Interpreting Standards and Specifications

Cabling professionals should purchase a full copy of the TIA/EIA-568–B Standard; you can do so at the Global Engineering Documents web site: http://global.ihs.com

Now here is a little tip on interpreting the Standards and Specifications once you get one copy.

Standards and Specification documents are worded with precise language designed to spell out exactly what is expected of an implementation using that specification. If you read carefully, you may notice that slightly different words are used when stating requirements.

If you see the word shall or must used when stating a requirement, if signifies a mandatory requirement. Words such as should, may and desirable are advisory in nature and indicate recommended requirements.