Telecommunications Design 15
- System Design: Horizontal Pathway System and Rough-in Requirements
Horizontal pathways are used for distributing, supporting, and providing access to horizontal cabling between the
work area outlet and the telecommunications room.
The horizontal pathway design shall take into account the scheduled quantity of cabling as well as allow for a
factor of growth. Ceiling distribution is the most common distribution method and will be the only method
highlighted here. See below for specific design considerations when planning a horizontal distribution system
above ceiling.
A. Rough-in Requirements:
Description of location Rough-in to be specified Conduit Req. for Data
Typical work area outlet 4-11/16” W x 4-11/16” H x 2-1/8” D with
a single gang opening
1” conduit to cable tray
TV (Digital Signage) FSR Products PWB-100 1” conduit to cable tray
TV (A/V System) * FSR Products PWB-270 1-1/4” conduit to cable tray
Omnicell/Medical Dispenser FSR Products PWB-200 1” conduit to cable tray
* Coordinate these locations closely with the audio/visual requirements set by the owner.
B. Continuous Pathway: Basket Tray
- Basket style tray shall be utilized in the above accessible ceiling spaces as the primary means to
support and distribute the bulk of all telecommunications cabling.
- The cable tray shall be sized so that the scheduled quantity of Category 6 cables reaches no more
than 50% fill of the tray’s total capacity.
- See the table below as a loose guideline:
Tray Size
Max. # of
Category 6
Cables
8” x 4” 161
12” x 4” 240
16” x 4” 324
18” x 4” 365
20” x 4” 405
Table based on .25” O.D. cable
- The technology designer shall assist in communicating these pathway needs to the architect and
mechanical engineer to ensure above ceiling space can be accommodated.
- Provide a minimum of 3” clearance from the top of a ceiling tile to the bottom of the cable tray.
- Provide a minimum of 12” clearance from the top of the cable tray to the bottom of structure or
other obstruction.
- Basket tray shall not be routed through rated walls. Utilize EZ-Path fire-rated sleeves to transition
through all rated walls.
November 1, 2016
