Campus and Architect Specifications

TECHNICAL STANDARDS FOR
TELECOMMUNICATIONS DISTRIBUTION FACILITIES
West Virginia State University

I. GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

II. DEFINITIONS
1. Communications Outlet
2. Entrance Cable
3. IDF-1 (Intermediate Distribution)
4. IDF-2 (Intermediate Distribution)
5. MDF (Main Distribution Frame)
6. Outside Plant
7. Risers (Building)
8. Station Wire
9. Shelter in place phone
10. Elevator Phone
11. Fire Alarm Interconnect
12. Emergency phone
13. As Built drawings

III. FACILITIES
1. Voice and Data Trunk and Access Facilities
2. Building Distribution Systems
3. Standards for Communication Outlet Installation
4. Coaxial Cable Distribution
5. Fiber Optic Cable System

IV. LABELING CONVENTIONS

V. MATERIAL and TESTING SPECIFICATIONS
1. General
2. Voice and Data Cable
3. Fiber Optic Cable

I - GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

The specifications contained in this document are meant to serve as minimum guidelines for new construction and all renovations. Special needs such as local data processing and energy management may require extensions to these minimums. All special needs should be considered in the actual designs of risers, conduits, cable trays and inter-building cabling.

Contractors are responsible for notifying before any renovation that may involve existing telephone and data cabling. Minimum time frames are required to make sure that cables are disconnected before any conduit or cabling changes are made. Contractors should contact the university project manager or coordinator for submission of electronic notifications to computer services.

This version of the technical standard provides for voice, data, video and other low voltage signaling functions (such as for energy management and security systems) through twisted pair and coaxial cable media with a pathway to each outlet designed for future installations of fiber optical cable. The objective of these wiring standards is to provide acceptable outlets for any telecommunication device which requires connection to other devices, networks or information services serving general university needs.

Each building is likely to require special telecommunication services not specifically addressed in this standards document. West Virginia State University Computer Services, and Educational Technology Center should be contacted prior to establishing an architect's plan for all building renovations and new building construction projects. Campus standards in effect at the time of architect submittals containing communication outlet locations, type of terminations and network equipment provided will be used.

All telecommunications work must comply with all Federal, State and local codes, regulations, and standards with variances adopted as standards by West Virginia State University and the State of West Virginia. Applicable state and national standards include: the latest National Electric Code; REA Standards for Engineering, Construction and Installation; FCC Rules and Regulations; National Electrical Safety Code; Joint Commission Accreditation of Hospitals Code; Life Safety Code; and other special codes that may apply.

All submittals and as built documentation will include at least floor plans, plot plans, conduit locations, cable vault locations, lengths, locations, finish room numbers and wire or fiber numbers. As Builts and all submittals will be made electronically.

Any questions, variances, contractor or vendor meetings, etc should be arranged through the campus liaison or project manager. The project manager should submit a computer service service request at https://mystate.wvstateu.edu

 

II - DEFINITIONS

Communications Outlet - The standard telecommunication outlet provides access to all available twisted pair communication media. It will always contain a minimum of two modular RJ45 receptacles in a double gang box using the Leviton QuickPort Snapin system of connectors and plates. There will be a minimum of 2 runs of CAT5 cable to the IDF-1, IDF-2 or MDF for a maximum of 200 feet.

Entrance Cable - The bulk outside plant cable that enters the building from the campus communication distribution network.

IDF-1 (Intermediate Distribution Frame-1) - The IDF-1 is designated as that point where the outside plant cables connect to the riser cables throughout the building. It is possible to have more than one IDF-1 per building.

IDF-2 (Intermediate Distribution Frame-2) - That point where the riser cables and the station wiring come together. In some situations an IDF-1 may also serve this function.

MDF (Main Distribution Frame) - The MDF is designated as the point where the outside plant twisted pair cable connects to the telephone lines from the local telephone company or the campus' telephone switch line cards to support telephones. The MDF usually serves as an IDF-1 for the building in which it is located.

UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply) - The type that the load is run off the inverter so that complete power isolation is provided. Runtime on the UPS should be determined using battery life near end of life at full load.

Outside Plant - All transmission facilities used in the distribution of voice, data, or video from the point it leaves one building and enters another. This includes copper, coax, fiber optics, and microwave.

Risers (Building) - The voice, data and coax cable between the IDF-1 and each floor IDF-2 and satellite IDF-2 (rising between floors).

Feeders (Building) - The voice, data and coax cable between the IDF-2 and each satellite IDF-2 (running horizontally on the same floor).

Station Wire - Those wires and cables with terminations at the voice, data or video stations.

Shelter in place phone - Telephone and paging equipment at a location in a building designed for an emergency gathering place that may be used in case of chemical leak, drill or other emergency.

Elevator phone - An automatic calling device used to call for help in case of an elevator malfunction or other emergency. This device is usually in an elevator car. The phone places a call that is unique to that elevator car and includes location information in case the occupant can not speak or convey information.

Fire Alarm Interconnect - A network connection used to monitor and control a fire alarm in a building.

Emergency phone - An automatic calling device used to call for help in case of an emergency. The phone places a call that is unique to that location and includes information in case the caller can not speak or convey information.

As Built Documentation - the plans and documentation showing the comlete floor plans, wire numbering, locations and specifications of a project as of the date of completion and acceptance. This documentation needs to be compatible with the HEFIS, (Higher Education Facilities Information System) http://hefis.wvnet.edu/, and included in that database within 180 days of project completion. Example of As Built Documentation.

III - FACILITIES

Voice and Data Trunk and Access Facilities

Inter-Building Facilities

Conduit - four (4) four inch communication conduits are to be installed between each building Intermediate Distribution Frame 1 (IDF-1) and the nearest serving manhole with existing conduits to the campus telephone switch. Conduits are to be sealed with pull-ropes installed. Manholes are to be a maximum of 100 yards in distance and Two (2) four foot radius sweeps of the conduits. Pull ropes are to be replaced as cables are placed in conduit for future expansion.

Inter-Building Fiber Plant - should be a minimum of twelve (24) 62.5m multimode fibers, and twelve (24) 9 micron single mode fibers terminated with ST type connectors connected to rack mounted ST type patch panels (Black Box part number JPM370A-R2).

Inter-Building Coaxial cable will be the type approved by the local cable provider.

No cable should be installed in any facilities other than those intended for that use. Gas pipe and water pipes must not be used for conduit under any circumstances.

All cables that are to be connected to or disconnected from the campus communication network must be recorded with the West Virginia State University Computer Services. Cable number, number of bundles, number of pairs, gauge, type, and termination points must be submitted electronically or in writing to be recorded by the University.

Communications Equipment Room (IDF-1)

Space for connection of building circuits to the outside plant shall be provided as a separate room and not shared with other utility services, particularly the electrical service. When possible, it should not be adjacent to the electrical distribution room. Access to the room will be controlled with a key to be determined by the campus lock smith on a key commonly used by Computer Services. Environmental and security monitoring is required on all MDF's, IDF's and any room designed to house more than 1 router, switch, server, or processor. Currently monitoring is done with network connected Netbotz 355 with door switches and included camera, temperature, and humidity sensors.

Minimum room size is 6 foot by 8 foot (48 square feet). Up to 400 square feet may be required for locations that house remote switching equipment or servers. These rooms require separate air conditioning with environmental controls to remove heat from electronic communications equipment. High lighting levels are needed. A minimum of four duplex outlets on two 120V, 20 amp circuits and 1 30 amp twist lock on a separate 30 amp circuit is required for UPS connection. The feeds must be isolated from any motors, air conditioning, or lighting circuits. Additional circuits will be required if remote switching or servers are installed in the IDF. A separate small electrical sub-panel could provide the proper isolation. The electrical supply must be from an emergency generator backed up circuit. Additional 30 minutes of separate battery backup (UPS) will be provided for each circuit. The UPS must be sized to provide 30 minutes run time at 2KVa when powered from an emergency generator. The room must have a low humidity level and not be subject to a heat source such as steam lines. The room must have a vent for backup heat dissipation. The environmental conditions must be maintained within the specifications of all equipment.

A building earth ground bonded to the electric power ground must be provided by the building contractor. All communications equipment rooms must be connected to this ground by an independent #6 solid copper wire.

Special ventilation may be required for a battery backup system in some buildings. "Maintenance Free" batteries are recommended to avoid this problem.

A 3/4" plywood backboard of a minimum of 4' x 8' will be required in the telecommunications main entrance room. Mounting of each backboard shall be 3' above the finished floor if space permits. The backboard will be coated with fire resistive paint.

All station, communication outlet, feeder and riser cables are to be terminated on Leviton quick port rack mount patch panels.

Building Distribution Systems

Horizontal Distribution System

Cable trays are to be used to facilitate present and future communication wiring distribution. A tray on each floor will feed directly back to the communication closet or closets.

The cable trays are to have a cross section of 4" by 8". The cable trays are to be installed as low as possible above the ceiling and secured to the side wall with an "L" shaped bracket. It is important for future use that at least 18" clearance be maintained on the free side of the trays and that at least 10" clearance is maintained above the trays. All 90 degree turns should be made by two 45 degree turns where possible. Cable trays are to be accessible with a standard 6 foot ladder.

Each communication outlet will be stubbed out into the cable tray using 3/4 inch conduit for single outlet and 1 inch conduit where two outlets are served by a single conduit. No conduit shall have more than one 90 degree bend or any bend greater than 90 degrees. No bend shall have less than a 12 inch radius.

The installer of any new conduit or cable tray for audio-visual or communications wiring shall also provide a pull-line. This shall include cable trays and conduit in walls leading to communication outlets.

Horizontal Cable

CMP Type cable must be used in any air plenum installation where conduit is not available. The cable must meet the requirements of the fire marshal or fire authority having jurisdiction over that building.

Cable may be run exposed above ceilings, provided the cabling is supported independent of other utilities, such as conduits, pipes, ceiling support systems.

All wiring inside of rooms should be protected by conduit or other means such as wire mold. All remodel or new construction will provide conduit to all communications outlets as specified above.

Communication outlets should be installed at standard outlet heights depending on room use. No outlets may be placed behind furniture that does not allow for complete and easy access to the communications outlet. At least 1 outlet with 1 data, 1 telephone (VOIP) jack and 1 coaxial connection is installed every 10 foot of wall at standard outlet height. At least 1 data outlet installed high on the wall for wireless access points should be provided for 300 square foot of floor space or where appropriate as determined by RF site survey. The RF site survey is the responsibility of the contractor and an electronic copy will be provided to the appropriate computer services personnel for approval before the job is accepted by the University. Conduit and wiring will also be provided to locations needed for card entry, firealarm, building HVAC, messaging displays, emergency phone, elevator phone, shelter in place phone, video surveillance, and door lock systems. All station cable terminations and interface boxes will be mounted in secure locations at comfortable working height. Locations of interface boxes is preferred in network, HVAC or boiler rooms.

Floor Distribution System

Floor communication closets, IDF-2's, should be located centrally in an area such that the total distance from the closet to any communication outlets on the floor is no greater than 200 feet. One centrally located communication closet is desirable on each floor if the 200 foot distance limitation can be met. Communication closets should be stacked vertically one above the other with at least four (4) four inch sleeves between closets.

Floor communication closets, IDF-2's, must be at least 6 foot by 6 foot (36 square feet). When the minimum size space is provided it should have door opening to permit maximum work space.

Floor communication closets, IDF-2's, may need separate air conditioning with environmental controls to remove heat from electronic communications equipment. High lighting levels are needed. At least four duplex outlets served by one 120V, 20 amp circuit with isolated ground whose feed is from a UPS with 30 minutes run time for a 2KVa load supplied by an emergency generator isolated from any motors, air conditioning, or lighting circuits must be provided.

Twisted pair cable from the communication outlets shall be terminated in the IDF located as close to the outlet as possible, rather than at the single (or major) communications room for the building if the total cable length would be more than 200 feet. These terminations are in turn connected to the building's communications equipment room (IDF-1) by appropriately sized riser cable.

Data and telephone (VOIP) station jacks are to be terminated on Leviton Quickport RJ45 connections on rack mounted patch panels where the voice or VOIP top station jack will be terminated on the top jack in the patch panel and the data or bottom station jack terminated on the patch panel position immediately under the corrosponding voice jack.

Telephone Riser System

At least 2 25 pair CAT5 riser cables will be run from the main or building entrance IDF-1 to each of the communication closets or IDF-1 or IDF-2 in the building. The riser cables will be terminated on a separate Leviton Quickport RJ45 rack mounted patch panel.

Riser cables shall be 24 AWG solid copper conductors with individual color coded binder groups with insulation meeting the current CMR standard.

Each IDF shall be equipped with an earth grounding block connected to a proven grounding source at the building IDF-1 by an independent #6 solid copper wire. All 25-pair binders shall be cut down in order of binder colors as follows: Blue, Orange, Green, Brown, etc.

Color code of each 25 pair binder group:
Pair Color Code Combinations
1 White/Blue --- Blue/White
2 White/Orange --- Orange/White
3 White/Green --- Green/White
4 White/Brown --- Brown/White
5 White/Slate --- Slate/White
6 Red/Blue --- Blue/Red
7 Red/Orange --- Orange/Red
8 Red/Green --- Green/Red
9 Red/Brown --- Brown/Red
10 Red/Slate --- Slate/Red
11 Black/Blue --- Blue/Black
12 Black/Orange --- Orange/Black
13 Black/Green --- Green/Black
14 Black/Brown --- Brown/Black
15 Black/Slate --- Slate/Black
16 Yellow/Blue --- Blue/Yellow
17 Yellow/Orange --- Orange/Yellow
18 Yellow/Green --- Green/Yellow
19 Yellow/Brown --- Brown/Yellow
20 Yellow/Slate --- Slate/Yellow
21 Violet/Blue --- Blue/Violet
22 Violet/Orange --- Orange/Violet
23 Violet/Green --- Green/Violet
24 Violet/Brown --- Brown/Violet
25 Violet/Slate --- Slate/Violet

Data circuits run in the risers must be clearly labeled to assure they will not be disturbed.

Data Riser

Data riser cable shall meet the specifications for Category 5e or category 6 data cable and terminations.

Standards for Communication Outlet Installation

All station wiring from the IDF to a communication outlet shall meet the AT&T (568B) wiring standard for category 5e or category 6 cable specification.

All station wiring will be connected or punched down in numerical order in each MDF, IDF-1 or IDF-2.

White or ivory jacks will be used on top for voice or VoIP connections. Network or data connections will use blue jacks under the data or voice. F type coax jacks will be used for coaxial cable connections.

Specification for Category 5e or 6 Cable Pair Type:
Pair No. Color Combination
1 Blue/White & White/Blue
2 Orange/White & White/Orange
3 Green/White & White/Green
4 Brown/White & White/Brown

The four unshielded pairs (1 through 4) will be terminated on a Leviton Quickport RJ45 in a faceplate or leviton surface mount receptacle at the station and on a Leviton Quickport RJ45 in a leviton rack monut patch panel using AT&T (568B) wiring standard.

RJ45 terminations must be made to campus standard patch panels in a relay type frame. Wire jack connections shall be permanently marked on both ends of the wire, room jack, and relay frame RJ45 patch panel with the same non-duplicated number.

All station wire must be home run from the station to the nearest serving IDF on the same floor. All station wire and cables must be permanently marked on the cable and the face plate, jack or jack field with the same number on both ends.

The standard telecommunication outlet provides access to all available communication media. It will always contain at least two modular RJ45 receptacles and one coaxial connection.

Each communication outlet (equipped or wired for) shall require one duplex outlet in addition to present design requirements just to accommodate the need to "plug in" electronic equipment. Communications outlets will be spaced no further than 10 foot apart around the perimeter of each room where possible. All outlets will have conduit from a single gang box to an accessible ceiling or wire tray.

Communication outlets for campus wireless access points will be provided for a minimum of one in each classroom, conference room or room designed for meeting with more than 2 people. Communications outlets for campus wireless access will also be provided at a minimum of one every 1000 square foot of floor space. Communications outlets for access points will be provided at a standard height on walls normally used for emergency lighting. 

Any new or room renovations will include all infrastructure needed to add the access points, switch and fiber infrastructure to existing campus managed systems. This additional equipment and infrastructure will be part of any renovation or construction project.

In any renovation and new construction projects where the IDFs are not stacked, the contract for electrical work shall include requirements for installation of two (2) riser conduits (4" minimum diameter) from the IDF-1 to each IDF-2. Junction or "pull" boxes shall be provided in each conduit run having more then two (2) 90 degree turns. Pull-lines are to be installed in all new conduits to facilitate future installation of cable(s). To facilitate future cable installations, a new pull string shall be installed in conduit simultaneously with the pull-in of cable.

All feeder and riser cables are to be terminated on Leviton RJ45 patch panels.

Fiber Optic Cable System

Minimum number fiber count when installing a fiber bundle, consisting of twelve (24) multimode 62.5 micron fibers and twenty four (24) 9 micron single mode in a "jelly" filled outdoor type cable, between each major building for a loop type configuration. Occasionally it may be necessary to splice from outdoor cable to indoor cable for protracted indoor runs of the fiber bundle. All splices to be fusion type and mechanically secure in an indoor accessible secure area.

Fiber Optic Standards

Multimode Optical Fiber Specifications:

Cladding diameter- 125.0 + 2.0 micron Core diameter- 62.5 + 6.0 micron Core concentricity- 7.5% maximum Core circularity- 20% maximum Refractive index delta- 2.0% Numerical aperture- 0.29 Attenuation range- 3.6 - 4.6 dB/km @ 825 nm Mean deviation- 0.15 dB Bandwidth range- 200 MHz-Km, min. Typical splice loss- 0.15 dB (array); 0.28 dB (fusion) Coating diameter- 245 + 19 micron

Single mode Optical Fiber Specifications:

Cladding diameter- 125.0 + 2.0 micron Core diameter- 9 micron Core concentricity- 7.5% maximum Core circularity- 20% maximum Refractive index delta- 2.0% Numerical aperture- 0.29 Attenuation range- 3.6 - 4.6 dB/km @ 825 nm Mean deviation- 0.15 dB Bandwidth range- 1600 MHz-Km, min. Typical splice loss- 0.15 dB (array); 0.28 dB (fusion) Coating diameter- 245 + 19 micron

All fiber terminations shall be the ST connector with a bayonet style coupling.

All fiber field splices will be by fusion method and splice loss measured with an OTDR. Typical end to end loss should not exceed 0.35 dB as measured from both directions on each fiber and average overall loss. In no case shall the end to end exceed (n x 1.25 x .28) where n is the number of splices. The loss budget for any section should include provision for at least two repair splices during the life of the cable.

IV - LABELING CONVENTIONS

It is important that all receptacles, cables, and IDF terminations be labeled with the standard identification tag. The receptacles are to be identified using the following conventions:

V - CABLE ID

At least four (4) digits used on any cable or fiber bundle connecting two buildings. Numbering to be coordinated and recorded with Computer Services. 9999 ->Sequential cable number.

Station cable numbering

The same sequential number must be placed on each end of the cable. The number is to be permanently placed on both ends of the cable jacket and on the Faceplate and punch down. Finished room numbers, a dash, and at least 1 digit outlet number are preferred. "As Built" drawings including the "finished room number" station cable, feeder and riser numbers is to be provided to the appropriate computer services personnel before the work is accepted.

VI - MATERIAL and TESTING SPECIFICATIONS

General

The University will accept approved equivalent materials to model numbers listed.

All cable, wire, hardware, labor and materials including but not limited to the following items will be supplied by vendor unless otherwise noted by the University.

• All cross connect rings or spools
• All connecting blocks
• All mounting brackets
• All station cable
• All feeder cable and fiber
• All modular station receptacles
• All cross connect cable
• All station blocks
• All interconnect cables and jack fields when required
• All cable end termination devices
• All relay frames, mounting ladders and ladder end caps
• All conduit
• All cable trays, hangers, and mounting hardware
• All tie wraps, bushings, and miscellaneous
• All installation tools, other materials and equipment necessary to complete a turnkey installation
• All labor necessary for a turnkey installation
• All Fire Retardant plywood backboards

Vendor will be responsible for the installation and the securing of the fiber from main distribution frame (MDF) and/or the wire center to each building IDF-1 in consideration.

Vendor will be responsible for the mounting of all connecting blocks, relay frames, jack fields, circuit protectors, etc.

Vendor will be responsible for the termination (through punch down) of all voice feeder cables at both ends and for the appropriate termination of all coaxial, data and fiber optic cables.

Vendor shall be responsible for the installation of all racks and distribution panels.

Voice and Data Cable

Vendor will be responsible for verifying pair validity in all feeder and riser cables through toning or an equivalent method as approved by appropriate University representative.

Vendor shall test every pair in every cable and on an end-to-end basis after splicing and terminating. Test record forms shall be agreed upon by vendor and the University prior to testing. There shall be no defective pairs in any cables.

All cable will be marked clearly and legibly at both ends.

Station locations will be marked on connecting blocks and distribution panels at all IDF's.

Fiber Optic Cable

There shall be no defective optical fiber in any cable. All fiber in a bundle shall be tested on an end-to-end basis. Typical end to end loss should not exceed 0.35 dB as measured from both directions on each fiber and averaged for overall loss.

Document History:
-Original November 2006
-Additions for the requirement of relay frames, and patch panels April 2008
-Additions of emergency generator power, environment, Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS), network equipment and other requirements for emergency communications during an emergency and the campus plan to move to Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) December 7, 2008

-Updated June 2010, jack colors and order. Punch downs specified in numerical order.

-Updated October 2010 to add under general meetings etc. requested by service request through the campus project manager.

-Updated November 2010, "As Built" definition added.

-Updated April 2012, removed requirement for copper wiring between buildings and added requirements for station cabling to HVAC, Fire Alarm panels, Video surveillance, message displays and door locks.