Installation manual

5 Recommended Accessories,
Tools, and Test Equipment
An installer with the highest skill level can’t make up for
inferior equipment or tools. The old adage about using
the right tools for the job certainly applies to installing
the structured cable and components that make up
modern day data, telephone, and media networks.
Leviton provides the best and most appropriate tools
for category-rated connectivity systems, tools that in
turn help the installer to do a superior job. Not only will
your work be easier to perform, but also you and your
customers are more assured of full system integrity.
After the system is installed, the next step is testing the
cable runs. The testing equipment recommended by
Leviton will help you quickly isolate common wiring
faults and inadvertent wire damage sometimes caused
by other trades on the job. This section will cover the
recommended installation and testing tools as well as
accessories to secure your cable as you route it
throughout the job.
5.1 Mud Rings Instead of
Electrical Boxes for Drop
Locations
Unlike standard AC wiring, low-voltage wiring on its own
does not require any type of outlet box. An AC device
that supplies power to low-voltage wiring, such as an
Leviton’s AC Power Module, will always be housed in a
box as per the NEC. An unrelated AC device, such as a
switch, can also share a box with low-voltage wiring (not
a preferred practice) provided there is a physical, metal
separator between the two devices.
Leviton recommends a mud ring instead of electrical
boxes for the low voltage wiring when allowed by local
codes. Using a standard mud ring at the termination
point of low-voltage wiring offers two immediate
advantages:
• It allows more room for space consuming devices
such as a security camera and connection points
• It permits the installer to leave a long cable service
loop or (spare cable) inside the stud cavity
• It makes it easier to maintain minimum cable bend
radii behind the wallplate
Installer Tip: Leviton recommends that you leave a 36
inch service loop for fiber optic cable and a 24 inch
service loop for all other cable.This gives you plenty of
spare cable to correct wiring errors and for future
expansion should the end device need changing.
A mud ring, like a standard outlet box, provides a sturdy
surface for attaching a device or cover plate. Mud rings
are available for both new construction and remodeling
in existing walls.
5.2 Cable Routing, Dressing, and
Strain Relief
Unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cable, such as Category
5 or 5e, which features prominently in this publication,
is manufactured to deliver high-speed performance to
multiple end points. UTP cable does its job best when
its handled appropriately. This is not a forgiving materi-
al that can be pulled, stretched, and stapled the same
way as standard romex. A light touch on the installer’s
part goes a long way towards guaranteeing system
integrity and performance. Leviton recommends the
following materials for cable installations:
• J-hooks and similar cable supports instead of staples
for supporting cable along joists
• Cable clamps on individual cable runs
•Velcro‚ tie wraps and cable straps for wrapping mul-
tiple cables and for securing cable to studs (Leviton
SoftCinch‚ or equivalent)
• Leviton Cable Joe‚ Clamp-on Cable Router for
smoothly routing up to 20 cables around corners with-
out damage
Standard staples are not recommended. The methods
recommended here are more forgiving. The cost of time
spent tracing down and replacing one damaged cable
will surpass any lower material expense or labor cost
saved by using less expensive staples.
For more information call your Leviton representative or the Leviton Technical Hotline at 800-722-2082
© Copyright 2001 Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
5-1
5
ACCESSORIES
Recommended
Accessories,
Tools, and Test
Equipment
ACCESSORIES