SECTION: 27 10 00 BUILDING TELECOMMUNICATIONS CABLING SYSTEM
 Criteria

  1. UFGS SECTION 27 10 00 BUILDING TELECOMMUNICATIONS CABLING SYSTEM
  2. UFGS SECTION 27 05 29.00 10 PROTECTIVE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM (PDS) FOR SIPRNET COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
  3. UFC 3-580-01 Telecommunications Building Cabling Systems Planning and Design
  4. SECTION 27 05 26 GROUNDING AND BONDING FOR COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS
  5. JBLM 27 10 00 BUILDING TELECOMMUNICATIONS CABLING SYSTEM
 Changes or Criteria Notes to Unified Facilities Guide Specifications (UFGS)  
Paragraph # and Title (if any) Note to Designer Change Text
UFGS 27 10 00 (May 2025) NEW Edited as follows:
Page 5 Note REPLACED REPLACED: "The designer must provide single line schematic type diagrams"                         with: "The designer shall provide ANSI/TIA-606 compliant T-Drawings type diagrams"
Page 5 Note DELETED The designer must tailor this document to the
operational theater to align with the requirements
OCONUS when applicable. The BICSI TDMM contains
references for OCONUS but these must be coordinated
with the local technical authorities.
Paragraph 1.1 REFERENCES ADDED Use the most current version at the time of contract award.
Paragraph 1.1 REFERENCES, List of References ADDED UNITED FACILITIES GUIDE SPECIFICATIONS (UFGS)
Paragraph 1.1 REFERENCES, List of References ADDED UFGS 26 05 48    (2023) Seismic Protection for Electrical Equipment
Paragraph 1.1 REFERENCES, List of References ADDED UFGS 26 20 00    (2025) Interior Distribution System
Paragraph 1.1 REFERENCES, List of References ADDED UFGS 27 05 26    (2025) Grounding and Bonding for Communication Systems
Paragraph 1.1 REFERENCES, List of References ADDED UFGS 27 05 29.00 10   (2025) Protected Distribution System (PDS) for SIPRNET Communication Systems
Paragraph 1.1 REFERENCES, List of References, BICSI International Standards Program (BICSI) ADDED ANSI/BICSI 008   (2024) Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) Systems Design and Implementation Best Practices
Paragraph 1.1 REFERENCES, List of References, BICSI International Standards Program (BICSI) ADDED BICSI ITISMM   (2025) Information Technology Systems Installation Methods Manual (8th Edition)
Paragraph 1.1 REFERENCES, List of References  DELETED NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION (NECA)
Paragraph 1.1 REFERENCES, List of References, NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION (NECA) DELETED NECA/BICSI 568   (2006) Standard for Installing Building Telecommunications Cabling
Paragraph 1.1 REFERENCES, List of References, TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (TIA) DELETED ANSI/TIA-570   (2024e) Residential Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard
Paragraph 1.1 REFERENCES, List of References, TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (TIA), ANSI/TIA-607 REPLACED REPLACED: "(2019d)" with: "(2024e)"
Paragraph 1.1 REFERENCES, List of References, TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (TIA) REPLACED (throughout specification) REPLACED: "TIA/EIA-598" with: "ANSI/TIA-598"
Paragraph 1.1 REFERENCES, List of References, TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (TIA) REPLACED (throughout specification) REPLACED: "TIA/EIA-604-2" with: "TIA-604-2"
Paragraph 1.1 REFERENCES, List of References, TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (TIA) REPLACED (throughout specification) REPLACED: "TIA/EIA-604-3" with: "TIA-604-3"
Paragraph 1.1 REFERENCES, List of References, TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (TIA) REPLACED (throughout specification) REPLACED: "TIA/EIA-604-10" with: "ANSI/TIA-604-10"
Paragraph 1.2 RELATED REQUIREMENTS, Note DELETED "when issued"
Paragraph 1.2 RELATED REQUIREMENTS ADDED Building telecommunications infrastructure and cabling shall be installed in accordance with UFC 3-580-01 and NECA/BICSI 568-2006, Standard for Installing Commercial Building telecommunications Cabling. Workmanship shall conform to the practices described in the BICSI Information Transport System Installation Methods Manual (ITSIMM) and UFC 3-580-01.
Paragraph 1.3 DEFINITIONS ADDED UFC 3-580-01 and TIA-607
Paragraph 1.3 DEFINITIONS REPLACED REPLACED: "must" with: "shall"
Paragraph 1.3.6 Equipment Room (ER) REPLACED REPLACED: "An space" with: "An environmentally controlled centralized space"
Paragraph 1.4 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION, Note REPLACED REPLACED: "Provide telecommunications pathway systems referenced herein. The telecommunications designer and contractor must coordinate with the technical authority concerning access to and configuration of telecommunications spaces."                                with: "Provide telecommunications pathway systems referenced herein and as specified in Section 26 20 00 INTERIOR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM. The telecommunications contractor shall coordinate with Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) personnel (such as COE, DPW, JBLM NEC, YTC NEC, and 627CS) concerning access to and configuration of telecommunications spaces. JBLM NEC controls access to telecommunications spaces on JBLM (Lewis). YTC NEC controls access to telecommunications spaces at YTC. The 627CS controls access to telecommunications spaces on JBLM (McChord)."
Paragraph 1.5 SUBMITTALS, Note ADDED The JBLM NEC project team shall perform a technical review of all telecommunications submittals and requests for information (RFI) for each project and provide review comments to the Government project team. Prior to the government’s approval of telecommunications cable cut-over plan submittal, the government project team shall have the JBLM NEC project team’s technical review comments and approval. This is necessary because of the coordination required for outside agency approval processes and scheduling of service interruptions to minimize the impact on the services JBLM NEC provides to its customers.
Page 14,  SD-06 Test Reports, Telecommunications Cabling Testing; G, ADDED NEC
Page 14,  SD-07 Certificates, Test Plan; G, ADDED NEC
Page 14,  SD-07 Certificates, Test Plan; G, ADDED NEC
Page 14,  before Factory Reel Tests, ADDED SD-09 Manufacturer's Field Reports
Paragraph 1.6.1 Shop Drawings REPLACED REPLACED: "must" with: "shall"
Paragraph 1.6.1.1 T1-T6 Telecommunications Drawings, Note: ADDED UFC 3-580-01, Tables 2-1 and 2-2, list expected T-drawing submissions and when they are typically provided in the design process.
With "in accordance with" in several locations troughout this specification ADDED UFC 3-580-01
Page 16,  c. T3 - Drawings REPLACED REPLACED: "Drawings" with: "Telecommunications Space Drawings"
Page 16,  d. T4 - Drawings REPLACED REPLACED: "Drawings" with: "Typical Detail Drawings"
Page 16,  d. T4 - Drawings DELETED main entrance door] [_____].
Page 16,  e. T5 - Drawings REPLACED REPLACED: "Drawings" with: "Schedules"
Page 16,  e. T5 - Drawings REPLACED REPLACED: "administrative details." with: "cable plant management."
Paragraph 1.6.2 Telecommunications Qualifications ADDED the Building Industry Consulting Service, International (BICSI), Inc., Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD), and the cable testing technicians.
Paragraph 1.6.3 Test Plan ADDED Provide test technician qualifications. A Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) shall review, stamp and approve both the test plan and test report (UFC 3-580-01).
Paragraph 1.6.4 Test Reports ADDED A BICSI Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) shall review, stamp and approve both the test plan and test report. Test reports shall be provided in accordance with UFC 3-580-01 and ANSI/TIA-526-7.
Paragraph 1.10 SEISMIC REQUIREMENTS, Note: DELETED "When directed to meet seismic requirements"
Paragraph 1.10 SEISMIC REQUIREMENTS, Note: ADDED Design and install telecommunications infrastructure on JBLM to meet seismic zone 4 requirements.
Paragraph 2.2.1 Plywood Backboards REPLACED REPLACED: "painted, paint label and fire stamp must be clearly visible and outside of where equipment is likely to be installed. Paint applied over fire retardant backboard must be UL 723 fire retardant paint. Provide label including paint manufacturer, date painted, UL listing and name of installer. When painted, paint label and fire stamp must be clearly visible and outside of where equipment is likely to be installed." with: "Backboards shall not be painted."
Paragraph 2.2.1 Plywood Backboards REPLACED REPLACED: "a minimum of two adjacent walls" with: "all walls"
Paragraph 2.2.2 Equipment Support Frames, NOTE: DELETED Provide equipment support frames only when patch panels or cabinet/rack mounted interconnecting equipment are provided. In most applications, a 42U channel rack in locked communications room is sufficient.
Paragraph 2.2.2 Equipment Support Frames, NOTE: DELETED Use wall-mounted brackets for small systems where only a few patch panels are required.
Paragraph 2.2.2 Equipment Support Frames, NOTE: DELETED Horizontal cable management is not required when angled patch panels are otherwise specified.
Paragraph 2.2.2 Equipment Support Frames REPLACED REPLACED: "Provide in accordance with ECIA EIA/ECA 310-E and UL 50." with: "Provide in accordance with ECIA EIA/ECA 310-E and UL 50, UFC 3-580-01, and seismically rated or braced in accordance with the ICC IBC."
Paragraph 2.2.2 Equipment Support Frames, b.  Racks, REPLACED REPLACED: "[wall][floor] mounted 2-post modular" with: "floor mounted, seismic-rated, two-post modular type"
Paragraph 2.2.2 Equipment Support Frames (and several locations throughout this specification) DELETED or][ 11-gauge aluminum]
Paragraph 2.2.2 Equipment Support Frames, b.  Racks, REPLACED REPLACED: "vertical[ and horizontal] cable management" with: "horizontal and 6-inch-wide double-sided vertical cable management"
Paragraph 2.2.2 Equipment Support Frames (and several locations throughout this specification) DELETED [23 in]
Paragraph 2.2.2 Equipment Support Frames (and several locations throughout this specification) DELETED painted[ white]
Paragraph 2.2.3 Connector Blocks (and several locations throughout this specification) DELETED [Style 710]
Paragraph 2.2.5.1 Connector Block to Patch Panel, NOTE: ADDED Army projects allow the use of 96 port adapter patch panels.
Paragraph 2.2.5.1 Connector Block to Patch Panel,  (and several locations throughout this specification) DELETED [T568B]
Paragraph 2.3 TELECOMMUNICATIONS PATHWAY REPLACED REPLACED: "Provide telecommunications pathways in accordance with ANSI/TIA-569," with: "Provide telecommunications pathways in accordance with ANSI/TIA-569, UFC 3-580-01, BICSI TDMM and BICSI ITSIMM. Where contradictions occur as they pertain to telecommunications, the criteria listed in UFC 3-580-01 take precedence."
Paragraph 2.3 TELECOMMUNICATIONS PATHWAY, b. Cable trays: DELETED [aluminum][ copper-free aluminum][
Paragraph 2.3.2 Trough-Type Cable Trays, NOTE REPLACED REPLACED: existing note with: "Trough-type cable trays are not to be used for telecommunications applications on JBLM."
Paragraph 2.3.2 Trough-Type Cable Trays DELETED Provide[ size as indicated][ of nominal [150][305][455][610][760][915] mm
[6][12][18][24][30][36] in width] with maximum rung spacing of
[150][225][305][455] mm [6][9][12][18] in in each EF and TR.[ Cable tray
must be suitable for use as an equipment grounding conductor.]
Paragraph 2.3.4 Channel-Type Cable Trays, NOTE REPLACED REPLACED: existing note with: "Channel-type cable trays are not to be used for telecommunications applications on JBLM."
Paragraph 2.3.4 Channel-Type Cable Trays DELETED Provide[ size as indicated][ of nominal [75][100][150] mm [3][4][6] in
width]. Provide trays with one-piece construction having slots spaced not
more than 115 mm 4 1/2 in on centers.[ Cable tray must be suitable for
use as an equipment grounding conductor.]
Paragraph 2.3.5 Solid Bottom-Type Cable Trays, NOTE REPLACED REPLACED: existing note with: "Solid Bottom-type cable trays are not to be used for telecommunications applications on JBLM.
Center hung cable tray is not allowed for UMC projects and is not preferred for any other proponent."
Paragraph 2.3.5 Solid Bottom-Type Cable Trays DELETED Provide[ size as indicated][ of nominal [150][305][455][610][760][915] mm [6][12][18][24][30][36] in width].[ Provide solid covers.][ Do not provide solid covers.]
Paragraph 2.3.6 Non-continuous Cable Supports, NOTE ADDED Non-continuous supports shall not exceed 20 cables.
Paragraph 2.3.7 Sleeves and Conduit, Provide sleeves and conduit in accordance with ADDED UFC 3-580-01, BICSI TDMM, ANSI/BICSI N1,
Paragraph 2.4 TELECOMMUNICATIONS CABLING (BACKBONE AND HORIZONTAL) REPLACED REPLACED: "by[ as indicated,]" with: "by UFC 3-580-01, JBLM NEC Labeling Scheme,"
Paragraph 2.4.1.1 Backbone Copper, NOTE: ADDED JBLM NEC uses CAT3 rated cable as a minimum for backbone copper cable.
Paragraph 2.4.1.1 Backbone Copper REPLACED REPLACED: "Category 5e," with: "Category 3,"
Paragraph 2.4.1.2 Backbone Optical Fiber REPLACED REPLACED: "For industrial applications or where subjected to physical damage armored conductive cables should be considered with appropriate bond and hardware." with: "Use of armored fiber optic cable on JBLM shall be approved by the telecommunications manager technical authority."
Paragraph 2.4.2.1 Horizontal Copper (and several locations throughout this specification) DELETED [green] [_____]
Paragraph 2.4.2.1 Horizontal Copper, "For AV that contain uncompressed HDMI signals," REPLACED REPLACED: "[White][_____]" with: "black"
Paragraph 2.4.2.1 Horizontal Copper, "For AV that contain uncompressed HDMI signals," ADDED (White is reserved for voice telephone CAT6/6A applications).
Paragraph 2.4.2.1 Horizontal Copper DELETED [Provide residential ANSI/TIA Category 6 cabling in accordance with ANSI/TIA-570.]
Paragraph 2.5.3 Optical Fiber Connectors DELETED [epoxy less[ crimp style]
Paragraph 2.5.3 Optical Fiber Connectors ADDED Crimp-style connectors are not authorized on JBLM. Use factory polished, fusion spliced connectors.
Paragraph 2.7 BONDING PRODUCTS REPLACED REPLACED: existing note with: "Indicate bonding components and conductor sizes on drawings. Use the guidelines provided in Section 27 05 26 GROUNDING AND BONDING FOR COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS."
Paragraph 2.7 BONDING PRODUCTS, "Provide in accordance with" ADDED Section 27 05 26,
Paragraph 2.7 BONDING PRODUCTS DELETED All sub-paragraphs: 2.7.1 through 2.7.2. 
Paragraph 2.10 UNIQUE IDENTIFICATION NAMEPLATES AND LABELS,  (and several locations throughout this specification) DELETED [laser printer]
Paragraph 2.10 UNIQUE IDENTIFICATION NAMEPLATES AND LABELS REPLACED REPLACED: "as specified [or as indicated on the drawings]." with: "as specified in ANSI/TIA-606 and the JBLM NEC labeling scheme."
Paragraph 3.1 INSTALLATION ADDED Building telecommunications infrastructure and cabling shall be installed in accordance with NECA/BICSI 568-2006, Standard for Installing Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling. Workmanship shall conform to the practices described in the BICSI Information Transport Systems Installation Methods Manual (ITSIMM). Where contradictions occur as they pertain to telecommunications, the criteria listed in UFC 3-580-01 takes precedence. Seismic specifications for telecommunications infrastructure and related facilities shall accommodate applicable seismic requirements per the AHJ. Add these additional References: ANSI/TIA-569, paragraph 6.3.6.1.9, seismic considerations, JBLM Design Standard Specification Section 13 48 00, SEISMIC BRACING FOR MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT, UFC 3-310-04, SEISMIC DESIGN FOR BUILDINGS, International Code Council (ICC), International Building Code (IBC).
Paragraph 3.1 INSTALLATION DELETED Install residential cabling in a star wiring architecture from the distribution device as required by ANSI/TIA-570.]
Paragraph 3.1 INSTALLATION DELETED [building's main entrance]
Paragraph 3.2.1 Plywood Backboards REPLACED REPLACED: "Install A/C grade plywood backboards on walls as indicated on the drawings and in accordance with ANSI/TIA-569." with: "Install void-free, fire-retardant treated A/C interior grade plywood backboards on all walls in telecommunications spaces as indicated on the drawings and in accordance with ANSI/TIA-569 and UFC 3-580-01."
Paragraph 3.2.1 Plywood Backboards ADDED Backboards shall not be painted.
Paragraph 3.2.2 Equipment Support Frames, c.  Cabinets, ADDED Permanently anchor cabinets to the floor in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations and anchor at the top in accordance with seismic requirement found elsewhere in design.
Paragraph 3.2.2 Equipment Support Frames, c.  Cabinets, ADDED (unless needed to meet physical security requirements).
Paragraph 3.2.2 Equipment Support Frames, c.  Cabinets, DELETED [base]
Paragraph 3.2.2 Equipment Support Frames, d. [Cabinets][Rack], wall-mounted modular type REPLACED REPLACED: "in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations." with: "with manufacturer's recommendations and to meet seismic requirements."
Paragraph 3.2.3 Connector Blocks DELETED [cabinet][ rack], [710-type]
Paragraph 3.4.1 Backbone Cable, b. ADDED Do not exceed manufacturer's recommended bending radii and pull tension.
Paragraph 3.4.2 Horizontal Cable DELETED [and ANSI/TIA-570 for residential cabling].
Paragraph 3.4.2 Horizontal Cable DELETED managed figure-eight (not a
Paragraph 3.5.1 Work Area Outlets ADDED FOR EEDRS and DDC JACE connections:
To comply with physical security requirements for the metering networks, change from outlets on wall to CAT6 or 6A biscuit-style terminations inside each (EEDRS and DDC) JACE NEMA BOX with the jack numbers labeled on the biscuit inside the NEMA box (with a 1333 key) and on the NEMA box cover. NEC is responsible for the permanent link, CAT6 cable between the patch panel and the biscuit-style terminations inside each (EEDRS and DDC) JACE NEMA BOX.
Paragraph 3.7 TELECOMMUNICATIONS BONDING, NOTE: REPLACED REPLACED: existing note with: "Refer to Section 27 05 26 GROUNDING AND BONDING FOR
COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS."
Paragraph 3.7 TELECOMMUNICATIONS BONDING DELETED All sub-paragraphs: 3.7.1 through 3.7.4.d. 
Paragraph 3.8.1 Labels, "Provide labeling in accordance with" ADDED the JBLM NEC Labeling Scheme,
Paragraph 3.8.1 Labels ADDED Stenciled lettering for protective entrance terminals (PET)s may be spray painted using black paint.
Paragraph 3.8.2 Cable REPLACED REPLACED: "using labels with To/From information on opposing end with identifiers in accordance with ANSI/TIA-606 and as submitted and approved on T4 shop drawings." with: "in accordance with ANSI/TIA-606, the JBLM NEC Labeling Scheme and as submitted and approved on T4 shop drawings."
Paragraph 3.8.3 Termination Hardware, "in accordance with", (and several locations throughout this specification) ADDED and the JBLM NEC Labeling Scheme.
Paragraph 3.9.1 Painting Backboards REPLACED REPLACED: "If backboards are required to be painted, then the manufactured fire retardant backboard must be painted with fire retardant paint, so as not to increase flame spread and smoke density and must be appropriately labeled. Label and fire rating stamp must be  unpainted and placed in a location not anticipated to be covered by equipment." with: "Backboards shall not be painted."
Paragraph 3.11.1 Telecommunications Cabling Testing, "in accordance with" ADDED UFC 3-580-01, ANSI/TIA-526-7 and ANSI/TIA-526-14
Paragraph 3.11.1.1 Inspection DELETED [and][ ANSI/TIA-570 for residential cabling].
Paragraph 3.11.1.2 Verification Tests, b. REPLACED REPLACED: "The COR shall be notified" with: "The COR and the JBLM NEC project team shall be notified"
Paragraph 3.11.1.2 Verification Tests, NOTE: REPLACED REPLACED: "Fiber connector loss must be .5dB" with: "Fiber connector loss shall be .75dB"
Paragraph 3.11.1.2 Verification Tests, NOTE: DELETED more than 90 m 295 ft[ when requested by the Telecommunications Manager] [_____]
Paragraph 3.11.1.3 Performance Tests, b. Optical fiber Links REPLACED REPLACED: "[Tier 1][ Tier 2]," with: "Tier 1 and Tier 2,"
Paragraph 3.11.1.3 Performance Tests, b. Optical fiber Links, "in accordance with" ADDED UFC 3-580-01, ANSI/TIA-526-7 and ANSI/TIA-526-14

Design Requirements