CommScope Intelligent Building

Infrastructure Solutions (Ibis)

General Design Guidelines For
Building Automation Systems (Bas)
Issue 1.0
July 2007

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Contents
1. OVERVIEW

2. GENERAL BAS ARCHITECTURE AND TOPOLOGY

3
3
4
5
6

2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5

Bridged Branches (Referred to as Bridge Connections in TIA/EIA-862)

Chained Branches (Referred to as Chained Connections in TIA/EIA-862)
Chained Device Connections (Referred to as Multipoint Bus in TIA/EIA-862)
T-Tapped Connections
4-Wire Fault-Tolerant Circuits (Referred to as Multipoint Ring in TIA/EIA-862)

3. GENERAL BAS PLANNING AND DESIGN GUIDELINES

3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8
3.9

Coverage Area Size and Outlet Density

Mechanical Plant Rooms and Electrical Rooms
Power Feeding BAS Devices (Circuit Current Capacity)
Resistance Circuits
Voltage Drop Circuits
Power Support
Current Limiting Devices and Fusing Requirements
Sheath Sharing
Endpoint Device Connections
3.9.1 Chain Circuits
3.9.2 4-Wire Fault-Tolerant Circuits

3.10 Generic Pin Assignments for Building Control Services

7
7
8
8
10
11
12
13
14
14
14
15
15

General Design Guidelines For

Building Automation Systems (Bas)
1. Overview
CommScope Intelligent Building Infrastructure Solutions (IBIS) is a modular, flexible cabling
infrastructure system that supports voice, data, video and building automation systems (BAS) by
providing a robust and cost effective connectivity for all of a buildings BAS and communication
systems. IBIS utilizes twisted pair and/or fiber optic cables to provide connectivity in an open
architecture environment.
Fire and life safety (FLS) applications may or may not be supported over CommScope IBIS
in some countries. Consult the national and local fire codes and regulations prior to using
CommScope IBIS for FLS applications.

2. General BAS Architecture

AndTopology
Figure 1 shows the various subsystems
for supporting BAS. The architecture
is similar to that for supporting
communication systems except that, for
BAS applications, a coverage area is
used instead of a work area. Building
control devices and BAS information
outlets (IOs) are typically mounted in
different physical places than voice
and data IOs; most of them are on
walls, in the ceiling, and in other
building structures.

Administration
Subsystem

Horizontal
Subsystem

Coverage Area
Subsystem

Riser/Backbone
Subsystem

Equipment
Room
Subsystem

Campus
Subsystem

The BAS architecture and topology and

Figure 1: BAS Architecture.
these general design guidelines are in
Figure 1: BAS Architecture
compliance with ANSI/TIA/EIA-8621.
The maximum horizontal distance is
90 m (see Figure 2). A BAS channel
is defined as the cabling between a BAS controller/outstation in the floor distributor (FD) or
telecommunication room (TR) to the furthest BAS device in the (extended) coverage area(s).
Itmay include both horizontal and backbone cabling. Cross-connect jumpers and patch cords
in the cross-connect facilities, including horizontal cross-connects, jumpers, and patch cords
that connect horizontal cabling with equipment or backbone cabling, should not exceed 5 m
in length. If a BAS channel includes horizontal and backbone sub-systems, then the backbone
distance requirements specified in ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B or ISO/IEC IS 11801:2002 or
CENELEC EN 50173-1 (whichever is shorter) shall be met.
Due to the nature of building control devices, the BAS topology permits chained circuits,
T-tapped circuits and redundant path fault tolerant circuits in addition to the point-to-point
starwiring circuits. This is shown in Figure 3.
1

ANSI/TIA/EIA-862: Building Automation Systems Cabling Standard for Commercial Buildings

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BAS
Controller/
BAS
Outstation
Controller/
Outstation

BAS Patch Panel

BAS Patch Panel

BAS
Device
BAS
Device

BAS
Outlet
BAS
Outlet

Horizontal Cable

Horizontal Cable
Maximum Horizontal Distance = 90 m

Maximum Horizontal Distance = 90 m

BAS Channel
Channel
(Figure 2a: Horizontal Distances for BAS
Coverage
Area)
Figure 2a: Horizontal Distances for Coverage Area

Figure 2a: Horizontal Distances for Coverage Area

BAS
Controller/
BAS
Outstation
Controller/
Outstation

BAS Patch Panel

BAS Patch Panel
Horizontal Cable
HorizontalHorizontal
Cable
Maximum
Distance = 90 m
Maximum Horizontal
Distance = 90 m

BAS
Outlet
BAS
Outlet

BAS
Devices
BAS
Devices

BAS Channel
BAS Channel

Figure 2b: Horizontal Distances for extended Coverage Areas

(Figure 2b: Horizontal Distances for extended Coverage Areas)
Figure 2b: Horizontal Distances for extended Coverage Areas
Figure 2: BAS Horizontal Distances
Figure 2: BAS Horizontal Distances
Cross-connect
Device

Outlet
Cable

Daisychain
4-Wire Fault
Tolerant

Point-to-point

Figure 3: BAS Topology

Figure 3: BAS Topology.

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Cross-connect
Device

Outlet
Cable

Daisychain
4-Wire Fault
Tolerant

Point-to-point

2.1 Bridged Branches (Referred to as

Bridge Connections in TIA/EIA-862)
Figure 3: BAS Topology.

Figure 4 shows an implementation of a bridged branch (sometimes referred to as star wiring

branch) connection. The branch circuits, such as 1 ..... N (where N indicates the last branch),
can originate from the vertex of a star connection (junction of two or more circuits) and can
be connected to an outlet. Multiple branch circuits are administered in the FDs/TRs.
Themaximum number of branches is 10 (as per ANSI/TIA/EIA-862). Devices can be
bridgedat or in the FD/TR.
Branch
Length

Branch 1

Remote
Bridge

One Pair
of Wires
Branch N-1

Bridge
Trunk

Branch N (N=10 max)

Figure 4: Bridged Branch Connections

Figure 4: Bridged Branch Connections

2.2 Chained Branches (Referred to as

Chained Connections in TIA/EIA-862)
Figure 5 illustrates an implementation of a chained branch. This implementation typically uses
two pairs of a 4-pair cable. The branches are chained together at the point of administration.
The last device may have an End-of-Line Resistor (EOLR). The parameters of concern are the
number of devices supported, the distance at which they are supported on each branch, and
the total number of branches supported. No more than 10 BAS devices should be connected
in a chain configuration (as per ANSI/TIA/EIA-862). This chain wiring is used in the following:
In the horizontal subsystem to connect devices/nodes together.
Between the building distributor (BD) or equipment room (ER) and the FD/TR in the riser
backbone subsystem to distribute head-end controllers.

Trunk

4-Pair
Cable

Cable Pairs
Branch 1

Branch N-1
Administration
of Chained
Branches

Device/Node

Branch N
(N=10 max)

Branch Length

Figure 5: Chained Branch Connections

Figure 5: Chained Branch Connections

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2.3 Chained Device Connections

(Referred to as Multipoint Bus in TIA/EIA-862)
Chained devices refer to a sequence of devices connected so that the last device added is
always connected to the previous device by a 2- or 4-wire circuit segment. The circuit segments
act like a bus. Unlike T-tapped devices, there is no cable from the device to the bus. Figure 6
shows an implementation of a chained device connection.
Non-intelligent circuits are always connected to one another by a chained circuit
connection. A non-intelligent sensor circuit is supervised by monitoring a small current that
flows through the EOLR and the 2-wire circuit. If any sensor is not connected, the interruption
in supervisory current is detected. If a non-intelligent sensor is T-tapped and the connection
from the bus to the sensor is broken, the supervisory current will still flow, which means that the
disconnected sensor cannot be detected. Non-intelligent sensors should NOT be T-tapped.
No more than 10 BAS devices should be connected in this configuration.
ANSI/TIA/EIA-862 permits a multipoint bus connection to have bridge connections/ branches
(see Figure 7). For this configuration, there should be no more than 5 BAS devices in a
multipoint bus for each branch.
One Pair
of Wires
One Pair
of Wires
From
Previous
DeviceFrom
or
Outlet Previous
Device or
Outlet

BAS
Devices
BAS
Devices

To Next
Device or
EOLR To Next
Device or
EOLR

Figure 6: Chained Device Connection (Multipoint Bus Configuration)

Figure 6: Chained Device Connection (Multipoint Bus Configuration)

Figure 6: Chained Device Connection (Multipoint Bus Configuration)
BAS Devices (Max = 5)
To next
BAS Devices (Max =Device
5)
or

EOLR To next
Device or
EOLR

Bridged
Connection
Bridged
Connection
Multipoint Bus
Multipoint Bus

Figure 7: Multipoint Bus with optional Bridge Connection

Figure 7: Multipoint BusFigure

with 7:
optional
Bridge
Connection
Multipoint
Bus with
optional Bridge Connection

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2.4 T-Tapped Connections

T-tapping is a way of connecting several devices, such as intelligent sensors, to buses. Figure 8
shows an implementation of a T-tapped connection. Cable lengths L1, ... L4 are typically less
than 14 m (46 ft), but the maximum cable length is limited by the maximum length of the bus.
In general, intelligent sensors/modules can be T-tapped because the supervision circuit is set
up to poll each device individually and receive a response from each device connected to the
bus. If the T-tapped connection (eg L1) to an intelligent sensor/module is broken, the device
will not respond to the poll, thereby alerting the supervision circuit. Intelligent sensors/modules
typically are fire and life safety circuits.
Device 1

Device 2

2-Wire Bus
L1

L2

From
Previous
Device or
Controller

To Other
Devices or
EOLR
L3

L4
The length of
L1, L2, L3 and L4
is typically less
than 14 m.

Device 3

Device 4

Figure 8: T-Tapped Connections

Figure 8: T-Tapped Connections

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2.5 4-Wire Fault-Tolerant Circuits

(Referred to as Multipoint Ring in TIA/EIA-862)
Building management systems not only require high reliability for detecting life threatening
conditions, but they must also remain operational during an emergency that could impair the
systems wiring. Maximum reliability requires a redundant wiring path to each device, which
involves connecting dual-ported controller to sensors by two separate physical paths. Figure 9
shows a 4-wire fault-tolerant configuration. A 4-wire fault-tolerant circuit is not typically used in
HVAC systems but in fire and security systems.
Redundant-path fault-tolerant circuits are formed by connecting a chain of devices to two outlets
(see Figure 3). The devices and outlets of the fault-tolerant circuit can be located in one or
more coverage areas, determined by the device density. Redundant-path fault-tolerant circuits
can span several FDs/TRs. Redundant-path wiring in the riser backbone requires separate riser
backbone cables and/or separate physical riser locations.
Device or
Chain of
Devices
Controller
Equipment

One Pair
of Wires

Circuit Length
Figure 9: 4-Wire Fault-Tolerant Circuit

Figure 9: 4-Wire Fault-Tolerant Circuit

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3. General BAS Planning

AndDesign Guidelines
The concept of CommScope IBIS is to promote a uniform cabling infrastructure to support
voice, data, video and BAS applications. This typically implies that the same cable and
connecting hardware should be used throughout. Furthermore, equipment for supporting these
applications should ideally be collocated in the BD/ER and/or FDs/TRs. This will ensure
maximum flexibility and ease of maintenance. However, some end-users may not favor such
a level of integration and will request demarcation between communication systems and BAS
applications. One simple method of providing this demarcation is to use different color cables
and different connecting hardware types for these applications (eg: 8-pin modular patch panels
for communication systems and 110 or VisiPatch panels for BAS).

3.1 Coverage Area Size and Outlet Density

A coverage area refers to the space served by one BAS device. A single horizontal cabling
channel may serve more than one coverage area (see Figure 2b). The coverage area is
typically defined by the structure of the building, access to the coverage areas, and the logical
use of those coverage areas. The coverage area is usually larger than the average work area.
ANSI/TIA/EIA-862 provides some guidance on typical coverage areas for different building
types and this is given in Table 1. If the quantity of coverage areas is unknown, Table 1 can be
used to estimate the quantity of BAS outlets required to serve that space. (Note: Three (3) BAS
outlets are allocated for each coverage area given in Table 1). However, this estimate offers
only rough guidelines.

Table 1: Typical Coverage Area (ANSI/TIA/EIA-862)

Usage of Floor Space

Coverage Area
(sq meter)

Additional Factors

Office

25

In open office environment, coverage area sizes will

typically be greater than in a dedicated office space.

Indoor Parking

50

Identify fire, security, carbon monoxide and HVAC

requirements. Note: May also require voice
connections for security.

Retail

25

Security requirements may increase the coverage

area density (e.g. CCTV, alarm and access).

Factory

50

Coverage area size may vary according to

manufacturing processes, environment and building
design.

Hotel

25

Coverage area requirements may vary if services

have centralised control (e.g. HVAC, fire alarm and
access).

Classroom

25

Coverage area requirements may be centralised

for security and access control. Plan for the unique
system requirements for each area types (e.g. HVAC,
fire alarm and access control).

Hospital

25

Coverage area density is averaged to compensate

for a variety of environments (e.g. patient rooms,
labs, emergency room and operating room). Plan for
the unique system requirements for each area types.

Mechanical Room

Determine location of air handlers, chillers, boilers,

pumps, fans, compressors, etc. Air handlers will
typically have a higher concentration of BAS devices.

Note: These values are based on support for 3 BAS categories (e.g FLS, security and HVAC) averaged over the
entire floor space since BAS devices will be located in all areas (including stairways, hallways, lobby, elevators
and other common areas). Coverage area size depends on the BAS application and device.

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To determine the coverage area, follow these guidelines:

A qualified BAS engineer must design the BAS to provide the required services
(e.g. entrance security, HVAC control, fire alarm/detector, lighting control, etc).
Locate the endpoint devices (e.g. temperature sensors or other devices) from a layout of the
building floor to be served.
Divide the floor space into coverage areas based on the designed endpoint
device densities.
For access control, a door that requires magnetic stripe or proximity card reader will require
a minimum of 4 BAS outlets to support this application (one for door strike, two for card
reader, and one for door open switch).
When designing the BAS circuits, follow these guidelines:
Coverage area is the area served by an outlet. The distance from the outlet to any endpoint
device must be less than 5 m. If the combined lengths of the coverage area cables is greater
than 5 m, then the maximum horizontal cable length shall be adjusted such that the sum of
the coverage cabling plus the horizontal cabling and the equipment cabling is less than or
equal to 100 m.
The maximum horizontal distance (from FD/TR to an IO) is 90 m (see Figure 2). However,
electrical circuit specifications (e.g. resistance and/or voltage drop) are the limiting factors.
Hence some devices may limit distances to less than 90 m. Consult the manufacturers
specifications.
A 5 m cable length is allowed in the FD/TR for routing and administration purposes.

3.2 Mechanical Plant Rooms and Electrical Rooms

The mechanical plant room depends primarily on the HVAC system and the locations and
number of air handlers. Each air handler normally requires 8 to 24 outlets. If the FD/TR is
near the air handlers, the outlets can be wired directly to the patch panel and cross-connected
to the riser backbone or equipment cabling. Sensors may also be required in the coverage
areas to monitor points for pumps, air compressors, and chillers; cooling towers should also be
considered in the mechanical area.
The electrical room depends primarily on power monitoring and power control. Low-voltage
relays can be used to control lighting and on/off functions of different types of equipment; in
addition, sensors may be required in the coverage areas. Normally, the FD/TR is near the
electrical room, so wiring can easily be added.

3.3 Power Feeding BAS Devices (Circuit Current Capacity)

Table 2 provides the maximum operating currents and temperatures for 24-AWG cabling
channels as specified in ANSI/TIA/EIA-862.

Table 2: Maximum Operating Currents and Temperatures

for 24-AWG cabling channels (ANSI/TIA/EIA-862)
Max. Operating Temperature

Max. Current for a Single

Conductor (A)

Total Max. Current for a 4-pair

Cable (A)

25 C

1.5

3.36

55 C

0.75

1.68

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The following additional guidelines shall apply to BAS cabling:

The currents in each pair of a 4-pair cable can all have the same or different values. This is
also true for a 25-pair cable (see Table 4). Table 4 applies to single 4-pair cable in free air or
conduit, with the current distributed equally in each pair used.
1. Each 24-AWG conductor can support 0.75 A (DC or AC RMS) of continuous current at
up to 60 C.
2. The sum of the currents in all eight conductors of a 4-pair 24-AWG SYSTIMAX cable must
be less than or equal to 3.36 A (continuous) at 25 C.
3. The sum of the currents in all fifty conductors of a 25-pair 24-AWG SYSTIMAX cable must
be less than or equal to 21.0 A.
4. The maximum resistance of 24-AWG SYSTIMAX cable is 28.6 ohms per 305 m per wire
or 57.2 ohms per 305 m per pair of wires.
5. The audio voltage and current limitation for 24-AWG SYSTIMAX cable is 70 V RMS and 1 A.

Table 3: Maximum Current for 24-AWG SYSTIMAX Cable at 25 C.

Number of Pairs
Used

Max. Current in
Each Wire (A)

Current (A) per

Pair

Total Current per

4-Pair Cable (A)

Maximum
Recommended
Fusing (A)

1.5

2.0

2.0*

1.5

0.825

1.65

3.36

1.0

0.55

1.1

3.36

0.75

0.4125

0.825

3.36

0.5

* An unused capacity of 1.3 A can be distributed over the other six conductors in this 4-pair cable.
Note: BAS cabling are designed to operate with power sources that are power limited and supply a maximum of
24-AWG circuit current of 1.5 A. If a power source is not inherently limited to 1 A, additional current limiting must
be provided. This is the recommended practice for current limiting.

ANSI/TIA/EIA-862 provides the following additional guidelines:

1. Installed horizontal cabling shall not exceed a total DC resistance unbalance of 0.8 ohms for
any operating temperature when measured from the horizontal cross-connect to the BAS outlet
(permanent link).
2. T he horizontal cabling channels shall not exceed a total resistance unbalance of 1 ohm at any
operating temperature.
3. Table 4 provides the maximum operating voltages.
4. Installed BAS cabling shall not be used to supply continuous power in excess of 100 VA.

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Maximum Operating Voltages for Installed BAS Cables in Dry Conditions

Alternating Current (Vac)
Max. Permitted
AC Voltage
(Sinusoidal)

Max. Permitted AC
Voltage - Peak
(Non-sinusoidal)

Max. Permitted DC
Voltage
(Continuous)

Max. Permitted DC
Voltage - Peak
(Interrupted at
10 Hz to 200 Hz)

30

42.2

60

24.8

Maximum circuit
power 100 VA1
1

Direct Current (Vdc)

Max. current shall not exceed the values in Table 3

Maximum Operating Voltages for Installed BAS Cables in Wet Conditions

Alternating Current (A)
Max. Permitted
AC Voltage
(Sinusoidal)

Max. Permitted AC
Voltage - Peak
(Non-sinusoidal)

Max. Permitted DC
Voltage
(Continuous)

Max. Permitted DC
Voltage - Peak
(Interrupted at
10 Hz to 200 Hz)

15

21.2

30

12.4

Maximum circuit
power 100 VA1
1
2

Direct Current (A)

Max. current shall not exceed 5 A

Wet condition not including immersion

3.4 Resistance Circuits

The maximum resistance of 24-AWG cable is 28.6 ohms per 305 meter per wire or 57.2
ohms per 305 meter per pair of wires. This equates to 0.0938 ohms per meter per wire or
0.1876 ohms per meter per pair of wires. Table 5 is a distance lookup table for circuits that
have a maximum circuit resistance requirement. It is based on 24-AWG cable.

Table 5: 24-AWG Cable Circuit-Distance Resistances

Circuit Resistance in ohms

Equivalent Circuit Resistance Distance in meters

(One-Half Circuit Length)

10

53

20

106

30

160

40

213

50

266

60

320

70

373

80

426

90

480

100

533

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3.5 Voltage Drop Circuits

Table 6 is a distance lookup table for devices with a current requirement and a minimum
operating voltage. It is based on a 24-Vdc power source over 24-AWG cable from power
source to the device.
Table 7 is a voltage drop lookup table for various cabling lengths for devices with a current
requirement. It is also based on a 24-Vdc power source over 24-AWG cable from power
source to the device.
The cable resistance is 0.1876 ohms per meter per pair of wires.
Note:
Four operating voltages are considered - 12 (24 - 50 %), 18 (24 - 25 %), 21.6 (24 - 10 %) and 22.8 (24 - 5 %).
In some cases, it is more convenient to measure the pair resistance of an installed cable. One end must be shorted
while the other end has resistance measured between the two conductors. The voltage drop is calculated by
multiplying the resistance by the current draw. In the case of analog input resistance sensors (energy management
systems), the resistance value is used to program sensor adjustments.

Table 6: Typical Distance for 24-AWG Voltage Drops

(24-Vdc Power Source)
Maximum Distance in meter
2-Wire Circuit
Current (mA)

For 12 V Minimum
at Device
(50% V Drop =
12 V)

For 18 V
Minimum at
Device
(25% V Drop)

For 21.6 V
Minimum at
Device
(10% V Drop)

For 22.8 V
Minimum at
Device(5% V
Drop)

10

6401

3219

1288

643

20

3219

1609

643

322

30

2146

1073

429

215

40

1609

805

322

161

50

1286

643

258

129

60

1073

536

215

107

70

920

456

182

91

80

792

402

161

80

90

701

354

139

69

100

643

320

129

64

200

322

160

64

32

500

129

64

26

13

1000

64

32

13

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Table 7: Voltage Drop versus Current Load at various Distance

(24-Vdc Power Source)
Total Device Current
Cable (A) Through

Voltage Drop (V) for Cable Distances in meters

10 m

30 m

100 m

305 m

610 m

1000 m

1524 m

0.001

0.002

0.006

0.019

0.057

0.114

0.188

0.286

0.0014

0.003

0.008

0.026

0.080

0.160

0.263

0.400

0.005

0.009

0.028

0.094

0.286

0.572

0.938

1.430

0.010

0.019

0.056

0.188

0.572

1.145

1.877

2.860

0.014

0.026

0.079

0.263

0.801

1.603

2.627

4.000

0.020

0.038

0.113

0.375

1.145

2.289

3.753

5.720

0.030

0.056

0.169

0.563

1.717

3.434

5.630

8.580

0.042

0.079

0.236

0.788

2.404

4.808

7.882

12.012

0.050

0.094

0.282

0.938

2.862

5.724

9.383

14.300

0.084

0.158

0.473

1.576

4.808

9.616

15.760

11.447

0.100

0.188

0.563

1.877

5.724

0.200

0.375

1.126

3.753

11.447

0.300

0.563

1.689

5.630

17.171

0.400

0.751

2.252

7.506

0.500

0.938

2.815

9.383

0.600

1.126

3.378

11.260

0.700

1.314

3.941

13.136

0.800

1.501

4.504

15.013

0.900

1.689

5.067

16.889

1.000

1.877

5.630

3.6 Power Support

In most applications, electrical power for endpoint devices and controllers must be provided
locally at the component, typically through 24 Vac transformers or similar DC power units. In
some applications, endpoint devices or controllers can be powered over SYSTIMAX cable.
Each 24-AWG conductor can support 1 A (DC or AC RMS) of continuous current at up to
60 C. Do not connect wire pairs in parallel when supporting higher current levels due
to potential failure if one or more circuits fail. In addition, there can be no more than 3.3
A of total current through all conductors when using SYSTIMAX 4-pair cable. To satisfy this
requirement, the power source must be appropriately power limited. Even if the powered
device uses only a small fraction of these currents, the power source must be limited to protect
against cable faults that could draw greater currents.
In addition to limiting the power source, it may be necessary to calculate a maximum distance.
Maximum resistance is 57.2 ohms per pair for every 305 meter. Table 8 gives a range of
solutions for specific device current over a single pair.

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Table 8: Typical Energy Management Device Distances

Maximum Distance in meter

Device Current
Draw (mA)*

For 12 V
Minimum
at Device
(50% V Drop =
12 V)

For 18 V
Minimum at
Device
(25% V Drop)

For 20.4 V
Minimum at
Device
(15% V Drop)

For 21.6 V
Minimum at
Device
(10% V Drop)

For 22.8 V
Minimum at
Device
(5% V Drop)

30

183

183

183

183

183

50

183

183

183

183

128

80

183

183

183

160

79

100

183

183

183

128

64

150

183

183

125

85

42

* Assumes that the transformer supplies 24 Vac

3.7 Current Limiting Devices and Fusing Requirements

Some circuits require additional current limiting devices. Some equipment is current limited to
1 A at the time of manufacture at a current capacity larger than recommended for 24-AWG
cable. A 110 or VisiPatch wiring block will accept additional current limiting devices of input to
output devices. For circuits requiring current limiting, each wire of the circuit must be protected
from over current. This is shown in Figure 10. Positive temperature coefficient (PTC) devices or
fuses are terminated onto the connecting block with a SYSTIMAX D-914 Impact Tool. One wire
of each 2-wire circuit is protected from over current.
Fused 24 Vac and 4 20 mA current loop circuits can also be implemented using the
VisiPatch or 110 wiring blocks.
Important Note: Depending on local codes and equipment location, a metallic enclosure
may be required for this wiring block, or it may have to be mounted in the electrical panel
with the controller.

4-Pair
Cable

4-Pair
Cable

PTC/
Fuses

110/VisiPatch
Wiring Block

Crossconnect
Wire
24 VAC
Ain
Equipment

Equipment

Figure 10: Current Limiting Devices and Fusing Connections

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3.8 Sheath Sharing

The following guidelines apply:
Communication signals (voice, data and video) and BAS signals cannot share the same
binder groups. It may be advisable to use separate riser backbone cables for ease of
demarcation and maintenance.
Use separate binder groups (a group of 25 cable pairs) in the riser backbone cable for
each BAS application. Limited sheath sharing is allowed for BAS applications. Users should
follow the sheath sharing guidelines for signals as specified by a particular vendor for their
equipment.
For the horizontal subsystem, use separate 4-pair cables for each BAS application (Fire-LifeSafety, Security and Access Control, Energy Management Systems including HVAC, and
Lighting Control). Hence a minimum of four 4-pair cables if all four services are required.

3.9 Endpoint Device Connections

Endpoint devices may have 8-pin modular jacks, screw terminals, wire-insert screw-down
connections, wire-insert spring-pressure connections, or pigtail 18-AWG leads. Table 9
summarizes the 24-AWG cable terminations for these connections.

Table 9: Endpoint Connection Types

Endpoint Device Connection Types

Cable Termination Method for 24-AWG Cable

Screw Terminal

Spade Lug Terminal

Wire-Insert Screw-Down

Crimp-On Pin

Wire-Insert Spring-Pressure

Crimp-On Pin

Pigtail Leads

Solder and Insulate

3.9.1 Chain Circuits

To create chained circuits, follow these instructions:
Insert the 8-pin modular plug of a single-ended cord into the outlet which is star connected
to a FD/TR.
Terminate the open end of the cord with the appropriate termination method (see Table 9).
Terminate this end to the connection point of the first device in the chain.
Use the horizontal cable (SYSTIMAX GigaSPEED XL/GigaSPEED X10D) to connect the first
device to the second device (and others in the chain). Terminate this cable on both ends with
the appropriate termination method (see Table 9).
If an EOLR is needed, place it on the connection point of the last device in the chain.

www.commscope.com 14

3.9.2 4-Wire Fault-Tolerant Circuits

Follow these guidelines for 4-wire fault-tolerant circuits:
Connect a chain of devices to an outlet (see section 3.8.1), except for the last device.
Connect the last device to a second outlet which is star connected to a FD/TR using
asingle-ended 8-pin modular cord. The open end of this cord is terminated with the
appropriate termination method (see Table 9) before connecting to the connection point
ofthe last device in the chain.

3.10 Generic Pin Assignments for Building Control Services

The mapping of building control signals to the 8-pin modular jack pinouts is important in
order to ensure consistency and ease of problem troubleshooting/ resolution. CommScope
recommends the use of ANSI/EIA/TIA-568B T568B pin assignment as shown in Figure
11. The generic pin assignments for various supported building control services are shown
in Tables 10 and 11 (Note that the pin assignment for fire and life safety applications are
not shown). The general guideline is that the tip conductor (sometimes refer to as the a leg)
carries the positive (+) signal or power (that is, pins 1, 3, 5 and 7) and the ring conductor
(sometimes refer to as the b leg) carries the negative (-) signal or power (that is, pins 2, 4, 6
and 8). It should be noted that some vendor equipment require additional signalling such as
compensation signals. These signals should therefore be assigned to the appropriate unused
pairs/pins.
The various keys are:
+S

positive signal

-S

negative signal or signal return

ground

+AC

positive power

-AC

negative power or return

Table 10: Energy Management System Applications and Active

Pairs
Pair
Wire

W-BL

BL

W-O

W-G

W-BR

BR

Pin

Controller
Communication Port

+S

-S

A-IN

+AC

-AC

4-20 mA
A-OUT

+24

POWER
D-IN

S1

G1

S2

G2

D-OUT

S1

G1

S2

G2

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Table 11: Security and Access Control Applications and Active

Pairs
Pair
Wire

W-BL

BL

W-O

W-G

W-BR

BR

Pin

Data 0 (Clock)

Data 1 (Card
Information)

LED

+ Power

Ground

Door Strike Power

Door Strike
Common

Pair 3
Pair 2

1 2

Pair 1

4 5

Pair 4

Jack Position
Figure 11: ANSI/EIA/TIA Figure
T568B11:
pin
assignment
ANSI/EIA/TIA
T568B pin assignment

www.commscope.com
Visit our Web site or contact your local
CommScope representative for more information.
2011 CommScope, Inc. All rights reserved.
All trademarks identified by or are registered trademarks
or trademarks, respectively, of CommScope, Inc.
This document is for planning purposes only and is not
intended to modify or supplement any specifications or
warranties relating to CommScope products or services.
MI-94

07/11