APPENDIX K
BUILDING TELECOMMUNICATIONS CABLING AND INFRASTRUCTURE

1 PURPOSE

This appendix establishes policies and assigns responsibility for use of and compliance with the appropriate Federal Information Processing Standards Publications (FIPS PUBs) and Federal Telecommunications Recommendations (FTRs) as the standards for specifying requirements for Building Telecommunications Wiring and Infrastructure in Federal office buildings and building complexes.

2 BACKGROUND

Before the 1950s, planning for telecommunications facilities was not perceived as a significant factor in the design and construction of a building. However, the economic penalties of this perception became clear in the 1950s and an understanding evolved that the building and telecommunications industries had to work more closely as a team. Technological advances of the past 30 years have continued to reinforce this requirement. Telecommunications managers shall be aware of building codes and standards governing the installation practices and materials used in the construction of telecommunications facilities. The purpose of codes and standards is to ensure the quality of construction and protect life, health, and property.