Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1066130
24 I ICT TODAY FIGURE 7: TIA-862-B recommends that a plug-ended horizontal cable link is terminated from an HCP (such as a zone enclosure) or work area outlet. ANSI/BICSI-005 and 007 standards recognize this option or as a direct connection. Consolidation Point /HCP (Recommended) Plug on the horizontal cable When digital IP security cameras were introduced, security integrators were terminating RJ45 plugs onto the cable and connecting directly into the cameras when an outlet and patch cord was not feasible to deploy at the camera location. Today, ANSI/BICSI-005 and ANSI/ BICSI-007 (see Figure 5) both refer to this as a direct connection method at the device end and is allowed in certain circumstances. Another reason for enabling this topology includes the fact that not all outlets and patch cords are plenum rated as required by code, and the use of a plug attached to a plenum-rated cable eliminates these concerns. ANSI/TIA-568.2-D recognizes a similar method referred to as a modular plug terminated link (MPTL) that is an option for connecting devices where it is deemed impractical or unsafe to deploy a TO and equipment cord (see Figure 6). The difference between the TIA and BICSI standards is that BICSI approves a plug to be attached directly to the horizontal cabling either FIGURE 8: In this connecting hardware example, the location of the arc during unmating under load occurs well away from the final seated contact position on both the jack and the plug for superior PoE reliability. Location of Arc During Unmating Cycle Final Seated Contact Position from the TR or the HCP as shown in Figure 7. For TIA, the preferred horizontal cabling topology is to have a TO and a patch cord at the device end or where deemed necessary an MPTL directly from an HCP or zone box. Today, connectivity manufacturers have developed modular field-terminated plugs that are higher performing and much more durable and robust than previous RJ45 field terminated plugs. System warranties can also be extended as major equipment manufacturers have developed methods to test this configuration. When remote powering current loads are present, it is important that critical connecting hardware contact mating surfaces are not damaged by the arc that occurs when modular plugs and outlets are unmated or disengaged. While the current level associated with this arc poses no risk to humans, arcing creates an electrical breakdown of gases in the surrounding environment that results in erosion and pitting damage on the plated contact surface at the arcing location. When the erosion