Backbone

Pathways routed from closet-to-closet.

Building Backbone Types:

Ceiling
Conduit
Sleeves - An opening, usually circular, through the wall, ceiling, or floor.
Slots - An opening, usually rectangular, through the wall, ceiling, or floor.
Trays

Typically the most convenient and cost effective backbone pathway design in multi-story buildings, is to have stacked closets located one above the other, connected by sleeves or slots.

Design Considerations:

Grounded per code and ’607-A
Accommodate seismic zone requirements
Water should not penetrate the pathway system
Tray, conduits, sleeves, slots penetrate closets minimum 25mm (1 in.)
Designed to handle all recognized media (as specified in ’568-A)
Integrity of all fire stop assemblies shall be maintained