ANSI/BICSI 005-2013

Electronic Safety and Security (ESS)

System Design and Implementation
Best Practices

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Committee Approval: March 2013
First Published: May 2013

BICSI Standards
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BICSI standards and publications are designed to serve the public interest by offering information technology
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Electronic Safety and Security (ESS) System Design and Implementation Best Practices

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 GENERAL ................................................................................................................................................................ 1
1.2 PURPOSE ................................................................................................................................................................. 1
1.3 CATEGORIES OF CRITERIA .................................................................................................................................... 1
2 SCOPE ...................................................................................................................................................... 1
3 REQUIRED STANDARDS AND DOCUMENTS ....................................................................................... 2
4 DEFINITIONS, ACRONYMS, ABBREVIATIONS, AND UNITS OF MEASUREMENT............................ 4
4.1 DEFINITIONS........................................................................................................................................................... 4
4.2 ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ......................................................................................................................... 7
4.3 UNITS OF MEASUREMENT ...................................................................................................................................... 8
5 TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE ..................................................................................... 9
5.1 OVERVIEW.............................................................................................................................................................. 9
5.2 TOPOLOGY ............................................................................................................................................................. 9
5.2.1 Backbone and Horizontal Cabling ....................................................................................................................... 9
5.2.2 Other Applications and Media ............................................................................................................................. 9
5.3 SPACES.................................................................................................................................................................. 10
5.3.1 Equipment Rooms.............................................................................................................................................. 10
5.3.2 Telecommunications Rooms and Telecommunications Enclosures .................................................................. 11
5.4 CABLING ............................................................................................................................................................... 13
5.4.1 Backbone Cabling .............................................................................................................................................. 13
5.4.2 Horizontal Cabling ............................................................................................................................................. 13
5.4.3 Horizontal Connection Point (HCP) .................................................................................................................. 17
5.4.4 Power over Ethernet (PoE) ................................................................................................................................ 18
5.5 CABLING PATHWAYS ........................................................................................................................................... 18
5.5.1 Requirements ..................................................................................................................................................... 18
5.5.2 ESS Pathway Redundancy ................................................................................................................................. 18
5.5.3 ESS Pathways between Telecommunications Spaces within a Building ........................................................... 19
5.5.4 ESS Campus Pathways Between Buildings ....................................................................................................... 19
5.5.5 ESS Pathways Serving Equipment Outlets ........................................................................................................ 19
5.5.6 ESS Pathway Separation from Power and EMI Sources ................................................................................... 19
5.5.7 ESS Pathway Bonding and Grounding .............................................................................................................. 20
5.5.8 Special Pathways and Spaces Considerations .................................................................................................... 20
5.5.9 Secure Areas ...................................................................................................................................................... 21
5.5.10 Enclosures, Pull Boxes and Splice Boxes ........................................................................................................ 21
5.5.11 High Security Areas ......................................................................................................................................... 21
5.6 TELECOMMUNICATIONS OUTLET/CONNECTORS ............................................................................................... 21
5.6.1 Overview............................................................................................................................................................ 21
5.6.2 Facility Connections by Direct Attach Method ................................................................................................. 22
5.7 CABLING INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS .......................................................................................................... 23
5.7.1 Overview............................................................................................................................................................ 23
5.7.2 Bonding and Grounding Considerations ............................................................................................................ 23
5.7.3 Transmission Performance Field Testing .......................................................................................................... 23
5.8 ADMINISTRATION AND DOCUMENTATION .......................................................................................................... 25
5.8.1 Requirements ..................................................................................................................................................... 25
5.8.2 Recommendations.............................................................................................................................................. 25
5.9 ESS DEVICE MOUNTING HEIGHTS ...................................................................................................................... 25
5.9.1 Requirements ..................................................................................................................................................... 25
5.9.2 Recommendations.............................................................................................................................................. 25
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5.10 INFRASTRUCTURE FOR WIRELESS TRANSMISSION........................................................................................... 25
5.10.1 Requirements ................................................................................................................................................... 25
5.10.2 Additional Information .................................................................................................................................... 25
5.11 COVERAGE AREA PLANNING AND DENSITY ....................................................................................................... 26
5.11.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... 26
5.11.2 Recommendations............................................................................................................................................ 26
6 INTRUSION DETECTION....................................................................................................................... 27
6.1 OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................................................................... 27
6.1.1 Requirements ..................................................................................................................................................... 27
6.1.2 Recommendations ............................................................................................................................................. 27
6.2 SENSORS ............................................................................................................................................................... 27
6.2.1 Recommendations ............................................................................................................................................. 27
6.3 NOTIFICATION ..................................................................................................................................................... 28
6.3.1 Requirements ..................................................................................................................................................... 28
6.3.2 Recommendations ............................................................................................................................................. 28
6.3.3 Additional Information ...................................................................................................................................... 28
6.4 CONTROL PANEL ................................................................................................................................................. 28
6.4.1 Requirements ..................................................................................................................................................... 28
6.4.2 Recommendations ............................................................................................................................................. 29
6.5 KEYPADS AND ANNUNCIATORS ........................................................................................................................... 29
6.5.1 Requirements ..................................................................................................................................................... 29
6.5.2 Recommendations ............................................................................................................................................. 29
6.6 INITIATING DEVICES ............................................................................................................................................ 29
6.6.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................................................... 29
6.6.2 Motion Sensors .................................................................................................................................................. 29
6.6.3 Window Sensors ................................................................................................................................................ 29
6.6.4 Door Status Sensors ........................................................................................................................................... 30
6.6.5 Perimeter Sensors .............................................................................................................................................. 30
6.7 OPTIONAL INTEGRATED EQUIPMENT ................................................................................................................. 30
6.7.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................... 30
7 VIDEO SURVEILLANCE ........................................................................................................................ 31
7.1 OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................................................................... 31
7.2 GENERATION AND CONFORMANCE WITH USE CASES ........................................................................................ 31
7.2.1 Scene Characteristics ......................................................................................................................................... 31
7.2.2 Observation as a Primary VSS Function ........................................................................................................... 32
7.2.3 Forensic Review as a Primary VSS Function .................................................................................................... 32
7.2.4 Recognition as a Primary VSS Function ........................................................................................................... 33
7.2.5 Additional VSS Functions ................................................................................................................................. 33
7.3 DEVICE GROUPS AND INTEROPERABILITY ......................................................................................................... 34
7.3.1 Requirements ..................................................................................................................................................... 34
7.4 DEVICE CATEGORIES........................................................................................................................................... 34
7.4.1 Requirements ..................................................................................................................................................... 34
7.5 USE CASES ............................................................................................................................................................ 35
7.5.1 Requirements ..................................................................................................................................................... 35
7.6 OPEN NETWORK VIDEO INTERFACE FORUM (ONVIF) CONFORMANCE .......................................................... 35
7.6.1 Requirements ..................................................................................................................................................... 35
7.7 DEPLOYMENT PROCESS ....................................................................................................................................... 35
7.7.1 Requirements ..................................................................................................................................................... 35
7.7.2 Recommendations ............................................................................................................................................. 36
7.8 AUTHENTICATION OF NETWORK VIDEO CAMERAS FOR IMPROVED ESS NETWORK SECURITY ..................... 36
7.8.1 Requirements ..................................................................................................................................................... 36

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8 ACCESS CONTROL ............................................................................................................................... 37
8.1 OVERVIEW............................................................................................................................................................ 37
8.2 SYSTEM STRUCTURE ............................................................................................................................................ 37
8.2.1 Overview............................................................................................................................................................ 37
8.2.2 Central Equipment Processing (Level 1) ........................................................................................................... 37
8.2.3 Computer Hardware and Software..................................................................................................................... 37
8.2.4 Server ................................................................................................................................................................. 37
8.2.5 Software ............................................................................................................................................................. 38
8.2.6 Backup ............................................................................................................................................................... 38
8.2.7 Event Recording ................................................................................................................................................ 38
8.2.8 Backup Power .................................................................................................................................................... 38
8.2.9 Access Control Workstation .............................................................................................................................. 38
8.2.10 Badging System ............................................................................................................................................... 39
8.2.11 Visitor Management ........................................................................................................................................ 39
8.3 CONTROLLERS FOR INTELLIGENT FIELD PROCESSING (LEVEL 2) .................................................................... 39
8.3.1 Overview............................................................................................................................................................ 39
8.3.2 Controller Configurations .................................................................................................................................. 39
8.4 PERIPHERAL DEVICES (LEVEL 3) ........................................................................................................................ 40
8.4.1 Overview............................................................................................................................................................ 40
8.4.2 Power Distribution ............................................................................................................................................. 40
8.4.3 Relays ................................................................................................................................................................ 40
8.4.4 Readers .............................................................................................................................................................. 41
8.4.5 Request to Exit (REX) Devices ......................................................................................................................... 41
8.4.6 Door Contacts .................................................................................................................................................... 41
8.4.7 Electrified Door Hardware................................................................................................................................. 41
8.4.8 Fail-Secure/Fail-Safe/Fail Latched .................................................................................................................... 41
8.4.9 Power to Locks .................................................................................................................................................. 42
8.5 CREDENTIALS (LEVEL 4) ..................................................................................................................................... 43
8.5.1 Overview............................................................................................................................................................ 43
8.5.2 Web-Enabled Access Control ............................................................................................................................ 43
8.5.3 IP Card Readers ................................................................................................................................................. 43
8.5.4 IP Controllers ..................................................................................................................................................... 43
8.5.5 Communications ................................................................................................................................................ 43
8.5.6 Analog Communications ................................................................................................................................... 44
8.5.7 TCP/IP or Network Communications ................................................................................................................ 44
9 FIRE DETECTION AND ALARM SYSTEMS ......................................................................................... 45
9.1 OVERVIEW............................................................................................................................................................ 45
9.2 RISK ASSESSMENT AND SAFETY PROGRAMS ...................................................................................................... 45
9.2.1 Requirements ..................................................................................................................................................... 45
9.2.2 Recommendations.............................................................................................................................................. 45
9.2.3 Additional Information ...................................................................................................................................... 45
9.3 CLASSES OF FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS .................................................................................................................... 46
9.3.1 Introduction........................................................................................................................................................ 46
9.3.2 Requirements ..................................................................................................................................................... 46
9.3.3 Recommendations.............................................................................................................................................. 46
9.4 INITIATION DEVICES ............................................................................................................................................ 46
9.4.1 Introduction........................................................................................................................................................ 46
9.4.2 Requirements ..................................................................................................................................................... 46
9.4.3 Recommendations.............................................................................................................................................. 46
9.5 FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS AND SUPERVISION DEVICES .................................................................................. 47
9.5.1 Introduction........................................................................................................................................................ 47
9.5.2 Requirements ..................................................................................................................................................... 47
9.5.3 Recommendations.............................................................................................................................................. 47

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9.6 NOTIFICATION APPLIANCES ................................................................................................................................ 47
9.6.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................... 47
9.6.2 Requirements ..................................................................................................................................................... 47
9.7 TYPES OF NOTIFICATION APPLIANCES ............................................................................................................... 47
9.7.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................... 47
9.7.2 Requirements ..................................................................................................................................................... 47
9.7.3 Additional Information ...................................................................................................................................... 47
9.8 NOTIFICATION APPLIANCE CIRCUIT (NAC) ...................................................................................................... 48
9.8.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................... 48
9.8.2 Requirements ..................................................................................................................................................... 48
9.8.3 Recommendations ............................................................................................................................................. 48
9.8.4 Additional Information ...................................................................................................................................... 48
9.9 AUDIBILITY .......................................................................................................................................................... 48
9.9.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................... 48
9.9.2 Requirements ..................................................................................................................................................... 49
9.9.3 Additional Information ...................................................................................................................................... 49
9.10 INTELLIGIBILITY ................................................................................................................................................ 49
9.10.1 Overview ......................................................................................................................................................... 49
9.11 VISIBILITY ........................................................................................................................................................... 49
9.11.1 Overview ......................................................................................................................................................... 49
9.12 CONTROL UNITS ................................................................................................................................................ 50
9.12.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... 50
9.12.2 Requirements ................................................................................................................................................... 50
9.12.3 Additional Information .................................................................................................................................... 50
9.13 SUPERVISION ...................................................................................................................................................... 51
9.13.1 Requirements ................................................................................................................................................... 51
9.13.2 Additional Information .................................................................................................................................... 51
9.14 TROUBLE CONDITIONS ...................................................................................................................................... 51
9.14.1 Overview ......................................................................................................................................................... 51
9.15 POWER SUPPLIES ............................................................................................................................................... 51
9.15.1 Requirements ................................................................................................................................................... 51
9.16 TRANSMITTERS .................................................................................................................................................. 52
9.16.1 Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter (DACT) Dialers ............................................................................ 52
9.16.2 Digital Alarm Radio Transmitter (DART) ...................................................................................................... 52
9.16.3 IP Alarm Communicator System ..................................................................................................................... 52
9.17 AS-BUILT DRAWINGS AND RELATED DOCUMENTATION ................................................................................. 52
9.17.1 Requirements ................................................................................................................................................... 52
9.17.2 Recommendations............................................................................................................................................ 52
10 INTEGRATED SYSTEMS..................................................................................................................... 53
10.1 OVERVIEW ......................................................................................................................................................... 53
10.2 ESS INTEGRATED SERVICES, DESIGN AND INTEGRATION ............................................................................... 53
10.2.1 Public Network Services.................................................................................................................................. 53
10.2.2 Design and Selection of Components .............................................................................................................. 54
10.2.3 ESS Integration ................................................................................................................................................ 54
10.3 ESS COMPONENTS ............................................................................................................................................. 54
10.3.1 Overview ......................................................................................................................................................... 54
10.3.2 Intrusion Detection System.............................................................................................................................. 54
10.3.3 Access Control System .................................................................................................................................... 55
10.3.4 Video Surveillance System .............................................................................................................................. 55
10.3.5 Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) System .......................................................................... 55
10.3.6 Sensor-Based System....................................................................................................................................... 55
10.3.7 Building Automation System........................................................................................................................... 55
10.3.8 Location System .............................................................................................................................................. 57
10.3.9 Global Positioning System (GPS).................................................................................................................... 57
10.3.10 Software ......................................................................................................................................................... 57
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10.4 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION AND EXPANDABILITY .............................................................................................. 58
10.4.1 Overview.......................................................................................................................................................... 58
10.4.2 Input/Output Matrix ......................................................................................................................................... 58
10.4.3 Maps and Icons ................................................................................................................................................ 59
10.4.4 System Response Times .................................................................................................................................. 59
10.4.5 System Expansion Capability .......................................................................................................................... 59
10.5 ELECTRONIC SAFETY AND SECURITY (ESS) INTEGRATION PROCESS ............................................................. 59
10.5.1 Overview.......................................................................................................................................................... 59
10.5.2 Integration Process Team Members ................................................................................................................. 60
10.5.3 Integration Process ........................................................................................................................................... 60
11 RISK MANAGEMENT AND RISK ASSESSMENT .............................................................................. 65
11.1 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................................. 65
11.2 REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................................................................. 65
11.3 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION .............................................................................................................................. 65
APPENDIX A: CABLING PATHWAYS (NORMATIVE) ............................................................................ 67
A.1 OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................................................................... 67
A.2 TYPES OF CABLING PATHWAYS ......................................................................................................................... 67
A.2.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................... 67
A.2.2 Cable Tray Pathways ........................................................................................................................................ 69
A.2.3 Non-continuous Pathways................................................................................................................................. 70
A.2.4 Conduit Pathways ............................................................................................................................................. 70
A.2.5 Surface-mounted Pathways (Perimeter Raceways)........................................................................................... 73
A.2.6 Duct Raceway Pathways ................................................................................................................................... 74
A.2.7 Access Floor Raceway Pathways ...................................................................................................................... 74
A.2.8 In-floor System Pathways ................................................................................................................................. 75
A.2.9 Catenary Pathways ............................................................................................................................................ 75
A.2.10 Utility Columns (Power Poles) ....................................................................................................................... 75
A.3 GENERAL INSTALLATION PRACTICES ................................................................................................................ 76
A.3.1 Requirements .................................................................................................................................................... 76
A.3.2 Recommendations ............................................................................................................................................. 76
APPENDIX B: ELECTRONIC SAFETY AND SECURITY (ESS) DESIGN FUNDAMENTALS
(INFORMATIVE) ............................................................................................................................ 78
B.1 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................................... 78
B.2 ELEMENTS ........................................................................................................................................................... 78
B.2.1 Access Control .................................................................................................................................................. 78
B.2.2 Intrusion Detection ............................................................................................................................................ 78
B.2.3 Surveillance ....................................................................................................................................................... 78
B.2.4 Fire Detection and Alarm .................................................................................................................................. 78
B.2.5 Integrated Systems ............................................................................................................................................ 78
B.2.6 Special Systems................................................................................................................................................. 78
B.2.7 Network Security .............................................................................................................................................. 79
B.3 TYPES OF PROJECTS ............................................................................................................................................ 79
B.4 CURRENT AND FUTURE TRENDS IN SAFETY AND SECURITY .............................................................................. 79
B.4.1 Information Technology.................................................................................................................................... 79
B.4.2 Physical Security ............................................................................................................................................... 79
B.4.3 Integration of Access Control and Building Automation Systems .................................................................... 79
B.4.4 Surveillance ....................................................................................................................................................... 80
B.5 ELECTRONIC SAFETY AND SECURITY SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT BASICS ........................................................... 80
APPENDIX C: WIRELESS TRANSMISSION (INFORMATIVE) ............................................................... 82
C.1 OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................................................................... 82
C.2 RADIO FREQUENCY TRANSMISSION ................................................................................................................... 82
C.2.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................... 82
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C.3 FREE SPACE OPTICS ........................................................................................................................................... 82
C.3.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................... 82
C.4 LICENSED MICROWAVE RADIO TRANSMISSION ................................................................................................ 82
C.4.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................................................... 82
C.5 FREQUENCY SELECTION ..................................................................................................................................... 83
C.5.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................... 83
APPENDIX D: RELATED DOCUMENTS (INFORMATIVE) ..................................................................... 86

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INDEX OF FIGURES
HIERARCHICAL STAR TOPOLOGY ................................................................................................................. 9
EXAMPLES OF NON-STAR TOPOLOGIES ....................................................................................................... 10
OPTICAL FIBER CABLING WITH MEDIA CONVERTERS ................................................................................ 15
CONFIGURATION EXAMPLES FOR USING HYBRID COPPER/OPTICAL FIBER CABLE TO CONNECT AN
ESS DEVICE ............................................................................................................................................... 16
FIGURE 5: EXAMPLE OF A HORIZONTAL CONNECTION POINT WITHIN A STAR TOPOLOGY.......................................... 17
FIGURE 6: EXAMPLE LOCATIONS OF USER-ADMINISTERED AND FACILITY CONNECTION TELECOMMUNICATIONS
OUTLETS..................................................................................................................................................... 22
FIGURE 7: EXAMPLES OF FACILITY CONNECTIONS USING DIRECT ATTACH ................................................................ 22
FIGURE 8: CONFIGURATION 1: SINGLE CONNECTOR MODIFIED PERMANENT LINK SET UP FOR DIRECT ATTACH
WITHOUT A CONSOLIDATION POINT ........................................................................................................... 24
FIGURE 9: CONFIGURATION 2: SINGLE CONNECTOR MODIFIED PERMANENT LINK SET UP FOR DIRECT ATTACH
WITH A CONSOLIDATION POINT ................................................................................................................. 24
FIGURE 10: FORM A, B AND C RELAYS ....................................................................................................................... 40
FIGURE 11: SAMPLE PHYSICAL SECURITY INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ..................................................... 56
FIGURE 1:
FIGURE 2:
FIGURE 3:
FIGURE 4:

INDEX OF TABLES
TABLE 1: RECOMMENDED CROSS-CONNECT COLOR CODES FOR USE AT CABLING DISTRIBUTORS ............................ 11
TABLE 2: MEDIA SELECTION CRITERIA ....................................................................................................................... 14
TABLE 3: BALANCED TWISTED-PAIR CABLING FREQUENCY RANGE OF INTEREST AND ASSOCIATED
APPLICATIONS .............................................................................................................................................. 15
TABLE 4: TYPICAL COVERAGE AREA FOR EACH ESS LINK ......................................................................................... 26
TABLE 5: DETECTION SENSOR TECHNOLOGY AND APPLICATION ................................................................................ 27
TABLE 6: NAC DESIGNATION REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................................................... 48
TABLE 7: TYPICAL AMBIENT SOUND LEVELS BY LOCATION ....................................................................................... 49
TABLE A1: BALANCED TWISTED-PAIR CABLING BEND RADIUS AND PULLING TENSION REQUIREMENTS .................. 68
TABLE A2: OPTICAL FIBER CABLING BEND RADIUS AND PULLING TENSION REQUIREMENTS .................................... 68
TABLE A3: MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE CABLING STACKING HEIGHT IN CABLING PATHWAYS ....................................... 69

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1 Introduction
1.1 General
This standard is written in the context that a comprehensive safety and security strategy for a specific project or
property has been developed. The interconnections of these electronic safety and security (ESS) systems are
facilitated once the client requirements have been determined by parties responsible for the development of those
requirements. The designed or recommended system takes into account the environmental constraints in which the
electronic safety and security infrastructure will be installed and operated. This includes consideration of the
appropriate safeguards that may be necessary due to:

Layout of a particular area

Environment
Topology
Climate
Current and future types of equipment to be supported
Type of cabling
Functionality of the network
Pathways or spaces over which the cabling will be installed

1.2 Purpose
This standard is written for use in the design and implementation of the structured cabling systems used within
electronic safety and security systems. This standard provides a reference of common technology and design
practices, and is not intended to be used by architects and engineers as their sole reference or as a step-by-step
design guide. This standard may also be used to determine design requirements in conjunction with the system
owner, occupant, or safety and security consultant.
This standard is intended primarily for, but not limited to:

ESS system owners and operators

ESS system consultants and project managers
Architects
Authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ)
Engineers
ESS system installers

1.3 Categories of Criteria

Two categories of criteria are specified - mandatory and advisory.

Mandatory criteria generally apply to protection, performance, administration, and compatibility; they
specify the absolute minimum acceptable requirements.
Advisory or desirable criteria are presented when their attainment will enhance the general performance
of the ESS system infrastructure in all its contemplated applications.
Mandatory requirements are designated by the word shall; advisory recommendations are designated by the words
should, may, or desirable, which are used interchangeably in this standard. When possible, recommendations and
requirements were separated to aid in clarity.

2 Scope
This standard applies to the electronic safety and security systems that are provided by a physical security
professional. Electronic devices and systems include, but are not limited to:
Safety systems
Physical access control
Video surveillance
Intrusion detection systems
Integrated systems
The performance specifications for the electronic safety and security systems are not offered in this standard
unless it relates to the structured cabling systems. For example, desired frame rates and image quality for video
surveillance systems impact the bandwidth of the signal and therefore impact the type of cabling selected. This
standard will not describe the selection of the frame rates and the video quality but will describe bandwidth and
cabling considerations for video content.
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3 Required Standards and Documents

The following standards and documents are referenced within this standard and contain provisions that constitute
provisions of this standard. Published amendments, errata, revisions and addendums to the standards and
documents included in this list should be incorporated by reference.
BICSI

ANSI/NECA/BICSI 607-2011, Telecommunications Bonding and Grounding Planning and Installation

Methods for Commercial Buildings

British Standards Institution (BSI)

BS 6701:2010, Telecommunications equipment and telecommunications cabling. Specification for

installation, operation and maintenance

European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC)

EN 50173-1, Information technology Generic cabling systems General requirements

EN 50174-2, Information technology Cabling installation Part 2: Installation planning and practices
inside buildings

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

IEEE 802.3af, IEEEE Standard for Information Technology Telecommunications and Information
Exchange Between Systems Local and Metropolitan Area Networks Specific Requirements Part 3:
Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) Access Method and Physical Layer
Specifications Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) Power Via Media Dependent Interface (MDI)
IEEE 802.3at, IEEE Standard for Information Technology Local and Metropolitan Area Networks
Specific Requirements Part 3: CSMA/CD Access Method and Physical Layer Specifications Amendment
3: Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) Power Via the Media Dependent Interface (MDI) Enhancements

International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)

IEC 60364-4-43, Low-voltage electrical installations Part 4-43: Protection for safety Protection
against overcurrent
IEC 60364-5-52, Electrical installations of buildings Part 5-52: Selection and erection of electrical
equipment Wiring systems
IEC 60849, Sound systems for emergency purposes

International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

ISO 12233, Photography Electronic still-picture cameras Resolution measurements

ISO 14524, Photography Electronic still-picture cameras Methods for measuring opto-electronic
conversion functions (OECFs)
ISO/IEC 11801, Information technology Generic cabling for customer premises
ISO/IEC 14763-2, Information technology Implementation and operation of customer premises cabling
Part 2: Planning and installation

NFPA

NFPA 70, National Electrical Code

Open Network Video Interface Forum (ONVIF)

ONVIF Core Specification, version 2.2

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Electronic Safety and Security (ESS) System Design and Implementation Best Practices
Telecommunication Industry Association (TIA)

ANSI/TIA-526-14-B, Optical Power Loss Measurements of Installed Multimode Fiber Cable Plant
ANSI/TIA-568-C.0, Generic Telecommunications Cabling for Customer Premises
ANSI/TIA-568-C.1, Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Standard
ANSI/TIA-568-C.2, Balanced Twisted-Pair Telecommunications Cabling and Components Standard
ANSI/TIA-568-C.3, Optical Fiber Cabling Components Standard
ANSI/TIA-569-C, Telecommunications Pathways and Spaces
ANSI/TIA-606-B, Administration Standard for Telecommunications Infrastructure
ANSI/TIA-607-B, Generic Telecommunications Bonding and Grounding (Earthing) for Customer
Premises
ANSI/TIA-758-B, Customer-Owned Outside Plant Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard
ANSI/TIA-862-A, Building Automation Systems Cabling Standard for Commercial Buildings
ANSI/TIA-1005-A, Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard for Industrial Premises
ANSI/TIA-1152, Requirements for Field Test Instruments and Measurements for Balanced Twisted-Pair
Cabling

At the time of publication, the editions indicated were valid. All standards and amendments are subject to revision,
and parties to agreements based on this standard are encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying the most
recent editions of the standards indicated.
Where equivalent local codes and standards exist, requirements from these local specifications shall apply. Where
reference is made to a requirement that exceeds minimum code requirements, the specification requirement shall
take precedence over any apparent conflict with applicable codes.

ANSI/BICSI 005-2013

4 Definitions, Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Units of Measurement

For the purpose of this standard the following definitions, acronyms, abbreviations and units of measurement
apply.

4.1 Definitions
accuracy: How close a measured value is to the true value or an established standard.
annunciator: An electrical signaling device used to indicate the sources of calls or alarms on a switchboard or
control panel (e.g., as used in hotels or offices).
backbone cabling: See backbone.
backbone: (1) A facility (e.g., pathway, cable, connectivity) between any of the following spaces:
telecommunications rooms (TRs), common TRs, floor-serving terminals, entrance facilities (EF), equipment
rooms (ER), and common equipment rooms (CER). (2) In a data center, a facility (e.g., pathway, cable,
connectivity) between any of the following spaces: entrance rooms (ER) or spaces, main distribution areas
(MDA), intermediate distribution areas (IDA), horizontal distribution areas (HDA), zone distribution areas (ZDA),
equipment distribution areas (EDA) and TRs.
balun: An impedance matching transformer used for coupling two electrical circuit elements, where one is
balanced (balanced twisted-pair) and the other is unbalanced (coaxial cabling).
campus: A building or collection of buildings located within a limited geographic area typically one contiguous
piece of property.
color temperature: Characterization of a light source in terms of the temperature of a theoretical blackbody
radiator that would have a color (spectral energy density) that most closely resembles that of the illuminating
source.
compliant: The condition of meeting or exceeding applicable requirements.
component: Any part or subassembly of devices used in the construction of a system (e.g., video surveillance
system).
compression: (1) The act or process of compressing. (2) The reduction of data used to represent digital
multimedia content (DMC).
credential: An item or object that allows the possessor to enter, exit or access an identified space, object or asset.
cross-connect: A facility enabling the termination of cabling elements and their interconnection or crossconnection.
device: (1) An item serving a particular purpose and used to perform one or more tasks. (2) Refers to individual
component groups or a division of the video surveillance system.
digital multimedia content (compressed: Data that has been transcoded from the original digital multimedia
content (DMC) in an industry standard file format and resulting in a reduced amount of data required to represent
the original data set.
digital multimedia content (original): Data recorded and retrieved to digital multimedia content (DMC) media in
its native file format (i.e., first usable form).
digital multimedia content (uncompressed): A copy of the original digital multimedia content (DMC) with no
further compression or loss of information and which is in an industry standard file format.
direct attach: The horizontal cabling on the remote device end directly attaching (or connecting) to the device
through a connectorized cable or hard-wired termination, eliminating the workstation outlet, jack and equipment
cord.
display: Synonymous with video monitor.
download: The process of receiving data from another digital source. In the case of the location where a video
surveillance system is installed, this is the transfer of IP-based data from another digital source, such as a directly
connected server or virtual internet-based (Cloud) servers. The download bit rate is optimized for an asymmetric
internet connection.
egress: A point or means of exit from a building, property, or location.
equipment cord: A length of cable with connectors on both ends used to join active equipment with passive
cabling infrastructure or active equipment directly to active equipment.

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Electronic Safety and Security (ESS) System Design and Implementation Best Practices
equipment room (telecommunications): An environmentally controlled centralized space for
telecommunications and data processing equipment with supporting telecommunications connectivity
infrastructure.
fail-latched: A property of a locking device that upon the loss of power, the device will latch or remain latched
but does not necessarily restrict movement or access from the secured side.
fail-safe: A property of a locking device that upon the loss of power, the device will automatically unlock (open)
or remain unlocked (open).
fail-secure: A property of a device that upon the loss of power, the device will automatically lock (close) or
remain locked (closed).
field of view: The horizontal angular extent of a scene viewed by the video camera. The field of view (FOV)
depends on the focal length of the camera lens and the size of the cameras imager.
fire detection: The means of detecting the occurrence of heat, smoke or other particles or products of combustion.
fire protection: The active means of detecting and suppressing fires.
fire stopping: See fire suppression.
fire suppression: (1) The means of extinguishing an active fire. (2) The use of products or materials to help
prevent the spread of fire.
fire: The presence of a flame.
forensic review: A property of video surveillance equipment, which denotes that the equipment has been
optimized to provide high resolution recordings of scene content or digital multimedia content (DMC) captured by
the video camera or encoding device.
horizontal cabling: (1) The cabling between and including the telecommunications outlet/connector and the
horizontal cross-connect. (2) The cabling between and including the building automation system outlet or the first
mechanical termination of the horizontal connection point and the horizontal cross-connect. (3) In a data center,
horizontal cabling is the cabling from the horizontal cross-connect (in the main distribution area or horizontal
distribution area) to the outlet in the equipment distribution area or zone distribution area.
horizontal connection point: A location for connections between horizontal cables that extend from building
pathways and horizontal cables that extend to building automation systems (BAS) devices and equipment.
horizontal cross-connect: A cross-connect of horizontal cabling to other cabling (e.g., backbone cabling, active
equipment).
hybrid cable: An assembly of two or more cables, of the same or differing types of media, categories designation,
etc., covered by one overall sheath.
interconnection: (1) A connection scheme that employs connecting hardware for the direct connection of a cable
to another cable without a patch cord or jumper. (2) A type of connection in which single port equipment
connections (e.g., 4-pair and optical fiber connectors) attach to horizontal or backbone cabling by means of patch
cord or jumper.
Internet protocol: A method of transmitting, storing, and displaying digital multimedia content (DMC).
interoperability (communication): The ability for components in the video surveillance system to recognize
devices, establish communications and share, transmit, store, retrieve or display digital multimedia content
(DMC).
interoperability (content): An Investigative definition: the sharing of digital multimedia content (DMC) among
law enforcement agencies in an industry standard file format.
jumper: (1) An assembly of twisted-pairs without connectors, used to join telecommunications circuits/links at the
cross-connect. (2) An optical fiber cable with connectors installed on both ends. See also jumper wire and pigtail.
jumper wire: Typically, 24 AWG [0.51 mm (0.020 in)] twisted-pair wire terminated on 66-blocks, 110-blocks, or
screw terminals to join telecommunications feeder and distribution facilities at the cross-connect. See also jumper.
keypad: A data input device consisting of a limited number of keys, each with nominated functions.
Listed: Equipment, materials, or services included in a list published by an organization that is acceptable to the
authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed equipment or
materials or periodic evaluation of services, and whose listing states either that the equipment, material or services
meets appropriate standards or has been tested and found suitable for use in a specified manner.
luminance: A measure of the brightness of a point on a surface that is radiating or reflecting light.
media (telecommunications): Wire, cable, or conductors used for telecommunications.
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ANSI/BICSI 005-2013
media converter: A device that converts from one type of media to another. Typically referring to a hardware
device that connects different transmission media (i.e., from balanced twisted-pair to coax or from balanced
twisted-pair to optical fiber).
metadata: Data embedded within or associated with a file that describes information about or related to the file or
directory. This may include but is not limited to color, size, trajectory and the locations where the content is stored,
dates, times, application specific information, and permissions.
observation: A function in video surveillance systems that may be optimized to provide continuous viewing of
scene content captured by the video camera or encoding device and displayed on local or remote monitors, or on
remote display devices like smart-phones, tablets, or laptop computers.
panel: An electronic control panel is an electrical device consisting of an enclosure, box or surface that may
contain switches, dials, displays or meters for controlling or monitoring other electrical devices.
patch cord: A length of cable with connectors on both ends used to join telecommunications circuits/links at the
cross-connection.
patch panel: A connecting hardware system that facilitates cable termination and cabling administration using
patch cords.
pathway: A facility for the placement of telecommunications cable.
pigtail: One or more conductors or fibers with only one end terminated. See also equipment cord and jumper
pixel: In digital imaging, a single point in a bitmap image, or the smallest addressable screen element in a display
device. It is the smallest unit of a picture that can be represented or controlled.
presignal alarm: In fire alarm systems, signals or signs delivered to occupants before sending a general alarm.
This type of alarm may be automatically transmitted to a central fire alarm system after a specified time period.
proprietary: A characteristic of a technique, technology, or device which is owned and controlled by a company
or other party and is thereby only usable or adaptable as allowed by that party and not deemed to achieve
interoperability.
raceway: Any enclosed channel designed for holding wires or cables.
recognition: In video surveillance systems, a function used to capture and record imagery that may include but not
be limited to vehicle license plate recognition, facial recognition, smoke and fire detection, object recognition,
pattern recognition, cross-line detection, object temporal characteristics, color recognition and trajectory.
record: Process of writing digital multimedia content (DMC) to recording media.
recording media: Any device or component to which digital multimedia content (DMC) is written, stored and can
be retrieved.
reliability: The extent to which a process can repeatedly produce the same effective output, with a central
tendency and an acceptable dispersion, for consistent input settings. Information from such a system is said to be
reliable.
single connector modified permanent link: A test procedure for a Category 5e/Class D or higher direct attach
plug-ended configuration where the fixed length of cabling is punched down at the near end patch panel and an
eight position modular plug is attached at the device far end. The test equipment utilizes a test equipment cord on
the near end attached to a permanent link adapter and is directly attached to a channel adapter at the far end. A
consolidation point may optionally be located between the near and far ends.
soft space: In architectural spaces, virtual spaces adjacent to actual spaces that permit expansion of an actual space
into the virtual space if required at a later date (e.g., expansion of a telecommunications room). Examples of
architectural spaces by this definition include: storage spaces, conference rooms, unassigned coverage areas, or
other spaces not located within the life safety egress path to allow for future expansion.
space (telecommunications): An area used for housing the installation and termination of telecommunications
equipment and cabling.
supervisory control and data acquisition system: This is a control system composed of programmable logic
controllers (PLCs), data input to the PLCs, custom software, and electrically operated circuit breakers in the
distribution gear, that allows automatic operation and monitoring of the electrical system through control panel
workstations.
telecommunications outlet: An assembly of components consisting of one or more connectors mounted on a
faceplate, housing or supporting bracket.

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telecommunications outlet/connector: (1) The plug, jack, or interface and its corresponding receptacle which
provides the means to connect horizontal cabling to equipment, end device, or other telecommunications object.
(2) The fixed connector in a telecommunications outlet
telecommunications room: An enclosed architectural space for housing telecommunications equipment, cable
terminations, and cross-connect cabling.
telecommunications: Any transmission, emission, and reception of signs, signals, writings, images, and sounds;
that is, information of any nature by cable, radio, optical, or other electromagnetic systems.
termination: The physical connection of a conductor to connecting hardware.
topology: The physical or logical arrangement of a system.
uninterruptible power supply: A system that provides a continuous supply of power to a load, utilizing stored
energy when the normal source of energy is not available or is of unacceptable quality, and until the stored energy
is all used up or the normal source of power returns to acceptable quality, whichever happens first.
use case: A list of steps, typically defining interactions between a role and a system, to achieve a goal. The actor
can be a human or an external system.
varistor: An electronic component used to protect circuits against excessive transient voltages by incorporating
them into the circuit in such a way that, when triggered, they will shunt the current created by the high voltage
away from the sensitive components. Also known as a voltage dependent resistor.
verification: The process of confirming the accuracy of any version or copy of digital multimedia content (DMC)
compared to the original DMC.
video monitor: Device for viewing live and recorded video, also known as a digital panel, in the case of digital
information.
video surveillance system: A selection of devices in the categories of digital multimedia content (DMC) capture,
transmission, control, recording, storage and display, that satisfies one or more use cases.

4.2 Acronyms and Abbreviations

Abbreviations and acronyms, other than in common usage, are defined below.
AC
ACS
AFF
AHJ
API
BAS
BD
BIM
BMS
CAD
CCTV
CD
CDMA
CP
CRI
DACR
DACS
DACT
DARR
DART
DC
DMC
DPS

DVMS
EF
EMI
EMT
ER
ESS
FD
FOV
GPS
GSM

alternating current
access control system
above finished floor
authority having jurisdiction
application program interface
building automation system
building distributor
building information modeling
building management system
computer-aided design
closed circuit television
campus distributor
code division multiple access
consolidation point
color rendition index
digital alarm communicator receiver
digital alarm communicator system
digital alarm communicator transmitter
digital alarm radio receiver
digital alarm radio transmitter
direct current
digital multimedia content
door position sensor

GUI
HC
HCP
HDTV
HVAC
IC
ICAM
ICS
IDS
IP

digital video management system

entrance facility
electromagnetic interference
electrical metallic tubing
equipment room
electronic safety and security
floor distributor
field of view
global positioning system
global system for mobile
communications
graphical user interface
horizontal cross-connect
horizontal connection point
high definition television
heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning
intermediate cross-connect
identity, credential, and access
management
integrated control system
intrusion detection system
Internet protocol

ANSI/BICSI 005-2013
IT
LAN
MC
MOV
NAC
NC
NO
NRTL
ONVIF
PCI-DSS
PD
PDS
PIN
PIR
PLC
PoE
PSE
PSIM

PSTN
PTP
PTZ
QoS
RAID
REX
RF
RFID
SCADA

information technology
local area network
main cross-connect
metal-oxide varistor
notification appliance circuit
normally closed
normally open
nationally recognized testing
laboratory
Open Network Video Interface Forum
Payment Card Industry-Data Security
Standard
powered device
protected distribution system
personal identification number
passive infrared
programmable logic circuit
power over Ethernet
power sourcing equipment
physical security information
management

TCP/IP
TDMA
TE
TR
UPS
USB
UTP
VSS
WAN

public switched telephone network

point-to-point
pan, tilt, zoom
quality of service
redundant array of independent disks
request to exit
radio frequency
radio frequency identification
supervisory control and data
acquisition
transmission control protocol/internet
protocol
time division multiple access
telecommunications enclosure
telecommunications room
uninterruptible power supply
universal serial bus
unshielded balanced twisted-pair
video surveillance system
wide area network

4.3 Units of Measurement

The units of measurement used in this standard are metric. Approximate conversions from metric to U.S.
customary units are provided in parentheses; e.g., 100 millimeters (4 inches).
Units of measurement used in this standard are defined below:
Ah
dB
dBA
fps
ft
ft2
GHz
Hz
in
km
lbf
m
m2
Mb/s
MHz
mi
mm
N

nm
ppf
ppm
Vac
Vdc

ampere-hour
decibel
ambient decibel adjusted for frequency
frames per second
foot
square foot
gigahertz
hertz
inch
kilometer
pound force
meter
square meter
megabit per second
megahertz
mile
millimeter
newton

nanometer
pixels per foot
pixels per meter
volt alternate current
volt direct current

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