Independent, ETL - Verification of
Installed Cabling Systems

The performance of the cable you've specified has been independently verified. And the performance of the connecting hardware you've specified has been independently verified. But how can you be sure you've eliminated the element of human error in your installed cabling system?

If you find this question difficult to answer, Interrek Testing Services (ITS) can provide you with the data to answer this question confidently. ITS now offers independent, ETL-Verification of Installed CAbling Systems. "We designed this service to give end-users confidence that their cabling system was properly installed and that it performs as specified. It gives them the option to have someone, independent of the installer, ensure that the installationw as proper. The TIA and ISO technical committees have put numerous hours into developing requirements of how a cabling system should be installed and how it should perform. We feel that end users should have an independent method determining whether or not their cabling system was installed to meet those standards," states Don Nicholson, Industry Manager for Communication Products at ITS.

The ITS On-Site Verification Process includes the following procedures:

Testing Channel/Links/Runs:
Basic UTP Horizontal Link (copper/fiber)
- TIA/EIA-568-A, TSB67 Directing
Backbone Cabling Fiber Optics
    - TIA/EIA-568-A, TSB68 Directing
Patch Cords (copper/fiber)
    - TIA/EIA-568-A, TSB67 Directing

Visual Inspection:
UTP Jacket Removal
UTP Cat. 5 Untwisting Requirements
UTP Bending Radius
Tie Wrap Securing
Fiber Optic Slack Requirements
Protective Cover for Fiber Connectors
Independently Verified Cable and Connecting Hardware were Utilized
     - TIA/EIA-568-A, TSB67 Directing

ITS has established the following criteria to govern this service:
An RCDD must supervise the on-site, independent verification process.
An ITS Engineering Supervisor will review inspection results and data.
On-site inspections and testing will be done in accordance with TIA/EIA 568A, IEC/ISO 11801 and/or end-user specifications.
All Field Test Equipment must be independently verified for proper performance to the requirements of TSB 67. The use of an HP Network Analyzer is also acceptable.

ITS will contract with Field Verification Partners (FVP) to complete the on-site inspection and data collections. Nicholson states, "We expect the demand for this program to be high, so we are looking to the industry for assistance. We have contracted with several FVPs and are continuing our search in order to provide global coverage." All contracted FVPs must meet the following criteria:

No affiliation with any manufacturers or distributors
Employ an RCDD for project oversight
Use an ETL-Verified Field Tester or a calibrated HP Network Analyzer
Pass an open book test on TIA/EIA-568-A and ISO/IEC 11801
Sign a confidentiality agreement with ITS

The first Field Verification Partner (now Field Verification Coordinator) that was selected by ITS for this service was PerfectSite of Sterling, VA. "PerfectSite was very important to the startup of this service," states Nicholson. "We worked closely together to establish a service that would be useful and affordable to end-users. The most appropriate Field Verification Partner appears to be cabling consultants that want to add a new service to his/her portfolio." ITS is currently seeking applications for additional Field Verification Partners.

If you are interested in becoming a FVP or if you are an end user who would like additional information, contact Don Nicholson at 607-758-6375.