harris or Denise Eckhoff
Tel. No.
1-800-924-4467
Q: Section F, Par. 5, Labels, Does this stand?
A: Yes, use the labels identified in TP76300 and the color scheme.
Q: Section F, if we meet the requirements for the UL instructions per System will we be OK?
A: Per Section F, 2.1.3, you are required to close the cable hole per the UL certified fire
stop system drawings.
Q: Are non-metallic pans allowed or not? If not there is nothing in the TP76400 that states they
are not.
A: On new jobs, they are not allowed. If it is a current on going job where they have
already been ordered and installed, then they are allowed.
Q: What about an 11' environment with bay extenders, do we need an 11' end guard?
A: Per I2.6.21, yes, you need an 11’-6” end guard.
Q: Should DESP stop retrofitting cable holes with QWIK connect unless specified in BER?
A: Yes, Per Larry Wong, the DESP should stop retrofitting the holes to QWIK connect.
Q: When we use the Z frame as we do on all our Wall Holes you Cannot turn Bricks the 8 inch
deep direction because a 1 inch turned UP lip on the entire perimeter edge of the Z Frame will
cut into the Block plus the W-L Drawing for Hilti Wall Holes shows Z Frame System with
Blocks at the 5 inch depth only required to meet the UL requirements for all wall Holes. Cost to
turn Hilti Blocks 8 inches deep through Walls which are not required per UL standards will
greatly increase per block count per hole.
Page 9 of 97
A: Per Section F, 4.14.1d states that the fire block will equal the wall thickness. If the wall
is 5 inches and the Z-frame is 5 inches, then the blocks will be installed in the 5 inch
direction.
Q: Are metallic cable rack pans the preferred method for all future installations in BellSouth?
A: Yes, you should not install non-metallic cable rack panning on future jobs.
Q: End panels or end shields shall be installed on all frame uprights not adjacent to another
frame or a building obstruction. Is this the preferred method for all future installations in
BellSouth?
A: Yes
Q: If OEM equipment provided does not meet TP standards is a waiver required? EX – Gray
bay extender strap with black heat shrink covering crimp on ground.
A: No, the OEM equipment and the way it is assembled at the factory will not be subject to
audit and does not need a waiver. Only the work the installer performs on site is audited.
Q: Is the switchboard cable rack required to be stenciled switchboard cable only when two tier
cable rack is installed?
A: No, in L2.1.8, it specifically states “… except switching equipment cable racks, shall be
designated”. This includes switchboard cable racking. MISREAD THE QUESTION. If
the cable rack is dedicated for switchboard cables only, then yes, per L1.2.8, the cable racks
should be designated with “Switchboard Cable Only”.
Q: Can the power assignments be affixed to the front of the power source (fuse panel, etc.)?
A: Yes, as long as it is at the top and front of the bay.
Q: Do we put an End Guard on all bays in a lineup that stands alone such as in a lineup with 10
bays and bays 1, 3, 6, 8, and 10 exists do we install 10 end guard panels per TP’s instructions.
A: Yes, but you can place an end panel, an end shield or an end guard on these stand alone
bays. One of the 3 are required.
Q: Do we add the full end guard because our existing practice is the end guard covers
equipment 7’ area only and not the extension? Also do we do this for existing equipment or
future equipment we add?
A: Yes, you add full height end guards, panels or shields. You do this for any newly added
frames on jobs completing 4/1/08 or later.
Page 10 of 97
Q: I1.3.9 states Switchboard and power cables installed on vertical cable racks shall be limited
so that the cable is not closer than 3 inches from the side of the cable hole. I4.1.2 states a cable
hole shall not be filled beyond 75 percent of its capacity, and cables shall not be placed closer
than 3 inches from edges. Does this mean to include all edges top and bottom of a wall hole and
all 4 sides of a floor hole?
A: This includes only the side and front edge of the cable hole. The cables are required to
be pressed up against the back edge of the cable hole with putty between the cables and the
edge of the hole for smoke stopping purposes.
Q: How will diversity requirements be applied to existing office conditions? Will the Models be
updated by 4/1/2008 to accommodate diversity?
A: The requirements are written for existing office conditions. If there are no separate
racks to run the cables diversely, then use the opposite side of 1 rack, etc. See the subparagraphs of the requirement.
Q: This condition, blocked cable paths, cannot be avoided in some offices due to equipment
locations and existing congestion conditions. Is a waiver request the proper approach? Can a
blanket waiver be issued for a particular office where this condition is unavoidable?
A: An approved waiver is required prior to deviating from the TP requirements. An
approved waiver for each office and job is required to allow for the deviation. Blanket
waivers are discouraged, but there is nothing in TP76300 that states that a blanket waiver
cannot be approved by GES.
Q: Was this an over sight or is the use of PVC tubing and strips prohibited for cable protection?
A: Formed fiber tubing and formed fiber edging is still allowable. I believe this is what
you are calling PVC tubing and strips.
Q: Are there limiting situations when power cable is authorized to drop through a cable rack?
A: Yes, you do not want to block future runs of power cables however. See IRCN-077
Q: Battery return cables terminating on the battery return bus bar shall not be reduced.
Does this apply only to both internal and external BDFB bus bars?
A: Updated - No, it applies to all battery return bus bars.
Q: Verification of a locking-type washer shall be by visual inspection. Refer to Figure K-1. Is it
talking about not putting no-ox on the painted surface or the entire connector?
A: It is doing both. It is giving an example of how a single hole lug should be secured.
Page 11 of 97
Q: In-line reduction (barrel) taps shall be used in preference to H-taps where possible to reduce
cable build-up on the cable racks. Is this the preferred method for all future installations in
BellSouth?
A: Yes, per K4.4.6, it is.
Q: Power leads shall not be stacked. Does this apply to DSX lamp leads that are multipled from
panel to panel?
A: Yes it does. Each DSX panel has its own power coming from the miscellaneous fuse
panel in the DSX bay.
Q: Says that the vendor can stack back to back Return Leads from a Single Network Bay on the
External Return Bar. We have never done this because if you remove this group of leads by
mistake for any reason you will drop the entire bay if both A and B loads are stacked?
A: Now you are allowed to do it.
Q: L2.1.9, Year/TEO Number/Vendor Name designation. Does this mean you still have to put a
vendor label with the vendor name?
A: No, you still do not have to put a vendor label with the vendor name. L2.1.9 covers it.
Yes, per L4.1.2, L4.1.2 and L4.1.4, on DS1 and DS3 cables you do.
Q: Stamping shall be accomplished using a rubber stamp of the appropriate size. Is a permanent
marker and stencil guide an acceptable alternative to rubber stamping?
A: No, it is not. The use of a lettering guide is allowed in a few specific areas
Q: All stamped lettering and numbering shall be coated with clear shellac. Is this the preferred
method for all future installations in BellSouth?
A: It is not a preferred method, it is a requirement. If you stamp your designation rather
than use P-touch labels, you coat it with shellac.
Q: The use of thermal transfer technology tape systems is limited to applications on smooth,
nonporous surfaces. This tape shall not be used on ripple-finished surfaces or any other irregular
surfaces. Are P-Touch, Brother, Brandy label machines considered “thermal transfer
technology” type labelers?
A: Yes, that is exactly what they are referring to.
Q: When communication panels are to be added, which are to be multiplied to an existing panel,
the multiple destinations shall be designated on the rear of both the new and existing panels. Get
Clarification
Page 12 of 97
A: If you multiple comm panels, you need a designation identifying the far end
terminations of the multiples on both panels.
Q: Front and rear of equip positions designate with name and number. What is meant by name?
(Ex: DSX 3 panel – Do you want DSX 3 PNL # stenciled on the back or CLEI and PNL #)
A: Shelf 1, Panel 1, Unit 2, etc.
Q: Where are power source labels placed on a miscellaneous bay when shelves are fed from
different power sources?
A: This requirement is only when the power source is feeding a fuse panel in the bay, not a
shelf.
Q: Says that all stamping shall be coated with a thin layer of Shellac. Should this read a thin
layer of non-toxic clear glue?
A: The question of the use of “shellac” was taken back to the TP committee and they
agreed to keep this wording.
Q: Gives direction on Cable Hole Designation where the actual cable hole number has to be
stamped on the hole frame or cover. Since wall holes have no cover per Hilti system should the
VENDOR mark these holes with a plate and can we get the OK do it this way and where would
we get the plate?
A: If there is no cover plate (wall hole), then you do not have to follow this particular
requirement. There is a requirement to place the cable hole designation on the wall also.
Follow this one. You do not need to add a plate just to put on a designation.
Q: L2.4.4g, BDFB’s shall be designated from bottom left panel up to top right panel is this for
Top fed or Bottom fed BDFB’s or is it for both Top and Bottom fed. Also should it be 1-20, 2140, 41- 60 or 1-20, 1-20 and 1-20 fuse positions?
A: This is for both top and bottom fed BDFBs. No, it should be 1.1, 1.2, 1.3……..1.20,
then 2.1, 2.2, 2.3…….2.20. Fuse panel and fuse position number, just like the requirement
states.
Q: M1.4.11, Does this mean that if the fuse connection stud can take a # 2/0AWG then that is
what we have to place in the BDFB?
A: #2AWG is the largest size cable that can be placed in the BDFB at the fuse position. If
the cable is larger than #2AWG, then it has to be reduced down using in-line reduction
taps. A 2/0 size cable is way too big.
Q: Limits patch cords to simplex and duplex only unless otherwise specified by an equipment
drawing. SEC O par 1.2.1.2 interconnect cables (commonly referred to as a jumper or patch
Page 13 of 97
cord) consist of one, tow or four fibers. SEC O 4.1.2 requires patch cords to be run in FPS. Some
current models specify using octal fibers. Can a quad or octal patch cord be run in the FPS?
A: Yes, if required to be used, a quad or octal patch cord can be run in FPS.
Q: Switchboard-type cable shall be cut initially as close to the termination of the cable at the
equipment or frame as possible and mined toward its source. Are these type terminations no
longer required to be physically disconnected prior to cutting the cable.
A: If the local techs want you to remove the connection prior to cutting, then that is OK
also. They are not required to be removed prior to cutting.
Q: Where do vendors get the "approved" red BITS timing books?
A: From their suppliers. See ATT-E-05300-E, Note 2.
Q: All flexible metallic conduits shall have a #6 AWG continuity bond across the flex section.
This is listed in the section above that pertains to the exhaust system. Does this mean that our
welded continuous stainless steel flex section requires an additional #6 bonding across each flex
section?
A: Yes it does.
Q: The standby engine/alternator set control cabinet shall have an #6 AWG ground lead
terminated with a two-hole crimped lug and be tagged. Is this going to be required for engine
mounted DEC550, DEC340 and DEC3 controllers? This additional ground is not being installed
at this time in TN and KY.
A: Yes it does.
Q: Any radiator not located on the engine/alternator skid shall comply with all ‘remote’ radiator
requirements. What are these requirements and where is this documentation located?
A: The are located in BSP 790-100-658MP, Standard Specification and Performance
Requirements for Engine/Alternator Sets.
Q: The emergency shutdown switch for the engine shall be designated and covered to prevent
accidental activation. Does this apply to the emergency stop installed by Kohler on the
controller or is this for additional remote emergency stops added?
Page 14 of 97
A: It is for all emergency stops installed.
Q: There is no exception for grounding timing leads of DDM-2000 & FT 2000 in TP 76300 or
TP 76400. Ground is hard wired in hooded connector at equipment end. Do we need a waiver
when we add one of these shelves?
A: If the interconnect drawing shows that both ends of the timing ground leads are to be
terminated, then they have to be terminated. A waiver is not required because the
drawings take precedence over TP76300.
Q: Are local (audible and visual) office alarms required?
A: That is up to the local LFO and maintenance folks. It is different in different locations.
Q: How do we access the Ask Yourself Training on-line?
A: http://www.qms.att.com/odms/NM/NPQ/GENERAL-METHODS/NCS/148/010-515170.html
Q: There is reference to a paper job folder in the TPs,
a)How does this accordion style folder mesh with EJF, or does EJF entirely take the place of this
folder?
b)If the folder is required, does it duplicate the documents that are in EJF, or would it only
contain items like a copy of the dated and initialed MOP and marked prints?
c) If the folder is required, are there additional requirements for it other than the size? (ie color
etc.)
d) The example of a label on this folder shows an AT&T logo. Isn’t this logo proprietary? How
or would the vendor be expected to replicate this exact label with the AT&T logo, would AT&T
supply the logo, or would the AT&T logo even be required?
A: The job folder and label are not applicable in the Legacy Bell South area. Continue
using the EJF as before.
Q: There is a reference to a standby engine under the critical power MOP section.
a) When would a MOP for an engine be considered as critical?
b) Would the AT&T Rep need to be for every step of an engine installation or only a certain
portion of the installation?
A: Refer to Section D, par. 4.1e of TP76300. a) All the time, b) The AT&T Rep would be
needed on every step as he/she is identified on the MOP.
Q: To whom in the Quality organization is the monthly Excel report detailing jobs completed in
the previous month to be emailed to? (Can we assume that this based on the completion date for
the job as opposed to the final drawing completion date?)
Page 15 of 97
A: Follow the current process for reporting completed jobs via EJF. Also, for 13 State
Legacy-S, QAS is used to report job completions. The Legacy-T job completion process is
to be continued as before.
Q: How can I get a copy of the BSP790-100-658MP drawing referenced in section U of TP76300?
A: Via the Common Systems Extranet web site.
Q: Would a JIM be completed and emailed to the AT&T rep for all email communication
between the vendor and the PCM or other AT&T rep?
A: Yes, or you can fax it.
Only waivers are approved for use now.
Q: The Excel spec form states AT&T Power Engineer signature. Does this mean that this spec
needs to be emailed to the AT&T PCM, signed, scanned back, and then added to EJF to be in
compliance with the TP as opposed to the current method of just adding a copy of the spec as an
attachment?
A: Follow current procedures
Q: What is the process for miscellaneous work operations such as warranty work, defect
correction, etc.? (ie anything that does not specifically have a TEO to perform the work)
A: There is no difference in process. Follow the same process.
Q: What are the necessary environmental standby engine permits referenced in TP-76300
section 3.1.4?
A: These are permits that are required based on your locality and municipality.
Q: What is the Installer card expected to look like? Could we see an example?
Engines were listed under Power, so would an installer card for an engine vendor read something
like Tier 1 Power (engine vendor) Level 4 Installer’s name plus company name.
Should this installer card include a photo ID?
A: You need both your company’s photo ID and the AT&T contractor’s photo ID. The
installer information can be on a separate card or placed on the back of either photo ID. It
should state something like: “Level 4 – Power”
Q: TP 76400 SEC 5 Par 2.2.13 list as the only exceptions for not adding ESD jacks as power
distribution racks / bays and to equipment racks that have no accessible space on which to install
an ESD jack. Are ESD jacks required on DSX1, DSX3 and LGX bays?
A: Per TP76400, yes they are required on those bays.
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Q: TP 76300 Sec J Par 1.3.9 cable on vertical cable rack shall be limited so that no cable is
closer than 3 inches from the side of cable hole. SEC J Par 4.1.2 specifies a cable hole shall not
be filled beyond 75 percent of its capacity, and cables shall not be placed closer than 3 inches
from edges. In most cases in the Southeast vertical cable rack is terminated at cable holes per
ATT TP 76409 Fig 9D and cables are within 3” of the rear of the cable hole.
Do the TP references above apply to the rear of the cable hole?
A: No, they do not apply to the rear of the cable hole. In fact, the cables should be up
against the rear of the cable hole with putty between the cables and the hole to keep air
from coming up the rear. The 3 inch rule is the sides and the front of the cable hole.
Q: TP 76400 SEC 11 Par 2.3.3 All timing signal leads from the BITS clock OUTPUT ports to
network elements shall be run using approved 1175A red jacketed shielded cable. The only
exception to this is the allowance of the use of the gray jacketed 1175A cable in legacy AT&T
applications because the red color is used exclusively with power cables. The shield/drain wire
shall be DC/hard grounded at the clock end only. The shield/drain wire shall NOT be DC/hard
grounded at the Network Element.
1. Some equipment comes with hooded connectors for timing and is hard grounded at the
equipment end within the connector. (ex: DDM2000, FT2000). Is a waiver required when
installing this equipment?
2. Cable assemblies for the above equipment is ordered from manufacturers drawings and
the cables that have been provided are not red jacketed. Is a waiver required when
installing these cable assemblies?
A: If the AT&T drawing shows that the ground lead is to be terminated at the network
element end as well as the BITS clock end, then no, a waiver is not required. The AT&T
drawings take precedence.
If the manufacturer and AT&T drawings show a gray/slate color for the timing cable, then
no, a waiver is not required.
Q: Is fuse size/amperage required on the ‘Power Source’ label (Figure L-10) on the network
end? The vendors have always done it, but frankly, I can’t find a standard that ever did require
this information.
A: No, it is not required on this designation. The fuse size will be designated at the source
location.
Q: Referencing L.1.4.9, …DC power source label at the top front of the bay.
Can the power assignments be affixed to the front of the power source (fuse panel, etc.)?
A: Yes it can as long as it is at the top and front of the bay. The requirement states that
the designation has to be at the top of the bay, not where at the top of the bay.
See
11/03/08 response to this same type question.
Page 17 of 97
Q: 2.1.1 - Equipment frames, as defined here, include relay racks, bays, and floor-supported cabinets
comprised of a structural framework, and all equipment mounted thereon. All frameworks shall be
designed and constructed for Zone 4 service when installed in AT&T equipment areas. Does this include
battery stands?
A: No, Zone 4 requirements everywhere are only for electronic equipment frames. That
includes unequal flanged frames, network bay frames, data cabinets used to house
equipment shelves. Battery stands do not need to be Zone 4 when the battery string is
installed in low seismic risk locations. However, there are requirements that all battery
stands shall be anchored to the building floor and that they have side and end rails in all
locations no matter the seismic risk. The only difference is that heavier duty anchors are
used in higher risk locations and lighter duty anchors in low seismic risk locations. Jeff
Stroman in Bill Price's groups maintains the list of approved battery stands for all zones.
Q: Low seismic risk requirements have incorporated minimum equipment securing measures
required for all sites to reduce risks for equipment overturning or equipment walking due to
building vibration, accidental impacts, unbalanced loads or other physical mishaps. All network
equipment frames and DC power equipment including battery stands shall always be secured to
building floor in all locations. Battery stands shall be equipped with side and end rails
around all jars in all locations in accordance to DC power section of this document.
Do round cell stands with lock wedges meet this requirement?
A: Per Larry Wong: The locking wedges and the curved rear panel of the Tyco composite
battery stand replaces side and end rails of a conventional stand.
Q: TP-76300 Sec G Para3.2.1 a states:
Complete the Negative Exposure Assessment (NEA) form (Figure G-3). The completed form
shall be maintained on-site until all drilling activities have been completed. Page 3 of the
completed form shall be sent or faxed to the NEA Management Center within two days of
completion of the drilling activities.
And later on per:
TP-76300 Sec G Para 3.2.1 m) iii states the following:
Fax a completed MDR to 512.250.2940.
What’s this for? This is the NEA vendor.
A: The NEA vendor needs the MDR to track disposition of floor drilling debris per the
NEA process requirements. Requirement removed per July 2009 issue of Section G
Q: Section D, 3.2.1 Does the CO Manager determine the "Maintenance Window by the
type of equipment to be worked on?
Page 18 of 97
A: Yes, the CO Manager determines the "Maintenance Window" for their offices.
Q: Section E - Is the project number still required on the NEA form?
A: Yes, if the project number field is on a form, the project number should be populated.
Q: Section L, 1.2.9b - Are flag labels required on the following: CAT5's, Dantel, shelf
grounds, alarm or P10 loops with in the bay .
A: Interbay cables and wires <1/4" such as CAT-5 cables and alarm wires require the flag
labels. Intrabay wiring (wires within a single bay), i.e. chassis ground wire, do not require
the flag labels. I am not sure what a P10 loop is, but if it is intrabay wiring, it does not need
to have a flag label.
Q: Section T, 2.5.2 - States that the shield ground will only be connected at the clock side. The
FW4100ES drawing states that the shield ground be tied down at both ends.
A: Follow the drawing. The drawing takes precedence over the TPs.
Q: Section Q, 1.2.1 - States that an AT&T Engineer has to approve a removal MOP. Does the
MOP have to be signed by both the Engineer & CO Manager?
A: If the engineer has identified the CO Manager as the AT&T Representative (see
definitions in Section A), then yes, both the Engineer and CO Manager has to sign the
MOP. The CO Manager will sign at the AT&T Representative signature line and the
Engineer will sign at the Engineer signature line.
Q: TP 76400 section 8 Par.4.8.13 requires the length of the flex tube not to exceed 18" from the
horizontal FPS to the top of the bay. When adding an equipment shelf to an existing bay on an
order that does not specify retrofitting the fiber drop and the fiber drop that is existing is in
excess of 18" is the vendor required to replace the flex tube with ridge? If correcting the preexisting condition is not required would a waiver be needed to route the fibers through the flex
tube.
A: Pre-existing conditions of fiber drops of split corrugated tubing >18" are not required
to be retrofitted with a rigid drop unless requested by the AT&T
Engineer nor is a waiver required.
Q: Do we have to label each individual fiber at the FOT end with a flag type label?
A: Yes, as long as they are larger than 900 microns. 900 micron size fibers do not get a
label.
Q: Do we have to have both near and far end information on the FOT Panel label?
Page 19 of 97
A: No, not on the manufacturer supplied designation card, only the far end
information. Yes, if it is the flag type marker placed on the individual fiber conductors
Q: Where are we required to run OSP fiber tails in innerduct?
A: If is traditional OSP type fiber cable, it is required to be ran in innerduct anytime it is
run inside the central office. Per O3.1a and Mike Yeilding
Q: What constitutes combustible material?
A: Paper, cardboard, wooden cable reels, etc.
Q: O2.1.20, are we allowed to secure multiple cables, per O2.1.20, under one stitch on a vertical
cable run.
A: No, this requirement is only applicable on horizontal cable runs. One cable under 1
stitch on vertical cable runs.
Q: When we use the Z frame as we do on all our Wall Holes you Cannot turn Bricks the 8 inch
deep direction because a 1 inch turned UP lip on the entire perimeter edge of the Z Frame will
cut into the Block plus the W-L Drawing for Hilti Wall Holes shows Z Frame System with
Blocks at the 5 inch depth only required to meet the UL requirements for all wall Holes. Cost to
turn Hilti Blocks 8 inches deep through Walls which are not required per UL standards will
greatly increase per block count per hole.
A: Per Larry Wong: More times than not, we place the bricks in wall penetrations with the
5" direction going into opening. In the TP, Section F, it only says to place bricks in wall
penetration for primary power or fiber AND when wall is thicker than 8". That narrows
the times you would ever place bricks in the 8" direction in walls. Even then, it is highly
unlikely the opening would be framed with Z-Frame, it would have normal angle iron
collar. For those few times when we have 1) power or fiber cables 2) walls thicker than 8",
3) Z-Frame trim, then maybe we should worry about it. But you know, the whole reason
for the different directions of brick placement is for T-Ratings and if you look in the fire
code, T-Ratings are only required for floors. Not sure why Brian Mullins required this
arrangement for walls.
Q: How will L1.4.9 apply to the 5ESS switch environment. At the GPDF, I can see this label,
but what about on all the peripheral bays that are powered by the GPDF? My assumption is that
this is mainly for the transport bays and not the switches.
A: Per Al Bergman: The Switch folks control their environment other than that we
provide power from a power board, so no this is not a requirement for the switch
environment. This is a requirement driven by Legacy-T as a means of improving service
restoral timeframes; the same information is on the rear of the bay power connection 145type tags. The switch organization can follow this lead, but, our responsibility for
Page 20 of 97
providing power ends at the GPDF. Transport bay will require the power source label
information.
4/25/08
Q: Section 3 of ATT-TP-76400 of the Detail Engineering Specification Requirements has a
strangely worded requirement. Please take a look at Section 3 – Paragraph 2.1.2d
“2.1.2 On the Cover Sheet, the DESP shall transfer all information from the fields of
the TEO Facesheet and the following information:
d) List of AT&T TEOs and appendices if included in this specification”
I think the intent, based on the Appendix 3a and 3b templates is to list the applicable TEO and
its appendix. The “if” in the statement as well as the “included in this specification” can lead us
to read too much into this requirement. I am sure we do not have to INCLUDE the TEO in the
Detail Specification, correct? Might be something to consider rewording in the next release.
What about the situation where we have been issued TEO Appendix -0, but the -1 appendix was
issued to another vendor/group and -2 was subsequently issued to us. Do we have to list both -0
and -2 or just the last appendix received at the time of writing the Detail Specification?
A: To answer your first question. You do not need to include the TEO itself in the
spec. The requirement is referring to the TEO information from each TEO appendix.
To answer your second question, you would note TEO Appendix 0 and 2 on the cover sheet
of the Spec in the appendix field since the SPEC would be based on the information from
both the 0 and 2 appendix TEO.
The requirement wording has not been changed except to remove the "LEC" word from
the requirement.
Q: So, my question is, how far from the tip of fibers should we place the flag marker and if so
should we place flag markers inside of rear FOT panel covers (3”) or outside of FOT panel rear
entrance (approx. 45” to 46”)?
Page 21 of 97
A: There is no requirement as to how far from the end of the fiber jumper that the flag
markers have to be placed. They can be placed so they are inside the fiber panel or placed
so they are just outside the fiber panel. This will most likely come down to where the LFO
wants you to place the flag markers. I have seen them inside the fiber panels and it doesn't
look too bad.
It is not 3" from the end. The 3" requirement is the length of the flag marker. Your
installer is correct with the requirement about not being under a cover, visible etc. This
requirement is for 145 type tags. L1.2.8
Q: In the southeast the use of G Clips was not allowed, can G Clips now be used in AT&T
Offices.
A: Per TP76400, Section 8, Table 8-2 references ATT-TP-76409. Per ATT-TP-76409,
"G"-clips can be used in all the AT&T central offices. Remember that the figures in
TP76409 that show G-clips have to be followed exactly.
Q: Can Slotted Hanger Bracket kits (G-Clips) also be used to support fiber duct?
A: No, you cannot use the G-clips to support the FPS. You are required to follow the
AT&T drawing and use the hardware the drawing prescribes. Also, you are required to
use the materials from ADC to support the FPS via the cable rack.
Q: If the fuse panel is mounted in the middle of the bay, does the power source label need to be
at the top of the bay in 3/8 inch font?
A: If the fuse panel is mounted in the middle of the bay, the power source designation is
required to be at the top front of the bay. With regards to the size of the designations, that
is dependent on the space available. 3/8" is the preferred size, but if the size has to be
reduced due to space limitations, then the designation can be smaller. If the size is reduced,
then the largest size that will fit in the available space is required
Q: O 2.1.20 The maximum amount of fiber cables allowed to be secured under one stitch are as
follows:
* Fiber counts of 2 to 6 per cable are allowed to have up to 10 cables under one stitch.
Page 22 of 97
* Fiber counts of 8 to 36 per cable are allowed to have up to 5 cables under one stitch.
* Fiber counts above 36 fibers per cable are allowed to have no more than 2 cables under
one stitch.
But on the other hand the ATT-E-00136-E drawing has this to say;
ATT-E-00136-E
NOTE 11
8, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 96 conductor Fiber
Cables are approved. Other conductor counts
shall not be used.
The Installers and Engineer want to install a two count OFNR cable. Is this allowable under
warranty work? Thanking you for your assistance in this matter.
A: The short answer for now is if working in Legacy-T area, two count fiber cable is
allowed. However, currently, it is not in the Legacy-S regions. I will work with Doug
Florence to change the 00136 drawing to bring it in line. We should have it ready to release
in the next week or so.
Q: TP 76400 4.4.6 The preferred method of interconnecting two cables is compression-type
barrel or reducing splice using manufacturer recommended die. However, H-Taps may be used
and shall be crimped with the manufacturer recommended circular die. H-taps with side taps may
be used, and the side taps do not require a filler (a section of bare wire of the appropriate size);
however, the branch requires a filler if not used.
4.5.2 The proper connector, wire, die and crimping tool shall be used as a system to make an
acceptable circumferential (e.g., hex) crimp. Normally the same manufacturer’s equipment is
utilized to form the system and maintain a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL)
listing. All crimping tools shall have a feature that ensures positive compression.
Can T&B and Burndy tools and dies be used interchangeably with T&B and Burndy reducer
splices? Or must manufacturers’ tools dies be used with the manufacturers’ splices?
A: This question regarding interchangeability of Burndy and Thomas & Betts tooling
came up the other day with an inquiry from John Goldsberry of Thomas & Betts. The use
of the same manufacturer's tools, dies, and connectors provides the best compression of a
connector. However, when we opened up the Minor Material list to add T&B connectors
Page 23 of 97
in addition to the Burndy connectors; both manufacturers performed UL testing to certify
their dies and tooling with the other's connectors. Both manufacturers have cross
references in their catalogs to indicate which die should be used with which connector as in
some cases the color code does not match (see page C-10 in the '07 Burndy Master Catalog).
Bottom line you can mix and match between Burndy and T&B as long as you follow the
appropriate cross reference. We did not want to drive installation vendors to replace or
add to their existing tooling to use either the Burndy or Thomas & Betts connectors. If you
need additional tooling cross reference information you can contact Ron Jackson of
Burndy or John Goldsberry of Thomas & Betts who I have copied on this email.
Q: Is there a preference as to the type and color of the sync assignment book and what is the
preferred method for attaching the book to the frame?
A: The BITS book is required to be a red book. When the book is ordered, attachment
material and directions are supplied. It can be ordered from the following place:
CJK
Garland, Texas
972-270-1086
Part Number - CJK-2286A
Q: We need some clarification related to exactly when a temporary ground bridge is required
when we are removing bays. In AT&T’s TP-76300, Section Q, 1.2.3, we are required to add a
temporary ground bridge when we are removing bays. However, is this meant for only when
bays grounds are daisy chained to each other and not connected to any overhead aisle ground?
The addition of a temporary ground bridge for the removal of bay or bays where the bays are
connected to an aisle ground seem to add more points of possible ground disruption when the
bridge has to be removed.
A. This is only meant when the bays are daisy chained. If each individual bay is grounded
to the rear aisle ground conductor, there is no need to have a temporary bridge. The idea
is to not allow any bays to not be grounded back to the CO ground system.
Q: Had a question about the new ATT-TP-76300, currently on Core and CAS jobs for LegacyT/AT&T we have to fiber paper each stitch on riser rated fiber cable. As it stands in the TP, it is
not required to fish paper OFNR Riser cables unless they cross a sharp edge or AC/DC
conductor. Also if the OFNR has a soft outer jacket, then they need to be protected also.
A. The TP will be changing. It is required to fiber the riser cables.
Q:
Is there a map or a list out there that defines what region each of the states are part of?
A. At this time, there is no map or list. The “zones” are still being worked by the merger
teams.
Page 24 of 97
West Region: AK, AZ, CA, CO, GU, HI, ID, MO, NV, NM, OR, UT, WA, WY
South Central: AR, CT, KS, MO, OK, TX
North Central: IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, NE, ND, OH, SD, WI
South East: AL, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, PR, SC, TN
North East: DE, DC, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT, VA, WV,
Q: On the <https://ebiznet.sbc.com/sbcnebs/> site, there some forms that are not published on
the TP Forms link such as NEA, Fiber Optic Test Record and BDFB LDW. Are these going to
be added?
A. I have requested that these forms be placed on the EBIZ web site.
Q: Will the type of fiber testing required in the ATT-TP-76461 and if specific type of test
equipment required for BellSouth?
A. Yes, you are required to follow the TP76461 testing in BellSouth.
Q: In reviewing the new ATT-TP 76300 Labeling Supplement which was issued by Legacy-T,
it states: The purpose of this document is to provide clarification of differences regarding
labeling in ATTCORP equipment areas. The intent of these standards is to maintain labeling
continuity in existing ATTCORP locations. What locations are being referenced as
"ATTCORP"? Have the QAS Quality Auditors been made aware of this document and how it
applies?
A. No, the QAS Quality Auditors have not been made aware of this document and how it
applies. Currently, we are all following our pre-merger processes. Since we do not audit
any Legacy-T jobs, we do not need to be aware of that document. If the time comes for us
to audit Legacy-T jobs, then we will be made aware of it. The new Section L, Issue 1/1/10,
replaces the Labeling Supplement.
Q: The TP 76300 Sec. G, 1.1.8 refers to ten states that cannot follow the NEA flooring drilling,
lifting, and cutting procedures applicable to the other forty states. Will the states listed below
require an Asbestos Abatement Professional to perform the drilling and or removal of asbestos
containing materials?
Sec. G, 1.1.8 The procedures described here cannot be used in Alaska, Delaware, Iowa,
Maryland, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Washington, and
Vermont. ADC has not received an answer to this question to date.
A. Section G of TP76300 has recently been updated to answer these issues. July, 10, 2009
Page 25 of 97
Q: Going forward, will there be a single repository for all standards documentation information
and updates? If not, where will they reside? Currently the Vendors are still getting updates from
each of the Legacy’s which on occasion copy each other.
A. At some time in the future, there will be a single repository for all the standards
documentation information and updates. This is still being worked on by the merger
committees
Q: TP 76300 SECTION O
2.1.13 Optical Fiber Non-conductive Riser (OFNR) cable leaving cable racks and entering
frames,
racks or other equipment shall be supported at least every 3 feet.
2.1.14 When OFNR cable transitions from the horizontal to the vertical plane, a preformed
turndown
shall be utilized.
2.1.15 When placing OFNR cable rack relative to the bay lineup, consideration to the type and
size
of the required cable rack preformed turndown needs to be taken into account.
Q: If adding a OFNR cable into an existing cable rack into a existing Network Element or LGX
bay is a waiver required if there is no space to add a preformed turn down.
Q: If adding a new bay (Network Element or LGX) and new OFNR cable rack to an existing
lineup and there is no space to add a preformed turndown due to overhead congestion is a waiver
required?
A: With the different types of turndowns that are allowed, there should be no situation
where a turn down cannot be added. However, if you ever come across a situation where
you cannot add a turndown, then an approved waiver is required.
Q: Table L-3 indicates the character size requirement for 145 type tags as 1/4 inch. It also
states “see Para 1.2.8c for more info”.
L1.2.8c states that “designations on tags shall be sized to allow for all information needed but
shall be no smaller than 1/8 inch. Both sides of the tag can be utilized. (Refer to Table L-4
for Requirements”.
Question 1: At which point will we be assessed defects: a) characters smaller than 1/4 inch or b)
characters smaller than 1/8 inch?
In the interest of efficiency and productivity, it is less costly to use one tape on one side
of the tag. If we must print two pieces of tape, trim both tapes and then affix to the front and the
back of the 145 tag, we are using more time and more tape. It also makes it more difficult for
auditors to view the designations within the BDFB when printed on both sides.
Page 26 of 97
Question 2: Can we print 3 lines on 1 inch tape to affix to one side of the 145 type tag, yielding
a character size of 3/16 inch? Is this acceptable? As the standard seems to conflict, is there
leniency to be somewhere between the 1/4 to 1/8 inch size?
A: The vendor is not required to use 1/4" on the 145 type tag unless the entire designation
can fit on one side of the tag using 1/4". If it cannot fit using 1/4", then they can reduce it
to 3/16" to get all the information on one side. If they do this, it is not a defect. They are
not expected to use both sides to achieve the 1/4" size. We do not require them to use both
sides of the tag. It is an option. Also refer to L1.2.3 and L1.2.4 regarding sizing.
Q: Are the Brady® B-145 Rigid Polyethylene tags acceptable to use?
A: Yes, these can be used.
Q: Legacy T did not have a requirement for a "sync assignment record book" and it is not
mentioned in the TP76300 Label Supplement. Does this requirement apply to Legacy T?
A: Yes, this applies to Legacy T Issue 1/1/10 of Section L indicates that the red BITS
assignment book is only required to be provided on new BITS shelf installations and not on
existing installations where a new circuit is being added to an existing BITS shelf.
Q: TP76400 Section 12-6.1.5 A and B return leads from the same network element may be
connected to the same battery return bar position. This is not per old Legacy T standards. Do we
follow the new standard in Legacy T?
A. Yes, follow the new standard
Q: Are we required to add fiber paper at all stitching points for fiber optic riser cables in Legacy
T? This was required by Legacy T prior to the 76300.
A. Yes fiber paper is required. This has been discussed with Don Mitrano and Common
Systems will be issuing an RCN to the 300 to make it a requirement.
Q: Is the old Legacy T “Intra-Office Fiber Optic Standards Document Issue 11.1” still in affect?
A. No it is not. It has been retired per Don Mitrano.
Q: What constitutes a soft rubber jacket on an OFNR cable?
A. One that is more easily bendable than a stiff jacket such as in an OSP cable. Another
definition would be one that allows for a bend radius of 10x the OD.
Q: TP76400 Section 2-2.2 & 2-2.3 has some specific requirements that are not currently being
adhered to on Legacy-T UVN orders. Is this going to change?
A. Yes, it is supposed to change.
Page 27 of 97
Q: TP 76300 SECTION O, 2.1.14 When OFNR cable transitions from the horizontal to the
vertical plane, a preformed turndown shall be utilized.
Q: Does this requirement apply when running a fiber tail from a Network Element to an LGX on
L brackets and the OFNR transitions from the horizontal plane to the vertical entering the bays
and when transitioning to different cable rack levels on L brackets through the office?
A: No, it does not apply when running cables on L-brackets.
Q: TP 76300 SECTION J
1.3. General Cable Routing
1.3.9 Switchboard and power cables installed on vertical cable racks shall be limited so that
the cable is not closer than 3 inches from the side of the cable hole.
Q: Does 1.3.9 apply to OFNR cables also?
A: Yes, this does apply to OFNR cables also
Q: F1.3.9 specifies vertical cable racks. Does this same standard apply to horizontal cable
rack going through a wall hole?
A: Yes, and also per, J4.1.2, this applies to both floor and wall holes.
Q: TP 76300 SECTION J
4.1. Blocked Cable Runs
4.1.1 When blocked cable runs in cable racks or cable penetrations are encountered, the
Installation Supplier shall contact the detail engineer for instructions.
4.1.2 A cable hole shall not be filled beyond 75 percent of its capacity, and cables shall not be
placed closer than 3 inches from edges.
4.1.3 When a cable hole reaches capacity no more cable shall be run through the cable hole
and the floor plan shall be marked to reflect blocked conditions.
Q: If there are previously installed cables that were placed within 3 inches of the side of a cable
penetration (Horizontal or Vertical) and the cables can not be relocated in the hole, does this
constitute a block cable hole that can no longer be opened?
A: The 3 inches is when the cable bundle, not just one cable is within 3 inches of the sides.
If there are multiple cables that are within 3 inches of the side, then this constitutes a
blocked cable hole and should no longer be used.
Q: Will the Legacy-T and Legacy-B follow the ATT-TP-76400 Section 8-1.6. Cabling Under
Raise Access Floor?
1. New Cable Rack on floor?
Page 28 of 97
2. Transmission only on floor?
A. Yes, everyone is following the same standards now.
Q: Is the Optical Data Sheet on Page T6 in TP 76900 required to be completed and left in the
job folder/EJF?
(The test record figure (E4) in Section E of TP 76300 is not designed to record loss readings.
A: Yes, the Optical Data sheet should be an attachement to the Test Record. On the Test
Record, you will indicate that you did a db/loss test on the fibers, whether there was trouble
found or not and the date and initials of the person performing the test. The Optical Data
sheet will have all the readings.
Q: Is a sync assignment record book required for each BITS shelf? If not is it per floor or
office?
A: Per ATT-E-05500-E, Note 2, only 1 BITS book is required per bay.
Q: Is there a required preference on the sheets in the sync assignment record book?
A: Either the sheets that come with the book or the data base record sheets. Either one can
be used, just as long as they are accurate.
Q: Is it still a requirement to stencil the timing assignment plate on the side of the BITS shelf?
A: No, this is not a requirement any longer. This is why we have the books.
Q: TP 76300 SEC I
2.6.22 When spacers, (i.e. spacer junction, frame extender, cable spacer, spacer box) are required
between equipment frames, the space between frames shall include a base filler matching the
guard box details of adjoining equipment frames and a full height filler panel covering the space
between frame uprights (unless an AT&T standard drawing indicates that a filler panel Is not
required for a specific project). The base filler shall be secured to the building floor with
similar floor anchor hardware as used for equipment frame installation. The filler panel
shall be secured to the equipment frame uprights with junction plates and mounting hardware at
intervals no greater than 3 feet increments. Filler panel and base filler shall be finished to match
color of equipment frames.
1. The base filler for DSX bays currently is not being provided with a hole in the base so
that it can be anchored. Central Steel has advised that they have addressed drilling holes
and product shipped in July will have the hole and anchor provided.
Page 29 of 97
2. The 2” base filler provided for DMX bays is constructed with an open bottom and can not
be anchored. Central Steel has advised that the open bottom design was an ATT SE
(BellSouth) design and they have not received a request to change the design.
Q: Will waivers be required for base fillers provided by the OEM that can not be anchored?
A: No, if the base filler is not designed to be anchored, then a waiver is not required. The
auditor should know that if it not designed to be anchored, the installer cannot anchor it.
However, it would probably cause less confusion during and audit if you did get a waiver,
just to be safe.
Q: TP76300, Section L, Figure L-10 has the designations LD-A & LD-B on the Power Source
label. Do these loads represent the Far End Loads in the BDFB that the fuse panel is assigned or
the Load A & B of the fuse panel?
A: The Load A and Load B are the far end, BDFB, loads and not the near end, fuse
panel, loads. If the BDFB has A-F loads and you are using loads E and F, then the
designation at the relay rack should read Load E and Load F, with the associated fuse
position numbers and the BDFB number. I hope I did not add to confusion with the last
statement. Just remember ONE thing: this designation is for the power source.
Q: L2.1.8 reads: Dedicated cable racks reserved for specific purposes (power, unfused power
cable, fiber
optics, etc.), except switching equipment cable racks, shall be designated.
Does this mean battery string cable rack needs to be labeled ‘unfused’ or is ‘chg/dischg’ OK?
A: Per L2.1.8 which reads: Dedicated cable racks reserved for specific purposes (power,
unfused power cable, fiber optics, etc.), except switching equipment cable racks, shall be
designated.
Therefore, the dedicated cable racking for the battery cables are required to be designated
as "Unfused Power Cable Only". ‘chg/dischg’ is not OK to use.
Q: Do you see any problem with using bare frame ground instead of green?
A: No, there is no problem using a bare tinned #6 for the frame ground. Per TP76416, either one
can be used for the frame ground conductor.
Q: When you have a relay rack with different technologies in it, does the shelves number say 18 from bottom to top or do the shelf numbers start at “1” again when you start a new type of
shelf?
Page 30 of 97
A: Panel/shelf numbering is referenced on ATT-E-00447-E note 11.
4/25/08
Q: We know to use clear heat shrink on all power and ground cable lugs. But on other types of
cable(s) the rumors are black heat shrink but TP doesn't specify clear or black. It just says to heat
shrink, not use electrical tape on timing cables also will coax need heat shrink as well. Any other
mention of heat shrink for any other cabling specifies clear. Should it be black or clear and where
can I find this?
A. There are no color requirements for heat shrink except for the clear on the power and
ground lugs. Either clear or colored heat shrink can be used on switchboard type cables.
With regards to the coax question, I am not sure what location of the coax the person is
asking. If it is at the cable butt, then either heat shrink or tape can be used. If it is at the
connector itself, heat shrink is not required.
Q: If a preassembled bay has black heat shrink on leads, or is cabled to the left instead of the
right per AT&T’s drawing, (just 2 examples) is a JIM required?
A: If it comes from the factory that way, no, a waiver is not required. The vendor does not
have to do anything. They will not get hit with a defect since they did not install the cable
or heat shrink.
Q: Is there a requirement for routing fiber jumpers when mounting a new shelf, that has the
fiber terminations on the rear, into an existing bay with slotted duct installed on the front
uprights? Which means that the fibers have to leave the slotted duct on the front of the bay, ran
under the new shelf through the middle of the bay (protected with spiral wrap) and terminated on
the rear of the shelf. Is this acceptable as long as the fiber jumpers are protected with the spiral
wrap? Or would a new drop need to be made to a new piece of slotted duct to the rear of the bay?
Or would any type of fiber/cable management panel with rings that has holes in the panel for
routing cables through to the rear be acceptable?
A: If a rear access shelf is added to an existing frame equipped with front access shelves
and front mounted fiber containment system, a new secondary fiber containment system
shall be added on the rear of the frame to support the rear access shelves. New fiber runs
shall be required to service the rear access shelf. If this situation occurs the item shall be
referred back to the ATT Engineer or Project Manager ASAP for confirmation of the
intent to continue with this condition. That will put the responsibility for choosing the
correct shelf deployments back where it belongs.
Page 31 of 97
Q: Since the Sync Assignment Book is new for Legacy - T, we are getting a couple of
questions. Here is one that I cannot answer. Help Q: When initially placing the sync assignment
record book in the office, what is the expectation? 1. Provide and verify all assignments in
SyncTrac? 2. Provide only the assignment for the order that is being worked?
A: Mark the record books from the current job forward. Solution 2 as listed.
TP 76300 SECTION J
1.3. General Cable Routing
1.3.9 Switchboard and power cables installed on vertical cable racks shall be limited so that
the cable is not closer than 3 inches from the side of the cable hole.
Q: Does 1.3.9 apply to OFNR cables also?
A: Yes, this does apply to OFNR cables also
Q: 1.3.9 specifies vertical cable racks. Does this same standard apply to horizontal cable rack
going through a wall hole?
A: Per, J4.1.2, this applies to both floor and wall holes.
TP 76300 SECTION J
4.1. Blocked Cable Runs
4.1.1 When blocked cable runs in cable racks or cable penetrations are encountered, the
Installation Supplier shall contact the detail engineer for instructions.
4.1.2 A cable hole shall not be filled beyond 75 percent of its capacity, and cables shall not be
placed closer than 3 inches from edges.
4.1.3 When a cable hole reaches capacity no more cable shall be run through the cable hole
and the floor plan shall be marked to reflect blocked conditions.
We have numerous situations where OFNR cable was run through cable holes either on the
side of a switchboard cable rack or hanging below on L brackets that are within 3 inches of
the side of the cable hole.
Q: If there are previously installed cables that were placed within 3 inches of the side of a cable
penetration (Horizontal or Vertical) and the cables can not be relocated in the hole, does this
constitute a block cable hole that can no longer be opened?
A: The 3 inches is when the cable bundle, not just one cable is within 3 inches of the sides.
If there are multiple cables that are within 3 inches of the side, then this constitutes a
blocked cable hole and should no longer be used.
Page 32 of 97
5/12/08
Q: Per Section 3, 3.12.3g) The from and to locations of the cable run. When diverse cables are
required, the side of the bay or relay rack on which to run the cables shall be shown in the "TO
DROP" and "FROM DROP" columns. Cable drop in feet may be included if desired. For
example, L indicates drop on the left side of the bay, as referenced from the front of the bay, or
10L indicates a ten foot drop if the cable drop in feet is included
I’ve been asked if left or right as viewed from the rear, as long as it’s stated in a Note or within
the cable running list is OK.
A: No, it is not OK. You must follow the TP.
Q: Section A - 1.4.9 The Installation Supplier shall notify the Detail Engineering Service
Provider (DESP) and the AT&T Equipment Engineer in writing, of any conditions or items that
do not meet the job documentation and ATT-TP-76300 requirements.
If a preassembled bay has black heat shrink on leads, or is cabled to the left instead of the right
per AT&T’s drawing, (just 2 examples) is a JIM required?
A: If it comes from the factory that way, no, a JIM is not required. The vendor does not
have to do anything. They will not get hit with a defect since they did not install the cable
or heat shrink.
Q: For the ground that drops from the cable rack or brackets etc. to the equipment frames, does
the section on cable support (3' max) apply because it does not state specifically anywhere for
grounds. Not even the grounding TP, it is vague. It talks about the brackets not being more than
18 to 20 inches apart or other supports if along a wall or ceiling not being more than 11 or 12". I
have always thought that the ground drop should follow the same rule as for power cable.
A: The unsupported drop length limit for ground cables shall be the same as for power
cables. Both cables are of similar insulation type and wire sizes. Current unsupported drop
length shall be limited to 36`
Q: TP76400, Section 3, Para 1.3.6.
Which footer example should we use, the TP example or figure 3A example?
A: Use the TP76400 example.
Q: TP76400, Section 3, Para 1.3.6
Is Header information required as in 3A example, if not, then can ALU have its own header
information?
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A: Yes, you are required to use the exact header information on your specs as shown in
Appendix 3A. You cannot have your own header information
Q: The ATT-TP-76300 & ATT-TP-400 keep being updating and not the effective date – Why
are the standards being modified and not using the IRCN//ERCN process? A misprint was found
in ATT-TP-76300 in Section F - page F-22 it is missing a table.
A. AT&T is actually doing both. We are using the IRCN/ERCN process and the owner of
the document is also updating the document on the web. You can track to see what has
happened based on the IRCNs/ERCNs issued. With regard to Section G, this was a
complete Section replacement and it has a different issue number (4/18/08).
Q: The copy of the ATT-TP-76400 Section 8 for Fiber Protection Systems downloaded in
February 2008 had different paragraph count than that of the version I downloaded from AT&T's
website. They are both dated January 2008. Shouldn’t an ERCN been sent when this was
changed?
A. My guess is that they felt this was “cosmetic” and therefore did not feel an ERCN was
warranted.
Q: Is there a requirement for AC convenience receptacle to be on both front and rear of
equipment frames?
TP76300 Section M
M 7.3.5 The spacing of AC test receptacles shall be every third bay, not to exceed 10 feet in
equipment frames. A single or stand-alone frame shall have a test receptacle provided or placed
in the base. If a single or stand-alone bay to be installed has not been engineered with a test
receptacle, the Installation Supplier shall contact the DESP for resolution.
A. Yes, TP76400, Section 8, par. 6.2.5, last sentence No, unless you are directed to add
two appliance outlets in a bay, then only one is required. This is per GES.
Q: It has become common practice to use 2, 4, 6 & 12 pack riser fibers in Legacy T which
makes clamping virtually impossible. How are we to clamp these cables?
TP76300 Section M
O 2.1.12 The Installation Supplier shall utilize cable clamps and grommets to secure all fiber
optic cables terminating between Fiber Distributing Frames (FDF) or between FDFs and
Network Elements. Clamps and grommets shall be attached to the terminating shelf if there is a
designated place on the shelf itself to do so. If there is no designated place on the terminating
shelf, then the clamp and grommet shall be placed on the bay upright. Multiple clamps and
grommets may be used if necessary to facilitate proper cable slack management. Nine cord may
Page 34 of 97
be used as an additional cable securing instrument on the bay upright once the primary clamp
and grommet have been placed.
A. You follow your current practices with these size fiber cables.
Q: Are Inspection Windows required on In-Line Splices? I have noticed that some have them
and some don't.
A. All the in-line reduction taps should have an inspection window. Let me know the
manufacturer and size of the reduction taps that do not have an inspection window.
Q: Can we no longer use wire type compartment horns?
TP76300 Section I
I 2.4.8 f) Installed cable rack horns that are not the straight formed wire design shall not be
reused.
A. Please refer to ATT-TP-76409, Par. 8.1 and figures 22 and 23
Q: Legacy T utilized orange FPS in many of its offices. Can we continue to use orange duct on
new growth in these areas?
TP76400 Section 8
8-4.5.1 - The Fiber Protection System represents a separate and unique fiber optic protection
system used only for fiber optic cross connect patch cords between Transmission and Switch
equipment and the FDF. All equipment which uses fiber optic connectivity will hub to the FDF
for all intraoffice connections. This protection system will provide both separation from all other
cable racks and will provide a protection of the fiber optic patch cords from installation activity
in a Central Office. As an additional means of providing fiber separation and protection from
other types of cabling within the Central Office, The Fiber Protection System will also be
identified by its own unique color which is yellow. The only color approved for use within
AT&T for Fiber Protection Systems is Yellow. The Protection System will provide routing
capability for the SONET ring paths for both primary and protect connections from the
Transport/Switch equipment to the FDF. The fiber pairs will be cross connected at the FDF to
either OSP facilities or to other intraoffice equipment. Note: There are different FDF
requirements for Legacy T IXC service. They can be found in this document in Section 9, Subsection 6.
A. As TP76400 states, only yellow can be used. So the answer to the question is no, you
cannot continue to use orange. Legacy T is following the new TP76400 and TP76300.
Q: Legacy T does not have 12 inch FPS anywhere in the Northeast. We add OC-192 fibers in
muxes all the time. How does this apply to Legacy-T?
TP76400 Section 8
Page 35 of 97
8-4.8.6 Horizontal Fiber Protection System routes between Optical Carrier systems with speeds
of OC-192 (or equivalent i.e. 10G) or higher and FDF lineups should be provisioned with a
minimum of 12” trough.
8-4.8.7 The Fiber Protection System over the FDF should be provisioned with 12” wide
horizontal troughs and 4” wide vertical drops as a minimum.
A. All new jobs will have 12” FPS installed for this scenario. As far as what is existing,
continue using what is in place. It will not need to be replaced.
Q: Section 3, Para 1.2.3,
Could AT&T expand on this as in: does Variance form require to be attached or can the
information be in a general note?
A: The actual written approval of a variance is required to be attached to the Detail
Specification. Not just a general note.
Q: TP76400, Section 3, para 1.3.1, (b)
If a EIU tab is present with no information on a excel spec, could this lead to a defect?
A: As long as EIU information is not required, then no, a defect will not be assessed for a
blank EIU tab.
Q: TP 76300 SEC I
2.6.17 End guards shall be secured in the front and rear and at the top and bottom and at the
intermediate locations provided by the manufacturer.
End guards provided by Alcatel Lucent for DSLAM bays are not equipped with a method for
securing end guard to the equipment frame in the rear.
Q: Is a waiver required when adding or relocating end guards attached to DSLAM bays
where there is no OEM solution for securing the end guard in the rear?
A: If the OEM end guards do not have holes in the rear to secure them, then no, a waiver
is not required. It is understood that the requirement cannot be met.
Q: When we are labeling fibers do we still label like this example.
NEAR END : ALCATEL 1680 OGX
0000000.00
SYSTEM BAY #, SHELF,SLOT, PORT IN OR OUT
WORKING OR PROTECT
FAR END : LGX
0000000.00
PNL #, JK , IN OR OUT
Page 36 of 97
WORKING OR PROTECT
A: No, the “IN” and “OUT” has to be shown as “RX” and “TX”.
Q: When we are installing a system that has a load-a , and load b do we label it like the bdfb is
labeled like if the bdfb has ld-a,ld-b,ld-c,ld-d,ld-e and ld-f do we label it like the bdfb or use
what load it is at the equipment side. Example below:
POWER SOURCE
LOAD A
BDFB 0000000
PNL E , FS 10
30 AMP
OR
POWER SOURCE
LOAD E
BDFB 00000000
PNL E , FS 10
30 AMP
CAN YOU ANSWER WHICH WOULD BE CORRECT. IT SEEMS THAT THIS IS A
LITTLE CONFUSING TO SHOW IT HAS
LOAD E EVEN THOUGH WE ARE TERMINATING TO THAT PANEL.
A: The power source designation is the far end termination information. If the BDFB has
multiple loads and the fuse panel is terminated on the "E" load panel of the BDFB, then
the designation should read "Load E". Even though there are only Load A and Load B on
the fuse panel, you will still designate what the far end is and the far end could be "Load
E".
Q: Is it legal to still use a metal tag on the main co ground ?
A: Yes, at the OPGP
Q: On our fiber labels do we continue to use in and out to describe the direction or do we
change to rx and tx ?
A: Please refer to L1.2.10. Use TX and RX
Q: What is the easiest way to find out about all the certification we need to be up to date on ?
Can you list them for me ?
A: Firestopping, Ask Yourself, BNC connectors, Floor Drilling (NEA process). This may
not be a totally inclusive list. There may be something from one of the Legacy companies
that I do not know about that may be needed. But I believe this is it.
Q: Do we use waivers at all anymore ?
A: Yes, waivers are required in all Legacy Companies per IRCN-048.
Page 37 of 97
Q: Are our engineers suppose to be doing a bdfb load demand sheet on our projects on the
projects that we are doing in an at&t international office ?
A: First of all, the installer usually fills out the BDFB Load Demand Worksheet and not the
engineer. But I guess an engineer can do it also. Yes, it is required in all AT&T offices.
Q: Can you list the paperwork that we are suppose to include in our job folders ? Jsa, mops,
jims, job completion form 106 sign off, mdr, cable hole log, what am i missing ?
A: You are missing whatever is applicable to the job you are working. BDFB Load
Demand Worksheet, New BDFB Worksheet, Storage Battery Reports, etc. See the job
folder label. It has all the documents listed that are required to be in the job folder.
Q: Do we still do a 106 sign off for AT&T?
A: For Legacy-T jobs, yes you do.
Q: TP76400, Section 3, para 3.5
May ALU use Work Items in addition to what is specifically shown in the TP (i.e., Connect and
Disconnect)
A: Per TP76400, Section 3, par. 3.5.2, you may not use any work operation different than
what is identified in the 3.5.2.
Q: Do each individual fibers need to be flagged when dropped for a CLEC, or only the 145 tag
on the OFNR?
A: Per L4.2.4 and L4.2.5 and the note on L2.2.2, each individual fiber is required to have a
designation flag marker. A 145 type tag shall not be placed on the individual fibers.
Q: TP76400, Section 3, para 3.12.4
If multiple cables have the same "to" and "from" locations, is this consider a "single run"?
A: In the context of this section, a single run may include multiple cables running from
and to the same locations. If multiple cables are grouped into a single run, the running
list should show the # of cables (3-3.12.3d) and should list the cable length as the length of a
single cable, not the total sum of the footage of all the cables (3-3.12.4). If the DESP prefers
to list each run individually that is ok. .
Page 38 of 97
Q: T.2.5.1 The timing leads from BITS clock OUTPUT ports to a network element shall be run
using the approved 1175A red-jacketed shielded cable. The only exception to this is the
allowance of the use of the gray jacketed 1175A cable in the legacy AT&T applications because
the red color is used exclusively with power cables.
Q: For Legacy T, does this mean we can use both 1175A red-jacketed and 1175A gray-jacketed
cable or only gray? Please clarify.
A: Only gray in offices with existing red cable colored power plants. In locations with non
diverse (no red or blue power cabling) power plant architecture current TP standards shall
be used.
Q: We have a line up of equipment and a single horizontal FPS runs down the front of the line
up. There is no FPS in the rear of the line up.
We are adding a shelf in an existing bay in this line up that requires fibers to be connected in the
rear of the shelf.
1. Can a flex tube or rigid duct be fed from the existing Horizontal FPS in front of the
lineup to the vertical 2X2 mounted on the rear of this bay? This could require routing the
fiber drop through a bay extender at the top of the bay or in a 7’ environment routing it
over the top of the bay and down the back.
2. Option 2 would be to install a horizontal FPS from the main aisle to the rear of the lineup
and feed the bay from it.
A: Based on TP76300, as long as the bottom of the horizontal FPS is less than 18" above
the top of the bay, a split corrugated tube can be used from the bottom of the FPS located
in front of the bay to the top of the 2x2 vertical slotted duct located at the rear of the bay.
If the distance is greater than 18", then a solid wall has to be used until it is within 18"
from the top of the bay and then split tube can be used from there to the top of the 2x2
duct.
Option 2 can also be utilized.
The key is that the fibers are protected the entire way from the FPS to the vertical slotted
duct.
Q: TP76300, Section L, 2.1.10
References equipment mounted in cabinets and cabinetized racks that have removal doors. What
is the current procedure for labeling equipment with removal doors that is mounted in Relay
Racks? The previous TP addressed this issue.
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A: It is the same. If you put any designations on the removable doors, the Relay Rack
number and shelf number has to be designated on the shelf. ANSWER HAS BEEN
MODIFIED. PLEASE SEE 12/16/08 ANSWER.
Q: I cannot find anything in the Ask Yourself document that talks about what is considered
maintenance window work for running power, coax, ABAM, ect. In a raised floor environment?
All I can find is info on running cables over live equipment but not under live equipment.
A: There are no “time” restrictions when running cable under the floor in a raised floor
environment.
Q: Are Inspection Windows required on In-Line Splices? I have noticed that some have them
and some don't. Burndy part number YSR3929FXL is one example of an in-line splice without
an inspection window.
A. Per the agreement with our manufacturers, there should be an inspection window on
every in-line reduction splice. If there is no inspection window, please notify myself and I
will deal with it. Please provide any pertinent information such as part number, order
date, manufactured date, lot number, manufacturer, etc. FYI, we looked at the catalog for
this part number and it shows the tap with inspection holes.
Q: Can the Vendors access older BSP documents such as BSP 800-000-001MP? If so where are
they located? I checked the https://ebiznet.sbc.com/sbcnebs/ site and Woodduck. There have
been a couple of QAS audits in recent months that reference older doc’s and drawing that the
Vendors do not have access to.
A. There is an extranet site that common systems has all of their proprietary documents
stored and can be accessed. This site is password protected. ADC has access to this site.
Q: In the ATT-TP-76300 3.3.13 do they want 750 and 500 going directly to the RTB BUS
BAR? This will cause a them to lose termination points and cause congestion at the RTN bars.
Is there a cable limit or size that they allow use to tap down to a smaller cable to terminate to the
RTN BUS. This has been discussed with Brad Berry and Shawn Riordan.
A. Yes, these are to go to the return bus without reduction.
Q: What is the proper way of doing banding stitches on cables entering a cable hole? It was
brought up to me and I want to make sure we are doing it the correct way. I have been telling
ADC that the banding stitch needs to go around the cables themselves to form a air tight seal.
But in figure F-2 says cable band to cable rack stringer or around entire bundle which ever is
more appropriate and convenient for protection of putty. I have seen older holes with the band
around the whole rack. Does it depend on the quantity of cables on a rack and if each cable hole
has to be addressed differently do to the amount cables? Please see drawing used by ADC to
demonstrate the two different procedures.
Page 40 of 97
Section F:
3.1.3 After installing cables and applying smoke stopping material between the cables, the
Installation Supplier shall tightly band cables together to compress the cable bundle and
effectively join smoke stopping material to form an airtight seal. (See Figure F-2).
A. Per F3.1.3 and Fig. 2 in Section F of TP76300, there are two ways to band cables. You
can band directly around the cable bundle (without going around the cable rack stringer)
to squeeze the cables together or you can go around the cable rack stringers per the later
figures in Section F. To get the best possible protection against airflow, it is better to wrap
the bundle only.
Q: What type of DC fuses are allowed under the TP’s? Are they just the ones listed on the
Minor Material List?
A. Just the ones on the minor material list.
Q: Is Legacy-S going to revise the Minor Material List to include all the materials for each of
the Legacys’ since the older MML was last released on 03-02-06? Or will there be a separate list
for L-S, L-T and L-B?
A. The minor materials list will be revised at some point in the future to include all
Legacies. The minor material list has been revised.
Q: The bottom table of the first page of the MOP form states:
"List of all Handbooks, Technical Documents, Bulletins, Flashes, and Warnings related to
work operations under this MOP:".
We were assessed a defect because we did not list the Equipment Interconnect Drawings on
the MOP. These drawings are required to be listed in the Detailed Spec per ATT-TP-76400
Section 3.10. Are we also then required to list them on the MOP? The MOP does not state
"equipment interconnect drawings".
A: An interconnect drawing is considered a Technical Document, just like TP76300,
TP76408, TP76409, etc. It has the technical wiring schematics.
Q: OFNR Fiber Cables for Collocation. When an OFNR is dropped and tagged for a
Collocation job, is each individual 2mm fiber breakout to be flagged on both ends of the cable
with near-end and far-end information? We will not have information for the CLEC termination
equipment. Or does L2.2.2 apply with one 145 type tag for the entire fiber on each end of the
cable?
A: Per L4.2.4 and L4.2.5 and the note on L2.2.2, each individual fiber is required to have a
designation flag marker
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Q: Is there any preference as to the placement of fiber flags on the fibers? Understanding that it
is dependent upon the type of equipment or the panels, is there a preference to have them within
a certain number of inches of the connector end?
A: AT&T does not have a preference.
Q: ATT-TP-76400 Spec Question. 3-1.3.1b lists the information to be included in the Detail
Specification in a specific sequence list. Is it acceptable to combine the Office Drawing Records
List, the AT&T Equipment and Interconnect Drawing List and the Reference Drawing Lists on
one page--as long as we identify that all three are included on that one page? Or must they be
listed on 3 separate pages of the Detail Spec?
A: You can have 3 separate lists with 3 different headers on 1 page. You do not have to
have a separate page for each section.
Q: Part 2 of this question: If we print one full and complete TAB/db report, place a cover sheet
on the ENTIRE report, include a Table of Contents in the TAB/db Report, can it be listed as one
report or must it still be broken out by individual sections on the Office Drawings Records List
(e.g., Front Equipment View and Individual Assignment Charts)?
A: The drawings are required to be listed out individually on the Office Drawings Records
list.
Q: If the vendor chooses to place a label in a certain location; upright, shelf, flange, etc., which
means the font size does not meet the requirement in Table L-3, but reduced per L1.2.4, but the
auditor believes the font size could have been met if the label had been placed elsewhere, is that
a defect?
Example:
TEO, CLEI, far end information on a small shelf (DS1 or DS3) is on the shelf, and therefore
smaller than the requirement. The font requirement could have been met if they had placed it
vertically on the upright. The list could go on. (I’m talking measuring by 1/16 of an inch).
A: This is not a defect. Except in a few cases, we do not tell the vendor where to exactly
place the designation. If the vendor places a designation that is very readable in a place
that is a little smaller and they have to reduce the size, I would not assess a defect unless
they reduced the size too much. The TP allows them to reduce the size of the designations
based on the space.
In your example, per TP76300, the far end termination designations are required to be
placed on the front of the shelf. Along with delimiter lines. In almost all cases, these
designations will have to be reduced. If the YEAR/TEO/VN designation is placed
vertically, it will bleed into the next panel. We do not want that.
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The TP allows for a bit of leeway on designations due to space considerations. The auditor
needs to use their own common sense and good judgment with regards to designation sizes
on shelves.
Q: I have a question concerning the BellSouth series of BS900xxT interconnect drawings versus
the TP standards. If an AT&T Wiring Interconnect drawing does not exist for a network
element, but there is a BS900xxT interconnect drawing, does the BS900xxT interconnect
drawing take precedence over the TP when it comes to cable routing? I have read in the TP
where it states that if an equipment manufacturer’s drawing/technical document states something
other than the TP, that the equipment manufacturer’s drawing/technical document take
precedence over the TP. However, in this case it is a BS900xxT interconnect drawing. It is
actually the interconnect drawing for the CBX-500 ATM Switch, BS90074T, and my question is
mainly centered around sketch 12 on sheet 4. Sketch 12 states to route all power, primary and
secondary timing and network management cables up the left, middle rail (when viewed from the
rear) of the cabinet. The TP states that BITS cabling shall be ran up separate sides of the bay
framework for diversity. Would the BS90074T drawing take precedence as long as the timing
cables were diversely ran once they got to the cable rack? Or would the TP standard for BITS
diversity cabling still be the requirement in this case? Thank you!
A: Follow the CBX-500 document that is located on Woodduck under ATMs. This
document instructs to cable per BS90047T drawing. Run the cables per this drawing and
then diversify the cables when they hit the cable rack.
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5/14/08
Q: Is the yellow ADC Fiber Protection System (FPS) required to be designated “Fiber Optic
Only”?
A: No, since it is yellow, it is not required to be designated. Please refer to the last sentence
in L2.1.8c.
Q: Is a lug without an inspection window ever permitted?
A: Lugs connected directly to batteries or battery plates do not have inspection windows.
All other lugs require inspection windows. RE: TP76300, Section K, par. 4.5.17
Q: Is it ever permitted to piggyback or daisy chain grounds?
A: No, it is never permitted to piggyback or daisy chain ground leads.
Q: Clear heat shrink is required for all power, returns and grounds. Is clear shrink still required
if the shiner is less than 1/8”?
A: Yes, clear heat shrink is required if the shiner is >1/16” and <1/4”on power and return
lugs. RE: K4.5.12
Q: Can you please clarify the requirement to include the AT&T Representatives name and
telephone number in the TEO?
A: Per TP76300, Section A, the Equipment Engineer is the person who identifies the
AT&T Representative. TP76400, Section 2, par. 2.3.1k requires that the TEO contains the
AT&T Representative’s name and number. Since the AT&T Representative can be
anyone the engineer chooses, it is deemed applicable on every job that the name and
number of the AT&T Representative is detailed out in the TEO. In other words, there
shall be a specific statement that says who the AT&T Representative is and what their
phone number is. This information should be located where all the other 2.3.1
requirements are noted.
Q: Is there a minimum power wire size requirement when cabling from a fuse panel to a BDFB
that can be ran in the cable rack overhead? For example, the total distance from a fuse panel to
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the BDFB, including the drops on both ends, is 35FT. The power wheel shows that an 8 AWG
wire size is the minimum circ mils that must be used. I was under the impression that 6 AWG
was the minimum size that could be ran in the overhead cable rack for larger loads; i.e.,
DSLAMs, 15454 MSPP bays, DMX/DMXtend bays etc
A: There are no minimum requirements for power cable. You can run the #8AWG on the
overhead cable racking.
6/03/08
Q: Table L-3 lists ‘Clock Assignments’. Does that mean on the flags, on the network element,
in the book, on a BITS shelf?
Since there are not specific requirements for the font size on other flags (beyond L1.2.9 that
states ‘no smaller’ than a certain size), it is causing some confusion as the what circumstances
the Table is referring to.
A: It means all clock assignment designations are to be 3/16" unless space restrictions
require a smaller size. So, that means in the book and on the flag markers. We do not put
clock assignments on BITS shelves. They all go in the red book and on the flag markers.
Q: 2.2.4 Bus bar connections shall be marked to indicate that they have been tightened to
recommended torque levels. The marking shall normally show on the bolt head, and carry
through the washer and onto the connecting surface if visible for inspection; otherwise, the
torque marking can be made on the nut, washer and onto the connecting surface, whichever is
easiest for visible inspection.
Question: Does this torque level requirement also pertain to the internal return bar of BDFB’s on
individual fuse positions feeding network elements?
A: Yes it does. It applies to all bus bars. In rectifier bays, in BDFBs, in Power Boards, etc
Q: Subject: Section G 1.1.8
This section defines states where the "procedure" cannot be used without written approval from
AT&T Senior Manager - Technical Support (Industrial Hygiene). How do we reach this
individual and what is the application method to gain the written approval and what then is the
prescribed or approved procedure to do the floor drilling when approval is gained?
A: Contact John Malone. Numbers: office 314-505-1461, mobile 314-606-5313
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Q: Do timing flags on the cables at the back of the NE or the rear of the BITS clock require the
equipment i.e. "4500" be designated on the flag? TP76300 section L-2.6.7 and 2.6.8 make no
mention of the requirement to have the equipment on the flag. But the requirement references
you to table L-4 which states equipment is required on line 1.
A: Per Table L-4, the equipment type is required to be designated, especially on the network
element end because you may have multiple type of timing sources in one bay. A DCD400 and a
TS3500. So the answer is yes, you do need to have the equipment type on the flag marker.
Q: Q: L1.4.9 - Figure L-10, is this meant to be a design or template? Do we include the
words POWER SOURCE followed by the pertinent information as in the format
shown with P-touch?
A: Figure L-10 is a template. The words “Power Source” are required to be designated.
Many issues with this; following the template, 3 lines of vertical information on an upright or
fuse panel mounting bracket will not be 3/8” (without trimming the tape); 3 vertical lines of
information at 3/8” will not fit at the top of a bay. If the vendor meets the 3/8” size, meaning the
label is only 2 lines (not per the template), I can’t read all of the information without a ladder
because the fuse panel blocks my view, and I’m sure I’m not the shortest person working for
AT&T. Then there’s the circumstance of some fuse panel mounting plates having holes which
could mean the tape will eventually dry and fall off. (It has been written because it may lift
(L1.4.5 or L1.4.8)) Now what?
Also, per the template, there needs to be 2 labels; one for ‘A’ and one for ‘B’; is one label
exampled below OK? (Again, not per the template). If placed across the top of the bay in this
format the font size can be 3/8” (but, again, I can’t see all the information from the floor).
A: The bay power source label is a Legacy-T requirement that was adopted by the
TP Section L (label) committee. The labels are to be made up as shown (size and format).
There are other ways this could be done, however, this is what was agreed upon by the
committee which mirrors the Legacy-T bay labeling. If there are specific instances where
this will not work, I would suggest that pictures that show the problem be included with an
explanation, and we can take it back to the Legacy-T members of the committee for
comment.
Members of the TP76300 Section L Committee included: BURGHARDT, MIKE (ATTSI),
DAVIS, JIMMY P (ATTSI); DIAS, MONICA L (ATTSI); HAUTHER, MIKE (ATTSI);
MITRANO, DON (ATTSI); HSU, JOE (ATTBST); JONES, BRUCE E (ATTSI);
LANGLEY, JEFFREY (ATTSI); LANNING, KEITH L (ATTSI); MAGNESS, L
(ATTBST); MARTIN, STEVEN (ATTBST); MORES, MIKE (ATTSI); PRICE,
WILLIAM H (ATTSI); SUTTON, GLORIA T (ATTSI); WELCH, M.D. (ATTBST);
BERGMAN, ALLAN D (ATTSI); SMITH, DAVE (ATTSI); YEILDING, MICHAEL L
(ATTSI); ENG JR., WING (ATTSI); RIOJAS, ERNEST (ATTSI)
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Q: We are struggling with our Brother P-Touch machines to achieve the "exact" character
height on some of the labels. How close can we be to the minimum size without receiving a
defect--can we be within 1/32 of an inch?
A: Unless there is a space issue where you need to reduce the size because of the available
space, the characters are required to meet or exceed the sizes shown on Table L-3. They
cannot be within 1/32 of an inch.
6/23/08
Q: Can the main aisle ground conductor and or the equipment aisle conductor be extended
(I.E. The existing equipment aisle ground is only 10 feet long. Can it be extended 40 feet
max or does a new equipment aisle conductor from the main aisle conductor?)
A. Leave the existing 15’ and run a new conductor from the main aisle for the new
bays extension to 40’.
Note the change in the latest TP-76416.
AT&T Practice ATT-TP-76416 Issue 2, 03/31/2008
2.4.4.2
A minimum #2/0 AWG main aisle conductor shall be used between the CO GRD bus bar
and an
area containing a group of bays or miscellaneous units, or an area with more than one
lineup of
equipment.
Separate #2 AWG conductors may then be branched from this conductor to serve an
equipment
lineup or individual equipment units. The #2/0 AWG conductor may originate at an OPGP
or
CO GRD bus bar, or from another horizontal equalizer of equal or larger size.
Q: Some time ago, I questioned what engineering standard we were to follow. I was informed
by Monica Dias that the TP76400 was going to prevail. Since that time we have been awarded
orders for new RED and BLUE power plants in NCMNY54. Since the roll-out of the TP76400,
several questions have arisen regarding what standards are to be used for installation. Since the
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TP76400 does not address these types of plants, we are left to guess as to what standard we are to
follow in the TP76300 since it does not address these questions: 1. What is the intended
separation of the RED and BLUE cabling to the loads? 2. How do we treat the BDFB framework
grounding? Since these were normally answered in the 790-100-669 and that document has been
replaced (as we understand it), is there some consensus you can offer to guide us with the
engineering and installation efforts?
A: For grandfathered systems use the old manuals. For new systems use the TPs. You may
have both old and news systems in the same office. It is just like having an old air
conditioner and a new air conditioner in the same house. When you work on the old system
(maintained, modify, expand) you have to reference the old manual for any items that are
unique to the original deployment along with any new requirement documents. Use
only the new manual when working on the newer system.
I do not know why we are having so much trouble with these types of items. We are not
turning off or replacing every legacy system in the network. We will reference the old
documents for a significant period of time (as long as these systems are functioning). We
have agreed and do want to use the new standards from April 1, 2008 for "New" systems
and developments. It is 2008 and we still reference BSPs from the 1940s for some of our
converted 302 and 155 type power distribution systems. This is not a new concept.
Bottom line is if you are adding a new BDFB to an existing diversified power system (red blue) then you will have to accommodate the old rules to prevent conflicts. If you are
adding a new BDFB in the same office but it is feed from a non-diversified power plant
then you can follow the current rules.
Q: “Can you please clarify how often cable horns should be run on a ladder rack to support fiber
optic cables?
A: They should be 9" apart just like the straps on standard ladder rack.
Q: When a new set of standards is released by AT&T, do they supersede any associated
drawings or prior Quality Flash/Bulletins/etc?
A: The drawings supersede the TPs, even if a TP is issued after the drawing. Unless the
drawing has been cancelled, it is still valid, no matter the date on the drawing. This has
been the Common Systems stance for a long time.
Q: Since the Quality Flash of November 2007 and the ATT-P-05404-E March 2006 were both
prior to the current ATT-TP-76300, are the Vendors still required, on Clear H-Tap covers, to
install either labels inside the cover or 145 P-Tags?
A: You are required to follow what is in ATT-P-05404-E, Note 12 and use either the
labels inside the covers or 145 type tags to designate the far ends of the cables. Even
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though the TP may not say to provide this designation, the drawing does so you have to
provide these designations.
Q: Are two pieces of heat shrink required on all In-Line Reduction Splices for power cables?
A. Use what the manufacturer provides. If they provide only 1 heat shrink, install 1 heat
shrink. If they provide 2 heat shrinks, install 2 heat shrinks. If they provide 3, install 3.
Q: I have run across several instances in the past couple of months where the FAP provided
does not have a fuse assignment card, nor a place to put one. I read L2.4.3C to mean that when
there's a FAP installed in a bay, a fuse record book, fuse assignment card or a plate mounted on
the bay upright shall be provided. The picture attached is for two panels installed in a 7609 bay.
You'll notice that there is a stamped designation area. The vendor didn't think they could fit all
the information that is normally on the card in the space allotted, so they hung a card from the 9cord that you see on the left side of the panel. I see no problem with what they did. Nor, would I
see a problem if they would have added the shelf number to the stamped designation area where
they labeled the fuse size. Do you agree? Secondly, and more importantly, we had a discussion
on our staff call this past Monday on whether L2.4.3C even applied. Some thought that it only
applied to miscellaneous bay fuse panels, and that most of the equipment installed is not located
in "miscellaneous" bays. Some thought that the "miscellaneous" in L2.4.3C's "miscellaneous bay
mounted fuse panels" was an adjective. Thus the requirement could read just as easily read
"various bay mounted fuse panels". In this case, all FAPs added would be required to have a fuse
record book, fuse assignment card or a plate mounted on the bay upright. What is the correct
interpretation?
A: Per Al Bergman, 1. All currently approved fuse panels should have label areas, front
mounted fuse cards or pull out fuse assignment cards for fuse position assignments. I have
responded to the field-made fuse assignment hanging cards previously..........in the instance
I saw a picture of, it probably would not be a problem; however, not knowing what
equipment might be in the vicinity of the hanging card or that the card may be flammable;
this should not be done going forward. If there is a labeling problem with a specific fuse
panel, it should be referred to the fuse panel manufacturer for resolution. 2. Looking at the
posted TP...I believe the reference is 2.4.2C, and again, currently approved fuse panels
should have a place for fuse assignment records. Some older, manufacturer discontinued,
fuse panels required the use of fuse assignment books. The installation vendors should use
the available fuse assignment record areas provided with the fuse panel.
Q: Legacy T used to allow Cobraflex (COP FLEX) cable (non-textile jacketed cable) in the
power use. Is this type of cable still usable? Does this type of cable then require fiber paper when
stitching since this type of cable is resistant to cold creep?
A: Al Bergman - Cobra Wire markets several types of power cable, and recently declined
to participate in an ATT RFI for power cable. The Cobra Cop-Flex 2000 insulation is very
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stiff and and abrasion resistant. This power cable can currently only be used in Legacy-T
sites, and should be installed based on the same requirements we have for braid covered
insulation which is also abrasion resistant. The AIW power cable non-braid covered
insulation is softer, requires fiber protection at all connection points and is only used for
battery and rectifier connections. When we finally issue a listing of approved power cable
manufacturers/suppliers on the MML, Cobra Wire will be dropped from use.
Q: . Legacy AT&T used to refer to the MLID 13788 for fiber standards. When submitting an
SMOP into SNEM, is this still the correct technical reference or has this standard been retired?
A: Per Don Mitrano 13788 is no longer the correct reference should reference a TP . Use of
fiber paper (fish paper) was somehow omitted from the TP needs to be reinstated- working
it . First preferred method is always jumpers first on same floor application. When, for
whatever reason there is no FPS or one can`t build out an FPS then riser cable can be
asked for usually a waiver
Q: I just had a call concerning which type of BNC to use in the East region. We want to make
sure we are utilizing the correct material and have the proper tooling and training in place for
each of the Regions. Is there a break down of which states belong to what regions as it pertains
to the Minor Material List?
A. I do not know of a specific list detailing out any of the regions but my understanding is
that with the BNCs, you use the type of BNC connector that was used in the Legacy S
regions. For example, if you are doing work in the West. Southwest and East region, (CA,
NV, TX, MO, OK, KS, AK, CT) you use Kings, if you are doing work in the Midwest, (WI,
IL, IN, MI, OH) you use Trompeter. I do not recall what Southeast uses. If there is a state
outside of those regions, continue using what was previously used.
7/10/08
Q: TP76300, Section L, 2.1.10
References equipment mounted in cabinets and cabinetized racks that have removal doors. What
is the current procedure for labeling equipment with removal doors that is mounted in Relay
Racks? The previous TP addressed this issue. What designations are required where.
A: It is the same. If you put any designations on the removable doors, the Relay Rack
number and shelf number has to be designated on the removable cover and also, the Relay
Rack number and shelf number has to be designated on the shelf itself.
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Q: Are ACB9R Auxiliary Cable Brackets authorized in AT&T offices for routing power and
aisle grounds?
A: Per Common Systems, yes, these are approved for use.
Q: We are wondering about whether some of the older Metro drawings that still call for ITT
Cannon BNC’s. Will the Vendors still be obligated to use the ITT Cannons for these types of
projects or will they follow the AT&T Regional BNC Map that ADC put together?
A: When conflicts between standards and drawings or other documentation are
discovered, contact Network Standards Support at dl-WAIVERREQUEST@att.com and
seek a ruling. In the case of the Cisco 15454, the Core drawing has been changed to delete
the reference to use ITT BNC. I will contact the Metro drawing owner and have it changed.
Use the ADC map (nicely done) for this application. I doubt that right angle BNC is
required for this, but until I hear back from ALABS you should continue to use those from
the region approved vendor.
Q: Since AT&T has changed it’s requirements to have only high seismic bays installed, are
stiffening plates still needed are or they just redundant? The stiffening plates are required in the
Relay Rack Standards ATT-E-00447-E Issue 22 Note 3.
A. Yes, the stiffening plates are still required on the high seismic bays.
8/18/08
Q: L1.2.9b states: Cable, wire or fiber patch cord < ¼ inch diameter shall be designated using a
flag style
marker.
But
L 2.5.2b states: When a network element is installed in a bay and the battery and battery return
leads run
outside the bay to a fuse panel in a different bay, the Installation Supplier shall place 145
type tags or equivalent on the battery and battery return leads at the rear of the network
element showing far end designation. When battery and battery return leads utilizing 16
gauge or smaller wire, one 145 type tag can be used for both leads. 145 type tags or
equivalent are not required at the fuse panel if the fuse panel is equipped with
designation card or fuse record book. Update the designation card or fuse record book.
Does this mean L1.2.9b is for switchboard cable only, and all power leads need a 145 tag?
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A: Per L2.5.2, a 145 type tag or equivalent is required on all battery and battery return
leads.
Since all power leads require a 145 type tag, then L1.2.9b would be a requirement for
switchboard cable and fibers >1/4" and not for power leads.
Q: Is the ATT “Ask Yourself” Training required for all personnel working on civil construction
projects? I have received 2 answers to this inquiry, both different. If it is required, what version
should be utilized, i.e., Legacy ATT, Legacy SBC or ATT Mobility? Please advise as soon as
possible.
A: We have one Ask Yourself Training course for all AT&T now and Mobility uses it also.
It's the on-line version taken either via LSO or LMC Extranet. Many of the Legacy T
vendors are taking the training via LSO now, and most of the others take the course via
LMC Extranet. I hope by next year we will be able to have everyone on LSO, and also I
hope we will be able to have the new Quality courses added to the LSO.
Q: Can you please clarify how often cable horns should be run on a ladder rack to support fiber
optic cables?
A: The cable horns used to support fiber optic cables are required to be 9 inches apart and
the fiber cable has to be secured at every horn.
Q: John and I were at a meeting yesterday with one of our vendors and the question was asked
whether or not each position on a FOT/NG3 panel designation card had to be designated with the
far end details.
For instance if you had a FW4500 cabled out with 72 fibers would you expect the designation
card on the FOT side have each position designated with FW4500 RR shelf TX/RX Work or
Protect? Or could the vendor just designated the top of the card or the front of the shelf with far
end RR shelf. Section L-4.2.3 a and b are "or" requirements not "and" requirements. So in my
opinion the vendor is only required to designate the front of the shelf if they choose to go with
option L-4.2.3b. In my area for the most part vendors are designating each position on the card
with far end info as well as the front of the FOT shelf. However I do not want them wasting
their time if it's not a requirement.
I also have them same question for fiber ties. What do you expect to see in the West?
A: What we have been allowing out here in the West is that if the entire fiber panel is dedicated to
a shelf in another bay, then the vendor only has to place one designation on the card or cover of the
fiber panel showing the far end relay rack, shelf and positions. For example: RR101.01, Panel 2, 172. This designation is usually larger than normal.
The only caveat to this is if there are work and protect fibers. Then they have to be individually
assigned on the designation card so the techs know which are which.
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If the fibers only take up a portion of the fiber panel, then each individual circuit position on the
designation card needs to be designated.
We allow only one large designation for fiber ties.
Q: Q: I have a vendor asking about Ask Yourself Training. Where do I send him?
A: If the suppplier does not work in Classic-T, (i.e., approved Tier-1, cluster vendor,
or subcontractors, AT&T Midwest, Southeast, Southwest, East, and West vendors ),
will access the course via AT&T Learning Management Center (LMC Extranet).
System accounts must first be established for each individual. In order to set up
system accounts, each vendor’s representative must complete the attached workbook
and e-mail it to: m38767@att.com. See the “Instruction and Information” worksheet
for details on how to complete the “Vendor Information Form” worksheet”. Please
refer Questions or comments, to Robert Gately at (925) 823-4187 or rg2393@att.com.
If the supplier does work as an EF&I supplier in Classic-T, they need to apply for
registration to the LSO training web site. To do so, the employee needs to contact the
EF&I supplier's Single Point Of Contact (SPOC) with AT&T for Ask Yourself
training and ask the SPOC to email the most current version of "LSO Ask Yourself
Training Procedure" to them. The supplier's employees will need to follow the
procedure to register for access to LSO, and later to take the course at the LSO web
site.
Q: Are CLEI codes required on PBD and BDFB frames? How about other power plant
equipment?”
A: Per Al Bergman of Common Systems, CLEI codes are not required to be designated on
power equipment.
Q: Quick question that may need feedback from the Legacy-T folks. It has been ADC's
understanding, since the merger, that the ATT-TP-76300 Section L Labeling Supplement is to be
used solely in ATTCORP CO's. We were under the impression that the Labeling Supp was to be
used in conjunction with Section L. In other words if the Labeling Supplement did not cover a
requirement, then Section L standards were to be enforced. It has always been a Legacy-S
standard that any cable leaving a bay must be labeled on the front of the bay. It has been stated
that this is not required in ATTCORP CO's as there is an exception in the Labeling Supplement.
I could not find this exception and for ADC to not follow the standards in both documents we
would need this in writing. Q. Do cables leaving the bay in an ATTCORP CO needed to be
labeled on the front of the bay?
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A: Section L of TP76300 is going to be updated in the near future.
Q: A question has been asked regarding the difference between Table L-2 and Table L-4.
Paragraph L2.2.4 discusses the requirements for minimum CLEC interconnection designations
and refers to Table L-2. However, L1.2.8 and L1.2.9 refer to Table L-4. With regards to CLEC
jobs, I would assume that they use Table L-2 since the requirement talks directly to CLEC jobs.
If this is the case, then the CLLI codes would not have to be placed on the labels or 145 type
tags. Please get a clarification on this issue.
A: Section L of TP76300 is going to be updated in the near future.
Q: Is an approved standards waiver required to mount equipment in bay extenders (using bay
extender plates)?
A: Yes a waiver is required if equipment is placed in the bay extender. Equipment shall be
mounted within the 7` frame area.
Q: I am looking for some clarification on stenciling flag markers regarding the CLLI-11 code.
For example, when stenciling for a collocation area, would we stencil the 11 digit CLLI of the
equipment, i.e. CNPKCA01BB2 (ATM switch) at the interconnect point? And when at the
equipment end and stenciling the far end termination which is an FOT or DSX panel, would we
enter the 11-digit ACTL CLLI or "H-code" for the collocation area, i.e. CNPKCA01H21?
A: Section L of TP76300 is going to be updated in the near future.
Q: These two requirements are conflicting.
L1.2.8 b - Designation tags shall be installed so they are visible; not located under covers or heat
shrink.
L2.3.8 - All hardwired AC powered equipment shall be designated with a 145 type tag (within
six inches of the connection) with the location of power source and the circuit breaker number of
the power source.
It will be impossible to meet one or the other of these two requirements when tagging and
labeling AC feeds to a rectifier, inverter or UPS since they are normally wired in EMT or Rigid
conduit with solid metallic pathways between equipment housing and PDSC or PSC or AC Panel
and the DC input leads to an inverter DC interior terminal blocks when they are beyond the limit
of 6" by design of the equipment. What is our alternative to avoiding a defect? I suspect the
attached photo of the DC terminal block for a 25 KVA inverter on another project is similar in
nature to the attached defect report and the adjacent AC feeds terminal block would be equally
non-conforming.
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A: For AC feeds, you are correct, there is a conflict. However, the auditor should realize
that the vendor has no choice but to place the 145 type tag under the cover because that is
the only place they can go. They should not write up a defect.
8/22/08
Q: Is it a defect if a stiffening plate is added in a space that is less than 36” in a bay.
A: No it is not a defect. A stiffening plate can be added in a space that is less than 36” in a
bay.
Note: The FEV drawing for the bay is required to show the stiffening plate(s) as well as the
equipment that are installed in the bay.
Q: I would like to propose a IRCN for the ATT-TP-76300 Section L to incorporate the DS-3
labeling requirements below. This would alleviate in many cases the need for individual labels
on DS-3 leads. The label information shall contain the Near End information (located on the
upper portion of label), the Far End information (located on the bottom portion of the label), the
FIC code, Jack #, supplier's name and order number. In the case of multiple DS-3 cables under
one sheath, ex: 6 pack, 8 pack, etc, one label for each sheath/bundle will suffice. The following
labeling requirements apply. · The sheath must be butted upright at a point level with the cable
terminations. · The label must be applied at the point where the cable is butted (this is so that
each individual cable is easily identified). · If the cable sheath is butted anywhere else, the labels
shall be applied to each individual cable. · Anytime an individual cable is disconnected, it shall
be labeled accordingly so that it can be reconnected properly
A: Common Systems has approved this waiver request. The Legacy-T Labeling
Supplement portion that deals directly with DS3 labeling can be utilized in Legacy-S.
Q: K4.5.12 reads, The maximum shiner (space) shall be no greater than 1/16 inch between the
end of the barrel and the cable insulation butt. If the shiner is greater than 1/16 inch and does not
exceed ¼ inch, the space shall be covered with clear heat shrink tubing, except for grounding
connectors. Where the shiner exceeds ¼ inch, the connection shall be remade. If battery
and battery return cables have manufacturer applied clear heat shrink tubing, it is permissible
for the connector inspection window and compression crimps to be covered. Does K4.5.12
include H-taps and C-taps or is it just for connector lugs.
A: H-taps and C-taps are not included in K4.5.12. H-taps and C-taps do not have barrels.
Only the connector lugs like the ones used for the bay ground conductor or bus bar
connections are covered under K4.5.12. There are no shiner requirements in TP76300 for
H-taps and C-taps.
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11/3/08
Q: The Standards require a Power Source label at the top of the bay indicating the voltage,
PBD/BDFB location, load and fuse position. We have been instructed through the Transition
FAQ document these labels are to be placed at the top of the bay. The question is – do these
labels go at the top of the 9’0” and 11’6” bays? Or do they always go at the 7’0” height
regardless of the extension, if any, on the bay? The Transition FAQ does not give any
explanation or exception on where the label is to go on bays with an extension.
A: Per Common System, they should go at the fuse panel location. If the fuse panel is at
the top of the bay, the designation should be at the top of the bay. If the fuse panel is at the
7' level, then the designation should be at the 7' level.
Q: Further clarification on preassembled bays – If a lead is loose, how should it be dealt with by
the vendor and/or the auditor?
A: If the vendor finds a loose lead while installing the pre-assemble bay, we would expect
them to tighten the loose lead. If the auditor finds the loose lead after the job is completed,
the auditor can do a couple of things. If there are other defects on the job, ask the vendor
to tighten the lead when they go back to fix the defect or the auditor can tighten the lead if
they have a tool to tighten them. They can also try and find a comm tech to notify them or
see if they have a tool to tighten the loose lead.
Q: Does the ATT-E-00053-E effect ATTIS projects and will it supersede the AT-TP-76401
Section 7?
A: Per Wing Eng of Common Systems, the drawing does effect ATTIS jobs and the
drawing does not take precedence over ATT-TP076401
Q: TP 76300 SECTION F Par 2.1.5 states all cable holes will be closed with Hilti products.
When running cable for a co-locator in an AT&T office and the cable has to go through a cable
hole that has not been retrofitted with Hilti. Is the Co-Locator responsible for paying for
retrofitting the cable hole?
A: No, the collocator is not responsible for getting the hole retrofitted. When doing a job
for a collocator, the cable holes are not required to be retrofitted.
Q: TP76300 Sec. Q 4.1.9 The Installation Supplier shall remove the switchboard cable and wire
back to the cable rack. If the cable rack is open ladder type, re-secure the cable with cord; if the
cable rack is pan type, place the cable on the cable rack. Protecting the ends of dead switchboard
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cable is not required if the cable is on the cable rack. If the cable ends cannot be stored on the
cable rack, the ends shall be covered with heat shrink.
If a cable whether switchboard or power cannot be placed back on the cable rack, what is the
maximum length that the cable can extend off of the cable rack?
A: The length of the heat shrink is the maximum length that the cable can extend off of the
cable rack.
Q: Question: Does OFNR cable that is used as either a Tie cable between floors from one FDF
to another FDF or from a network element bay to a FDF require flag markers on both sides of a
cable hole? The only reference that I can find is the one below from ATT-TP-76300 section O
par.3.1 c) and this pertains to cables from the vault.
NOTE: For OFNR & Indoor/Outdoor type cables coming from the vault, the cables shall carry
flag type markers at the points where it enters and exits the innerduct, conduit or at the point
where it passes through and exits a floor, wall or ceiling. The label will show the originating
Frame Identification Code (FIC) or relay rack and the terminating Field Identification Code
(FIC) or relay rack locations as well as the installation vendor name and date installed.
A: Only cables coming from the vault have to have the designations placed on them.
OFNR tie cables (fiber) and other OFNR cables fiber cables that do not originate at the
vault required the designations.
Q: It was always a standard in Legacy-T that all return power cables larger than 8 AWG must
have tracer markings. Since changing to the TP’s, this requirement seems to have been lost in
the shuffle. It is mentioned in the TP 76300 106 & 107 but refers back to the ATT TP76300
Supplement AT&T Corp Labeling Guidelines. The labeling supplement does not indicate that
the tracer markers are required. ADC called Keith Lanning and he said that he wasn't aware of
any requirements for them in the current standards.
Are tracer markings required on any return power cables in any of the AT&T Legacy, L-T, L-B
or L-S CO’s?
A: If a requirement is not in TP76300, the labeling supplement and equipment or
interconnect drawing or any other TP document, then it is not a requirement. I could not
find this requirement in any of our documents.
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Q: When updating TABdb for installation of new equipment, do we have to add the CLEI codes
information for the new added equipment? Does the TABdb Front Equipment View hardcopy
that installation keeps in the Job Folder have to show the CLEI codes of equipment to be
installed?
Per the TP76400, Section 4 (Central Office Equipment Records), 5.8 (Updating Front Equipment
View Records), the CLEI code is not one of the information required to show in the FEV
records, but I have heard conflicting requirements about this, so please advice.
A: Here is an answer I got from one of our TP76400 SMEs.
The DESP is not required to input the CLEI code into Tab/db, the CLEI codes
are populated into TAB/db by our Common Systems people who do the equipment
drawings. When updating the FEV the DESP chooses the shelf/panel type from the
equipment catalog list (also managed by Common Systems) within TAB/db and "pastes" it
into the FEV, included in the equipment catalog list for each piece of equipment is
the CLEI code if applicable. Note: this is a relatively new process, about a year old, so there
may be some CLEI's that have not yet been placed into TAB/db by Common Systems.
Q: I was curious as to where I can locate drawing# ED-97729-11 that is mentioned in ATT-TP76300, Section J, par. 5.1.6. I have browsed over the different links on Woodduck and even
Command Tower and I was unable to locate the drawing in either of those sites. Any help or
information would be greatly appreciated, thank you!
A: Per Common Systems, the drawing is not available. Follow traditional telephony
methods until TPs are updated.
Q: Can split nuts that are part of the ADC Fiberguide support kit (FGS-HETR-5/8) be used to
support fiber troughs?
A: Since the FPS is not part of the auxiliary framing or cable rack support system, Larry Wong
says that you can use them on the FPS.
Q: What is considered a removable cover?
A: With regards to L2.1.10, a removable cover is a cover, when unlatched, will not remain
on the equipment by itself. For example, OC-48 shelves. When you unlatch them, you
have to place them on the floor. Covers with hinges or covers which are directly connected
to the shelf are not considered removable covers. When you unlatch the cover and open it,
it will remain on the shelf without any interaction from the person who opened the cover.
The covers on DSLAM shelves are just one example. Another is the Cisco 15454 shelf.
In reality, all covers are removable, one way or another. The intent of L2.1.10 is for the
covers that are not designed to stay attached to the equipment when opened.
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Q: TP76300, Section L, 2.1.10
References equipment mounted in cabinets and cabinetized racks that have removal doors. What
is the current procedure for labeling equipment with removal doors that is mounted in Relay
Racks? The previous TP addressed this issue.
A: There are no requirements for placing designations on removable doors on relay racks.
The vendor is not required to follow any designation procedures on removable doors per
the 1/1/08 version of TP76300. It would be helpful if the vendors continued to follow the
old requirement.
Q: Does the front of the fiber panel also need to be labeled per L2.2.3 which requires a label on
the front of all shelves showing the far end (NE or fiber ties)? Doesn’t seem necessary, but that
is what the book says. Is that how you guys do it?
A: Designations on the manufacturer supplied designation cards on fiber panels meet the
L2.2.3 requirement. An additional designation on the front of the fiber panel cover is not
required.
Q: Earthquake Zones 2A and 2B are not defined in the TP. Do the still exist for Legacy-T?
A: Legacy-T has adopted the TPs. Only Seismic Zones 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 are defined in the
TPs. Only these zones are applicable in AT&T. This includes all Legacy companies.
Q: Can AT&T tell us if the Accu-Ring Master.doc 5/1/04 is still valid long with it’s associated
NVT checklist(s)?
A: Please see https://www.infoswap.att.com/ Document Library - Equipment Specific
Guidelines, AT&T ACCU-Ring Access Requirements Specification Issue 5, and consult
with Mike Hauther and/or Dex Martin please, if necessary. Issue 5, dated 11/01/2004, and
many related appendices at InfoSWAP is still valid.
The NVT Checklist is not.
Please consult with Mike Hauther and/or Dex Martin regarding the ACCU-Ring NVT
Checklist, if necessary.
Q: Does OFNR have to be secured in compartmentalized cable horns? Will securing at corners
be enough? Or does it have to be secured every 4th strap like a typical ladder rack?
A: Compartmentalized cable rack horns do not require securing of the cable in a
horizontal configuration. That’s not to say you couldn’t secure at the corners if it was
appropriate to do so. If they were being used (for some unknown bizarre reason) in a
vertical application, they would need to be secured. However, this should never be
considered unless no other option was available. Per Mike Yeilding.
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Q: Metro and UVN jobs typically use solid red for LD-A, and red with tracer for RTN A and
solid blue for LD-B and blue with tracer for RTN-B to make it easier to identify the cables. Is
there anything that prohibits this methodology?
I don't see any mention of tracer markings in the TP standards. Do we even need the tracer
markings on RTN cables any longer?
A: Internal wiring within the transport bays is owned by the Transport Engineering SMEs
that develop the AT&T Standard Drawings. The transport wire drawing is on WoodDuck
at http://woodduck.ameritech.com/standarddrawings/sbc/ATT-E-00581-E.pdf . Power
cable sizes 14AWG to 1000kCMIL typically comes in grey for most power applications, red
and blue for Legacy-T. Ground cables can be grey, black, or green depending on the
region. Smaller gauge copper wire specified by the transport engineers in their drawings
may be grey, red, or black. Any additional colors or markings add cost to the cable....not
needed and should not be added to the TPs. Grey cable for power and returns with cable
tags would make the most sense....but it will be some time before we can make that
transition in all regions." Per Al Bergman
Q: I have been auditing jobs involving power diversity. Since the new TP76300 does not
specifically address this, I am assuming we are falling back on the 790-100-669 even though we
were instructed by our IPA rep that this standard was gone. Is this correct and will the RED
BLUE diversity be addressed in forth coming issues of the TP76300 and TP76400? If we are to
pick and choose what sections of the -669 still apply, can you offer guidance?
A: The going forward plan is to eliminate dual plant architectures as an option. No new
rules for diversity will be created. Grandfathered diverse power systems (red, blue) will be
maintained to ensure proper load balancing of existing equipment. Follow the established
pattern for load distribution and pathing as best possible with an effect location.
Q: Can you tell me if the “Installation Bulletin 005-02-04A: Verifying Inventoriable
Components in EBIZ” is still in effect for C-T?
A: Yes. Critical work effort, loads the correct CLEI/HECI code in CLLI/FIC in LOGIC.
Per Mike Hauther
Q: Has the US Seismic Map been reconfigured to have just zones 0, 1, 2, 3 & 4. If so, has it be
published and where? Please let us know the status.
A: You can find a current the Seismic Zone map in either GR-1275-Core, Issued 9 or GR1502-CORE, Issue 5.
Q: If you are a contractor and you are doing work for Alcatel-Lucent, how would you do your
Teo label for the front of the bay?
Would you do it with Alcatel-Lucent’s name example:
Date
or Date
Teo number
Teo number
Alcatel-Lucent
Contract company name
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A: ‘08 SBA004545A ALU
(ALU is what Alcatel-Lucent places on their bays) You always put
the name of the prime contractor on the designation.
Q: If you install threaded rod protector on a piece of threaded rod ( the gray hard plastic made
for the threaded rod that has a split.) does it have to be secured on the threaded rod ( tied on or
taped on) it fits snuggly on the threaded rod.
A: Formed fiber tubing is not required to be secured to threaded rod.
Q: If you are working on an At&t International project, do we have to do a BDFB Load
Demand sheet. We never have done this in the past and were wanting to see if we needed to. We
recently were audited and it was seen as a defect to not have it. Our Detail Engineer goes
through Geo Link and updates the information.
A: Assuming that TP76300 is being used, then yes, a BDFB Load Demand Worksheet is
required.
Q: On AT&T International do we need to do a JSA and Job Completion form? We do the 106
for the completion.
A: Assuming that TP76300 is being used, then yes, a JSA and JCR are required.
Q: How is a BDFB suppose to be labeled on the back. (example 1,10,20) for the positions on
each panel. If we are terminating cables on a panel that is labeled 1, 10, 20 are we responsible to
label every fuse position? ( example 1,2,3,through 20) What is the standard? All of them in the
field are labeled 1,10,20.
A: Yes, you are responsible for each fuse position designation that you terminate in a
BDFB. If there is no designation, then you have to place one.
Q: For a frame ground what information is needed on the 145 p-tag?
A: The far end termination point is required. RE: TP76300, Section H, par. 2.8.1
10/7/09
Q: Per ATT-E-07330-E, figure 2, the 8 ½” glide assemblies are required between each A7330
bay. In the case I have, I am installing an A7330 host bay (the first one in the lineup) next to an
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existing bay with fiber duct drops on each side. Would the 8 ½” glide assembly be required
between this existing bay and the new A7330 OR on the opposite, growth side of the A7330? I
think it would need to be between the existing bay and the new A7330 bay, in order to meet the
heat dissipation requirements mentioned under figure 2. If so, I assume that at least a 2 ½”
spacer would be required to keep from having to remove the 2” vertical duct on the existing
bay? (Just recently I had a similar project, FW7500, and the 2” vertical duct on the adjacent bay
had to be removed because the fanning fingers on the glide panel were blocked by it.)
A: This response from our Engineering SME:
The A7330 bay requires only one 8-1/2” glide that can be added to either side of the bay
(reference ATT-E-07730-E Fig. 2). Based on this requirement, my recommendation is to
add the glide on the growth side of the bay, this way the glide can be shared if another
A7330 bay is added. A 2-1/2” spacer can be added between the existing bay and the A7330
bay in order to leave the existing 2” vertical duct in place.
Q: We have an equipment room that has an old raised floor area. The raised floor has been
extended to allow equipment growth. Is the growth area of the raised floor considered to be part
of the old floor and follows Section 8 1.6.5 or is it considered a new raised floor area that is
independent of the original raised floor and is covered under Section 8 1.6.7.
A: Per our Engineering SME, it is considered a new raised floor environment and would be
covered under 8-1.6.7
Q: I have a question regarding the placement of ac outlets in a stand alone bay. As an example,
If you have an odd numbered lineup and bay .01 is existing with ac outlets installed and you are
skipping the next bay space .03 and adding bay .05. Would you be required to add ac outlets in
bay .05 even though bay .05 is within 10 feet of the existing outlets in bay .01? If bay .01 and .03
were existing and bay .05 is being installed the next bay requiring ac would be bay .07, spaced
every third bay. Should the vendor add ac outlets to every stand alone bay even when it's being
located in an existing lineup within 10 feet of an existing bay with ac outlets? I have included the
TP 76300 reference below.
TP76400, Sec. 8, 6.2.5
Appliance outlets for non-voice switch equipment shall be spaced every third bay, not to
exceed 10 feet. A single or stand-alone frame shall have an outlet provided and placed in the
base. When required, appliance outlets shall be placed in the front and rear of bays.
A: Per TP76400, Section 8, par. 6.2.5, and the TP76300 requirement, yes, you are required
to place the appliance outlets in the stand alone bay, even though it may be within 10 feet of
the existing outlet. Normally, we do not skip bays so it does not happen very often.
Q: Is the use of #12-24 x 3/8” self-tapping screws permissible to use for equipment mounting?
The only reason I am asking is because the Telect part number (01078-01) mentioned in ATT-E00447-E, note 1, is a #12-24 x 3/8” fully threaded screw.
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A: #12-24 X 3/8 self tapping screws are permissible for mounting equipment.
The Telect 01078-01 screw is a Self Tapping Pan Head Machine screw. Reference
http://www.telect.com/www/products/productreview.aspx?catalogid=telect+products&pro
ductid=screws+and+assemblies_pid0923
Q: I have a question regarding the hardware stack-up on a main ground bus. I couldn’t find a
diagram in the ATT-TP-76300, but did find the diagram below in an old installation manual. My
specific question is as follows.
On a main ground bus, is a flat washer required between the head of the bolt and the bus bar as
shown below?
A: Yes, the flat washer you show below is required.
Hardware stack-up requirements are in the ATT-P-05100-E drawing. This and other
equipment and interconnect drawings are located on Woodduck.
Q: We in the SE have converted to leaving a Complete Copy of Job Package in the CO’s for one
to adhere to TP 76300 Standards and to conform to wishes of AT&T SE Local Bell wishes. The
issue I have is can the OTV’s in the SE conform to the Electronic EJF On-line forms such as
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MOP , Completion , Cable Hole ect which are the fill in the Blank EJF Forms required to get
AT&T SE approval for jobs ect, continue to do these active forms on-line but any Attachments
the OTV’s have been doing just leave these in the job folder in the field to conform to TP
standards.
It is very costly and repetitious to have to Up-load attachments in the AT&T SE EJF Folder and
also leave a hard copy in the Folder at the CO.
AS I said we would continue to do on-line hard coded forms in their EJF folder because this is
easier than fax docs and we would not upload attachments but leave a hard copy in folder in the
filed.
A: In the Southeast Region, for the Quality organization, you are not required to leave a
job folder on site. EJF will still be utilized as before. I realize what the TP states, but the
SE Quality folks know that a job folder is not required to be left on site and that they will
continue to use EJF. All audits will be conducted using EJF.
Q: Are Vendors required to obtain a waiver when the manufacturer does not make an in-line
reducing splice for a particular size power cable? An example would be # 8 to # 12 power cable.
A: Per GES, The answer is YES, the installation supplier would need to request a waiver
for a couple of reasons. 1) Why do they need an in-line reducing splice to go from a 8
AWG to a 12 AWG? using the installation supplier's example; 2) We would verify that an
in-line reducing splice is not manufactured (and the installation supplier is correct that size
of in-line reducer is not available); and 3) if there is enough demand for a in-line reducer
that is not manufactured, we need to know to request the production of that size in-line
reducer. Please see the attached communication issued by Steve Martin earlier this week
to the OTVs that describes the waiver process around in-line reducing splices.
Q: The TP 76300, Sec. L states "The Installation Supplier shall place 145 type tags or
equivalent on all battery and battery return leads". Brady currently manufactures a 145 type tag
made of a fire retardant, rigid, polyethylene material. Does this type 145 tag meet the TP 76300
requirements?
A: Per GES, I am familiar with the Brady 145 tag, and it can be used as a label where
adhered to a Burndy 145-P Tag (10079796) for power and ground cable labeling 14AWG
to 750kCMIL. It cannot be used without the Burndy 145-P Tag for power and
ground cabling identification. The attached excerpt from the AT&T DC Power Minor
Material List (available to AT&T Suppliers) states this requirement. I have tested the
Brady 145 tags, and although they are somewhat durable, we do not feel they will hold up
by themselves where cabling activity occurs. Burndy developed the Lexan nonflammable 145-P Tag (10079796) at AT&T's direction, and it is an exact match
dimensionally for use with the Brady label tag. Anixter has a large stock of the Burndy
145-P Tags (10079796).
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Q: I am currently working on a project to install a new FW7500 Core bay configuration. It is
being installed up next to an existing DMX bay which is a 19” bay with 2” spacers on each side.
I contacted ADC TAC and they currently have no solution for securing the glide panel in this
situation. With the requirement for the glide cable management systems on each side of the
FW7500 bay, would one of the following scenarios be a possibility?; Remove the 2” spacer
from the side of the DMX bay where the glide panel will mount properly (cable management for
the DMX shelves in the bay would be then be a concern)? Or, apply for a waiver to not install
the glide assembly between the FW7500 and the DMX bay?
A: Response from our engineering SME.
Either of the two scenarios that places the cable glides on each side of the FW7500 bay is
acceptable. Floor space and cabling issues at the existing DMX bay are possible factors in
determining which would be the preferred path forward. The AT&T Floor Space Planner
should be contacted to see if he or she has a preference.
Q: Please review the excerpt below from the Legacy T Labeling Supplement document. It
identifies the required information to be included on the sync labels in Legacy T. There is
nothing that reflects primary (P) & secondary (S) being required to be identified on these labels.
Can you provide clarification on this issue?
TP76300 Section L
ATTCORP Labeling Supplement
Timing Cables
Cables carrying Timing (Synchronization) & Critical Telemetry signals (NSDnet, TCP/IP,
TiNet/LNSNet, etc . . ) shall be individually labeled at both ends with pressure sensitive
commercial grade adhesive type labels and shall be fire retardant. The labels shall be 1 ½” or
less in width and have enough lines to print required information. They shall be visible at all
times. The label shall contain the NEAR End information, (located on upper portion of label),
the FAR End information (located on the bottom portion of the label), the FIC code, Jack #, TEO
order number and supplier’s name.
A: As the document states, this is a supplement. TP76300 states that P or S is required.
Please make sure this is designated.
Q: We have a situation in S. Florida in an office where we have approximately 30 DSX bays in
a line up that is equipped with upper and lower jumper troughs.
Both levels of troughs are full and the customer has requested we place another trough in each
frame above the upper trough.
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Some of the bays are gray and some are putty white.
We are being told by ADC that they no longer provide the trough in gray.
Would a waiver be required to place a putty white jumper trough on a gray bay?
If so do you have a TP reference to refer to when we apply for the waiver?
I could not find a reference in either TP or AT&T standard drawings that I can refer to.
A: There is no requirement for a waiver if a gray trough is placed on a putty white frame.
However, if you can find a putty white trough from another provider, it would be best.
Q: I have a question about Power Cable fiber protection do we need to Fiber Electra Wire KS
24194 List 2 Power Cable we are seeing this cable being run and not fibered in CO’s across
AT&T offices.
This cable has a hard outside shield and we fill it does not need fiber but would like a final
decision from AT&T SME Expert.
A: The following applies to all AT&T sites except Legacy-T. Non-braid covered insulation
power cable requires additional fiber protection when secured. Only AIW power cable has
been approved for use for several years within SBC locations, and since the beginning of
the year for all AT&T regions. See the excerpt from the AT&T DC Power and Grounding
Minor Material List. The only place non-braid insulated cable can be used is for battery
cabling and rectifier connections.
Legacy-T will be allowed the use of the L2 non-braid power cable without fiber protection
except where there are sharp edges or transitions. There is an attached waiver that will be
in affect for a few months until all their vendors use up their remaining stock of red and
blue L2 power cable.
Q: The AT&T Minor Material list was updated on 10/1/08 in regard to 145P tags and now states
that “Lexan Non-Flammable Tag Available from Burndy May be Used in Conjunction with
Non-Flammable Adhesive Tags or Stenciled; (Discontinue the Use of Fiber Type
Numbering Tags as of 12/31/2008)”. There is also a material line added to the list for the
Brady double sided P-Tag label that states “Fire retardant label available from Brady; must
be used with the 145P-Tag (10079796) for power and grounding cabling tags to maintain
durability”.
Does this mean that the old style grey compressed fiber non-flammable 145P tags can no longer
be used at all, or was the statement “Discontinue the Use of Fiber Type Numbering Tags” in
conjunction with the use of the Brady tags only? The old style grey compressed fiber nonflammable 145P tags are not listed on the AT&T Minor Material list. If they’re no longer
allowed, AT&T may want to consider a quality flash as most other vendors and AT&T staff that
are not aware of this change. Also note the Burndy 145P tags (10079796) are 2 ½ times the cost
of the old style compressed fiber 145P tags.
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A: Per GES: The use of the fiber tags should be discontinued as various samples we have
found and tested are flammable. Some are red in color..........others are gray. Some may
not be flammable, but there is no way to know if the fiber tags are flammable unless you
test them. The Burndy Lexan 145P Tag is all that should be used going forward for power
cabling identification. I did not want to issue a notification until we could find out if the
Transport folks were going to use the Burndy Lexan 145P tag or just the Brady B fold-over
label. Keith Lanning informed me yesterday that the Transport folks will allow the Brady
B fold-over label to be used without a Burndy Lexan 145P tag sandwiched inbetween. Again, only power cabling will require the use of Burndy Lexan 145P Tag, and
the use of fiber tags should be discontinued.
You can post a notification on your AQA site regarding discontinuing the use of the 145P
fiber tags, or we can issue a notification to use the Burndy Lexan 145P Tag for power
cabling.
Q: I have an issue with the Frequently asked question concerning Fire stopping page 20 top
question in F Asked Q section about Z Frame used on all wall holes which says for wall holes 8
inches or thicker and TP 76300 Section F paragraph 4.14 subsection D says walls less than 8
inches for Power and Fiber only bricks have to be placed thickness of the walls for 8 inches or
less.
The Hilti Z Frame Wall System is designed for all Wall Holes 2x2 with minimum 8 inch thick
walls turned in the 5 inch direction which is for Power cables, fiber and all other cables for a
Two Hour Fire Rating.
We are changing perfectly good Z Frame Holes to adhere to the TP when it states to turn blocks
the thickness of the wall 8 inches or less for Power Cables and Fiber when there is no required
rating for Wall Holes and also the Hilti Drawing CBJ 8014 states the Z Frame 5 inch depth is UL
tested for minimum 8 inch walls for all cable applications and has a Two Hour Fire rating.
A: The intent of the 8" direction placement of fire stop blocks is to achieve higher T-rating
so heat does not transfer through opening. In the building code, there is no requirement
for any T-rating. There is only requirement for floor penetrations meet T-rating to the
same level as the what the floor was designed for, usually two hours. Because there is no Trating requirements for walls, we really do not need to configure fire stop blocks in the 8"
direction. The Z-Frame installations do not allow the fire stop blocks to be arranged in the
8" direction. It is alright to have blocks in the 5" direction and meet fire and smoke
requirements. The TP Section F should be changed and I will do that. Larry Wong
Q: I'm not sure I fully understand the statement below. Is this referring to the power feeding the
panel in the BDFB or running multiple feeds from a FAP, such as the 4 load ADC Power Worx
panel which contains load A1, A2 and B1, B2, to a single panel in the BDFB?
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ATT-TP 76400, Section 12, paragraphs 6.1.11 "In a BDFB, a single panel shall not have
multiple feeds connected to it.
A: From the engineering SME: It’s talking about primary power (i.e. power feeding the
panel). I agree that it is not a very clear statement though.
Q: ATT-P-05405-E Note 12 requires that we label power cables with to and from power cable
locations. It states: Clear H-Tap Covers are designed with label space as depicted in Figures 1 &
2; The Installation Vendor shall either place labels inside the Clear H-Tap cover as shown, or use
P-Tags to indicate the "To" and "From" power cable location.
Now that IRCN 054 & 055 requires that we use in-line reducers in place of H-Taps are we still
required to label the to and from locations at the reducers?
If this is AT&T's intention will there be a change to the TP 76300 in the near future clarifing
this as a requirement?
A: No, you are not required to designate the "to" and "from" locations when using in-line
reduction devices. This is only required when clear H-tap covers are used on H-taps.
Q: Can we use plastic tubing in place of the sheet fiber? This is the same plastic tubing we use
to protect the threaded rods so it should not be a fire rating problem.
O 2.1.24 When securing OFNR cable, a minimum of two wraps of sheet fiber shall be placed
around the fiber cable at each tie down point.
A: No, formed fiber tubing (plastic) is not allowed per the requirement. Only use the two
wraps of sheet fiber as identified in the requirement.
Q: Is MDR #3 required any longer for nonasbestos floor drilling waste?
A: Please refer to IRCN ATT-TP-76300-049. This IRCN removed the requirement for the
MDR for ACM or presumed ACM.
Q: We are receiving the BDFB LDWS back with the AT&T Eng signature missing, but we do
have the e-mail approval. Is this acceptable?
A: Every effort should be made to get the engineer to actually put their name on the BDFB
LDW to show approval. However, if the engineer refuses to add their signature on the
LDW, then the email with the job number and the statement from the engineer that the
LDW is approved will meet the requirement. A note saying that the engineer refused to
sign the LDW should be placed on the LDW.
Page 68 of 97
Q: Does the Year, TEO, and vendor name need to be labeled on FOT blocks?
A: Yes, the Year/TEO/Vendor Name designation is required on the FOT block. Any piece
of equipment that has a DCPR number requires this designation.
Q: When cabling multipack 734C coax that’s required to be butted as close to the top of the bay
as possible, should a 145P tag with far end info be placed at the cable butt and where it breaks
off into the shelf as well? Or is (1) 145P tag at the cable butt at the top of the be sufficient? If
one is required at the shelf, should it be done as a bundle or on Individual leads? If individuals,
would they need to be flag labels?
A: The only time you can use only a 145P tag is when the cable butt is even with the cables
are terminated. On 734C cables, the individual cables have to be labeled.
Q: Can you please explain the TP Pressure Test requirement for Round Cell batteries I believe I
am going to need this info for an audit defect that is going to be charged against a job audited by
AT&T last week.
The statement says first that you only need to do the Test If the AT&T Engineer orders one and
or if the installer sees leakage visible as he unpacks the batteries.
Is this correct I believe the AT&T Auditor is saying this test must be done at all times when you
are adding batteries if this is so the TP section I have attached needs to be rewritten it does not
say what he states.
Just to be clear how I see the TP statement is:
1. That if the AT&T Engineer Orders this Test in the TEO we do the Pressure Test.
2. That if the installer sees leakage while unpacking the Batteries we do the Pressure Test.
I see these two statements above as the only time we pressure test batteries.
And that we DO Not Pressure Test all Battery Installations unless the two lines above apply.
A: Per GES: This same question around battery pressure testing came up earlier this year
when we issued IRCN AT&T-TP-76300-050. METS folks from various Company entities
were involved; and the decision was the AT&T Engineer needed to specify pressure
testing on battery relocation jobs, unless there is obvious leakage. The existing TP
language in Section M 3.5 is good. The Auditor should base any finding on the TP
requirements as stated.
Q: ATT-TP-76300, paragraph J2.1.2 specifies that the sheath shall be taken off all multiconductor 734C coax cables near the top of the bay. I need an interpretation of “near the top of
the bay”. I have some interpretations that would suggest at the exit point of the cable rack (sheath
removed within one inch of the lacing point of the cable to the cable rack). Others suggest it is at
Page 69 of 97
the top of the flange of the bay which can be two or three inches away from the cable rack. I
want to make we are in compliance with the interpretation of the standards. Or is it the Installer’s
interpretation of “near the top of the bay”. Perhaps I am being overly concerned about the
interpretation of the Standards but we only want to do the best possible installation for AT&T!
How do we treat 735C multi-conductor coax? Do we keep the sheath on until reaching
the break-out point near the DS3 panel or remove the sheath at the same point as the multiconductor 734C coax? I know we have to protect the individual 735C coax with fiber paper or a
piece of the removed sheath but just wanted to meet the requirements of the TP-76300.
Finally, has there been a change in interpretation regarding the use of flag tags on individual
734C/735C coax cables?
A: Near the top of the bay would mean that the 734C cable should be butted and taped
right above the top of the bay prior to the cables entering into the bay cable trough. The
idea is that the cable butt is outside of the bay cable trough to keep congestion as a
minimum.
735C cable can be butted at the shelf level. It is not required to be butted outside of the
bay.
Since the new building blocks have been published, flag markers are required on the
individual coaxial cables.
Q: I have a scenario I need your expert decision on it has to deal with Washer Overhang on
tongue of power lugs.
Woodduck Drawing ATT-P-05100-E Note 18 states that the washer cannot overhang the tongue
of a lug we have a situation where we have been getting written up for this and the problem is
with a number 6 power lug that has to be terminated on a Bus Bar that has 3/8 holes for bolt to
bar application you cannot get a washer to fit the 3/8 bolt size that will not overhang the lug.
The distance from the inside of the washer to the outside cannot be met because the distance
from the 3/8 hole to the edge of washer is to small to keep from having washer overhang tongue
one is not made even Burndy and T&B bolt kits with lugs and washers overhang tongue because
you cannot find correct washer size.
I feel this was written to keep large size lugs that but up against each other on a Bus Bar from
having washers overlap onto the next lug but small size lugs such as the number 6 the tongue and
width of lug is so small when you install it to a Bus Bar there is plenty of space between lugs so
washers would not overlap onto tongue of lugs.
I have added an attachment we put together to help explain this situation we have a TL 9000 Cap
for AFL we need to complete so I am needing your help with final decision.
A: Per GES: The washer overhang situation is correct up to 2/0. 4/0 and larger connector
lug tongues should not have washer overhang. I need to correct the drawing as soon as I
can get to it. This issue was raised a couple of months ago, and it could be another month
before I can get to the drawing due to other commitments, but it is high on the list. Too
much to do; not enough time.
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Q: We have added several Preterm Fiber Shelves with OFNR cable to the vault area for AT&T
to splice into outside world.
My question is are we required to remove 900 micron fibers that have been plugged into the rear
of Fiber Shelves from the factory and do the Fiber Scope and Grade test.
The end at Preterm Fiber Shelves are connected from factory and the other end of OFNR cable is
Raw and has to been spliced into outside world at vault end.
We should not unplug and test 900 micron fibers that have been terminated into shelves into
connector ports from the factory these fibers are very brittle and can be broken very easy.
A: From GES: Just because pre-terminated fiber comes from the factory doesn’t mean
it’s clean. Everyone assumes that but, it doesn’t make it so. AT&T expects all new fibers
going into the network to be inspected and cleaned if necessary. Pre-terminated fiber can
be inspected by removing the connectors from the panel or can be inspected through the
bulkhead adapter. If inspected through the bulkhead adapter they would obviously need to
be removed to be cleaned if they didn’t pass muster.
Q: Is an OTV, working on a CLEC job, required to retrofit a cable hole?
A: Not if the CLEC does not pay them.
Q: The Alcatel – Lucent 1631 LMC and 1671 SC comes with manufacturer system cable label
kits that only provide near end information. These systems cables, such as ACL and Fiber cables
stay within the foot print of the dacs. Does the following standard apply to internal manufacturer
cables:
4.2.5 All terminated fiber conductors shall be marked with a flag style marker at both ends with
near and far end designation information
My interpretation of the standard tells me that this standard only applies to fibers running outside
the foot print of the system to either an FOT or FTP panel. The labels provided by the
manufacturer are the flag style label but only provide near end information.
Are we ok to use the manufacturer provided labels?
A: Per GES: Yes
Q: Would the AT&T equipment drawing be the controlling document to determine the proper
shelf numbering for both Legacy B and Legacy T projects? If so, will it define when an alpha
character is required to be added to the numeric designation? What reference should we follow if
the AT&T equipment drawing does not identify the shelf numbering?
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A: Yes, they will be the controlling document for Legacy-T and Legacy –B. All the
Legacies are using the same drawings.
Q: Per IRCN 057, the vendors scoping and recording tests of the scope on the Fiber Connector
Inspection and Grading Test Record Form. The question I have is how does GES want the test
results documented. Does every fiber conductor test result have to be on its own line or can the
vendor simply state that both ends of the 96 fibers were scoped and all 96 have passed. The
IRCN does not detail this out.
A: Per GES: All lines items should be filled in separately with the appropriate test results
as the installer inspects each fiber.
Q: We completed several jobs in the earlier part of the year that added Fiber Panel Sets with
tails (various lengths). These tails were pre-connectorized by the supplier and are AT&T ordered
equipment. The far end of the tail is left un-terminated ready for splicing by OSP personnel (no
connectors).
Are we required to disconnect every one of these factory connectorized ends and scope them? I
would assume that the supplier did this prior to assembly and shipment to site.
A: Per GES: Connectorized fibers are required to be inspected just like nonconnectorized fibers. I would recommend viewing the fibers through the adapter first
rather than removing each connector first. After viewing through the adapter if the fiber is
found dirty it can be removed for cleaning or it can be cleaned through the adapter.
Q: Occasionally we come across legacy T offices that have a cable hole numbering scheme that
deviates from the 2 methods outlined in TP76400 SECTION 4
2.10.4. When this occurs should we continue with the current scheme (i.e. 10F, 9F, 8F, 10M,
9M, and 8M) documented on the floor plan or should we start re-designating the cable holes to
agree with TP76400 SECTION 4, 2.10.4?
TP76400 SECTION 4, 2.10.4
Central office cable hole numbering may be encountered in AT&T buildings in one of
two methods as follows:
A) Floor, Nearest column, Sequential letter designations radiating outward from the
column. For example: 02G3B is second floor, near column G3, B representing the second
cable hole designated near column G3.
B) Floor, Nearest column, Compass direction from the column, Sequential whole
numbers in that compass direction. For example: 02G3W2 is second floor, near column
G3, West side of column, second hole to West of column.
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A: Per GES: The standard is a going forward item and new formats shall be
followed/applied as the holes are used. Similar application as end guard labeling. Going
forward the equipment designations (name or function with each bay number (DSX .03
etc)) shall be added as the end guards require updating due to equipments addition or
removal. We use the same approach on all labeling application changes.
Q: We are having some issues with bay placement for IPAG equipment when the BDFB’S are
placed in the same lineup.
QUESTION: When the AT&T space planner does not want to allow for the 5” separation
between the BDFB and IPAG equipment is a waiver required for not junctioning the IPAG
equipment to the BDFB per 800-068-150MP Paragraph 2.11?
QUESTION: If the floor space for the installation of the IPAG equipment does not allow for an
end guard to be installed between the glide assembly and a building column is a waiver required
for not adding an end guard per TP 76300 Section I Paragraph 2.6.16?
A: Per GES. If the IPAG framework is right up against the BDFB with no space between,
the frame should be junctioned to the BDFB with custom fabricated straps at the top and
one more strap at mid-height. We may be able to allow them to get by without junctioning
if there is at least 3 inch space between framework and BDFB, but any smaller gap we’ll
need to enforce the junctioning requirement.
End guards are really a cosmetic requirement and sometimes also to protect cabling of
uprights from exposure. If an equipment frame is up against a column, the need for an end
guard is probably not as important since the end of the upright is not exposed. We can get
by without the end guard in that instance if the space between frame and column is less
than a foot wide.
Q: I checked an order that we purchased duplex patchcords from Atlanta Cable Sales. Our P/N
was CS000812B and their P/N was F015192HYBL2.
These were used to connect from a network element to an FDP.
There were two differences from the AFL fibers we normally install.
1. The fiber strands exiting the blue jacket were (1) blue and (1) orange.
2. There was no protection at the butt of the jacket where the fiber strands exited the jacket.
Questions: Are these fibers legal to be used as installed in a Legacy-B office?
A: Per GES: Yes they are. The color difference on the breakout is ok that is just a way to
id the fibers when installing
The un protected at the butt breakout that that may be an issue
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Q: We are in a quandary re: the interpretation of paragraph I2.6.6 and specifically sub-item a).
We were assessed a major defect on AT&T quality audit Sequence 375963 (TIN009243A).
Comments from the auditor on Line 1 stated: Bay added to existing line-up that is top supported,
was not top supported.
Here is the situation as this OTV views it. We added a 7’0” bay (RR 101.03) into an
existing line-up (RR 101.01 & 101.02), both were top supported using the cable rack/aux bar as
the top support and two (2) floor anchors in each bay. Directly above bay (101.03) the cable rack
had been transitioned, by the previous OTV, from the 7’0” level to 8’0” eliminating our ability to
continue the top support for this new bay and follow the office pattern of two (2) floor anchors
for this line-up. Our solution was to follow paragraph I2.6.6a) which states that top support is not
required if four (4) anchors are used. We installed the bay using the recommended four (4)
anchor configuration and then placed threaded rod from the top of the bay to the cable rack to
help support the cable rack (about 12 inched in length) above the bay. We did not consider the
threaded rod as the top support.
The AT&T response to our appeal was denial and stated: If an installation standard can
not be met, then a waiver is required, requesting a variance. Per ATT-TP-76300 Section a,
paragraph 1.4.2, “The Installation Supplier shall contact the AT&T Equipment Engineer to
request any variance from ATT-TP-76300. The Installation Supplier shall provide
documentation of approved variances in the job folder at the job site.” There was no supporting
documentation in the Job Folder, or provided with appeal, to indicate this process was used to
deviate from approved standards.
Admittedly we did not apply for a waiver/variance because, as we interpreted the
standards, we are in compliance with the AT&T installation standards (I2.6.6a) and we did not
deviate from those approved standards.
A: Per GES: The best configuration would have been the installation of the new frame as
a start of a new lineup, freestanding, no overhead support, four floor anchors and
separated from existing lineup by 5 inches. If they butted the new frame up against the
existing lineup of which the old frames were top supported, two floor anchors and
junctioned together, then the new frame would also need to follow the existing installation
practice. Meaning the new frame would be top supported and two floor anchors. Top
support however is to auxiliary framing and hangers and not to cable rack unless we are in
a CDO office where aux framing is not used. Then the cable rack must be run from wallto-wall and secured to all equipment frames in lineup. Not exactly sure what was done
here but it appears they do not have aux framing and it is not a CDO.
3/1/10
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Q: We are installing two 24 strand fiber cables to the same FOT Panel and need to secured on
one side of panel. Since cables are small can we secure two cables in the same cable clamp,
providing they meet bend radius and are not pinched?
A: Per Don Mitrano of GES - If there is sufficient space for the two and the bending radius
is not compromised and the cables are not crushed, it work for me.
Q: There seems to be some discrepancy regarding the type of anchors to secure framework to a
concrete floor.
The Telect part number 02100-35B (Seismic Anchor Kit), per Telect, comes with HSLB M
12/25 Red Cap Anchors. This is the part that has been ordered whenever a framework is
ordered. See pictures HSL M12-25, 1 through 3.
Today we received, from Telect, part number 02100-35B. The anchors provided are shown in
Kit 02100-35B Anchor Pic 1 through 3. I have sent an e-mail to Harry Eckert of Telect as to
why the different anchors.
Also, our Hilti Rep is saying we should be using HSL-I M12 65/80 anchors. Picture HSL-I M12
65-80.
I have not seen anything official on the use of the new Hilti anchor.
What anchor should we be using to secure frameworks to a concrete floor?
A: Per Larry Wong of GES - I know Legacy-T used the Seisco anchors before the
companies merged and it appears Keith Lanning issued that document in 2008 after we
merged. But under SBC and now with the merged companies the Seisco anchors should
not be used because of performance questions.
Q: Delta Com is providing a block OFNR cable to be run from their hand hole to their FDP in
their cage in an AT&T Central office.
I believe ATT-C-00136-E Note 11 applies but I’m not sure if it applies to Co-Locators in the
Southern Region.
Question: Is black OFNR cable allowed to be run in an AT&T office from the hand hole outside
to the Delta Com’s FDP.
A: Per Mike Yeilding of GES - The rule of thumb is this…
If the cable is coming from the outside the C.O. i.e. at a manhole, then it should be
indoor/outdoor cable and it is usually black with a yellow stripe.
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If the cable is being spliced in the vault and then run into the C.O. it should be typical
OFNR intra-facility cable and it should be yellow.
All that being said, if the CLEC’s are required to follow AT&T guidelines, then the above
is applicable.
I’m not familiar enough with the Collocation Provisioning Guidelines specific to the SE
region.
Q: The TP76408, fig. 3, shows a two bolt splice kit being installed in low seismic areas and a
four bolt splice kit in the high seismic areas. Is it acceptable to install a three bolt splice kit, in
the place of a two bolt splice kit, in low seismic areas?
A: Per Larry Wong of GES – three bolt splice kits are allowable in low seismic areas.
Q: Are two appliance outlets required to be placed in a bay when AC receptacles are required to
be installed.
A: Per Al Bergman of GES – Unless AT&T specifically directs the vendor to place outlets
in both the front and rear of the bay, only one appliance outlet is required.
Q: Can you tell me which drawing on Wood Duck we should be following in the 9 state area
when there is no drawing on the National link for the equipment?
There are cases where there is a drawing under the 13 state link and also a drawing under the 9
state link and they are different.
A: Per Doug Florence of GES - If the installation is somehow identified as style or service that
was started based on a 9-state drawing, and that drawing has not be labeled or marked to point to
an AT&T drawing replacement. Than the 9-state drawing is still the active reference for that
install.
As equipment is moved, our team is changing the 9-state index to redirect the installers. (I.e.
ALU-7330, FW-5150, HN418-U, some of the ADC fuse panels).
Q: Early on after the merger we were told if we added equipment to an existing bay we were
expected to bring the bay up to standards. Ex: Adding end guards or shields, stiffening plates,
AC, guard rail closing details etc. We were also told if we were only running cable to an existing
bay we were not expected upgrade the bay. Of course I can not find this in my notes and I am
being questioned by our internal engineers concerning the need to bring existing bays into
compliance. Question: When adding equipment to an existing bay should we be attempting to
bring the bay into standards?
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A: Per GES – Waiver # 2009111801 - If panels are added then the bays should be
upgraded. If only circuits are added then leave the hardware / equipment as is.
Q: Some of the router equipment require the 11 digit CLLI code to be stenciled on the
equipment as requested in the BER.
QUESITION: Is there a requirement to show the CLLI code on the Front Equipment Drawing
when BER specifies the shelf to be stenciled with the CLLI?
A: Per the Engineer SME - Listing the CLLI on the Front Equipment Drawing is not a
TP76400 requirement. The DESP is required to provide the CLLI information to the
installer, this can be done by listing it on the FEV, as some vendors do, or by listing it
within the spec.
Q: Can you get me some clarification if a waiver is required when mounting equipment above
the 7’ level in 11’6” bay.
Since the drawing below states equipment can be mounted above the 7’ level in an 11’6” bay is a
waiver still required?
ATT-E-00447-E Note 8
Solid 9'/11' 6" rack uprights versus 7' rack with extenders:
Prior to 5-01-02,the AT&T rack standard for 9'/11' 6" overhead areas that were not built down to
the 7' level
was solid 9'/11' 6" rack uprights whenever possible instead of 7' racks with extenders. The solid
upright versus
7' rack with extenders choice is now an equal preference standard if the bay equipment growth
pattern does not
go above the 7' level.
In other words, engineering vendors can now use either method (solid upright or extenders) at
their discretion.
This supersedes section 2 of PAN 20011016 per 4-29-02 memo from Larry Wong/Common
Systems.
Bays with a growth pattern that goes above the 7' level (ATT-E-01117-E DSX-3 or ATT-E01175-E DSX-1 for example)
must always use full height racks based on the overhead condition (use solid upright racks so
equipment can be mounted above 7' level in 9'/11' 6" areas).
As shown in PAN 20011016 section 2, the extender manufacturer must match the rack
manufacturer. Telect/Newton (per PAN
20011016), Nortel (per note 9) and Custom Cabinets (per note 10) are the only approved
extender manufacturers. Extenders are not
approved for B-Line racks.
Page 77 of 97
Based on this "equal preference" standard, existing/future AT&T preassembled bay
configurations will transition to 7' only (phase
out preassembled 9'/11' 6" bays).
A: Yes, a waiver is required when placing equipment above 7” in a bay.
Q: 1) Is it acceptable to install Hilti Z frame on wall penetrations that contain "Power Cable
Only" or "Fiber Cable Only"?
A: Per GES - Yes, it is acceptable to install the Hilti Z frame on a Power Cable or Fiber
Cable Only hole. Due to the design, the blocks have to be installed in the 5” direction.
When using the Hilti Z frame, F4.14.1d is not applicable. This requirement was written
prior to the Z frame inception and has yet to be updated by our GES folks.
Q: We have purchased the required Lexan tags and are moving forward to their deployment.
HCI, however, is unclear as to whether the Brady label system that is used in conjunction with
the Lexan tag is a requirement or can we use the P-Touch labels we currently use for all other
applications? We have received conflicting information on the use of the Brady labels.
A: Per Al Bergman of GES – Both the Brady and the P-Touch labels can be used on the
Lexan 145 type tags.
Q: Woodduck Drawing ATT-P-05100-E Note 18 states that the washer cannot overhang the
tongue of a lug we have a situation where we have been getting written up for this and the
problem is with a number 6 power lug that has to be terminated on a Bus Bar that has 3/8 holes
for bolt to bar application you cannot get a washer to fit the 3/8 bolt size that will not overhang
the lug.
The distance from the inside of the washer to the outside cannot be met because the distance
from the 3/8 hole to the edge of washer is to small to keep from having washer overhang tongue
one is not made even Burndy and T&B bolt kits with lugs and washers overhang tongue because
you cannot find correct washer size.
I feel this was written to keep large size lugs that but up against each other on a Bus Bar from
having washers overlap onto the next lug but small size lugs such as the number 6 the tongue and
width of lug is so small when you install it to a Bus Bar there is plenty of space between lugs so
washers would not overlap onto tongue of lugs.
A: Per Al Bergman of GES - FYI….note 18 of Power Drawing ATT-P-05100-E was
updated as follows to resolve the washer overhang concern:
18. Washers on 4/0 and larger connector lug tongues must rest completely on (not
overhang) the tongue face of the lug connector. Overhanging washers on 2/0 and
smaller lug connectors may occur (and are acceptable) due to the small lug sizes and
Page 78 of 97
lack of availability of suitably sized washers.
Q: Figure L2 shows the words Near and Far on the labels.
Are they required when only one side of the label is used?
I am assuming they are required when both sides of the label is used. Is that correct?
A: Yes, Near and Far End designations are required whether using one or both sides of a
label.
Q: Do we have to stamp Fiber Cable Only on ADC Yellow FPS duct systems in the CO, I have
seen somewhere in a document where they say if you have yellow duct or cable rack you do not
have to stamp them and I would agree anyone should know that Yellow duct and or rack is for
Fiber Cables only.
A: You do not have to designate the yellow Fiber Protection System (FPS). L2.1.8 is only
dealing with cable racking and not FPS. Some areas run Fiber Optic cables on gray rack.
This is when you would designate the cable rack as Fiber Optic Cable Only.
Q: I have observed “running stitches” used recently to secure CAT5 cables
and power wire to horizontal bars across the rear of bays.
Although they create a very neat appearance I am wondering if ATT
practices permit such stitches.
A: As long as the stitches are no more than 2 inches apart, a running stitch is acceptable.
Q: Are there any requirements to add 145P tags at inline splices (H taps) when transitioning
from the main power run(s) to a drop into a frame?
A: Not for in-line reducers. Only H-taps.
Q: Does Legacy T still require the red and blue power text on labels attached to the
frames/cabinets as well as on the 145P tags required by TP76400 Section 12 6.1.6 (The DESP
shall provide 145-Type or approved equivalent tags for both ends of every battery and battery
return lead, except secondary power leads internal to a rack or voice switching)? Per the
TP76300 Section L Black ink would be used on a white label. Blue and red text for power is not
mention in the TP.
A: Per the January 2010 issue of Section L in TP76300, there are no Red and Blue
requirements. This includes Legacy-T sites.
This new issue of Section L makes the Legacy-T Labeling Supplement null and void.
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Q: Is the document
https://www.infoswap.att.com/DocumentLibrary/Labeling/labeling_att_guidelines.doc still valid
for Legacy T? It has a lot of references to GR1275 and to AT&T 790-100-669; my
understanding is that these two documents have been replaced by TP76300 and TP76400.
A: This document is no longer valid due to the January 2010 release of Section L of
TP76300.
Q: With regards to J2.1.14, we have been told that the heat shrinks can now be touching and as
long as the metallic in-line splices are staggered, we have met the requirement. Is this true.
A: Per Al Bergman of GES – Yes, this is true. The wording in the TP will be updated with
an IRCN.
Q: Can plastic battery stands be used in Seismic 3 & 4 zones?
A: No, only metal battery stands are allowed to be used in Seismic 3 & 4 Zones.
Q: The Label information below is to show the information required (Par 2.4.4b)at the proper
font size (Table L-3). Example shown is for minimum labeling required by the reference. If more
than one fuse panel is in the bay or if power is cabled directly to an equipment shelf an additional
line of information would be required.
2.4.4 BDFBS and Secondary Power Distribution Units (SPDUs)
b) All fuse and circuit breaker positions shall be designated with frame location, fuse/circuit
breaker size, load, and, if applicable, fuse panel number or equipment unit.
Designation
Location
Size
BDFB, PBD, PDB, PDF
etc.
Fuse
Assignments
3/8
RR010103.15
LD-A 40A
I had an installer measure the manufactures recommended stenciling area on two different
BDFB’S as shown below.
LUCENT BDFB H569-445
1”high X 1 3/16” wide
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PECO BDFB 5069
½” high X 1” wide
I can see no way to meet this TP requirement and it will require a waiver on every order we cable
to a BDFB.
Question: Is the intent of this requirement to get OTV’S to submit a waiver on every order
cabling to a BDFB?
A: Per Keith Lanning of GES - Yes submit waivers.
Q: Is the "Raised Floor Supplement" currently a valid document? If yes, where is it located and
does it apply to all Legacy accounts or just L-T?
A: Per Keith Lanning of GES - It is current for Legacy T locations with existing cable on
the slab under the raised floor. Any new developed areas in any building should follow the
current raised floor standards (require cable racks under the floor). Again we do not want
to add cable racks under existing legacy T raised floors so as to prevent damage to existing
cables.
Q: For TRCN ATT-TP-76900-006, can you clarify when the streaker card is required to be
utilized.
A: Per Bruce Jones of GES, the streaker card is used to test from the card through the
backplane, through the cabling, to the wire wrap panel. This is done during the
installation to verify the continuity of all outputs. Continuity from the wire wrap panel to
the NE is not tested using the streaker cards. This is only for when a new BITS shelf is
being installed.
Q: ATT-TP76400-037 references an Approve Product List. Where is it located?
A: http://mechteam.sbc.com/
The Power APL is there at/in http://mechteam.sbc.com:8080/Power/apl.html
Q: We would like to get clarification on the intent of TP76400, Sec. 3, 3.12.4. (The DESP shall
not show combined lengths of multiple cables within a single run.) Dawn Harwood (ATT
Quality) has indicated that any power cable that has an inline reducer installed to reduce the
cable size, an example would be # 6 to 2/0 to # 6, would then be considered a multiple cable
within a single run. It would require the 2/0 main power cable be shown on a cable run in the
CRL and then require the # 6 that it taps down to be shown on separate runs in the CRL as well.
You would have a 2/0 run in the CRL, a separate run for the # 6 at the equipment end in the CRL
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and a separate run for the # 6 at the BDFB end in the CRL. This would create three cable runs in
the CRL for one cable.
Our interpretation of 3.12.4 is that it applies to multi pack type cables such as six pack coax
and/or showing a cable run with multiple cables and adding the total footage together. An
example would be a quantity of 6 cables with the run length of 100'. The CRL would show 100',
not 600'. When running a single six pack coax cable you would show the quantity as 1 and length
as 100', not 600'
A: Per the engineering SME, the answer is no. Power cables drops are not considered
multiple cables in a run. They are considered one run.
Q: Please see the situation below and let me know if we need to add an ESD jack to the upright.
1. Existing bay does not have an ESD jack installed in the upright.
2. Some equipment shelves in the existing bay have ESD jacks installed on the shelf.
3. Shelf we are adding to the existing bay is not equipped with an ESD jack.
TP76300 SECTION N
2.3.2 If a new or existing equipment rack, frame or cabinet equipped with or intended to be
equipped with electronic equipment has no ESD grounding jack(s) on the installed shelves, one
shall be installed on the front right framework upright. The ESD jack and label shall be installed
on the upright between 36” and 60”. This requirement does not apply to Power Distribution
Racks/Bay or any equipment rack, frame or cabinet, such as a fiber distribution bay, that does
not have or will not have any electronic equipment or circuit packs either powered or stored.
If some existing shelves have an ESD jack, but the newly installed shelf does not, does the
vendor need to add and ESD jack on the frame?
A: Per Keith Lanning of GES - No, There are active ESD jacks for use. If all the shelves
with jacks were removed and the remaining shelves did not have an ESD jack then one
would have to be added.
Q: Can designation on cables connected to a shelf with a clear cover be installed under the clear
cover or must they be outside the cover? The references I have used in the past were L1.2.11b
for 145 tags and 1.2.12h for flag labels.
A: Common sense would dictate that if the cover is a clear cover, like on back of a fuse
panel or Titan 5500 bay, then you could place the designation under the clear cover
because you would be able to see the designation. However, an auditor may read the
requirement literally and defect you if you did put a designation under the clear cover. To
be safe, I would tell you to make sure they are outside the cover. The intent was mostly for
steel or non-clear plastic covers.
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Q: The 7300 DSLAM has a metal cover on the rear where cables terminate and tags are not
visible when the cover is in place. Does L1.2.12h require the labels to be placed outside of the
cover?
A: Yes it does. L1.2.11 is applicable also. There are some other types of equipment like
the Cisco 15454 shelf I believe that has the same situation.
Q: Can a vendor label be placed on the removable cover of an LGX panel? L2.1.10 indicates cabinets or
cabinetized racks but is the reference I’ve used in the past but have been question if that is legitimate.
A: Yes it can, as long as the RR number and panel number are also designated on the
cover. I am not familiar with any LGX panel that has a removable cover though. All the
ones that I have seen are not considered removable because when you open the cover up,
you do not have to place it on the floor or on another piece of equipment. They are usually
hinged doors. These are not considered removable.
Q: Thank you for performing the testing and providing the preliminary and formal test results
that indicate the pull-out resistance is similar and adequate for either the Y28 or Y29 connector
lug with 4/0 Flex power cable. The yellow lugs appear to look the best in the report pictures. I
would appreciate if Burndy would make a recommendation on which connector will provide the
best appearance when crimped for auditing purposes, and we will use that connector lug going
forward with the AIW 4/0 Flex cable we currently use at AT&T.
A: Thank you for having Burndy provide this recommendation....we will need to inform
our Installation Vendors and equipment manufacturers we want the YAV28-FX used for
4/0 Class I (Flex) power cable connections where the Burndy connector is supplied.
Q: TP76300, Section M, Paragraph 2.1.4 states:
“Except for the auxiliary framing bar supporting the red insulator, bus bar runs shall be
installed at least one foot from metal pipes, cable racks, and auxiliary framing channels, etc.,
unless approved by the AT&T Power Engineer. In no case shall this distance be less than
three inches.”
We have a situation where the battery termination bars can only be placed a maximum of 8
inches from the overhead ductwork.
Our detail engineer called the AT&T engineer to discuss the issue. The AT&T engineer agreed
that it would be acceptable to place the bus bar at 8 inches.
The detail engineer followed up the telephone conversation with an email noting that the AT&T
engineer approved the bus bar placement.
The discussion between the engineers seems to meet the literal interpretation of paragraph 2.1.4.
However, past practice has been to obtain a waiver for this type of variance.
Should our company apply for a waiver?
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A: Per Steve Martin of GES - The intent of the TP language is to allow local AT&T Power
Engineer approval of 3” to 12” clearance w/out the need for a waiver.
Most battery collection bars will not meet 12” clearance. I believe Al Bergman just issued
an ERCN/IRCN to clarify that.
Q: What is the allowable distance from the bottom of the flare to the top of the bay (or to the top
of a vertical 4X4 duct) in which the fibers would be unprotected?
A: Per Section O, par. 4.1.3c of TP76300, there is no allowable distance. If a flare is used, then
a split corrugated tubing needs to be installed from the flare to the fiber management system on
the bay to protect the fibers.
Q: Section L Para. 2.1.9. The last sentence of the paragraph reads “ Designation frame
blocks and other minor items do not require the placement of a “year installed” and “TEO
number”. Does this mean all you have to put is “installation supplier’s name”?
A: Unless it is a collocation frame block, the installation suppliers name is not required.
Q: Should minor items that have warranty get full vendor label? Example “RPM” on
galaxy? Should a galaxy up-grade get a vendor label? Does a replaced battery get a vendor
label? Should a load on a BDFB that is split get a vendor label? A added circuit breaker on
PDSC? A added RPM mounting plate? Any modified equipment? This is only a few of the
“minor items” in a power room!
A: I am assuming you are talking about the Year/TEO/Vendor Name designation. If so,
you require this designation when you install any equipment that has a CPR number so we
can inventory it in our PICS/DCPR system and identify the equipment when an audit is
done to verify the data base is correct. A fuse panel or circuit breaker panel will require
the designation. The replacing battery should have the designation. I do not believe an
RPM requires it but am not sure. You can work with the your detail engineers and our
power engineers to find out if the equipment has a CPR number.
Q: What constitutes a “minor item”?
A: It is shown as 99999 in the PICS/DCPR data base.
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Q: Section L Para. 1.2.4 was removed in the latest issue of the TP! Without this Para. All
vendors will be required to ask for waivers on changing the size of lettering. The size
depends on the space left by manufacturers at the location the TP wants. Each
manufacturer is different. The note on table L-3 of old TP made this problem moot!
A: This is correct. We have been told by GES that a waiver is going to be required
anytime you cannot meet the TP. We are working with GES to try and get L1.2.4
reinstated or some other verbiage so we can have the flexibility we require with regards to
designation sizing.
Q: A gap that had evidently been previously filled at some point is now in the TP76300 section
L designation requirements. A necessary flexibility in section L just needs to be in place for Tier1 supplier guidance – believed to be requirement L 1.2.4 before the TP update, which defined a
minimum font size of 1/8 inch in available designation space. It could alternatively be a note
added to table L-2 to define a minimum font size of 1/8 inch when the available space will not
allow the specified font size.
A: Per Keith Lanning of GES - Agreement between AQA and GES to establish minimum
usable fonts for applications as table L-2 and add a note to table L-2 to allow the font to be
INCREASED to fit the available space. This format of the rule insures a readable font with
the flexibility to allow a more visible font when space is available.
Q: Please clarify dual power plant in intercity application of ATTCORP (C-T) dual Red and
Blue plants and Red and Blue BDFBs cabling and cable color. Need to make it clear that the
RTN tracer wire/cable can be solid and the tracer is no longer required.
A: A notice was previously written by Steve Martin and was sent out by Roy Howser to
Tier-1 suppliers. The notification eliminated the tracer cable (due to extreme costs) and
confirmed the use of red with existing red, blue with existing blue and gray for everything
else as the basic rule. The long term direction for existing diverse power systems is to have
each power plant reviewed and a designation made by the AT&T Power Engineer on the
application of each plant. The most common change after this review will be to change a
diverse power system in a non-critical location to a single power architecture. The Power
Engineer are to record their decision in GEOLINK. If the decision is to move the plant to a
single power architecture, from that point going forward the plant would be cabled in gray.
Those decision are awhile off yet but each decision will be a deliberate action. Until that
time it is match the existing color without the expensive tracer markings.
The policy and procedure for designating critical dual power plants and migrating existing
non-critical power plants to single power plant structure is to be developed in the 2010 and
2011 timelines. Work will be coordinated between GES Power SMEs and ATT Power
MEIs
1/5/11
Page 85 of 97
Q: As a supplier of miscellaneous materials to AT&T (purchased from the approved AT&T
Miscellaneous Material Suppliers list) are we required to include a reference to these guidelines
as a separate and distinct requirement in all of our future purchase orders? Or, is AT&T making
their miscellaneous material suppliers aware of this directive to make certain their electric and
electronic products, provided to the OTV community, are in compliance with these global
hazardous material restrictions?
A: Bon Pipkin is our SME for this. His direction is: “For network elements electronics,
compliance to domestic and EU hazardous materials requirements are covered in ATT-TP76200. For minor materials, direct Jus-com that RoHS and WEEE do not apply to
domestic suppliers but their products need to comply to hazardous materials requirements
as set forth by US regulatory agencies (USEPA, US OSHA, state and local regulatory
bodies).”
Q: I’d like to get some clarification if I could around the TX/RX vs IN/OUT designations.
According to the latest TP it states the following:
1.2.10 Transmit and Receive shall be used on designations requiring functional reference.
Common
abbreviations for these terms are TX and RX.
We interpreted that to mean we no longer used the IN/OUT designation for any circuits.
However, we just recently submitted an SMOP for approval and it was rejected for having the
TX/RX listed. We were asked to change back to the IN/OUT.
Here is the rejection info from SMOP 20100323003A : DACS 3-4 & DSX-3 rejected by MB on
04/06/2010. Labeling concerns for step 5: 76300 states "Transmit and Receive shall be used on
designations requiring functional reference. Common abbreviations for these terms are TX and
RX." Labels hardwired to DCS 3/1 and Rear of DSX-3 shelves DO NOT REQUIRE functional
reference. they must be labeled to match the equipment (i.e. IN and OUT)
If the rejection statement in the SMOP is true where do I verify what equipment or locations are
to receive the IN/OUT designations, or is the rejection notice in error?
A: As required by ATT-TP-76300 section L, paragraph 1.2.10, “Transmit and Receive
shall be used on designations requiring functional reference. Common abbreviations for
these terms are TX and RX”.
System to system interconnecting transmission cable or jumpers shall not be labeled with
IN or OUT instead of RX and TX. All are to be labeled with the generic Transmit (TX)
and Receive (RX), IN = RX and OUT = TX. ALU would need to reference the ATT-TP76300 requirement to the person that rejected the SMOP. The person that rejected the
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SMOP needs to get assistance or concurrence from AT&T Network Standards to change
the engineering and installation requirements.
Q: Is still the AT&T-TP76300 Raised floor supplemental valid?
I would like to you know if it is the document that we shall be using when auditing jobs in a
raised floor environment because the TP76300 doesn't have a lot of reference to it.
A: The supplement is not valid. See below.
Accuring:
Network Type:
Waiver Status:
Waiver Type:
No
Core
Open
Documentation and Process Conflicts
Requestor's ATTUID: jd2841
Requestor's Phone: 770 992-2438
Request Date: 01/19/2010
Need Response By: 01/26/2010
Date Closed:
Waiver #: 2010011904
Name: DAVIS,JIMMY P
Email: jimmydavis@ems.att.com
Org: CSQA
Location(s)
CLLI(1): RCDLGATL
Address: 2315 SALEM RD SE
City: CONYERS
Region: GA/TN
Floor:
State/Province/Country: GA
Managing City: Atlanta
Zip: 30013
Access Provider:
Node Type:
Equipment Type:
Installation Supplier:
Local Workforce Contact: Jimmy Davis
Additional Contact:
Additional Contact:
Phone: 770-992-2438
Phone:
Phone:
Approver: LANNING,KEITH L
Org: AQA
Org:
Org:
Turn-Around Time:
Waiver Description: Request update to ATT-TP76402. It currently is indicated as specific to internet services equipment. It is
understood as intended to
replace ATT-TP-76300
Raised Floor Supplement, but it must incorporate CO environments as well. The
supplement is no longer valid
per Keith Lanning and
raised floor is to be referenced by the ATT-TP-76402.
Reason for Request: email from Bobby Hood
regarding interactions with Keith on the need to update the QV document.
SME Comments: Requesting an update be
scheduled for late summer 2010.
Page 87 of 97
Q: Can you give me some clarification on TP 76300 SECTION O Paragraph 4.1.3d
4.1.3 Fiber optic patch cords shall be run in dedicated troughs of fiber protection systems. New
fiber raceways shall be installed using the AT&T approved fiber protection system. The
following requirements apply to the installation of fiber protection systems:
d) Fiber patch cords transitioning from the vertical FPS at the side of a bay to the bay equipment
shall be secured, protected or supported in one of the following methods:
• Split Tube
• Spiral wrap
• Fiber Sheeting
• Velcro
1. When using any of the above mediums, the appropriate size shall be used. “Appropriate” size
shall be defined as, as small as possible while at the same time
leaving enough space between jumpers and side wall as to allow movement and not cause
restriction.
2. When using any of the above mediums, the fiber jumpers shall exit only the ends of the
medium i.e. no jumpers shall protrude from the middle.
It appears our misunderstanding centers around what is the intent of the word protected. It
appears as though we have taken it to mean the fiber must have spiral wrap the complete distance
the fibers are exposed from the vertical trough to the LGX or Equipment shelf. Since Velcro is
one of the authorized mediums it could mean the intent is more for bundling than for protection.
A: According to Mike Yeilding the intent is to bundle the fibers within the bay,shelf etc.
Q: From TP76300 section F
F-33 references W-L-4049 Configuration C. What is a Configuration C? Hilti has a
Configuration A and a Configuration B on their W-L-4049 but not a C.
http://www.us.hilti.com/fstore/holus/techlib/docs/ul%20firestop%20drawings/wl/wl4049_
060104.pdf
Also the W-L-4049 specifies a Gypsum board wall. Does Configuration C allow its
application to be used just on a Gypsum board wall or can it also be applied to a
Concrete or block wall?
Page 88 of 97
WL4049c.pdf
A: Please refer to the attached drawing for Configuration C.
Q: Once everyone is up on EJF, will the vendors still be required to provide the QAS job
completions?
A: All vendors will still be required to provide all completions via the QAS Job
Completion Reporting tool as there are no plans to utilize EJF for completion at this time.
Q: 2.1.20 The maximum amount of fiber cables allowed to be secured under one stitch are as
follows:
* Fiber counts of 2 to 6 per cable are allowed to have up to 10 cables under one stitch.
* Fiber counts of 8 to 36 per cable are allowed to have up to 5 cables under one stitch.
* Fiber counts above 36 fibers per cable are allowed to have no more than 2 cables under
one stitch
Does this apply to both Horizontal and Vertical cable runs?
A: Per Mike Yeilding of GES, yes, it does apply to both Horizontal and Vertical cable
runs.
Q: Is there a standard practice as to how to terminate frame grounds to network bays installed
on raised floors if not specified in the bay drawings (i.e.: Fujitsu 7500)? The 76416 3.10.4.2
indicates top or bottom. Is there a preference or is the verbiage in 3.10.2.3 and 3.10.2.4 close
enough to the intention that for a bottom fed area, the termination of the bay ground SHOULD
be at the bottom of the bay unless the manufacture specifies otherwise?
A: Per John Messina of GES, The bay must be grounded from the top if the lineup
conductor is overhead.
3.5.1.4 Every metallic frame, cabinet or other enclosure in an equipment area equipped
with DCpowered equipment shall be bonded to the CO GRD system with a separate
minimum #6 AWG DCEG conductor connected between the lineup conductor and a point
at either the top or the bottom (bottom feed only) of the frame or cabinet. This does not
include minor units mounted where they are not normally contacted by personnel (e.g.,
wall mounted clocks). If the frame/cabinet is manufactured with a ground point at the base,
it may be used for under floor feed. If the frame/cabinet has a frame top grounding
location, it may be used for either overhead or under floor ground.
Q: We have offices that have panned fiber optic cable racks and some the have unpanned fiber
optic cable racks.
Is there a reference that states new fiber cable rack must be unpanned?
Page 89 of 97
I can not find one in the 76300, 76400 or 76409.
A: Per Mike Yeilding of GES, can be installed with our without panning. Either way is OK.
Q: I have a question concerning what load should be shown on 145 P tags installed at the
equipment end. Should the far end designation on 145 P tags installed at the equipment end show
the actual BDFB load for the panel where the lead is terminated or should they reflect the
equipment load as designated at the equipment/fuse panel? The TP76300, Sec L refers to 2.5.2
and figure L-9 for 145 P tag labeling of DC power. The far end load designation is unclear. I
have provided some examples below.
1) Equipment installed has a two load fuse panel, this fuse panel is designated as LD A & LD B,
the far end is terminated in a BDFB with six loads powering the BDFB, LD A, B, C, D, E, & F.
You are terminated on Panel C Pos 1 & Panel F Pos 1. Would your 145 P tags at the fuse panel
on the equipment end reflect the far end BDFB load or the load designated for the fuse panel, i.e.
(Pnl C, pos 1 LD C) on Load A of the fuse panel & (Pnl F Pos 1 LD F) on Load B of the fuse
panel or should they reflect (Pnl C, pos 1 LD A) on Load A of the fuse panel & (Pnl F Pos 1 LD
B) on Load B of the fuse panel?
2) Equipment installed has a four load fuse panel, this fuse panel is designated as LD A, B, C, &
D, the far end is terminated in two BDFB's with two loads powering each BDFB LD A, & LD B.
You are terminated on BDFB 100.01, Panel C Pos 1 & Panel D Pos 1, & BDFB 200.01, Panel E
Pos 1 & Panel F Pos 1. Would your 145 P tags at the fuse panel on the equipment end reflect
BDFB 100.01, (Panel C Pos 1 as LD A) for Load A & (Panel D Pos 1 as LD B) for Load B, then
BDFB 200.01, (Panel E Pos 1 LD A) on load C of the fuse panel & (Panel F Pos 1 LD B) on
load D of the fuse panel , reflecting the actual load of the BDFB termination or should they
reflect BDFB 100.01, (Panel C Pos 1 as LD A) & (Panel D Pos 1 as LD B), then BDFB 200.01,
(Panel E Pos 1 LD C) & (Panel F Pos 1 LD D), reflecting the designated load of the fuse panel?
3)Equipment installed has a two load fuse panel, this fuse panel is designated as LD A & LD B,
the far end is terminated in a BDFB with two loads powering the BDFB, LD A & B. You are
terminated on Panel C Pos 1 & Panel F Pos 1. Your 145 P tags are labeled as (Pnl C, pos 1 LD
A) on Load A & (Pnl F Pos 1 LD B) on Load B. The BDFB is later upgraded and adds two
additional loads of power to the BDFB. Now panel C of the BDFB is load C and panel F is load
D. If the BDFB load is required to be labeled at the equipment end, this would impact the
labeling at every piece of equipment that is terminated on panels C, D, E & F in the BDFB.
A: As the name suggests, the power source label on the equipment end should identify the
load within the BDFB or Power Board, if the power board has a load designation, where
the equipment is terminated.
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For example, if the BDFB is a six load BDFB and the equipment is terminated on Panel 5,
Fuse Position1 and the load designation for Panel 5 is Load E, then the Power Source label
should read Load E.
These are far end termination designations and should represent the far end load.
The designation at the fuse position at the BDFB or power board will show the load of the
equipment or fuse panel at the equipment end, be it A, B, A1, A2, B1, B2 or whatever.
Q: This question is in regards to older existing BDFB’s in Legacy S that are numbered in a nonstandard manner, i.e., top down left to right with each panel designating the fuse positions as 1 –
n, or, newer BDFB installations designated as required by the latest version of the ATT-TP76300, left to right bottom to top, i.e., panel 1 fuse 1 would be designated as fuse position 1.1.
When adding TPL-B (150A max) fuse blocks to existing BDFB’s, it is necessary to remove two
TPS fuse blocks in order to accommodate one TPL-B fuse block. Typically, this is done by
removing the last two TPS fuse blocks at the bottom of a panel. Since the vacant space covers
two fuse positions, should the new fuse block be designated with both fuse position numbers?
For example, a 20 position fuse panel could use positions 19 and 20 (per AT&T 1.19 and 1.20).
Would the new fuse block be designated as 19 (per AT&T 1.19) or as 19-20 (per AT&T 1.19 1.20)?
How would a TPL-B fuse block be numbered if the only option was to install it in the middle
portion of a fuse panel? For example, if the only vacant positions were 5 and 6, would the new
fuse block be numbered as 5; or as 6; or as 5-6?
If the answer is to designate the new fuse block with a single number, i.e., 19 or 1.19, should the
TAB/db and associated PowerPro documents be updated to show the unused position as blank?
Would this also apply to Legacy T and the GEOLink/IIDI database?
A: Per drawing ATT-P-05400-E, Note 5, in WoodDuck:
5. In cases where individual fuse holders must be removed to install larger fuse holders, the
new fuse holder will carry the designation of the lower numbered holder.
Ex. Holders 1.1 and 1.2 are removed to install a larger fuse holder, the new fuse
holder will be designated 1.1. Fuse holder 1.2 will be shown as Not Available
in the appropriate inventory system. If adjacent fuse holder(s) must be left
vacant due to heat dissipation, they will be shown as Not Available in the
appropriate inventory system.
Q: Per TP76300 L1.4.2 All labels shall be on clear, black or white backing, or as manufacturer
provides. Lettering shall be black or white, in contrast to the backing.
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Is it okay to use blue and red lettering on diversifying power when we use blue and red cables
(per manufacturing drawing)?
We still have in stock blue and red ink for those labels and we were wondering until when is
okay to use it.
A: No, it is not OK to use the red and blue ink. You are expected to follow L1.4.2 on jobs
completed on or after 4/1/10.
Q: The TP specifies the maximum length and width of tape used for cable markers and
designation tags but I did not see one for cable rack and any other requiring ¾” font.
Can a 1 ½” tape be used to obtain the ¾” font required for cable rack stringers, cable hole covers
etc?
A: Yes, the ¾ inch designations can be placed on 1 ½” label tape.
Q: How does ATT-TELCO-002-216-221 Issue 14, dated 5/11/10 apply to our other AT&T
regions in the use of Trompeter BNC connectors? As currently understood, it only applies in the
AT&T Midwest states. Will it be expanded to nationwide application in AT&T?
A: Per GES, ATT-TELCO-002-216-221 does not apply to any other region. It will not be
expanded to any other region.
Q: In the TP76300 Section F, 3..1.1.b, the discussion centers on smoke stopping only required
on one side of the solid wall or four-sided framed cable hole (for ease of installation) and in no
way implies floor penetrations until par. 3.3.1. which somewhat contradicts 3.1.1 in the one-side
requirement. If that being the case, how does this requirement tie into the following section 3.1.3
b and c, specifically for wall holes where these two requirements and Figure F2 show bands and
required locations ‘above’ and ‘below’ cable holes? Is the banding required on wall cable holes
(disregarding the ‘above’ and ‘below’ verbiage in 3.1.3.b and c and the reference to ‘cable hole
cover’ in Figure F2 since there might be no cable hole cover in a wall application meeting other
firestop requirements) and if so in the case where the cable hole is sleeved or lined on all four
sides, is the banding necessary on the side where there is NO firestop putty required in 3.1.1b?
These paragraphs or this section don’t seem to go with each other real well in stating a clear
objective and how to accomplish it. Can you possibly elaborate? 3.1.1.b seems to not agree
with 3.3.1.
A: Per Sha Hoda of GES, The banding is required for vertical runs only.
Q: Trying to pin down a potential issue. Are there any restrictions on placing FPS under a
raised floor in a new build-out area? I looked in the 76400 and find references to what appears
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to be a permissibility statement - Section 9 6.3.5 seems to say it’s okay but all other verbiage in
the TP alludes to it being placed overhead. Do you know of any restrictions?
A: Per Mike Yeilding of GES, Yes, FPS can be run under raised floor. The only caveat
being if the raised floor is being used as a plenum area, then both the FPS and the fiber
jumpers are required to be plenum rated.
Q: Are the ATT-TELCO documents, such as ATT-TELCO-002-216-221, required to be used
and followed by our installation vendors, OTV, etc, or are these for internal AT&T usage?
A: Per GES, ATT-TELCO documents are for AT&T internal use only, mostly by the
GNFO organization.
Q: A request came in regarding heat capping removed power cable under a raised floor 5ESS.
There were 10 CM2 cabinets retired in-place, and the TEO required power cables to be cut back
to the bundle under the cabinet. The installers were not provided heat caps for 172 #10 power
cables in the order. They were requesting to use a large heat cap (750MCM) and shrink bundles
at each CM2 location. Would this be acceptable? The cables are also being removed from the
PCDF and cut back to the bundle.
A: Per Steve Martin of GES, As long as the bundles are secured, I do not see a problem
with the concept. Like Jimmy, I am a proponent of removing power cable end to end
whenever possible.
Q: Ericsson is already applying this label on our VSE equipment shelf in a visible location but
we are not sure if this label will meet the AT&T warning label requirement. Can you provide
feedback so that we may make a determination on whether we should go to another version.
Section L of the TP76300 states the following:
3. FIBER OPTIC LASER WARNING LABELS
3.1. Requirements
3.1.1 Manufacturer supplied fiber optic warning labels shall be applied to the equipment per
manufacturer’s specifications.
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A: Per Mike Yeilding of GES, this label meets our requirements and can be used.
5/5/11
Q: I need some clarification around 735 coax cable bend radius.
In a conversation I had with an AQA auditor and he stated that when we band a group of 735
coax cables together at a certain point it is considered bundling and the radius is then determined
by the following TP requirement.
2.8.4 The minimum inside bending radius of bundled coax (735 type) cable is 10 times the
bundle diameter.
My question is the whole group of cables is not stitched together along the entire run they are
simply banded at a support bracket along the run…so would the radius be determined by the
individual conductor or the group ?
A: If the individual coax cables are banded as shown in your picture, the bend radius is
based on the individual coax and not the bundle size. Bundles of coax can get very large
and there would be no way to meet the bend radius requirements. There are no
requirements as to how many cables you can bundle except where you secure the cable
since you can only have so many cable under one stitch. The word “bundled” in the TP is
referring to “sheathed” cable.
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It is different when the coax is sheathed (4 pack, 6 pack, 12 pack). You take the diameter
of the entire cable and not the individual cables.
Q: The AC outlet issue is still in question. The ATT-TP76400 indicates outlets are required
front and rear. Apparently an email from AL Bergman (via information by Charles Stahulak)
exists that may clear this up but which we were not privileged to read. Is that email available
and does it concur with the TP76400 8 - 6.2.5?
An ATT auditor in Florida is indicating only one is required but with no direction as to
where this exists as a requirement. My contention would be that if the lineup is filled bay to bay,
side by side, with no gaps, no rear outlet could present an issue with having access every third
bay for use of AC devices to the rear and also no outlet is not in conformance with the 76400 as
cited.
A: Response from Steve Martin of GES:
The answer is front of the bay only.
Most test sets are battery powered, limiting the need for corded devices to long term bit
error rate type testing. Modern equipment specs are supposed to allow for most test access
to occur at the front of the shelf. When we do need to utilize a corded test set at the rear of
the bay, belief is there will be an opening somewhere nearby. Given the vast majority of
modern equipment bays have air gaps and spacers for heat dissipation (i.e., not D4, SLC96, MFT, T-CXR, etc where the bay was completely filled), we can save a few bucks by
going front only.
AC convenience outlets, test receptacles, and appliance outlets (all 3 terms are used) can be
found in various sections of TP76400, 76401, 76300, and 76301. Al issued an IRCN or
ERCN before his retirement, but to exactly which section of which document I cannot
locate at the moment. One of my to do list items is to re-write these sections to remove
redundancy. Moore’s Law at work.
Q: I just found out that ADC discontinued their orange duct effective 12-31-2010. Will this be
a problem in old areas that have orange duct and we start using yellow? Might have some local
complaints about the appearance of orange duct with yellow fittings
A: Per Don Mitrano of GES to the vendor: Don told me that we’ll use yellow with existing
orange duct and that he won’t give anymore waivers for color.
Q: Do we need a waiver to run a factory formed 734C coax cable with a 735C pig-tail? We
have an application for legacy T that due to its length, 280 feet, requires a 734C coax but with
the congestion at the bay we need a 735C coax. ATT-E-00067-E note 3 says that the UCCS-
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025-026 734C/735C splice is the only coax splice that AT&T allows in their network and that it's
only approved for legacy T and must be approved by AT&T based on area and equipment. Based
on the notes wording we don’t need a waiver.
A: Per June Huebbe of GES: No, since this is for a legacy AT&T job, no waiver is
required.
Q: We would like further clarification regarding the following woodduck drawing standards and
AT&T Practice:
ATT-E-00053-E Issue 30 Note 23 & Table D
ATT-NOTICE-000-003-98
ATT-E-08860-W Issue 7 Fig 2, 4 & 8
From what I read in ATT-NOTICE-000-003-98 we are required to use: (please verify)
 Green shielded Cat 5E for Console
 Red CAT-5E for Ethernet management
 Red CAT-5E for Fast Ethernet PP
 Blue CAT-6 for Copper GIG E
All the double ended CAT-6 cables on table D of ATT-E-0053-E are stranded and it says “If a
CAT6 cable is purchased using a stranded wire, it's length must be limited to no more than 50ft”
in note 23 of the same document. What are we to use for a cable longer than 50FT since no part
number is given for that? Can we use another factory tested cat 6 solid conductor cable?
A: Per Paul Jamboretz and Doug Florence of GES:
Figure 4 would be the console/network cable connection – that would be Green
Figure 2 is your management Ethernet connection – OAM – so that would be Red
Figure 8 would be traffic type service so that should be Blue
When a cable is over 50ft, it needs to be using a solid core product. The 00053 table based
on Wing’s (ATT-TELCO-PAN-2003-3161) does not define a specific double-ended product
over 50ft. The expectation was that it would go to a patch panel that has punch-down on
the rear (lines 7 & 8 from Table D). The PAN also does not specifically address the
exceptions that wing is allowing as it relate to color, but I’d expect that the installer obtain
something the family of cable that is listed. (i.e. ADC-TP6TZR-BLxxP)
Q: The current AT CISCO MSP 15454 standard drawing shows labels on both sides of the 734c
to 735c splices. We’re trying to follow the same labeling standards with the 4NE MGW. We’ve
heard that the splice labels are no longer required. Do we need to add the labels for the Chicago
4NE 734c to 735c splices?
A: Per Cindy Little of GES: The labels are still required on both sides of the splice, to
identify the cables in case of a disconnect.
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Q: Can a split nut be used on existing rods to support fiber duct brackets? TP76400 Section 8
sections 1.5.5 Split nuts shall not be used to extend or add framing to existing threaded rods
and 2.2.5 Split nuts shall not be used to extend or add framing to existing threaded rods
refer to supporting framing.
A: Per Keith Lanning of GES: Split nuts are not to be used to provide support (hold a
continuous load) for network items. In the specific case below split nuts would not be
allowed to support the FPS. FPS becomes heavy as it fills up and that load would be
supported by the nuts continuously. Splits nuts would be allowed to attach things like
alarm displays, cable tie brackets (because the cables will sway but not fall if the nuts come
loose), some bracing applications that do not have a continuous load (only event loads) on
the nuts, signage etc. Things that are not network effecting or major safety issues if they
come loose.
I would have the OTV use full nuts on the job for the FPS and seek a waiver with the
reasons if they really think they have no option other than split nuts.
Q: When preparing labels to be applied to an installation projects’ cables and or fibers, what is
the correct choice to use to indicate the equipment: the equipment type itself (i.e. FW7500) or
the technology type (i.e. ROADM). We ask because we have been “gigged” both ways – if we
have installed a FW7500 and put FW7500 on the labels we’ve been gigged because the TEO list
it as a ROADM. If we use ROADM on the labels we’ve also been gigged because the TEO list
the equipment as a FW7500. This applies to other pieces of technology as well, not just the
Fujitsu Flashwave family. Please advise. Thanks very much!
A: You should show FW7500 because that is the type of equipment that is installed.
ROADM indicates the way the equipment is configured.
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