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Frequently Asked Questions
Inspection Questions
Q: What is the standard procedure to request an inspection by DCPS Technology?
A: It is recommended that courtesy site reviews be requested early in the installation stage to make sure the work is being performed properly. It is better to call for guidance early then to have to redo work!
Technology Calls for Inspections must occur at the completion of each of the following stages for the Grounding & Bonding , Data, Video and Electrical systems:
Room layout, rough in prior to cover up, Grounding & Bonding (prior to any further work), pathway distribution including, cabling installation and labeling. See Appendix E for a more complete list!
All work must be completed at the time of the inspection. All inspections shall be requested by the Construction Manager or Prime Contractor of the project. The email request must be sent to ALL representatives required to be at the inspection and the DCPS Project Manager. The Engineer of record is required to coordinate the time and date for all representatives to meet for the inspection. Inspections requests shall allow five (5) DCPS business days for this process to take place. Due to various factors Friday’s are usually NOT scheduled for field inspections, so take this into account when making your requests.
Follow the guidelines provided by Code Enforcement for their inspection schedule.
Q: How do I contact Code Enforcement for permits and inspections?
A: Code Enforcement has moved to the DCPS Main Building.
1701 Prudential Drive, 32207
5th Floor, Room 513
(904) 390-2150 or 390-2165
Pathway Questions
Q: What is the preferred method of cable distribution?
A: The best method for Data in NEW construction is an 1-1/4" conduit stub up connected to basket tray. In a retrofit with concealed spaces it would be surface raceway, connected to 1-1/4" conduit stub up to the basket tray. If basket tray cannot be concealed then a fully enclosed conduit system, using long radius sweeps, compression fittings, and NO factory bends. Converting to basket tray as quickly as possible is the preferred method. The CCTV system must be fully enclosed!
Q: May I use "J" Hooks for cable supports?
A: "J" Hooks, "D", "O" Rings - are common method used to support cables in commercial buildings. These are NOT allowed to be used as cable distribution systems on DCPS jobs.
Q: What type and how should I install underground conduits.
A: Underground conduits shall be PVC schedule 40. Stub-ups (including ells) shall be rigid galvanized steel conduits. Provide asphaltum coating to cover steel conduit and ells in contact with earth.
Q: What type of conduit should be used in concrete block and/or concrete filled walls?
A: Since a continuous bond must be maintained for all systems the use of metallic conduit is required. According to the NEC and UL zinc galvanized metallic conduit is acceptable to use this type of environment.
Grounding and Bonding Questions
Q: Where do I get information on how to perform the required Ground Tests?
A: There are some PDF files posted in the View All Specs section of the web site to help explain the various tests and how they are to be performed. Megger provides a pamphlet titled “Getting Down to Earth” which is highly recommended. However, it is the responsibility of the contractor to understand the proper testing procedures.
Q: How should bonding between cable tray and conduits be accomplished.
A: Follow the manufacturer’s recommended practices for connections to cable trays since each one has a different variation on how they accomplish these connections. ( i.e. some have specific fittings, others recommend insulated throat ground bushings with a number 6 wire run as straight and short as possible and connected to the tray via a split bolt.) No matter how this is accomplished Communications industry best practices shall be required to be followed. Ask for specific recommendations from DCPS Infrastructure prior to installation.
Q: Is it acceptable to mix Aluminum connectors with Copper wire.
A: Aluminum components are NOT acceptable. All components used for Grounding and Bonding systems shall be Copper.
Labeling Questions
Q: Who is responsible for patch panel layouts?
A: All patch panel layouts are to be submitted by the contractor and must be approved by the engineer, DCPS Technology, and the contractor prior to punch down of cabling. It is the responsibility of the contractor to make sure that the patch panel layouts utilize the FISH numbers of any room.
Q: Where do I get the FISH numbers for the rooms?
A: It is the responsibility of the Design Professional to obtain the FISH numbers from the Facilities FISH Coordinator and to include the proper identifiers on the construction documents.
Q: How should cables be labeled?
A: All cables are to be labeled within 12" at both ends using computerized labels and heat shrink tubing (lightly shrink the tubes so they may still move freely). TAPES OF ANY KIND ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE.. See the specifications for details.
Q: AP labels get lost on the ceiling grid. What should be done to make them more visible?
A: Label the locations on both the actual faceplate and on the ceiling grid. Add two florescent GREEN dots next to the label to make it easier to find.
CCTV Questions
Q: How are the distances of CCTV cable runs to be measured?
A: All measurements are from the Headend to the last tap on a run of cable. Taps are to be located so as to minimize the length of the drop cables NOT the backbone cables!
Q: What if some of the CCTV headend equipment specified has been discontinued? What do I supply as its replacement?
A: Submit cut sheets for replacement equipment to the DCPS Instructional Equipment Repair Foreman for approval. The equipment shall provide equal or better functionality as the equipment previously approved.
Q: Is the Telecommunications Box Detail for attachment to cabinets to be used for the CCTV cabinets as well?
A: YES.
DATA Questions
Q: How many cables are to be pulled to Access Point (AP) locations.
A: There is a conflict between Section 2.09 and 5.08 in the 2013Q Specification. Since all design and installation work shall be for High Density Wireless, only two (2) RED cables are to be installed. The category of the cable is to be Cat6A unless otherwise approved by DCPS Technology Infrastructure. Exception: Portables shall have 2 RED cables and shall always be rated Cat5e.
Q: Section II states that AP's should be installed using Cat6A cables but Appendix O allows the use of Cat5e cable. Which is correct?
A: Both are correct. When designing for new construction or a full retrofit ALL cables shall be identified to be Cat6A. When installing hot spots or a wireless overlay at schools with existing cabling systems designs may specify, when approved by DCPS Technology Infrastructure, the same category of cable already installed at the site (minimum Cat5e).
Q: What 12 port fiber panel do I use with the Blackhawk Cabinet?
A: Use the "1U" OCC RTC12B.
LAV Questions
Due to the new addition of the LAV Systems numerous questions have been submitted. Many of the questions are actually answered in the DCPS SWS but answers are included in the pages of the link below.