If you’re a low-voltage cabling professional, the BICSI community is essential to keep you in tune with the most up-to-date industry practices, including cable installation standards. BICSI is an association supporting the advancement of the information and communications technology professions. It offers membership to individuals and companies, providing access to a global network of information and communications technology (ICT) professionals.
With a worldwide presence, BICSI provides hands-on training from certified professionals and hosts annual conferences and exhibitions. These events are perfect opportunities to network and learn from leading experts in the field.
Having a BICSI certification provides credibility to any cabling professional’s resume. BICSI standards are revised and enhanced to keep pace with advancements in the industry. To help you brush up on these practices, below are some recommended guidelines for cable craftwork.
How to Set the Recommended Cable Tie Length and Spacing in Pathways
Cable tie spacing is important to maintain optimal stability of a cable pathway or space. Consistent spacing helps installers quickly and easily place cables without any guesswork.
How far apart each cable tie is placed depends on the number of cables in each bundle. For instance, a 48-61 cable bundle will require ten-inch ties, spaced eight inches apart to effectively support the pathway and reduce any possible strain on cables. The more cables per bundle, the longer the ties and the tighter the spacing between them.
Soft Materials Are a Must-Have to Eliminate Cable Damage
The BICSI ITSIMM manual says: “Hook and loop straps should be used to prevent a change in the physical geometry of the cable that typically results from use of nylon cable ties.”
The type of cable tie used for each installation can make or break the project. Rigid fasteners such as plastic ties can over cinch, restrict data flow and crush cable materials. It is recommended to use soft materials such as VELCRO® Brand ONE-WRAP® Tape to prevent over cinching and damage to valuable cables in each installation.
Prevent Fire Hazards & Align with NEC Codes with Fire Retardant Cable Ties
Any cable pathways installed in plenum space will need to involve materials that can help prevent fire hazards, according to the National Electric Code. Installers need to ensure all of their materials are compliant to these requirements. VELCRO® Brand ONE-WRAP® Tape is available in UL-rated, fire-retardant options to ensure installations are completely aligned with NEC fire codes. More specifically, these ties are suitable for use in air handling spaces in accordance with Sec. 300.22 (C) and (D) of the National Electrical Code.
Create Cable Artwork While Complying to Industry Standards & Best Practices
Cable installers take great pride in their efforts. It’s a labor of love that produces amazing works of art with carefully placed cables and color coordinated ties. VELCRO® Brand ONE-WRAP® Ties align with BICSI and many other cable installation recommendations and industry requirements. They are available in multiple colors to match cable jackets, coordinate subcontractor teams and indicate specific pathways. For plenum space, fire retardant options are also available.
Don’t take a chance on having to re-do awe-inspiring cable artwork because it violated installation standards. VELCRO® Brand ONE-WRAP® Tape helps certified professionals do what they love while complying to BICSI standards. In addition to aligning with industry standards, VELCRO® Brand cable ties don’t require tools, reduce scrap and are easy to use. This creates a quicker and easier job during initial installation and for future moves, adds and changes.
Cable management is just one application for Industrial VELCRO® Brand fasteners, which help improve the lifespan and functionality of end products. To learn more about this range of products, recognized across several industries for quality and reusability, click here.
Seeking a home solution for your tangled computer and electronics cables? VELCRO® Brand ONE-WRAP® can help there, too. Visit our electronics page here for more information.
