BICSI, the association supporting the information transport systems (ITS) industry with information, education and knowledge assessment, announces the release of the Information Transport Systems Installation Methods Manual (ITSIMM), fifth edition.

This standards-based, vendor-neutral publication is an invaluable resource for cabling installation personnel and those seeking extensive and detailed information on pathways, spaces, associated hardware, and structured cabling and optical fiber systems within commercial buildings. Reflecting the latest technologies, the ITSIMM provides the fundamental knowledge for anyone working to achieve BICSI’s ITS Installer 1; ITS Installer 2, Copper; ITS Installer 2, Optical Fiber; or ITS Technician registration designations.

“The fifth edition is unique because it provides both an educational and reference document for the purpose of providing a solid foundation for the proper design of current infrastructure and training/education of today’s ITS installation personnel,” said Ray Craig, RCDD, NTS, owner of Craig Consulting Services in Coppell, Texas, and BICSI’s Technical Information and Methods (TI&M) Committee ITSIMM subject matter expert team leader (SMETL).

With ITS forming the new fourth utility and the ever-increasing demand for bandwidth, the proper installation of copper and optical fiber systems has become paramount. The ITSIMM includes nine chapters with 320 figures and 55 tables formatted into specific copper and optical fiber sections that allow for concentrated study and review of BICSI best practices.

In addition to the single-volume, three-ring binder manual, the ITSIMM is available on a searchable CD-ROM and includes all text and graphics. The manual or CD-ROM may be purchased separately for US$129, or as a combination set for US$258.

Originally published in 1997 as the Telecommunications Cabling Installation Manual (TCIM), about 35 percent of the fifth edition consists of new or modified text and about 60 percent of the manual has undergone a formatting change from the previous edition. “In keeping with the BICSI strategic plan, the significant contributions by international volunteers has resulted in a universally oriented document which was a major goal of the update,” said Craig.

The most notable change is a new chapter providing information relative to specific applications such as health care facilities, wireless applications, security, building automation systems and installation of special circuits. Furthermore, it contains an updated appendix outlining available Codes and Standards around the world.

BICSI’s TI&M Committee works to develop and produce the technical information in BICSI manuals like the ITSIMM. “The knowledge gained by using this new manual will be an important asset to students taking BICSI installation training courses, and candidates for the new Installer 2, Copper; Installer 2, Optical Fiber; and Technician exams,” said David Labuskes, RCDD, NTS, OSP, vice president of RTKL Associates' special systems design group and TI&M Committee Chair.

For more information about the ITSIMM and BICSI’s ITS Installation Program, please visit www.bicsi.org/installation.