Antenna cabling is not regulated but twisted copper cabling between buildings is. These are the latest changes to S009, writes Ian Millner.

Recently, a change took place and, if you do any telecommunications cabling, you need to know about it as it will impact on you.

The rules covering the installation of telecommunications cabling (S009), or more accurately “customer cabling”, have been revised.

The new standard came into play as of 1 July 2013. It is important as a cabling provider that you are aware of the changes so the work you do is done in compliance with the standard.

This article will highlight some of the more significant changes. For a full list of the differences between S009:2006 and S009:2013 you should refer to AS/CA S009 Introduction on page (iii).

But, before we get into the detail, why is the new standard referred to as AS/CA S009 instead of AS/ACIF S009? Simple, the Communications Alliance (CA) has replaced Australian Communications Industry Forum (ACIF).
•    Antenna cabling is not in the scope
Clause 1, which sets out the scope of the Standard, has been expanded to make it clear where it does and where it does not apply.

The Standard applies to the installation and maintenance of fixed or concealed cabling or equipment that is connected, or is intended to be connected, to a telecommunications network. The standard does not apply to electrical cabling, cabling used for the connection or distribution of broadcast services transmitted through free-to-air signals to a receiver radio, television or satellite antenna. In everyday terms this means that the supply and installation of cabling from a radio, TV or satellite antenna to the receiver within the home used to receive broadcast signals is not covered by this Standard.

•    When does lots of RJ45 become a patch panel?
When does the installation of many RJ45 outlets become a patch panel and therefore require the installer to have an Open Registration? The standard now excludes an assembly of up to six RJ45 outlets from being defined as a patch panel, for example the installation of six RJ45 outlets on a six-gang wall-mounted plate. This now allows a cabler with a Restricted Registration to install and work on this type of installation as this is the cabling required to support high speed broadband services.

•    Terminating concealed cabling on a plug
Clause 5.15 states that “fixed or concealed cabling shall not be terminated on a plug for connection of customer equipment”. There are some very specific exemptions to ensure equipment can be connected but in general, best practice is to terminate the cabling onto a socket.

•    Requirements for hazardous areas
This is a big one and cannot be missed. Clause 7.1 has been significantly expanded to cover areas where you may find liquids, gases, vapours and fibres that are generated, processed, handled or stored as they may be combustible and are considered potential sources for explosions. The clause provides a description of these hazardous areas, classification and installation practices. This is one clause worth a read to ensure you do not proceed with the installation of customer cabling in such areas without ensuring full compliance with the standard. One cannot afford to be complacent in these areas.

•    Optical fibre systems
Clause 11.1 has been expanded providing more details on the cleaning and inspection of optical interfaces and the labelling of panels, enclosures and outlets. Cleaning of optical connectors is critical, as contaminants are the arch enemy of good performance on a fibre system, and labelling is critical to ensure safety for all.

•    Cabling between buildings
Clause 17.3 has been expanded specifically to address cabling between buildings. Many customer premises have cabling, typically copper, from the main building to a remote building used to extend the services, typically the phone service, to the remote building. This is a problem as the voice and data ports on the NTD being installed on FTTH premises is not a port rated for connection to external cabling. This is because the port is not designed to cater for any over voltage events. This will have a huge impact on many homes with cabling to the shed used to extend the telephone line. Extending the phone services to the remote building is best done using a cordless phone system or a VoIP system using fibre or wireless.

•    Connecting antennas to customer cabling
Clause 17.6 has been added to cater for outdoor radio, wireless (WiFi) or satellite antenna connected to customer cabling. There is a requirement to provide earthing of the antenna metal support, mast and boom and, in areas of high lightning activity, there is a need to locate them either below the apex of the roof or away from the building. Given the growing use of wireless technologies it is important to ensure the installation not only complies with the requirements of the standards but will provide longevity of service.

•    Just when we thought the network boundary was going to be easy to identify…
Appendix J provides an informative section on how to identify the network boundary. With the introduction of FTTH the telephone socket and the MDF will be replaced by the NTD, making the identification of the network boundary much easier, so we think. The reality is that many existing special services will continue to use copper, coax, satellite, fixed-wireless and satellite technologies so you need to know where the network boundary is located. Appendix J is the place to go.

•    A small clause with a big bang
Clause 5.5.1 is a very little clause which can carry a big bang: “A cabling product shall be fit for purpose for its intended use”.

As the NBN is rolled out, installing RJ45 and Cat 5 cabling must be done so the product supports its intended use, the transmission of high speed data. For this reason an appendix has been added, Appendix L Guidance for Domestic Installations. This appendix provides guidance on how to install customer cabling in domestic premises so that the cabling solution will support the high speed data services delivered by the NBN. It may seem basic once you have read it, but if the cabling is not done correctly at the time of installation it is very costly to fix later.

The above article is only an overview of the changes. It is not intended to be, nor can it be seen as, the authoritative source.

You should download a copy of AS/CA S009 and read it; it’s your professional obligation.