2

Scope

2.1

General 2.1.1

This Standard specifies the requirements for a uniform telecommunications grounding and bonding infrastructure that shall be followed within commercial buildings where telecommunications equipment is intended to be installed.

2.1.2

This telecommunications grounding and bonding infrastructure in conjunction with other grounding and bonding systems (e.g., electrical power grounding system, water piping, lightning protection system) make up the building grounding system.

2.1.3

This Standard specifies a telecommunications grounding and bonding infrastructure, its interconnectivity to other building grounding systems, and its support of telecommuni cations systems and equipment. The NCS TIB 93-12, entitled Grounding and Bonding for Commercial and Government Buildings Conforming to Telecommunications Infrastructure Standards - A Background Report, provides additional information about bonding and grounding concepts and practices, and addresses issues outside the scope of this Standard.

2.1.4

This Standard specifies the framework for the telecommunications grounding and bonding infrastructure. Figure 2.1-1 depicts the scope of the telecommunications grounding and bonding infrastructure for larger, multi-story commercial buildings with multiple telecommunications backbones. Figure 2.1-2 depicts a smaller commercial building where all telecommunication spaces are combined. This Standard specifies the requirements for:

(a) A ground reference for telecommunications systems within the telecommunications entrance facility, the telecommunications closet, and equipment room;

(b) Bonding and connecting pathways, cable shields, conductors, and hardware at telecommunications closets, equipment rooms, and entrance facilities.

2.1.5

While primarily intended to provide direction for design of new commercial buildings, this Standard may be used as a guide for the renovation or retrofit of existing buildings. The standard is intended to encourage planning, which should include bonding and grounding arrangements that accommodate installation of telecommunications equipment.

2.1.6

Design requirements and choices are described to enable the designer to make the best design decisions.

2.2

Exclusions from this Standard This Standard does not provide requirements for: (a) Grounding and bonding of any telecommunications equipment and its associated wiring; (b) Values of surge current immunity and insulation withstand voltages; (c) Methods for verifying and maintaining bonding and grounding networks; (d) Specific methods for RFI/EMI mitigation for equipment or systems; (e) Protector/Arrester requirements; (f) Specific user safety; (g) Grounding and bonding practices of the local exchange carriers; (h) The application and maintenance of the local exchange carrier's primary protection. Such protection shall be the responsibility of the local exchange carrier as mandated within FCC Rules and is not a part of this Standard; (i) Electrical service entrance.