28Digital Desktop System Installer/User Guide
•Keep CAT 5 cable as far away as possible from potential sources of electromagnetic interfer- ence (EMI), such as electrical cables, transformers and light fixtures. Do not tie cables to elec- trical conduits or lay cables on electrical fixtures.
•Test each installed segment with a cable tester. “Toning” alone is not an acceptable test.
•Always install jacks so as to prevent dust and other contaminants from settling on the contacts. The contacts of the jack should face up on the flush mounted plates, or left/right/down on sur- face mount boxes.
•Always leave extra slack on the cables, neatly coiled in the ceiling or nearest concealed loca- tion. Leave at least five feet at the work outlet side and 10 feet at the patch panel side.
•For CAT 5 installations, choose either 568A or 568B wiring standard before beginning. Wire all jacks and patch panels for the same wiring scheme. Don’t mix 568A and 568B wiring in the same installation.
•For fiber optic model installations, choose a supported wiring standard before beginning. Con- figure all jacks and patch panels for the standard you have chosen. Do not mix fiber optic cabling types in a single installation.
•Always obey all local and national fire and building codes. Be sure to firestop all cables that penetrate a firewall. Use plenum rated cable where it is required.