Under what condition should the use of under carpet telecommunications cable be limited?

The appropriate condition for limiting the use of under carpet telecommunications cable primarily relates to its placement at transition points between cabling. This is important because transition points are often areas where the cable experiences more physical stress, such as bending and pulling, as they change direction or connect to different types of cabling. Such stress can lead to damage or degradation of the cable, negatively impacting performance and reliability.

Under carpet installations generally provide a less abrasive environment than other options; however, at transition points, the risk of wear and tear increases significantly. Therefore, it is advisable to use more robust methods, such as conduits or raceways, for these critical areas to ensure that the integrity of the cabling system is maintained.

In comparison, other scenarios listed do not present the same level of concern. For instance, if traffic over the cable is expected, precautions like using appropriate mats or covers can mitigate potential damage. Installing in outdoor environments typically requires different types of cables altogether that are rated for external use. Permanent installations generally have a more lenient standard for under carpet cabling usage, as the long-term solution can be better managed with installation practices that avoid high-traffic areas.