Any communications code to follow on this cable install.

[dublynr]

I an installing a 25 pair plenum cat 3 cable from the mpoe to a customer newly built suite. I have a wall in a room where he wants the 4x4 backboard and the orange demarcation board with the 25 pair installed to it. The wall is 20 feet high by 40 feet long. Are there any height or width requirments on where this board can be mounted in the event of the building inspector not passing the installation.
I can find no info on this in the contractor guideline book.

I appreciate your help.
Brian

 

[daronwilson]

Depending on where you are, the National Electrical Code (NEC) and the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) could certainly apply. If you are looking for standards type information, the EIA/TIA standards for telecommunications would be a good reference.

Were it me, I would use a plywood backboard painted with fire retardant paint, make sure all floor penetrations are correctly firestopped, make sure the installation of the cable is properly grounded if required.

Also, just to be courteous, if you are just terminating the 25 pair on this 4 by 4 piece of plywood, DON'T do it the Ma Bell way. The telco's seem to have this problem with finding the exact center of the plywood and placing their stuff there, so no one else has room to complete the installation. Your installation will be more logical if you progress from left to right. So if this is the feed cable for that suite, put it over on the left and let the building wiring grow to the right.

Hope that helps. It is only my opinion, based on my experience and education...I am always willing to learn, educate me!
Daron J. Wilson, RCDD
daron.wilson@lhmorris.com