KENYA STANDARD  DKS 1882 -1: 2022  
ICS 33.180.  10 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Installation of telecommunication cables — 
Code of practice  
 
Part 1:  
 
Fibre optic cable for buildings  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PUBLIC REVIEW  DRAFT, AUGUST  2022  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
© KEBS 20 22         Second  Edition 20 22 
 
 
 
 
 
  DKS  1882 -1: 2022  
ii © KEBS 2022 — All rights reserved  TECHNICAL COMMITTEE REPRESENTATION  
 
The following organizations were represented on the Technical Committee:  
 
Christ is the Answer Ministries (CITAM)  
Communications Authority of Kenya (CA)  
Genie Telecomunications  
Huawei Technologies Kenya Co Ltd  
ICT Association of Kenya (ICTAK)  
ISACA Kenya Chapter  
Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI)  
Lajo Engineering Works Ltd  
Liquid Telecommunicaitons  
National Construction Authority (NCA)  
State department of Public Works , Materials Testing and Research Division  
Safaricom PLC  
Technical University of Mombasa TUM  
Water Resources Authority  
Kenya B ureau of Standards — Secretariat  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REVISION OF KENYA STANDARDS  
 
In order to keep abreast of progress in industry, Kenya standards shall be regularly reviewed. Suggestions for 
improvement to published standards, addressed to the Managing Director, Keny a Bureau of Standards, are 
welcome.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
© Kenya Bureau of Standards, 20 22 
 
Copyright. Users are reminded that by virtue of Section 25 of the Copyright Act, Cap. 12 of 2001  of the Laws of Kenya, copyr ight subsists 
in all Kenya Standards and except as  provided under Section 26 of this Act, no Kenya Standard produced by Kenya Bureau of Standards 
may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system in any form or transmitted by any means without prior permission in writing f rom the 
Managing Director . 
 
 
 KENYA STANDARD  DKS 1882 -1: 2022  
ICS 33.180.  10 
© KEBS 2022 — All rights reserved  iii  
 
 
 
 
 
Installation of telecommunication cables 
— Code of  practice  
 
Part 1:  
 
Fibre optic cable for buildings  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
KENYA BUREAU OF STANDARDS (KEBS)  
 
Head Office:  P.O. Box 54974, Nairobi -00200, Tel.: (+254 020) 605490, 602350, Fax: (+254 020) 604031  
E-Mail: info@kebs.org,  Web:http://www.kebs.org   
 
Coast Region     Lake Region          Rift Valley Region  
P.O. Box 99376, Mombasa -80100   P.O. Box 2949, Kisumu -40100        P.O. Box 2138, Nakuru -20100  
Tel.: (+254 041) 229563, 230939/40                Tel.: (+254 057) 23549, 22396        Tel.: (+254 051) 210553, 210555  
Fax: (+254 041) 229448    Fax: (+254 057) 21814               
 
  DKS 1882 -1: 2022  
iv © KEBS 2022 — All rights reserved  F O R E W O R D  
 
This Kenya  Standard was prepared by the  Communication Equipment  Technical Committee under the 
guidance of the Standards Project Committee and it is in accordance with the procedures of the Kenya Bureau 
of Standards.  
 
This standard  specifies installation practices for fibre optic cables in commercial premises, including single or 
multiple buildings in a campus environment.  
 
The guidelines provided in this standard  are intended as a reference both for installers of high performance 
communications cables and for their customers, and are aimed at achieving proper installation of such cabling 
systems. Failure to comply with the installat ion practices described in this  standard  might severely degrade 
the performance of the cabling.  
 
In the development of this standard,  reference was made to the following document:  
 
SANS 10340 -1:200 6, South African National Standard  — Installation of telecommunication cables — 
Part 1: Fib re optic  cable in buildings   
 
Acknowledgement is hereby made for the assistance derived from this source.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
KENYA STANDARD  DKS 1882 -1: 2022  
 
© KEBS 2022 — All rights reserved  1  
Installation of telecommunication cables — Code of practice  
 
Part 1:  
 
Fibre optic cable for buildings  
 
1 Scope  
 
1.1 This Part of KS 1882  addresses installation requirements, primarily for indoor cabling, but also for 
campus -wide inter -building cabling, for high performance fibre optic cable that serves to transmit voice, video 
and data telecommunication.  
 
1.2 This Part of KS 1882 emphasize s optimal link performance through the proper planning, design, 
installation and quality testing of the cables, and strict adherence to the guidelines given in this part of KS 1882 
to avoid possible compromising of the integrity and performance of the inst allation.  
 
2 Normative references  
 
The following referenced document is indispensable for the application of this standard. For dated references, 
only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (in cluding 
any amendments) applies:  
 
ITU Recommendation G.652 , Characteristics of a single -mode optical fibre and cable  
ITU Recommendation G.657 , Characteristics of a bending -loss insensitive single -mode optical fibre and cable  
KS ISO IEC 11801  (All applicable parts) , Information technology — Generic cabling for customer premises  
The National Building Code  
 
3 Definitions and abbreviations  
 
For the purposes of this standard, the following definitions and abbreviations shall apply:  
 
3.1 Definitions  
 
3.1.1  
access point  
physical point located outside or inside the building accessible by public telecommunications networks  and is 
the demarcation between Outside Plant and In -building Physical Infrastructure . 
 
3.1.2  
application  
system, with its  associated transmission method, that is supported by telecommunication cabling  
 
3.1.3  
backbone cabling  
vertical or riser cabling of a multi -storey building or inter -building cabling on a multi -building site, owned by the 
telecommunication carrier or any o ther party, which forms the permanent reticulation of that building or site 
and which is generally accessible for future additions or alterations  
 
3.1.4  
bonding  
the permanent joining of metallic parts to form an electrically conductive path that will assur e electrical 
continuity  
 
3.1.5  
cabinet  
container that can enclose connection devices, terminations, apparatus, wiring and equipment, including active 
electronic equipment  DKS 1882 -1: 2022  
2 © KEBS 2022 — All rights reserved   
3.1.6  
cable  
assembly of one or more cable units of the same type and category in an overall sheath  
 
3.1.7  
cable element  
smallest construction unit (for example a pair, a quad or a single fibre) in a cable  
 
NOTE  The cable element can have a shield.  
 
3.1.8  
cable unit  
single assembly of one or more cable elements of the same type or category  
 
NOTE  The cable unit can have a shield.  
 
3.1.9  
cabling  
physical media for conducting signals  
 
3.1.10  
campus  
premises that contain one or more buildings  
 
3.1.11  
channel  
end-to-end transmission path that connects two pieces of application -specific equipment, including equipment 
and work area cables  
 
NOTE  A channel occurs, for example, between the end of the patch cord on the patch panel in the equipment room and the end of the 
fly-lead that connects it to the connection terminal equipment.  
 
3.1.12  
commercial building  
building, or part thereof, that is intended for office use  
 
3.1.13  
customer  
person who contracts with a telecommunication carrier or service provider to procure a telecommunication 
service  
 
3.1.14  
distributor  
assembly of components and equipment, for example a patch panel (see 3.1.2 6) and patch cords (see 3.1.2 5), 
used to connect cables  
 
3.1.15  
fibre optic cable  
optic cable  
cable that comprises one or more fibre optic cable elements  
 
3.1.16  
firewall  
a wall separating buildings or subdividing a building to prevent the spread of fire while maintaining structural 
stability and offering fire resistance  
 
3.1.17  
floor distributor  
distributor (see 3.1.1 4) used to connect the horizontal cable and other cabling subsystems or equipment (see 
also 3.1. 29) 
 
3.1.18  
frame  DKS 1882 -1: 2022  
 
© KEBS 2022 — All rights reserved  3 any assembly of cabling hardware that provides for the termination and the cross -connection of cabling by 
means of jumpers (see 3.1. 23) or patch cords (see 3.1. 25) 
 
NOTE  The international term is distributor.  
 
3.1.19  
generic cabling  
structured telecommunication cabling system that is capable of supporting a wide range of applications  
 
NOTE 1  Generic cabling can be installed without prior knowledge of the required applications.  
 
NOTE 2  Application -specific hardware does not fo rm part of generic cabling.  
 
 
3.1.20  
grounding  
earthing  
conducting connection, whether intentional or accidental, between an  electrical circuit or  equipment and the 
earth, or to a conducting body that can serve as an earth  
 
3.1.21  
hardware  
devices used to  connect cable (or wires) to facilitate cross -connection or extension to another cable or other 
equipment  
 
3.1.22  
horizontal cabling  
drop cabling  
cable reticulation that serves a particul ar floor of a building, in other  words, that extends from (and includ es) 
the telecommunication outlet connector at the work area to the horizontal cross -connection in the 
telecommunication cabinet  (see 3.1. 29) 
 
3.1.23  
jumper  
cable unit or cable element with  connectors, used to make an interconnection or a cross -connection  
 
3.1.24  
link 
transmission path between any two interfaces of generic cabling (see 3.1.1 9) 
 
NOTE  The link does not include equipment and work area cables.  
 
3.1.25  
patch cord  
flexible cable unit or element with one or more connectors, used to establish connec tions on a patch panel  
 
3.1.26  
patch panel  
facility that enables the termination of cables or cable units and also their interconnection, or cross -connection 
(or both), primarily by means of a patch cord (see 3.1. 25) or jumper (see 3.1. 23) 
 
NOTE  This facility is also known as an optic distribution frame (ODF).  
 
3.1.27  
rack unit  
unit of measure defined as 44.45 mm  
 
Note: It is used as a measurement of the overall height of cabinets , as well as the height of equipment that 
mounts in these cabinets , whereby the height of the frame or equipment is expressed as multiples of rack 
units. For example, a typical full -size rack cage is 42U high, while equipment is typically 1U, 2U, 3U, or 4U 
high.  
 
3.1.27  
service provider  DKS 1882 -1: 2022  
4 © KEBS 2022 — All rights reserved  organization(s) responsible for prov iding public network services  
 
3.1.28  
sheath  
outer protective layer of a cable  
 
3.1.29  
telecommunication cabinet  
enclosed space for housing telecommunication equipment, cable terminations and cross -connection cabling  
 
NOTE  The telecommunication cabinet  is a recognized cross -connection point between the backbone (see 3.1. 3) and the horizontal 
cabling  (see 3.1. 22) subsystems.  
 
3.1.30  
telecommunication infrastructure  
components, namely telecommunication equipment spaces, cable pathways, grounding (see 3.1. 20), wiring 
and termination hardware that, together, provide the basic support for the distribution of all telecommunication 
information  
 
 
3.1.31  
telecommunications  
branch of technology that is concerned with the transmission, emission and reception of signs, signals, writing, 
images and sounds, in other words, information of any nature, by cable, radio, optic or other electromagnetic 
systems  
 
3.1.32  
topology  
physical or logical configuration of a telecommunication system, for example, star, bus or ring  
 
3.1.33  
building unit  
town house, residential apartment, office space, or any other closed entity within a building.  
 
3.1.3 4 
wiring  
single -pair, two -pair, three -pair or four -pair cable used between a cable terminal and an individual user's 
telecommunication outlet  
 
3.1.3 5 
work area  
building space where the occupants interact with telecommunication equipment  
 
3.2 Abbreviations  
 
3.2.1  FOC  Fiber Optic Cables   
 
3.2.2 HVAC  heating, ventilation and air conditioning . 
 
3.2.3 IEC International Electrotechnical Commission  
 
3.2.4 ISO International Organization for Standardization  
 
3.2.5  ISP Internet Service Provider  
 
3.2.6 ITU International Telecommunications Union  
 
3.2.7 MDU  Multi -Dwelling Unit  
 
3.2.8 PVC Polyvinyl chloride   
 
3.2.9 SDU  Single Dwelling Unit  
 DKS 1882 -1: 2022  
 
© KEBS 2022 — All rights reserved  5 3.2.10 U A rack unit  
 
4 Planning  
 
4.1 The proper installation of communication cables calls for thorough planning before installation starts. 
Time spent planning the routes before starting installation can save many hours of frustrating rerouting and 
recabling. It can also mean the difference between a system that works and one that does not work.  
 
4.2 Issues to consider when planning an installation include : 
 
a) establishing the specific requirements and services relevant to the customer's proposed 
installation and terminal equipment;  
 
b)   establishing the existence of  a cable network infrastructure;  
 
c)   the accessibil ity of the cable network system;  
 
d) assessing the current and future requiremen ts for a cabling infrastructure  to the customer's 
proposed installation and terminal equipment ; 
 
e) identifying and noting the position of other utility services, including plumbing, electrical cables  
and heating, ventilation and a ir conditioning (HVAC) services;  and 
 
f) identifying the desirability of us ing flame -proof or flame -retardant cable in the proposed 
installation.  
 
4.3 It is highly recommended that electrical layout plans, or floor layout plans (or both) be obtained before 
the communication cabling infrastructure for a building is designed. The plans will indicate the location, type 
and extent of the cable support infrastructure in the form of conduits, inspection boxes and cable trays. The 
plans should also indicate if the support systems are intended for the exclusive use of a particular reticu lation 
system, or if they can be used for a variety of services. Support systems that are intended for other services 
shall not be used for the installation of the fibre optic service.  
 
Note 1. Having fibre optic cabling and related equipment next to elect ricity cabling and related equipment may cause safety 
risks if the engineer who is working on the telecommunications cables is not a trained electrical engineer; particularly if 
metal tools come into contact with the electricity cables or cut electricity c ables . 
 
Note 2. In the case of installation in an existing building, rather than in a new building, there may not be space to install 
support systems specifically for fibre optic, and thus it may be necessary to use support systems for electricity. In this  case 
the engineers must pay attention to safety risks from the electricity cables and equipment; in this case, it is recommended 
to therefore disconnect the power during installation and have an electrical engineer on site . 
 
4.4 In the absence of drawings , a physical inspection of the facilities should be done and the size and 
location of cable support structures and their accessibility noted. The capacity of the conduits, trunking or tray 
intended to be used shall be visually inspected. The support channe l shall not be overfilled. Instead, the 
possibility of removing redundant cables before installing new ones shall be investigated. Should this still not 
have the desired result, a new route shall be installed.  
 
4.5 Future expansion shall be allowed for whe n planning for, or using, cable support structures. Although 
no strict rules exist as to the capacity fill of a channel, future requirements and upgrades shall be kept in mind. 
A general rule is that an open channel or cable tray may not be filled to more than 75 % of its total capacity 
upon initial installation. For conduits and pipes the maximum fill capacity should not exceed 33 %. When the 
open channel reaches 75 % of total capacity fill, a new route should be planned. The planning for a new route 
allows for the future addition of cables required for the purpose of expansion or for new applications.  
 
4.6 When planning the routes for the support infrastructure, it shall be borne in mind that the horizontal 
cables are laid out in the optimal topology for the scenario. A  star topology  is one possible topology which is 
when  the cables that terminate at the unit are fed from a central point, namely the floor distributor. In larger 
installations, this could take the form of a hierarchical star topology, us ing a building distributor to feed several 
floor distributors, which in turn feed into each unit again using a star topology. (See figure 1; see also the 
relevant part KS ISO IEC 11801 .) 
 DKS 1882 -1: 2022  
6 © KEBS 2022 — All rights reserved   
 
Figure 1 — Hierarchical star topology  
 
4.7 Under normal circumstances the maximum distance of fibre optic cable shall be in accordance with 
the relevant part of KS ISO IEC 11801 . 
 
4.8 Each building with 20 units and above shall be equipped with a telecommunications cabinet . A 
telecommunication cabinet (see 3.1. 29), of size based on the intended fibre connection , shall be used to house 
the termination of the lead-in ducts . Possible future additions shall also be considered.  A Maintained 240V AC 
power outlet shall be provisioned to supply clean power to the active equipment that shall be housed inside 
the telecommunications cabinet . This shall be dimensioned accordingly to cater for all ISPs that may need to 
install equipment in the building, a nd in this common telecommunications cabinet . 
 
Note 1. For residential properties, single dwelling units or multi -dwelling units less than 20 tenants it is generally not 
necessary to have a telecommunications cabinet . For MDUs of 20 tenants or greater, a t elecommunications cabinet  is 
recommended. The space should consider: a tenancies between 20 -50: 9U wall -mounted cabinet (typical size of width x 
depth x height: 600 x 600 x 480mm) that can be installed by each telecommunications service provider; Tenancies  between 
50-100: at least one 22U free -standing cabinet (typical size of width x depth x height: 600 x 600 x 1160 mm); tenancies 
between 100 -250: at least one 42U free -standing cabinet (typical size of width x depth x height: 600 x 800 x 2000mm); 
Tenancies  above 250 tenants: two or more 42U free -standing cabinets. For commercial properties, all properties should 
have a telecommunications cabinet  with space for multiple 9U wall -mounted cabinets. Thereafter suggestions for 
residential properties should also b e followed for commercial properties depending on the expected occupancy.  
 
4.8.1  The telecommunications cabinet  shall not be in close proximity to any sources of the following.  
 
a) Heat  
b) Moisture  
c) Corrosive atmospheric or environmental conditions  
d) High voltages,  
e) Radio frequency interference (RFI)  
f) Electro -magnetic interference (EMI)  
g) directly beneath or next to wet areas such as showers , washrooms , swimming pools , garbage areas  
 
DKS 1882 -1: 2022  
 
© KEBS 2022 — All rights reserved  7 4.8.2  If for any reason it is proposed that any part of a cabinet  will be located below the water table then this 
shall be addressed  at the design stage. This situation will require a floor drain fitted with an automatic 
submersible pump  to counter any risk of water ingress.  
 
4.8.3  Special attention shall be given to preventing pests entering telecom spaces and pathways. This 
should be  through the use of best practice pest control methods.  
 
4.9 Equipment cabinets can be of either the floor -standing or the wall -mounted type. In either case, the 
position of the cabinet shall be permanent. In a clean, protected environment, an open equipment frame may 
be used instead of a cabinet.  
 
4.10 The location of any firewalls that might obstruct the path of the planned route shall be noted. If no 
provision has been made  for cable routes through firewalls, the architect or engineer should be consulted.  
 
 
Under no circumstances shall the integrity of firewalls be violated by drilling or breaking holes through them 
unless provision has been made for the reinstatement of th eir integrity.  
 
4.11 When sealing the spaces around cables or support structures that penetrate a firewall, only approved 
building materials as specified in the National Building Code shall be used. Many types of expandable foam 
that are popular among inst allers for repairing large holes in walls shall be coated with fire retardants, in ord er 
to improve their fire rating . 
 
4.12 In a residential MDU with less than 20 Units the installation of a separate Telecommunications Cabinet  
may not be economical. In this case telecommunications space shall be provided to accommodate the 
equipment. This space can be collocated with technical equipment for other utility infrastructures with proper 
clearance between different infrastructures.  
 
5 Trunking and conduits  
 
5.1 Trunking  
 
5.1.1  Before the installation of trunking and conduits, special care should be taken to adhere to cable 
specifications with regard to bending radii.  
 
5.1.2  In MDUs a vertical riser area shall be provided between the telecommunications cabinet  and each 
floor. Each floor may contain a Floor Distributor to connect between vertical and horizontal cabling in buildings 
of 10 units or more to limit cable lengths.  
 
5.1.3  A riser area shall be provided for all multi -storied buildings. The riser area shall be able  to 
accommodate at least 4 connections to each unit. Any cables that are installed in the riser area shall be easily 
replaceable in case of damage or faults.  Cables shall be placed in cable risers, conduits, sleeves, tubes, etc.  
 
5.1.4  The following principles shall apply:  
 
a) riser areas shall be accessible at all times. 
b) installations shall be done using the shortest route and preferably as vertical as po ssible.  
c) riser areas shall not be located inside units or air shafts.  
d) for MDUs two conduit pipes shall be installed that reach from the basement to the rooftop.  
e) for every 4 floors of a building, 2 conduit pipes shall be installed.  
f) the diameter of the conduit pipes shall be at minimum 25 mm.  
 
5.2 Conduits  
 
5.2.1  All exposed cabling should be housed in rigid metal or PVC conduits and flexible PVC tubing for 
additional protection. The use of PVC products should be avoided where low halogen levels, a zero halogen 
level or fire retardant properties are required  (see the National B uilding Code). 
 
5.2.2  No single, uninterrupted section of conduit should extend for more than 30 m. In addition, no segment 
shall contain more than two 90° bends between the two ends or between any two pull boxes.  
 DKS 1882 -1: 2022  
8 © KEBS 2022 — All rights reserved  5.2.3  The radius of a bend should be at least six times the inside diameter of the conduit for conduits of 
diameter exceeding 50 mm. For conduits of diameter 50 mm or less, the bend radius should be ten times the 
inside diameter of the conduit.  
 
5.2.4  The minimum bend radius to be installed in the conduit should be taken into account and should be 
the larger of the conduit bend radius (see 5.2.3) and the cable bend radius (see 7.3). 
 
6 Floor Distributors  
 
6.1  Floor Distributors shall be located close to the riser area. Floor Distributors shall be installed  
at a minimum height of 600 mm from finished floor level.  
 
6.2  In general, a floor distributor should not require active elements. In case active elements are requ ired, 
a power supply shall be provided.  
 
6.3  Each Unit of a floor shall be connected with a 25 mm conduit pipe with the Floor Distributor.  
 
6.4  A star topology may be used for the cabling on each floor. Looping of the horizontal cabling  from Unit 
to Unit  is not recommended.  
 
7  Network Termination Point  
 
A suitable position for at least one network termination point shall be identified for each dwelling or unit. 
Suitable ducting shall be provided to connect the network termination points to an appropriate access point, 
including the drops, floor distributors, risers and telecommunications cabinet  as necessary for the situation.  
 
7 Preparation  
 
7.1 Proper performance will only be achiev ed with careful installation of the cable and adequate support 
of the installed cable. It is therefore imperative that the cabling routes be properly planned and supported. The 
preparation of the cable installation includes the preparation of the cable rou tes and the cable support 
structure.  
 
7.2 The installer shall establish that the pathways defined in the installation specification are accessible 
and available in accordance with the installation programme and that all routes are open and free of any 
obstruction. Ceiling tiles, skirting covers and any access apertures shall be opened up at convenient locations 
and where there is a change in direction of the route. The customer shall be advised of all proposed deviations.  
 
7.3 The installer shall ensure that the routes are open and sufficiently accessible to allow for the cable to 
be pulled without exceeding the maximum pulling limit. The installer shall ensure that the bend radii of the 
routes are checked to be smooth and gradual. The cable shall not be pulled around too many bends or sharp 
corners and the pulling route shall be so planned that the pulls are as straight as possible. Under no 
circumstances shall the cable be allowed to be bent at a radius less than the minimum bend radius. As a rule 
of thu mb the minimum bend radius is at least twenty times the diameter of the cable in the case of concentric 
fibre optic cables. Ruggedized indoor fibre cables are more flexible and could have a smaller bend radius.  
 
7.4 The installer shall establish that the e nvironmental conditions within the pathways and the installation 
methods to be used are suitable for the design of the cable to be installed. Since moisture affects cable 
performance, places that are damp or where liquids can accumulate should be avoided a s far as possible.  
 
7.5 Other environmental factors shall also be considered. Cables shall not be installed in areas of extreme 
temperatures. The installer shall ensure that the cable is rated for the expected temperature range by 
confirming the cable spec ifications with the supplier or the manufacturer.  
 
7.6 Cabling routes should be kept clear of metal roofs, steam pipes, ovens and other sources of heat, 
such as the outsides of refrigeration plants.  
 
7.7 All types of cable require some form of support. The  cable supports s hould be spaced not more than 
1.5 m apart and cable sag between supports shall not exceed 30  mm. The cable supports shall have no sharp 
edges that can damage the cable. The contact area of the support should have a contact surface that is larger 
than the minimum bend radius of the cable.  
 DKS 1882 -1: 2022  
 
© KEBS 2022 — All rights reserved  9 7.8 When installing cabling above suspended ceilings, the cable should be supported from the roof or a 
wall. Cables shall not be laid direct on top of ceiling tiles or be tied to the ceiling support wires or metal straps.  
 
7.9 The installer shall establish that the existing pathways are capable of supporting the full weight of the 
cables to be installed. If new supports are being installed, only materials rated for the application shall be used.  
 
7.10 It is essential that pathways are left clean and free from obstruction with all separators and bridging 
pieces in place before installation. Access points shall not be obstructed.  
 
7.11 The installer shall establish the proposed storage locations for all cablin g components and accessories 
and shall ensure that the environmental conditions in those locations are suitable and that appropriate security 
is available. The installer shall ensure that fibre cables are pre -tested to confirm their continuity and length. 
Following testing, the ends of stored cables shall be sealed. Any attached certificate or test records related to 
the quality and quantity of the cable contained on the reel shall be retained and compared to the pre -test 
results.  
 
7.12 The installer shall determine the proposed locations at which cable drums will be positioned during the 
installation programme, establish the accessibility and availability of those locations and ensure that all the 
necessary installation accessories and equipment are availab le. 
 
7.13 The installer shall label the physical positions of all the points and cabinets with temporary labels after 
consultation with the client and shall update the plan accordingly. If no plan is available, the installer shall make 
a rough sketch to in dicate all the offices and the locations of the cabling system terminations, and also how 
the installation shall be numbered. If this is not prescribed by the client, the installer shall plan a logical labelling 
system, label all housings and update the pl an accordingly.  
 
7.14 The installer shall plan each cable route and shall decide how the cables shall be pulled to the 
destination points and from which direction the pulling shall be facilitated. It might be better to pull from the 
cabinet or from some co mmon point along the route towards the work area. Alternatively, circumstances might 
require the pulling of the cable from the work area towards the cabinet. In some cases it might be possible to 
measure and cut the cables before installation and then to p ull bundles of cables rather than single cables.  
 
7.15 It is important that these plans be communicated to all members of the installation team to avoid any 
misunderstandings and resultant loss of materials or productivity (or both).  
 
7.16 Label the cables  with the same number on each end using temporary, wrap -around labels that can be 
discarded once the cable has been permanently labelled and marked. The number on the label shall 
correspond with the numbering on the plan.  
 
7.17 The installer shall check that all draw wires are intact and that they can move freely. If no draw wires 
are available, fish tape shall be used to pull the cables.  
 
7.18 Safety measures to be taken include ensuring that all the necessary guards, protective structures and 
warning si gns are available to protect the cabling equipment, cable installers and bystanders.  
 
8 Installation  
 
8.1 General cabling practice  
 
8.1.1 The maximum pulling tensions as detailed in the manufacturer's specification shall not be exceeded 
when drawing in the  cables. Cables shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's specification.  
 
8.1.2 Most installation problems can be avoided by avoiding sharp corners, kinks and turns and gradually 
pulling manageable lengths of cable into place, without undue snatching.  
 
8.1.3 Performance specifications for cable and connecting hardware are based on the use of proper 
installation practices and cable management techniques in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines. If 
the recommended precautions and instal lation methods are not observed, the transmission capabilities of 
cabling components as specified might not be achieved.  
 
8.1.4 If buildings are constructed with fiber pre -installed  by building developers, they should provision for  at 
least 3 connections to the telecommunications cabinet  per unit for different service providers to use them.   DKS 1882 -1: 2022  
10 © KEBS 2022 — All rights reserved   
8.1.5 Outdoor cables should meet ITU Recommendation G.652.D or G.657.A1/A2 and indoor cables should 
meet ITU Recommendation G.657.A2/B2/B3, or improved in ternationally accepted standards.  
 
8.2 Temporary labelling  
 
When pulling several runs of cable along a route at the same time, the loose ends of each cabling run shall be 
labelled with a unique identifier to aid identification of each cabling run. Cables s hall always be labelled before 
installation. This can be done by using temporary labels that can be replaced by permanent labels during the 
termination process.  
 
8.3 Protection of installed cables  
 
Restraining clips or ties shall be fitted, as required, to  maintain the minimum bend radii for fixing. Where there 
is a risk of the ingress of fluids or other contaminants, exposed cable ends shall be fitted with suitable protective 
caps until terminated. After installation, care shall be taken to prevent install ed cables from suffering excessive 
(steady state) strain by introducing suitable supports.  
 
8.4 General considerations  
 
8.4.1 To prevent damage (excess bending), no more cable should be unspooled at any one time than the 
length required and the cable shoul d be drawn direct from the cable reel to avoid its getting tangled. Cable 
should not be unspooled sideways over the reel flange. If the cable is removed from the cable reel, it should 
be coiled in a figure -of-eight pattern to prevent tangling and longitudi nal twists.  
 
8.4.2 When using cut lengths the installer shall ensure that suitable excess length is provided to take into 
account any bends in the pathway.  
 
8.4.3 When pulling cables around tight bends, damage to the outer sheath through pulling stress, fr iction 
and strain should be avoided. Cable guides or additional personnel should be used to assist with cable pulling 
at these points.  
 
8.5 Underfloor installation of cables  
 
8.5.1 When installing cabling runs in underfloor systems (raised or computer flooring), the cable should be 
installed in either an open tray or in closed metal trunking. Ideally, cable routes should follow a path parallel to 
the building's walls. Cable routes shall not be diagonal to the building's walls.  
 
8.5.2 Before drawing in n ew cable the installer shall ensure that the draw wire is free to move and is not 
entangled with existing cables.  
 
8.5.3 The draw wire should be securely fixed to the sheath or strain relief element of the cable in accordance 
with the manufacturer's recomm ended method. Under no circumstances shall the draw wire be attached to the 
fibres of the cable.  
 
8.5.4 Cables should always be pulled slowly and smoothly, and the maximum pulling stress of the cable 
shall not be exceeded as this might damage the protective sheath of the cable or the fibres inside the sheath.  
 
8.5.5 When installing cables in trays for horizontal or vertical runs, the cables shall be secured with cable 
strap ties at appropriate distances. Care shall be taken not to overtighten cable  strap ties.  
 
8.6 Installation of cables in wall trunking  
 
8.6.1 Cable routing through visible trunking systems should not only satisfy the functional requirements; the 
overall aesthetic concept of the building or the environment should not be overlooked.  
 
8.6.2 All the safety requirements with regard to the separation of mains electricity cables and fibre optic 
cables shall be satisfied.  
 
8.6.3 The installation process shall not degrade the intended environmental performance, for example, 
appropriate seals  shall be fitted and fire barriers shall comply with the building requirements. Metallic trunking 
installation systems and accessories shall be included in the protection measures against electric shock hazard DKS 1882 -1: 2022  
 
© KEBS 2022 — All rights reserved  11 through proper grounding and bonding. Live wir es shall be not accessible after removing the wall trunking 
cover.  
 
8.6.4 Cables shall be so installed as to allow for the future installation of additional cables without damage 
to either the old or the new cables.  
 
8.7 Installation of cables in ceiling v oids 
 
8.7.1 Particular care should be taken when installing cables in ceiling voids. Cables shall not be installed in 
ventilation ducts. Cables shall not lie direct on ceiling tiles or fluorescent light boxes.  
 
8.7.2 Proper support shall be provided. If cable trays or closed metal trunking cannot be used, support 
brackets may be used, but these shall be spaced not more than 1 .5 m apart to minimize cable sag. Cable sag 
shall not exceed 30 mm between fasteners.  
 
8.7.3 Conduits may be installed in the ceiling void, but inspection boxes shall be provided at regular intervals.  
 
8.7.4 Cables shall not be tied to the ceiling suspension wires. The cable ties used to bundle the cables shall 
not be overtightened; the purpose of the cable ties is to keep the ca bles in a neat bundle. Overtightening can 
lead to distortion of the cable's physical parameters and a decline in performance.  
 
8.7.5 High-temperature areas shall be avoided and as much clearance from metal roofs as possible shall 
be maintained.  
 
8.7.6 The installer shall not leave excessive service loops or slack in the ceiling since these are difficult to 
manage and can lead to errors when using optic test equipment to locate the distance to a fault. Care shall be 
taken to leave only enough slack to allow for future maintenance purposes.  
 
8.8 Vertical cabling (backbone cabling)  
 
8.8.1 When installing cabling runs in vertical risers, lowering the cable is preferable to pulling it up the rise. 
This practice is referred to as the top -down method of installatio n. 
 
8.8.2 When using the bottom -up method of installation where cables are pulled up, the cables shall be fed 
carefully through each floor of the building. Particular care shall be taken to ensure that the cable is not 
overstressed and that the cable sheat h is not subject to any undue stresses owing to friction at any contact 
points.  
 
8.8.3 It is recommended that a strain -relief loop or appropriate fixings be provided at every second floor to 
avoid excessive gravity force on the cables. Care should be taken  that the radius of the strain relief loop 
conform to the manufacturer's specified bend radius.  
 
8.9 Installation of cables through firewalls  
 
When it is necessary to penetrate a firewall or protection structure, the integrity of this structure shall be 
restored to an acceptable level.  
 
9 Lead -in Duct and Access Point  
 
The Access Point is the demarcation between Outside Plant and In -building Physical Infrastructure and shall 
be easily accessible. The Access Point is connected to the Telecommunications Room  through one or more 
lead-in duct(s). The cables that connect the Access Point to the Telecommunications  Room/ Cabinet  shall be 
protected.  
 
9.1 Lead -in ducts shall be laid at a depth of about 300 -600 mm and protected against damage, depending 
on local County  rules and meet the following functional requirements:  
 
9.1.1 At least one lead in -duct shall be installed per building, with at least one reserve duct recommended. 
Duct systems with sub -ducts shall be used.   
 
9.1.2 The inner diameter of each lead -in (sub -)duct shall be at least 25 mm. 
 DKS 1882 -1: 2022  
12 © KEBS 2022 — All rights reserved  9.1.3 A lockab le cover is preferred.  
 
9.1.4 The ducts shall be marked and labelled at each manhole and at all entry and end points.  
 
9.2 When ducts (including sub -ducts and duct bundle s) need to be sealed, they shall be sealed within 
each Manhole/Handhole, so as to prevent the ingress of water between the outside of the duct and the 
Manhole/Handhole and the ingress of gas, water and vermin through the ducts.  
 
 
9.2.1 All duct sections between a building and the first Manhole shall be gas -tight and watertight.  
 
9.2.2 Lead -in ducts into customers' premises shall be sealed at the end within the Manhole and building / 
customers' premises. Uncabled ducts ending in a street cabinet shall have  a suitable plug.  
 
9.3 The Access Point shall be able to accommodate at least 4 connections  to each unit. Optical distribution 
boxes (ODB) are joint boxes built to allow the installation of underground duct and cable to the customer’s 
premises. For Single Dwelling Units (SDU), the space provided by the Building Developer for the Access Point 
shall be on the building or property wall. For Multi Dwelling Units (MDU), the access point may be placed 
underground or on the building or property wall. Each  premise  shall have at least one associated exclusive 
Access Point.  
 
9.4 The maximum distance from the Access Point to the customers’ premises shall not exceed 200 meters. 
An Access point shall be constructed at a maximum distance of 1 meter from the property bound ary. 
 
10 Outside Plant (OSP) Infrastructure  
 
10.1 Manholes/Handholes shall be capable of shared access for more than one  ISP. To allow enough 
space, it is recommended to use a manhole of size 800mm*800mm*1000mm  made of polymer concrete . 
Preferentially, Manhole/Handhole lids shall be labeled with the owner of the ISP name(s) and the Manhole 
cover shall be installed so as to be level with the surface. Place Manholes to the degree possible in line with 
the main duct structure to minimize off sets in the duct run.  
 
Note 1. Polymer concrete is recommended if there is any chance that a vehicle may pass over the manhole, however 
reinforced plastic may be used where there is no risk a vehicle may pass over it.  
 
10.2 Fiber Optic Cables shall be mark ed at each manhole and at all entry and end points of the Cables. 
Each FOC must be distinguishable from other FOCs in the same duct by means of colo ur coding ink or non -
removable label visible throughout the design life of the cable.  
 
10.3 Depending on the  local situation, the slack on the cables shall be subject to the specific project design 
that shall guarantee sufficient slack.  
  DKS 1882 -1: 2022  
 
© KEBS 2022 — All rights reserved  13 Bibliography  
 
KS 662 , Kenya Wiring Regulations  
 
IEC 60794 -1-1, Optical fibre cables — Part 1 -1: Generic specification — Gener al