Golden Rules

The following Golden Rules should be read by all contractors working on communications infrastructure. The rules identify the most common mistakes and misunderstandings and state the correct procedures to use.

For All Utility Contractors

For Communications Utilities Only: DO NOT route any other utilities through entrance room and communications rooms.
Keep Tray Access Clear: Do not reroute infrastructure for other utilities in the unobstructed area designated for communications cable tray access (18" to one side and 12" above).

For Electrical Contractors

Two Parallel Systems: Observe the distinction between TWO parallel but different communica- tions systems: one provides for campus-wide access to UW Technology- managed service while the other serves the internal needs of the department-managed system.
Follow The Drawings: Do not interchange conduit and cable or significantly reroute path from what is indicated schematically on drawings without consulting UW Technology.
Access To Tray Within Utility Tunnel: Prior to installation, show exact PATH and SUPPORT SYSTEM for routing of future communications cable from point of entry in tunnel around obstacles (such as pipes and other utility paths) into communications tray.
ER/CR Backboards: Keep clear of any obstructions (e.g., outlets, ground bus bar, grounding cable, etc.). Coordinate placement with UW Technology in the field prior to installation.
ER/CR Core Drills: Do not obstruct center floor space or traffic paths. Cluster close to wall. Do not put in walls above doorways.
Wall Penetrations: Do not use cable tray through walls. Use conduit sleeves to interconnect sections of cable tray or to continue the path of cable tray that feeds to ER/CRs.
Routing Of Pathways: Do not exceed 300 feet total run between the ER/CR and the furthest outlet served from that room.
Conduit Bends: Do not exceed 270 degrees of total accumulated bends in any one conduit run. Max number of 90 degree bends allowable is (3).
Pull Boxes: Obtain approval from UW Technology for installation of any pullboxes NOT ON BID DRAWING set.
Flex Conduit: Do not use flex conduit (or substitute it for rigid conduit). Involve UW Technology in potential design solution.
Cable Tray Access: Maintain 12" above and 18" to one side completely unobstructed access space.
Electrical Interference: Allow a minimum 6" distance of cable tray from electrical ballast.
Grounding: Meet all grounding requirements for pathways, entrance cables, riser cables, and station cables.
Mud-Rings: 4x4 boxes must have 4x4 mud-rings.
Plenum Spaces: Indicate locations on drawings prior to cable plant installation.
Wall-Mounted Boxes: Allow sufficient surround space for outlet boxes to accommodate mounting of hardware -- typical problems are created by adjacent box locations, door jambs, splash boards, etc.
Furniture Plan: Ensure accessibility to cable distribution points and outlets in walls and/or floors, wherever built-in or modular furniture is proposed.

Communications Infrastructure