DC350 Detailed Design Requirements Part 1, Section 2

Design Requirements Manual Electrical Appendix Division 27

2023 Edition NS Government Structured Cabling Guidelines Rev. 30/06/23
Information Transport Systems

Table of Contents
1 STATEMENT OF PURPOSE ............................................................................................... 4
1.1 GENERAL ................................................................................................................................ 4
2 APPLICABLE SPECIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS .............................................................. 4
2.1 GENERAL ................................................................................................................................ 4
2.2 CAN/CSA STANDARDS ............................................................................................................. 4
2.3 ANSI/TIA/EIA STANDARDS ...................................................................................................... 4
2.4 ANSI/BICSI STANDARDS .......................................................................................................... 5
2.5 BICSI STANDARDS ................................................................................................................... 5
3 CONSULTANT SERVICES / DESIGN REQUIREMENTS ......................................................... 6
3.1 BASIC ELEMENTS ...................................................................................................................... 6
3.2 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS .......................................................................................................... 6
3.3 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................................................ 6
3.4 INFORMATION TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM (ITS) DRAWINGS ............................................................. 8
3.5 TELECOMMUNICATIONS / EQUIPMENT ROOM (TR / ER) SIZING ..................................................... 10
3.6 EQUIPMENT RACK LAYOUTS: .................................................................................................... 10
3.7 WORK AREA ......................................................................................................................... 12
4 PROJECT DOCUMENTATION ......................................................................................... 12
4.1 BASIC ELEMENTS .................................................................................................................... 12
4.2 AS-BUILT DRAWINGS / DOCUMENTATION ................................................................................... 12
4.3 INSPECTION REPORTS .............................................................................................................. 13
4.4 TEST RESULTS ........................................................................................................................ 14
4.5 MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY ................................................................................................. 14
4.6 RCDD PROJECT CERTIFICATION ................................................................................................ 14
5 VENDOR REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................. 14
5.1 BASIC ELEMENTS .................................................................................................................... 14
5.2 VENDOR QUALIFICATIONS ........................................................................................................ 15
5.3 RCDD PROJECT MANAGER ...................................................................................................... 15
5.4 CERTIFICATION AND TESTING .................................................................................................... 16
6 INFORMATION TRANSPORT SYSTEM (ITS) REQUIREMENTS ........................................... 16
6.1 GENERAL .............................................................................................................................. 16
6.2 INFORMATION TRANSPORT SYSTEMS BONDING ............................................................................ 16
6.3 EQUIPMENT ROOM (ER) ......................................................................................................... 16
6.4 TELECOMMUNICATIONS ROOM (TR).......................................................................................... 17

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DC350 Detailed Design Requirements Part 1, Section 2
Design Requirements Manual Electrical Appendix Division 27
2023 Edition NS Government Structured Cabling Guidelines Rev. 30/06/23
Information Transport Systems

6.5 ENTRANCE FACILITIES .............................................................................................................. 18

6.6 BACKBONE CABLING ............................................................................................................... 19
6.7 HORIZONTAL CABLING............................................................................................................. 20
6.8 WORK AREA ......................................................................................................................... 22
6.9 SYSTEM ADMINISTRATION........................................................................................................ 24
6.10 SERVICE LOOPS .................................................................................................................. 28
6.11 BACKBONE CABLING PATHWAYS: .......................................................................................... 28
6.12 HORIZONTAL CABLING PATHWAYS: ........................................................................................ 29
6.13 ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE (EMI) ............................................................................... 30
6.14 FIELD TESTING ................................................................................................................... 31
7 ITS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR HEALTHCARE FACILITIES ...................................................... 32
7.1 GENERAL .............................................................................................................................. 32
7.2 APPLICABLE CODES AND STANDARDS ......................................................................................... 32
7.3 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS ......................................................................................................... 33
7.4 ITS ROOMS (GENERAL REQUIREMENTS) ..................................................................................... 33
7.5 ENTRANCE ROOMS ................................................................................................................. 33
7.6 TELECOMMUNICATION ROOMS ................................................................................................. 34
7.7 BUILDING SYSTEMS ROOMS ..................................................................................................... 35
7.8 NETWORK CORE ROOMS ......................................................................................................... 37
7.9 ITS PATHWAYS ...................................................................................................................... 38
7.10 WORK AREA OUTLETS......................................................................................................... 38
7.11 ITS BACKBONE CABLING ...................................................................................................... 38
7.12 ITS HORIZONTAL CABLING ................................................................................................... 40
7.13 SYSTEM ADMINISTRATION.................................................................................................... 40

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DC350 Detailed Design Requirements Part 1, Section 2
Design Requirements Manual Electrical Appendix Division 27
2023 Edition NS Government Structured Cabling Guidelines Rev. 30/06/23
Information Transport Systems

Revision History

Revision Date Description of Revision

June 30, 2023 Section 2, Applicable Specifications and Standards revised to reflect
current revisions of standards
6.12 Horizontal Cabling Pathways revised to add conduit installation
requirements
June 30, 2023 NSDTIR, DTIR deleted and replaced with Minister’s Representative where
required

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DC350 Detailed Design Requirements Part 1, Section 2
Design Requirements Manual Electrical Appendix Division 27
2023 Edition NS Government Structured Cabling Guidelines Rev. 30/06/23
Information Transport Systems

1 Statement of Purpose

1.1 General
1.1.1 The Nova Scotia Government has developed Information Transport System
Cabling Guidelines. These guidelines form part of the DC350 Design
Requirements Manual and apply to all information transport system cabling
installed in government leased or owned premises.
1.1.2 The purpose of this guideline is to ensure industry standards and code
compliance, system integrity, vendor performance, and to protect the interests of
the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia related to information transport
systems and associated infrastructure.
1.1.3 This document supports a multi-purpose / multi-vendor environment whilst
establishing a minimum performance and technical acceptance criteria.

2 Applicable Specifications and Standards

2.1 General
2.1.1 All work shall comply with the latest editions (including all addenda) of the
codes and standards listed in this section. Additional requirements and
exceptions to these standards are described in the following Sections of this
document. Deviations from this document are not permitted without written
approval.

2.2 CAN/CSA Standards

2.2.1 CAN/CSA C22.1-21 - Canadian Electrical Code.
2.2.2 CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 226-92 (Reaffirmed 2011) - Protectors in
Telecommunications Networks.

2.3 ANSI/TIA/EIA Standards

2.3.1 TIA-526-7 - Measurement of Optical Power Loss of Installed Singlemode Fibre
Cable Plant.
2.3.2 TIA-526-14-C - Optical Power Loss Measurements of Installed Multimode Fibre
Cable Plant.
2.3.3 ANSI/TIA/EIA-568.0-E, Generic Telecommunications Cabling for Customer
Premises
2.3.4 ANSI/TIA/EIA-568.1-E, Commercial Building Telecommunications
Infrastructure Standard
2.3.5 ANSI/TIA/EIA-568.2-D, Balanced Twisted-Pair Telecommunication Cabling

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Information Transport Systems

and Components Standard

2.3.6 ANSI/TIA/EIA-568.3-D Optical Fiber Cabling and Components Standard
2.3.7 ANSI/TIA/EIA-568.4-D Broadband Coaxial Cabling and Components Standard
2.3.8 ANSI/TIA-569-E - Telecommunications Pathways and Spaces.
2.3.9 ANSI/TIA-598-D - Optical Fibre Cable Colour Coding.
2.3.10 ANSI/TIA/EIA-606-C - Administration Standard for Telecommunications
Infrastructure.
2.3.11 ANSI-J-STD-607-D - Generic Telecommunications Bonding and Grounding
(Earthing) for Customer Premises.
2.3.12 ANSI/TIA-758-B - Customer-Owned Outside Plant Telecommunications
Infrastructure Standard.

2.4 ANSI/BICSI Standards

2.4.1 ANSI/BICSI 002-2019, Data Center Design and Implementation Best Practices
2.4.2 ANSI/BICSI 003-2014, Building Information Modeling (BIM) Practices for
Information Technology Systems
2.4.3 ANSI/BICSI 004-2018, Information Communication Technology Systems
Design and Implementation Best Practices for Healthcare Institutions and
Facilities
2.4.4 ANSI/BICSI 006-2020, Distributed Antenna System (DAS) Design and
Implementation Best Practices
2.4.5 ANSI/BICSI 007-2020, Information Communication Technology Design and
Implementation Practices for Intelligent Buildings and Premises
2.4.6 ANSI/BICSI 008-2018, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) Systems Design
and Implementation Best Practices
2.4.7 ANSI/BICSI N2-17, Practices for the Installation of Telecommunications and
ICT Cabling Intended to Support Remote Power Applications
2.4.8 ANSI/BICSI N1-2019, Installation Practices for Telecommunications and ICT
Cabling and Related Cabling Infrastructure
2.4.9 ANSI/BICSI N3-20, Planning and Installation Methods for the Bonding and
Grounding of telecommunication and ICT Systems and Infrastructure.

2.5 BICSI Standards

2.5.1 BICSI Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual (TDMM).
2.5.2 BICSI Information Technology Systems Installation Methods Manual
(ITSIMM).
2.5.3 BICSI G1-17, ICT Outside Plant Construction and Installation: General
Practices

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DC350 Detailed Design Requirements Part 1, Section 2
Design Requirements Manual Electrical Appendix Division 27
2023 Edition NS Government Structured Cabling Guidelines Rev. 30/06/23
Information Transport Systems

3 Consultant Services / Design Requirements

3.1 Basic Elements

3.1.1 The CAN/CSA, ANSI/TIA/EIA and BICSI standards as listed in Section 2 of
this document define the basic elements of the Information Transport System
(ITS) cabling structure. Design consultants providing services to the Province of
Nova Scotia shall prepare contract documents as detailed within this section.

3.2 General Requirements

3.2.1 Consultants shall submit the following for ITS infrastructure projects:
3.2.1.1 Technical specifications.
3.2.1.2 Information Transport System drawings.

3.3 Technical Specifications

3.3.1 Document Requirements:
3.3.1.1 Consultants shall produce a complete tender document sub-section
Information Transport System Distribution within the electrical
specifications.
3.3.1.2 The ITS distribution system document shall be formatted in three parts:
3.3.1.2.1 Part 1 - General.
3.3.1.2.2 Part 2 - Products.
3.3.1.2.3 Part 3 - Execution.
3.3.2 Part 1 - General:
3.3.2.1 This portion identifies the overall general requirements of the project in
reference to the provisioning of ITS infrastructure.
3.3.2.2 This section shall provide ITS technical specifications within the
following sub-sections as required by the project:
3.3.2.2.1 Summary.
3.3.2.2.2 References (identified in Section 2 of this document).
3.3.2.2.3 Permits, fees and certificates of approval.
3.3.2.2.4 System description.
3.3.2.2.5 Submittals.
3.3.2.2.6 Quality assurance.
3.3.2.2.7 Warranty requirements.
3.3.2.2.8 Delivery, storage and handling.
3.3.2.2.9 Sequence and scheduling.
3.3.2.2.10 Use of site.
3.3.2.2.11 Continuity of services.

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2023 Edition NS Government Structured Cabling Guidelines Rev. 30/06/23
Information Transport Systems

3.3.3 Part 2 - Products:

3.3.3.1 This portion identifies general requirements of the individual
components incorporated in the provisioning of ITS infrastructure.
3.3.3.2 This section shall provide ITS technical specifications within the
following sub-sections as required by the project:
3.3.3.2.1 Acceptable manufacturers.
3.3.3.2.2 Fabrication.
3.3.3.2.3 Suitability.
3.3.3.2.4 Voice/data building backbone cable (including optical
backbone cabling as required).
3.3.3.2.5 Voice horizontal distribution cable.
3.3.3.2.6 Data horizontal distribution cable.
3.3.3.2.7 Optical fibre horizontal distribution cable (as required).
3.3.3.2.8 Campus backbone cable (campus (inter-building)
applications).
3.3.3.2.9 Service provider entrance facilities.
3.3.3.2.10 Voice/data/optical fibre work area outlets.
3.3.3.2.11 Termination Blocks.
3.3.3.2.12 Patch panels.
3.3.3.2.13 Optical fibre patch panels.
3.3.3.2.14 Patch cords and jumper cables.
3.3.3.2.15 Equipment racks and cabinets.
3.3.3.2.16 Building entrance protectors (campus backbone cabling).
3.3.3.2.17 Spare parts.
3.3.4 Part 3 - Execution:
3.3.4.1 This portion identifies construction and installation requirements for
system vendors when provisioning ITS infrastructure.
3.3.4.2 This section shall provide ITS technical specifications within the
following sub-sections as required by the project:
3.3.4.2.1 Site survey.
3.3.4.2.2 Handling of materials.
3.3.4.2.3 Protection of Owner’s facilities.
3.3.4.2.4 Installation.
3.3.4.2.5 Grounding and Bonding.
3.3.4.2.6 Labelling and administration.
3.3.4.2.7 Testing and certification.
3.3.4.2.8 Field quality control.
3.3.4.2.9 RCDD project manager requirement
3.3.4.2.10 Customer/Owner orientation and training.
3.3.4.2.11 Project documentation.

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Design Requirements Manual Electrical Appendix Division 27
2023 Edition NS Government Structured Cabling Guidelines Rev. 30/06/23
Information Transport Systems

3.4 Information Transportation System (ITS) Drawings

3.4.1 Drawing File Requirements:
3.4.1.1 Consultants shall produce contract document drawings and details
within the electrical drawings.
3.4.1.2 Consultants shall make drawing files available to the successful project
vendor in AutoCAD (.dwg file format) or Revit, if applicable to assist
with vendor compliance requirements.
3.4.1.3 AutoCAD generated drawing files shall be produced to address the
following requirements:
3.4.1.3.1 Floor plan drawings.
3.4.1.3.2 Information transport distribution system details.
3.4.1.3.3 Telecommunications space - rack details.
3.4.1.3.4 Telecommunications space - floor layout.
3.4.1.3.5 Information transport system backbone – riser diagram.
3.4.1.3.6 Information transport system grounding and bonding - riser
diagram.
3.4.2 Floor Plan Drawings:
3.4.2.1 Floor plan drawings shall indicate the location of the following
information transport system cabling components:
3.4.2.1.1 Work area outlet location.
3.4.2.1.2 Communications outlet type (icon specified).
3.4.2.1.3 Communications outlet configuration (icon specified).
3.4.2.1.4 Serving telecommunications space location.
3.4.2.1.5 Special requirements/considerations notes.
3.4.3 Information Transport System Distribution Details:
3.4.3.1 System detail drawings shall provide additional information required
for information transport system cabling components including:
3.4.3.1.1 Outlet icon details and descriptions.
3.4.3.1.2 Special application details.
3.4.3.1.3 Special installation requirements.
3.4.3.1.4 Architectural details (as required).
3.4.4 Telecommunications Space - Rack Details:
3.4.4.1 Rack detail drawings shall provide rack elevations for each
telecommunications space within the entire project scope.
3.4.4.2 Rack elevation drawings shall provide detailed information for all ITS
distribution system components within the Telecommunications
Room(s) (TR) and Equipment Room (ER) including:
3.4.4.2.1 Equipment rack/cabinet dimensions and requirements.
3.4.4.2.2 Equipment rack/cabinet quantities.
3.4.4.2.3 Termination hardware and loading requirements for:
3.4.4.2.3.1 Quantity.

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2023 Edition NS Government Structured Cabling Guidelines Rev. 30/06/23
Information Transport Systems

3.4.4.2.3.2 Placement.
3.4.4.2.3.3 Category requirement.
3.4.4.2.3.4 Port count (active / spare).
3.4.4.2.3.5 System application (e.g. horizontal or
backbone).
3.4.4.2.4 Additional hardware requirements (e.g. horizontal managers,
power bars or UPS).
3.4.5 Telecommunications Space - Floor Layout:
3.4.5.1 Telecommunications space floor layout drawings shall be scale
drawings and indicate orientation of equipment and hardware as
assigned to the footprint of the space.
3.4.5.1.1 Floor layout drawings shall provide detailed information for
all ITS infrastructure components within the TR and ER
including:
3.4.5.1.1.1 Equipment rack/cabinet location and
orientation.
3.4.5.1.1.2 Horizontal pathway requirements, location and
orientation.
3.4.5.1.1.3 Backbone pathway requirements, location and
orientation.
3.4.5.1.1.4 Information transport system requirements,
location and orientation (e.g. voice and data
telecommunications outlet).
3.4.5.1.1.5 Associated electrical distribution system
requirements, location and orientation.
3.4.5.1.1.6 Dimensional and work clearance information.
3.4.6 Information Transport System Backbone (Riser Diagram):
3.4.6.1 Information transport system backbone drawings shall be single-line
type drawings to indicate quantity requirements and associated pathway
assignments for all building and campus backbone cabling.
3.4.6.2 Backbone system drawings shall provide detailed information for all
ITS backbone cabling within and between the TR(s) and ER including:
3.4.6.2.1 Backbone cable type and requirements.
3.4.6.2.2 Backbone cable quantity.
3.4.6.2.3 Information transport systems application.
3.4.6.2.4 Pathway assignment.
3.4.6.2.5 Termination hardware type and location.
3.4.7 Information transport system grounding and bonding - riser diagram.
3.4.7.1 Information transport system backbone drawings shall be single-line
type drawings to indicate size/quantity requirements and associated
pathway assignments for all information transport system grounding

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2023 Edition NS Government Structured Cabling Guidelines Rev. 30/06/23
Information Transport Systems

and bonding cabling.

3.4.7.2 Grounding and bonding system drawings shall provide detailed
information for all ITS grounding and bonding cabling associated with
this system including:
3.4.7.2.1 Grounding and bonding cable type and requirements.
3.4.7.2.2 Grounding and bonding cable quantity.
3.4.7.2.3 Grounding and bonding bus bar sizing.
3.4.7.2.4 Grounding and bonding bus bar location.
3.4.7.2.5 Information transport systems application.
3.4.7.2.6 Pathway assignment.
3.4.7.2.7 Termination hardware type and location.

3.5 Telecommunications / Equipment Room (TR / ER) Sizing

3.5.1 Every building is to be served by at least one TR / ER, with a minimum of one
TR per floor; where possible vertically align TR’s located on separate floors.
3.5.2 Each TR / ER is to be sized for the installed equipment plus 25 % spare capacity,
the spare capacity shall be a minimum of one equipment rack. The table below
indicates the minimum room size based on the floor area being served by the TR
/ ER. Ensure a passage width of 750mm (29.5”) (or minimum width as required
by the National Building Code) is provided for access.

Serving Floor Area Size Minimum Interior Room

Dimensions
500 m2 3.1m X 2.5m (10’ 2”x 8’ 3”)
Larger than 500 m2 and less than or equal to 800 m2 3.1m X 2.7m (10’ 2”x 8’ 10”)
Larger than 800 m2 and less than or equal to 1000 m2 3.1m X 3.4m (10’ 2”x 11’ 2”)

3.6 Equipment Rack Layouts:

3.6.1 Open frame equipment racks shall be oriented to provide the following
minimum clearances:
3.6.1.1 1000 mm (39") at the front of the rack.
3.6.1.2 1500 mm (59") from the vertical mounting rails at the rear of the rack.
3.6.1.3 1000 mm (39") from the vertical mounting rail at one side of the rack or
continuous row of racks.
3.6.2 Equipment racks shall have 25% spare capacity.
3.6.3 Telecommunications Room
3.6.3.1 Loading of equipment racks within the telecommunications room shall
be as indicated in Figure 3.1, Telecommunications Room Typical Rack
Layout.
3.6.3.2 Provide separate equipment racks for voice and data applications.
3.6.3.3 Provide shelving suitable for supporting heavy rack mounted equipment

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Design Requirements Manual Electrical Appendix Division 27
2023 Edition NS Government Structured Cabling Guidelines Rev. 30/06/23
Information Transport Systems

(e.g. rack mounted UPS).

3.6.4 Equipment Room

3.6.4.1 Loading of equipment racks within the equipment room shall be as
indicated in Figure 3.2, Equipment Room Typical Rack Layout.
3.6.4.2 Provide separate equipment racks for voice and data applications.
3.6.4.3 Provide shelving suitable for supporting heavy rack mounted equipment
(e.g. rack mounted UPS).

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DC350 Detailed Design Requirements Part 1, Section 2
Design Requirements Manual Electrical Appendix Division 27
2023 Edition NS Government Structured Cabling Guidelines Rev. 30/06/23
Information Transport Systems

3.7 Work Area

3.7.1 Each telecommunications outlet shall be served by a telecommunications room
located on the same floor as the telecommunications outlet.

4 Project Documentation

4.1 Basic Elements

4.1.1 The CAN/CSA, ANSI/TIA/EIA and BICSI standards as listed in Section 2 of
this document define the basic elements of the Information Transport System
(ITS) cabling structure. Vendor firms providing services to the Province of
Nova Scotia shall prepare and submit project documentation as detailed within
this section.

4.2 As-built Drawings / Documentation

4.2.1 General:
4.2.1.1 Vendors shall prepare record drawings in both hard copy and AutoCAD
drawing format in an electronic media format agreeable to the Province
as part of compliance with this requirement.
4.2.1.2 Drawings in AutoCAD .dwg file format (and Revit if applicable) shall
be provided to the vendor by the consulting services provider for the

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Design Requirements Manual Electrical Appendix Division 27
2023 Edition NS Government Structured Cabling Guidelines Rev. 30/06/23
Information Transport Systems

compliance of this section.

4.2.1.3 Record drawings shall provide the following information:
4.2.1.3.1 All work area telecommunications outlet locations as
constructed.
4.2.1.3.2 Project administration system identifiers for
telecommunications outlets.
4.2.1.3.3 Project administration system identifiers for
telecommunication spaces (TR and ER).
4.2.1.4 Hard copy format record drawings shall be provided in two complete
sets as defined:
4.2.1.4.1 One complete floor plan and riser drawing set, black and
white (colour optional).
4.2.1.4.2 One complete floor plan drawing set, black and white (colour
optional), is to be provided and mounted under plexiglass in
all associated telecommunications spaces.
4.2.1.4.3 One complete backbone riser drawing set, black and white
(colour optional), is to be provided and mounted under
plexiglass in the main telecommunications room.
4.2.1.4.4 One complete grounding / bonding riser drawing set, black
and white (colour optional), is to be provided and mounted
under plexiglass in the main telecommunications room).
4.2.1.5 Where hard copy record drawings exist on-site in renovations and small
additions where the majority of the structured cabling system is not
modified or is being reused, update these documents to reflect the
installed alterations.
4.2.1.6 Include in the as-built documentation a tabulated matrix in both hard
copy and editable electronic format (eg excel) listing the location of the
telecommunications outlet by the rack component outlet identifier. The
information provided shall include Telecommunication Room number,
rack/cabinet number, and patch panel number. Example:

4.3 Inspection Reports

4.3.1 Include a copy of the communications cabling installation permit and all
inspection reports from the AHJ with the documentation. Where an exemption
from the requirement for a communications cabling installation permit is
provided under the "Electrical Code Regulations - Electrical Installation and

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Inspection Act (Nova Scotia)"; include a copy of the record of the work
completed by the communications cabling specialist required under this act.

4.4 Test Results

4.4.1 Vendors shall provide test results hard (paper) copy and in digital format on
CDROM and USB stick as part of compliance with this requirement. The test
report(s) is to include plot (graphical) data of each test performed.

4.5 Manufacturer’s Warranty

4.5.1 General:
4.5.1.1 Vendors shall provide a manufacturer generated and support Product
Warranty and Application Assurance certificates upon completion of
installation and acceptance by the Minister’s Representative.
4.5.1.2 Product warranty and appliance assurance shall provide coverage of
materials and labour for a minimum of Twenty Years from date of
installation and acceptance regardless of installing agent/vendor status.
4.5.1.3 In renovations and small additions where the majority of the structured
cabling system is not modified or is being reused, this item may be
omitted with the Minister’s Representatives permission.

4.6 RCDD Project Certification

4.6.1 General
4.6.1.1 Vendors shall provide RCDD Project Certificate in hard copy format as
part of compliance with this requirement; and provide current RCDD
seal on the certificate.
4.6.1.2 The RCDD certification shall be provided for compliance as per the
requirements within this document.

5 Vendor Requirements

5.1 Basic Elements

5.1.1 The CAN/CSA, ANSI/TIA/EIA and BICSI standards as listed in Section 2 of
this document define the basic elements of the Information Transport System
(ITS) cabling structure. Vendor firms providing services to the Province of
Nova Scotia shall comply with the qualifications criteria as detailed within this

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Design Requirements Manual Electrical Appendix Division 27
2023 Edition NS Government Structured Cabling Guidelines Rev. 30/06/23
Information Transport Systems

section.

5.2 Vendor Qualifications

5.2.1 General:
5.2.1.1 Vendor firms providing services to the Province of Nova Scotia shall
comply with Section 3 of this document.
5.2.1.2 Qualified vendors shall provide technical field services in compliance
with labour standards (e.g. Communications Cabling Specialist (CCS)).
5.2.1.3 Vendors shall comply with all applicable Nova Scotia Workers
Compensation requirements.
5.2.1.4 Vendors shall maintain current Nova Scotia Construction Safety
Association (NSCSA) compliant status.
5.2.1.5 Qualified vendors shall maintain current Building Industry Construction
Services International (BICSI) membership.
5.2.1.6 Qualified vendors shall maintain manufacturer recognition as a certified
installation contractor for the ITS product solution being implemented.

5.3 RCDD Project Manager

5.3.1 General
5.3.1.1 The successful Information Transport Distribution System contractor is
required to retain the services of one (1) Registered Communications
Distribution Designer (RCDD) for the duration of the project. The
RCDD must be identified and the successful vendor must provide a
copy of the RCDD current certificate and BICSI membership on a
timely basis after award of the contract.
5.3.1.2 The RCDD shall maintain responsibility for the following;
5.3.1.2.1 Review and accept the Information Transport Distribution
System materials, hardware and related components
proposed.
5.3.1.2.2 Review the proposed pathways and spaces and accept the size
and location of all Telecommunications Spaces (TS).
5.3.1.2.3 Notify the Consultant of any issues or concerns related to
CAN/CSA, IEE and TIE/EIA specification compliance.
5.3.1.2.4 Review and approve Information Transport Distribution
System material shop drawings prior to submission to the
Consultant.
5.3.1.2.5 Attend regularly scheduled project construction and job
meetings as requested by the project Consultant.
5.3.1.2.6 Ensure system installation practices and procedures comply
with all applicable CAN/CSA, IEE and TIE/EIA
specifications and procedures.

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5.3.1.2.7 Provide regular project status reports and updates as

requested by the project Consultant.
5.3.1.2.8 Observe testing and certification procedures and provide
manufacturers assurance and warranty.
5.3.1.2.9 Review and approve all project as-built documentation
including drawings, test reports, details and provide current
RCDD seal on all.

5.4 Certification and Testing

5.4.1 General:
5.4.1.1 Vendors providing services to the Province of Nova Scotia shall
provide Product Manufacturers Application Warranty for a minimum of
twenty years.
5.4.1.2 Certification and testing documentation shall be provided as a complete
part of the project documentation requirements as specified in Section 6
of this document. Documentation shall include a RCDD letter of
certification (complete with current RCDD seal) for the complete
Information Transport System cabling for the project.

6 Information Transport System (ITS) Requirements

6.1 General
6.1.1 The ANSI/TIA/EIA-568 standards and the BICSI/TDMM define the basic
elements of the information transport system cabling structure. The applicable
requirements of those elements as provided to the Province of Nova Scotia are
detailed in this section.

6.2 Information Transport Systems Bonding

6.2.1 Refer to DC350 Part 1, Section 2, 26 05 26 Grounding and Bonding for
Electrical Systems for information transport systems bonding requirements.

6.3 Equipment Room (ER)

6.3.1 Copper Terminations:
6.3.1.1 Horizontal and backbone cabling shall be terminated on patch panels
containing eight-position connectors with T568A pin/pair assignments
using insulation displacement connectors (IDC). Patch panels shall
meet the component specification defined in ANSI/TIA-568 D.2
6.3.1.2 Voice backbone cabling shall be terminated using two pairs per
connector (pairs 1 and 2).
6.3.1.3 Horizontal distribution and backbone cabling system termination panels

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within the ER space shall be maximum 48 port capacity.

6.3.1.4 ER patch panels shall occupy a maximum of 2U rack space per
individual panel.
6.3.1.5 Connectors shall be colour coded as follows:
6.3.1.5.1 White for copper data backbone cabling.
6.3.1.5.2 Orange for incoming voice backbone cabling from the
demarcation point.
6.3.1.5.3 Purple for outgoing voice backbone cabling.
6.3.1.5.4 Grey for data horizontal cabling.
6.3.1.5.5 Blue for voice horizontal cabling.
6.3.1.5.6 Yellow for special applications horizontal cabling.
6.3.2 Optical Fibre Terminations:
6.3.2.1 Horizontal and backbone cabling shall be terminated on patch panels
containing duplex LC connectors.
6.3.2.2 Provide horizontal cable management for owner supplied active
network equipment. The horizontal cable management provided for this
equipment shall be equal in number to the horizontal cable management
provided for the patch panels.
6.3.2.3 Provide a patch cord for each installed voice and data port plus 25%
spare; patch cord lengths are to be minimized, spare patch cords are to
be a variety of lengths to a maximum of 5m (15’).
6.3.2.4 Populate unused / spare ports in all patch panels with modular
connectors colour coded to match the active ports in the patch panel.
6.3.2.5 Cable tray shall be installed around the perimeter of the equipment
room to facilitate cable service loops, sufficient cable support and
organization.
6.3.2.6 Cable tray shall be installed above all equipment racks, spanning across
the perimeter cable tray, to facilitate cable support, cable drops and
organization.
6.3.2.7 Cable tray shall be ladder type or wire basket type.

6.4 Telecommunications Room (TR)

6.4.1 Copper Terminations:
6.4.1.1 Horizontal and backbone cabling shall be terminated on patch panels
containing modular eight-position connectors with T568A pin/pair
assignments using insulation displacement connectors (IDC). Patch
panels shall meet the component specification defined in ANSI/TIA-
568 D.2
6.4.1.2 Horizontal distribution and backbone cabling system termination panels
within the TR space shall be 48 port capacity.
6.4.1.3 TR patch panels shall occupy a maximum of 2U rack space per

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individual panel.
6.4.1.4 Voice backbone cabling shall be terminated using two pairs per
connector (pairs 1 and 2).
6.4.1.5 Connectors shall be colour coded as follows:
6.4.1.5.1 White for copper data backbone cabling.
6.4.1.5.2 Purple for incoming voice backbone cabling.
6.4.1.5.3 Grey for data horizontal cabling.
6.4.1.5.4 Blue for voice horizontal cabling.
6.4.1.5.5 Yellow for special applications (POE, CCTV, etc.) horizontal
cabling.
6.4.1.5.6 Populate unused / spare ports in all patch panels with
modular connectors colour coded to match the active ports in
the patch panel.
6.4.2 Optical Fibre Terminations:
6.4.2.1 Horizontal and backbone cabling shall be terminated on patch panels
containing duplex LC connectors.
6.4.3 Equipment racks in shallow telecommunications rooms shall be wall-mounted
cabinets with holes tapped 10-32 at standard spacing. Cabinets shall be hinged
and oriented to provide 1000 mm (39") of clearance at the rear. Note: the use of
shallow telecommunications rooms requires prior approval by the Province.
6.4.4 Equipment racks shall have 25% spare capacity (minimum).
6.4.5 Provide a patch cord for each installed voice and data port plus 25% spare; patch
cord lengths are to be minimized, spare patch cords are to be a variety of lengths
to a maximum of 5m (15’).
6.4.6 Provide horizontal cable management for owner supplied active network
equipment. The horizontal cable management provided for this equipment shall
be equal in number to the horizontal cable management provided for the patch
panels.
6.4.7 Populate unused / spare ports in all patch panels with modular connectors colour
coded to match the active ports in the patch panel.
6.4.8 Cable tray shall be installed around the perimeter of the telecommunications
room to facilitate service cable loops, sufficient cable support and organization.
6.4.9 Cable tray shall be installed above all equipment racks, spanning across the
perimeter cable tray, to facilitate cable support, cable drops and organization.
6.4.10 Cable tray shall be ladder type or wire basket type.

6.5 Entrance Facilities

6.5.1 Building Telecommunications Demarcation:
6.5.1.1 The building information transport system demarcation facilities shall
include three basic components:

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6.5.1.1.1 Building cross-connect hardware.

6.5.1.1.2 Demarcation backbone cable.
6.5.1.1.3 Building demarcation termination hardware.
6.5.1.2 Demarcation connectors shall be RJ21X female for the service provider
and RJ21X male for the building.
6.5.1.3 The layout shall be as indicated in Figure 3.3, Building
Telecommunications Demarcation.

6.5.2 Entrance Cables

6.5.2.1 Outside plant (OSP) cables shall be exposed within the premise for a
maximum of 3 m from the building entrance.
6.5.2.2 OSP entrance cables may only extend beyond 3 meters provided they
are enclosed in rigid conduit.

6.6 Backbone Cabling

6.6.1 The types of cables recognized for use in backbone cabling are:
6.6.1.1 Multi-pair 100 ohm balanced, unshielded, twisted-pair Category 5e
cable, FT6 rated.
6.6.1.2 Four-pair 100 ohm balanced, unshielded, twisted-pair Category 6A
cable, FT6 rated.

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6.6.1.3 Twelve or more strands of 62.5/120 or 50/125um multimode optical

fibre cable, FT6 rated.
6.6.1.4 Twelve or more strands of singlemode optical fibre cable, FT6 rated.

6.6.2 Voice Backbone Cabling (UTP):

6.6.2.1 All voice copper backbone cabling shall be multi-pair Category 5e.
6.6.2.2 All backbone cables shall have 25% spare capacity.

6.6.3 Data Backbone Cabling (UTP):

6.6.3.1 All data copper backbone cabling shall be 4-pair Category 6A.
6.6.3.2 All backbone cables shall have 25% spare capacity (minimum one
cable).

6.6.4 Data Backbone Cabling (Optical Fibre):

6.6.4.1 The following classes of optical fibre cabling are recognized for
backbone installations, as described in the table below. The
recommended class for lengths up to 300 metres is OM4.

Maximum Backbone Maximum

System Length Data Rate

Building Backbone (OM3 fibre) 300 m (984 feet) 10 Gb/s

Building Backbone (OM4 fibre) 300 m (984 feet) 10 Gb/s

Building Backbone (OM5 fibre) 400 m (1300 feet) 10 Gb/s

Campus or Building Backbone (OS1 fibre) 2000 m (6560 feet) 10 Gb/s

6.6.5 All backbone cables shall have 25% spare capacity, with a minimum of twelve
strands.
6.6.5.1 A redundant, parallel, spare Category 6A UTP cable shall be installed
for each pair of strands of optical fibre backbone cable where distances
do not exceed the maximum recommended installed length of Category
6A cable.

6.7 Horizontal Cabling

6.7.1 The three types of cables recognized for use in horizontal cabling are:
6.7.1.1 Four-pair 100 ohm balanced, unshielded, twisted-pair cable, Utilize

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either FT4 or FT6 rated cabling per National Building Code

requirements. In new construction use Category 6A cable only; in
renovations and small additions where the majority of the structured
cabling system is not modified or is being reused, match the category of
the existing infrastructure, where the existing infrastructure is category
6 or less use category 6 cable.
6.7.1.2 Two or more strands of 62.5/125 or 50/125 um multimode optical fibre
cable, FT6 rated.
6.7.2 Copper Cabling (UTP)
6.7.2.1 Provide a minimum of two balanced, unshielded, twisted-pair, 4-pair
cables to be installed to each telecommunications outlet location within
work area of 10 m2 (100 ft2) minimum.
6.7.2.2 All horizontal cables shall be terminated on modular eight-position
connectors with T568A pin/pair assignments using insulation
displacement connectors (IDC).
6.7.2.3 Horizontal distribution UTP cabling shall provide outer cable jacket
colours assigned for voice and data applications as listed:
6.7.2.3.1 Voice cabling shall have BLUE outer jacket.
6.7.2.3.2 Data cabling shall have WHITE or GREY outer jacket.
6.7.2.3.3 Special application cabling (i.e. CCTV) shall have YELLOW
outer jacket.
6.7.2.4 The maximum horizontal distance in cable length from the horizontal
termination equipment connections in the Telecommunications Room
(TR) space to the work area Telecommunications Outlet (TO) is 90
meters (295 feet). For each horizontal channel, a total of 10 meters (33
feet) is permitted for patch cords or jumpers and for equipment cables
or cords located in the work area and TR space respectively. The total
channel link (horizontal cabling and cords) shall not exceed 100 meters
(328 feet).
6.7.3 Optical Fibre Cabling:
6.7.3.1 The approved classes of optical fibre cabling are as described in the
table below. The recommended class is OM4.
Classification Type Performance
OM3 50/125 um Multimode Minimum bandwidth of 2000
Laser Optimized and 500 MHz-km at 850 and
1300 nm, respectively.
Minimum bandwidth of 4700
OM4 50/125 um Multimode and 500 MHz-km at 850 and
1300 nm, respectively.
Wideband multimode fiber
OM 5 50/125 um Multimode
utilizing 840 nm to 953 nm

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6.7.3.2 All horizontal cables shall be terminated on duplex LC connectors.

6.8 Work Area

6.8.1 Telecommunications Outlet Box, New Construction:
6.8.1.1 Each telecommunications outlet box shall be a minimum 102mm (4")
sq, minimum 73mm (2 7/8") deep with a manufactured conduit
knockout to accommodate a 27mm (1") conduit. The outlet is to be
complete with a double gang square welded tile ring one nominal size
larger than the installed wall board thickness and a 4 port, keystone
style, brushed stainless steel coverplate. Coverplates with recessed
inserts for labeling or identification purposes are not acceptable.
Receptacle coverplates with 106 adaptors are not acceptable for flush
mounted telecommunications outlets installed below ceilings. Where
telecommunication outlet boxes are required to be surface mounted,
provide a single gang deep “FS” type box (minimum volume 22.5 cubic
inches (368 ml)) complete with “FS” type coverplate and 106 adaptor.
6.8.1.2 Each telecommunications outlet box shall have an EMT conduit,
minimum 27 mm (1"), stubbed up with a 90 degree or offset bend into
the accessible ceiling space of the same room and terminated with a
bushing.
6.8.1.3 Each telecommunications outlet box shall be installed within 1000 mm
(39") of an electrical outlet and installed at the same height and have a
matching coverplate.
6.8.1.4 Work area telecommunications outlets with unique applications shall be
addressed appropriately to conform to industry standards and practices
(e.g. system furniture bezels, weatherproof outlets and keystone
adaptors).
6.8.1.5 Provide a 3m (10’) equipment patch cord for each installed data outlet
plus 25% of the total number as spare equipment patch cords.
6.8.2 Telecommunications Outlet Connector, New Construction:
6.8.2.1 Each work area shall be served by a minimum of two Category 6A
cables terminated on modular eight-position connectors with T568A
pin/pair assignments using insulation displacement connectors (IDC).
Outlet connectors shall meet component specifications per ANSI/TIA-
568 D.2
6.8.2.2 Work area telecommunications outlets shall have a minimum 4 port
modular jack capacity, be mounted in a single gang brushed stainless
steel coverplate. Sufficient cable slack (minimum 200mm) shall be
provided and coiled within the back box to allow the removal of the
cover plate and access the outlet box.
6.8.2.3 Telecommunications outlet connectors shall meet component

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specifications per ANSI/TIA-568 D.2 and shall be colour coded as

follows:
6.8.2.3.1 Grey for data or Local Area Network (LAN) connections.
6.8.2.3.2 Blue for voice or other telephony connections.
6.8.2.3.3 Yellow for special applications.
6.8.3 Telecommunications Outlet, minor renovations and small additions where
architectural wallboard and finishes are not being disturbed.
6.8.3.1 Each telecommunications outlet shall be installed within 1000 mm
(39") of an electrical outlet, installed at the same height and have a
matching coverplate. Receptacle coverplates with 106 adaptors are not
acceptable for flush mounted telecommunications outlets installed
below ceilings.
6.8.3.2 Work area telecommunications outlets with unique applications shall be
addressed appropriately to conform to industry standards and practices
(e.g. system furniture bezels, weatherproof outlets and keystone
adaptors).
6.8.3.3 Provide a 3m (10’) equipment patch cord for each installed data outlet
plus 25% of the total number as spare equipment patch cords.
6.8.4 Telecommunications Outlet Connector, minor renovations and small additions
where architectural wallboard and finishes are not being disturbed.
6.8.4.1 Each work area shall be served by a minimum of two four-pair 100
ohm, balanced, unshielded, twisted-pair cables terminated on modular
eight-position connectors with T568A pin/pair assignments using
insulation displacement connectors (IDC). Outlet connectors shall meet
component specifications per ANSI/TIA-568 D.2 Match the category of
the existing infrastructure, where the existing infrastructure is category
6 or less use category 6 cable.
6.8.4.2 Work area telecommunications outlets shall have a minimum 4 port
modular jack capacity, be mounted in a single gang brushed stainless
steel coverplate. Receptacle coverplates with 106 adaptors are not
acceptable for flush mounted telecommunications outlets installed
below ceilings. Sufficient cable slack (minimum 200mm) shall be
provided and coiled within cavity to allow the removal of the cover
plate.
6.8.4.3 Telecommunications outlet connectors shall meet component
specifications per ANSI/TIA-568 D.2 and shall be colour coded as
follows:
6.8.4.3.1 Grey for data or Local Area Network (LAN) connections.
6.8.4.3.2 Blue for voice or other telephony connections.
6.8.4.3.3 Yellow for special applications (POE, CCTV, etc.).
6.8.5 Telecommunications Outlet Connector, Located Above Ceiling:
6.8.5.1 Outlet Connectors provided above ceilings shall be served by a

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minimum of two Category 6A cables terminated on modular eight-

position connectors with T568A pin/pair assignments using insulation
displacement connectors (IDC). Outlet connectors shall meet
component specifications per ANSI/TIA-568 D.2
6.8.5.2 The above ceiling telecommunications outlet shall be a 100mm (4")
square x 73mm (2 7/8") deep box with 10mm (3/8" ) raised quad
receptacle coverplate complete with 2 port 106 keystone adaptors,
provide blanks as required the outlet shall be mounted vertically on
support structure.
6.8.5.3 Telecommunications outlet connectors shall meet component
specifications per ANSI/TIA-568 D.2 and shall be colour coded as
follows:
6.8.5.3.1 Grey for data or Local Area Network (LAN) connections.
6.8.5.3.2 Blue for voice or other telephony connections.
6.8.5.3.3 Yellow for special applications (POE, CCTV, etc.).
6.8.6 Optical Fibre Information Transport System (ITS) Outlet Connector:
6.8.6.1 Horizontal optical fibre cables shall be terminated on duplex LC
connectors.
6.8.7 Equipment racks:
6.8.7.1 Equipment racks for voice and data shall be 480 mm (19") open frame
type with holes tapped 10-32 at EIA standard spacing and a minimum
capacity of 44U. Equipment racks shall be complete with vertical cable
management (minimum size 254mm (10”) wide x 230mm (9”) deep) on
both sides and be of the same height as the rack.

6.9 System Administration

6.9.1 General
6.9.1.1 The requirements for system administration are Class 2 specified within
the ANSI/EIA/TIA-606 standard which provides for the Information
Transport System (ITS) infrastructure administration needs within a
single building.
6.9.1.2 A unique identifier is to be associated with each element of the ITS
infrastructure to be administered.
6.9.1.3 All components of the ITS administration system shall be designed and
installed to last the intended life (20 year warranty period) of the ITS
system installed.
6.9.2 Telecommunications Spaces
6.9.2.1 All telecommunications spaces within a building shall be uniquely
identified as part of a complete administration system. The TR, ER or
MTR shall be identified by the room designation assigned by the
architectural design. The assigned number shall be used within the

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administration system identifier and shall be a “lamicoid” type plate

minimum (50mm H) X (300mm L) as shown below and secured to the
exterior of the door frame entering that space.

6.9.2.2 All telecommunications equipment racks within the

telecommunications space require a unique component identifier as part
of the administration system by a “lamicoid” nameplate, minimum
(50mm H) X (600mm L) as shown below and secured to the upper
horizontal rail of the equipment rack.

6.9.2.3 All ITS termination hardware within the telecommunications space

requires a unique component identifier as part of the administration
system. Identifiers must be self-adhesive thermal transfer type and
placed appropriately to indicate all ports.
6.9.3 Horizontal Distribution System
6.9.3.1 All horizontal cabling shall be uniquely identified with a wrap type self-
laminating adhesive label with mechanically generated (not hand
written) identifier.
6.9.3.2 Horizontal cable identifiers shall denote basic information transport
system application and originating telecommunications space
termination equipment port as shown;

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6.9.4 Work Area

6.9.4.1 For the purposes of system administration, the work area shall include
the telecommunications outlet faceplate and all outlet termination
hardware.
6.9.4.2 All telecommunications outlet faceplates shall be standard four port
configuration with port assignments as shown.

6.9.4.3 All telecommunications outlet locations require a unique component

identifier as part of the administration system by a “lamicoid”
nameplate, minimum 120mm H X 70mm L and secured to the wall-
space centered and above (min. 12mm) the telecommunications outlet
faceplate.
6.9.4.4 Telecommunications work area outlet identifiers must denote basic
information transport system application, originating
telecommunications space and termination equipment port as shown;

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6.9.5 Backbone System

6.9.5.1 All backbone system cabling shall be uniquely identified with a wrap
type self-laminating adhesive label with mechanically generated (not
hand written) identifier.
6.9.5.2 Backbone cable identifiers shall denote basic information transport
system application and originating telecommunications space as shown;

6.9.6 Telecommunications Demarcation Facilities

6.9.6.1 For the purposes of system administration, the information transport
system demarcation facilities shall include three basic components;
6.9.6.1.1 Building cross-connect hardware.
6.9.6.1.2 Building demarcation backbone cable
6.9.6.1.3 Building demarcation termination hardware.
6.9.6.2 All Building cross-connect hardware within the telecommunications
space requires a unique component identifier as part of the
administration system. Identifiers must be self -adhesive thermal
transfer type and placed appropriately to indicate applicable pair
assignments as shown;

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6.9.7 All information transport system demarcation backbone cabling shall be

uniquely identified with a wrap type self-laminating adhesive label with
mechanically generated (not hand written) identifier.
6.9.8 All information transport system demarcation backbone cable identifiers shall
denote basic telecommunications system application and originating
telecommunications space as shown.

6.10 Service Loops

6.10.1 Provide a service loop in the Telecommunications Room / Equipment Room
(TR/ER) and cable slack in the ceiling space above the telecommunications
outlet in the horizontal cabling to accommodate future cabling system changes.
6.10.1.1 Preferred Service Loop Method: A 3 m (10 ft) service loop shall be
provided at the Telecommunications / Equipment Room by routing the
cables to the rack by the “longest route” in the cable tray within the
TR/ER. Ensure a “shortest route” is provided in the cable tray.
6.10.1.2 Alternate Service Loop Method: A 3 m (10 ft) service loop shall be
provided at the Telecommunications / Equipment Room by routing a
single loop of cable (stored in the cable tray) within the TR/ER, the
loop shall have a minimum bend diameter of 225mm (9”).
6.10.1.3 Provide 1.5 m (5 ft) cable slack above the telecommunications outlet in
the accessible ceiling space. Do not store slack in bundled loops, store
cable slack in a figure-eight configuration with each loop of the figure-
eight supported on individual Non-contiguous supports/hangers (Non-
contiguous supports/hangers (J hooks)), the loops shall have a minimum
bend diameter of 225mm (9”) ; locate the figure-eight within 760mm
(30") of the conduit wall stub entry or above ceiling outlet.

6.11 Backbone Cabling Pathways:

6.11.1 A ceiling distribution system shall serve as the backbone pathway, including
ladder type cable tray and/or EMT conduit.

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6.11.2 Vertically aligned telecommunications spaces shall be interconnected using

conduit sleeves.
6.11.3 All optical fibre backbone cabling shall be installed in 32 mm (1-1/4") orange
innerduct. Inner-duct shall be minimum FT-4 (riser) rated and complete with
pull tape. The innerduct shall be installed in cable tray or EMT conduit.
6.11.4 Non-contiguous supports/hangers (Non-contiguous supports/hangers (J hooks))
shall not be used for placement of communications backbone cabling.

6.12 Horizontal Cabling Pathways:

6.12.1 A ceiling distribution system shall serve as the horizontal pathway, including a
combination of ladder type cable tray, EMT conduit and Non-contiguous
supports/hangers (J hooks).
6.12.2 Cable trays shall be installed in corridors to distribute horizontal cables from the
telecommunications room to the vicinity of the work areas.
6.12.3 Cable trays shall be filled to a maximum fill ratio of 25%. Cabling installed in
cable tray shall be installed with a “natural lie” to the cables, do not bundle
cables in the cable tray.
6.12.4 The underside of the cable tray supports shall be a minimum of 150 mm (6")
above the suspended ceiling support channels.
6.12.5 Conduit shall be used in areas without suspended ceilings and accessible ceiling
spaces.
Conduit runs are to be installed to achieve the best direct route, parallel to
building lines, with no single bend greater than 90 degrees or an aggregate of
bends in excess of 180 degrees between pull points or pull boxes. A third bend
may be acceptable in a pull section without derating the conduit’s capacity if one
of the following is requirements is met: The total run is no longer than ≈10 m (33
ft); the conduit is increased one size and one of the bends is located within 300
mm (12 in) of the cable feed end.
Pull / junction boxes are not to be used as 90 degree bends and should be used as
straight pull throughs only, all changes in direction are to be accomplished with
conduit.
6.12.6 A vertical conduit stub, minimum 27 mm (1"), shall be installed from each
telecommunications outlet to the accessible ceiling space. Where architectural
wallboard and finishes are not being disturbed, it is permissible to delete the
requirement for the vertical conduit stub and fish the cable through the wall to
the new outlet without the benefit of the raceway.
6.12.7 Horizontal conduit stub(s), minimum one 63 mm (2 1/2"), shall be installed from
the cable tray in the corridor to the accessible ceiling spaces of all rooms in
which telecommunications outlets are installed. These conduit stubs are to be
bonded to the nearest available telecommunications bonding infrastructure.

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6.12.8 Non-contiguous supports/hangers (J hooks) and adjustable cable support loops

shall be installed only in rooms in which telecommunications outlets are
installed, with a maximum spacing of 1220 mm (48"). In addition, cables routed
through the Non-contiguous supports/hangers (J hooks) and adjustable cable
supports are to be bundled together at the midpoint between each support via the
use of "hook and loop" wire management straps. Do not use nylon tye wraps for
this purpose.
6.12.9 Standard Non-contiguous supports/hangers (J hooks) shall be used to support up
to fifteen cables; Non-contiguous supports/hangers (J hooks) with a reusable
cable retention system or adjustable type cable supports shall be used to support
sixteen or more cables. The maximum number of cables in a bundle shall not
exceed 24.
6.12.10 Utility columns (e.g. pac poles) shall not be used.
6.12.11 Non-contiguous supports/hangers (J hooks) shall not be used in corridor or
common area ceiling spaces except as the pathway for outlets located in these
spaces. The pathway shall follow the shortest route possible and be run parallel
to building lines to the outlet.

6.13 Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)

6.13.1 The proximity of horizontal cabling to electrical facilities that generate
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) shall be considered in the design and
installation of the ITS metallic cabling. The table below indicates the minimum
separation of horizontal cabling, pathways and spaces from typical sources of
EMI.

Minimum
Potential EMI Source (power exceeding 5KVA) Separation
Distance
Electrical conductors not enclosed in a ferrous metal pathway or
unshielded electrical equipment in proximity to open or non-metal 610mm (24")
structured cabling pathways or telecommunications equipment.
Electrical conductors not enclosed in a ferrous metal pathway or
unshielded electrical equipment in proximity to a grounded metal
305mm (12")
conduit structured cabling pathway or telecommunications
equipment.
Electrical conductors enclosed in a bonded metal conduit (or
equivalent shielding) in proximity to a bonded metal conduit 152mm (6")
structured cabling pathway or telecommunications equipment.
Electrical Motors and Transformers 1220mm (48")

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6.14 Field Testing

6.14.1 UTP Horizontal Cable Testing:
6.14.1.1 Permanent Link: Each individual cable shall be tested in accordance
with the latest ANSI/TIA standard for testing the Permanent Link. In
addition to the requirements identified in the standard, all individual
results within the test shall indicate a pass in order for each cable to be
considered a pass.
6.14.1.2 Each permanent link cable test shall include the following individual
tests:
6.14.1.2.1 Wire Map
6.14.1.2.2 Length
6.14.1.2.3 Propagation Delay
6.14.1.2.4 Propagation Delay Skew
6.14.1.2.5 DC Loop Resistance
6.14.1.2.6 DC Resistance Unbalance within a pair
6.14.1.2.7 DC Resistance Unbalance between pairs pair
6.14.1.2.8 Insertion Loss
6.14.1.2.9 Near End Crosstalk Loss (NEXT)
6.14.1.2.10 Power Sum Near End Crosstalk Loss (PSNEXT)
6.14.1.2.11 Return Loss
6.14.1.2.12 Attenuation Crosstalk Ratio Far End (ACRF)
6.14.1.2.13 Power Sum Attenuation Crosstalk Ration Far End (PSACRF)
6.14.1.2.14 Transverse Conversion Loss (TCL)
6.14.1.2.15 Equal Level Transverse Conversion Transfer Loss
(ELTCTL)
6.14.1.2.16 Power Sum Alien Near–End Crosstalk Loss (PSANEXT) -
Cat 6A only
6.14.1.2.17 Average Power Sum Alien Near End Crosstalk Loss
(Average PSANEXT)
6.14.1.2.18 Power Sum Alien Far–End Crosstalk Loss (PSAFEXT)
6.14.1.2.19 Power Sum Alien Attenuation to Crosstalk Ratio Far–End
(PSAACRF) - Cat 6A only
6.14.1.2.20 Far End Crosstalk Loss (FEXT)UTP Backbone Cable
Testing.
6.14.1.3 Field testing acceptance parameters for Category 3 backbone cabling
shall be:
6.14.1.3.1 Wire map.
6.14.1.3.2 Length.
6.14.1.4 Field testing acceptance parameters for Category 5e backbone cabling
shall be the same as for the permanent link with the exceptions as noted.
6.14.1.5 Field testing acceptance parameters for Category 6A backbone cabling

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shall be the same as for the permanent link.

6.14.2 Optical Fibre Cable Testing:

6.14.2.1 Multimode cables shall be tested using Method B of TIA-526-14-C.
6.14.2.2 Singlemode cables shall be tested using Method A.1 of TIA-526-7-A.

7 ITS Infrastructure for Healthcare Facilities

7.1 General
7.1.1 This section of the Nova Scotia Government Structured Cabling Guidelines was
developed to further identify the minimum acceptable design and construction
standards for Information Transport Systems in Healthcare Facilities in Nova
Scotia. This section is to be read in conjunction with the preceding sections of
this document and it is intended to provide the additional requirements specific
to Healthcare Facilities. Where requirements of the preceding sections have not
been specifically exceeded or amended in this section, the requirements of the
preceding sections shall be considered minimum standards for all projects.
Where specific requirements are indicated in this section, they shall govern.
7.1.2 Section 7 outlines the requirements for ITS infrastructure in all Nova Scotia
Health Authority owned and leased healthcare facilities and Izaak Walton
Killam (IWK) Health Centre.
7.1.3 Due to the variation in size, layout and classification, not all of the requirements
below are applicable. Consult with the Province prior to deviating from the
requirements to ensure that proposed changes are acceptable.
7.1.4 The following buildings are excluded from the ITS infrastructure for healthcare
facilities:
7.1.4.1 Long term care homes
7.1.4.2 Administration buildings

7.2 Applicable Codes and Standards

7.2.1 CSA Z32, Electrical Safety and Essential Electrical Systems in Health Care
Facilities
7.2.2 CSA Standard Z8000, Canadian Health Care Facilities
7.2.3 CSA Z8001 – Commissioning of Health Care Facilities
7.2.4 CSA Z8002 – Operating and Maintenance of Health Care Facilities
7.2.5 CSA Z317.13 Infection control during construction, renovation and maintenance
of health care facilities
7.2.6 TIA 1179-A, Healthcare facility Telecommunications infrastructure Standard
7.2.7 ANSI/BICSI 004-2018, Information Communication Technology Systems
Design and Implementation Best Practices for Healthcare Institutions and

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Facilities

7.3 Reference Documents

7.3.1 ICTS 13-016 - Physical IT Security Standard (provided by the Province upon
request)

7.4 ITS Rooms (General Requirements)

7.4.1 ITS rooms in healthcare facilities shall be defined as Entrance Rooms,
Telecommunication Rooms, Building Systems Rooms, and Network Core
Rooms.
7.4.2 All ITS rooms shall not be located below or adjacent to sources of water.
7.4.3 All ITS rooms shall have anti-static flooring.
7.4.4 Walls of all ITS rooms shall be a minimum of 2hr fire rated, or higher if required
by code.
7.4.5 All ITS rooms shall have caged sprinkler heads.
7.4.6 All ITS rooms shall have dedicated cooling. If cooling units are installed inside
the ITS spaces, they must be coordinated with the ITS infrastructure such that
ITS pathways are not obstructed, and the placement does not interfere with
planned expansion space. Piping for the cooling units shall not run over the racks
or cabinets.
7.4.7 ITS rooms shall be cooled to 18-22°C with a maximum of 40 to 60% relative
humidity (non condensing).
7.4.8 Only cabling and piping directly related to ITS space are permitted to enter.
7.4.9 All equipment in ITS spaces shall be on the central UPS power with generator
back-up (if available). If central UPS power is not available, all equipment in
ITS spaces shall be on local rack mounted UPS. The rack mounted UPS will be
Not-In-Contract and to be provided under FFE&T. The rack mounted UPS will
be network connected for monitoring.
7.4.10 All ITS rooms shall be secured with electronic access control using a card reader
with a key override.
7.4.11 ITS rooms shall not have any windows.
7.4.12 All new buildings shall use cabinets to install equipment. For renovated spaces,
if racks are currently being used, it is acceptable to continue to use racks.
7.4.13 In ITS rooms equipment shall be installed inside floor mounted network cabinets
whenever possible. Where required by the specific equipment, use wall mounted
panels.

7.5 Entrance Rooms

7.5.1 Entrance Rooms shall be the demarcation point for incoming ITS service and
serve as a space for Communications Utility Providers equipment.
7.5.2 In facilities that have a Distributed Antenna System (DAS), the DAS headend

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equipment can also be installed inside the Entrance Room.

7.5.3 For healthcare facilities smaller than 5,000gsqm (53,800 ft2) or smaller, a
dedicated Entrance Room is not required. The demarcation for incoming
services can within the Telecommunications Room or Network Core Room.
7.5.4 For primary healthcare facilities larger than 10,000gsqm (107,600 ft2) provide
two (2) separate Entrances Rooms.
7.5.5 For buildings with two (2) Entrance Rooms, provide physical separation by
locating the rooms on opposite sides of the building.
7.5.6 For buildings with one (1) Entrance Rooms, designate a secondary alternative
ITS space for demarcation of the secondary incoming service.
7.5.7 Entrance Rooms shall be above flood level.
7.5.8 Entrance Rooms should be located on an exterior wall so that incoming services
can enter directly in to the room.
7.5.9 Each Entrance Room shall be a minimum of 4m x 3m. Coordinate the size of the
Entrance Room with the Province and Communications Utility Providers and
provide larger rooms if required.
7.5.10 All interior walls of Entrance Rooms shall be lined with 19mm (3/4”) thick fire-
retardant plywood backboards for mounting equipment.

7.6 Telecommunication Rooms

7.6.1 Telecommunication Rooms (TRs) shall be used for horizontal network cable
distribution.
7.6.2 Each TR shall be sized for a minimum of four (4) network cabinets. Network
cabinets shall have a minimum 762mm (30”) x 1066mm (42”) footprint.
7.6.3 The minimum clearance around all cabinets is 1219mm (48”) in the rear and
1219mm (48”) in the front. There shall also be a minimum of 914mm (36”)
clearance on one side of the row of cabinets to allow access to the back.
7.6.4 In Telecommunication Rooms a minimum of one (1) network cabinet shall have
physically lockable compartments (top and bottom) to allow for the physical
separation and security of Provincial stakeholder equipment within a cabinet.

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Figure 7.1

7.7 Building Systems Rooms

7.7.1 Building Systems Rooms shall be used for building systems equipment such as
building automation systems (BAS), building management systems (BMS), fire
alarm, access control, real time locating systems (RTLS), intercom, master
clock, and distributed antenna systems (DAS).
7.7.2 Building Systems Rooms shall be installed throughout the building as required
to ensure the cabling length from all areas inside the building to the patch panel
located in the Building Systems Rooms does not exceed 90m (295 feet) with no
cables spanning between floors.
7.7.3 There shall be a minimum of one (1) Building Systems Room on each floor.
7.7.4 Building Systems Rooms shall be vertically aligned.
7.7.5 Building Systems Rooms shall be positioned directly beside or directly across a
corridor from a TR.
7.7.6 Building Systems Rooms and Telecommunication Rooms shall be separate
spaces. Alternatively, a single space may be used if a physical barrier such as a
fixed cage separation is provided, and the Building Systems Rooms has an

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entrance separate from the Telecommunication Room. Refer to Figure 7.2.

7.7.7 For healthcare facilities smaller than 10,000 gsqm (107,600 ft2), Building
Systems Rooms and Telecommunication Rooms can be combined into a single
room without separation, provided the room is properly sized to accommodate
all of the equipment projected to be installed inside.

Figure 7.2

7.7.8 Each Building Systems Rooms shall be sized for a minimum of two (2) network
cabinets. Network cabinets shall have a minimum 762mm (30”) x 1066mm (42”)

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footprint.
7.7.9 The minimum clearance around all cabinets is 1219mm (48”) in the rear and
1219mm (48”) in the front. There shall also be a minimum of 914mm (36”)
clearance on one side of the row of cabinets to allow access to the back.
7.7.10 Each Building Systems Room shall be sized for the installed equipment plus 25
% spare capacity, the spare capacity shall be a minimum of one equipment
cabinet.

7.8 Network Core Rooms

7.8.1 The Network Core Room (NCR) shall be used for Provincial core and
distribution network equipment where required based on the complexity and
operations.
7.8.2 In general, Provincial servers will be located off site at the Provincial off-site
Data Centre. In cases where servers are required to be installed on site, the
servers will be installed in the NCR.
7.8.3 The NCR shall the main distribution point for the interbuilding and intrabuilding
network backbone.
7.8.4 For projects that exceed 50,000gsqm (538,000 ft2) provide both a primary and
secondary Network Core Room.
7.8.5 The primary and secondary NCRs shall be physically separated by placing them
different floors and on opposite sides of the building.
7.8.6 Both the primary and secondary NCRs shall be installed above grade to
minimize risk of flooding.
7.8.7 Network Core Rooms shall have a dry pipe pre-action fire suppression system.
7.8.8 The NCRs will be sized appropriately to allow for the installation of all
anticipated equipment along with a minimum 25% floor space allocated for
future expansion.
7.8.9 The NCR be sized for a minimum of six (6) network cabinets. Network cabinets
shall have a minimum 762mm (30”) x 1066mm (42”) footprint.
7.8.10 The minimum clearance around all cabinets is 1219mm (48”) in the rear and
1219mm (48”) in the front. There shall also be a minimum of 914mm (36”)
clearance on one side of the row of cabinets to allow access to the back.
7.8.11 Rows of network cabinets shall be installed in a hot-aisle cold-aisle
configuration.
7.8.12 When the size of the NCR exceeds five (5) network cabinets in size, provide a
staging area at the entrance to the room for the Province to setup and test
equipment.
7.8.13 All network cabinets and wall mounted panels shall be lockable to provide
physical security of their contents.
7.8.14 In NCRs provide separate network cabinets for all Provincial stakeholder

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equipment.

7.9 ITS Pathways

7.9.1 Pathways for incoming ITS services shall run from the property line to the
building demarcation point in the Entrance Rooms.
7.9.2 The pathways for the incoming ITS service shall be a concrete enclosed
underground ductbank with a minimum of four (4) 100mm (4”) ducts inside.
7.9.3 When multiple incoming ITS services are brought into the building for
redundancy, provide a pathway for the primary incoming service and a separate
pathway for the redundant incoming service.
7.9.4 When multiple pathways are used, pathways shall follow physically diverse
routes, never cross, and shall enter the building on opposite sides.
7.9.5 The minimum size of conduits for backbone cable shall be 53mm (2”). Provide
larger conduits as required to meet the maximum fill requirements.
7.9.6 For low-voltage building systems, horizontal cabling can share cable trays with
network cables if the cables are completely separated using a cable tray divider.
Each side of the divider shall not exceed 25% fill.
7.9.7 No more than three (3) horizontal cables shall be installed inside a 27mm (1”)
conduit.

7.10 Work Area Outlets

7.10.1 The use of 106 style faceplates is prohibited.
7.10.2 In limited applications decora wall straps with stainless steel faceplates shall be
used with prior approval from the Province.
7.10.3 For wall mounted phones, use a 1-port, single-gang, stainless steel faceplate with
a phone hanger.
7.10.4 Every IPTV (excluding patient rooms) shall have a duplex power outlet and an
outlet with two (2) data drops within 150mm of each other. Mounting height
shall be coordinated with the Province to allow the outlets to be hidden behind
the screen.

7.11 ITS Backbone Cabling

7.11.1 ITS backbone cabling shall be used between the following ICT spaces:
7.11.1.1 Network Core Room and Telecommunication Rooms;
7.11.1.2 Network Core Room and Building Systems Rooms;
7.11.1.3 Network Core Room and Entrance Rooms.
7.11.2 To improve network uptime ITS backbone cables shall be fully redundant. Each
ITS space shall have both a primary and secondary (redundant) backbone cables.
7.11.3 The primary and redundant backbone shall be physically separated and use
diverse pathways.
7.11.4 ITS backbone cabling shall be fibre optic cable for data network and multi-pair

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UTP for analog and back-up systems.

7.11.5 The data network backbone shall be used to support the following systems
(systems may be segregated virtually):
7.11.5.1 Provincial data network
7.11.5.2 Clinical network
7.11.5.3 VoIP Telephony
7.11.5.4 Security
7.11.5.5 IPTV
7.11.5.6 AV Systems
7.11.5.7 Building Systems
7.11.6 The analog backbone shall be used to support the following systems:
7.11.6.1 Emergency/back-up phone system
7.11.6.2 Fax machines
7.11.6.3 Pay phones
7.11.6.4 Taxi phones
7.11.6.5 ATM/bank machines
7.11.6.6 Elevator phones/intercom
7.11.7 Provide additional backbone cabling (as required), that is physically separate
from the Provincial Network, for any third-party systems such as the Provincial
research and education network (ACORN network).
7.11.8 ITS backbone cables for data network applications shall be:
7.11.8.1 OM5 multimode fibre optic cables for 10Gb/s applications up to a
maximum distance of 400m (1310’).
7.11.8.2 Singlemode fibre optic cables for 10Gb/s applications (or higher) for
distances greater than 400m (1310’).
7.11.9 For new facilities install both OM5 multimode fibre optic cable and singlemode
fibre optic cable. At a minimum install:
7.11.9.1 24-strands of OM5 multimode fibre optic cable
7.11.9.2 12-strands of singlemode fibre optic cable
7.11.10 Terminate all fibre optic cables in rack mounted patch panels installed inside
the network cabinets.
7.11.11 Fibre strands shall be terminated using fusion spliced LC-pigtails.
7.11.12 ITS backbone cabling for analog and back-up applications shall be multipair
UTP cable. At a minimum install:
7.11.12.1 50-pairs of Category 5E UTP cable; or
7.11.13 Terminate all multipair UTP cables on rack mounted patch panels installed
inside the network cabinets.
7.11.14 For Category 5E backbone cables, patch panels shall be fully populated with
Category 5E modular jacks.

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7.12 ITS Horizontal Cabling

7.12.1 The following ICT horizontal cables shall terminate in the Telecommunications
Room:
7.12.1.1 Provincial data network (workstations, laptops, etc…)
7.12.1.2 Clinical systems (BioMed)
7.12.1.3 VoIP telephony
7.12.1.4 IPTV
7.12.1.5 Digital signage
7.12.1.6 Kiosks
7.12.1.7 Medical equipment
7.12.1.8 Printers/copiers/scanners
7.12.1.9 Logistics equipment
7.12.1.10 AV systems
7.12.1.11 Wireless Access Points
7.12.1.12 CCTV cameras
7.12.1.13 Nurse Call (from the room controller)

7.12.2 The following ITS horizontal cables shall terminate in the Building Systems
Rooms:
7.12.2.1 Access Control System (from the controller)
7.12.2.2 RTLS
7.12.2.3 Intercom System
7.12.2.4 Duress Alarms (from the controller)
7.12.2.5 Master Clock System
7.12.2.6 Lighting Controls
7.12.2.7 BAS/BMS
7.12.2.8 Metering
7.12.2.9 Monitoring for fridges and freezers
7.12.2.10 Remote monitoring and control for AV systems
7.12.2.11 Other low-voltage systems
7.12.3 For devices serving the outdoor site that exceed 90m (295’) in length, the use of
fibre optic cables with media converts is permitted. Media converts shall be on
UPS power with emergency back up to ensure continuous operations.
7.12.4 For clinical systems such as bio-medical network, provide separate panels for
terminating horizontal cables. The patch panels for the clinical network shall be
installed in a physically separate and secure location inside the network cabinet
dedicated to clinical systems.

7.13 System Administration

7.13.1 For healthcare facilities coloured components shall be used to differentiate

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between systems.
7.13.2 The coloured components shall include horizontal cables, patch cords and
modular jacks (in some application coloured jack bezels may be used. Confirm
application with Province).
7.13.3 The following colours shall be used:
7.13.3.1 Data drops shall be grey
7.13.3.2 Nurse call drops shall be orange
7.13.3.3 Data drops for BioMed shall be red (some facilities use purple. Confirm
colour with the Province)

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