BICSI Releases New Edition of Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual

Tampa, Fla.-based BICSI, the association supporting the information transport systems (ITS) industry with information, education, and knowledge assessment, recently released the 12th edition of its "Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual (TDMM)." This resource covers all areas of design through construction, installation, and maintenance with chapters on everything from backbone and horizontal pathways and cabling and distribution to data centers, bonding and grounding, and testing.

“The changes, additions and, yes, even deletions, in this edition are truly worthy of everyone's fresh look," says said David Labuskes, VP of RTKL, Baltimore, and director of the firm's Telecommunication and Technology Design Group. "The 12th edition of the TDMM continues BICSI's commitment to provide the world with the single most comprehensive reference for the ITS industry, while preparing our readership to be the next generation of designers. I take great pride in having been given the honor to lead hundreds of volunteer experts that contributed to the best edition of the manual ever published.”

With new content and a reorganization of existing content, the latest version of the TDMM more accurately reflects the way the industry has evolved, according to BICSI. A new chapter on health care covers the growing use of ITS within that industry and the unique requirements for working in health care facilities. Chapters on electronic security, network design and data centers reflect the latest advances and the continued trend of IP convergence. The information on transmission media and connectors has been revamped and restructured into an expanded and cohesive structure.

Chapters include:

Principles of Transmission
Electromagnetic Compatibility
ITS Cables and Connecting Hardware
Work Areas
Horizontal Distribution Systems
Backbone Distribution Systems
Telecommunications Spaces
Firestopping
Bonding and Grounding (Earthing)
Power Distribution
Telecommunications Administration
Field Testing
Design, Construction, and Project Management
Private CATV Distribution Systems
Distributed Paging Systems
Building Automation Systems
Data Network Design
Wireless
Electronic Safety and Security
Outside Plant
Data Centers
Health Care
Special Design Considerations
Residential Cabling

In line with BICSI’s commitment to providing a global reference manual relevant anywhere in the world, the TDMM, 12th edition, emphasizes recommendations for best practices drawn from experts around the world while referencing the standards and codes that impact our readership as part of their daily business. The TDMM, 12th edition, will be the basis for the RCDD and RITP exams under the NxtGEN program beginning January 2010.

For more information, visit BICSI's Web site.