In order to meet the stringent requirements of the ISO/IEC 11801 specifications for Category 5 wiring systems, it is essential that the following guidelines are adopted. This will ensure that the installation provides an efficient and reliable service throughout its lifetime.

• Cables should not be joined to increase length. If cables are found to be short they must not be re-routed by a less suitable path, but must be re-run.

• Cables must be secured so as to relieve any mechanical stress on the terminations.

• Cable ties must be finger tight only. Over tight ties deform the geometry of the cable and effect its link performance. They should not be so tight as to distort the outer sheath of the cable.

• Cable bundles should be limited to 50 cables to avoid crushing the lower cables in the bundle.

• Care must be taken to avoid kinks in the cable during cable pulling.

• Any cabling over suspended ceilings must be laid in standard cable trays and supported every 1.2 to 1.5 metres to avoid any possible movement.

• The minimum bend radius during installation is 75mm, and 25mm once installed.

• Do not use undue strain when cable pulling (maximum 25lb)

• Avoid high temperature environments, power cable, lift shafts, switch gear and any other sources of interference.

• All cable runs should be concealed, and Cable Routes e.g. mini-trunking, should run parallel or perpendicular to walls.

• When cable routes pass through walls the holes must be sleeved and the cables exit and enter at 90° to the wall.

• All cables must be free of tension along the entire route, and cable supports should be used to distribute any strain.

• All metallic conduit and trunking must be earth bonded in accordance with the IEE wiring regulations.

• All cable exits must be bushed or sleeved so as not to cause damage to the cable’s outer sheath.

• Space should be left to allow for additional cables to be run in the existing cable routes. Net 5 recommend that conduit and trays should not be filled to more than 80% fill capacity therefore leaving a minimum of 25% spare cable route capacity available for future system expansion.