Central Washington University: Outside Plant Communications Distribution Design Guide

Central Washington University
Outside Plant Communications Distribution

Design Guide
(Revision 1.1)
May 25, 2001
Conley Engineering, Inc.

Consulting Electrical Engineers
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF FIGURES...............................................................................................II
LIST OF TABLES.................................................................................................II
INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................1
DOCUMENT INTENT ..........................................................................................................................1
TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION....................................................................................................................2
NEW CONSTRUCTION
OVERBUILD CONSTRUCTION
BASIC CONSTRUCTION
DESIGNER QUALIFICATIONS AND DESIGN STANDARDS........................................4
DESIGNER QUALIFICATIONS.................................................................................................................4
DESIGN STANDARDS........................................................................................................................4
REFERENCES, STANDARDS, AND CODES
MANUFACTURERS
DEVIATION FROM STANDARDS
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS..................................................................................7
OVERVIEW....................................................................................................................................7
TELECOMMUNICATIONS OUTSIDE PLANT MASTER PLAN
DEFINITION OF TERMS
PATHWAY SYSTEM.........................................................................................................................10
GENERAL DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
UNDERGROUND CABLE VAULTS (UCVS)
DUCTS (CONDUIT)
DUCTBANKS
COMMUNICATIONS MEDIA.................................................................................................................20
GROUNDING AND BONDING
MEDIA TYPES
TERMINATION
LABELING AND ADMINISTRATION
ENTRANCE FACILITIES.....................................................................................................................24
APPENDICES....................................................................................................25
APPENDIX 1 CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS...........................................................................................25
APPENDIX 2 BIBLIOGRAPHY AND REFERENCES ....................................................................................26
2011 Conley Engineering, Inc.

FIGURES AND TABLES
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE 1 TWO-LEVEL HIERARCHICAL STAR TOPOLOGY ...................................7

FIGURE 2 TYPICAL UCV DETAIL ....................................................................11
FIGURE 3 SPLAYED DUCT ENTRY/EXIT............................................................12
FIGURE 4 CORRECT AND INCORRECT DUCT ENTRY/EXIT FROM A UCV .............12
FIGURE 5 DUCT ENTRANCES IN A UCV ..........................................................16
FIGURE 6 TYPICAL 4X4 DUCTBANK DETAILS...................................................19
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE 1 REFERENCES, STANDARDS, AND CODES ............................................5

TABLE 2 DEFINITION OF TERMS......................................................................8
TABLE 3 DUCT TYPES AND USAGE.................................................................14
TABLE 4 DUCTBANK MINIMUM SEPARATIONS................................................17
2011 Conley Engineering, Inc. ii

INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this document is to provide CWU staff, as well as consulting

architects, engineers, and designers working for CWU with a guide for the
design of outside plant (OSP) communications distribution systems that
accurately reflect CWU and industry standards in effect as of this publication.
This document was originally produced (in 1999) based on industry standards
and practices, as well as the telecommunications practices in use at that
time at CWU. Under the current revision, it has been updated to reflect the
methods, materials and standards that have been used to for providing
telecommunications services to the existing Residence Hall facilities. The
updated document also reflects changes in industry practice as of this
publication.
Outside plant communications distribution systems designed for CWU are

expected to support and integrate voice, data, and video communications
with common media (fiber optic and unshielded twisted pair (UTP) copper
cable).
In general, it is the responsibility of the outside plant communications

distribution designer to coordinate with the other designers on a project
(architecture, electrical, mechanical, etc.) to ensure that other systems are
both compatible with and complementary to the communications cabling
system. CWUs design philosophy is that it is critical to coordinate between
disciplines during the design phase of a project, rather than attempting to
make adjustments in the field during construction.
DOCUMENT INTENT
This document addresses outside plant communications distribution system

design as it relates to:
Pathway System underground cable vaults (UCVs), ductbanks, ducts

(conduits), etc.
Communications Media fiber and UTP copper media.
Building Entrance Facilities
This document is not intended to serve as a Master Specification nor for

stand-alone use on design build projects it is to be used in conjunction
with the CWU Outside Plant Communications Distribution System Master
Specification. This document should serve as a guide for making standards
compliant design decisions which, in due course, will be reflected in a system
specification based upon the CWU Outside Plant Communications Distribution
System Master Specification. In addition to specifications for a
telecommunications project, plan drawings and schematic diagrams will also
need to be produced by the designer. The drawings should conform to the
guidelines contained in this document.
2011 Conley Engineering, Inc. 1

INTRODUCTION
In addition, this document is not intended to replace or detract from the
Customer-Owned Outside Plant Design Manual (CO-OSP) produced and
distributed by BICSI. 1 Rather, this document is to be used in conjunction with
the CO-OSP in order to reinforce selected CO-OSP content as well as highlight
any differences between CO-OSP and CWU standards.
TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION
Throughout this document, reference will be made to three types of

construction: new, overbuild and basic construction. Construction of a new
outside plant communications distribution system as well as the addition to
and/or modification of an existing outside plant communications distribution
system are considered to be included in these construction projects.
Tradeoffs between design standards and practicality will many times be
dependent upon the type of construction. Different design approaches may
be warranted given differing types of construction.
Where the type of construction is applicable to the current discussion, a

superscripted circular number, such as this
CONSTRUCTION REFERENCE

, will make reference next to the text. This This is an example of a reference
number refers to a comment in a special to the text at the left
Construction Reference box to the right of
the text (see the example at right).
The three types of construction are defined below. These definitions are
applicable to the purposes of this document only.
NEW CONSTRUCTION
New construction is defined as construction that results in a new (or new

portion of an existing) outside plant communications distribution system.
For the most part, new pathway will be constructed and new
communications media will be installed in the pathway. A recent CWU
project with components that typify this type of construction is:
Electrical Utility Upgrade Phase 1 (1999-2001)
OVERBUILD CONSTRUCTION
Overbuild construction is defined as construction which may include

demolition and/or abandonment of existing pathway and communications
media, reuse of existing pathway for installation of new communications
media, and the addition of new pathway and/or media to existing pathway
and/or media. Common terms referring to this type of construction
include expansion, renovation, remodel, addition, and retrofit, among
others.
1
The CO-OSP is probably the first widely distributed industry reference text for the design of standards
compliant outside plant communications distribution systems.

INTRODUCTION
BASIC CONSTRUCTION
Basic construction is defined as construction that includes reuse of

existing distribution pathway for the installation of new communications
media. Demolition of existing communications media may be involved as
well. In general, basic construction is focused on the installation of new
communications media with no (or very minor) modifications made to the
existing pathway system. Recent CWU projects with components that
typify this type of construction are:
Campus Fiber Optic Backbone (FOB) (1999-2001)

Residential Network (RESNET) (1999-2001)

DESIGNER QUALIFICATIONS AND DESIGN STANDARDS
DESIGNER QUALIFICATIONS
It is required that all outside plant communications distribution system

designs executed on the behalf of CWU be designed by a Registered
Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) as certified by BICSI2. This
means that the design project shall be managed under the direct supervision
of an RCDD on the consultants staff. Project related communications
between CWU and the consultant shall be mainly through the RCDD.
In addition to the RCDD certification, it is desirable that the RCDD have the
following qualifications:
Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the electrical engineering field
RCDD/LAN certification from BICSI
MCSE certification from Microsoft Corporation3
In addition, the RCDD shall have the following qualifications:
The RCDD shall demonstrate a minimum of 5 years of experience in the

design of outside plant communications distribution systems. Experience
not directly related to the design of outside plant communications
distribution systems, such as sales and/or marketing, project
management, or installation experience, is not acceptable.
The RCDD shall demonstrate that he/she has designed or has had
personal design oversight of a minimum of five projects similar in size and
construction cost to the current CWU project.
The RCDD shall not be affiliated with any manufacturer associated with
the communications distribution system industry.
The RCDD shall be completely familiar and conversant with the standards
listed below.
DESIGN STANDARDS
REFERENCES, STANDARDS, AND CODES
CWU standards are based upon the Customer-Owned Outside Plant Design
Manual (CO-OSP) produced by BICSI, the Telecommunications Distribution
Methods Manual (TDMM) also produced by BICSI, ANSI/TIA/EIA and ISO/IEC
standards, and NEC codes, among others.
It is required that the Designer be thoroughly familiar with the content and
intent of these references, standards, and codes and that the Designer be
2
BICSI, 8610 Hidden River Pkwy, Tampa, FL 33637-1000 USA, Tampa, FL 33612-6415; 1-800-242-7405;
www.bicsi.org
3
Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399, (425) 882-8080;
www.microsoft.com/mcse

capable of applying the content and intent of these references, standards,
and codes to all outside plant communications system designs executed on
the behalf of CWU.
Listed in the table below are references, standards, and codes applicable to
outside plant communications systems design. If questions arise as to which
reference, standard, or code should apply in a given situation, the more
stringent shall prevail. As each of these documents are modified over time,
the latest edition and addenda to each of these documents is considered to
be definitive.
TABLE 1 REFERENCES , STANDARDS, AND CODES
Standard/Reference Name/Description
BICSI CO-OSP BICSI Customer-Owned Outside Plant Design Manual
BICSI TDMM BICSI Telecommunications Distribution Methods
Manual
BICSI TCIM BICSI Telecommunications Cabling Installation Manual
TIA/EIA - 758 Customer-Owned Outside Plant Telecommunications
Cabling Standard
TIA/EIA - 568 Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling
Standard
TIA/EIA - 569 Commercial Building Standard for Telecommunication
Pathways and Spaces
TIA/EIA - 606 The Administration Standard for the
Telecommunications Infrastructure of Commercial
Buildings
TIA/EIA - 607 Commercial Building Grounding and Bonding
Requirements for Telecommunications
TIA/EIA - 455 Fiber Optic Test Standards
TIA/EIA - 526 Optical Fiber Systems Test Procedures
IEEE 802.3 (series) Local Area Network Ethernet Standard, including the
IEEE 802.3z Gigabit Ethernet Standard
NEC National Electric Code, NFPA
NESC National Electrical Safety Code, IEEE
L&I Department of Labor and Industries, Electrical Section,
RCW 19.28, WAC 296-46 and WAC 296-401A, Interim
Printing
OSHA Codes Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Code
of Federal Regulations (CFR) Parts 1910 - General
Industry, and 1926 - Construction Industry, et al.
Also of use to the Designer are the references listed in Appendix 2

Bibliography and References.
MANUFACTURERS
In addition to the standards listed above, CWU has selected several

manufacturers of communications cabling infrastructure products. These
manufacturers and their products are identified in the CWU Communications
Distribution System Master Specification. The outside plant communications
distribution designer is required to incorporate only these manufacturers into

the design, and to design a communications distribution system that will be
suitable for the use of products from these manufacturers.
DEVIATION FROM STANDARDS
It is not the intent of CWU to rigidly impose standards on every aspect of an

outside plant communications system design. Each design is unique and
each design may be subject to situations in which deviations from the
standards are warranted.
If the Designer feels that deviation from a given standard is warranted, the
Designer shall submit a written deviation request to CWU. The request will,
at a minimum, indicate the standard from which there is a proposed
deviation, the substitution being proposed in place of the standard, the
reason the request is being made, and an explanation of the justifications
(economic, technical or otherwise) for the deviation. The Designer may,
upon written approval from CWU, incorporate the design deviation into the
overall design. CWU approval is required on a project-by-project basis. The
Designer should not assume that a deviation approval for one project means
that the deviation will necessarily be approved for a subsequent project.

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
OVERVIEW
This section highlights design considerations of particular importance to

CWU. It also discusses differing CWU standards given the type of
construction (new, overbuild, or basic) for a particular project, as well as
CWU standards that may differ from the standards listed previously in Table
1.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS OUTSIDE PLANT MASTER PLAN
Each design performed on the behalf of CWU shall conform to and integrate
with the CWU Telecommunications Pathway Outside Plant Master Plan. This
plan provides a 10-year strategy for the use and expansion of the
underground telecommunications pathways on the CWU campus.
The Master Plan calls for the campus to be subdivided into nine areas called
Building Clusters. Each building within a cluster is connected with
telecommunications pathway to a building within the cluster that will serve
as the Building Cluster Hub. The Building Cluster Hubs are in turn connected
with telecommunications pathway to the Communications Center. This
configuration is based upon a TIA/EIA standard two-level hierarchical star
topology such as that shown in Figure 1, below.
FIGURE 1 TWO-LEVEL HIERARCHICAL STAR TOPOLOGY
Please refer to the Master Plan Overview drawing in the CWU

Telecommunications Pathway Outside Plant Master Plan for more detail.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
The table below defines and clarifies common terms that will be used
throughout this section it is expected that the Designer is already familiar
with these terms.

TABLE 2 DEFINITION OF TERMS 4
Term Definition
Backbone Pathway or cable between buildings.
Backfill Earth material used specifically for filling and grading
excavations back to a finished state. Backfill is placed on
top of the bedding surrounding encased ductbanks and
direct-buried conduits.
Base Earth materials used specifically to level and grade an
excavations subgrade for the subsequent placement of
encased ductbanks, direct-buried conduit, and UCVs.
Base material is placed on top of the subgrade and
beneath the bedding surrounding encased ductbanks,
conduits, or UCVs.
Bedding Earth material used specifically for filling excavations.
Bedding is placed around encased ductbank, conduits, or
UCVs. Bedding is placed on top of the Base (if a Base
exists) and beneath the backfill.
Building Cluster A group of buildings connected via pathway in a star
topology to a Building Cluster Hub (see below).
Building Cluster Hub A building that serves as a pathway hub for the buildings
in its Building Cluster.
Communications A centralized building on the CWU campus that serves as a
Center pathway hub for the Building Cluster Hubs. The
Communications Center, Building Cluster Hubs, and
individual buildings are connected together with pathway
in a two-level hierarchical star topology as shown in Figure
1.
Duct A single enclosed raceway (conduit) used for the routing of
cables.
Ductbank An arrangement of multiple ducts, usually in tiers.
Entrance Facility The interface between the premises (in-building)
(EF) communications distribution system and the outside plant
communications distribution system and services (such as
the public telephone network or inter-building (campus)
backbone cabling.)
The EF consists of protection hardware, connecting
hardware and cable and equipment necessary to connect
premises distribution to outside plant distribution.
Underground Cable An underground cable vault (part of an underground duct
Vault system) used to facilitate placing, connectorizing, and
(UCV) maintaining telecommunications cables and associated
equipment. UCV collectively refers to manholes,
handholes, and pullholes.
Manholes A large underground cable vault in which it is expected

that a person can completely enter to perform work.
A small underground cable vault in which it is expected

Handholes/Pullholes that a person cannot completely enter to perform work.
Handholes/pullholes are used for the placement of cable
only. Splicing and/or equipment are not permitted in
4
Many of these definitions are excerpted or modified from original definitions from: BICSI, Customer-Owned
Outside Plant Design Manual; BICSI, Telecommunications Distribution Methods (TDMM) Manual; and TIA/EIA
758, Customer-Owned Outside Plant Telecommunications Cabling Standard

handholes/pullholes.

PATHWAY SYSTEM
The pathway system (underground cable vaults, ducts, and ductbanks) is the
foundational component of the outside plant communications distribution
system. A pathway system designed with foresight provides for ease of
administration, maintenance, future expansion, and replacement of cabling
as technology changes. A well-designed pathway system contributes more
to reducing the total cost of ownership of an outside plant communications
distribution system than does any other single component.
This section describes design considerations for the pathway system that are
of particular concern to CWU. The Designer is expected to refer to the TIA/EIA
standards and the BICSI CO-OSP and TDMM for other and more specific
design criteria and detail.
As discussed previously, the design of pathway shall conform to the TIA/EIA

standard two-level hierarchical star topology as defined in the CWU
Telecommunications Pathway Outside Plant Master Plan.
Prior to design, the Designer is expected to meet with CWU and review
CWUs requirements for the project. Items to review should include proposed
pathway routing, aesthetic requirements, long range plans that CWU has
regarding new and existing buildings, paved areas, opens spaces, etc. which
could be affected by the design, and any unique requirements specific to the
project.
After the requirements review, a thorough This list is primarily applicable to
and detailed field investigation shall be New and Overbuild Construction.
However, items 1 and 2 are
conducted. The field survey shall applicable to Basic Construction as
include, but should not be limited to: well.
1. A thorough review of existing records and a comparison of these records

against actual field conditions.
2. Notation of the condition, suitability, and diagrams showing the locations
of existing pathway, UCVs, and building entrances likely to be used
during the course of the project.
3. Documentation of where the telecommunications pathway will require
coordination with pathway used for other utilities.
4. Investigate adverse ground conditions and obstructions (such as
buildings, trees, etc.) and any significant changes in grade along the
proposed pathway.
5. Notation of the existing paving types and the type of material used as a
base below the paving along the proposed route.
6. Notation of the most desirable locations for new underground cable vaults
(UCVs) and ductbank routes, as well as any alternative locations and
routes.

Detailed design should commence only after the field survey has been
conducted and reviewed by CWU.
The discussion below focuses on specific design considerations for the major
components of the pathway system: UCVs, ducts, and ductbanks.
UNDERGROUND CABLE VAULTS (UCVS)
UCVs provide accessible space in an outside plant pathway system for the
pulling, placing, and splicing of cables, as well as for maintenance and
operations equipment. UCVs are also used to segment the pathway system
into lengths compatible with standard reel lengths for outside plant cable and
to conform to maximum pathway lengths as defined in the TIA/EIA standards.
Underground cable vaults consist of manholes and handholes/pullholes (see

Table 2, above). UCVs are also sometimes referred to as maintenance
holes. Typically, manholes are installed for main ductbanks (i.e. ductbanks
used for routing large portions of the telecommunications system backbone),
and handholes/pullholes are installed for subsidiary ductbanks (i.e. ductbanks
serving small clusters of buildings or a single building).
FIGURE 2 TYPICAL UCV DETAIL
RESTORE FINISHED GRAD

CONDITION (TURF, CONCRETE
FOR TURF AREAS, PRO
The quantity of duct entrances in a UCV should be sized for both immediate
and future requirements. Adequate capacity for future duct entrances will
mitigate the need for future wall breakouts. Additionally, UCVs configured
for splayed duct entrances (rather than center entrances) are preferred.
Splayed duct entry facilitates racking and minimizes bending of the
communications cable. An example of splayed duct entry/exit is shown in the
figure below.

FIGURE 3 SPLAYED DUCT ENTRY/EXIT
4 " C O N D U I T U C V
( T Y P I C A L )
P L A N V I E W
When designing duct entry and exit from a UCV, it is desirable to have ducts
enter and exist from opposite ends of the UCV. If possible, ducts entering
the sidewalls of a UCV should be avoided, given that sidewall entry may
reduce overall racking space, may cause minimum cable bend radii to be
exceeded, can complicate (or hinder) future cable maintenance, and can
increase construction costs during cable installation.
However, CWU recognizes that sidewall duct entry may be necessary or even
desirable at times. If sidewall duct entry is necessary, the Designer shall
ensure that ducts enter and exit at diagonally opposite corners rather than at
endwall or sidewall midpoints. The Designer is to ensure that the design of
the endwall and sidewall duct entry in a UCV will in no way hinder the proper
installation and maintenance of the cable using the ducts. Refer to the
Figure below for more detail regarding this requirement.
FIGURE 4 CORRECT AND INCORRECT DUCT ENTRY/EXIT FROM A UCV
4 " C O N D U I T
C O M M U N IC A T I O N S C O M M U N I C A T I O N S ( T Y P I C A L )
U C V
( T Y P I C A L )
C O R R E C T ( P R E F E R CR OE DR )R E C T ( A C C E P T A B L E )
C O M M U N IC A T I O N S C O M M U N I C A T I O N S C O M M U N I C A T I O N S
I N C O R R E C T I N C O R R E C T I N C O R R E C T

Other important design considerations for UCVs are:
A UCV shall not be shared between telecommunications and any other

utility (such as electrical). In no instance are joint-use UCVs permissible.
All UCVs should be equipped with provisions for grounding and bonding,
struts for racking, pulling eyes, and a sump.
In general, powered devices shall not be installed in UCVs.
Top slabs for UCVs shall be flush with the ground.
Design considerations unique to each type of UCV (manholes and

handholes/pullholes) are discussed
below. The following discussion of
manholes and handhole/pullholes is
MANHOLES primarily applicable to New and
Overbuild Construction.
Manholes are used for pulling, placing, and splicing cables, and for
providing accessible space for cable maintenance and operation
equipment.
Ductbank depth, obstructions, and other utility pathways may necessitate

placement of a manhole below normal depth. If this is the case, the roof
of the manhole shall be placed at normal depth and riser extensions shall
be used to increase the depth of the manhole. By doing so, the need for a
deep collar (neck) will be eliminated. Additionally, lighting and ventilation
can be maintained at a normal level. If a deep collar is unavoidable and
the depth of the collar will exceed 24 inches, the Designer shall obtain
written permission from CWU and ensure that the collar is equipped with
permanent galvanized steps (rungs).
Diamond plate hinged or removable covers are not acceptable for

manholes.
For reference purposes, a typical manhole size is 5 wide x 8 long x 7

high (exterior dimensions). Actual size may be as much as a foot or more
larger in any direction.
HANDHOLES/PULLHOLES
Handholes/pullholes are used to facilitate cable placement in a pathway

system. Handholes should not be used in place of manholes or for
splicing cables.
The primary use of a handhole/pullhole is to segment the pathway
system. A handhole should be used if it is shown that a manhole is not
required and if one or more of the following conditions exist:
When the bends in a section of duct will exceed 180-degrees

(see Ducts, below).
When the length of the section of duct will exceed the TIA/EIA
standard maximum length (see Ducts, below).
For reference purposes, a handhole/pullhole is defined to be an

underground cable vault sized 4 wide x 4 long x 4 high (exterior

dimensions) or smaller.
DUCTS (CONDUIT)
CWU has standardized on 4 conduits for telecommunications ducts, with the

following two exceptions:
Ducts containing cables that serve the Blue Light Emergency Telephones
shall be 1 conduit.
Ducts containing fiber optic cabling serving the power distribution system
metering equipment shall be 1 conduit.
The type of conduit to be used is dependent upon the application as shown in
the following table.
TABLE 3 DUCT TYPES AND USAGE
Conduit Type Usage

Schedule 40 PVC Encased in concrete
Schedule 80 PVC Direct-buried
Rigid Galvanized Exposed
Steel
PVC Coated Steel Direct-buried, Transitions at building
entrances
If the design utilizes any existing pathway, the existing ducts must be proven
during design in order to ensure that the selected pathway is clear and
serviceable. Proving the ducts prior to construction will not only aid the
Designer in selecting the appropriate pathway for use, it will also minimize
unexpected (and costly) problems or delays during construction. Acceptable
proving methods are, in order of preference:
Pushing/pulling a test mandrel through the duct

Blowing/pushing/pulling a ball through the duct
Pulling on a previously installed pull cord and observing free movement
on both ends. This method does not prove that a duct is adequate for a
given number of cables, however it does suggest that the duct is probably
not completely obstructed.
It is left to the Designer to select the appropriate method for proving a given
duct. The proving method should be selected only after determining the
quantity and size of the communications media to be placed in the duct and
after reviewing the condition of the duct in the field.
DUCT LENGTH
The length of each ductbank segment should be as long as possible

(without exceeding the TIA/EIA maximum distance, see below) in order to
minimize the use of intermediary UCVs, cable splices, and labor during
installation of the communications media. In general, longer contiguous
ducts equate to lower construction costs.

The maximum duct length (between
UCVs and/or buildings) permissible
This requirement may be waived
according to the TIA/EIA 758 standard at times for New and Overbuild
is 600 ft. Duct sections exceeding this Construction given the following
conditions: the duct run is straight;
distance will require the installation of the Designer can demonstrate that
intermediate UCVs. the pulling tension of a typical
communications cable making use
of the duct will not be exceeded
In addition, as the number of bends in during installation.
a pathway increases, the maximum
length of the pathway will decrease, The requirements of TIA/EIA 569-
A, Figure C.5-2 should be met when
due to cable pulling tension calculating maximum section
constraints. Longer runs will therefore lengths.
tolerate fewer bends. In general, the Designer should base the pathway
system design on an initial segment length budget of approximately 300
feet, and designed in as straight a line as possible.
BENDS
The Designer shall ensure that bends consist of a single arc of a

minimum15-foot radius. If a smaller radius is absolutely necessary, the
radius shall be no less than 10 times the internal diameter of the duct. An
individual bend shall not exceed 90 degrees.
Factory manufactured conduit bends should be used wherever possible.

The use of 90-degree elbows or condulets (LBs) is not permissible.
In order to minimize the sidewall pressure exerted on cable sheaths at

bend points, the Designer should ensure that bends with the most severe
radii occur at the beginning (feed end) of a duct section, rather than in
the middle or at the pulling end.
A duct section may have no more than

the equivalent of two 90-degree bends (a CONSTRUCTION REFERENCE
This requirement may be waived
total of 180 degrees) between pull for Basic Construction. Older
points. The 180-degree maximum shall existing pathway may, at times,
include kicks and offsets. In addition, exceed this rule. The Designer
should note on the Construction
two 90-degree bends separated by less Documents where such conditions
than 10 feet are not permissible. Where exist.
it is not possible to construct a section of duct within the 180-degree bend
maximum, intermediary UCVs must be installed.
DUCT ENTRANCES IN UCV S OR BUILDINGS
Duct entrances in a UCV should be as perpendicular as possible. Where

this is not possible, the Designer should ensure that the Contractor
installs a smooth inner radius of grout between the UCV and the conduit
bell, as shown in the figure below:

FIGURE 5 DUCT ENTRANCES IN A UCV
PULLH
WALL
Ducts should ideally enter UCV end walls at a point approximately halfway
between the floor and the roof. However, where the total number of
ducts penetrating a UCV (or building entrance) is significantly less than
the capacity of the UCV (or building entrance), the ducts should enter at
the lower level in order to ensure that upper space is reserved for future
duct entrances.
The Designer shall ensure that the relative position of a duct (with respect
BELL
to the side walls) is consistent as it enters and exits a UCV. Additionally,
a duct exiting a UCV in a given position should enter the next UCV in the
same relative position.
Ducts that enter from a horizontal orientation should immediately off-load
into a horizontal raceway system.
Concrete encased ducts entering a

building shall transition to PVC coated
rigid steel using one 10 stick of conduit.
If in some extreme case, CWU
allows ductbank to be constructed
NON
without concrete encasement, the
The purpose of the PVC coated rigid steel
is to reduce the chance of shear damage
due to settling on either side of the
transition to PVC coated rigid steel
should occur a minimum of 10 prior
to the building.
GROU
junction between the ductbank and the building footing. If (in the opinion
of a structural engineer) rigid steel is unnecessary, then this requirement
could be waived, following the deviation request process described above.
DUCTBANKS CON
Ductbank consists of an arrangement of multiple ducts constructed in tiers.
Typical ductbank arrangements are 2, 3, and 4 ducts wide by 2, 3, or 4 ducts
high.
CWU has standardized on ductbanks CONSTRUCTION REFERENCE

constructed of PVC conduits encased in Ducts used for Blue Light
concrete, with full-length reinforcement and Emergency Telephones are not
subject to this requirement.
formed sides.
In general, direct-buried conduit ductbanks are not permissible, unless

extenuating circumstances warrant. Should the use of direct-buried PVC
conduit ductbank be warranted, the Designer should ensure that all PVC
bends are encased in concrete.
2011 Conley Engineering, Inc.

HORIZONTAL CO 16
Where ductbank passes under paved surfaces capable of supporting motor

vehicle traffic, conduit should transition to PVC coated rigid steel a minimum
of 10 outside the footprint of the paved surface.
The quantity of ducts to install within a ductbank will vary greatly depending
upon the application. However, with the increasing migration from copper
cable to fiber optic cable on the CWU campus, it is expected that the
requirement for duct space will decrease over time.
In keeping with this expectation and with the recommendations made in the
CWU Telecommunications Pathway Outside Plant Master Plan, typical
ductbank configurations are shown below. It should be noted that these
typical configurations should serve as a guideline only. The quantity of ducts
in a duct bank should meet the needs of the application at hand and provide
for future expansion capability.
Buildings up to 100,000 sq. ft.: 2 ducts

Buildings 100,000 sq. ft. to 300,000 sq. ft.: 4 ducts
Buildings larger than 300,000 sq. ft.: 6 ducts
Buildings serving as a Building Cluster Hub: 6 ducts
Pathway between Building Cluster Hubs and the Communications Center:
4 ducts
Unless specifically noted above, a typical ductbank will contain four ducts,
arranged 2 wide x 2 high.
In general, ductbank used for CONSTRUCTION REFERENCE

telecommunications pathway should not be This may not be possible for
shared with other utilities. Budgetary Overbuild Construction.
constraints, space limitations, and various
obstructions can make this difficult to achieve at times. Should shared
ductbank be a necessity (rare situations requiring a deviation request), the
Designer should ensure that adequate separation exists between duct used
for telecommunications and duct used for other utilities. Refer to the table
below for minimum separation distances.
TABLE 4 DUCTBANK MINIMUM SEPARATIONS
Structure Minimum Separations5

Power or other Refer to the latest edition of the NEC/NESC (at the time
duct of this writing: 3 inches if in concrete, 12 inches if in
well tamped earth)
Pipes (gas, oil, Refer to the latest edition of the NEC/NESC (at the time
water, etc.) of this writing: 12 inches if parallel, 6 inches if crossing)
Should future circumstances warrant, CWU might desire to convert concrete-

encased communications ductbank (not direct-buried ductbank) into
electrical power ductbank. The Designer should therefore ensure that
communications ductbank specifications (conduit spacing, reinforcement,
5
Measured from outside to outside

grounding requirements, etc.) conform to NEC requirements for power
ductbank.
If building ducts are constructed concurrently with and in the same duct bank
with a main duct run, place building ducts (subsidiary/lateral ducts) on top of
the ducts for the main run. This is economically advantageous, makes the
building ducts more accessible, and affords some top protection for the main
ducts.
Drain slope should exist at all points of the ductbank to allow drainage and
prevent the accumulation of water. A drain slope of per foot is desirable
if possible. If not possible due to inadequate natural slope or long duct runs,
a drain slope of 3 per 100 feet is acceptable. If no other option exists,
provide a drain slope by sloping the first half of the ductbank up towards the
midpoint, and then down from the midpoint to the end (sometimes referred
to as a center crown). Drain slope requirements shall be identified in the
Contract Documents they shall not be left up to the discretion of the
Contractor.
Details for a typical four-conduit ductbank (2 wide x 2 high) are shown in the
figure below:

FIGURE 6 TYPICAL 4X4 DUCTBANK DETAILS
RESTORE FI
FOR TURF ARE
IF EXISTING GRADE IS ASPHALT OR CONC

SAWCUT EXISTING GRADE A MINIMUM 6" W
THAN TRENCH W
6" WIDE METALLIC WAR
IF EXISTING GRADE IS TURF

USE IMPORTED EARTH BACKFILL (95% CO
IF EXISTING GRADE IS ASPHALT OR
USE GRAVE
UNDISTUR
CONCRETE
COMMUNICATIONS MEDIA
The communications industry is now witnessing a convergence of

technologies. Voice, data, and video are all capable of utilizing the same
type of communications media (i.e. singlemode fiber). Additionally, these
technologies are also beginning to converge into a single technology capable
of combining voice, data, and video signals into a common signal transmitted
down a single path.
Accordingly, and as discussed in the CWU Telecommunications Pathway

Outside Plant Master Plan, CWU has standardized on singlemode fiber optic
media as the media of choice for all future, voice, data, and video backbone
systems. Copper media (for voice and various signaling systems) as well as
multimode fiber optic media (for existing data network equipment and
various building and power metering systems) will continue to be installed
and used, but will be used less extensively as time progresses.
As the voice, data, and video systems begin to make use of the singlemode
fiber on campus, existing copper and multimode fiber media can be
removed. Additionally, singlemode fiber media is significantly smaller than
the copper media used on campus. These two factors combined will tend to
ease the shortage of duct space on campus.
This section defines design considerations for outside plant communications

media (cable and connecting hardware) that are of particular concern to
CWU. The Designer is expected to refer to the TIA/EIA standards and the
BICSI CO-OSP and TDMM for other and more specific design criteria and
detail.
Following is a list of general items to consider when selecting a

communications media system:
Direct-buried cable and aerial cable should not be used. If extenuating

circumstances require the use of these cable types, the Designer must
obtain approval from CWU in writing prior to finalizing the Construction
Documents.
Fiber optic cable shall not be spliced. CONSTRUCTION REFERENCE
The CWU Telecommunications Pathway This may not be possible for
Outside Plant Master Plan has been Overbuild and Basic Construction if
the Designer must make use of the
designed to minimize the amount of fiber existing fiber optic outside plant
splices necessary in the outside plant. cable.
Where cables are to be pulled through UCVs without splicing, the duct
selected for cable installation shall be at the same elevation as it enters
and exits the UCV. Changes in duct selections, especially in elevations,
should be avoided to ensure that no damage occurs to the cable sheaths
and that pulling tensions are kept as low as possible.

Ducts are to be assigned during the course of design, not during
construction. Duct assignments must be approved by CWU prior to the
release of Construction Documents.
If a multiple ducts are available for use, the bottom ducts should be used
first in order to facilitate future cable placement.
Communications cabling entering a building should be routed so as not to
block or obstruct the planned usage or expansion of any other building
that occupies or will occupy the space.
For long cable runs, the longest cable reel lengths obtainable shall be
used. Splices should not be used except where cable reel lengths are
exceeded. If splices are used, the Designer should ensure that:
1. The cable ends to be spliced have permanent slack loops with
sufficient length that the cable can be removed from the UCV and
reach a satisfactory work surface for splice activities.
2. The splice location (UCV or EF) should have enough space for storing
slack cable after the splice is completed.
50-foot service loops (cable slack) shall be provided for each end of a
cable terminating in a building.
Service loops (cable slack) shall be provided for fiber optic cabling that
enters a building in the UCV nearest the building entrance. The length of
cable in the service loop shall be sufficient that if a cable break occurs
between the UCV and the building, sufficient slack cable would be
available in the UCV to reterminate the fiber optic cabling at the existing
patch panel, without the use of a splice.
Communications backbone cables serving
different systems (i.e. voice, data, video)
For New Construction, use
shall be segregated6. Segregation can different ducts for cables serving
occur by using different ducts (the most different systems. For Overbuild
and Basic construction, the use of
desirable solution), or it may occur by innerduct is an acceptable
using separate innerducts within the alternative although inductive
interference (see below) may be an
same duct. issue. Sharing of ducts can produce
Duct fill shall conform to the TIA/EIA undesirable inductive interference,
standards and the NEC. can damage the facilities by
subjecting the cable to abrasion
For copper media, indoor dry splice and tensional stress if the facilities
enclosures shall be installed prior to are pulled in at different times, and
terminating the copper cable on building may present coordination problems
between the various trades
entrance protectors. involved.
Cables are to be tagged (labeled) at
locations near where they enter a UCV from a duct and near where they
enter a duct to leave a UCV.
CWU has standardized on considering all locations exposed for grounding,

bonding, and electrical protection purposes. Cables with an outer metallic
sheath shall be bonded at each UCV. Bond all other cables with dielectric
components whenever a splice is made.
6
Segregation is desirable in order to ensure that when maintenance work is performed on a backbone cable
serving a specific system, work on the cable will not disrupt the functionality of the backbone cables serving
other systems

When a splice occurs in a UCV, metallic sheath components in the cable(s)
and splice enclosures must be bonded to the UCV grounding system.
Additionally, cable shield bond continuity shall be maintained. Bonds should
be made with #6 AWG solid copper wire not more than 20 long. If over 20,
the conductor must be sized according to NEC requirements.
Cables should be grounded as close to the entrance of the buildings as

possible.
INNERDUCT
The use of innerduct for subducting purposes is strongly encouraged

(although it may not be applicable to every situation). CWU has standardized
on three configurations for subducting a 4-inch conduit with innerduct:
Three 1 innerducts
Two 1 and one 1 innerduct
Four 1 innerducts
It is left to the Designer to select the most appropriate configuration for

subducting based upon the conditions of the duct and the application.
Innerduct shall not be filled with cable beyond 50% capacity.
MEDIA TYPES
CWU recognizes three types of communications media for the campus

backbone system:
Category 3 UTP (copper) used for voice, analog signaling, and various
metering applications
Singlemode Fiber Optic used for data, video, and increasingly, voice
applications
62.5/125 m Multimode Fiber Optic used primarily for data applications
and various metering applications.
As discussed above, CWU has standardized on singlemode fiber for its voice,
data, and video applications. However, copper and multimode fiber media
will still be in use for some time.
The type and quantity of communications media to install will vary greatly
depending upon the application. In keeping with the recommendations made
in the CWU Telecommunications Pathway Outside Plant Master Plan, typical
communications media configurations are shown below. It should be noted
that these typical configurations should serve as a guideline only. The type
and quantity of communications media shall be determined on a case-by-
case basis by the Designer, ensuring that it meets the needs of the
application at hand and provides for future expansion capability.
BETWEEN BUILDING CLUSTER HUBS AND BUILDINGS
Singlemode Fiber: 12-Strands (4 Data, CONSTRUCTION REFERENCE

4 Video, 4 Spare) Hybrid fiber cable is permitted in
Residence Halls only. CWU uses 12
SM/12MM hybrid fiber optic cable
2011 Conley Engineering, Inc. for these applications. 22
Multimode Fiber: 24-Strands (4 Data, 2 Access Control, 4 Fire Alarm, 2
HVAC Control, 2 Power Metering, 10 Spare)
Copper: 25-Pairs
BETWEEN BUILDING CLUSTER HUBS AND THE COMMUNICATIONS CENTER
Singlemode Fiber: 48-Strands

Multimode Fiber: 24-Strands
Copper: 0-Pairs
BETWEEN THE COMPUTER CENTER AND THE COMMUNICATIONS CENTER
Singlemode Fiber: 96-Strands

Multimode Fiber: 48-Strands
Copper: 0-Pairs
TERMINATION
Separate fiber patch panels shall be CONSTRUCTION REFERENCE

provided for multimode and singlemode For Residence Halls served by
fiber optic cabling. Fiber optic media shall hybrid fiber: A single patch panel
may be used to terminate both
be terminated on separate fiber patch types of fiber in the hybrid cable
panels depending upon fiber type. separate fiber patch panels are not
required in this case.
Copper media shall always be terminated on building entrance protectors.
LABELING AND ADMINISTRATION
It is the responsibility of the Designer to ensure that the Construction

Documents clearly define the labeling requirements and that the Contractor
properly labels all outside plant media during construction. Inadequate or
incomplete labeling is not acceptable. Refer to the Master Specification
Section 16741 - Outside Plant Communications Circuits for more information.

ENTRANCE FACILITIES
This section defines design considerations for entrance facilities that are of
particular concern to CWU and specific to the outside plant communications
distribution system.
The Designer is expected to refer to the TIA/EIA standards and the BICSI CO-
OSP and TDMM for other and more specific design criteria and detail. In
addition, the Designer is expected to reference the CWU Inside Plant
Communications Distribution Design Guide for more detail regarding the
design of telecommunications spaces, including entrance facilities and
equipment rooms.
Following is a list of general items to consider when designing pathway and

communications media into a building entrance facility:
In general, a structural engineer should approve all structural changes or

penetrations into a building.
The entrance facility shall not be more than 50 from the actual entrance
into the building. In order to comply with NEC requirements, not more
than 50 of an outside plant cable can be exposed between the entrance
conduit stub and the cable termination point. If more than 50 is required,
the cable7 must be routed in rigid metallic conduit. Fire-rated tape wrap is
not acceptable.
Ducts entering a building shall transition to PVC coated rigid steel conduit
a minimum of 10 feet prior to entering the building.
Ducts shall enter the entrance facility parallel to the backboard to be
used. Ducts shall not enter perpendicular to the backboard surface, which
could cause cables to be bent sharply.
Below grade ducts should extend 4 above finished floor.
Building entrance protectors (primary protectors) should be provided for
all OSP copper cables and should support both primary (overvoltage) and
secondary (overcurrent) protection.
CWU has standardized on considering all locations exposed for grounding,

bonding, and electrical protection purposes.
The ground terminal for building entrance protectors should be bonded

directly to the electrical power ground.
7
Some types of fiber media are now indoor/outdoor rated and are therefore not subject to this
requirement.

APPENDICES
APPENDICES
APPENDIX 1 CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS
Construction drawings should be thoroughly and accurately marked. Listed

below are items that should be included on construction drawings, dependent
upon the type of project8:
Routing of the pathway system, including ductbanks and UCVs.

Physical locations of obstructions, including UCVs, ductbanks, buildings,
roads, poles, existing underground utilities.
Duct configurations indicating duct sizes and types between UCVs and
between UCVs and buildings.
Duct contents indicating cable assignments.
UCV and building cable racking diagrams (elevations) indicating the
positions of all existing and new cables and splice enclosures.
Backboard/entrance facility elevations within buildings.
Pair sizes, gauges, and types of copper cables.
Strand counts and types of optical fibers.
Drain slope requirements
Labeling
Phasing (if required)
Staging
8
Much of the following list was excerpted from RUS Bulletin 1751F-644 Underground Plant Construction

APPENDICES
APPENDIX 2 BIBLIOGRAPHY AND REFERENCES
AMP, Planning & Installation Guide
BICSI, Customer-Owned Outside Plant Design Manual
BICSI, Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual
CWU, Telecommunications Pathway Outside Plant Master Plan
CWU, Outside Plant Communications Distribution System Master

Specification
CWU, Premises Communications Distribution System Master Specification
CWU, Premises Communications Distribution Design Guide
IEEE, National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), 1997 Edition
NEC, National Electrical Code (NEC), 1999 Edition
OSHA, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Parts 1910 - General Industry, and
1926 - Construction Industry, et al
RUS, Bulletin 1751F-643 Underground Plant Design, 1998
RUS, Bulletin 1751-644 Underground Plant Construction, 1998
RUS, Bulletin 1751-815 Electrical Protection of Outside Plant, 1998
Siecor, Siecor Standard Recommended Procedures for Installation, 1998
TIA/EIA 758, Customer-Owned Outside Plant Telecommunications Cabling

Standard
TIA/EIA 568A, Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Standard
TIA/EIA 569A, Commercial Building Standards for Telecommunications

Pathways and Spaces
TIA/EIA 606, Administration Standards for the Telecommunications

Infrastructure of Commercial Buildings
TIA/EIA 607, Commercial Building Grounding and Bonding Requirements for

Telecommunications

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Central Washington University

Outside Plant Communications Distribution

May 25, 2001

Conley Engineering, Inc.

2011 Conley Engineering, Inc.

FIGURE 1 TWO-LEVEL HIERARCHICAL STAR TOPOLOGY ...................................7

TABLE 1 REFERENCES, STANDARDS, AND CODES ............................................5

2011 Conley Engineering, Inc. ii

The purpose of this document is to provide CWU staff, as well as consulting

Outside plant communications distribution systems designed for CWU are

In general, it is the responsibility of the outside plant communications

This document addresses outside plant communications distribution system

Pathway System underground cable vaults (UCVs), ductbanks, ducts

This document is not intended to serve as a Master Specification nor for

2011 Conley Engineering, Inc. 1

Throughout this document, reference will be made to three types of

Where the type of construction is applicable to the current discussion, a

New construction is defined as construction that results in a new (or new

Electrical Utility Upgrade Phase 1 (1999-2001)

Overbuild construction is defined as construction which may include

2011 Conley Engineering, Inc. 2

Basic construction is defined as construction that includes reuse of

Campus Fiber Optic Backbone (FOB) (1999-2001)

2011 Conley Engineering, Inc. 3

DESIGNER QUALIFICATIONS AND DESIGN STANDARDS

It is required that all outside plant communications distribution system

In addition, the RCDD shall have the following qualifications:

The RCDD shall demonstrate a minimum of 5 years of experience in the

REFERENCES, STANDARDS, AND CODES

2011 Conley Engineering, Inc. 4

TABLE 1 REFERENCES , STANDARDS, AND CODES

Also of use to the Designer are the references listed in Appendix 2

In addition to the standards listed above, CWU has selected several

2011 Conley Engineering, Inc. 5

DEVIATION FROM STANDARDS

It is not the intent of CWU to rigidly impose standards on every aspect of an

2011 Conley Engineering, Inc. 6

This section highlights design considerations of particular importance to

TELECOMMUNICATIONS OUTSIDE PLANT MASTER PLAN

FIGURE 1 TWO-LEVEL HIERARCHICAL STAR TOPOLOGY

Please refer to the Master Plan Overview drawing in the CWU

2011 Conley Engineering, Inc. 7

Manholes A large underground cable vault in which it is expected

A small underground cable vault in which it is expected

2011 Conley Engineering, Inc. 8

2011 Conley Engineering, Inc. 9

GENERAL DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

As discussed previously, the design of pathway shall conform to the TIA/EIA

1. A thorough review of existing records and a comparison of these records

2011 Conley Engineering, Inc. 10

UNDERGROUND CABLE VAULTS (UCVS)

Underground cable vaults consist of manholes and handholes/pullholes (see

FIGURE 2 TYPICAL UCV DETAIL

RESTORE FINISHED GRAD

2011 Conley Engineering, Inc. 11

FIGURE 4 CORRECT AND INCORRECT DUCT ENTRY/EXIT FROM A UCV

2011 Conley Engineering, Inc. 12

A UCV shall not be shared between telecommunications and any other

Design considerations unique to each type of UCV (manholes and

Ductbank depth, obstructions, and other utility pathways may necessitate

Diamond plate hinged or removable covers are not acceptable for

For reference purposes, a typical manhole size is 5 wide x 8 long x 7

Handholes/pullholes are used to facilitate cable placement in a pathway