HypSys_CIMdec_1707 1 6/16/17 2:57 PM

FOR PROFESSIONALS MANAGING THE CABLE AND WIRELESS

JULY 2017 SYSTEMS THAT ENABLE CRITICAL COMMUNICATIONS

SECURING OIL WELLS USING

FIBER OPTICS PAGE 5

TECHNOLOGY PAGE 14

PoE powers the

Internet of Things
CODES AND STANDARDS PAGE 18

Proposals to amend
2017 NEC
INSTALLATION PAGE 20

Fiber inspection has

come a long way

w w w.c a b li n g i n s t a ll .c o m

1707CIM_C1 1 6/22/17 7:43 AM

 Connect to performance
and protection.

Keeping the network up and running in harsh environments requires the right equipment. That’s why our NEMA-rated 4X/IP66
and 3S/IP64 enclosures are designed and engineered to protect against damage, breakage, exposure to extreme temperatures,
shock, pressure, and other adverse conditions that could hinder performance.

Are You Corning Connected?

We provide the only certified all-optical, tip-to-tip harsh environment solution available in the industry today.
Check out www.corning.com/performance to learn more about our rugged hardware offerings.

© 2017 Corning Optical Communications. LAN-2181-AEN / July 2017

1707CIM_C2 2 6/22/17 7:43 AM

 CONTENTS J U LY 2 017
vol. 25, no. 7

ABOUT THE COVER

Fiber-optic sensing systems
secure environments including
pipelines like the one shown
here. Photo credit and copyright:
Nesjerry, Dreamstime.com.
SEE ARTICLE ON PAGE 5.

Group Publisher Alan Bergstein

(603)-891-9447; alanb@pennwell.com
Chief Editor Patrick McLaughlin
(603) 891-9222; patrick@pennwell.com
Senior Editor Matt Vincent
(603) 891-9262; mattv@pennwell.com
Art Director Cindy Chamberlin
Production Director Mari Rodriguez
Senior Illustrator Dan Rodd
Marketing Manager Joni Montemagno
Audience Development Manager Stephanie O’Shea

FEATURES Ad Traffic Manager Glenda van Duyne

5 DESIGN 18 CODES AND STANDARDS

www.pennwell.com

Distributed sensing cable in
industrial environments
MATTHEW MILLER
PoE-related amendments
proposed to the 2017 NEC
PATRICK MCLAUGHLIN
EDITORIAL OFFICES
Cabling Installation & Maintenance
61 Spit Brook Road, Suite 401, Nashua, NH 03060
Tel: (603) 891-0123, Fax: (603) 891-9245
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CORPORATE OFFICERS

9 NETWORK CABLE 20 INSTALLATION Chairman Robert F. Biolchini

Quality and safety standards for
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DUSTIN GUTTADAURO
The remarkable evolution of
modern fiber-optic connector
inspection probes
Vice Chairman Frank T. Lauinger
President and Chief Executive Officer
Mark C. Wilmoth
Executive Vice President, Corporate Development
and Strategy Jayne A. Gilsinger
Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial

14 TECHNOLOGY MAURY WOOD Officer Brian Conway

PoE as IoT infrastructure
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23 PERSPECTIVE
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DEPARTMENTS Cabling Installation & Maintenance® (ISSN 1073-3108), Volume 24,

No. 7. Cabling Installation & Maintenance is published 12 times a year,

3 26
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What a twisted pair
32
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 PAYING TOO MUCH?

ICC Elite Installers SAVE 20 - 40% on ICC Premise Cable, jacks and patch panels. Our fiber enclosures are 50% less
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1707CIM_2 2 6/22/17 7:41 AM

 EDITORIAL

W H AT 'S N E W AT
www.cablinginstall.com
What a twisted pair
In this space last month I opined about the many
places and environments in which cabling in-
frastructure could, can, and will provide needed
connectivity ("The places it will go," June 2017
STANDARDS page 3). That column briefly mentioned single-pair
Get the 2.5/5GBase-T Ethernet applications including 100Base-T1 and
standard at no cost
1000Base-T1.
Shortly after I made that observation, the
PATRICK McLAUGHLIN Telecommunications Industry Association's TR-
patrick@pennwell.com 42 Engineering Committee met for a week, as it
does three times per year. During its June 12-16
meetings, TR-42 initiated four new projects related to single-pair twisted-pair
cabling infrastructure. Among those projects is the effort that ultimately will
result in the publication of ANSI/TIA-568.5, specifying single twisted-pair ca-
bling and components. The standard will provide specifications for cables, con-
FIBER OPTICS
nectors, cords, links and channels using one-pair connectivity in non-indus-
MPO optical loss tester trial networks, according to a working statement of the standard's scope. The
standard will be geared toward what are called "MICE1" environments. MICE
is an acronym for mechanical, ingress, climatic, and electromagnetic. The TIA-
1005 standard series include MICE tables, which numerically characterize the
TESTING
network environment's severity for each of the four conditions. The higher the
Can
testing number, the more severe the environment. In practical application, a MICE1 en-
become vironment is a commercial office space.
an opex Aother effort that TR-42 initiated in June is an addendum (Addendum 2)
instead to the ANSI/TIA-568.0-D standard. The addendum will add single balanced
of a twisted-pair use cases, topology and architecture to the standard. "The stan-
capex for
dard will include installation requirements and additional guidelines for transi-
installers?
tioning from 4-pair to 1-pair cabling," says an early-stage scope of the standard.
Also on TR-42's docket, Addendum 2 to the ANSI/TIA-862-B Structured
DATA CENTER Cabling Infrastructure Standard for Intelligent Building Systems. Like the ad-
Multi-Tenant dendum to the 568.0-D spec, this one will add uses cases, topology, and ar-
Data Center chitecture for single-pair cabling. Additionally, this document will provide
Alliance forms
single-twisted-pair cabling guidelines for emerging Internet of Things and ma-
chine-to-machine (M2M) applications that will require higher density, reduced
size, and greater flexibility than can be provided by existing technology.
DESIGN AND
Finally, Addendum 4 to the ANSI/TIA-1005-A Telecommunications
INSTALLATION
App Infrastructure Standard for Industrial Premises will specify cables, connectors,
simplifies firestop cords, links and channels using one-pair connectivity in MICE2 and MICE3
specification environments.
We will track the progress of these standards efforts and report that progress
to you in the months ahead.

www.cablinginstall.com Cabling Installation & Maintenance JULY 2017 3

1707CIM_3 3 6/22/17 7:41 AM

1707CIM_4 4 6/22/17 7:41 AM
 design
Distributed sensing cable
in industrial environments
Sensing can take one of several technological
forms, and can be used in many applications.
BY MATTHEW MILLER, Corning Optical Communications
Today’s networks are more demanding
than ever before—always on, always re-
liable, and with no downtime regard-
less of the application or environment.
Instead of responding to issues once
they occur, owners and operators are
looking for ways to proactively manage
their infrastructure. How can issues
be detected and addressed before they
happen, so reliability is guaranteed and
downtime is eliminated?
Imagine being able to continu-
ously, accurately, and in real-time de-
tect small acoustic, temperature, and/
or strain changes anywhere along an
optical cable in the outside plant envi-
ronment. And depending on the inter-
rogation unit or laser source used, you
could have the ability to detect vari-
ous environmental events at distances
from ones to tens of kilometers away,
with large numbers of distributed “vir-
tual” sensors along the path. This is
possible by using optical fiber as the in-
trinsic sensing medium.
So how does the technology work,
what are the benefits, and what ap-
plications are possible? We’ll start
with a brief history before an explana-
tion of the various types of fiber sen-
sor networks.
www.cablinginstall.com
1707CIM_5 5
Sensing: A brief history
It has been more than 50 years since the
first patent was filed that considered
the use of fiber optics as a way to mea-
sure environmental events. U.S. Patent
03327584, granted in 1967, describes a fi-
ber bundle that would simultaneously
illuminate a surface and also capture
the reflected light. In the early 1980s, fi-
ber-optic acoustic systems for sensor
arrays were used for lightweight wide
aperture array (LWWAA) for Virginia
Class submarines, towed arrays, and
various surveillance systems.
The use of fiber-optic sensing for in-
well/down-well monitoring in the oil
and gas industry has been ongoing for
the past 20 years. In the 2000s, distrib-
uted temperature sensing was used, fol-
lowed by the use of distributed acoustic
sensing in the 2010s. Although the tech-
nology is recognized as providing value
in many instances, it is far from being
deployed on every well. However, there is
promise that fiber sensing will become
standard in certain applications.
For the past decade, distributed fi-
ber-optic sensing has been used to de-
tect and prevent onshore oil and gas
pipeline leaks. As an example, in 2016,
OptaSense won a contract to supply
Cabling Installation & Maintenance
a pipeline leak detection and security
solution for the Trans-Anatolian Natural
Gas Pipeline (TANAP). The solution will
monitor more than 1850 kilometers of
pipeline as well as perimeter security for
all facilities. Currently there are more
than 15,000 kilometers of pipeline being
monitoring by fiber sensing technology
around the world.
There are three types of fiber-sens-
ing networks.
Point senor networks—In a point
sensor network, each sensor is discrete
and must be backhauled individually.
Point sensors are usually used in short-
er-length deployments. Understanding
where the point sensors are along a
given path is critical to being able to
properly interpret data received from
the environment.
Quasi-distributed sensor net-
works—One version of quasi-distrib-
uted sensing includes the use of several
fiber Bragg gratings (FBG), which are
embedded into the fiber. The refractive
index of the fiber core is modified such
that certain wavelengths of light pass
through while others are reflected back
toward the source. Each FBG can reflect
a specific wavelength, making each one
identifiable along the fiber pathway. In
other words, FBGs are like inline wave-
length filters that reflect specific wave-
lengths back to the source, and multiple
FBGs can be employed into a single fiber
path. As with point sensor networks, un-
derstanding where the FBGs are in rela-
tion to what is being detected is key to
JULY 2017 5
6/22/17 7:41 AM
 Distributed sensing cable in industrial environments continued
proper interpretation of the data.
Distributed sensor networks—In a
distributed sensor network, the number
of sensors along an optical fiber is dis-
tributed, and the numbers vary based
on the length of the system, the spa-
tial resolution of the sensors, and the in-
terrogator box used. Typically the spa-
tial resolution of each sensor is 1 to 10
meters. Distributed sensing is accom-
plished by sending a pulse of light down
a fiber and interpreting the backscat-
tered light from that pulse. By looking
at Rayleigh, Brillouin, and Raman back-
scatter, it is possible to detect acoustic,
strain/temperature, and temperature,
respectively. Distributed sensing can re-
place the often-cumbersome and costly
integration of hundreds or thousands of
separate sensors into a single continu-
ous solution.
There are three main types of distrib-
uted sensing applications.
• With distributed acoustic sensing
(DAS), “virtual” microphones are dis-
tributed along a fiber. The number
of microphones is based on a com-
bination of spatial resolution, dis-
tance, and pulse width. Depending
on the vendor, each interrogator has
a typical range of 30 to 50 kilometers.
Multiple interrogators can be net-
worked together, which gives a sin-
gle operator thousands of kilome-
ters to monitor.
• In distributed temperature sensing
(DTS) applications, “virtual” ther-
mometers are distributed along a fi-
ber. DTS can have a range of 10 to 100
kilometers, spatial resolution of 1 to
5 meters, measurement time from 2
to 30 minutes, and temperature mea-
surement accuracy from <0.5 degrees
to <5.5 degrees Celsius. Keep in mind
that range, spatial resolution, mea-
surement time, and temperature ac-
curacy are interdependent.
• Distributed strain sensing (DSS)
6 JULY 2017 Cabling Installation & Maintenance
1707CIM_6 6
Types of fiber sensor networks
Backscattered
light
Point
Light pulse
Quasi-distributed
Light pulse
Distributed
Light pulse
Fiber-sensing network types include point (in which each sensor is discrete
and must be backhauled individually), quasi-distributed (in which fiber Bragg
gratings are like inline wavelength filters that reflect specific wavelengths back
to the source), and distributed (in which the number of sensors along the fiber is
distributed and the numbers vary based on system length).
includes “virtual” strain gauges and analyzed. The Brillouin optical time
distributed along a fiber. Using a domain reflectometer (BOTDR) is used,
Brillouin-based system, it is possi- or for enhanced detection, a Brillouin
ble with some solutions to measure optical time domain analyzer (BOTDA)
strain at a range of more than 65 kilo- can be used. Standard singlemode opti-
meters, spatial resolution of approx- cal fiber is typically used.
imately 1 meter, and a strain resolu- Raman backscatter is primarily used
tion of less than 10 microstrains. for temperature detection applications.
In order to detect temperature changes,
As noted above, in a distributed sen- the anti-stokes Raman peak, which is
sor network, backscattered light can be temperature-dependent, and the stokes
broken down into three components: Raman peak, which is almost tempera-
Rayleigh, Brillouin, and Raman. ture-independent, are compared. The
Rayleigh backscatter is used primar- temperature is determined based on
ily for distributed acoustic applications. the delta between the two. For shorter
Acoustic signals or sound waves that distances, standard multimode fiber is
impact the fiber cause small changes typically used.
in the refractive index. These changes
can be detected with Rayleigh back- Industry overview
scatter when using a coherent optical According to Future Market Insights,
time-domain reflectometer (COTDR). the oil and gas market segments are key
Standard singlemode optical fiber is drivers in the growth of distributed sen-
typically used. sor networks, and dominate the global
Brillouin backscatter is used for distributed fiber-optic sensor market.
strain and/or temperature measure- The technology, for example, can be
ments. When the fiber is under strain a used in downwell applications, and in
Brillouin frequency shift can be detected both above- and below-ground pipelines
www.cablinginstall.com
6/22/17 7:41 AM
 for leak detection and prevention. The
Do You Need
technology is also valuable in the se-
curity segment, for perimeter security
Space Savings in
applications.
Geographically, North America is Your Data Center?
expected to be the largest market for

28AWG Small
distributed sensors, and temperature
sensing is expected to lead the applica-
tion category.
Distributed sensor networks have OD Modular Plugs
value in a variety of applications, includ-
ing infrastructures for pipeline leak pre-
vention and detection, oil and gas sys-
tems, and downwell monitoring.
DAS, DTS, and DSS are all appropri-
ate for pipeline leak prevention and de-
tection. A DAS network can locate leaks
along a pipeline from the noise cre-
ated when liquid or gas moves through
a small hole. The leak can also create a
negative pressure wave generated from
the pressure differential at the hole lo-
cation, which travels down the length of
the pipeline and is detected.
A DTS network can detect changes in
Product Features:
soil temperature surrounding high-pres-
sure gas lines via the Joule-Thomson
• Terminations to AW
AWG
WG 2 288 & 30
30 patch
patch
paatch c
cable
ca
Effect. And using DSS networks, a leak • CAT6 & CAT6a ap orm
rm
ma
performance
pe rfo anc
nce e
from a high-pressure gas line can cause
the temperature of the soil to change
• Shielded & unshielded
lde ed d
d designs
de igns
essign
igns
via the Joule-Thomson Effect as well • Low profile strain eff boot
in relief
relie
re lie bo
boo
as cause the ground to heave. Ground • Proprietary contact
ac & wirewire
movement in the vicinity of the pipe-
line can also be detected from seismic or alignment systems
geological activity.
Distributed sensor networks can
also be used for bridges, dams and le- +1 717.235.7512
512
2
vees; fire alarm and monitoring; power
utilities; monitoring of umbilicals; rail- www.StewartConnector.com
or.c
co
way applications; and commercial build-
ings. Additionally, DAS, DTS, and DSS
can all be used to monitor subsea sys-
tems (such as flowlines, pipelines, and
subsea tiebacks). The networks are also
appropriate for perimeter security and
asset protection, such as utility (water,
energy, communications), border, in-
dustrial (petrochemical, refinery), and

www.cablinginstall.com

1707CIM_7 7 6/22/17 7:41 AM

 Distributed sensing cable in industrial environments continued

$M Distributed sensor network growth projection choice of material and fiber prop-
2,500 erties dependent on the application
2,362
requirements
Other • Lightweight cable options for ease of
2,000
2,000 installation
1,679 Transp/Infra

1,492 Distributed sensing networks are grow-

1,500
1,325
1,000
500
0 continuous monitoring and provide crit-
2017 2018 2019
Fiber Market Insights projects the fiber-optic sensing market will grow at a
10.4-percent compound annual growth rate through 2026. The researcher
expects temperature sensing to lead the application category.
transportation (road, rail, port, airport)
applications.
All industries need standards.
Standards help to ensure compatibility
and interoperability, and also help make
product development simpler. Overall,
there are few standards on distributed
fiber-optic sensing, although several
have been published.
• IEC 61757-1 Fibre optic sensors – Part
1: Generic specification
• IEC 61757-1-1 Fibre optic sensors –
Part 1-1: Strain measurement – Strain
sensors based on fibre Bragg grat-
ings, Edition 1.0, 2016-02
• IEC 61757-2-2 Fibre optic sensors
– Part 2-2: Temperature measure-
ment–Distributed sensing, Edition
1.0, 2016-05
• SEAFOM-MSP-01 – Measurement
Specification for Distributed
Temperature Sensing, January 2016
To provide more awareness of the ben-
efits of optical sensing technologies, a
new trade association, the Fiber Optic
Sensing Association (FOSA), has been
Security
Pipeline
Downhole
2020 2021
formed. The association’s mission is “to
educate industry, government and the
public on the benefits of using advanced
optical fiber based sensing technolo-
gies to enhance public safety, promote
security of critical facilities and infra-
structure, and protect the environment.”
FOSA launched in April 2017 and held its
inaugural meeting in May.
Distributed sensor
network components
As in other networks, a distributed
sensor network contains both active
(source/interrogator boxes) and passive
(fiber-optic cable, hardware, and con-
nectivity) components. When selecting
system components, the following fac-
tors should be considered.
• A compact and robust cable design
capable of being deployed in various
conditions including direct buried,
strapped, and aerial
• Aperture design and solid embedded
fiber to allow for leading strain and
acoustic sensitivity
• Flexible design options, with a
ing in number and can provide bene-
fits across multiple applications, such
as optical fiber’s immunity to electro-
magnetic interference when used as the
sensing medium. In industrial and man-
ufacturing applications, where condi-
tions can be harsh and uptime and reli-
ability are critical, the networks enable
ical analysis that can help detect poten-
tial problems before they occur.
In this article, you have learned about
the different sensing methods, how the
technology works, many of the benefits,
and potential applications. Distributed
acoustic, temperature, and strain sens-
ing applies to many of the same ver-
ticals where optical fiber is used for
communications.
Over the past 10 years, the technol-
ogy has matured and is now used to
monitor thousands of kilometers of
pipelines, thousands of oil and gas un-
derground wells, and more. With the
market for fiber-optic sensing growing
at a compound annual growth rate of
10.4 percent a year from 2016-2026, the
maturation of the market, applications,
and solutions will continue.
With the creation of the Fiber Optic
Sensing Association, fiber sensing has a
champion that will help educate industry
and government as well as accelerate the
adoption of the technology. While this
article may have been the first time you
have heard about distributed fiber-optic
sensing, it probably won’t be the last. u
Matthew Miller is manager of LAN market
development and portfolio for Corning Optical
Communications.

8 JULY 2017 Cabling Installation & Maintenance www.cablinginstall.com

1707CIM_8 8 6/22/17 7:41 AM

 network cable
Quality and safety
standards for industrial
communications cabling
impact long-term bottom line
How industrial communications cabling quality and
safety standards prevent millions in liability claims.
BY DUSTIN GUTTADAURO, L-Com
For industrial communications cabling,
cost and performance specifications are
often the most important factors consid-
ered when purchasing cabling for a new
installation or retrofit. However, there
are a wealth of other considerations that
are often neglected for the sake of eco-
nomic expedience. Among these oft-for-
gotten considerations are mechanical
reliability and safety standards. Given
This is a screenshot from an L-com video in which crush-resistance of an armored
cable is tested.
www.cablinginstall.com
1707CIM_9 9
that industrial communications cabling
is now being relied upon for high-speed
communications, control signaling, and
video monitoring/surveillance in a wide
range of industrial applications, fire
safety codes and other safety standards
may be the difference between a suc-
cessful business or project and safety lia-
bilities leading to bankrupting lawsuits.
Furthermore, as counterfeit cabling has
Cabling Installation & Maintenance
become so rampant, ensuring that an
honest and reputable supplier is directly
providing industrial communications
cabling that meets all applicable safety
standards, can also prevent liability and
the risks to human life.
Built to last
Industrial Ethernet has effectively re-
placed Fieldbus technology in certain
manufacturing environments with au-
tomation and process control. In the
1960s Fieldbus networks could support
the throughput of analog valves, pumps,
and motors. As the complexity of instru-
mentation on the plant floor and the
data transmission between master and
slave devices increased, Ethernet connec-
tions and protocols became a more feasi-
ble option. Commercial Ethernet evolved
significantly to keep up with informa-
tion throughput and data rates, form the
10-Mbit/sec thick coax to the twisted
shielded pairs and fiber optics today
with Gigabit Ethernet. While proprietary
Fieldbus technologies are still leveraged
today, Ethernet has proliferated in indus-
trial environments due to its cost-effec-
tiveness, reliability, and scalability.
According to an Aberdeen study, as
of 2010, 69 percent of the best-in-class
manufacturers were using Industrial
Ethernet protocols for communication
JULY 2017 9
6/22/17 7:41 AM
 Quality and safety standards for industrial communications cabling impact long-term bottom line continued
between industrial control systems and
their components. The best-in-class
manufacturers (the top 20 percent)
achieved 99.97 percent uptime, or ap-
proximately 3 hours of downtime per
year, while the laggards (the bottom
30 percent) achieved 99.14 percent up-
time, or about 75 hours of downtime per
year. The 72-hour difference between
the best-in-class and the laggards could
mean the difference between a compa-
ny’s long-term success or eventually go-
ing under. Still, commercial Ethernet
was not a perfect fit for industrial ap-
plications as the protocols and physi-
cal cables needed some custom-tailor-
ing. While industrial-grade Ethernet
protocols were designed for determin-
ism and their electrical performance
optimized for factors such as EMI/RFI
protection, the physical layer needed to
be ruggedized.
As some of the end users of data ca-
bles, data networking engineers face
these hardware mishaps often enough.
To shed light on some of the statis-
tics, in a recent report from NewWorld
Telecom, 83 percent of Category 6 man-
ufactured patch cables failed testing,
with field-terminated patch cables far-
ing far worse. Stray nails, sharp metal
edges, rodents gnawing, sun exposure,
backhoes digging, forklifts running over
cables, automated machines vibrating
constantly, temperature fluctuations,
humidity and moisture ingress, fire, and
even shark attacks are all realities that
a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) data
cable can face in the real world. While
some of these circumstances are rare,
many are frequent, if not constant, in
nature and enough to warrant a design
for mechanical toughness.
Points of failure
A robust industrial cable assembly gen-
erally requires multiple lines of defense
against potentially damaging scenarios.
10 JULY 2017 Cabling Installation & Maintenance
1707CIM_10 10
Data cables can be under high duress with automated equipment that flexes
thousands to hundreds of thousands of times daily. (Source: bmwblog.com)
In processing plants, a cable may be
flexed frequently and should therefore
be protected against the common fail-
ures at the fulcrum point between a
connector and a cable. Frequent mat-
ing and unmating of the connector head
could cause the gold plating on the con-
ductors to rub off, reducing the over-
all connectivity the cable can provide.
Harsh environments can expose cables
to a host of failures; if a cable is not rug-
gedized in these circumstances any one
potentially degrading scenario can cost
an operation their vital connectivity for
seconds to hours at a time.
Crushing—Industrial manufacturing
environments can expose cabling to ex-
cessive shock, vibration, and sometimes
crushing. Armored Ethernet cables with
interlocked metal sheaths are typically
leveraged for crush resistance in sce-
narios where heavy construction ma-
chinery can repeatedly run over these
interconnects or for underground rout-
ing where the cabling can be repeatedly
torqued and pulled on. The interlocking
generates cable resistance to cross-sec-
tional deformities under pressure while
its semi-rigid nature allows for routing
flexibility. Even small changes in the
cross-section could heavily increase the
attenuation of the cable.
Flexing and bending—Extensive flex-
ing and bending to a cable in automated
manufacturing environments causes
tears in the shielding and inner conduc-
tor, leading to intermittent signals and
even downtime. Each and every com-
ponent of a cable can be designed to-
ward flexibility including the inner con-
ductors, shielding, insulation, and cable
jacket. The friction generated from
constant flexure is what causes tear-
ing in the cabling. This heat generation
needs to be mitigated in order to qual-
ify as a high-flex cable. Constant bend-
ing can also permanently deform the ca-
ble strands due to irregular compression
and stretching in the cable core. This
would not be of consequence in a cable
with a uniform cross-sectional area such
as a coaxial cable but since Ethernet ca-
bles include multiple conductors bun-
dled together, there is an inner radius
that compresses during a bend while the
outer radius stretches. In a multi-lay-
ered bunch of cables each conductor is
compressing and stretching to a varying
www.cablinginstall.com
6/22/17 7:41 AM
 Quality and safety standards for industrial communications cabling impact long-term bottom line continued

used jacket materials such as polyeth-

ylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
can have melting points as low as 150
degrees Fahrenheit. While a sun expo-
sure may not subject a cable to tem-
perature that high, the constant UV will
eventually cause the cable to crack and
allow moisture to migrate through the
cable and potentially to the connector
head conductors, shorting out and per-
manently damaging electronic industry.

Safety standards
To avoid interconnects occupying oper-
ational spaces, wires are routed in inside
walls and in plenum spaces, or spaces
Shown here is a screenshot from a video that captures the difference between that facilitate air circulation for heat-
CMP-rated communications cable and a counterfeit cable, by performing a burn ing, ventilation and air conditioning
test on each set of cables. The counterfeit cable is a pathway for fire to spread (HVAC) systems. While plenum areas
rapidly in a plenum space, and is a serious fire hazard. (Source: Communications provide a convenient platform for rout-
Cable and Connectivity Association) ing, they also provide a path of least re-
sistance in the case of a fire outbreak.
degree. This may not be an issue in a A standard COTS cable for commercial Fire can very rapidly spread through an
fairly static environment but when a ca- use typically will not take oil seepage entire building undeterred in plenum
ble is flexed millions of times, the “cork- into consideration as specialty plasti- spaces. In these circumstances, the plas-
screwing” of the cable can occur and cizers can be inserted in the PVC mate- ticizers used in the cable jacket are crit-
render it nonfunctional. rial in order to produce cold flexibility, ical. Overheated wires and cabling can
To mitigate the effects of heat gen- heat or UV resistance, flame retardance, contribute to Class-C fires, where ohmic
eration from friction, certain metal al- and extraction resistance from chemi- heating occurs, or a large current flow
loys are employed to ensure more flex- cal exposure. that overheats the cable due to the resis-
ibility. Some factors that contribute to Oil ingress is one such type of agita- tance in the conductor. This leads to the
the flexibility of a material are tensile tion that can weaken the jacket of a ca- entire cable overheating, causing an al-
strength, or the resistance of a material ble by dispersing the plasticizers from most instantaneous burst of flames that
to stretching, and yield point, or the up- the material. This can either swell, melt, can spread to nearby combustible ma-
per limit of the stress applied to a plas- or crack the jacket and insulating mate- terials. In these types of fires, water is
tic material before it begins to deform rial. These types of deformities in the ca- not necessarily effective in mitigating
permanently. Corkscrewing from ex- ble can not only degrade performance, the spread due to the continuous power
cessive bending and flexing can be pre- but also can cause complete failures, running through the cabling. Either the
vented by limiting the pitch, or distance both of which can cost tens of thou- power source has to be shut down or the
between conductors, to distribute the sands of dollars per hour for an opera- oxygen deprived from the space to con-
tensile stresses on the inner conductors. tion. Generally, when the plastic jacket trol the fire. In some instances, these
The core and cable jacket can be spe- fails the cable corrodes rapidly thereaf- backup plans may not be an option so
cially designed to assist with buffering ter, rendering the cable useless. combustible overheated wires have been
the forces on the bundled wires. UV exposure—Sunlight exposure is the cause of some of the most serious
Oil exposure—Oil rigs, offshore drill- another such circumstance that can telecommunications fires.
ing, deepwater drilling, and other gas rapidly decrease the lifecycle of a cable Fire-retardant polymers can be spe-
installations call for data cables resis- as the UV radiation can leach out the cifically engineered for plenum spaces
tant to water submersion as well as oil. plasticizers in the material. Commonly allowing cables to be “CMP” rated.

www.cablinginstall.com Cabling Installation & Maintenance JULY 2017 11

1707CIM_11 11 6/22/17 7:41 AM

 Quality and safety standards for industrial communications cabling impact long-term bottom line continued

Understanding cable flammability ratings

Plenum (CMP)-rated cable:
Complies with NFPA-262 and UL-910. It is
the only cable allowed in spaces defined as
air plenums such as raised flooring systems
and air-handling ducts. Plenum cables
must self-extinguish and not re-ignite.
Low-smoke zero-halogen
(LSZH)-rated cable: Used in ship-
board applications and computer net-
working rooms where toxic or acidic
smoke and fumes can injure people and/
or equipment. Examples of halogens
include fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine. These materials,
when burned, produce acidic smoke that can cause harm. These
cables will self-extinguish.
Riser (CMR)-rated cable:
Complies with UL-1666. Defined
for usage in vertical tray applica-
tions such as cable runs between
floors through cable risers or in ele-
vator shafts. These cables must
self-extinguish.
General purpose (CM, CMG,
CMx) cable: Complies with UL-1581
testing. They will burn and partially
self-extinguish. Not for use between
building floors or in air plenum
spaces. Often these cables are used for workstation cables and
patch cords.

Similarly, CMR-rated, or cables de-
signed for vertical installations such as
between floors and in elevator shafts,
are often required by local and national
building codes for fire safety. Both CMR-
and CMP-rated cables are fire-retardant
and self-extinguish. The CMP-rated ca-
ble has the highest fire resistance level
and so it goes through the most strin-
gent tests. Counterfeit cabling from un-
reliable vendors can lead to these types
of hazardous scenarios where a PVC ca-
ble jacket allows for nearly spontaneous
combustion of the surrounding ca-
bles, providing a path for fire to spread
rapidly. Fire-retardant, or self-extin-
guishing, jackets are a must in indus-
trial standards for multiple wire runs in
plenum spaces.
CMP- and CMR-rated cables are a good
fit for spaces where smoke is designed to
be ventilated out, but this may not be an
option in confined spaces in buildings,
cars, trains, submarines, or in aircrafts
where there may not be any straightfor-
ward way to exit. Industrial communica-
tions cables can often employ halogens
such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and
iodine in their cable jacketing as they can
be effective fire retardants when burned,
these halogens release poisonous gases.
For instance, a chlorine-containing plas-
tic material. When burnt, releases hydro-
gen chloride, a poisonous gas that forms
hydrochloric acid when it comes in con-
tact with water. With the increase in ca-
bling in industrial applications, it is often
necessary to employ low-smoke/zero-halo-
gen (LSZH) rated cables for their ability to
self-extinguish rapidly to stifle the flow of
toxic gases.
Approximately 72 percent of network
faults can be attributed to failure at the
OSI Layer 1 (Physical Media), Layer 2
(Data Link), and/or Layer 3 (Network).
The mechanical reliability of these ca-
bles can not only directly affect the elec-
trical properties of cables, but poor cable
construction also can eventually ren-
der them nonfunctional, inevitably im-
pacting the long-term bottom line of
both manufacturer and customer. The
ramifications that come with counter-
feit cabling can be enormous in the case
of a fire. True CMR- and CMP-rated ca-
bles can be ensured from reputable
manufacturers. Failures for large-scale
cable installations will either lead back
to a poor installation, failure of moving
parts (i.e. power supplies, fans, etc.), or
subpar cable qualities.
From cables bent beyond their pre-
specified bend radius to extended expo-
sure in outdoor spaces, the heavy burden
of connectivity for massive companies
falls on the hardware and its intercon-
nections—intermittent connectivity
and latency may be tolerable on a small-
scale, but can cost millions in large-
scale enterprises. According to Ponemon
Institute, the average cost of a data cen-
ter outage has steadily increased from
$505,502 in 2010 to $740,357 in 2016—a
38-percent net change in a matter of
six years. From shock and vibration to
sun, moisture, and oil exposure, indus-
trial communications cables must be ro-
bustly designed to prevent failures as
the interconnections between equip-
ment are cornerstone to the functional-
ity of an operation. u
Dustin Guttadauro is product manager with
L-Com.

12 JULY 2017 Cabling Installation & Maintenance www.cablinginstall.com

1707CIM_12 12 6/22/17 7:41 AM

1707CIM_13 13 6/22/17 7:41 AM
 technology
Power over Ethernet as
IoT infrastructure for
commercial spaces
Commercial building developers, owners are using PoE
as a means to optimize workspaces, boost productivity
and improve energy efficiency.
BY GIOVANNI FREZZA, MOLEX
One of the most promising technolo-
gies allowing Internet Protocol (IP)
convergence for building au-
tomation networks,
Power over Ethernet
(PoE) distributed net-
works deliver electrical
power and transmit communication sig-
nals over standard low-voltage category
cabling to various endpoints—including
LED lighting, HVAC controls, cameras
and other locally networked devices. PoE
distributed networks offer high availabil-
ity for power, guarantee uninterrupted
service and lower operating expenses by
providing network resiliency at a lower
cost by consolidating backup power.
Smart lighting sets the stage
The need for “smart” lighting in commer-
cial buildings set the stage for PoE distrib-
uted networks. LEDs require low-voltage
DC power in contrast with older lighting
sources, which use AC power. Distribution
of power and data on low-voltage cabling
is possible using the same category in-
frastructure deployed by the IT industry.
14 JULY 2017 Cabling Installation & Maintenance
1707CIM_14 14
A Transcend UPoE Gateway. The
device is capable of 60W output and
distributes power and data to lights,
sensors and other low-voltage devices
on the network.
Delivering significantly improved light
quality, with smoother intensity and dim-
ming functions, and dynamically adjust-
able color temperature, LEDs are versa-
tile, efficient, secure and able to support
available wattages in PoE networks.
PoE LED lighting requires the low-volt-
age power distribution and data commu-
nication backbone for control. Each PoE
node receives a unique IP address, allow-
ing integration of LED fixtures, sensors
and other devices with other building au-
tomation systems. Powered with a simple
RJ45 connector, lights, sensors and other
devices become intelligent and are faster
to deploy by eliminating the need for an
electrician to line voltage infrastructure,
rework wiring and install power outlets
at every endpoint.
By adapting to
mood, task and am-
bient lighting, PoE LED
lighting systems can be used to
customize the user experience using di-
rect, indirect, ambient and decorative
schemes in a dynamic and purposeful
control. LED luminaires with bio-adap-
tive functionality can mimic natural
daylight by gradually changing from
cool-temperature, high-intensity in the
morning to a warmer, less-intensive light
later in the day. Subtle changes in light-
ing intensity provide a more natural work
environment that fosters higher produc-
tivity, while optimizing energy savings
through sensor feedback.
PoE distributed networks also sup-
port trends in scalable densification, with
more efficient and functional workspace
layouts than traditional cubicles or of-
fices. Networked light switches, WiFi and
device charging stations, video, telecon-
ferencing and presentation equipment for
sharing laptop and mobile device content
can accommodate staff collaboration.
Control over PoE allows rapid changes in
device parameter settings and zone pro-
gramming simply be reassigning devices
and sensors depending on space utili-
zation needs.
Sensors located throughout a com-
mercial or office space, often embedded
www.cablinginstall.com
6/22/17 7:41 AM
 Transcend lighting system
Cisco catalyst Molex Molex
Molex
transcend + network + category + transcend + Lighting
software switch cable PoE gateway fixtures/sensors
A schematic of the Transcend Network Connected Lighting System. Transcend,
a PoE lighting system, comprises Molex Transcend software, Cisco networking
technology, a PoE gateway, category cables, sensors and lighting fixtures from
various manufacturers. Molex is a Cisco Solutions Technology Integrator.
in LED lighting fixtures, can collect and power sourcing equipment and devices
feed data to a central host server to report using two-pair or four-pair connections
and measure air quality, temperature, oc- to transmit power. The original PoE stan-
cupancy and real-time energy consump- dard (IEEE 802.3af) based on 15.4W per
tion for improved operational control and switch port of power has increased to
efficiency. Aggregate data collected over 30W in PoE Plus (IEEE 802.3at) using a
time translates into business insights, in- two-pair power transfer format. Newer
forming space utilization and flow pat- standards use a four-pair power transfer
terns, dynamic conditions within speci- format designed to support 60W (UPOE)
fied areas, and how different spaces, floor, and more than 95W (POH) per switch
or buildings compare in terms of utiliza- port. UPOE technology uses all four
tion, energy usage and productivity. twisted pairs.
A PoE gateway physically connects
Streamlined construction and retrofit and powers luminaires, sensor nodes, wall
A PoE distributed network infrastruc- dimmers, and other local devices to the
ture can add significant value for build- control manager. A growing variety of sen-
ing developers, owners and occupants. sors and devices can be powered by a PoE
By eliminating the need for a dual infra- gateway and deployed as modules or inte-
structure—one to distribute power and grated with lighting fixtures. In some ap-
another to provide communication, data plications or cases, PoE can be bridged to
and control on low-voltage cables, new wireless technology. For building automa-
construction and deep retrofits are sim- tion and digital lighting a sub-GHz wire-
pler and faster than traditional AC/DC less technology is well-suited. Wireless de-
lighting and building automation sys- vices such as wall switches and dimmers
tems. Although most installed control can use energy harvesting technology
systems today are based on proprietary to communicate wirelessly with the PoE
solutions, leading technology suppliers gateway, without even requiring batteries
and the commercial building industry are or other sources of local power.
trending toward use of open standards After power negotiation and estab-
to simplify the installation, configuration lishing a secure connection between the
and commissioning of new PoE platforms gateway (powered device) and a network
that allow power and data on the same switch (power source equipment), a node
low-voltage cable infrastructure. can distribute power and data to the local
IEEE 802.3 standards define PoE net- devices. When devices are powered and
works, specifying the physical and data connected they can be controlled and can
link layers for wired Ethernet networks, provide granular data for reporting and
advanced data collection for aggregate
building analytics.
For a purposeful and holistic control of
zones, spaces, floors and the entire build-
ing, lighting is based on software con-
trols. Software tools should provide sup-
port during the complete lifecycle of a
networked lighting control system, from
design and installation to live operation
and building maintenance. The right de-
sign tools can enable configuration of a
building’s lighting system prior to on-site
installation. Interactive floorplan views,
predesigned light-scenes and a drag-and-
drop interface can allow for fast layout
of sensors, building lighting policies and
user zones. Advanced planning and field
tools simplify commissioning and on-site
testing with some systems using smart
devices for convenience. From an opera-
tional standpoint, facility managers de-
pend on software control for a bird’s eye
view of an entire building, with live mon-
itoring and status updates, error report-
ing and sensor feedback, including system
troubleshooting with immediate access
and control of any zone.
Category cabling: Industry
gold standard
Technologies used in PoE networks
are well-defined by the industry in the
IEEE 802.3 standards, which specify the
physical and data link layers for wired
Ethernet, power sourcing equipment and
devices using two-pair or four-pair con-
nections to transmit power and create a
link to exchange data. A PoE distributed
network operates across low-voltage cat-
egory cable using the same proven in-
frastructure that the IT industry has de-
ployed for over a decade.
Category 5e copper twisted-pair ca-
bling was specifically designed to support
Gigabit Ethernet (GbE). The four pairs in
the cable support bandwidth of 100 MHz
to transmit 1000 Mbits/sec. Category 6 ca-
bling supports the 1000Base-TX protocol

www.cablinginstall.com Cabling Installation & Maintenance JULY 2017 15

1707CIM_15 15 6/22/17 7:41 AM

 Power over Ethernet as IoT infrastructure for commercial spaces continued
PoE lighting system technology
Meeting Lab zones
Desk zones Break-out zones
enabling GbE, supporting 200 MHz and
adding a little headroom of 50 MHz.
While Category 5e cable is the mini-
mum that can be specified for a PoE net-
work system, Category 6 23-gauge cable
is recommended as best practice in new
installation.
Rapid growth in the use of wireless
devices is driving up demand for wire-
less access points in commercial spaces,
which is a consideration when specify-
ing category cabling for a PoE distributed
network. Medium-speed Ethernet pro-
tocols—2.5GBase-T and 5GBase-T—sup-
port the use of legacy Category 5e and
popular Category 6, which offers the abil-
ity to minimally double speed, or multi-
ply up to five times, allowing the use of
high-end wireless access points and sup-
porting new generations of switches.
Category 6 supports both standards,
whereas Category 5e is dedicated for
2.5G, although it can support 5G but with
limitations.
PoE lighting over category cable in-
frastructure is mainly driven by cost and
power distribution performance more
16 JULY 2017 Cabling Installation & Maintenance
1707CIM_16 16
Technology integrated
within PoE lighting
systems such as
Transcend allows for
full customization.
End users can adjust
lighting needs based
on defined zones.
Building layer
E
Exits Kitchen
WC’s Corridors
Lifts Lobby
Accent Stairs
than speed and data bandwidth. For
this reason, lighting control and other
building automation systems do not re-
quire shielded, high-performance cat-
egory cables.
Power losses over a low-voltage cable
infrastructure can be reduced by using
a heavier-gauge cable and a proper hori-
zontal cable infrastructure design. In gen-
eral, the recommended maximum cable
bundle size is no more than 98 cables to
keep heat within an acceptable range. The
power must be reduced if temperatures
exceed prespecified limits. The longer the
distance where cables are bundled, the
more difficult it is to achieve requirement
of the new protocols.
Shielded Category 6A cabling is not
necessary for PoE lighting and building
automation systems as Category 6A and
above are often used in high-end wireless
access points exceeding 1G. While more
costly than Category 5e cable, Category
6A can support 10G up to 100 meters
without limitations, with bandwidth fre-
quencies up to 500 MHz, and is compati-
ble with PoE and PoE Plus standards.
Creating value in commercial space
A well-implemented PoE distributed net-
work can deliver substantial value in com-
mercial buildings and enterprises, includ-
ing the following.
• Well established and scalable
Ethernet standards
• DC power, ideal for LED and sensor
applications
• Eliminates dual-layer infrastructure
for power and signal
• Power and signal over single-layer
infrastructure uses standard
category cable
• Easy-to-install endpoints using
low-voltage standard RJ45 connections
• Advanced control of tunable LED lu-
minaires and dynamic/bio-adap-
tive controls
• High availability, uninterrupted power
service, and network resiliency
In a recent report, Navigant predicts the
global market for PoE lighting to expand
more than tenfold between 2016 and 2025.
They cite energy and cost savings as key
factors that will drive market growth. By
eliminating the need for power conversion,
PoE provides a clear path for higher energy
efficiency and innovative lighting technol-
ogies with embedded sensors for build-
ing automation and analytics. (Source:
Navigant PoE Market Research Report)
The tools exist to efficiently scale a
PoE distributed network lighting and au-
tomation system to almost any space
size or configuration. Large-scale distrib-
uted network pilots and full-scale deploy-
ments are becoming increasingly com-
mon. Optimizing the low-voltage cable
infrastructure to deploy power and data
in more convenient ways requires hybrid
technologies, including PoE and distrib-
uted power conversion, and strategies to
limit power losses. u
Giovanni Frezza is group product manager
with Molex (www.molex.com).
www.cablinginstall.com
6/22/17 7:41 AM
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1707CIM_17 17 6/22/17 7:41 AM

 codes and standards
PoE-related amendments
proposed to the 2017 NEC
The TIAs—tentative interim amendments—aim to ease
the Code’s usability related to Power over Ethernet.
BY PATRICK MCLAUGHLIN
In early June the National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA), which
produces specifications including NFPA
70, the National Electrical Code, held
its annual Conference and Exposition.
Among the technical conference’s ses-
sions was a panel discussion covering
Power over Ethernet. (For more detail on
the treatment of cabling for Power over
Ethernet in the 2017 NEC, see “The inter-
section of remote powering technologies
and the 2017 National Electrical Code” in
our November 2016 issue.)
Mark Earley, PE, the NFPA’s chief
electrical engineer, led the panel discus-
sion. Playing a prominent role in the dis-
cussion was Ernie Gallo, a director with
Telcordia Technologies who also chairs
the task group that was formed to pro-
vide input on Ethernet communications
that could prompt some type of modifi-
cation to the Code. Gallo reported that
after 12 meetings in the form of confer-
ence calls, the 24-member task force had
completed its work. The results of the
group’s work will be to propose three
tentative interim amendments (TIAs)
to the 2017 NEC, and to provide approxi-
mately 10 public inputs to the 2020 NEC
revision process.
The NFPA describes TIAs as
18 JULY 2017 Cabling Installation & Maintenance
1707CIM_18 18
“amendments to an NFPA standard
[that are] effective only between edi-
tions of a standard. A TIA automatically
becomes a public input for the next edi-
tion of the standard, and is then subject
to all of the procedures of the standards
Some electrical inspectors have
seen PoE infrastructure but
not realized it. The need exists
to educate inspectors about
what PoE is, and how to identify
cabling infrastructure that will
support PoE.
development process.” Representatives
of the NFPA explained that the three
proposed TIAs are intended to enhance
or ease usability of certain parts of the
Code that address PoE.
In our November issue we re-
ported the task group’s formation was
prompted by an appeal made to the
NFPA Standards Board specifically re-
lated to Section 840.160 of the 2017 NEC.
The appeal’s basis was that Section
840.160 did not specify an ampere limit
when citing 60-watt remote-powering
circuits. The appeal pointed out that
60 watts can be arrived at as a prod-
uct of an unsafely high amperage and
some voltage. Presumably, the proposed
TIAs will address this current-and-volt-
age issue as it exists in Sections 840.160,
725.144, and 725.121.
Keith Lofland, director of educa-
tion for codes and standards with the
International Association of Electrical
Inspectors, also participated in the
panel at the NFPA Conference. During
his presentation, Lofland pointed out
that in preparation for the panel discus-
sion, he called several active electrical
inspectors to hear their concerns about
PoE—an inquiry to which he got little if
any response. Lofland suggested, how-
ever, that his inquiry about PoE opened
the eyes of two inspectors who later
called him to report that PoE infra-
structure was widespread within their
jurisdictions.
The clear indication was that some
inspectors have been seeing PoE infra-
structure for some time but not realiz-
ing it. Lofland opined there is a need to
educate inspectors about what PoE is,
and how to identify cabling infrastruc-
ture that will support PoE.
Randy Ivans, program and proj-
ect manager for wire and cable at
Underwriters Laboratories, also pre-
sented as part of the panel discussion.
He explained UL’s fact-finding investiga-
tion that ultimately led to the inclusion
of Table 725.144 in the 2017 NEC.
Over the course of the panel
www.cablinginstall.com
6/22/17 7:41 AM
 discussion, as well as a later session
in the exposition hall that continued
the discussion, Ivans noted that de-
spite the data collected in the fact-find-
ing investigation, the data that exists
about PoE and cable heating is a fraction
of what could be discovered through
further study.
For example, UL’s fact-finding
investigation tested twisted-pair cables
with conductor sizes as small as 26
AWG, and did not include patch cords.
But 28-AWG cables and patch cords
are available in the market today, and
the Telecommunications Industry
Association’s TR-42.7 committee cur-
rently is exploring the possibility of
specifying 28-AWG cabling. As Ivans
stated during the NFPA panel discus-
sion, in PoE applications cable heat-
ing can be affected by, and managed
via, AWG size among other characteris-
tics—including cable design variations,
material composition, and installation
practices. The larger gauge the cable’s
conductor, the less heat buildup a cable
will experience, all other factors being
equal. So 28-AWG cabling is presumed
to be more prone to heat buildup than
26-, 24-, or 23-AWG cabling. Yet, as Ivans
while LP is not required for PoE, it may
simplify the installation and inspec-
tion process.”
Later in the document, Panduit says,
“The LP rating provides installers, de-
signers, and engineers the ability to en-
sure their installation will be compliant
with the 2017 NEC without an inspec-
tion to the ampacity table.
“It is important to note that although
the latest revision of the NEC has been
passed, it is up to state or local govern-
ments to adopt and enforce it. Therefore,
the timing of when the 2017 Code will
be enforced varies greatly depending
upon location.”
In May, Belden announced that sev-
eral of its cables received LP certifi-
cation. When making the announce-
ment, the company said, “LP-listed cable
PoE
POWER OVER ETHERNET
REFERENCE FLYER
Power Over Ethernet
simplifies cable selection and usage
when power delivery is higher than 60W
or PoE Type 4 is being used, and when
cable bundle sizes exceed the 2017 NEC
limits. Today, the vast majority of PoE
applications involve power delivery be-
low 60W and use PoE Type 3 or lower,
and may not require the benefits of LP-
listed cable.”
Belden added that it “pursued LP cer-
tification to help installers, consultants
and enterprises prepare for future appli-
cations where devices may exceed 60W
or use PoE Type 4, and where it is un-
clear what the cable bundle sizes are.”
We will continue to follow the tech-
nological, standards, and code develop-
ments in this sphere. u
Patrick McLaughlin is our chief editor.
http://enterprise.netscout.com/poe

points out, empirical data is needed. PoE 802.3af/at Standards A and B — Powered Devices (PD)
VoIP Phones | Internet Appliances | WLAN | Bluetooth | Access Points

IEEE Standard PoE Pin/Data Assignment

The discussions included several ref- Pin

at
switch
TIA/EIA-568
T568B Termination
TIA/EIA-568
T568A Termination
10/100
Mode B
DC on Spares
10/100
Mode A
Mixed DC and Data
1000 (1 gigabit)
Mode B
DC and Bi-Data
1000 (1 gigabit)
Mode A
DC and Bi-Data

erences to LP (limited power) cable, 1

2
White/Orange

Orange
White/Green

Green
Rx+

Rx+
Rx+

Rx+
DC+

DC+
TxRx A+

TxRx A-
TxRx A+

TxRx A-
DC+

DC+

which is mentioned in the 2017 NEC as 3

4
White/Green

Blue
White/Orange

Blue
Tx+

DC+
Tx+

Not
Used
DC-

Not
Used
TxRx B+

TxRx C+ DC+
TxRx B+

TxRx C+
DC-

Not Not

an alternative to the specifications in 5

6
White/Blue

Green
White/Blue

Orange
Tx-
DC+
Used

Tx-
Used

DC-
TxRx C-

TxRx B-
DC+ TxRx C-

TxRx B- DC+

Not Not

Table 725.144. 7

8
White/Brown

Brown
White/Brown

Brown
DC-

DC-
Used
Not
Used
Used
Not
Used
TxRx D+

TxRx D-
DC-

DC-
TxRx D+

TxRx D-

In a technology brief titled “Impact of IEEE Standard PoE Power Parameters

Property
802.3af
(802.3at Type1)
802.3at
Type 2
Power over Ethernet (PoE) enables
power to be delivered to an IP device
via its data cable.

2017 National Electrical Code on Power Power available at

powered device (PD)
Maximum power delivered by
power sourcing equipment (PSE)
12.95 W

15.40 W
25.50 W

30.00 W
NETSCOUT Network testers validate
and troubleshoot PoE as well as overall 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
T568B
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
T568A

over Ethernet Cabling,” produced in Voltage range (at PD)

Voltage range (at PSE)

37.0 — 57 V

44.0 — 57 V
42.5 — 57.0 V

50.0 — 57 V
and Wi-Fi networks depending on model.
All network testers support automated
upload of test results to the Link-Live
results management database.

November 2016, Panduit explains the

use of LP cable. The company points out,
“Cables with the LP designation are not
FREE DOWNLOAD
http://enterprise.netscout.com/poe
restricted in bundle size for carrying
currents up to the UL-certified current
rating. To be clear, the LP certification
is not required to run PoE ... [however]

www.cablinginstall.com Cabling Installation & Maintenance JULY 2017 19

1707CIM_19 19 6/22/17 7:41 AM

 installation

The remarkable evolution

of modern fiber-optic
connector inspection probes
Connector inspection has taken on increased importance filters, are focused manually, use batter-
ies for endface illumination, and typi-
for fiber-network installers and administrators. State- cally offer 200x magnification levels. They
of-the-art technology has improved the process. have largely fallen out of favor, as they do
not allow for the documentation of end-
BY MAURY WOOD, AFL Test and Inspection Division face surface conditions or objective stan-
dard-compliant pass/fail criteria, such
as IEC 61300-3-35 or IPC-8497-1. Direct
view microscopes impose a legal liabil-
It’s mid-2017 and nearly everyone is quality and easy-to-use tools for in- ity risk, due to improperly installed in-
aware that the information technology specting and cleaning fiber endfaces. In frared safety filters leading to end-user
world encircling us is simultaneously particular, the brief history and evolu- eye damage. Also, these older-style op-
getting both faster and denser. Bits of tion of fiber microscopes shows a com- tical microscopes cannot leverage the
data are flying through optical network pelling level of innovation, in terms of enormous economics of scale of high-
links at rates of 100 billion bits per sec- optics, electronics and software. er-resolution CMOS image sensors, ARM
ond and higher, and the feature sizes To aid our survey and history of fiber Cortex embedded processors, low-power
in the network processor chips at the inspection tools, there are several classi- semiconductor flash memory, and WiFi/
ends of these network links continue fication distinction, as follows. Bluetooth transceiver chipsets driven by
to shrink, as roughly and famously pre- • Viewing method—direct or the smartphone industry. Furthermore,
dicted by Gordon Moore. Multifiber con- indirect path optical microscopes are only useful to
nectors such as MPO, MT, and MXC • Imaging method—optical inspect exposed ferrule connectors on
are putting more and more less-than- or electronic patch cords, test jumpers and cables; they
human-hair diameter glass fibers into • Image storage—internal or external cannot easily be used to inspect con-
tighter spaces. With single MPO con- • Focus—manual or automatic nectors in bulkheads and distribution
nectors increasingly using 16 fibers at • Image view screen—inte- frames, due to their size/shape/form fac-
25 Gbits/sec per fiber, the asset value of grated or external tor, weight and fragility.
these 400-Gbit/sec short-reach Ethernet • Connectivity—wired or wireless
links is exceedingly high, making data • Power—battery or tethered The debut of digital
center infrastructure equipment fail- • Command and control—local or net- About 15 years ago, the first indirect
ures due to connector contamination work remote/cloud view “digital” fiber scopes appeared,
completely unacceptable to savvy man- using solid state CCD image sensors.
agement teams. Microscopic connector For the most cost-sensitive applications, This was before the emergence of stan-
endface dirt and debris cause light re- as well as specialized use cases, handheld dardized, high-volume consumer-ori-
flections and attenuation—the enemies optical microscopes with direct view- ented data interface standards such
of optimal optical signal transmission. ing paths are available. Direct view fi- as USB and FireWire, so the first digi-
Thankfully there now exist excellent ber microscopes require infrared safety tal fiber scopes used proprietary data

20 JULY 2017 Cabling Installation & Maintenance www.cablinginstall.com

1707CIM_20 20 6/22/17 7:41 AM

 formats on a variety of connectors, such
as RJ11 modular telephone jacks and
plugs. None of these early inspection in-
struments had on-board image stor-
age or image processing, since the em-
bedded microcontrollers of the day were
too large physically and power hungry.
As one would expect, these probes
had manual focus wheels,
and were remotely pow-
ered. There were no
software deliverables
associated with these
early inspection sys-
tems. Over time, suppli-
ers developed large port-
folios of modular adapter
tips for their probes, al-
lowing users to inspect LC,
SC, FC, ST, MU, E2000, Biconic,
ELIO, SMA 905, LEMO, LX.5,
TFOCA II, OptiTip and eventually
multifiber MPO/MTP connectors, us-
ing both flat and angled ferrules.
About five years ago, the first wire-
less fiber inspection probes became
available. WiFi and Bluetooth trans-
ceiver modules became small enough,
cheap enough, and low-power enough
to embed into handheld fiber inspec-
tion units. Of course, CMOS image sen-
sor resolution has increased dramati-
cally over time, and flash memory has
become affordable in high-density giga-
bit configurations. Cell phones drove the
development of very-low-power ARM
Cortex-M microcontrollers capable of re-
al-time digital processing of fiber end-
face images, enabling autofocus and
auto pass/fail algorithmic inspection.
Innovation continues
Today, the innovation in this growing
specialized market space continues.
There are now inspection probes with
integrated LCD screens with QVGA res-
olution and aspect ratio (320 by 240 pix-
els, 4:3), driven by simple graphical user
www.cablinginstall.com
1707CIM_21 21
interfaces (GUIs) that focus on ease-of-
use and speed-of-use. Captured image
resolution of 640 by 480 VGA in JPEG
format is common. Batteries are re-
chargeable of course, often using ubiq-
uitous USB chargers. Internal storage
of thousands of images is typical, as is
autofocus and IEC 61300-3-
35, IPC-8497-1, AT&T-
defined and user-de-
This circa 2003 digital fiber scope did
not have onboard image storage or
image processing. It was introduced to
the market before the emergence of
standardized, high-volume consumer-
oriented data interface standards such
as USB and FireWire.
fined auto pass/fail analysis. “Headless”
probes with no screen and a minimum
of buttons and indicators, but with
WiFi wireless interfaces (for still and
motion image data transfer plus com-
mand-and-control) are helping to make
today’s inspection probes more cost-ef-
fective than ever. But the biggest recent
enhancement to fiber-optic inspection
systems is the addition of richly featured
software ingredients.
It can be safely assumed that nearly
all fiber installation and maintenance
technicians have access to a smart
Cabling Installation & Maintenance
device (smartphone or tablet), either
through their employer or their own per-
sonal device. Given the ubiquity of smart
devices, and their incredible perfor-
mance (screen resolution, graphics ren-
dering, multi-modal local and wide area
wireless connectivity, internal memory
capacity, powerful operating systems
with elaborate application software eco-
systems, etc.), it is compelling for sup-
pliers to utilize these devices to aug-
ment the fiber inspection system
user experience.
Self-contained inspection
probes with integrated screens,
and internal image stor-
age and processing func-
tions can utilize either
Bluetooth or WiFi to
connect to smart de-
vices and the inspection
apps they run. Bluetooth
has sufficient over-the-air band-
width to support the rapid transfer of
endface still images and analysis over-
lay graphics (typically GIF files). However,
Bluetooth does not have sufficient band-
width to support the real-time “stream-
ing” of full-resolution endface motion
images (MJPEG format typically). So
headless inspection probes without in-
tegrated image storage and pass/fail
analysis processing must use WiFi (typ-
ically 2.4-GHz IEEE 802.3b/g/n) to pre-
serve a responsive and interactive
user experience.
Wireless equipment
While wireless connections to smart de-
vices running apps is here to stay in the
fiber inspection world, there are relative
merits to probes with integrated displays
versus headless probes that rely on exter-
nal “smarts.” For example, some data cen-
ters and other fiber facilities prohibit any
radio frequency (RF) transmissions, mak-
ing the use of Bluetooth and WiFi impos-
sible. And because smart devices do not
JULY 2017 21
6/22/17 7:41 AM
 The remarkable evolution of modern fiber-optic connector inspection probes continued

purchasing a fiber inspection probe. Can

This set of products represents the evolution of inspection systems over
approximately 15 years’ time.
always implement the host type USB in-
terface (they may only implement the de-
vice type USB interface), and probes also
implement the device type USB interface,
wired or tethered USB connectivity to a
smart device may not be possible. Some
suppliers now offer “no wireless” self-con-
tained probes that can be used in RF se-
cure network facilities.
The other challenge with smart device
paired probes is the fact that these sys-
tems tie up both hands of the operator—
one hand to hold the probe and the other
hand to hold the smartphone or tablet.
When climbing ladders, for example, many Shown here is AFL’s FOCIS Flex, a wireless self-
technicians appreciate having a hand free, contained fiber inspection probe in use at a fiber equipment suppliers have re-
and thus prefer self-contained inspection
probes. Of course, one advantage of tether-
less RF connectivity is that the smart de-
vice may be located many meters away
from the probe, enabling the potential for
much higher mobility. Finally, an advan-
tage of headless probes with no display
is that their form factor (length, width,
height and weight) can allow much eas-
ier access to densely populated fiber distri- rerun pass/fail analyses in the future as in-
bution frames or transmission equipment
with high front panel port density. Some
headless probes include four-color LEDs
to indicate power state status, inspection
distribution panel.
pass or inspection fail status, and “no fi-
ber detected” status. Headless inspection
probes are an excellent match with cloud-
based workflow management solutions,
since cloud infrastructure provides unlim- ing products, the future is bright for in-
ited storage with incorruptible inspection
report security, plus the ability to flexibly service provider customers.
ternational endface cleanliness standards
are updated.
There are some convenience and
usability features to consider when
the probe or supporting software gener-
ate PDF file inspection reports and make
the export of these reports easy for nov-
ice users? Can the inspection probe re-
solve endface debris particles down to 1
micron feature size using magnification
power of 400x or higher? Do the probe
field-of-view dimensions support the sin-
glemode and multimode fiber types to
be used in the targeted application? Are
the inspection apps compliant to the iOS
and/or Android operating system revi-
sion in use by your organization? Does
the inspection probe meet all required
safety and compliance certifications? Is
the probe battery removable if
needed to meet air transport
safety requirements? Does the
supplier provide a device war-
ranty that meets your organiza-
tion’s expectations?
With data rates in data cen-
ter optical Ethernet links look-
ing forward to 200G, 400G
and even 600G, there is a great
deal of interest among Internet
content/service providers to
assure their facilities have mi-
croscopically pristine optical
connections, to guarantee net-
work reliability and perfor-
mance. The fiber inspection
sponded to this demand with
innovative new products, some
of the characteristics of which have been
covered in this short article.
Combined with an array of special-
ized and effective fiber connector clean-
spection system end-users and their
u
Maury Wood is product line manager for
WDM900, cleaning and inspection products at
AFL’s Test and Inspection Division in Lowell, MA
(www.aflglobal.com).

22 JULY 2017 Cabling Installation & Maintenance www.cablinginstall.com

1707CIM_22 22 6/22/17 7:41 AM


Aisle containment
delivers reliability,
energy efficiency
Commonly cited in discussions about energy
efficiency, aisle containment should not be
overlooked for its ability to preserve uptime.
In a data center, uptime is the
over-arching priority that trumps all
other concerns. Even before assessing
energy efficiency, data center managers
must first ensure the full reliability of
their facility. This means that, ideally,
every strategy deployed in a data cen-
ter must contribute to reliability. Given
this premium, it’s surprising that the
reliability benefits of aisle containment
are often overlooked.
Indeed, data center managers will
typically point to “energy efficiency”
as the primary justification for de-
ploying aisle containment strategies
in their facilities. This is understand-
able, as far as it goes—containment is
a proven approach to maximize power
and cooling resources. But this mindset
fails to account for what aisle contain-
ment fundamentally offers: more re-
liable uptime.
How does greater network reliabil-
ity stem from deploying aisle contain-
ment in a data center? Think about it
www.cablinginstall.com
1707CIM_23 23
PERSPECTIVE
The newest containment solutions are
configurable and field-modifiable offerings
with materials that data center managers can
repurpose to a new application.
this way: Combined with best practices
at the cabinet level, all the cold air from
the air conditioning (AC) units has to go
through the equipment. This air has a
uniform temperature from the bottom
of the cabinet to the top. That gives your
equipment a reliable temperature intake
and a predictable operating environ-
ment. The effect of this is to maximize
the uptime of your equipment because
you have mitigated recirculation and by-
pass airflow, and have reduced the po-
tential problem of an equipment shut-
down due to high temperatures.
Cabling Installation & Maintenance
DAN GOSSELIN is
product manager
at Legrand North
America.
Moreover, aisle containment solu-
tions are increasingly easy to fit within
any data center. The newest contain-
ment solutions are configurable and
field-modifiable offerings with materi-
als that data center managers can re-
purpose to a new application or config-
uration. So if the components are used
once, they can be taken down and re-
used when doing a refresh. This means
you don’t have to get a new contain-
ment kit and a new design, allowing
you to construct a solution in one in-
stance, then repurpose the components
to build something else when the appli-
cation changes.
Aisle containment will drive a fa-
vorable ROI in a data center. It also de-
livers multiple ancillary benefits: en-
ergy efficiency; sustainability; ease of
deployment and install; and customiz-
able solutions that can be repurposed.
But before assessing the value of any of
these benefits, it’s important to remem-
ber the core fundamental value of aisle
containment: it increases reliability in
a data center. u
JULY 2017 23
6/22/17 7:41 AM
 PR

S
CU
OD

FO
UC
T
CONDUIT

Allied’s Super Kwik-Couple

conduit and elbows
Allied Tube & Conduit’s Super Kwik-Couple conduit, available
in both GRC and IMC conduit and GRC elbows, is listed to UL6
and UL1242. The patented coupling
allows the Super Kwik-Couple conduit
to connect to both threaded and Vis Divide helps
unthreaded product. Allied says the increase conduit
Super Kwik-Couple conduit eliminates
the need for combination fittings
capacity for cable
and field threading. The patented deployments
steel super-coupling can be factory installed on IMC and rigid Developed by Milliken Infrastructure,
conduits and rigid elbows, and is available in trade sizes from a division of Milliken & Company,
2.5- through 4-inches. Sporting a flexible design, Allied’s Super the Vis Divide is a segmented,
Kwik-Couple conduit allows users to transition from GRC to IMC rigid HDPE conduit that allows
or EMT formats with no need for threading equipment, special companies to double or triple their
couplings or tools.
conduit capacity. Available in 1.5-
Allied Tube & Conduit, www.alliedeg.us and 2-inch sizes each with 2 cells,
and soon to be available in a 2-inch,
3-cell version, the Vis Divide conduit
was designed specifically for the
following applications: directional
Southwire’s BENDstation rigid workstation
drilling; trenching; plowed, and
Most electricians have at one point or another experienced the fatigue
direct-bury. A fabric divider that is
and time loss that comes with using a traditional mechanical-style bender.
molded directly into the Vis Divide
Southwire has found a solution to this problem and expanded its bending
creates dedicated pathways for the
tools with its BENDstation rigid workstation. The company says the
placement of multiple cables in a
BENDstation enables maximum optimization of workspace, incorporating
material handling, bending, cutting and threading into one mobile unit.
single conduit. By increasing cable
Riding on four wheels, the workstation allows electricians to move around capacity, use of Vis Divide leads to
the job site easily with more convenience less wasted space in each conduit,
and speed. The unit comes complete with a says the company. The fabric divider
60-inch workbench top, as well as a built-in protects cables to ensure no cable-
protractor for accurate bends. In comparison over-cable damage. “The Vis Divide
to other options, Southwire claims that the improves construction productivity,
BENDstation rigid workstation requires up to thus saving money,” adds Milliken.
40 percent less force to bend conduit, due “In addition to construction
to its ratcheting style bender with an improved gear ratio. This feature costs, using fewer conduits also
can help to reduce worker fatigue and possible work-related injuries, reduces handling, storage and
notes the company. The mobile conduit-bending workstation is suitable transportation costs.”
for use with three-fourths-inch and one-inch IMC and rigid conduit.
Milliken Infrastructure,
Southwire, www.southwire.com
www.milliken.com

24 JULY 2017 Cabling Installation & Maintenance www.cablinginstall.com

1707CIM_24 24 6/22/17 7:42 AM


Dura-Line’s PowerPath conduit
Dura-Line’s PowerPath is a single bundled product
providing both power and bandwidth. Smaller than the
diameter of a dime, the conduit’s construction
combines two 20-AGW insulted copper wires
for low voltage power and a 5mm MicroDuct
for fiber placement. Ideal for use in PoE
environments where DC power is required
at distances greater than 300 feet with
installation performed by low-voltage contractors, the
MicroDuct pathway is riser rated to UL 2024 for interior
use, and provides protection and fast installation of a
single fiber for connected devices. Applications include
security, industrial and home automation systems.
Dura-Line, www.duraline.com
Part of Siemon’s LightHouse™
Advanced Fiber Cabling Solutions
Part of Siemon's LightHouse™ Advanced Fiber Solutions, the LightBow™
Fiber Optic Termination System with patent-pending activation tool and
pre-polished mechanical splice connectors delivers rapid termination
time, prevents fiber end face contamination, enables easy verification and
offers the ability to re-terminate.
Experience the speed and reliability! Buy 300 LightBow Connectors and get a
FREE Lightbow Termination Kit and check out our Termination Challenge with
termination speeds under 25 seconds and getting faster!
For details visit: www.siemon.com/lightbow
1707CIM_25 25
PR
S
CU
OD
FO
UC
T
HellermannTyton’s HelaGuard
flexible conduit and Ultra fittings
HellermannTyton says its HelaGuard
line “redefines the promise of developing
impregnable conduit systems.” The
company says the “standard weight, flexible,
nonmetallic nylon conduit delivers liquid-tight
performance [and] is designed to be highly impact-resistant
while remaining flexible.” The HelaGuard Ultra fittings secure
conduit connections with convenient, snap-on fittings. The Ultra
fittings combine all the typical separate parts of a fitting into a
single unit, states the manufacturer. This significantly reduces
installation time and labor. Both the HelaGuard Ultra fittings and
PA6 Standard Weight conduit are UL listed.
HellermannTyton, www.hellermann.tyton.com
FREE LightBow
Termination Kit
6/22/17 7:42 AM
 EDITOR’S PICKS
News, products and trends for the communications systems industry
IOT INFR ASTRUC TURE
Eaton brings connected
lighting expertise to
Georgia Tech’s Internet of
Things research center
Power management company Eaton announced
that it has joined the Georgia Institute of
Technology’s Center for the Development and
Application of Internet of Things Technologies
(CDAIT), an Atlanta-based research center dedi-
cated to developing and applying Internet of Things
(IoT) technologies.
As a member company with a lighting division
based in the Atlanta area, Eaton provides Georgia
Tech students and faculty with lighting expertise
and hands-on training to help support research that
further enables transformational IoT technologies.
The company stated, “In recent years, the IoT
has emerged as a new frontier that promises to
reshape how people, data and devices interact. The
26 JULY 2017 Cabling Installation & Maintenance
1707CIM_26 26
£ UPGR ADED
L ABELING TOOL SET
£ 28 -AWG PATCH
CORDS E X AMINED
£ E ARLY 5G GE AR
COMPILED BY
Matt Vincent
ci m @ pen n well . com
increasing interconnectivity created by the combination of the
internet, mobile devices, embedded sensors, data analytics
and cloud computing has opened new avenues for technologi-
cal innovation.”
“IoT systems are laying the groundwork for smart, connected
buildings, communities and homes, and lighting is a key factor
in the enablement and adoption of these technologies,” said
Parth Joshi, chief technology officer and vice president, engi-
neering, at Eaton’s Lighting Division. “Working with the students
and faculty at Georgia Tech’s CDAIT, we look forward to expand-
ing our research into the many possibilities of IoT-enabled
devices while helping find new ways to apply them to serve the
needs of businesses, governments and consumers.”
Eaton’s CDAIT membership is part of a broader commit-
ment to developing and implementing IoT-connected appli-
cations that improve efficiency through controls and data.
The new Connected Lighting Classroom at Eaton’s SOURCE
Lighting Education Center near Atlanta features in-depth train-
ing and hands-on demonstrations to educate lighting specifiers,
architects, engineers, electrical contractors, builders and uni-
versity students about IoT-connected lighting solutions.
“CDAIT is working to effectively and efficiently unite the many
pieces of the IoT puzzle, from sensing and actuating technol-
ogy to information extraction,” said Alain Louchez, managing
director of CDAIT. “By bringing Eaton’s experts together with
our students and faculty, we will increase our understanding of
the role lighting plays in IoT connectivity while expanding, edu-
cating and energizing the market around the unique capabilities
of IoT applications.”
A key element in this developing relationship is Eaton’s engi-
neering office in Midtown Atlanta, which will enable a direct
connection to the Georgia Tech campus and the aspiring engi-
neers driving innovation in lighting. “We are extremely pleased
and honored to welcome a distinguished company such as
Eaton to the executive advisory board of CDAIT to advise and
guide CDAIT’s direction,” added Jeff Evans, chairman of the
CDAIT Board. u
www.cablinginstall.com
6/22/17 7:42 AM
 IOT INFR ASTRUC TURE
Rockwell Automation CEO forecasts Industrial Internet of
Things trends at Cisco’s 2017 IoT World Forum
In May, Blake Moret, president
and CEO of Rockwell Automation,
spoke on Internet of Things
(IoT) adoption and its impact on
industrial productivity, sharing
insights with more than 1,200
business leaders at Cisco’s IoT
World Forum in London. As Moret
described, “The positive out-
comes associated with IoT will
continue to accelerate as organiza-
tions progress from pilot or proof-of-
concept IoT projects to scalable IoT
deployments.”
According to the Global IoT
Decision Maker Survey published
by International Data Corporation
(IDC), nearly one-third (31 percent)
of those surveyed have already
launched IoT solutions, and another
43 percent are looking to deploy
solutions in the next 12 months.
Rockwell Automation says it is
£ CABLING STANDARDS
TIA approves TSB-184-A cabling standard for
support of four-pair remote powering
The set of specifications that will pro-
vide guidance for enterprises deploy-
ing direct-current (DC) power to network
devices over all four pairs of a twisted-
pair copper cable is now available for
purchase as a completed document.
In February, the Telecommunications
Industry Association’s (TIA) TR-42.7
Telecommunications Copper Cabling
Systems Subcommittee resolved
all outstanding comments related
to, and approved for publication,
www.cablinginstall.com
1707CIM_27 27
seeing a similar trend in its deploy-
ment of IoT solutions, and contin-
ues to increase its number of pilots
across industries, applications and
geographies.
“Manufacturers and industrial
operators are discovering practi-
cal ways to apply IoT across their
operations, and they’re deriving
measurable business value as a
result,” Moret said. “Combining IoT
technology and expertise in spe-
cific industrial applications enables
Telecommunications System Bulletin
TSB-184-A Guidelines for Supporting
Power Delivery Over Balanced Twisted-
Pair Cabling. The document was pub-
lished in March.
It provides recommendations for
the installation and management
of twisted-pair cables that will sup-
port the supply of DC power to net-
worked devices, in addition to carry-
ing data to those devices. The rec-
ommendations aim to minimize the
Cabling Installation & Maintenance
better collaboration, faster
problem-solving and increased
productivity.”
Moret referenced several fac-
tors driving the adoption of indus-
trial IoT and connected opera-
tions, including lower cost of
computing and connectivity, and
the convergence of information
technology and operations tech-
nology. He explained how a con-
nected enterprise that adopts IoT
technologies can generate better
insight into industrial operations
and deliver greater value by provid-
ing the right information at every
level of their business through
scalable analytics. He cited Great
Lakes Brewing Co. as a Rockwell
Automation customer that is adopt-
ing scalable analytics to improve vis-
ibility and productivity for different
parts of their operations. u
temperature rise in groups or bun-
dles of cables that support DC
power delivery.
The TSB-184-A document is the cul-
mination of years of study and effort
by the TR-42.7 subcommittee in coop-
eration with other standards-devel-
opment organizations—particularly
including the IEEE as it has devel-
oped the forthcoming 802.3bt, which
is commonly referred to as “four-pair
Power over Ethernet.” u
JULY 2017 27
6/22/17 7:42 AM
 EDITOR’S PICKS
£ CABLING STANDARDS
Group publishes
SWDM specification
for 40- and 100-Gbit/
sec transmission
over duplex
multimode fiber
On March 16 the SWDM MSA
(Shortwave Wavelength Division
Multiplexed Multi-Source Agreement)
Group announced its formation as an
industry consortium to define optical
specifications and promote adoption
of shortwave WDM standards for use
in data center and enterprise campus
applications that deploy duplex mul-
timode fiber. The SWDM MSA Group
announced publication of its first two
standards, defining optical specifica-
tions for four-wavelength SWDM to
transmit 40- and 100-Gbit/sec Ethernet
signals, referred to as 40 GE SWDM4
and 100 GE SWDM4, respectively.
“MMF is by far the most common
type of fiber deployed in data centers
today because it allows for the use of
low-cost, VCSEL-based transceivers,”
the group said. “Most data centers orig-
inally deployed 10-Gbit/sec optics with
duplex multimode fiber, and this para-
digm is now being continued with 40-
and 100-Gbit/sec signals. Use of SWDM
allows the same type of duplex multi-
mode fiber infrastructure to be used for
higher data rates, greatly simplifying
the upgrade of data rates at both enter-
prise and cloud data centers.”
The 40 GE SWDM4 and 100 GE
SWDM4 specifications support transmis-
sion over duplex OM3, OM4 and OM5
multimode fiber types. Maximum reaches
vary from 75 to 440 meters depending
on data rate and fiber type. The group
added that in the future, SWDM technol-
ogy could be leveraged to enable 200-,
400-, and 800-Gbit/sec Ethernet traffic
28 JULY 2017 Cabling Installation & Maintenance
1707CIM_28 28
INSTALL ATION TOOLS
Brother upgrades P-touch EDGE
handheld labeling tools for commercial
and industrial cabling contractors
Brother Mobile Solutions, Inc.
(BMS) has introduced the
PT-E110 industrial handheld
labeling tool as the newest
addition to its P-touch EDGE
family of jobsite labeling solu-
tions. Per a company press
release, “The EDGE PT-E110
is the most economical labeler
in the Brother industrial lineup,
and includes functional enhance-
ments to help network cabling,
electrical, and industrial contractors
ramp up the speed and productivity of
jobsite labeling.”
Designed “to give cable and elec-
trical contractors a true competitive
edge,” according to Brother, the new
unit’s enhanced functionality includes: a
large LCD display and new QWERTY key-
board, to make on-the-fly label creation
as fast and easy as sending a text mes-
sage; smart font sizing and formatting
technology for printing of clear, read-
able labels that comply with short and
long ANSI/EIA/TIA-606 identifier for-
mats; a wrist strap for accidental drop
protection, improved jobsite safety by
preventing accidental drops when work-
ing at heights; and affordable pricing, as
“buyers get a fully equipped tool kit for
the price of a labeler alone.”
on multimode fiber cabling as well.
CommScope, Finisar, Lumentum,
Hisense, OFS and Prysmian are the
SWDM MSA’s founding members. The
MSA is affiliated with the SWDM Alliance,
which is an industry group dedicated to
As stated by the
company, “The Brother
PT-E110 comes packaged
as a complete kit with
everything required to
create and print clear, lam-
inated ID labels for virtually
every component at the job-
site, including: cables/wires/
fiber, faceplates, network
equipment, assets, electrical
and control panels, office files,
and much more. Applications include
telecom/datacom networks, electri-
cal and outside plant, security sys-
tems, audio visual systems, hospitals,
offices and more.”
Duane Yamashita, senior product
manager for EDGE industrial labeling
products at Brother Mobile Solutions,
commented, “Accurate ID labeling is
an important element of documenting
any installation. For contractors, it has
become an industry best practice and
the hallmark of a professional installation.
Brother created the PT-E110 Tool Kit, to
give professional contractors a competi-
tive edge by becoming more productive
in labeling their jobs faster and more effi-
ciently. This compact labeler includes
smart features they need, but is priced
for equipping the entire crew.” u
the adoption of SWDM technology in data
centers. The SWDM Alliance includes
the SWDM MSA’s founding members
as well as Anritsu, Corning, Dell EMC,
H3C, Huawei, Juniper Networks, Panduit,
Suruga Seiki, and YOFC. u
www.cablinginstall.com
6/22/17 7:42 AM
 EDITOR’S PICKS
DATA CENTERS
SHOWCASE
Intel promotes key
corporate officers
Intel Corp. announced that its board of directors has
promoted three corporate officers. According to a
company statement:
“Navin Shenoy was pro-
moted from senior vice pres-
ident to executive vice pres-
ident. Shenoy is the newly
appointed general manager of
Intel’s Data Center Group (DCG),
an important growth business
that spans servers, network
and storage solutions that are
Navin Shenoy driving the adoption of perva-
sive cloud computing, virtualiza-
tion of network infrastructure and artificial intelligence.
Shenoy is responsible for the P&L, strategy and prod-
uct development spanning server, storage and network
solutions for cloud service providers, communications
service providers, enterprise and government infra-
structure customers.
“Gregory Bryant was pro-
moted from corporate vice
president to senior vice pres-
ident. He is the general man-
ager of the Client Computing
Group (CCG), Intel’s larg-
est and most profitable busi- Fiber Enclosures

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ness, which encompasses PCs,
1
home gateways and other com-
pute devices. Gregory Bryant

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“Sandra Rivera was pro-
moted from corporate vice president to senior vice
president. She is general manager of the Network
Platforms Group, which is
Patch Panels
the data center business
group charged with provid-
ing innovative network tech-
nology and products to the • Same day shipping 2

market. In this role, Rivera • Free shipping over $99 3

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manages the P&L, strategy
and product development
for solutions and services
Sandra Rivera providers worldwide.”
cs@cablesys.com 800-555-7176
© 2017, Cablesys 1. Compared to big brands. 2. Online orders only. 3. Please Patch Cords
u visit cablesys.com for shipping policy.

www.cablinginstall.com Cabling Installation & Maintenance JULY 2017 29

1707CIM_29 29 6/22/17 7:42 AM

 EDITOR’S PICKS
INSTALL ATION TOOLS

Platinum Tools debuts

LANSeeker cable tester, tone
generator at 2017 InfoComm
Platinum Tools, a specialist in solutions for the preparation,
installation, hand termination and testing of wire and cable,
showcased its new LANSeeker cable tester model TP500C
during InfoComm 2017, held in Orlando, FL in June.
“LANSeeker is a fast, rugged cable tester and tone genera-
tor in one unit, displaying cable test results using LED indicators
on the main and the self-stored remote unit,” explained Platinum
Tools marketing manager Jason Chesla. “An easy-to-use profes- display connection and fault information on a pair-by-pair
sional grade tool, the LANSeeker is ideal for installation and trou- basis. It also generates audio tones for use with tone trac-
bleshooting of twisted-pair security and datacom cables, sup- ers on all pairs. When the unit senses a connection between
porting both unshielded or shielded twisted pair, making it a the main and remote unit, the battery-saving auto-on feature
must have for residential and commercial cable installers.” initiates test results within two seconds. The tester automat-
According to the company, “The LANSeeker tests for ically powers off within five seconds of the cable being dis-
shorts, opens, miswires, reversals, and split pairs and can connected.” u

£ CABLING STANDARDS

Cabling standards task group exploring 28-AWG patch cords

The Telecommunications
Industry Association’s TR-42.7
Telecommunications Copper Cabling
Systems Subcommittee recently
established a task group to study
the characteristics of twisted-pair
patch cords with 28-AWG conduc-
tors. The formation of a task group
is a far cry from the development of
a standard on any technology, but it
is an initial step for projects that do
become standards.
The current TIA standard governing
twisted-pair copper cabling systems,
TIA-568-C.2, includes the requirement:
“Cord cable shall consist of four bal-
anced twisted-pairs of 22 AWG to 26
AWG thermoplastic insulated solid or
stranded conductors enclosed by a
thermoplastic jacket.”
The higher the AWG number, the
smaller the diameter of the conduc-
tor. So 28-AWG conductors are smaller
than what the standard permits. If
28-AWG cords are used in channels,
users can follow a de-rating method to
determine the appropriate length (less
than 100 meters) of the channel.
In an article we published in
September 2015, titled “Applications
for 28-AWG twisted-pair cabling sys-
tems,” Panduit senior product man-
ager Thomas Baum explained, “TIA-
568-C specifies a maximum 100-meter
length channel for copper cabling,
which comprises 90 meters of perma-
nent link cabling (typically solid cable)
and a total of 10 meters of patch
cabling. If you use 28-AWG patch
cabling, you must adhere to a de-rat-
ing factor that reduces the maximum
channel length achievable.”
Baum further explained by way of
these examples: “If your goal is to
maintain the 90-meter permanent link,
a total of 6 meters of 28-AWG patch
cord can be used, for a 96-meter
channel length. If your goal is to main-
tain 10 meters of total patch length,
then the maximum permanent-link
length must be adjusted to 83 meters,
for a maximum channel length of 93
meters. The shorter channel length
is necessary because of the higher
attenuation inherent in the 28-AWG
cable’s smaller wires.”
Despite noncompliance with TIA
standards, 28-AWG cords have been
shown to provide certain benefits,
many of which relate to cable man-
agement as well as the use of rack
space and telecom-room space. Baum
detailed several such benefits in
his article.
We will track the progress of the
task group within TR-42.7 and report
on the possibility of their efforts result-
ing in the development of a stan-
dard document. u

30 JULY 2017 Cabling Installation & Maintenance www.cablinginstall.com

1707CIM_30 30 6/22/17 7:42 AM

 EDITOR’S PICKS
WIRELESS INFR ASTRUC TURE

NI debuts transceiver system SDR for

28 GHz research targeting 3GPP and Verizon 5G standards
At its annual NIWeek event in Austin, The company notes that the layer compatible with the proposed
TX in May, National Instruments (NI) mmWave Transceiver System can oper- 3GPP and Verizon 5G specifications
announced a series of 28 GHz radio ate as either an access point or user as source code for LabVIEW system
heads for its mmWave Transceiver device in any over-the-air testing sce- design software. This helps expedite
System. According to the company, this nario. Users can also develop mmWave system development by delivering a
combination creates the first commer- communication prototyping systems or ready-to-run system that users can
cially available full transceiver of its kind perform channel measurements—nec- modify to adapt to their specific areas
that can transmit and/or receive wide- essary exercises for wireless research- of research or testing.
bandwidth signals of up to 2 GHz of ers to understand the characteristics “The new 28 GHz mmWave
bandwidth in real time, covering spec- of a new spectrum—using the same Transceiver System has been a key
trum from 27.5 GHz to 29.5 GHz. NI system. The software works with the technology for many participants in
says its mmWave Transceiver System previously released radio heads for our RF/Communications lead user pro-
software defined radio (SDR) and appli- 71–76 GHz, so users can easily adapt gram,” said James Kimery, director of RF
cation-specific software offer a com- their mmWave Transceiver System to 28 research and SDR marketing at NI. “As
plete and comprehensive starting point GHz by changing the RF radio heads. the world allocates spectrum for 5G, 28
for 5G measurement and research Additionally, the mmWave Transceiver GHz has emerged as a leading candidate
addressing both the 3GPP and Verizon System baseband software delivers for several countries including the United
5G specifications. a complete communications physical States, South Korea, and Japan.” u

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS
Bel Stewart Connector..................................7

Belden CDT .................................................17 ADVERTISING SALES OFFICES

MAIN OFFICE INTERNATIONAL
Cablesys ..................................................... 29 61 Spit Brook Road AUSTRIA, EUROPE, GERMANY,
Suite 401, Nashua, NH 03060 NORTHERN SWITZERLAND
(603) 891-0123 Holger Gerisch
Corning Optical Communications LLC..... CV2 fax: (603) 891-9245 +49-(0)8847-6986656
Fax: +49-(0)8801-9153792
GROUP PUBLISHER
holgerg@pennwell.com
Diamond Ground Products Inc................... 29 Alan Bergstein
(603)-891-9447 ISRAEL
alanb@pennwell.com Dan Aronovic
General Cable Company .......................... CV3 NATIONAL SALES MANAGER
+972 9 899 5813
Susan Smith aronovic@actcom.co.il
(603) 891-9260 ASIA
Hyperline Systems Canada Ltd. ............... CV4 fax: (603) 891-9245 Adonis Mak
susans@pennwell.com +852 2 838 6298; Fax: +852 2 838 2766
ICC Premise Wiring ......................................2 REPRINTS
adonism@actintl.com.hk
Susan Smith JAPAN
(603) 891-9260 Masaki Mori
Ilsintech Co Ltd. ............................................4 fax: (603) 891-9245 +81 3 3219 3561
susans@pennwell.com mori-masaki@ics-inc.co.jp
NetScout Systems .......................................19 DIRECTOR, LIST RENTAL TAIWAN
Kelli Berry Ms. Rebecca Tsao
(918) 831-9782 +886 2 23965128 ext.203
Senko Advanced Components Inc...............13 kellib@pennwell.com Fax: 886 2 23967816
rebecca@arco.com.tw
Siemon Company.........................................25
SHOULD YOU NEED ASSISTANCE CREATING YOUR AD, PLEASE CONTACT MARKETING SOLUTIONS
VICE PRESIDENT Paul Andrews
The index of advertisers is published as a service, and the 240.595.2352; pandrews@pennwell.com
publisher does not assume any liability for errors or omissions.

www.cablinginstall.com Cabling Installation & Maintenance JULY 2017 31

1707CIM_31 31 6/22/17 7:42 AM

 INFRASTRUCTURE Global IOT Platform Market

INSIGHTS
3 reasons the
global IoT platform Key trend Market driver Market driver Forecast

market will surge

Improving Growing Growing The market is
internet emphasis on need for projected to
connectivity a connected smart homes. reach USD
and access environment. 1,670 million
through sharing by 2021.
Technavio’s latest report on the global IoT among users.
platform market provides an analysis of the
most important trends expected to impact
the market’s outlook from 2017-2021.
Essentially, the increase in the number of group seeking to improve the internet connectivity and access by

interconnected smart devices and sensors encouraging sharing among users. The organization has developed

integrated into everyday consumer devices software that can convert the wireless router of a mobile device into

and physical assets is driving the market’s a wireless access point. Technavio contends that, “if people accept

growth, contends the analyst firm. In addition, and adopt this idea, then a ubiquitous public wireless network can

advances in technology have resulted in low- be created.” Adds Singh, “This untapped bandwidth can be utilized

cost, compact, and energy-efficient sensors by using the sharing software developed by OpenWireless.org. The

and communication devices. group plans to route the guest traffic over the anonymity software Tor

According to Technavio, the global IoT or a VPN for enhanced privacy. It will use a protocol called EAP-TLS,

platform market was valued at USD 420 mil- which is the equivalent of HTTPS, to encrypt each user’s link.”

lion in 2016, and is expected to grow at a Growing diversity in IoT standards: Vendors across the IoT

CAGR of nearly 32 percent by 2021. Sunil market have been working in tandem on an open-source platform to

Kumar Singh, lead analyst for Technavio, spe- ensure interoperability among IoT devices while setting some stan-

cializing in research on the embedded sys- dards for devices. The AllSeen Alliance, founded in 2013, was created

tems sector, confirms, “The global IoT plat- to develop a larger ecosystem of vendors and products. As noted

form market is growing at a significant rate. by Technavio, “Through the alliance, leading enterprises—includ-

The growth stems from the growing demand ing consumer electronics manufacturers, home appliance manufac-

for digital transformations from traditional turers, service providers, retailers, enterprise technology compa-

industries who are looking to gain a competi- nies, innovative startups, and chipset manufacturers—have joined

tive advantage in their respective markets.” hands to develop AllJoyn,” an open source software framework that

The analyst defines an emerging trend makes it easy for devices and apps to discover and communicate

as a factor that has the potential to signifi- with each other.

cantly impact the market and contribute to Industrial internet revolution: “The industrial internet of things

its growth or decline. Specifically, the top (IIoT) is a combination of big data analytics and IoT,” states Technavio.

three emerging trends driving the global IoT “It offers [several] opportunities for organizations across sectors such

platform market, according to Technavio, as agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, and

are as follows. transportation. Currently, these sectors account for 60 percent of the

Development of an open WiFi net- global economy.” At present, IIoT is in its early stage but is poised for

work: OpenWireless.org is a “cyber activist” tremendous growth, adds the analyst. “The increase in the number of
sensors shipped has fueled the global IIoT market,” notes Singh. u
Matt Vincent, Senior Editor
m at t v @ pe n n w el l . co m

32 JULY 2017 Cabling Installation & Maintenance www.cablinginstall.com

1707CIM_32 32 6/22/17 7:43 AM

 Introducing our new
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1707CIM_C3 3 6/22/17 7:43 AM

1707CIM_C4 4 6/22/17 7:43 AM