atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums Wiring - Telecom Carriers - Trunks & Services Cabling Telephones Systems Wiring cat5 cable jack color standards in us? white data blue voice?

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There is no need for a three-gang box (we're not surprised, though, are we, that an architect specified something about which he knows little or nothing?)

Since we can populate a single-gang plate with up to six (6) standard jacks, there is no need to supply such a wide plate.

The answers to your hum question are (1) no, but I wouldn't do it that way, I would keep the power in a physically separated box, or (2) the NEC down here allows a two-gang box as long as there is a special partition in the box to ensure that the high- and low-voltage systems play nicely together.


Here's a slightly outdated (2008) version of the rule:

800.133 Installation of Communications Wires, Cables, and Equipment. (A) Separation from Other Conductors. (1) In Raceways, Cable Trays, Boxes, and Cables. (c) Electric Light, Power, Class 1, Non–Power-Limited Fire Alarm, and Medium-Power Network-Powered Broadband Communications Circuits in Raceways, Compartments, and Boxes.

Communications conductors shall not be placed in any raceway, compartment, outlet box, junction box, or similar fitting with conductors of electric light, power, Class 1, non–power-limited fire alarm, or medium-power network-powered broadband communications circuits.

Exception No. 1: Where all of the conductors of electric light, power, Class 1, non–power-limited fire alarm, and medium-power network-powered broadband communications circuits are separated from all of the conductors of communications circuits by a permanent barrier or listed divider.

Exception No. 2: Power conductors in outlet boxes, junction boxes, or similar fittings or compartments where such conductors are introduced solely for power supply to communications equipment. The power circuit conductors shall be routed within the enclosure to maintain a minimum of 6 mm (0.25 in.) separation from the communications circuit conductors.

There is no standard for data jack color. It will depend on what the client specifies. I have had clients want the wall plate and jacks to match (commercial and residential), I have had them want the Voice to match the wall plate and the data to be (insert color here).

As to color-coded jacks, the distinction between voice and data is rapidly disappearing. The concept of "universal" ports terminated on patch panels is becoming more common.

I see no problem with this requirement.

The voice and data will go on the low voltage side of the 3-gang box and the 2 5-15R duplex receptacles will go on the side. It all adds up as the 2 5-15R duplex receptacles require a 2-gang box and you have to have the low voltage stuff in it's own single gang box.

So a 3-gang box with a barrier fits the bill just fine.

On a side note: Is it Belden here in the US and Beldon in Canada?

Rather BE Fishing. Okay sounds good.

My convention is Telco Gray for primary voice, white for redundant voice and blue for Internet. Keystone jacks are color coded identically. Ditto for all patch cords. Housings are clearly labeled with P Touch labels identifying which jack is for what.

Ed, I think Beldon was just a typo.
It was originally Nordx, based in Canada, so it's still more prevalent there.
Belden bought CDT and got rid of most of the individual company names.

I'm not sure it is a typo, Jeff. There are other threads going where the Canadian members seem to consistently spell it "Beldon". I'd normally agree with you, but there seems to be so much consistency that I have to wonder.

Now, I do still see the constant misspellings of Siemon and Siemens (and variations) in this trade and even more in the electrical field. "Siemons" is my favorite.

Nordex was formed from the sale of Nortel's cable division so that's why they had Bix etc.

And I agree that Beldon is a typo, never seen a company called that selling telephone stuff in Western Canada.