ENGINEERING UTILITIES 1

Prepared by:

Angelica D. Coballes
Course Description：
The course focuses on the environmental systems in buildings. Lecture discussions
include building electrical systems, natural and artificial lighting, and building
telecommunications.
Reducing operational loads and integrating high performance energy systems into
buildings offers solutions towards achieving a sustainable and secure energy future.
Engineers must understand the interrelationship between a building and its subsystems
and design alternatives to recommend appropriate solutions that suit the site, climate,
building type, and occupants. They must coordinate the work of the engineering
disciplines that carry the sustainability concept forward through building design,
construction, commissioning, operation and, ultimately, demolition, recycling and reuse.

Course Objectives:
1. Building Electrical Systems
2. Artificial Illuminating and Daylighting
3. Building Telecommunication Systems
Final Periodic Coverage

Topic 1. Types of Artificial and Natural Lighting Sources

Topic 2. Influence of Color Rendition and Appropriate Lighting Levels
Topic 3. Design and Detailing Information on Artificial and Natural Lighting
Topic 4. Building Communication Systems Types of Networks
Topic 5. Types of Transmission Media
Topic 6. Structured Cabling and Wireless Systems
Topic 1. Types of Artificial and Natural Lighting Sources

Incandescent Lamps
Incandescent lamps (I) emit
visible light as a result of
heating; they incandesce.
They are the most familiar
source of light and are known
as a “light bulb” by the lay
consumer. Incandescent
lamps offer advantages of
low lamp cost, reliability,
familiarity, and good color
rendition, but they have a
short rated life and poor
efficacy (LPW). They are ideal
for applications needing
excellent color rendition such
as retail, furniture, clothing
and grocery stores, hair and
beauty salons, restaurants,
and art studios.

Tungsten-Halogen Lamps
Tungsten-halogen lamps, frequently called halogen
lamps, area smaller, brighter, and more expensive
version of the incandescent lamp. These lamps
contain high-pressure halogen gases such as iodine
or bromine, which allow the tungsten filaments to
be operated at higher temperatures and higher
efficacies. A higher temperature chemical reaction
involving tungsten and the halogen gas recycles
evaporated particles of tungsten back onto the
filament surface. This offers the advantages of
better color rendition, more light output, and a
longer life.
 Gaseous Discharge Lamps

A gaseous discharge is electricity passing through a gas such that it causes the gas to
arc. In nature, lightning is a gaseous discharge that produces an immense amount of
visible light when electricity flows through the atmosphere. The bright flash produced by
lightning is momentary and very intense, so it is not good for seeing.
A gaseous discharge lamp produces continuous light by passing electricity through a
gas contained within the lamp. This electric discharge generates light directly or by
producing ultraviolet radiation that causes a phosphor coating on the inside of the lamp
to glow. So, unlike incandescent lamps, gaseous discharge lamps do not produce light
by getting a filament hot. Instead, light is produced by a continuous gaseous discharge.
Fluorescent, mercury vapor, metal halide and low- and high-pressure sodium lamps fit
within the gaseous discharge classification.

Fluorescent Lamps
A fluorescent lamp is composed
of a tubular glass bulb that is
covered with a thin phosphor
coating on its inside surface. The
glass bulb is filled with a
low-pressure gas containing
mercury vapor. The base or
bases at the end(s) of the lamp
are designed to connect the
lamp to an electrical circuit.
Cathodes are filamentlike coils
at the end(s) of the bulb that
act as terminals for the electric

arc. When energized, ultraviolet

radiation from the mercury arc causes the
phosphor coating to fluoresce; that is,they
emit visible light as a result of being
irradiated by electromagnetic radiation. A
ballast is needed to control the electrical
current that maintains the arc.
 High-Intensity Discharge Lamps
High-intensity discharge (HID) lamps produce a very bright light by discharging an arc
when electrical current passes through a metal gas contained under high pressure in a
glass bulb. HID lamps include mercury vapor, metal halide, and high-pressure sodium
lamps. These lamps differ from fluorescent lamps in that their gas is under higher pressure,
the lamp is physically smaller, and the emitted light is more concentrated.

Blended Lamps
Blended lamps combine the luminous efficiency of an HID lamp (e.g., MV) with the
good color rendering capability of an incandescent lamp. The most common blended
lamp has mercury vapor combined a with tungsten filament. The tungsten filament acts
as an incandescent lamp, so a blended lamp requires no external ballast or other
control devices. There is essentially no start time and thus total luminous flux is available
immediately.
Color rendition is fair to good: between 50 and 63. A key advantage of
mercury–tungsten blended lamps is that they are directly interchangeable with
incandescent lamps and have a longer lamp life. A disadvantage is that they cannot
be dimmed.

Topic 2. Influence of Color Rendition and Appropriate Lighting Levels

I. ILLUMINATION
The intensity of light per unit area. When we talk of illumination, or simply lighting, we are
referring to man made lighting. Daylight being excellent is not included. Indeed, we
assume a night time condition.
II. ELECTRIC ILLUMINATION
 production of light by means of electricity

1. Quantity of Light
amount of illumination
deals with the number of light fixtures required for a certain area
2. Quality of Light
distribution of brightness
deals with the essential nature or characteristics of light

II. FACTORS AFFECTING ILLUMINATION

1. Brightness
-light that seems to radiate from an object

2. Contrast
-the difference in brightness ratio
between an object and its background.
3. Glare
-strong, steady, dazzling light or reflection

a. Direct Glare
-is an annoying brightness of light in a person's field of vision.

b. Indirect or Reflected Glare

-much more serious and difficult to control
-glossy object

* Direct or Discomfort
Glare
-when the discomfort
glare is caused by light
sources in the field of vision

* Reflected Glare or
Veiling Reflection
-when the glare is
caused by reflection of a
light source in a viewed
surface

4. Diffuseness

-refers to the control of shadows casted by light.

-degree to which light is shadowless.
 *Characteristics that define coloration
a. Hue - is the quality attribute by which we recognize and describe colors as red,
blue, yellow, green, violet and so on.
b. Brilliance or Value - is the difference between the resultant colors of the same
hue.
c. Saturation or Chromate - is the difference from the purity of colors.

ESTIMATING ILLUMINATION

In many respect, it is more important to know luminance measurements and illumination

because the eye is more sensitive to brightness than simple illumination. It is more difficult
to measure luminance than illumination.

Types of luminance meter:

The Comparator
-requires the operator to make brightness equivalence judgement between the
target and the background.
2. The Direct Reading
-basically an illumination meter equipped with a hooded cell arranged to block
oblique light.

Photometer
mostly based on inverse square law of illumination and may be classified as stationary
and portable photometers.
The stationary photometers are usually installed in a dark room with dead black walls
and ceiing in order to eliminate error due to reflected light.

The portable photometers ar direct reading instruments used to measure illumination in

houses, offices, commercial, and industrial places.

3. The Accurate Laboratory Instrument

- unsuitable for work

The quantity off light or level of illumination can be measured or calculated with the
aid of a portable foot-candle meter.

Footcandle (fc) is the amount of light flux density. It is the unit of measure used when
describing the amount of light in a room and is expressed in lumens per square foot.

Footlambert (fl) is defined as “the luminance of a surface reflecting, transmitting or

emitting one lumen (lm) of illumination per square foot of area in the direction being
viewed or the conventional unit of brightness or luminance.

Light Flux Density is the common term Foot-candle (fc) represented by the formula:

Lumens
Footcandle (fc) =
Area
Sample 1:
A 40-watt fluorescent lamp 120 cm (48in.) long produces 3,200 lumens of light in a room
having a general dimension of 10x20ft. Find the illumination on the floor.

Solution:
Lumens
Footcandle (fc) =
Area
3,200 ��
Fc =
(10 � 20 )��2
Fc = 16 footcandle
Sample 2:
From the previous example, find the luminance if the reflectance factor of the wall is
40%.

Footlambert = Footcandle x Reflectance factor

= 16 � 40%
= 6.4

The Footcandle is an important unit of measure in calculating the desired illumination

and layout of fixtures. In the absence of footcandle table of equivalent for a particular
fixture, a rule of thumb of 10-30-50 illumination level is here presented.

10- footcandle is adequate for halls and corridors.

30- footcandle is sufficient for areas between work stations such as in offices other
than desk areas.
50- footcandle is satisfactory on spaces where officework is being done.

The luminance or brightness of difusely reflecting surface is equal to the product of the
illumination and the reflectance. Thus;

Luminance = Illumination x Reflectance factor or

Footlambert = Footcandle x Reflectance factor
Sample 3:

A 40 watts x 120 centimeters long fluorescent lamp produces 3,200 lumens of light in a
room having a general dimension of 10 ft x 20 ft. Compute the illumination on the floor
comparing the English and the Metric units.
Solution by comparison:

Another Solution:
Convert 10 feet to meter = 3. 048 m.
20. .. ... ... ... ... ... = 6.097 m.
3,200
Lux =
3.048� � 6.097�
= 172.19 lux

The Watts per Square Meter

Another methods used in determining the illumination, is the watts per square meter. The
floor area is computed from the outside dimensions of the building excluding open
porches.

Principles of Illumination
Depending upon the size of the room, colors of wall and ceiling, types of lighting
units, and methods of lighting used, the watts per square meter method may produce
50 to 100 lux that is approximately 5 to 10 footcandles.
1. For industrial areas, twenty (20) watts per square meter will provide an illumination
of 100 to 150 lux which is approximately 10 to 15 footcandles.
2. For commercial areas, two (2) watts per square foot or 22 watts per square meter
will provide from 80 to 120 lux when used with standard quality equipment.
3. Forty (40) watts per square meter will provide about 200 lux that is approximately
20 fc wherein greater illumination is required.
4. Sixty (60) watts per square meter will provide about 300 lux or approximately 30 fc
usually recommended for many conventional, industrial and commercial
requirements.
5. Eighty (80) watts per square meter will provide from 300 to 350 lux. In excess of
350 lux, supplementary lightings are necessary.
Video References:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=EO_WZvuf_BY&feature=share
https://youtube.com/watch?v=O_FsKhhRf_A&feature=share
https://youtube.com/watch?v=R9I_zWJNqu0&feature=share
https://youtube.com/watch?v=nRKZ0F1X4Y8&feature=share
https://youtube.com/watch?v=5oodyppFZrI&feature=share
https://youtube.com/watch?v=NBK3HWT4zJQ&feature=share

Topic 3. Design and Detailing Information on Artificial and Natural Lighting

Sizing the Conductor Wires and the Over Current Protective Devices
Under this topic:
1. Sizes of branch circuit wires and its housing conduits
2. Determination of over current protective device or fuse based on the load
3. Preparation of sketch plan of convenience outlets, lightings and their switches
4. Load computation, number of circuit necessary for lights, convenience outlet,
appliances and others are determined

All receptacles outlets of 20 amperes or less rating in one family and multi--family
dwellings and in quest rooms of hotels and motels except those connected to the
receptacle circuits specified in Sec.3.3.13 (b) of the Code shall be consideredas outlets
for general illumination and no additional load calculations shall be required for such
outlets.
Problem:
A single family dwelling is to be circuited with the following requirements as shown on
the previous drawing. Determine:
A. Size of the branch circuit wire for lighting outlets.
B. Size of conduit pipes.
C. Size or rating of the fuse protective device.
A. Circuit-1 for Lighting Load
Solution:

1. From the figure, determine the number of lighting outlets. By direct counting,
there are 8 light outlets.

The National Electrical Code provides that:

“100 watts shall be the maximum load for each household lighting outlet”

Adopting the 100 watts per lighting outlet we have:

8 outlets x 100 = 800 watts

2. Determine the total current load

800 �����
= 3.48 �������
230 �����

3. Determine the size of Conductor wire for Circuit - 1.

Refer to Table 2-5 or Table 4-2. Use 2 pieces 2.0mm2 or No. 14 TW copper wire
having an ampacity of 15 amperes that is much larger than the 3.48 amperes
computed maximum load.

4. Determine the Size of the Conduit Pipe. Refer to Table 2-9. The smallest
diameter of a conduit pipe that could accommodate up to 3 pieces of No. 14
TW conductor wire is 13mm diameter. Therefore, specify 13mm diameter
conduit pipe.

5. Determine the Size or Rating of the fuse protective device. Refer to Table 4-1.
Use 15 amperes fuse.

The National Electrical Code provides that:

"Ampacity of the connected load shall not exceed 80% of

the amperage capacity of the conductor and the fuse.”

In Table 2-5 and 4-2, the maximum ampacity load of a 2.0 mm2 or No.l4 AWG
copper Wire is15 amperes. 80% of 15 amperes is 12, the maximum allowable
load of the circuit sufficient enough to carry the 3.48 amperes computed load
for a maximum 100 watts per light outlet. Therefore, the use of 2.0 mm2 or No. 14
TW wire is safe.
B. Circuit- 2 For Small Appliance Load
Solution:

The National Electrical Code provides that:

“For each single receptacle shall be considered at no less than 180 watts rating”

It simply mean that, each convenience outlet, is considered to have a

maximum load of not less than 180 watts per plug or gang. Thus:

1. From figure 4-15, there are 6 convenience receptacles for small appliance
load. Considering that there are two plug per outlet, the total number of plug
will be:
6outlets x 2 plugs = 12 pieces
2. Solve for the Total Estimated Load

12 x 180 watts per outlet = 2160 watts

3. Determine the maximum Expected Current Load.

2160 �����
= 9.39 �������
230 �����

4. Determine the Size of the Conductor Wire. Refer to Table 4-2. For 9.39
amperes, use 2 pieces 3.5 mm2 or No.12 TW copper wire for Circuit No. 2.

5. Determine the Size of the Conduit Pipe for the 2-Np. 12 TW wire, refer to Table
2-9. Use 13mm conduit pipe.

6. Determine Over Current fuse Protection. Refer to Table 4-1. Under the column
of fuse & breaker rating, the 20 amperes fuse can safely carry a maximum load
of 16 amperes the 80% of 20 amperes load permitted by the National Electrical
Code on No.12 circuit wire.

Comment:
1. On convenience outlet receptacle, the National Electrical
Code provides that, "Each single receptacle should be considered no less than
180 watts rating."
2. Examining the values given on Table 4-2, the 2.0 mm or No.14 AWG, TW
copper wire has an allowable ampacity rating of 15 amperes. Granting that
only 80% of this 15 amperes is considered the derated value, still 12 amperes is
very much larger than the 9.36 amperes computed as maximum load for the 6
convenience outlet. Why specify a bigger 3.5 mm2 or No. 12 AWG conductor
wire?
3.Although the 2.0 mm2 or No. 14 AWG wire conductor could safety carry the
9.36 amperes computed load, considering its 15 amperes ampacity rating, yet,
we cannot do so because the Code specifically mandated the use of a 3.5
mm2 or No. 12 AWG copper wire as the minimum size for all types of
convenience outlet wiring except, for an appliance with limited load wherein a
2.0 mm2 or No.14 AWG wire is permitted.
C. Circuit- 3 For Other Loads
Solution:

1. Examining the second Figure, other loads are:

1 - unit electric stove at 1.1kW = 1,100 watts
1 - unit water hheater at 2.5 kW = 2,500 watts
Total load = 3,600 watts

2. Compute for the current load. Divide:

3600 �����
= 15.65 �������
230 �����

3. Determine the size of the service conductor wire. Refer to Table 2-5 or 4-2.

4. For the 15.65 amperes load, use 2 pieces 3.5 mm2 or No. 12 AWG, TW copper
wire.

5. Determine the Size of the Conduit Pipe (if required). Refer to Table 2-9. Two
pieces No. 12 AWG wire can be accommodated comfortably in a 13 mm
diameter conduit pipe. Specify 13 mm diameter conduit pipe.

6. Determine the Size or Rating of the Over-current Protection. Refer to Table 4-1.
For the 15.65 amperes load use 20 amperes fuse rating.

Comment:
The fuse rating is 20 amperes. Granting that it will be derated at 80% x· 20, the
16 amperes derated value is still higher than the computed load of 15.65
amperes. Therefore, the 20 amperes fuse over current protection is accepted.

Finding the Size of Service Entrance

The size of service entrance being the supply conductor and equipment for
delivering energy from the electricity supply to the wiring system of the building,
is also computed based on the total load supplied by the branch circuit.
Continuing the solution, we have the following:

1. Solve for the Total load of CIrcit 1 to Circuit 3.

����� ��������� ����

Total current load =
������� ������
 800� + 2160 � + 3600�
Total current load =
230 �����
= 28.52 �������

2. Apply 80% demand factor as permitted by the National Electrical Code.

28.52 x 0.80 = 22.8 amperes

3. Find the Size of the Service Wire. Refer to 22.8 amperes to Table 2-5. Use 2-
8.0mm2 or No. 8 TW copper wire.

4. Determine the Size of the Conduit Pipe for the service wire. Refer to Table 2-9 ,
for No. 8 TW copper wire, use the 20mm diameter conduit pipe.

Comment
1. A demand factor of 80% was applied considering that not all receptacles
and outlets an being used simultaneously (see Table 4-6).
2. These type of loads are classified as non-continuous load. From Table4-2, the
5.5mm2 or No. 10 AWG copper wire conductor has 30 amperes ampacity
which is bigger than 22.8 amperes as computed. However, we do not specify
the use of No.10 AWG wire because the Code limits the use of 8.0 mm2 or No.
8 AWG, conductor as minimum size for Service Entrance.
3. The National Electrical Code on Service Entrance provides that:
“Service entrance shall have sufficient ampacity to carry the building load. They
shall have adequate mechanical strength and shall not be smaller than 8.0 mm2
or 3.2 mm diameter except for installation to supply limited load of a single
branch circuit such as small poly-phase power, controlled water heaters and the
like and they shall not be smaller than 3.5 mm2 or.2.0 mm diameter copper or
equivalent ".

The Main Disconnecting Means or Safety Switch

1. Find the total computed load.

Circuit - 1.. . . . . 3.48 amperes

Circuit - 2 ... .. .. 9.39 amperes.
Circuit - 3 ...... ..15.65 amperes
Total ...... .. 28.52 amperes
2. Use2 pieces 30 amperes fuse parallel connection 60 amperes 2 pole single
throw (PST) 250 volts safety switch.

3. Provide 2-double branch circuit cut out with two 15 and 2 - 20 amperes fuse
respectively.

Multi-ground System and Line to Line Service

The protection of branch circuit is tapped to the hot line or live wire. The
grounded line being neutral zero voltage, is not protected with fuse. This is one
advantage of the Multi-ground System being adopted by the electric
cooperative implemented by the Rural·Electrification program of the
government. The branch circuit and cutout could be doubled because the
engaged voltage in the line is only 230 volts while the other is zero voltage being
grounded.

Other electric service system on the other hand are classified as Line to Line
Service wherein the engaged voltage is 115/230 volts which requires fuse
protection for both lines.
Topic 4. Building Communication Systems Types of Networks

Fundamentals of Telecommunications Systems

By industry definition, telecommunication is the transmission,emission, or reception of

signs, signals, writing, images,sounds, or information of any nature by wire, radio, optical,
or other electromagnetic systems. A telecommunication system uses electricity, light
(visible and infrared), or radio waves to transmit signals that carry voice and data
transmissions.Telecommunication systems function when a transmitter converts sound
waves (e.g., those created when a person speaks into a telephone mouthpiece) or
data into signals, which travel along wires or through the air before reaching their
destination.When a receiver intercepts the signals, they are converted back into useful
data or sound waves that become distinguishable by the human ear and recognized
by brain. A transceiver is a telecommunications device that functions as a transmitter
and receiver.
 Historically, telecommunications systems such as a telephone system have used
analog transmission. Modern systems use digital transmission technology. The following is
a description of these transmission formats:
Analog transmission in an electronic network is the conversion of useful sound or
data into electrical impulses. It is capable of transmitting both voice and nonvoice
messages (e.g., telex, telegrams, data). However, nonvoice transmissions are bulky
when transmitted in an analog format, so they cannot be transmitted rapidly.
Digital transmission in an electronic network involves a transmission of a signal that
varies in voltage to represent one of two separate states (e.g., on and off or 0 and 1). In
an optical network, digital signaling can involve either pulsating (on and off) light or a
variation in the intensity of the light signal. Digital transmission over radio systems
(microwave, cellular, or satellite) can be accomplished by varying the amplitude of the
wave. Digital transmission technology offers a rapid method of voice and nonvoice
transmission.
In telecommunications systems, bandwidth is the range between the highest and
lowest frequencies of transmission, measured in hertz (Hz), cycles per second. Bandwidth
varies with the type and method of transmission. It is a measure of the information
capacity.

Telecommunication Networks
A telecommunications network is a collection of communication equipment and
devices that are interconnected so they can communicate in order to share data,
hardware, and software or perform an electronic function. The network includes a series
of connecting points called nodes (e.g., a telecommunication terminal such as a
telephone receiver or computer) that are interconnected with cables (wiring). Networks
can also interconnect with other networks and contain subnetworks. In design and
layout of communication networks, the term topology describes the configuration of a
network, including its nodes, connecting cables and equipment. It describes the
manner in which the cable is run to individual workstations on the network. As shown in
the figure, there are three basic network
topologies: the bus, the star, and the ring.
Acronyms and abbreviations used in the
telecommunications industry are shown:
 A bus topology connects each workstation (node) to a single cable trunk. All signals
are broadcast to all workstations. Each computer checks the address on the signal as it
passes along the bus. If the signal’s address matches that of the computer, the
computer processes the signal. If the address does not match, the computer takes no
action and the signal travels down the bus to the next computer.
Next, in a star topology, all workstations (nodes) are connected to a central unit
called a hub. Home runs are cables that extend from the hub to the terminal without
splicing or other connections. This configuration allows cables to have a direct link
between entrance facilities/ equipment room equipment, telecommunications closet
devices, and workstation equipment (e.g., computers, printers, telephone receiver, and
so on).
Third, a network that is wired in the ring topology connects workstation equipment
and devices in a pointto-point serial manner in an unbroken circular configuration.
Not all networks are the same. The various types provide different services, use
different technology, have different resources and require users to follow different
procedures. Networks can be distinguished in terms of spatial distance between nodes
such as local area networks (LAN), metropolitan area networks (MAW), and wide area
networks (WAN). Large telephone networks and networks using their infrastructure (such
as the Internet) have sharing and exchange arrangements with other companies so that
large WANs are created. In building telecommunication systems, LANs are used. LANs
connect computers and hardware such as printers located relatively close together and
sharing resources, equipment, and files. Types of LANs include the Ethernet, ARCnet, and
Token Ring, each having their own method of transmitting data.
The transmitting medium used in networks can be copper wire, glass, or plastic (fiber
optic cable), and air (microwave and radio wave). A signal sent through a
telecommunications network can be sent through any or all of these media.

Topic 5. Types of Transmission Media

Transmission Media
Cable is the most common medium through which voice and data usually move
from one network device to another. It serves as the pipeline of a telecommunication
system. There are several types of cable in use, including copper wire, coaxial cable,
and optical fibers. Copper wiring used in building telecommunication transmission is
being replaced by optical fibers because they have much greater signal capacity.
Wireless transmission capabilities are also used in buildings and are replacing the need
for hard-wired direct connections.
Connectors are the devices that connect cable to the network device (e.g.,
computer, printer, entertainment center, and so forth). Connectors may come with the
equipment purchased or it may be necessary to purchase them individually.
Connections on a cable system tend to be the weakest element in any network, so they
must be made properly.

Copper Wiring
Historically, copper wiring has been the principal telecommunications transmission
medium. It consists of one or more pairs of solid copper wires. Bundles of pairs of twisted
insulated copper wires form the majority of the telephone lines in the United States and
elsewhere.
 Twisted pair cable consists of pairs of copper wires that are twisted to certain
specifications. Each pair is twisted with a specified number of twists per inch to help
eliminate interference from adjacent pairs and other electrical devices; the tighter the
twisting, the higher the supported transmission rate but the greater the cost. Each signal
on a twisted pair requires both wires. Because some telephone sets or desktop locations
require multiple connections, a twisted pair is sometimes installed in two or more pairs, all
within a single cable. Typically, twisted pair cable has four pairs of wires inside the jacket.
Twisted pair comes with each pair uniquely color coded when it is packaged in multiple
pairs.

Coaxial Cable
Coaxial cable has two conductors: an inner solid wire surrounded by an outer
braided metal sheath. The conductors both run concentrically along the same axis; thus
the name coaxial (COAX). Insulation separates the two concentric conductors, and a
hard casing protects the entire cable. Several coaxial cables can be arranged in
bundles protected by an outer sheathing, called a jacket.
The primary types of coaxial cabling are as follows:
Thin coaxial cable is also referred to as thinnet. Thinnet is about 1⁄4 inch (8 mm) in
diameter and is very flexible. It looks like regular TV cable. The 10Base2 designation refers
to specifications for thin coaxial cable. The 2 refers to the approximate maximum
segment length being 200 m (654 ft), but the maximum practical segment length is
actually 185 m (605 ft).
Thick coaxial cable is referred to as thicknet. 10Base5 refers to the specifications for
thick coaxial cable. The 5 refers to the maximum segment length being 500 m (1635 ft).
Thick coaxial cable has an extra protective plastic cover that helps keep moisture away
from the center conductor. This makes thick coaxial a better choice when running
longer lengths in a linear network. A disadvantage of thick coaxial is that it does not
bend easily and is difficult to install. Thicknet is not commonly used except as a
backbone within and between buildings.
Triax cable is a type of coax cable with an additional outer copper braid insulated
from signal
carrying
conductors.
It has a
core
conductor
and two
concentric
conductive
shields.

Twin axial cable (Twinax) is a type of communication transmission cable consisting

of two center conductors surrounded by an insulating spacer, which in turn is
surrounded by a tubular outer conductor (usually a braid, foil, or both). The entire
assembly is then covered with an insulating and protective outer layer. It is similar to
coaxial cable except that there are two conductors at the center.
 Optical fibers are long, thin strands of very pure silicon glass or plastic about the diameter of
a human hair. A single optical fiber consists of three elements: a core, the thin glass center of the
fiber where the light travels; cladding, the outer material surrounding the core that reflects the
light back into the core; and a buffer coating, a plastic coating that protects the fiber from
damage and moisture. Each strand can pass a signal in only one direction, so fiber optic cable
on a network typically consists of at least two strands: one for sending and one for receiving.
Hundreds or thousands of optical fibers are arranged in bundles called optical cables. The
cable’s outer sheathing, called a jacket, protects these bundles. Optical fibers come in two
types: single-mode fibers that are used to transmit one signal per fiber (used in telephones and
cable TV); and multimode fibers that are used to transmit many signals per fiber (used in
computer networks, local area networks).
The most common connectors used with fiber optic cable are the ST and SC connectors. The
ST connector is barrel shaped, similar to a BNC connector. The SC connector has a squared face
and is easier to connect in a confined space.
Optical fiber carries much more information than copper wire and is in general not subject to
electromagnetic interference. This makes it ideal for environments that contain a large amount
of electrical interference. This characteristic has made it the standard transmission medium for
connecting networks between buildings.

Fiber optics refers to the technology in which communication signals in the form of
modulated light beams are transmitted over a glass fiber transmission medium. The light in a
single optical fiber travels through the core by reflecting from the mirror-like cladding, a physical
principle called total internal reflection. Light reflects from the cladding no matter what angle the
fiber itself is bent. Because the cladding does not absorb any light from the core, the light wave
can travel great distances. Light is generated by a laser or a light-emitting diode (LED). Lasers
have more power than LEDs, but vary light output more with changes in temperature and are
more expensive

Wireless is a term used to describe telecommunications in which electromagnetic waves

(instead of some form of wire) carry the signal. Wireless communications can take several forms:
microwave, synchronous satellites, low-earth-orbit satellites, cellular, and personal
communications service (PCS). In every case, a wireless system eliminates the need for a
complex hard-wired infrastructure. Fixed wireless is the operation of wireless devices or systems in
homes and offices, and in particular, equipment connected to the Internet by the use of
specialized modems. A fixed wireless network enables users to establish and maintain a wireless
connection throughout or between buildings, without the limitations of wires or cables.
Wi-Fi (derived from the term wireless fidelity) is the popular expression used to describe
high-frequency wireless local area network (WLAN) technology. Wireless hotspots provide
Internet access using wireless network devices installed in public locations.

Electromagnetic Interference
Electrical current flow in power lines generates an electromagnetic field that surrounds the
electrical conductor. Electrical equipment, especially large motors, generators, induction
heaters, arc welders, x-ray equipment, and radio frequency, microwave, or radar sources, also
produce a powerful electromagnetic field. The ballasts of fluorescent and high-intensity
discharge (HID) fixtures also produce a significant electromagnetic field.
A telecommunication cable placed within an electromagnetic field will have its
telecommunication signal affected. This is known as electromagnetic interference.
Topic 6. Structured Cabling and Wireless Systems

Structured Cabling Systems

A structured cabling system is the cabling,
devices, and equipment that integrate the
voice, data, video, and electronic
management systems of a building (e.g.,
safety alarms, security access, energy
management and control systems, and so on).
Design and installation of structured cabling
systems adheres to national and international
standards. In commercial buildings, structured
telecommunications cabling systems include
seven subsystems. Figure 22.2 is a schematic
of a structured telecommunications cabling
system. These subsystems are described in the
following sections.

Interbuilding Backbone
The interbuilding backbone is the cabling and
pathways outside of the building, including
the cables carrying local exchange carrier
(LEC) services (e.g., outside telephone company), Internet service provider services, and
private branch exchange (PBX) telecommunication cable (e.g., private phone network
between buildings at a school campus or business park). Simply, the interbuilding
backbone caries telecommunication services to the building.

Building Entrance Facilities

The building entrance facility is an entrance to the building for
both public and private network service cables. It includes the cables, connecting
hardware, protection devices, and other equipment needed to connect the
interbuilding backbone cabling to the backbone cabling in the building. See Photos
22.2 and 22.3.
Telecommunications Equipment Room
A telecommunications equipment room is a centralized space for housing main
telecommunications equipment. It is a large, dedicated, centralized room that provides
a controlled environment to house equipment, connecting hardware, splice closures,
grounding and bonding facilities, and protection apparatus. Equipment rooms typically
accommodate equipment of higher complexity than telecommunications closets (see
below); however, any or all of the functions of a telecommunications closet may be
performed in an equipment room (see patch panels). A telecommunications
equipment room serves a building or multiple buildings in a campus or business park
environment. See Photos 22.4 and 22.5.

Telecommunications Closet
A telecommunications closet is a
dedicated room on each floor in a building
that houses intermediate voice and data
telecommunications equipment and related
cable connections. A large building will have
several telecommunications closets, and
more than one on a floor. The
telecommunications closet should be
located in a space that is central to the work
areas it serves. A telecommunications closet
is shown in Photo 22.6.

Backbone Pathway
Within a building telecommunications system, the backbone pathway connects the
entrance facilities/equipment room to the telecommunications closets for cabling that
interconnects equipment and devices in these spaces. It contains several
backbone(main) cables that carry the heaviest telecommunications traffic throughout
the building. It is usually a vertical arrangement that connects floors in a multistory
building. However, the same function may be served by a lateral backbone for
horizontal distribution in a large building with spacious floors. A building’s backbone
pathway consists of the backbone cables, intermediate and main cross-connects,
mechanical terminations, and patch cords used for backbone-to-backbone
cross-connection, connections between floors (risers), and cables between an
equipment room and building cable entrance facilities.

Horizontal Pathways
Horizontal pathways connect the backbone cabling entering the
telecommunications closet with the terminal equipment in the work area (e.g.,
computers, data terminals, telephones, and so on). Horizontal pathways can include
underfloor ducts embedded in concrete decks or slabs, modular/cellular (raised) floors,
underground trench ducts, and raceways (e.g., conduits, cable trays, recessed
molding). A raised floor system is shown in Photos 22.13 and 22.14.
Work Area
The work area is the space containing workstation (terminal)equipment and
components. The workstation components include equipment and devices (e.g.,
telephones, personal computers, graphic or video terminals, fax machines, modems)
and terminal patch cables (e.g., modular cords, PC adapter cables, fiber jumpers, and
so forth) that connect work area equipment to the network. Work area wiring is
designed to be relatively simple to interconnect so that modifications and additions can
be easily accomplished. The work area can also be served by a wireless access point.
(See Photos 22.15 through 22.19.)
References (end of the periodic coverage)
MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction
JOSEPH B. WUJEK Advanced Building Consultants, LLC FRANK R. DAGOSTINO
ELECTRICAL LAYOUT AND ESTIMATE Second Edition by Max P. FAJARDO Jr. Leo R.
FAJARDO

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