Summary
This Job Aid covers:
This Job Aid supports the Exede Business Technician audience.
When it comes to deciding what type of cable to install for any commercial installation, it is important to understand what will make this decision.
- Does the building have drop down ceilings with a forced air return and supply?
- Does the building have drop down ceilings with open and circulating airspace as part of the building heating and air system?
- Cable supports only hold cables running throughout the building. These are usually attached to the building frame, zip ties or anchored in with ring clips.
Understanding these differences will allow the Technician to make the correct choice in installing the right cable type and follow NEC standards.
Standard Cable
If the building air supply is sealed and can be identified as forced air return and air supply, then the Technician can use standard ViaSat Approved Coax Cabling. Cabling cannot be supported by the drop down ceiling wires or grid as this does not meet NEC specification.
Plenum Cable
Plenum cable is less toxic and is jacketed with a fire-retardant plastic jacket and all materials intended for use on wire and cables to be placed in plenum spaces should meet the rigorous fire safety test standards in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association, Article-262.
If the building forced air return is circulating or open, this type of building requires the use of approved Plenum Coax Cabling throughout. Cabling cannot be supported by the drop down ceiling wires or grid as this does not meet NEC specification.
Remember! Plenum cable is not part of the standard installation, but it is a NEC requirement if there is active plenum airspace.
Commercial Wire Supports
The drop down ceiling support wires are just that. They are not intended to support anything other than the ceiling. The customer will have issues by adding more weight to the drop down ceiling when improperly routing cable.
The strengths of cables and conductors decreases with heat, and they may break if not properly supported. This could impact the operation of the signals that are important to public safety. Cables must be attached to or supported by the building structure using cable trays or other types of support. Incorrect installation of cables can prevent access to the equipment or cables. The image to the right shows the permitted support using independent support wires that are not using the suspended ceiling support wires. 
Commercial Trusses
Cable Trusses are used in most commercial buildings to properly support all data cables running from office to office, floor to floor. This is a much more stable and suitable option to use when it is available. This requires the Technician to perform a site survey inside to determine the best routing location for the cable.
Important! Always use the proper cable support system in a building. This ensures the customer has the best installation experience provided by the Technician.