Broadband Applications & Construction Manual Drop Cable Products
Table of Contents Drop Cable Applications and Construction Manual Table of Contents Section 1.................Introduction 1.1 Forward 1.2 Drop Cable Issues Section 2.................Description of Cable Types 2.1 Coaxial Cable Description 2.2 The Importance of Braid Shielding 2.3 UTP Cable Description Section 3.................Cable Selection Guide 3.1 Distance of the Drop 3.2 Indoor/Outdoor and Shield Selection 3.3 QR® 320 Cable Types 3.
0.1 Table of Contents Drop Cable Applications and Construction Manual Section 8.................Attaching to the NIU per NEC 830 8.1 Attaching to the NIU 8.2 Connecting to the Buried Drop Section 9.................Residential Interior Cabling 9.1 Overview 9.2 Planning and Pulling the Cable on the First Floor 9.3 Cutting Outlet Holes 9.4 Going Through an Exterior Wall 9.5 Walls from Below 9.6 Planning and Pulling the Cable on the Upper Floor 9.
Introduction 1.1 Forward How to Use This Guide The Drop Cable Applications and Construction Guide is written for the cable installation professional who, due to the diverse services offered by CATV and telecommunication service providers, needs a quick and handy reference to practical installation information, especially in the case of retrofitting.
1.2 Introduction Drop Cable Issues CommScope Drop Cable During the last years of the 20th century, new words were added to the vocabulary of both installers and subscribers of cable and telecommunications providers; terms like digital, broadband, multimedia and smart homes entered our everyday language. Coaxial cable, formerly a one-way conduit for TV, is now a two-way conduit for specialty programming, HDTV, stereo radio, internet access, telephony and more.
Cable Descriptions 2.1 Coaxial Cable Description Coaxial Drop Cable The three types of cable used to carry broadband services to and within business and residences are coaxial, fiber optic and unshielded twisted pair (UTP). Coaxial (or coax) cable is the most common; it is the ‘cable’ in the term ‘cable TV.’ The vast majority of broadband networks are constructed using some type of coaxial cable.
2.2 Cable Descriptions The Importance of Braid Shielding Braid Shielding and Coaxial Cable Performance A coaxial cable must have, at minimum, a dual shield of aluminum foil tape overlaid with a woven braid of aluminum. This braid shield greatly improves the electrical and mechanical performance of the coax; in fact, a braid shield can vastly increase the installed life of the cable. All CommScope subscriber access coaxial cables use a combination of foil and braid shields.
Cable Descriptions 2.3 UTP Cable Descriptions UTP Indoor Cable Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cables consist of two insulated conductors twisted together in a very precise fashion; four of these pairs are then jacketed together into a cable. The angle and number of the twists acts like a shield and helps the digital signal stay robust over longer distances. UTP is used inside buildings to distribute voice and data signals over relatively short distances.
3.1 Cable Selection Distance of the Drop Coax Selection Considerations - Distance Coax cable can be engineered for several levels of performance and cost-efficiency. For instance, a larger cable will carry a signal over a longer distance; additional shields provide more protection from interference. Your first consideration, however, is the overall distance of the drop.
Cable Selection 3.2 Indoor/Outdoor and Shield Selection Coax Selection Considerations - Shielding and Environment Once you’ve determined which cable answers your need for signal over distance, you need to determine the type of cable you’ll need for the installation environment. For areas of possible RF interference, (pager antennas or other visible problem as outlined in Section 3.1, or if there is a history of customer comments concerning interference from ham radios, etc.
3.3 Cable Selection QR® 320 Cable Types QR 320 Series Selection Matrix (MDUs and Very Long Runs) ® This is a quick reference for QR 320 Series cables from CommScope. Answer the questions as you read along the diagram to arrive at the construction code for the cable required for your application. QR 320 cables have a unique welded aluminum strip shield for superior RF protection and a large center conductor for lower attenuation over longer distances. We recommend them for use in MDUs.
Cable Selection 3.4 F11 Cable Types F11 Series Selection Matrix (Runs Over 150 ft/45 Meters) This is a quick reference for F11 Series cables from CommScope. Answer the questions as you read along the diagram to arrive at the construction code for the cable required for your application: The XX in the part number should be filled with the code for the anti-corrosion agent you’d prefer as follows: BW for CommScope’s dry BrightWire , or APD for the more traditional APD flooding compound.
3.5 Cable Selection F6 Cable Types F6 Series Selection Matrix (Runs 150 ft/45 Meters or Less) This is a quick reference for F6 Series cables from CommScope. Answer the questions as you read along the diagram to arrive at the construction code for the cable required for your application: The XX in the part number should be filled with the code for the anti-corrosion agent you’d prefer: BW for CommScope’s dry BrightWire , or APD for the more traditional APD flooding compound.
Cable Selection 3.6 F11 Cable Types for NEC 830 F11 Series Selection Matrix for NEC 830 (Runs Over 150 ft/45 Meters) This is a quick reference for F11 Series cables that meet NEC 830.
3.7 Cable Selection F6 Cable Types foro NEC 830 F6 Series Selection Matrix for NEC 830 (Runs 150 ft/45 Meters or Less) This is a quick reference for F6 Series cables meeting NEC 830.
Cable Selection 3.8 UTP and Fiber Optic Cables UTP and Fiber Optic Cables Two factors control the selection for UTP and fiber optic cables; the speed of the network they will support and the NEC rating required by the installation. For UTP cables within the home, CommScope’s Category 5e UTP (product code UH58760) offers more than enough bandwidth for most applications. These cables meet the NEC CMR (riser) designation.
4.1 Planning the Run Overview Planning the Run The time you take in examining the site prior to installation is well spent and can help you avoid problems later on. You need to be aware of issues such as right-of-way (ROW), where you will tap into the span, the distance of the run and where you will attach and bond the cable at the customer’s structure. Refer to Section 3/Cable Selection to determine what cable to use based on distance or NEC 830 considerations.
Planning the Run Attachment Examples Attachment Examples for Aerial Installations The top example shows a pretty straightforward installation. The electric meter is on the opposite side of the building from the span, so attachment near the the cold water tap is acceptable. The middle example shows that the most direct route would trespass on neighboring property.
5.1 Aerial Installation Overview Aerial Installation/Messenger (Figure-8) Cable For best efficiency and lowest cost, aerial installation is generally preferred. However, local or subdivision codes sometimes require that utilities be installed underground. There are times the customer may want the cables hidden for aesthetic reasons. In these cases, see Section 6 for instructions on buried installations. A typical installation is shown below.
Aerial Installation 5.2 Pulling Cable Pull the Cable, Separate the Messenger Set up your cable pack or A-frame beneath the tap. Take the cable end and walk toward the attachment point. Don’t let the cable kink, scrape, tangle or get hung up as you walk - it may deform the cable and cause transmission problems later. Keep pulling cable after you reach the attachment point.
5.3 Aerial Installation Span Attachment Attach the Messenger to a Drop Clamp 1. Separate the messenger wire from the cable using the 90° (scissor) pull of the messenger and the cable, separating the length of messenger wire needed to make the wrap; about 15 to 18-inches. Note: Never use the drop clamp, a knife, or other sharp tool to separate messenger & cable. 2. Fit the cable and messenger wire into the drop clamp as shown, so that the clamp bail is between the two. 3.
Aerial Installation 5.4 Connecting the Coax Connect the Coax to the Tap The cable should be connectorized per the instructions on page 9.9/Coax connectorization. Some systems like to protect the connection with a shield (a physical covering to protect against tampering). Place that over the connector now - you will require an F-connector tool to tighten the connection. With the messenger secured to the span, screw the connectorized cable into the tap hand-tight.
5.5 Aerial Installation Attaching the Cable to the Residence Attach the Cable to the Residence Using a ladder or a lift truck, climb up to the attachment point and screw or drive the P-hook or Q-hook into the residence. Use an insulated hook if you are bringing in powered service per NEC 830. A good attachment point is the corner of the house under the soffit. NEVER attach to an antenna, rain gutter, chimney, power mast or lightning rod. The hook should be parallel to the ground.
Aerial Installation 5.6 Running to the Grounding Block Run the Cable to the Grounding Block or NIU Using the 2-4-4 method described on page 5.4, attach the messenger wire to the hook (or use a messenger wire clamp). Strip the remaining messenger wire from the coax. Route the cable from the attachment point to the grounding block or the entry point for the NIU.
6.1 Buried Installation Overview Buried Installation Underground service has become popular in many developments and subdivisions. Broadband services are brought in by buried cable, and accessed by pedestals which are usually at the property line. While the easiest way to run the cable is to trench or plow in a burial-grade coaxial cable to a minimum depth of 12 in (.3 m), burying cable preinstalled in conduit is a far better method.
Buried Installation 6.2 Plowoing Overview Plowing Installation Notes Direct burial cable and cable-in-conduit (CIC) may be installed by trenching or plowing. When plowing, select a plow chute with a bend radius no smaller (and preferably larger) than the minimum bend radius of the cable or CIC you are installing. The chute width should be at least 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) larger in diameter than the cable/ CIC.
6.3 Buried Installation Trenching Overview Trenching Installation Notes The trench should be dug as straight, level and as rock-free as possible. Avoid tight curves. If there are rapid grade changes, and you are installing CIC, use back-fill to support the conduit. Taking into account NEC 820 and 830 considerations, dig the trench to correct depth. Mount the reel so that pay-off is underneath toward the direction of the pull. If using CIC, make sure the conduit is capped.
Buried Installation 6.4 Placement at the Pedestal Pedestal Preparation Plowing Dig a receiving pit to the depth required by either NEC 820 or 830, depending on your application (between 12 and 18 in (30 and 45 cm) (see page 6.2). The pit should be about 6 in (15 cm) wide and 18 in (45 cm) long and run in the direction of planned line of the installation. The plow blade should be able to fit easily inside it.
6.5 Buried Installation Connecting the Drop Running the Cable and Connecting the Drop at the Pedestal Plow to the Residence If you are plowing in the cable or CIC, make sure you have dug a receiving trench to the attachment point of the residence. Run the plow along your planned route to the attachment point. Remember that for NEC 830 considerations, cable not in conduit must be buried at a depth of 18 in (45 cm).
Buried Installation 6.6 Connecting the Drop Attach the Cable to the Residence Plow Installation Unreel the cable/CIC by hand until you have more than enough to reach the attachment point. Always err on the side of having too much cable. If you have installed CIC, determine how much conduit you need to reach the attachment point. Using a ratchet shear, cut off the excess conduit to reveal the cable. Attach the conduit to the wall by using U-clamps.
7.1 Attaching to the Ground Block per NEC 830 Connecting to the Aerial Drop Attach the Cable to the Ground Block/Aerial Installation NEC Article 820 states that the ground block should be attached to the wall as close as possible to the electrical meter. Both the ground wire and the coaxial cable connections should run horizontally. The grounding wire should be as straight as possible.
Attaching to the Ground Block per NEC 830 Connecting to the Buried Drop Run and Attach the Cable to the Ground Block/Buried Installation NEC Article 820 states that the ground block should be attached to the wall as close as possible to the electrical meter. Both the ground wire and the coaxial cable connections should run horizontally. The grounding wire should be as straight as possible.
8.1 Attaching to the NIU per NEC 830 Attaching to the NIU Attaching to the NIU - The 8 Foot Rule NEC Article 830 covers the installation of cable from the tap to the connection of the NIU. NEC 830-rated cables supply the voltage that powers the NIU. The NIU then distributes the various signals coming in over the drop (CATV, internet, telephone service, etc.) onto the preferred cable and connections that branch from the NIU throughout the residence.
Attaching to the Ground Block per NEC 830 Connecting to the Buried Drop Bonding the NIU Bonding the NIU is similar to bonding a standard coax installation (see Section 7 - Attaching to the ground block). You should attach the NIU to the wall as closely as possible to the electrical meter. The bonding wire is attached to a point within the NIU enclosure. Specific bonding points will vary with each make of NIU, so please consult the manufacturer’s instructions.
9.1 Residential Interior Cabling Overview Overview By now, the drop has been run to the residence, attached and grounded at either the ground block or the NIU. How and where you enter the residence depends on the types of service that are going to be provided. If there is no NIU, you need to proceed from the ground block to the various locations around the residence, splitting the connections as you go.
Residential Interior Cabling Planning and Pulling the Cable on the First Floor Planning the Cable Run/Ground Floor Outlet locations are dictated by customer requirements - put them where they want them. Visually inspect every proposed outlet location. Be aware of the locations of electrical wires, plumbing, HVAC ductwork and other impediments. Use a studfinder to locate studs. As you plan your drops to specific locations within the residence, work within the interior walls whenever possible.
9.3 Residential Interior Cabling Cutting Outlet Holes Locating and Cutting Outlet Holes Once outlet locations are determined, cut the holes as required. Carefully check the area for any possible obstructions, such as wall studs, plumbing or electrical wires. Be aware that obstructions like windows or interior openings like kitchen passthroughs may cause problems with dropping cables from above. Pocket doors are another concern; make sure the planned outlet is outside of their open range.
Residential Interior Cabling Going Through an Exterior Wall Going Through an Exterior Wall Survey the interior of the residence for the outlet location. Using a point of reference that is common to both the inside and the outside (such as the lower corner of a window pane), measure the vertical and horizontal distances to the center of the outlet location (example: 1.5 feet over and 1 foot down from the lower corner of the window).
9.5 Residential Interior Cabling Walls from Below Crawlspace and Basement Prior to entering a crawlspace or an unfinished basement, look and make sure that your planned entry point is not blocked by plumbing or unexpected obstructions like spoil left during construction. It may be possible to bring the cable through the crawlspace entrance. If not, use a masonry bit to drill through the foundation.
Residential Interior Cabling Planning and Pulling the Cable on the Upper Floor Planning the Cable Run/Upper Floor Visually inspect the outlet locations for electrical wires, plumbing, HVAC ductwork, windows and other impediments. Use the interior walls whenever possible. This way, you avoid installation headaches like trying to push cable through insulation or around windows, or reaching under a roofline with a drill. In the example below, all of the outlets can be reached from the attic.
9.7 Residential Interior Cabling Fishing Cable into Place Using Fish Tape to Run Cable Once cable is run to the attic, it can be fished through interior walls to the outlet location. Fishing cable usually requires two people; one at the top to feed the fish tape and a helper to receive the tape. A pair of walkie-talkies is a big help during this process. Use a non-metallic fish tape to avoid electrical shock.
Residential Interior Cabling Hiding the Cable Hiding Cable It is not always possible to run a cable to its planned location within the wall. If the locations cannot be changed, there are alternate methods of running and hiding cables. Under the Wallboard Many houses have a gap at the bottom of the wall that is covered by the floor molding. This gap is usually wide enough to provide a hidden cable path around a room. Floor molding usually consists of a toe molding and a baseboard.
9.9 Residential Interior Cabling Coax Connectorization Connectorizing Braid-Shielded Coax Cable These instructions refer to general practices. Exact instructions may vary with the maker of the tools and connectors you are using. Always refer to the manufacturer’s specifications. If you are going to use a boot to protect the connection at the tap, or if you are using a compression fitting with an independent sleeve, slide it over the cable end first.
Residential Interior Cabling QR 320 Connectorization ® Connectorizing QR 320 Solid Shielded Cable ® QR 320 cables have a solid aluminum shield instead of a braid/foil shield combination. The dielectric needs to be cored out by the use of special tools. While the process is described below, you may wish to contact CommScope Digital Broadband Resource Center (866-333-3272) for more information.
9.11 Residential Interior Cabling Connectorization Connectorizing UTP and Telephone Cable These instructions refer to general practices. Exact instructions may vary with the maker of the tools and connectors you are using. Always refer to the manufacturer’s specifications. UTP - the Twist is Important Twisted pair cable twins its pairs together in a very precise lay, or frequency of twist.
Residential Interior Cabling Trim-out and Finish Trim-Out and Finish With the cable run to the outlet, you can now trim out the installation. 1) Insert the Bracket Most brackets are meant to install directly to the drywall. Place the cable through the bracket and insert the bracket in the wall. Insert the ‘feet’ at the bottom of the bracket so as to trap the drywall and the bracket. Tighten the attachment screw until the foot is firmly set. Repeat this process with the upper foot.
10.1 Multiple Dwelling Units (MDUs) Overview Overview Multiple Dwelling Units (MDUs) have a more strict set of rules for cable installation than single family residences. Service is dropped from the tap to the building like a residential installation, either aerially (see Section 6) or underground (see Section 7). However, the cable is usually run to some sort of interconnect box which allows the service provider to secure the connection and prevent tampering.
Multiple Dwelling Units (MDUs) Planning and Pulling the Cable Planning the Cable Run in the Apartment Customer needs dictate where the outlets are located. Visually inspect every proposed outlet location. Be aware of potential problems like electrical outlets or HVAC ducting. You may not have the ability to drop cable from an attic or run up from a crawlspace, so your routing options may be limited.
10.3 Multiple Dwelling Units (MDUs) One and Two Story Buildings One and Two Story MDUs For one or two story buildings, follow the same guidelines for running your cable as Section 9. A visual inspection of all proposed cable outlets is strongly recommended and will help you plan the best route for the cable.
Multiple Dwelling Units (MDUs) Taller Buildings Outside Multiple Story MDUs/Riser Installation Multiple apartments, multiple floors, and the extra distances involved all contribute to the complexity of an MDU installation. A helper is mandatory. A system designer will be required to specify whether and where line amplifiers are needed. As always, make a thorough visual inspection of the proposed route and all outlet locations.
10.5 Multiple Dwelling Units (MDUs) Taller Buildings Outside Multiple Story MDUs/Exterior Installation It may be simpler to run the cable on the outside of the building up to each floor or each apartment. A separate cable will be needed for every unit. As always, make a thorough visual inspection of the proposed route and all outlet locations. Prior to installing the cable, read page 9.4 for the methods needed to locate and drill your entry hole.
Multiple Dwelling Units (MDUs) Inside the Residence Multiple Story MDUs/Inside the Building Unless you are able to share a conduit or routing with telecommunications wiring (you cannot run in the same conduit as electrical wiring unless the conduit is of the divided type), you may have to use a central hallway as your route. The challenge is to make the installation as unobtrusive as possible. Hallway Installation with Raceway The wall/ceiling joint offers a good route for interior installation.
11.1 Commercial Installations Overview Overview Commercial installations differ from residential and MDU installations in several ways. Fire safety requirements are more strict. There may be cable raceways and ladders already in position to aid installation. The cable volume may be greater. The general scheme of bonding to an exterior point such as the electrical meter still holds.
Commercial Installations 11.2 Wiring Schemes Wiring Schemes A typical schematic for wiring a commercial installation is shown below. Coax cable transitions from the bonding point into the basement of the building and is attached to a crossconnect, probably in a wiring closet. Taking advantage of existing raceways and risers, riser-rated coax is pulled down the riser (or through the telecommunications conduit) from the higher floors.
12.1 Drop Cable Descriptions/Specifications Specifications and Part Numbers Drop Cable Descriptions In Section 2, the various types of subscriber access cables were generally discussed. This section details the differences in the varieties of coaxial cable used outside and inside the residence. The construction examples given in the previous chapters deal with the most helpful types of coax; QR 320, 11 Series (RG 11) and 6 Series (RG6).
Appendix 13.1 Safety Overview Drop Cable Safety Issues Construction of a broadband cable system requires a substantial amount of manpower, tools and equipment. Underground and aerial construction will expose the manpower, tools and equipment to hazards, dependent on field conditions and circumstances.
13.2 Appendix OSHA and NEC Standards Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standards OSHA Standards were established in 1970 to help ensure workplace safety. The Standards are federal regulations that are intended to enable employers and employees to recognize, understand, and control hazards in the workplace. Standards have been established for general industry while some sections of the Standards are dedicated to specific industries such as telecommunications.
Appendix 13.3 NEC and Other Ratings NEC Articles 820 and 830 NEC articles 820 and 830 both deal with broadband coaxial cable. Traditional coax networks carry a low-voltage radio frequency (RF) signal. The voltage is so low that it is not considered dangerous. NEC article 820 is written with fire safety, not voltage, in mind. However, with the advent of multiple services available over coax systems, the need for powered coax or UTP has risen.
13.4 Appendix NESC Standards and Construction Grades National Electric Safety Code (NESC) Standards and Construction Grades The NESC defines grades of construction on the basis of strength requirements for reasons of safety. Section 24 of the NESC identifies construction grades B (the highest), C, D and N (the lowest). Grade D construction typically applies to broadband coaxial cable and fiber optic cable. Construction grades B or C may be applicable dependent on the situations that exist.
Appendix 13.5 Wire Clearance NESC Table 232-1/Vertical Clearance of Wires This chart shows the clearances required for a coaxial cable, isolated communication conductors and cable, messengers and surge-protected wire meeting NESC Rule 230C1, depending on the type of surface it is above. For a complete listing, please contact the NESC at the address on page 3.4: Surface Minimum Distance feet (meters) Railroad tracks (except electrified railroads using overhead trolley conductors) 23.5 (7.
13.6 Appendix Pole Lease Agreements and Other Codes Pole Lease Agreements and Other Codes and Regulations Pole Lease Agreements Cable system operators often enter into contractual agreements with the owners of utility poles. The pole owners are municipalities, telephone companies, and power companies. There are often specific safety practices that are specified in the contract. These safety practices may be more restrictive than other codes and standards.
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