SECTION 27 0529

Junction and Pull Boxes for Communications Systems

Part 1 - General

1.1 Description of Work

1. The work of this Section consists of providing all required labor, supervision, materials and equipment to satisfactorily complete all electrical installations shown on the drawings, included in these Specifications, or otherwise needed for a complete and fully operating facility. The work shall include but not be limited to the following:
2. Furnish and install all required material, supports and miscellaneous material for the satisfactory interconnection of all associated electrical systems.

1.2 Related Work

1. See the following specification sections for work related to the work of this section:
   1. 27 0500 General Requirements for Communication Systems
   2. 27 0530 Communication System Raceways and Fittings
   3. 27 1000 Communication System Wire and Cables

1.3 Standards and Codes

1. Work and materials shall be in compliance with and according to the requirements of the latest revision of the following Standards and Codes:
   1. ANSI/EIA/TIA
      1. 569-C-2012: Telecommunications Pathways and Spaces
   2. National Fire Prevention Act (NFPA)
      1. National Electric Code 2011 (NEC)
   3. California Electrical Code (CEC)
   4. National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA):
      1. Type 1 - For indoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against contact with the enclosed equipment.
      2. Type 3R - For outdoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against falling rain, sleet, and external ice formation.
      3. Type 4 - For indoor or outdoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against windblown dust and rain, splashing water, and hose-directed water.
   5. Underwriters Laboratories (UL):
      1. 50 Enclosures for Electrical Equipment
      2. 514A Metallic Outlet Boxes

1.4 Submittals

1. As specified in Division 1 and Section 27 0500.
2. Catalog Data: Provide manufacturer's descriptive literature.
   1. Pull boxes larger than 6"x 6" x 4".
3. Single Submittal: A single complete submittal is required for all products covered by this Section.

Part 2 - Products

2.1 Outlet, Junction, and Pull Boxes

1. For boxes in dry interior locations use NEMA 1 box. For boxes in wet or exterior locations use NEMA 4 box. NEMA 3R is acceptable for exterior locations if installed per manufacturer’s recommendations.
2. Standard Outlet Boxes, per UL 514A: Galvanized, one-piece die formed or drawn steel, knockout type of size and configuration best suited to the application indicated on the Drawings. Minimum box size shall be 4 inches square by 1-1/2 inches deep with mud rings as required.
   1. Manufacturer: RACO or approved equal.
3. Switch boxes, per UL 514A: Two inch wide by three inches long galvanized steel switch boxes shall be used only for the installation of single switches. Install multiple switches in standard gang boxes with raised device covers suitable for the application indicated.
   1. Manufacturer: RACO or approved equal.
4. Cast metal Outlet Boxes per UL 514A: Four inch round, galvanized cast iron alloy with threaded hubs and mounting lugs as required. Boxes shall be furnished with cast cover plates of the same material as the box and with neoprene cover gaskets.
   1. Manufacturer: Crouse-Hinds VXF series, Appleton JBX series or approved equal.
5. Conduit bodies per UL 514A: Cadmium plated, cast iron alloy. Conduit bodies with threaded conduit hubs and neoprene gasketed, cast iron covers. Bodies shall be used to facilitate pulling of controls or to make changes in conduit direction only. Splices are not permitted in conduit bodies.
   1. Manufacturer: Crouse-Hinds Form 8 Condulets, Appleton Form 35 Unilets, or approved equal.
6. Sheet Metal Boxes per UL 50: Use standard outlet or concrete ring boxes wherever possible; otherwise use a minimum 16 gauge galvanized sheet metal, NEMA 1 box sized to Code requirements with covers secured by cadmium plated machine screws located six inches on centers.
   1. Manufacturer: Circle AW Products, Hoffman Engineering Company or approved equal
7. Cast Metal Boxes per UL 50: Use standard cast malleable iron outlet or device boxes wherever possible; otherwise use cadmium plated, cast malleable iron junction boxes with bolt-on, interchangeable conduit hub plates with neoprene gaskets.
   1. Manufacturer: Appleton RS series, Crouse-Hinds RS series, or approved equal.
8. Flush Mounted Pull boxes and Junction boxes: Provide overlapping covers with flush head cover retaining screws, prime coated.

Part 3 - Execution

3.1 Outlet Boxes

1. General
   1. All outlet boxes shall finish flush with building walls, ceilings and floors except in mechanical and electrical rooms above accessible ceiling or where exposed work is called for on the Drawings.
   2. Provide outlet boxes in sizes as code required for the number of conductors to be included in the box, but the minimum shall be as required in the previous section. Provide shallow boxes where required to meet installation conditions. Box size shall meet requirements for installation of manufacturer’s equipment.
   3. Install raised device covers (plaster rings) on all switch and receptacle outlet boxes installed in masonry or stud walls or in furred, suspended or exposed concrete ceilings. Covers shall be of a depth to suit the wall or ceiling finish.
   4. Leave no unused openings in any box. Install close-up plugs as required to seal openings.
   5. Exposed outlet boxes and boxes in damp or wet locations shall be cast metal with gasketed cast metal cover plates.
2. Box Layout:
   1. Outlet boxes shall be installed at the locations and elevations shown on the drawings or specified herein. Make adjustments to locations as required by structural conditions and to suit coordination requirements of other trades.
   2. Locate switch outlet boxes on the latch side of doorways unless otherwise indicated.
   3. Outlet boxes shall not be installed back to back nor shall through-wall boxes be permitted.
   4. For boxes mounted in exterior walls, make sure that there is insulation behind outlet boxes to prevent condensation in boxes.
   5. For outlets mounted above counters, benches or backsplashes, coordinate location and mounting heights with built-in units. Adjust mounting height with required location for equipment served.
3. Supports:
   1. Outlet Boxes installed in metal stud walls shall be equipped with brackets designed for attaching directly to the studs or shall be mounted on specified box supports.
   2. Fixture outlet boxes installed in suspended ceiling of gypsum board or lath and plaster construction shall be mounted to 16 gauge metal channel bars attached to main ceiling runners.
   3. Fixture outlet boxes installed in suspended ceilings with acoustical tiles or panels shall be supported directly from the structure above where pendant mounted lighting fixture are to be installed on the box.
   4. Fixture Boxes above tile ceilings with exposed suspension systems shall be supported directly from the structure above.
   5. Outlet and/or junction boxes shall not be supported by grid or fixture hanger wires at any locations.

3.2 Junction and Pull Boxes

1. General
   1. Install junction or pull boxes where required to limit bends in conduit runs to not more than 360 degrees or where pulling tension achieved would exceed the maximum allowable for the cable to be installed. Note that these boxes are not shown on the Drawings.
   2. Unless specifically noted on the drawings, size junction and pull boxes to meet code requirements for number and size of conduits connected to box.
   3. Locate pull boxes and junction boxes in concealed locations above removable ceilings or exposed in electrical rooms, utility rooms, or storage areas.
   4. Pull boxes are not to be used instead of 90 degree bends or sweeps.
   5. Install raised covers (plaster rings) on boxes in stud walls or in furred, suspended, or exposed concrete ceilings. Covers shall be of a depth to suit the wall or ceiling finish.
   6. Leave no unused openings in any box. Install close-up plugs as required to seal openings.
   7. Exposed boxes and boxes in damp or wet locations shall be cast metal with gasketed cast metal cover plates.
   8. Identify circuit numbers and panel on cover of junction box with clear adhesive backed label with permanent black letters.
2. Box Layouts:
   1. Boxes above hung ceilings with concealed suspension systems shall be located adjacent to openings for removable recessed lighting fixtures.
3. Supports:
   1. Boxes installed in metal stud walls shall be equipped with brackets designed for attaching directly to the studs or shall be mounted on specified box supports.
   2. Boxes installed in suspended ceilings of gypsum board or lath and plaster construction shall be mounted to 16 gauge metal channel bars attached to main ceiling runners.
   3. Boxes installed in suspended ceilings with acoustical tiles or panels shall be supported directly from the structure above.
   4. Boxes mounted above suspended acoustical tile ceilings with exposed suspension systems shall be supported directly from the structure above.

3.3 Conduits

1. General
   1. Install junction or pull boxes where required to limit bends in conduit runs to not more than 360 degrees or where pulling tension achieved would exceed the maximum allowable for the cable to be installed. Note that these boxes are not shown on the Drawings.
   2. Unless specifically noted on the drawings, size junction and pull boxes to meet code requirements for number and size of conduits connected to box.
   3. Locate pull boxes and junction boxes in concealed locations above removable ceilings or exposed in electrical rooms, utility rooms, or storage areas.
   4. Do not install LB’s, condulets, or 90 degree electrical elbows. Use of these fittings will be rejected.
   5. Install raised covers (plaster rings) on boxes in stud walls or in furred, suspended, or exposed concrete ceilings. Covers shall be of a depth to suit the wall or ceiling finish.
   6. Leave no unused openings in any box. Install close-up plugs as required to seal openings.
   7. Exposed boxes and boxes in damp or wet locations shall be cast metal with gasketed cast metal cover plates.
   8. Connections between conduits (mid span and terminations into pull boxes or stubs) shall be free of any sharp edges. This shall be done through proper conduit preparation and installation.
   9. Ends of conduits shall have nylon insulated chase nipples and/or nylon insulated bushings to protect cables being pulled through the conduits from any abrasion.
   10. All sharp edges shall be removed to protect cables being pulled through
   11. Installed conduits that do not have cable installed shall have a pull string installed. Pull string to be secured at both ends to prevent accidental removal.
   12. Installed conduits that have cable installed shall also have a pull string installed to facilitate future pulls in the same conduit. Pull string to be secured at both ends to prevent accidental removal.
   13. Identify circuit numbers and panel on cover of junction box with clear adhesive backed label with permanent black letters.
2. Conduit Sizes:
   1. Communications conduits are to comply with TIA/EIA 568-C-0.
   2. Conduits for balance twisted pair cabling shall be no less than 6 times the diameter for pulling cable.
   3. Conduits for fiber optic cable shall be no less that 20 times the diameter for pulling cable under load.
   4. Common conduits and required bend radii (all measurements in inches)
      
      

      Conduit Size (EMT)	Required Radius for UTP	Required Radius for Fiber Optic Cable No Load	Required Radius for Fiber Optic Cable Under Pull Load
      	6 times diameter	10 times diameter	20 times diameter
      1"	1.049	10.49	20.98
      1 ¼"	8.280	13.800	27.600
      1 ½"	9.660	16.100	32.200
      2	12.402	20.670	41.340
      2 ½"	N/A	27.310	54.620
      3	N/A	33.560	67.120
      3 ½"	N/A	38.430	76.860
      4	N/A	43.300	86.600

      
      
      

      Conduit Size (Rigid)	Required Radius for UTP	Required Radius for Fiber Optic Cable No Load	Required Radius for Fiber Optic Cable Under Pull Load
      	6 times diameter	10 times diameter	20 times diameter
      1"	6.378	10.630	21.260
      1 ¼"	8.364	13.940	27.880
      1 ½"	9.744	16.240	32.480
      2	12.498	20.830	41.660
      2 ½"	N/A	24.890	49.780
      3	N/A	30.900	61.800
      3 ½"	N/A	35.700	71.400
      4"	N/A	40.400	81.000
      5"	N/A	50.730	101.460
      6"	N/A	60.930	121.860

      
      
3. Supports:
   1. Conduits shall be affixed to building structural members.
   2. Conduits may be affixed to trapeze duct banks or pathways.
   3. Conduits may be affixed to threaded rod or similar support mechanisms.
   4. Conduits may not be affices to other services, including but not limited to:
      1. Fire Sprinkler pipes.
      2. HVAC piping, ductwork or supports.
      3. Piping.
      4. Wires or strapping used to support ceiling tiles, electrical lighting or similar suspended materials.
   5. Conduits to be burried below grade shall follow all NEC requirements and be installed in a manner consistent with manners and methods listed in Sections 26 and 27.

End Section

Version 20130214.1100