Warren & Brown Technologies Pty. Ltd. A.C.N. 006 610 797 108 Mitchell Street Maidstone, Victoria 3012, Australia. Postal Address PO Box 235 Footscray, Victoria, Australia, 3011 Fax: (613) 9318 5797 Tel: (613) 9317 6888 e-mail patrickle@warrenandbrown.com.au web address www.warrenandbrown.com.au

PREFERRED OPTICAL FIBRE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS- BASKET TRAY VERSUS OPTICAL TROUGHING

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Section Contents Page 1.0 Wire Basket Tray VS Lightpaths Optical Trough Duct 3 1.1 Executive Summary 3 2.0 Ducting Properties Compared 4 2.1 Length of Raceway 4 2.2 Depth of Raceway 4 2.3 Width of Raceway 4 2.4 Weight of Raceway 4 2.5 Appearance 4 2.6 Resistance to Corrosion 5 2.7 Resistance to Fire 5 2.8 Materials 5 3.0 Installation Considerations 6 3.1 Mounting Conditions 6 3.2 Time of Installation 6 3.3 Tools Required for Installation 6 3.4 Compatibility With Other Brands 6 4.0 Costs 7 4.1 Transport Costs 7 4.2 Installation Cost 7 5.0 Cable Requirements 8 5.1 Pressure Points 8 5.2 Cable Fill Capacity 8 5.3 Compatibility With Cable Types 8 5.4 Cable Entry and Exit Freedom 8 5.5 Minimum Bend Radius 8 5.6 Expandability in Case of Extra Cable Requirements 9 6.0 Miscellaneous 10 6.1 Warranty Period 10 6.2 International Standards Met 10 7.0 Conclusion 11 Appendix A 12 Appendix B 14 Appendix C 15 Appendix D 16 Appendix E 17 Appendix F 18 .

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1.0 Wire Basket Tray VS Lightpaths Optical Trough Duct 1.1 Executive summary This report aims to facilitate the choice between wire baskets and optical troughs. It will provide answers to the most common purchase questions faced by managers when choosing between the two different types of cable management systems. Ducting properties, installation considerations, costs, cable requirements, warranty periods and compliance issues are the main points of comparison discussed in this report. To represent the case for choosing trough ducting, Lightpaths Fibre Optic System was used to represent the typical trough system. In summing up the contents, a key finding was that, being purposely designed for fibre optical cords, the Lightpaths system is a better choice than the wire basket tray system. Lightpaths is lighter, cheaper, less subject to failure due to human error, and was purposely designed with the constraints of fibre optic cords in mind. Although both have comparable properties, as in fire resistance, ease of mounting and ease of connecting straight lengths together, Lightpaths has more advantages. For example, if installed incorrectly basket trays can breach the minimum bend radius of optical fibres, or if overloaded, can easily compress the fibres. The Lightpaths system does not allow this to occur, or the occurrence of pressure points which causes compression damage. Not only does human error play a critical part during the installation of a wire basket system, but also in its purchasing. For example, choosing the wrong coating, can lead to future problems with corrosion and conductivity when installed in an incompatible environment. Another disadvantage is that the longer and heavier design of wire basket trays, significantly adds to freight costs compared to that of Lightpaths’ ducting. Finally, being compatible with many brands, Lightpaths can be quickly integrated into an existing duct system without any trouble. Wire basket trays, on the other hand, do not typically feature interconnecting adaptors.

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2.0 Ducting Properties Compared 2.1 Length of Raceway All Lightpaths straight ducting comes in 2 metre lengths and depending on the size chosen it can support up to 3400 1.3 to 2mm cords. If shorter lengths are required then raceways can be cut by using a mitre box and a panel saw. Straight lengths of wire baskets typically come in 3 metre lengths, and like the Lightpaths ducting, lengths can also be adjusted to meet requirements. The adjustment process is simpler and requires just a wire cutter to cut off unneeded lengths. However, the cut end is often sharp and is a potential hazard to installers and end users. In addition, the sharp edges also provide a risk with the potential to damage delicate optical fiber cords. 2.2 Depth of Raceway The maximum depth of Lightpaths ducting is four inches, whilst the typical wire baskets has a maximum depth of six inches. Although deeper, this does not necessarily mean that more cables can be run through the system because overloading can result in compression damage due to crushing. 2.3 Width of Raceway With a maximum width of eighteen inches, the typical wire basket tray is wider than the largest twelve inch wide raceway that Lightpaths offers. However, such a large size is not commonly used and a smaller size can often do the job just as well and save space. 2.4 Weight of Raceway A typical Lightpaths 100x100x2000mm (Warren and Brown part number TC1279-23 see Appendix B) solid duct weighs just 2.3kg, making it much lighter than its wire basket counterpart. Typically measuring 100x105x3000mm, the average straight length of basket tray, weighs in at 4.1kg and is heavier even when the extra length is taken into account. The lighter weight makes Lightpaths’ ducting easier and cheaper to transport, install and safely handle. 2.5 Appearance Lightpaths Ducting is available in yellow, black and orange and is easily distinguished from other cable trays or ducts. Its enclosed design hides all traces of cords, effectively making this product much more aesthetically acceptable. The three colours are made available for customers who wish to run redundant systems with a different colour used for the redundant system. On the other hand, wire basket systems feature an open steel mesh design that also neatly stores cords but it leaves them exposed and in view. Some manufacturers market this as desirable because it allows cables to be inspected easily. However, such a design offers little

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security against tampering and damage and presents a basic industrial appearance, which may not be desired and understate the importance of the optic fibre that is being carried by the tray. 2.6 Resistance to Corrosion Being manufactured from a plastic alloy, Lightpaths ducting is not subject to corrosion. Wire basket trays come in various finishes, the most common one is the electroplated Zinc Galvanizing (Standard Stock Finish) - Electrodeposited zinc coating applied to an average thickness of 0.7 mils (18 microns) to 0.8 mils (20 microns). This surface treatment is suitable for most indoor applications and may be used outdoors in mild environments only. 2.7 Resistance to Fire In the event of fire, the halogen free Lightpaths Ducting System does not release toxic or corrosive gases which can be fatal, cause irreversible damage to electronic equipment and in some cases even weaken the structure of buildings. Manufactured from a plastic polymer, the system is also self-extinguishing. In addition, Lightpaths is one of the few products manufactured from halogen free materials. Most basket tray manufacturers comply with tough standards, to ensure that the critical services (emergency lighting, fans, emergency exit, fire alarm, etc.) remain functional for long enough to organize rescue in the event of fire. 2.8 Materials Lightpaths Ducting is manufactured from a lightweight, halogen free plastic polymer, which is dyed bright yellow, black or orange. There is no complex range of alternatives needed to meet specific requirements, just a choice of colour. On the other hand, being manufactured from steel mesh, choosing the correct basket tray finish can be a complicated task. Corrosion resistance, conductivity, and other factors need to be considered otherwise the wrong finish could lead to problems in the future. Some of the finishes are listed below. -Electroplated Zinc Galvanizing (Standard Stock Finish) - Electrodeposited zinc coating applied to an average thickness of 0.7 mils (18 microns) to 0.8 mils (20 microns). This surface treatment is suitable for most indoor applications and may be used outdoors in mild environments only. -Hot Dip Galvanizing - Provided by immersing the product in a molten zinc bath, this coating is applied to an average thickness of 2.4 mils (60 microns) to 3.2 mils (80 microns). This treatment is most suitable for outdoor applications or situations where increased corrosion resistance is desired. -Epoxy Powder Coat Paint - Powder painted surface treatment using ASA 61. This finish option provides an aesthetically pleasing durable coating recommended for use in office buildings and various other indoor applications. Powder Coat colours are available on special

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request. Stainless Steel - Corrosive resistant AISI 316L Stainless Steel with no additional surface treatment. This material option provides the most corrosion resistant option available. Stainless steel is used primarily in marine environments or food processing facilities. 3.0 Installation Considerations 3.1 Mounting Conditions Lightpaths Ducting is modular and comprises a range of components that allow the system to be easily installed in both overhead and under floor situations. The extensive range of mounts, allows mounting from walls, ladder rack, ceilings, unistrut, on raised floor support brackets, on floors, or to the top of equipment racks or frames. In addition, changes in levels, to avoid obstacles for example, are easily achieved using vertical elbows. Basket tray systems can also be installed in both overhead and under floor situations and the wire basket design also allows for changes in levels with ease. 3.2 Time of Installation A typical installation of Lightpaths Ducting (See Appendix D) takes about 40 labour hours, provided the room is free from obstacles. Currently there is no data available for a similar basket tray system; however Warren and Brown Technologies estimates, a similar quantity of labour would be required. 3.3 Tools Required for Installation Using clip on joints, lengths of Lightpaths Ducting are quick and easy to connect together without using any tools. Drop offs can be quickly cut out using the Lightpaths Cut out Tool, anywhere in the system and drop components can be easily clipped on with joints. Even the mounting brackets slot easily into the ducting without the use of any tools. Basket trays require connectors to clip straight lengths together, also without using any tools. Drop offs do not have to be cut out due to the product’s open mesh design and drop off kits are also joined together quickly via fast fix connectors. A major disadvantage with wire baskets is that sharp edges are created when shortened with wire cutters. Unless smoothed out with power tools, the edges can be a potential safety hazard and risk the integrity of the optical fibre. 3.4 Compatibility with Other Brands “Between brand adapters” are ducting sections that can connect different brands of ducting together. Adaptors are important as different brands of ducting may need to exist in the same central office. Usually, ducting is installed as frames or racks of equipment are installed, rather than installing ducting for the entire central office at one time. New equipment placement usually can not be predicted, making it difficult to order ducting for the entire office at one time. As Purchasing Managers change, or as new, different brands of ducting emerge,

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so does the preference in ducting brands. This can result in the existence of different brands of ducting in an office, and the subsequent requirement for between-brand adapters. Lightpaths is compatible with other major brands of ducting with its wide range of adaptors. On the other hand, most basket tray manufacturers do not sell between brand adapters, making it very difficult to be used with other brands of ducting. Consequently, basket tray end users do not have the luxury of easily switching between brands in the event of price increases, supply shortages or other reasons. 4.0 Costs 4.1 Transport Costs Being lighter than basket trays, Lightpaths’ ducting is noticeably cheaper to transport and easier to handle. Lightpaths’ standard two metre lengths also give users more options in picking the right transport modes. For example unlike basket tray’s standard three metre lengths, Lightpaths ducting can be secured safely and legally on top of passenger vehicle roof racks. 4.2 Installation Costs Please see section 3.2 for installation time and then convert to a dollar figure.

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5.0 Cable Requirements 5.1 Pressure Points Since the cables continuously rest on the Lightpaths Ducting, there are no pressure points along the system except for when the cables drop out of the system into equipment racks. Even when that occurs, the cables are always protected against compression and radius bend guides ensure the minimum bend radius (30mm) is never exceeded. On the other hand, cords in a basket tray will experience pressure points through out the system as there are gaps in the mesh. As a result, the same dimension of basket tray can not support the same amount of optical cords as the Lightpaths system. The costs resulting from overloaded ducting can be very high even when only a single optical fibre is damaged. For example, a single fibre can carry the conversations of every man, woman and child on the face of this planet, at the same time, twice over. 5.2 Cable Fill Capacity To cater for various needs, there are six sizes of Lightpaths Ducting available which can be interconnected via easy to clip on adaptors. The maximum load capacity is 3400 optical cords of 2mm cable, which is ample for almost all applications. Not being specifically designed to meet the requirements of fibre optic cords, it is difficult to get exact specifications on the fill capacity of a typical basket tray system. Some manufacturers do make a brief mention of optical cords, but only briefly because basket trays were not designed specifically for optical cords alone. Basket trays have a perception of use for electrical cabling and if they are installed for fibre alone in the first place they become a convenient route for all other forms of cabling later 5.3 Compatibility with Cable Types Since Lightpaths Ducting is non-conductive and constantly supports cords without sagging, it is compatible with both optical and copper cable. Basket trays can also support both types of cables, although the gaps between the mesh causes pressure points and may damage optical cables if overloaded. 5.4 Cable Entry and Exit Freedom By using the Lightpaths Cut Out tool, drop offs can be added anywhere along the raceways. In fact the Lightpaths Fibre Spreader allows drop offs to be produced in existing ducting systems that already contain cables.

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Since basket trays feature an open mesh design, drop offs can occur anywhere in the system. Like the Lightpaths system, drop offs can be retrofitted in an existing system that already contains cables. 5.5 Minimum Bend Radius Lightpaths Ducting always protects optical fibres against compression damage, and radius bend guides ensure the minimum bend radius (30mm) is never exceeded. On the other hand, a basket tray system can be modified by the end user to maintain a minimum bend radius of 30mm but this requires a lot of wire cutting, manual bending and smoothing of sharp edges. 5.6 Expandability in Case of Extra Cable Requirements Lightpaths Ducting can be inexpensively retro-fitted, with rack drop offs in custom situations, without endangering existing cords in the duct. The ability to be changed or extended without the need to remove the existing fibre or shut down services, is a key feature. Basket trays can also be retro-fitted without removing the existing fibre, however unlike Lightpaths Ducting it can not be easily expanded with ducting components from other brands.

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6.0 Miscellaneous 6.1 Warranty Period As Lightpaths is manufactured to the highest quality international standards (ISO9001), it offers a competitive 5 year warranty for all ducting parts. Basket tray manufacturers also offer competitive warranties of anywhere between ninety days up to twenty five years for all parts. 6.2 International Standards Met See Appendix E for all standards that most basket tray manufactures meet. See Appendix F for Lightpaths Standards met.

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7.0 Conclusion The choice between basket trays and Lightpaths ducting can often be confusing. Both are fire resistant, easily mountable, and connecting straight lengths of ducting is made simple. However, not being designed exclusively for use with optical cords there are several drawbacks with choosing basket trays. For example, if installed incorrectly basket trays can breach the minimum bend radius of optical fibres or if overloaded, can easily compress the fibres. The Lightpaths system does not allow this to occur. Not only is human error a potential problem with installing basket trays, but it’s also a problem when choosing the correct finish. The wrong finish in the wrong environment can lead to major problems with corrosion and conductivity. The Lightpaths range removes these problems by coming only in a halogen free plastic polymer. Another drawback with choosing basket trays is that their size and weight makes transportation more difficult and costly than Lightpaths ducting. This problem is compounded when transporting over large distances and can affect the original purchase price exponentially. Being compatible with many brands, Lightpaths can be quickly integrated into an existing duct system without any trouble. Basket trays on the other hand, are not designed with interconnecting adaptors so integrating into different brands is very difficult. Finally, by using wire mesh tray for the ducting of fibre optic cable can later represent a very strong temptation to run much heavier cables over the top of the fibre and ultimately place the integrity of the fibre at risk which of course increases risk for the users. In conclusion, Lightpaths is the better choice for use with optical fibres. It is lighter, cheaper, less subject to failure due to human error, and was purposely designed with the properties of fibre optics in mind.

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Appendix A

Systems compared

Features Typical Wire Basket Tray

Light Paths Trough Ducting

Duct properties Length of Raceway 3 metres adjustable with

wire cutters 2 metres adjustable with saw and mitre box

Depth of Raceway Up to 6 inches Up to 4 inches Width of Raceway Up to 18 inches Up to 12 inches Resistance to corrosion Depending on chosen

finish Complete

Resistance to fire Yes Yes Weight Heavy Lighter Appearance Open mesh design allows

cables to be viewed Neatly hides cables. Ducting is bright yellow

Hides cords No Yes Materials Typically zinc coated steel

mesh Halogen free plastic polymer

Installation considerations Mounting from walls Yes Yes Mounting from ladder racks Yes Yes Mounting from unistruts Yes Yes Mounting from on raised floor support brackets

Yes Yes

Mounting on top of equipment racks or frames

Yes Yes

Space requirements Minimal as different sizes can interconnect

Minimal as different sizes can interconnect

Installation time Minimal as supports are Longer since more tools

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farther apart and mainly just wire cutters are used

are used and supports positioned closer together

Tools required for installation Wire cutters Possibly a mitre box, saw, cut out tool, fibre spreader and slotting tool

Distance between supports 1.5 metres for first support followed by 2m intervals

1.2 metre intervals

Compatibility with different ducting brands

Adaptors not sold Yes

Costs Labour Costs of installation Lowest as minimal tools

required Higher since more tools are required and supports are closer

Time to connect ducting parts Minimal as parts clipped together with connectors

Minimal as its slotted together with joints

Average price per metre Cable requirements Pressure points Constantly as there are

gaps in the mesh None

Cable Fill capacity N/A 3400 2mm cords Compatibility with cable types

Optical and copper Optical and copper

Cable entry/exit freedom Easy as there a gaps in the system

Easy if cut outs are made with a cut out tool

Upgradeability without removing existing fibres

Yes Yes

Bend radius 50mm stock but adjustable with some effort

30mm

Miscellaneous Warranty period 90 days to 25 years 5 years Meets standards See Appendix E See Appendix F

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Appendix B DUCT AND SNAP - ON LID ASSEMBLY, 100mm DUCT

PART NO: TC1279 - 23ASN

(See Note)

Issue 1

Note: Add a “G” to the end of the Part No, for the item to be supplied in Noryl Gray coloured plastic material.

Use / Application The 100 mm duct lid (Part No: TC1279-24SN) is a snap fit onto 100mm straight duct (Part No: TC1279-23). The lid is quickly and easily fitted and removed from 100mm straight duct, when required. Both the lid and duct are made of tough Noryl plastic with a non-halogen fire retardant. The duct connects to other duct sections and various bends, adaptors etc., using either: a standard joiner (Part No: TC1279-27) or a slotless joiner (Part No: TC1279-248A); which are available separately. A 100mm duct carries up to 400 x 3mm diameter optical fibre cords to a depth of 50mm, without causing excessive crushing or stress on them. This is the maximum recommended number of optical fibre cords for 100mm duct. Features Cover (Part No: TC 1279-24SN), snaps onto 100mm duct (Part No: TC1279-23); included Clips straight into joiner Tough, fire retardant material Joiners (Part No: TC1279-25, Telstra: S 353/00514 or TC1279-248A); available separately. Purchase by the unit Technical Specifications

Dimensions Lid: 115mm (W) x 15mm (H) x 2,000mm (D)

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Duct: 120mm (W) x 105mm (H) x 2000mm (D) Weight Lid: 1.1 kg; Duct & Lid: 3.4 kg Material Fire retardant plastic, Halogen free, UL94-VO rated

Source: (Warren and Brown Catalogue Issue No: 1 – Date: 21/05/2002)

Appendix C

Typical Basket Tray

4"

105 mm

4" - 24"

100 - 600 mm

10' 3 m

INCHES MM INCHES MM FEET M LBS KG

CF 105/100 4" 105 4" 100 10' 3 9.0 4.1

CF 105/150 4" 105 6" 150 10' 3 10.2 4.6

CF 105/200 4" 105 8" 200 10' 3 13.4 6.1

CF 105/300 4" 105 12" 300 10' 3 21.2 9.6

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CF 105/450 4" 105 18" 450 10' 3 25.9 11.8

CF 105/500 4" 105 20" 500 10' 3 27.5 12.5

CF 105/600 4" 105 24" 600 10' 3 30.4 13.8

All trays are offered in the following finishes:

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Appendix D

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Appendix E

Standards that are important in the Cable Tray/ Cabling industry:

• NEC: The National Electrical Code

• CSA: Canadian Standards Association

• NEIS: National Electrical Installation Standards equivalent to NEMA VE1

• NEMA VE1: National Electrical Manufacturers Association (partnered with CSA) Standard for Metal Cable Tray Systems

• NEMA VE2: National Electrical Manufacturers Association Standard for Cable Tray Installation Guidelines

• IEC 61537: International Electrotechnical Contractors Standard for Cable Tray Systems and Cable Ladder Systems for Cable Management

• IEC 60204: International Electrotechnical Contractors Standard for Safety of Machinery/Electrical Equipment with Machinery

• NFPA 79: National Fire Protection Association's Standard; equivalent to IEC 60204

• NFPA 70: National Fire Protection Association's Standard; equivalent to NEC

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Appendix F

GENERIC SPECIFICATION FOR OPTICAL FIBRE CABLE

DUCTING/TROUGHING SYSTEM 3.1 GENERAL The technical conditions specified in this document, generally cover the requirements for an Exchange Optical Fibre Cable Troughing/Ducting System that permits connection, from the Optical Fibre Distribution Frame (OFDF) to rack mounted transmission equipment using pigtail or patchcord optical fibre cable. Optical fibre pigtail cables can be installed in the Troughing System to connect from the OFDF to transmission equipment. The Optical Fibre Cable(s) are usually installed at minimum tension by directly placing them into the Troughing System, rather than hauling them into position. 3.2 TECHNICAL REVIEW OF OPTICAL FIBRE CABLE DUCTING/TROUGHING

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS 3.2.1 The prime requirement of a cabling Troughing System taken as a whole is that it

shall allow easy optical fibre cable installation between the OFDF's and equipment rack, whilst GUARANTEEING THAT UNDER EVERY CONDITION THAT THE ALLOWABLE VALUE OF MINIMUM BENDING RADIUS (MBR) IS MAINTAINED, and that a minimum tension, smooth jerk free cable hauling installation/placement is achieved.

NOTE: The MBR for single/twin fibre pigtails is 30mm. 3.2.2 A modular, complete range of fittings and equipment shall be provided and shall

enable the cabling Troughing System to be installed in both old and new sites so that trunk and other Optical Fibre Cables can be installed and run in a neat, organized, logical and efficient manner from OFDF's to equipment racks.

3.2.3 The Troughing System shall be able to be assembled using an approved

mechanical fastening system, rather than gluing or bolting components together.

3.2.4 The Troughing system shall be capable of quick installation in the internal

overhead or sub floor environment, using standard hand tools. 3.2.5 A straight section of the 100, 220 and 300mm Troughing system shall be capable

of supporting a centrally applied 50 kg load, over a span of 2 metres, without exceeding a deflection of 5 mm mid span, or sustaining any permanent damage.

3.2.6 A rugged, compact, ergonomically designed, hand tool shall be offered, that is

capable of preparing the troughing side, preferably in a single easy operation, for installing a drop off connection. There must be no sharp edges or corners left after this operation that could damage a pigtail or cause injury to staff.

3.2.7 The Troughing system shall be able to satisfactorily restrain all optical fibre cables

within and shall be provided with an openable cover. 3.2.8 The Troughing system shall be made Halogen Free approved Fire Retardant (FR)

material(s) in accordance with Clause 5, below. 3.2.9 Where opposing bends or elbows of a Troughing system that may be of opposite

direction are installed close together, the pigtail cables MUST NOT be capable of being strained subsequently, as new pigtail cables are installed or old pigtails replaced. The minimum bending radius of every pigtail cable of 30 mm MUST be maintained UNDER EVERY CONDITION.

3.2.10 The system shall provide for full interconnectivity between all sizes from 30 x 30

mm through 50 x 50 mm, 100 x 50mm and 100 x 100 mm to 220 x 100mm and 300 x 100mm.

3.3 GLOSSARY OF TERMS The following glossary of terms applies for the items of the SPECIFICATION. 3.3.1 ADAPTORS – These enable different width Troughing members to be connected

together e.g. 100 mm to 220 mm wide Troughing. 3.3.2 BENDS – These are Troughing members that enable a change of direction to be

made, whilst the pigtail cable's Minimum Bending Radius of 30 mm is maintained. They can be 45 or 90 degrees change of direction, right or left or up or down, either in the horizontal or vertical plane.

3.3.3 BRACKET SYSTEM – A flexible, easily assembled mounting system for securing

the Troughing members at the required elevation and change of directions and heights, above superstructure or sub-floor.

3.3.4 BRIGHT COLOUR – A highly visible yellow colour is required for the Troughing

system to distinguish the pigtail cable Troughing system from all other cable distribution systems.

3.3.5 RANGE OF FITTINGS – All items and components of a Troughing system, some

supplied in stand - alone modular kits that permit installation of a complete Troughing system in new or existing Exchanges/Sites.

3.3.6 COVERS – A cover system for the Troughing system over the ducts, typically

provided on straight sections that permits installation and removal of pigtails, and affords installed pigtails protection from accidental mechanical damage.

3.3.7 DROP OFFS – The Troughing system components that feed the individual

optical fibre pigtails, under controlled conditions, from the overhead duct or troughing down the rack's cable conduit and permit the pigtails flowing at the Minimum Bending Radius of 30 mm to connect to transmission equipment. These members shall have a smooth internal surface.

3.3.8 DROP OFF ASSEMBLY HAND TOOL – A compact, portable, lightweight,

ergonomically designed hand tool that is capable of making a connection, typically by cutting an aperture, in the side of a straight Troughing member, for installation of a DROP OFF in a quick, neat, effective manner.

3.3.9 DUCT – See TROUGHING 3.3.10 ELBOW – See BEND – A 45 or 90° change of direction member that guides the

pigtail at the Minimum Bending Radius, in a left or right hand change of direction, usually in the horizontal plane.

3.11 FLEXIBLE CONNECTION – A feature of a Troughing member, usually provided

in DROP-OFFS that permits optical fibre pigtail cable flow to occur under controlled conditions.

3.3.12 FIRE RETARDANT (FR) – The requirements of this specification fittings and

equipment to prevent and retard the start and spread of flames and fire, and the generation of corrosive or toxic combustion products.

3.3.13 JOINING SYSTEM – A simple, effective, reliable, quick method of assembling

Troughing system components together, to form a mechanically strong connection, with a smooth surface between adjacent members, that can be quickly re-made many times if required.

3.3.14 MINIMUM BENDING RADIUS (MBR) – The fundamentally important requirement

of the Troughing system that under every possible condition the pigtails are flowing at the allowable value of MINIMUM BENDING RADIUS of 30 mm.

3.3.15 OPTICAL FIBRE DISTRIBUTION FRAME (OFDF) – A modular rack mounted

optical fibre cable termination system, where the external cable is fusion spliced to individual pigtails, allowing a high density of terminated optical fibres to be achieved.

3.3.16 OPTICAL FIBRE PATHWAY – The guidance provided by an installed, complete

Troughing system as pigtails flow from the OFDF to equipment racks either straight or at the MBR.

3.3.17 PATCHCORD – A single pigtail style optical fibre cable, fitted with a connector at

both ends that connects from the OFDF patching field to transmission equipment. It has a tough sheath that provides mechanical protection.

3.3.18 PIGTAIL – A single style optical fibre cable, fitted with a connector at one end that

is used to connect the external optical fibre cable from the OFDF to transmission equipment. It has a tough sheath that provides mechanical protection.

3.3.19 RACK – A piece of hardware, usually made of steel members, with sheet metal

sides that houses transmission equipment or OFDF subrack modules. 3.3.20 RACK DUCT – An optical fibre pigtail guiding member, that has slotted cable

exits, and guides the pigtail vertically down the rack from the overhead Troughing's DROP-OFF'S flexible member and permits connection to transmission equipment, whilst guiding the pigtail through the MBR.

3.3.21 RETRO-FIT – The act of installing an optical fibre cable troughing system into an

existing building site, that may already have an optical fibre installation. 3.3.22 STANDARD HAND TOOLS – Simple construction mechanical tools such as

spanners, screwdrivers etc. that do not require specialist training to use effectively.

3.3.23 STRAIGHT SECTION – A straight section of optical fibre Troughing that can be easily and quickly joined to other system components, typically up to 2 metres long.

3.3.24 TEE PIECE – A split or divided section, that permits pigtails to change direction

through 90° at the MBR, in a horizontal plane. 3.3.25 TROUGHING – The guiding space provided from individual member(s) for pigtails

as they flow from the OFDF to equipment racks. 3.4. OPTICAL FIBRE TROUGHING/DUCTING SYSTEM – TECHNICAL

CONDITIONS The following technical conditions shall apply. The optical fibre ducting system shall:- 3.4.1 Maintain a minimum bend radius of 30 mm, under all conditions. 3.4.2 Provide strain relief for optical fibres housed therein. 3.4.3 Be simple to erect, using standard hand tools, in overhead and sub floor

environment. NOTE: A special hand tool may be required to install drop offs. 3.4.4 Must be fire retardant in accordance with Clause 3.5. 3.4.5 Include a complete range of fittings to suit all requirements:- (a) Tee Pieces (b) Elbows - 90°, horizontal and vertical (c) Centring devices left and right hand (d) Straight sections 30 x 30 mm, 50 x 50 mm

(e) Adaptors 30 x 30 mm, 50 x 50 mm, 100 x 50 mm, 220 x 100 & 300 x

100 mm.

(f) Flexible rack drop off connections

(g) Rack ducts 30 x 30 mm, 50 x 50 mm, 100 x 50 mm, and 100 x 100 mm of similar construction to 3.4.5 (d) but slotted every 150 mm.

NOTE: Each duct item is to maintain the Minimum Bending Radius of 30 mm at each fibre exit point.

Have duct size dimensions of:-

30 x 30 mm 50 x 50 mm 100 x 50 mm

100 x 100 mm 220 x 100 mm

300 x 100 mm – 2 metre lengths 3.4.6 Required is a complete bracket system, to mount the Troughing, at a flexible

height, above the ceiling tie bars. Each kit shall consist of a threaded corrosion protected rod 12 mm diameter x 0.8 metres long, complete with 4 nuts per rod and 4 flat washers.

3.4.7 Be such that additional drop-offs shall be easy to install, using the special hand

tool i.e. retrofit rack drop off location positions, fully flexible anywhere along the Troughing. Minimum centres 90 mm, typical 600 mm.

3.4.8 Include bends and drop offs, which shall be provided with dividers, for through

pigtail flow. 3.4.9 Be easy and quick to extend, re-arrange and divert, using a simple mechanical

fastening system, rather than gluing or bolting. 3.4.10 Be of an approved corrosion proof, long life design (typically 15 years) with

respect to all components offered and supplied. 3.4.11 Be of a bright yellow colour for ease of identification. 3.4.12 Comply with all Occupational Health and Safety, requirements and use

Environmental friendly material(s). 3.4.13 Provide Modular kits for drop offs, bends, OFDF entry(s) etc. i.e. each kit for drop

offs etc. shall include all necessary parts such as fixing components, labels, installation instructions, etc.

3.4.14 Be mechanically strong for the overhead environment – capable of supporting a

centrally applied 50 kg load, over a 2 metre span, without failing, or excessive deflection, greater than 5 mm, occurring (100 x 100 mm, 220 mm x 100 mm & 300 mm x 100mm sections).

However, it is recommended that Lightpaths Ducting be supported every 900mm maximum spacing on a straight run; with more support for corners, offsets, etc. See Section 4.0

3.4.15 Have covers over the ducting. 3.4.16 Have a fully openable style of Troughing to ensure cable placement, rather than

hauling. 3.4.17 Be clearly labelled on the sides of the ducting in 25 mm high black capital

lettering, repeated every 1.5 metres, with "OPTICAL FIBRE PIGTAIL TROUGHING DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM".

3.5 FIRE RETARDANT (FR) REQUIREMENTS 3.5.1 Selection of Fire Retarded Materials 3.5.1.1 Polymeric materials shall be Halogen Free Fire retardant materials, which meet the following requirements:

TEST TEST

CRITERIA

REFERENCE OR METHOD

+ Minimum Oxygen Concentration

Not less than 34 AS2122.1 – 1978

(%) (May also be referred to as the Limiting Oxygen Index).

If less, the actual value should be

stated.

+ Smoke Emission Standard Absorbency, Ao 100mm specimen width.

0.98 SAA INT 88002 (Proposed as AS1660.5.2)

+ Acid and Corrosive Gas Emission (a) pH minimum 3.5 (b) Conductivity 100 maximum (us/cm)

SAA INT 88003 (Proposed as AS1660.5.4)

3.5.1.2 Combustion Test on Completed Troughing System

Samples prepared and tested in accordance with the following procedures shall not burn for a distance of more than 50 mm and burning shall have ceased within 180 seconds of removal of the igniter flame, when the gases flowing up the tube contain not less than 28% oxygen.

(a) Preparation of specimens.

The sample, cut from the completed Troughing system shall be approximately 100 mm long, 7 + 1 mm wide and the thickness of the item.

Test Method. The description and calibration of the equipment for conducting this test is contained in AS2122.1. A suitable apparatus is the "Critical Oxygen Index Flammability Tester" by Stanton – Redcroft. Other apparatus may be used but must give similar results. The temperature of gases flowing up the chimney shall be 23 + or – 2 degrees Celsius at the commencement of each test. Clamp the specimen vertically in the centre of the glass column with the top of the specimen at least 100 mm below the top of the open column. Initially, set the concentration of gases flowing up the column to a minimum of 28% oxygen. The gas flow rate in the column shall be 40 + or – 10 mm/second calculated at the standard temperature (O° Celsius) and pressure (760 mm Hg) from a total flow of gas (cubic mm/second) divided by the cross sectional area of the column (square mm). Allow the gas to purge for at least 30 seconds. Ignite the top of the specimen for 10 seconds with soft yellow flame issuing from an orifice of 2 mm + 1 mm diameter at the end of a tube. The flame fuel shall be LPG and the supply adjusted so that the flame projects approximately 10 mm vertically from the orifice when the tube end is vertical with the chimney and the flame is burning within the chimney atmosphere. To meet the specification requirements the burning shall have ceased within 180 seconds after removal of the igniter, and the total burnt length including that initially burnt by the igniter shall not exceed further than 50 mm from the top end of the specimen. In the event of the first specimen failing the test, two further specimens from the same sample shall be tested and both shall pass for the material to be accepted. In case of dispute, the actual minimum oxygen concentration for flame propagation shall be determined according to AS2212.2 using Type A specimens cut from the troughing and the thickness shall be the thickness of the troughing Source: (Warren and Brown Catalogue Issue No: 1 – Date: 21/05/2002)