6. Telecommunications Closet

The telecommunications closet on each floor is the junction between backbone and horizontal pathways. It contains active voice and data telecommunications equipment, termination fields and cross-connect wiring.

More than one telecom closet per floor is required if distance to a work area exceeds 300 feet, or if floor area served exceeds 10,000 square feet. Recommended closet sizing is 10' x 11' for each 10,000 square-foot area served.

Power, lighting, air conditioning and limited access are typical. See requirements for Equipment Room. There are a minimum of three 4-inch firestopped backbone sleeves in the floor at the left side of a plywood termination field, which are ideally located near the door. A fire extinguisher is recommended.

Typical Telecommunications Closet