The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA--www.necanet.org) and BICSI (www.bicsi.org) jointly announced the publication of a new standard, ANSI/NECA/BICSI 568-2001, Installing Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling. It "is the first standard to address the importance of proper installation of telecommunications premises systems, including cabling and the associated pathways and spaces," says the announcement made by both organizations.

The standard covers five major components: support systems, pulling cable, firestopping, cable terminations, and installation verification. Tables and figures include conduit bend radius, separation distances, suspended cable tray, fire seal of drywall, wiring schemes, and others.

As an ANSI-accredited organization, NECA provided the necessary expertise to gain ANSI approval for the joint publication. 'The public consensus process that we go through means that NECA/BICSI 568 is a true industry standard," said John M. Grau, NECA's CEO. "We expect it to find broad acceptance among specifiers and end-users of voice-data-video networking systems."

In 1998, NECA asked BICSI to jointly undertake the development of a telecommunications installation standard. Developed by members of a joint committee, the standard is based on BICSI's 800-page Telecommunications Cabling Installation Manual.

"This document not only covers the installation and safety requirements for telecommunications cabling, it focuses on criteria that aid in delivering performance levels expected by end-users," said Jay Warmke, BICSI's executive director. "It will be an extremely valuable tool for the construction industry, including architects and engineers, and especially the installers of the telecommunications cabling."

The standard is available for purchase from either organization. Cost is $25.