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Specifications, Cabling Standards and Codes of Practice

ISO/IEC 11801

This is the International standard for structured cabling systems. ISO 11801 is a design standard and has been developed by the International Standards Organisation to define the building wiring standards. Within the standard are a number of clauses that cover: the definition of the wiring structure; the approach to implementation covering cable types, horizontal distances, backbone distances and components; link performance; cable performance; and connecting hardware.

BS6701

This is the specification for installation, operation and maintenance of structured cabling systems. It also specifies requirements beyond the scope of the BS EN 50174 series of standards for telecommunications equipment and all types of telecommunications cabling.

BS EN 50173

This European Standard specifies generic cabling for use within premises which may comprise single or multiple buildings on a campus. It covers component performance, link design and installed performance of balanced cabling and optical fibre cabling. This standard is geared to situations where the maximum distance over which telecommunications services have to be distributed is 2000m, but the principles of this standard may also be applied to larger installations.

BS EN 50174

This is a series of standards which cover the separation of unshielded twisted pair (UTP) structured cabling and unscreened power cables to prevent electromagnetic interference.

BS EN 50174 -1

This European Standard specifies the requirements for the planning, implementation and operation of information technology cabling using balanced copper cabling and optical fibre cabling.

BS EN 50174 -2

This part of the standard covers the installation and operation of structured cabling inside buildings with low-voltage electricity distribution systems (less than AC 1000 Vrms). It excludes specific requirements of other cabling systems (e.g. power cabling, coaxial cabling) but it does take account of the effects these other cabling systems may have on the structured cabling system (and vice versa).

BS EN 50174 - 3

This part of the standard covers the installation planning and operation of structured cabling outside buildings.

TIA/EIA-568-B

This is the wiring standard for structured cabling in commercial buildings. It specifies the use of 4 pair, 24 A.W.G. (0.5mm) UTP cable of Category 3 or higher. EIA/TIA 568 standards specifies that single lengths of permanently installed unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable are no greater than 90 meters (295 feet) and 10 meters (33 feet) of patchcords.