Product Information Package - Yellowduct your fibers.pdfCONTENTS Page 1.0 PROTECTING YOUR FIBER Raceway or Ducting Choices 3 1.1 Introduction 4 1.2 Ease of Assembly 4 1.3 Project Costs

Product Information Package

OPTICAL FIBRE DUCTING SYSTEM

by

Warren & Brown Technologies Pty Ltd

Web: www.warrenandbrown.com.au

Or

www.warbrown.com.au

CATALOGUE No 1

Issue No: 16 - Date: 04/02/2004 Page 1 of 28

http://www.warrenandbrown.com.au/

CONTENTS Page 1.0 PROTECTING YOUR FIBER

Raceway or Ducting Choices

3

1.1 Introduction 4 1.2 Ease of Assembly 4 1.3 Project Costs 5 1.4 Ability to Interface to Other Brands 5 1.5 Resistance to Sagging Under Heavy Load 6 1.6 Materials 6 1.7 Halogen Free Benefits 7 1.8 Variety of Sizes 8 1.9 Conclusion 8 2.0 THE LIGHTPATHS DUCT SYSTEM

13

2.1 Overview 14 2.2 Product Application 14 2.3 System Features 20 2.4 Product Guide & Capacities 21 2.5 The Installation Process 24

Note: The manufacturer reserves the right to alter without notice: DESIGN; SPECIFICATIONS; PACKAGING, etc


1.0 PROTECTING YOUR FIBRE


PROTECTING YOUR FIBER

RACEWAY OR DUCTING CHOICES

A report by Mr. L. Maiolo, Marketing Consultant, Maiolo and Associates, West Babylon, New York. Mr Maiolo has 13 years experience in the fiber optics industry and was previously V.P. of the America's for Porta Systems Corporation, a manufacturer of Fiber Management Systems 1.1 INTRODUCTION Products dedicated to the protection of optical fiber jumpers or patchcords laying over racks (ducting or raceways) have just emerged over the last 5 years. Various designs with different materials and assembly methods now exist providing more than a few options to the end user This article walks the end-user through the selection criteria, commenting. on some of the various ducting or raceway designs available today, and how they address the above mentioned issues for users. Our information was obtained from the various manufacturers' product information manuals, and through contacts with various manufacturer’s product managers. End-users were also surveyed. The selection criteria we will use is as follows:

• Ease of assembly • Project material cost • Ability to interface to other brands • Resistance to sagging under heavy load • Materials: smoke, halogen-free, UV light resistant • Variety of sizes

1.2 EASE OF ASSEMBLY Most Ducting or Raceway systems require the use of fasteners (nuts, screws, bolts, rivets) to assemble straights, elbows, tees, and cross sections. ADC's Fiber Guide system requires multiple mounting kits such as the junction kit (Figure #1) consisting of retainers, hardware, eight bolts and nuts, brackets etc. Telect's Cable Links , system (Figure #2) requires four threaded bolts (two bolts each side) and one "Link" to assemble Tees or Drops to five-foot straight sections. For less bulky cable loads (verticals), Telect "Links" can be used exclusively. We found Lucent Technologies "Fiber Protection System" and TII/Ditel's LIGHTRAX systems not as elaborate as ADC's or Telect's systems but still requiring channels and fittings to be held in position with bolts or rivets (Figure #3). Also, holes must be drilled prior to assembly.


A new system called Lightpaths from Warren & Brown & Staff of Australia seems to have virtually eliminated the use of hardware by allowing sections to "snap-together" (Figure #4). Parts "snap together" by hand and, unlike other brands, can be "unsnapped" easily for rearrangement or reuse. Additionally, lids are assembled using simple hand-installed hinges (Figure #5). Some systems use VELCRO to fasten lids. These VELCRO fastened lids must be removed entirely to allow access inside (unlike hinged lids which can be opened), and therefore are usually abandoned in the storage closet. From this survey, the Lightpaths system -can be easily installed due to the Lightpaths "snap-together" concept of assembly. One end-user we surveyed allotted 2 weeks for his planned installation using FiberGuide, and subsequently installed Lightpaths instead, requiring only 1 week of installation time. These differences in installation time should be factored into the Project Cost Analysis covered in the next section. The survey also determined that adding vertical drops to an already existing system seems to be much easier with the Lightpaths system. A cut-out tool allows users to place vertical drops virtually anywhere in the network, avoiding any reassembly typical of most systems (Figure #6). 1.3 PROJECT COSTS Comparing the cost of one brand of straight section or elbow to another brand can be misleading and should not be used as a short cut to comparing material costs for a particular project. In some of our pricing analysis, straight sections accounted for only 20% of the total project cost. Therefore, it is best to compare costs of an entire installation (straights, crosses, tees, elbows) to make accurate price comparisons. Also, some brands require straight sections to be supported by metal struts to withstand typical cable loads. Be sure to factor in both material and labour for these extra supports and installation thereof. Regarding the majority of the project material costs - intersections, we found Lightpaths intersections (crosses, tees, elbows, etc.) to be almost half (I/2) the price of other brands, despite the unique "snap-together" feature. Lightpaths also has some really cleaver intersection designs where ramps, trumpets and dividers have been incorporated into parts to facilitate the routing of jumpers (Figure #7). Finally, you must factor the cost of the installation's labour. In our analysis, the simplest, quickest system was the Lightpaths system and the most complicated to be the ADC Fiber Guide system. Depending on hourly rates for installers, the difference between installing these two systems could be substantial. 1.4 ABILITY TO INTERFACE TO OTHER BRANDS "Between Brand Adapters" are ducting sections that can connect different brands of ducting or raceway (eg to connect Warren & Brown to ADC ducting). Adaptors are important as different brands of ducting may need to exist in the same central office (Figure #8). Usually, ducting is installed as frames or racks of equipment are installed, rather than installing ducting for the entire central office at one time. New equipment placement usually cannot be predicted, making it difficult to order ducting for the entire office at one time. As Equipment Managers or Approval Committees change, or as new, better brands of ducting emerge, so does preference in ducting or raceway brands. The end result is usually the existence of different brands of ducting in an office, and the resultant requirement for between-brand-adapters.

BS102: Issue 13 - Date: 03/12/2002 Page 5 of 28

Table #1 shows us the between-brand-adapters offered with the more popular ducting system. To interpret Table 1, manufacturers listed in the ' vertical column either do or do not manufacture adapters from their products to the manufacturers listed horizontally. The selection of between-brand and adaptors vanes greatly, the wide variety now available provides the end user with some choices. These options allow an end user to make their choice based on price and adaptability to their needs. The end user can choose which manufacturer's between-brand adaptors allow the easiest transition from other brands of ducting.

Table #1

Brand

ADC W&B LUCENT Tll Telect

ADC - N Y Y N W&B Y - Y Y Y LUCENT N N - N N Tll Y N Y - N Telect Y N N N -

1.5 RESISTANCE TO SAGGING UNDER HEAVY LOAD Usually overlooked during the selection process, resistance to sagging under heavy load is another important parameter for brand selection. Of the manufacturers we surveyed, most make claims as to the number of jumpers that can fit into their ducting systems. It appears that these claims are made strictly based on the space capacity of their systems and the weight capacity. Therefore, these claims must be further investigated to ascertain whether the systems will sag under full space capacity. Of the systems evaluated, only Warren & Brown's Lightpaths , ADC's Fiber Guide and Telect's Cable Links (metal straight sections not "Links" only) seem to offer rigid systems that won't sag under heavy load. Most other systems are, by design, less robust requiring additional metallic mounting kits, cable retainers, and backbone supports to provide ample rigidity. Lucent Technologies recommends users to install aluminium unistruts with brackets (nut & bolt assembly) every eighteen (18) inches for adequate support. When systems do sag under heavy load, it creates possible attenuation points in the fiber cables, which they are ironically attempting to protect. 1.6 MATERIALS Since Ducting or Raceway is installed inside the building, certain building codes must be adhered to for ducting materials' fire and smoke resistance. UL listed, Halogen-free and UV Light-resistant materials are paramount to meeting all of today's codes. Halogen-free (or zero halogen as it is sometimes referenced) means that in the presence of fire, the smoke will be non-toxic.


UV Light-resistant materials ensure that ducting colors will not fade under effects from fluorescent lamps, usually hanging in close proximity to ducting. The following Table #2 shows us the adherence to specifications for the more popular brands of ducting.

Table #2

Brand

UL94V0 Halogen-free UV Light-resistant

ADC

Y N 1

W&B

Y Y Y

LUCENT

Y N 2

Tll

Y N NA

Telect

Y N Y

1. Have experienced some fading in outdoor type installations. Usually not a problem as most ducting is installed indoors.

2. Have had fading problems in past but all currently available product is UV light resistant.

NA. Information not available. 1.7 HALOGEN FREE BENEFITS Preventative fire proofing and the reduction of damage following a fire have gained increasing importance as large modem buildings house more and more people, and high technology equipment. Lightpaths ducting is HALOGEN FREE, and in the event of fire, does not produce corrosive or toxic gases such as chlorine. Halogens, when they come into contact with moisture or condensation (i.e. On the lungs, on substances, componentry or in the air) produce poisonous and or corrosive gases which can injure or kill people, cause irreversible damage to equipment (especially computer installations) and in extreme cases weaken the structures of buildings. This makes halogen free materials a must for all installations such as hospitals, office blocks, nursing homes, computer centres, hi-tech, laboratories, central offices/telephone exchanges, conference centres, entertainment complexes and anywhere protection for people or equipment is needed.


1.8 VARIETY OF SIZES One should take into consideration the availability of various sizes when standardizing on a particular brand of ducting or raceway. No doubt, cable-ducting densities will vary from site to site, and within each site, and between horizontal and vertical runs. It would be ideal to use one brand of ducting throughout to minimize tooling, and simplify installations. But for the reasons cited under "Ability to interface to other brands" the ideal is rarely achieved. We surveyed the more popular brands and created the following Table #3 of sizing capabilities. Adherence is based on having a truly complete system (all straights, crosses, tees, elbow etc.). A variety of sizes for complete systems are available.

Table #3

Brand

12” 8” 6” 4” 2” 1-1/4” Round Flexible Tubing

Square Flexible Tubing

ADC

Y N Y Y Y N Y N

W&B

Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y

LUCENT

N N N Y Y N N N

Tll

N N N Y Y N N N

Telect

N N Y Y Y N N N

Warren & Brown Lightpaths offers a great variety of sizes for completed systems (tees, straights, drops, elbows, crosses etc.). Only Warren & Brown offers square flexible tubing which, they claim, holds 21% more jumpers than same inside dimension round flexible tubing (Figure#9.). 1.9 CONCLUSION It is critical that one takes into account all of the issues regarding selection of ducting or raceway, to make accurate assessments. All analysis must take into account not only the material costs, but also labour (installation) costs and in so far as possible, some estimate of maintenance costs. Start with a system that allows the flexibility to expand in the future in any direction with any size. If you do agree that it may be time for a change, investigate the availability of between, brand adaptors.


Figure #1 ADC’s Fiber Guide ™ system requires multiple mountings such as the junction kit consisting of retainers, brackets and eight bolts with associated washers and nuts.

Figure #2

Telect’s Cable Links ™ system requires threaded bolts and links to assemble intersections such as tees or drops to five-foot straight sections.


Figure #3 T11/Ditel’s Lightrax ™system requires channels and fittings to be held in position with bolts or rivets.

Figure #4

The Lightpath’s ™ system has virtually eliminated hardware by allowing sections to snap Together. Parts are also easily “un-snapped” for simple rearrangement.


Figure #5

The Lightpath’s ™ parts have hinges for easy entry of fibers. Some other systems light the Lightrax ™ utilize adhesive-backed velcro strips to fasten lids. In offices that we visited, velcro lids are usually removed and discarded which defeats their purpose.

Figure #6 The Lightpath’s ™ cut-out tool allows drops to be placed virtually anywhere in the network.


Figure #7

The Lightpath’s ™ ramps, trumpets and dividers assist with jumper routing.

Figure #8 “Between-brand adapters” connect different brands of ducting.


2.0 THE LIGHTPATHS DUCT SYSTEM


THE LIGHTPATHS DUCT SYSTEM

2.1 OVERVIEW Lightpaths Optical Fibre Ducting system is an effective and economical ducting system that has been designed to ensure network integrity. It is a simple to assemble, flexible system that provides protection from mechanical damage due to external causes. It also provides stress relief for optical fibre, by ensuring that a minimum 30 mm bending radius is maintained at all times. There are often existing Optical Fibre installations of varying standards; which can be unsatisfactory for the following reasons: They cause excessive bending, They have no stress relief, They are too expensive to maintain, They are difficult to install or, They do not allow for easy expansion. This guide can be used to retro - fit ducting solutions at the sites where any of these problems are present; or to install ducting at new sites. 2.2 PRODUCT APPLICATION Lightpaths ducting is available in six standard sizes. i.e. 300mm, 220 mm, 100mm, 100 x 50mm, 50mm and 30mm wide; which can be interconnected by standard adaptors. There are many components available in each of these size ranges. Such as: straight duct, tee pieces, elbows, reducing adaptors etc. All individual components have lids to ensure complete cable protection. The system allows fibre routing at custom points in duct lengths, via a cut and joint technique, or a simple notching system that provides a standard entry or exit point for drop off components. These include right angle bends and flexible tubes; which enable protected access to multiple optic fibre transmission systems within a rack. Horizontal fibre systems are usually constructed with 300mm, 220mm and 100mm duct. Where limited overhead height exists for installing duct systems, then 100mm x 50mm duct can be used. Vertical feeds, such as drop-offs, to equipment racks are generally made up with 50 and 30mm duct sections.


Figure 1 shows a layout of 300mm duct components

Figure 1: 300mm Ducting System Components


Figure 2 shows a typical exchange suite assembly using 220 & 100mm duct.

Figure 2: 220 & 100mm Ducting System


The duct system is held in position by steel brackets and threaded rods, which bolt to existing equipment room steel work. Figure 3 shows a typical 100mm duct system with 50mm ducting used as drop offs to equipment below.

Figure 3, 100mm Duct System with 50mm Drop Off


Figure 4 shows a typical 100mm duct system with 50mm ducting used as drop offs to equipment below.

Figure 4, 50mm Duct System with 30mm Drop Off


Figure 5 shows a typical 100 x 50mm duct system.

Figure 5, 100 x 50mm Duct System with Drop Offs


The system includes several components for vertical applications; which are usually points at which fibre is fed into equipment racks. Here a simple break out is needed to access fibre termination points. To meet this need there are several flexible conduits and slotted ducts available as follows: (i) Slotted Rack Ducting (50 & 30mm) This ducting is used to provide storage and guidance of fibre cords directly into the transmission equipment rack. Slots are placed at alternating 3” (75mm) intervals to allow fibre flow directly to the transmission or storage equipment. This ducting is standard 50 mm ducting in size and comes in 2 metre lengths (Part No’s: TC1279-55KIT & TC1279-58KIT). (ii) Slotted Rack Ducting (60 x 40 mm) This ducting measures 60 mm x 40 mm and is supplied in 2 metre lengths. Each duct comes with removable caps, which provides easy entry of fibre to rack mounted transmission equipment (Part No: TC1279-99KIT). (iii) Small Station Ducting Kit, 50mm Duct A comprehensive kit of items, which can house 100 pigtails, and is suitable for small station installations, is available as Part No: TC1279-SSKIT. It’s main use is as a fibre starting kit for small stations. The kit includes: straight sections & lids, horizontal elbows (90 Degrees), drop offs, convoluted tubing, joiners, mounting brackets, plus an overview of component selection. (iv) Flexible Convoluted Tubing A selection of flexible convolute tubing is available to join vertical ducting to horizontal ducting via the drop off or breakout adaptors. See the ‘Parts Index’ for full details of the flexible convolute tubes. 2.3 SYSTEM FEATURES The main features of the Lightpaths ducting system are:

(i) It allows easy installation of Optical Fibre patch-cords / pigtails between the FTF or OFDF rack and transmission equipment racks. The system ensures optical fibre cords are installed and remain stress free.

(ii) It maintains a minimum, bending radius (MBR) of 30 mm all times.

(iii) Provides protection to the installed optical fibre cords from mechanical damage

(iv) It is modular and comprises a range of components that allow the system to be easily installed in old and new exchanges (or CO’s), in both overhead and underfloor situations. ie Provides a flexible system that is easy to install

(v) It can be installed using a minimum of hand tools.

(vi) It is assembled quickly with an “easy to clip together” system, rather than gluing or bolting components together. For larger duct sizes, slotless joiners are available. Ie Quickly assembled to produce a strong and rigid structure

(vii) It provides a flexible drop off system between the ducting and the slotted duct in the rack. Ie Enables drop – offs to be easily and quickly installed along the duct length.


(viii) Allows a drop – off to be installed in larger ducts, without having to prepare the ducts

(ix) Has available a low duct height system for installations where limited ceiling height is available

(x) Has large size ducting system/s available, for major routes

(xi) Available in FR, Halogen Free material

(xii) It is inexpensively retro - fitted, with rack drop offs in custom situations, without endangering

existing patch-cord or pigtails in the duct.

(xiii) It can provide Fibre Termination Frame (FTF) Main Distribution Frame (MDF) rack drop offs to cater for up to 500 patch-cords or pigtails.

(xiv) It can interface with other brands of ducting.

(xv) Available in Yellow or Grey material 2.4 PRODUCT GUIDE & CAPACITIES A summary of the main system components, their size and intended function is as follows:

2.4.1 PRODUCT GUIDE Part No. & Description

Function

Part No: TC1279-275A Straight duct 300mm x 100mm x 2mt long

Ducting between suites and extension from the intra – suite to other OFDF racks for major trunk applications

Part No: TC1279-21A straight duct, 220mm x 100mm x 2mt long

Ducting between suites and extension from the intra – suite to other OFDF racks.

Part No: TC1279-23A straight duct, 100mm x 100mm x 2mt long

Suite ducting and extension from OFDF drop off to the OFDF rack. Straight duct

Part No: TC1279-223A Straight duct 100mm x 50mm x 2 mt long

Suite ducting and extension from OFDF drop off to the OFDF RACK. Straight duct for low height applications.

Part No: TC1279-81A Straight duct, 50mm x 2mt long

Ducting for low fibre quantity situations

Part No: TC1279-83A Straight duct, 30mm x 2mt long

Ducting for low fibre quantity situations and between OFDF racks.

Part No: TC1279-01A Tee piece 220mm to 220mm

Interface between the inter-suite ducting and to the ducting to the suite OFDF position.

Part No: TC1279-09A Tee piece 220mm to 100mm

Interface between the inter-suite duct and the suite duct without an OFDF entry unit.

Part No: TC1279-11A OFDF entry unit

Directs and controls all suite and inter suite optical cabling to the OFDF rack.

Part No: TC1279-281A 300mm to 220mm adapter

Interfaces between 300mm and 220mm ducting

Part No: TC1279-07A 220mm to 100mm adaptor

Interfaces between OFDF entry unit and100 mm ducting.

Part No: TC1279-240 Adaptor 100mm duct to 100mm x 50mm duct

For a straight in-line connection between 100mm and 100mm x 50mm duct

Part No: TC1279-27 100mm duct joiner or (slotless) joiner Part TC1279-248A

Joining 100mm x 100mm duct and 100mm components.


Part No. & Description

Function

Part No: TC1279-25 220mm duct joiner or (slotless) joiner Part No: TC1279-250A


Part No: TC1279-287A (slotless) 300mm duct joiner


Part No: TC1279-226 100mm x 50mm duct joiner

Joining 100mm x 50mm duct and 100mm x 50mm components

Part No: TC1279-73 50mm duct joiner

Joining 50mm duct & components.

Part No: TC1279-98 30mm duct joiner

Joining 30mm duct & components.

Part No: TC1279-51KIT Slot Tool Kit (220 & 100mm)

For cutting and punching slots in 220mm and 100mm ducting.

Part No: TC1279-230A Slotting tool for 100mm x 50mm duct

For cutting and punching slots in 100mm x 50mm duct

Part No: TC1279-118KIT Slot tool / Mitre Kit (50 & 30mm)

For cutting and punching slots in 50mm and 30mm ducting.

Part No: TC1279-231KIT Cut out tool for 300mm, 220mm, 100mm & 100mm x 50mm straight ducts

For cutting duct side to install breakouts/drop – offs

Part No: TC1279-297 300 mm Mounting bracket

Supporting and mounting of 300mm duct.

Part No: TC1279-13A 220 mm Mounting bracket


Part No: TC1279-14A 100 mm Mounting bracket


Part No: TC1279-78KIT 50 & 30mm mounting kit

Supporting and mounting of 50mm and 30mm ducting.

Part No’s: TC1279-42, 41, 55, 53, 54 and 50KIT

Form rack drop off kit and interface suite ducting to the OFLTE rack.

Part No: TC1279-89KIT 50mm square drop off kit

Forms a drop off assembly to suit 50mm square.

Part No: TC1279-87KIT Break out kit 50mm

Forms break out assembly using a 90 degree elbow

Part No: TC1279-233KIT Rack duct kit for 50mm duct

For making a 50mm optical cord feeding duct within an OFDF Rack. Connects to overhead ducting using flexible convoluted tube, Part No: TC1279-53

Part No: TC1279-172 Break Out Blank for 220mm, 100mm & 100mm x 50mm duct

For covering a hole left by a cut out tool

Part No: TC1279-290A & For providing a horizontal outlet, for


290ASLTop Outlet Assembly, Horizontal Outlet, for 100mm, 220mm & 300mm duct

optical fibre cords, anywhere along a length of 100mm, 220mm or 300mm duct; without having to cut the duct and install a drop-off unit

Part No: TC1279-307A & 307ASL Top Outlet Assembly, Vertical Outlet, Down, for 100mm, 220mm & 300mm duct

For providing a vertical outlet, down, for optical fibre cords, anywhere along a length of 100mm, 220mm or 300mm duct; without having to cut the duct and install a drop-off unit

Part No: TC1279-352KIT Top Outlet Assembly, Vertical Outlet, Down, for 50mm duct

For providing a vertical outlet, down, for optical fibre cords, anywhere along a length of 50mm duct; without having to cut the duct and install a drop-off unit


2.4.2 PRODUCT CAPACITIES Acceptable, recommended, maximum capacities for some lightpaths ducting items, based on using either: 2mm diameter; 2.5mm diameter 3mm diameter optical fibre cord, are provided. However, the optical fibre cord capacity of these items can be reduced by: cross-overs, wraparounds and cords not lying flat and straight. The maximum capacities for 300mm, 220mm and 100mm ducts are based on a maximum of 2 inch (50mm) cord depth in the duct. Greater capacities are available where this limitation does not apply. Product Part No.

Capacity, 1.6 - 2mm dia cord

Capacity, 2 - 2.5mm dia cord

Capacity, 3mm dia cord

300 x 100 mm straight duct

TC1279-275A 3600 2100 1500

220 x 100 mm straight duct

TC1279-21A 2500 1500 1100

220 x 100 mm duct with ramp off

TC1279-21A & TC1279-42

1700 1000 720

220mm intra suite drop off, vertically down the drop off

TC1279-11A

1200 700 500

220mm intra suite drop off, horizontally past the drop off.

TC1279-11A

700 400 300

100 x 100 mm straight duct.

TC1279-23A 1200 700 500

100 x 100mm duct with ramp off.

TC1279-23A & TC1279-42

700 400 300

100mm intra suite drop off , vertically down the drop off. Dependant on fibres going through, @ 500 down, nil pass through.

TC1279-63A

1200 700 500

100mm intra suite drop off, horizontally past the drop off Dependant on fibres going down, @ 500 through nil pass down.

TC1279-63A

1200 700 500

Top Outlet Assembly, Horizontal Outlet, for 100mm, 220mm & 300mm duct

TC1279-290A &

TC1279-290ASL

700 400 300

Top Outlet Assembly, Vertical Outlet, Down, for

TC1279-307A &

700 400 300


100mm, 220mm & 300mm duct

TC1279-307ASL

Straight duct 100 x 50mm TC1279-223A 600 350 250 Straight duct 50 x 50 mm. TC1279-81A 265 155 120 Straight duct 30 x 30 mm. TC1279-83A 100 60 45 Rack drop off (50mm square).

TC1279-89A 265 155 120

Convoluted tubing, flexible, 44mm I.D./50mm O.D.

TC1279-53 135 80 60

Convoluted tubing, flexible, 50mm square.

TC1279-85

265 155 120

Convoluted tubing, flexible, 30mm square.

TC1279-88

90 50 40

Rack drop off (44mm I.D/50mm OD) tube.

TC1279-41A &

TC1279-350

135 80 60

Convoluted tubing, flexible, 32mmID/38mm O.D.

TC1279-68

50 30 24

Convoluted tubing, flexible, split, 20mm (O.D.)

TC1279-100

20 12 10


2.5 THE INSTALLATION PROCESS Experience has shown it is best to accurately layout the required configuration so that an accurate parts list can be produced and non standard duct lengths can be cut prior to installation. Preparing a scale drawing, prior to listing the parts needed, is recommended. On a scale of 1/50 a standard A3 sheet of graph paper will accommodate a design area of about 10 by 15 metres. The simplest method is to use standard duct lengths with tees, elbows, etc. for the basic layout. Custom drop off points can be placed in length by simply slotting the duct, in the desired locations, and installing drop off hardware as necessary. Care should be taken not to install drop off points directly opposite each other in the same duct, as this restricts the amount of fibre that can flow past this point. Assembly of the ducting system is a simple matter of using the pre cut joining slots and female joiners in all the straight ducts, and the duct items used for inter-suite and intra-suite ducting. Tool kits, consisting of a mitre box and slot punch, are available for cutting the straight duct and punching the joining slots; where a non standard length of straight section is required. To join two lengths of ducting, simply fit the snap-lock, female duct joiner to the slots in the end of the duct items to be joined. This forms a strong continuous duct. For ducting sizes of 100, 220 & 300 mm, slotless joiners are available that eliminates the need to prepare the end of the ducts. This quickly produces a strong and rigid connection. The ducting is supported using steel brackets, which should be spaced at a distance not greater than 0.9 metres maximum. This support spacing maintains ducting strength when fully laden. At each outlet of: a bend, offset or change of direction it is recommended that a ducting support be installed. Where a rack drop off point is required use the rack drop off cut out tool to punch a hole at the appropriate position. Then install a ramp off and the rack drop off connectors, which slide neatly into the cut out. (See fig 2) Instructions are supplied with the tool on its use.


A drop off may be fitted to the 50mm ducting in the same manner but a ramp off is not required.

Figure 6 A Top Outlet Assembly (Part No: TC1279-290A or TC1279-290ASL –with a horizontal outlet or Part No: TC1279-307A or TC1279-307ASL – with a vertical outlet) is available for 100, 220 & 300mm ducts. These items allow optical fibre cords to be dropped off, without having to prepare the duct. Also available are Part No’s: TC1279 – 290SKITA and TC1279 – 290SKITB, which use a horizontal outlet and connect directly to 50mm x 50mm and 100mm x 50mm horizontal duct respectively. The optical fibre termination racks, housing Optical Fibre Distribution Frames (OFDF’s), are served by runways containing external optical fibre cable. Optical fibre pigtail and patchcords, housed in overhead ducting feed from OFDF’s to rack mounted transmission equipment. The space above optical fibre termination modules and equipment racks must be efficiently managed to accommodate both the runways and ducting. Most rack suites have a minimum distance of 300 mm from the suite centre line to the front edge of the top iron. This space is required to allow external cables entering the rack to pass between the ducting and the top iron. In existing rack suites where the distance from the suite centre line to the front of the top iron is less than 300mm, it may be necessary to cut the top iron and move it out 300mm in the area of the OFDF rack only. Care should be taken not to interfere with other cables and equipment during this process. NOTE: The outer edge of the optical fibre cable runway, and optical cord ducting must not extend past the front edge of the rack.



2.5.1 STEP BY STEP These installation guidelines assume that the transmission superstructure has been installed in accordance with good telecommunications practice and that mounting brackets for the ducting have been installed in appropriate positions.

(i)

Ensure mounting brackets are in place or arrange for their provisioning and installation where necessary. e.g. retro fit of ducting at a non standard exchange. Recommended maximum support spacing is 900mm.

(ii)

Measure and mark the ducting for all joiners and drop offs etc. Cut the lengths required and prepare all the cut outs for the duct joiners and drop offs. NOTE: Drop offs using ramp offs MUST NOT be installed directly opposite each other. This is to provide sufficient room for the bulk of the fibre cords to pass each drop off position without congestion.

(iii) Install the inter-suite ducting and tee pieces.

(iv) Install the rack drop off components.

(v) Fit all the component lids.

(vi) Prior to using the duct, perform an installation audit and check the following: All ducting is secure and supported both horizontally and vertically with no lateral movement. Check that there are no internal protrusions. Ensure that all lids are provided and fitted correctly. Ensure that warning signs are present.

Product Information Package - Yellowduct your fibers.pdfCONTENTS Page 1.0 PROTECTING YOUR FIBER Raceway or Ducting Choices 3 1.1 Introduction 4 1.2 Ease of Assembly 4 1.3 Project Costs

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