Commscope Drop Cable User Manual

Broadband Applications & Construction ManualDrop Cable Products

Coax Selection Considerations - DistanceCoax cable can be engineered for several levels of performance and cost-efficiency. For instance, a larger cab

Coax Selection Considerations - Shielding and Environment Once you’ve determined which cable answers your need for signal over distance, you need to d

QR® 320 Series Selection Matrix (MDUs and Very Long Runs)This is a quick reference for QR 320 Series cables from CommScope. Answer the questions as yo

F11 Series Selection Matrix (Runs Over 150 ft/45 Meters)This is a quick reference for F11 Series cables from CommScope. Answer the questions as you re

F6 Series Selection Matrix (Runs 150 ft/45 Meters or Less)This is a quick reference for F6 Series cables from CommScope. Answer the questions as you r

F11 Series Selection Matrix for NEC 830 (Runs Over 150 ft/45 Meters)This is a quick reference for F11 Series cables that meet NEC 830. Answer the ques

F6 Series Selection Matrix for NEC 830 (Runs 150 ft/45 Meters or Less)This is a quick reference for F6 Series cables meeting NEC 830. Answer the quest

UTP and Fiber Optic CablesTwo factors control the selection for UTP and fiber optic cables; the speed of the network they will support and the NEC rat

Planning the RunThe time you take in examining the site prior to installation is well spent and can help you avoid problems later on. You need to be a

Attachment Examples for Aerial InstallationsThe top example shows a pretty straightforward installation. The electric meter is on the opposite side of

Aerial Installation/Messenger (Figure-8) CableFor best efficiency and lowest cost, aerial installation is generally preferred. However, local or subdi

Pull the Cable, Separate the MessengerSet up your cable pack or A-frame beneath the tap. Take the cable end and walk to-ward the attachment point. Don

5.3 Aerial Installation Span AttachmentAttach the Messenger to a Drop Clamp1. Separate the messenger wire from the cable using the 90° (scissor)

Connect the Coax to the TapThe cable should be connectorized per the instructions on page 9.9/Coax connectorization. Some systems like to protect the

Attach the Cable to the ResidenceUsing a ladder or a lift truck, climb up to the attachment point and screw or drive the P-hook or Q-hook into the res

Run the Cable to the Grounding Block or NIUUsing the 2-4-4 method described on page 5.4, attach the messenger wire to the hook (or use a messenger wir

Buried Installation Underground service has become popular in many developments and subdivisions. Broadband services are brought in by buried cable, a

Plowing Installation NotesDirect burial cable and cable-in-conduit (CIC) may be installed by trenching or plowing. When plowing, select a plow chute w

Trenching Installation NotesThe trench should be dug as straight, level and as rock-free as possible. Avoid tight curves. If there are rapid grade ch

Pedestal Preparation PlowingDig a receiving pit to the depth required by either NEC 820 or 830, depending on your application (between 12 and 18 in (3

Table of Contents 0.1 Drop Cable Applications and Construction Manual Table of ContentsSection 1 ...Introduction 1.1 Forward

Running the Cable and Connecting the Drop at the PedestalPlow to the ResidenceIf you are plowing in the cable or CIC, make sure you have dug a receivi

Attach the Cable to the ResidencePlow InstallationUnreel the cable/CIC by hand until you have more than enough to reach the attachment point. Always e

Attach the Cable to the Ground Block/Aerial InstallationNEC Article 820 states that the ground block should be attached to the wall as close as possib

Run and Attach the Cable to the Ground Block/Buried InstallationNEC Article 820 states that the ground block should be attached to the wall as close a

Attaching to the NIU - The 8 Foot RuleNEC Article 830 covers the installation of cable from the tap to the connection of the NIU. NEC 830-rated cables

Bonding the NIU Bonding the NIU is similar to bonding a standard coax installation (see Section 7 - Attaching to the ground block). You should attach

OverviewBy now, the drop has been run to the residence, attached and grounded at either the ground block or the NIU. How and where you enter the resid

Planning the Cable Run/Ground FloorOutlet locations are dictated by customer requirements - put them where they want them. Visually inspect every prop

Locating and Cutting Outlet HolesOnce outlet locations are determined, cut the holes as required. Carefully check the area for any possible ob-structi

Going Through an Exterior WallSurvey the interior of the residence for the outlet location. Using a point of reference that is common to both the insi

0.1 Table of Contents Drop Cable Applications and Construction Manual Section 8 ...Attaching to the NIU per NEC 830 8.1 Attac

Crawlspace and BasementPrior to entering a crawlspace or an unfinished basement, look and make sure that your planned entry point is not blocked by pl

Planning the Cable Run/Upper FloorVisually inspect the outlet locations for electrical wires, plumbing, HVAC ductwork, windows and other impedi-ments.

Using Fish Tape to Run CableOnce cable is run to the attic, it can be fished through interior walls to the outlet location. Fishing cable usually requ

Hiding CableIt is not always possible to run a cable to its planned location within the wall. If the locations cannot be changed, there are alternate

Connectorizing Braid-Shielded Coax CableThese instructions refer to general practices. Exact instructions may vary with the maker of the tools and con

Connectorizing QR® 320 Solid Shielded CableQR 320 cables have a solid aluminum shield instead of a braid/foil shield combination. The dielectric needs

Connectorizing UTP and Telephone CableThese instructions refer to general practices. Exact instructions may vary with the maker of the tools and conne

Trim-Out and FinishWith the cable run to the outlet, you can now trim out the installation.1) Insert the BracketMost brackets are meant to install dir

OverviewMultiple Dwelling Units (MDUs) have a more strict set of rules for cable installation than single family residences. Service is dropped from t

Planning the Cable Run in the ApartmentCustomer needs dictate where the outlets are located. Visually inspect every proposed outlet location. Be aware

How to Use This GuideThe Drop Cable Applications and Construction Guide is written for the cable installation professional who, due to the diverse ser

One and Two Story MDUsFor one or two story buildings, follow the same guidelines for running your cable as Section 9. A visual inspection of all propo

Multiple Story MDUs/Riser InstallationMultiple apartments, multiple floors, and the extra distances involved all contribute to the complexity of an MD

Multiple Story MDUs/Exterior InstallationIt may be simpler to run the cable on the outside of the building up to each floor or each apartment. A separ

Multiple Story MDUs/Inside the BuildingUnless you are able to share a conduit or routing with telecommunications wiring (you cannot run in the same co

OverviewCommercial installations differ from residential and MDU installations in several ways. Fire safety requirements are more strict. There may be

Wiring SchemesA typical schematic for wiring a commercial installation is shown below. Coax cable transitions from the bond-ing point into the basemen

Drop Cable DescriptionsIn Section 2, the various types of subscriber access cables were generally discussed. This section details the differences in t

Drop Cable Safety IssuesConstruction of a broadband cable system requires a substantial amount of manpower, tools and equipment. Un-derground and aeri

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) StandardsOSHA Standards were established in 1970 to help ensure workplace safety. The Standards a

NEC Articles 820 and 830NEC articles 820 and 830 both deal with broadband coaxial cable. Traditional coax networks carry a low-voltage radio frequency

CommScope Drop CableDuring the last years of the 20th century, new words were added to the vocabulary of both installers and subscrib-ers of cable and

National Electric Safety Code (NESC) Standards and Construction GradesThe NESC defines grades of construction on the basis of strength requirements fo

NESC Table 232-1/Vertical Clearance of Wires This chart shows the clearances required for a coaxial cable, isolated communication conductors and cable

Pole Lease Agreements and Other Codes and RegulationsPole Lease AgreementsCable system operators often enter into contractual agreements with the owne

Broadband Resource Center...Your One Stop Source for Cable InformationResponsive support and literally years of deployment experience make CommScope a

14.2 Broadband Resource CenterTM Technical Services & ToolsAccess to the Broadband Resource Center affords access to the a wide array of servi

Legal DisclaimerTHIS MANUAL IS PROVIDED FOR GUIDANCE PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE USED OR IN ANY WAY RELIED UPON WITHOUT CONSULTATION WITH AND SUPE

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Coaxial Drop CableThe three types of cable used to carry broadband services to and within business and residences are coaxial, fiber optic and unshiel

Braid Shielding and Coaxial Cable PerformanceA coaxial cable must have, at minimum, a dual shield of aluminum foil tape overlaid with a woven braid of

UTP Indoor CableUnshielded twisted pair (UTP) cables consist of two insulated conductors twisted together in a very precise fashion; four of these pai