© 2002, Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

1
 Fundamentals of Voice and
Data Cabling

Copyright 2003 Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling 1.2 Cisco Networking Academy Program
 Chapter 1 Cabling and Safety
Overview

Copyright 2003 Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling 1.2 Cisco Networking Academy Program
 Chapter Objectives

• Learn about the Cabling Industry and the

Cabling Job Market.
• Examine Safety Codes and Standards.
• Discuss Safety Around Electricity.
• Discuss Lab and Workplace Safety
Practices.
• Learn about Personal Safety Equipment.

Copyright 2003 Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling 1.2 Cisco Networking Academy Program
 Voice Cabling

• Typically, telephone cabling consists of two

wires.
• These two wires are twisted around each other
to prevent signals from one pair leaking into the
other. This type of wiring is called twisted-pair.

Copyright 2003 Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling 1.2 Cisco Networking Academy Program
 Analog Telephony

• A telephone network needs a cable run between

each residence or business and a central
telephone office.
• With the popularization of the telephone, the
quality of the connection became important. At
the same time, the need to standardize
installation practices, equipment, and materials
was realized.

Copyright 2003 Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling 1.2 Cisco Networking Academy Program
 Structured Cabling

• The concept of using a single wiring scheme to

handle all voice, data, and other services like
video is called structured cabling.
• Structured cabling also includes all the devices
that cable is pulled through, the equipment to
which the cable is terminated, and electronic
devices that connect users and resources.

Copyright 2003 Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling 1.2 Cisco Networking Academy Program
 Emerging Cable Technologies

• Fiber-optic is a type of cable that uses pulses of

light to transmit data through glass threads.
• Wireless uses radio or microwave signals as a
tool for transmitting data or voice.
• High-speed access technologies:
•Cable TV has great potential as a bandwidth delivery
mechanism.
•Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) is a group of technologies that
uses carrier signals on the existing wires of the telephone
system to carry high-speed digital data.

Copyright 2003 Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling 1.2 Cisco Networking Academy Program
 Costs of Poor Cabling

• The job of the cable installer is to provide good,

technically accurate cabling between all of the
communications devices that make up the
network.
• It is more economical for customers to pay a little
more up front to make sure the job is done right,
conforms to standards, and is scalable.
• Network administrators waste time
troubleshooting problems caused by poor
installation.
Copyright 2003 Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling 1.2 Cisco Networking Academy Program
 Cabling Industry Jobs

• Entry-level installer
• Installation supervisor
• Project manager
• Cabling design engineer
• Marketing representative

Copyright 2003 Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling 1.2 Cisco Networking Academy Program
 Licensed Electrician

• Unionized electricians in the United States are

usually members of the International
Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), one of
the oldest unions in the United States.
• The Communications Workers of America (CWA)
establishes partnerships with manufacturers and
distributors of telecommunications and IT
equipment, to develop curriculum and deliver
training.

Copyright 2003 Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling 1.2 Cisco Networking Academy Program
 Education

• Some employers may offer a tuition

reimbursement program, or there may be training
available through a local union or labor
organization.
• Most technical schools are interested in hiring
experienced people from the industry to help
teach their students.

Copyright 2003 Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling 1.2 Cisco Networking Academy Program
 Safety Codes

• Employee safety - Stay alert, think ahead, and

wear appropriate protective gear to help stay
safe.
• Workplace safety - Work with others in a way
that does not endanger them.
• Public safety - Take precaution in all work
conditions.

Copyright 2003 Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling 1.2 Cisco Networking Academy Program
 Occupational Safety Organizations

• National Institute for Occupational Safety and

Health (NIOSH) - Conducts research and makes
recommendations for the prevention of work-
related disease and injury.
• Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) - protects workers by
enforcing U.S. labor laws.

Copyright 2003 Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling 1.2 Cisco Networking Academy Program
 Public Safety Organizations

• Underwriters Laboratories (UL) - an

independent, nonprofit product safety testing and
certification organization.
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) -
Another organization that protects consumers by
publishing the National Electrical Code (NEC).
• National Electric Code (NEC) - The practical
safeguarding of persons and property from
hazards arising from the use of electricity.

Copyright 2003 Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling 1.2 Cisco Networking Academy Program
 Public Safety Organizations

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) -

Environmental safety agency responsible for
enforcing regulations.
• National, state, and local codes - Follow all
building codes, whether they are on the local,
state, or national level.

Copyright 2003 Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling 1.2 Cisco Networking Academy Program
 Electrical Safety

• Cable wiring works with low-voltage, but nearby

network and electrical equipment run on 110-240
volts, which is dangerous.

Copyright 2003 Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling 1.2 Cisco Networking Academy Program
 Hazardous Voltages

• Hazardous voltages can be found in unfinished

spaces and access areas such as those found
above ceilings, in equipment rooms, or in
telecommunications rooms.

Copyright 2003 Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling 1.2 Cisco Networking Academy Program
 Electrical Safety

• Keep an eye out for abnormal circumstances

such as circuit breaker boxes with the covers
removed, frayed or loose cords, and damaged
equipment.
• Pay particular attention to other devices and
other workers in the work area.
• Never touch a cable that might be "live" with both
hands, because a complete circuit could be
formed. Always keep one hand off of the cable.

Copyright 2003 Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling 1.2 Cisco Networking Academy Program
 Precautions Around Lightning

• All outside equipment must be properly

grounded.
• Avoid wiring in or near damp areas.
• Never install or connect copper wiring during an
electrical storm.

Copyright 2003 Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling 1.2 Cisco Networking Academy Program
 Voltage Safety Check

• Before starting any job, test

nearby cables for voltage
levels using a multimeter or
voltage tester.

Copyright 2003 Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling 1.2 Cisco Networking Academy Program
 Proper Grounding

Proper grounding provides the following:

• Protection from high voltages
• Power faults such as electrical shorts
• A proper path for lightning
• Dissipation of electrostatic charges
• A zero volt reference for signaling and metering
voltage

Copyright 2003 Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling 1.2 Cisco Networking Academy Program
 GFCIs

• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) -

stop the flow of electrons and reduce the hazard
of electrical shock and fire. These devices
protect personnel, buildings, and the lab from
harmful electricity.

Copyright 2003 Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling 1.2 Cisco Networking Academy Program
 Bonding

• Bonding provides a means for various wiring

fixtures to interconnect with the grounding
system.
• A networking or electronic device may have a
bonding strap between its case and a ground
circuit to ensure a good connection.

Copyright 2003 Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling 1.2 Cisco Networking Academy Program
 Purpose of Grounding and Bonding

Properly installed bonding and grounding will

provide the following:
• Minimize electrical surge (spike) effects.
• Maintain the integrity of the electrical grounding
plant.
• Provide a safer and more effective path to
ground.

Copyright 2003 Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling 1.2 Cisco Networking Academy Program
 Grounding Standards

• The National Electric Code (NEC) has standards

for grounding which must be followed by all
installers and electricians working in the United
States.
• International installers and electricians should
check with local governments as to the
grounding standards in their countries.

Copyright 2003 Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling 1.2 Cisco Networking Academy Program
 Six Feet of Separation Rule

• Allow 6 feet, or 1.8 m, between voice and data

cabling and high-voltage wiring.
• The noise from electrical circuits or devices,
known as electromagnetic interference (EMI),
can interfere with data signals, thus distorting
them and causing general communications
problems.
• It minimizes the possibility of accidental contact
with hazardous voltages.

Copyright 2003 Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling 1.2 Cisco Networking Academy Program
 Electrostatic Discharge

• Electrostatic discharge (ESD), more commonly

known as static electricity, can be the most
damaging and uncontrollable form of electricity.
• Static electricity shocks can be disastrous for
computers.
• Good grounding and bonding can prevent
damage from static electricity because they pass
static bursts to the ground.

Copyright 2003 Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling 1.2 Cisco Networking Academy Program
 Preventing ESD

• Always wear wrist straps when working inside

computer equipment.
• Set computer equipment on ESD protective mats
when working inside them.
• Use a humidifier when working in a cool, dry
environment.

Copyright 2003 Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling 1.2 Cisco Networking Academy Program
 ESD Workspace

Copyright 2003 Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling 1.2 Cisco Networking Academy Program
 Lab and Workplace Safety

• Turn off power before working inside walls,

ceilings, or attics.
• Never touch power cables.
• Be aware of sharp objects, exposed wires, dirt,
and dust.
• Be aware of other people working in the area.

Copyright 2003 Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling 1.2 Cisco Networking Academy Program
 Work Area Safety

• Survey work area beforehand.

• Ask building supervisor if there are dangerous
materials, such as chemicals, asbestos, or lead
present.
• Keep area clean and neat.
• Locate fire extinguishers.
• Use fire-rated cables in plenum areas and riser
cables between floors.

Copyright 2003 Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling 1.2 Cisco Networking Academy Program
 Other Work Area Hazards

• Water
• Weather
• Noise
• Fumes
• Heights
• Rodents and insects

Copyright 2003 Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling 1.2 Cisco Networking Academy Program
 Ladder Safety

• Select the right ladder for

the job.
• Inspect the ladder.
• Set the ladder properly and
safely, and secure the area
around the ladder.
• Climb and descend
cautiously.
• Work on the ladder safely.
Copyright 2003 Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling 1.2 Cisco Networking Academy Program
 Fiber-Optic Safety

• Always wear safety glasses with side shields.

• Always work in a well ventilated area.
• Place a mat on the table to collect all glass
shards. Use masking tape to remove glass
shards from hands and clothing.
• Do not touch eyes while working with fiber-optic
systems.
• Clean work areas thoroughly, and dispose of
glass shards in proper, approved sharps
containers.
Copyright 2003 Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling 1.2 Cisco Networking Academy Program
 First Aid Kit

• Every work area should

have a first aid kit
available.
• Periodically check that it
is fully stocked.
• Make sure that it
contains an eye wash
cup for debris.

Copyright 2003 Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling 1.2 Cisco Networking Academy Program
 Fire Safety

• Call for help immediately if the fire cannot be

quickly and safely extinguished.
• Notify others in the building that there is a fire by
activating the fire alarm or yelling “Fire!”
• Only fight a small fire if you are certain that it is
safe to do so.

Copyright 2003 Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling 1.2 Cisco Networking Academy Program
 Fire Extinguisher Ratings

• A – Ordinary materials (burning paper,

lumber, cardboard, plastics)
• B – Flammable and combustible
liquids (gasoline, kerosene, solvents)
• C – Electrical equipment such as
appliances, switches, panel boxes,
and power tools
• D – Combustible metals such as
magnesium, titanium, potassium, and
sodium
Copyright 2003 Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling 1.2 Cisco Networking Academy Program
 Injury Prevention

• Follow all national, industry, and workplace

safety rules.
• Training is essential when working with
electricity, power tools, or any other potential
hazardous equipment.
• Use safety equipment.
• Be alert and act professionally.
• Stay current on issues related to safety and
health in the workplace.
Copyright 2003 Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling 1.2 Cisco Networking Academy Program
 Personal Safety Equipment

Wearing protective clothing and gear can prevent

an injury or make one less severe.
• Safety goggles
• Ear plugs and muffs
• Respirators and dust masks
• Protective gloves
• Work boots
• Hard hat
Copyright 2003 Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling 1.2 Cisco Networking Academy Program
© 2002, Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. 41