In 1996, bicsi, a telecommunications association based in Tampa, FL, launched a training and registration program for cabling installers. Based in concept on bicsi`s successful registered communications distribution designer (rcdd) program for cabling-infrastructure planners and designers, the three-level Cabling Installation Training Program includes classroom and on-the-job training, but at its heart is a loose-leaf Cabling Installation Manual, which is also available on cd-rom.
Benefiting from two years of field experience, bicsi volunteers have revised the manual and reissued it as the Telecommunications Cabling Installation Manual, 2nd Edition. bicsi states that the new edition is 10% larger than the first, with 770 pages and 300 illustrations. Almost three-quarters of the loose-leaf pages have been revised, and a new chapter on firestopping has been added. Following an introductory chapter covering the background of cabling installation, the manual goes into planning, installing supporting structures, pulling cable, cable termination, splicing cable, troubleshooting, and retrofit installations. There is also an extensive index and glossary.
Designed to serve as a reference tool for telecommunications cabling installers as well as a set of standards-based guidelines for bicsi`s installer training program, the manual is priced the same as the first edition--$99--and is available on cd-rom at the same price. (The cd-rom offers the advantage of being searchable by keyword.)
To order, contact bicsi at tel: (800) 242-7405 or (813) 979-1991, fax: (813) 971-4311. The organization`s Web address is www.bicsi.org. Payment can be made by check, credit card, and money order.