prEN 50174-1:2026

• Abstract:

  This document specifies requirements for the following aspects of information technology cabling: a) installation specification, quality assurance documentation and procedures; b) documentation and administration; c) operation and maintenance. This document is applicable to all types of information technology cabling including but not limited to generic cabling systems designed in accordance with the EN 50173 series. Examples of other types of information technology cabling covered by this document are: — Cable TV; — CCTV; — alarm and access control; — building control. NOTE Local regulations can also apply to the above mentioned cabling types. Safety (electrical safety and protection, optical power, fire, etc.) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements are outside the scope of this document and are covered by other standards and regulations. However, information given in this document might be of assistance in meeting these standards and regulations.

• Status: Not Published
• Publication Date: 18-Aug-2027
• ICS: 35.110 - Networking
• Technical Committee: CLC/TC 215 - Electrotechnical aspects of telecommunication equipment
• Drafting Committee: CLC/TC 215/WG 02 - Electrical safety
• Current Stage: 4020 - Enquiry circulated - Enquiry
• Start Date: 03-Jul-2026
• Due Date: 30-Aug-2025
• Completion Date: 03-Jul-2026
• Ref Project: oSIST prEN 50174-1:2026 - Information technology - Cabling installation - Part 1: Installation specification and quality assurance

• Revises: EN 50174-1:2018/A1:2020 - Information technology - Cabling installation - Part 1: Installation specification and quality assurance
• Effective Date: 28-May-2024
• Revises: EN 50174-1:2018 - Information technology - Cabling installation - Part 1: Installation specification and quality assurance
• Effective Date: 28-May-2024

Overview

prEN 50174-1:2026 is a draft European standard published by CLC (CENELEC) that addresses the core requirements for the installation, specification, and quality assurance of information technology cabling. This document is applicable to all types of IT cabling, including generic cabling systems as defined in the EN 50173 series, and specialized systems such as cable TV, CCTV, alarm and access control, and building management networks. The standard guides project stakeholders through the entire cabling lifecycle - from installation specification and documentation to ongoing operation and maintenance.

This standard focuses on defining best practices, documentation, and process controls essential for reliable cabling infrastructure, supporting a wide range of digital services critical for business continuity and operational efficiency.

Key Topics

prEN 50174-1:2026 covers several key areas fundamental to IT cabling installations:

• Installation Specification and Quality Assurance

  • Establishes the minimum requirements for specifying installations, including quality assurance documentation and procedures to ensure performance and reliability.
  • Defines the responsibilities of cabling installers, premises owners, and other key stakeholders.

• Documentation & Administration

  • Details the methodology for proper documentation, labeling, and record keeping, essential for efficient management, troubleshooting, and future expansions.
  • Supports effective administration of moves, additions, and changes (MAC) to the cabling infrastructure.

• Operation and Maintenance

  • Outlines recommendations for the ongoing operation, management, and maintenance of cabling systems, helping ensure service continuity and reducing downtime.

• Applicability

  • The requirements apply to generic cabling systems per the EN 50173 series, but also extend to diverse cabling types including cable TV, CCTV, security, and building controls.

• Integration with Local Regulations

  • Emphasizes the need to comply with local regulations, especially regarding safety and electromagnetic compatibility, while recognizing that these aspects are addressed in separate standards.

Applications

The practical applications of prEN 50174-1:2026 are broad and important for organizations involved in IT infrastructure projects:

• Enterprise Networks: Ensures high quality installation and long-term management of LAN cabling for offices, campuses, and data centers, supporting both wired and wireless deployments.
• Building Systems: Provides a framework for robust cabling of building management, CCTV, alarm and access control systems, integrating IT and operational technology (OT) networks.
• Facilities Management: Supports ongoing operation and maintenance, improving uptime, service quality, and reducing the risk of costly outages.
• Contract Specification: Offers clear roles and responsibilities for installers, designers, owners, and maintainers, facilitating transparent project delivery and compliance.
• Documentation Excellence: Promotes robust labelling, administration, and record-keeping, vital for future upgrades, expansions, or audits.

Implementing the standard adds significant value by providing a structured approach to IT cabling, improving performance, reliability, and the ability to adapt to technology advances.

Related Standards

prEN 50174-1:2026 is part of a broader framework of European standards for IT cabling. Key related standards include:

• EN 50174-2: Installation planning and practices inside buildings
• EN 50174-3: Installation planning and practices outside buildings
• EN 50174-4: Testing of installed optical fibre cabling
• EN 50173 series: Generic cabling system design
• EN 50310: Telecommunications bonding networks for buildings
• EN 50667: Automated infrastructure management (AIM) systems
• EN 13501-6: Fire classification for electric cables

By referencing and aligning with these standards, organizations can ensure comprehensive compliance, interoperability, and best practice across all aspects of IT cabling installation and management.

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-september-2026
Informacijska tehnologija - Kabelska inštalacija - 1. del: Specifikacija in
zagotavljanje kakovosti
Information technology - Cabling installation - Part 1: Installation specification and quality
assurance
Informationstechnik - Installation von Kommunikationsverkabelung - Teil 1:
Installationsspezifikation und Qualitätssicherung
Technologies de l'information - Installation de câblage - Partie 1 : Spécification de
l'installation et assurance de la qualité
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 50174-1:2026
ICS:
33.040.50 Vodi, zveze in tokokrogi Lines, connections and
circuits
35.110 Omreževanje Networking
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD DRAFT
prEN 50174-1
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
July 2026
ICS 35.110 Will supersede EN 50174-1:2018; EN 50174-
1:2018/A1:2020
English Version
Information technology - Cabling installation - Part 1: Installation
specification and quality assurance
Technologies de l'information - Installation de câblages - Informationstechnik - Installation von
Partie 1 : Spécification de l'installation et assurance de la Kommunikationsverkabelung - Teil 1:
qualité Installationsspezifikation und Qualitätssicherung
This draft European Standard is submitted to CENELEC members for enquiry.
Deadline for CENELEC: 2026-09-25.

It has been drawn up by CLC/TC 215.

If this draft becomes a European Standard, CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which
stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.

This draft European Standard was established by CENELEC in three official versions (English, French, German).
A version in any other language made by translation under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to
the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Türkiye and the United Kingdom.

Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are aware and to
provide supporting documentation.

Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without notice and
shall not be referred to as a European Standard.

European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2026 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Project: 80033 Ref. No. prEN 50174-1:2026 E

Contents Page
1 European foreword . 5
2 Introduction . 6
3 1 Scope . 8
4 2 Normative references . 8
5 3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations . 9
6 3.1 Terms and definitions . 9
7 3.2 Abbreviations . 14
8 4 Conformance . 15
9 5 Project process . 15
10 6 Requirements for specifying installations of information technology cabling . 16
11 6.2 Planning . 28
12 6.3 Products and processes . 34
13 6.4 External network service provision . 36
14 6.5 Operating procedures . 36
15 6.6 Maintenance . 40
16 7 Requirements for installers of information technology cabling . 41
17 7.1 Documentation and administration . 41
18 7.2 Products and processes . 43
19 7.3 Power supplies . 44
20 7.4 Surveys . 44
21 8 Installation and operational complexity . 45
22 8.1 Requirements . 45
23 8.2 Recommendations . 45
24 Annex A (normative) Minimum requirements for technical specifications and quality plans . 47
25 A.1 General . 47
26 A.2 Technical specification . 47
27 A.3 Quality plan . 47
28 Annex B (normative) Polarity maintenance: Connecting hardware for multiple optical fibres . 48
29 B.1 General . 48
30 B.2 Duplex connecting hardware interfaces . 48
31 Annex C (informative) Polarity maintenance: Connecting hardware interfaces for arrays . 53
32 C.1 Connecting hardware interfaces for arrays with 12 or more optical fibres per row . 53
33 C.2 Connecting hardware interfaces for arrays with more than 12 optical fibres per row . 57
34 Annex D (informative) Terminating balanced cables on terminating blocks in distributors . 58
35 D.1 General . 58
36 D.2 The use of the same type of connector at each end of a cable . 58
37 D.3 The use of a different type of connector at each end of a cable . 58
38 D.4 Relation between the pins of connectors according to EN 60603-7 series and the tags of a
39 terminating block . 58
40 Annex E (informative) Compatibility between transmission systems (balanced and unbalanced)
41 sharing the same cable sheath within information technology cabling . 60
42 E.1 General . 60
43 E.2 Recommendations concerning cable sharing . 60
44 E.3 Factors to be taken into account to ensure satisfactory performance . 60
45 E.4 Guidelines for reducing interference between transmission systems within the same cable
46 sheath . 62
47 E.5 Cabling qualification . 62
48 E.6 Particular installation requirements and recommendations . 62
49 E.7 Cable management . 62
50 E.8 Regulatory aspects . 63
51 Annex F (normative) Sampling plans and marginal results . 64
52 F.1 Sampling plans . 64
53 F.2 Marginal results . 68
54 F.3 Non-compliant results . 69
55 Annex G (informative) “Reaction to fire” performance of cables . 70
56 G.1 Class designation . 70
57 G.2 Application of cables of a given Class designation . 70
58 Bibliography . 72
59 Figures
60 Figure 1 — Schematic relationship between the EN 50174 series and other relevant documents . 7
61 Figure 2 — Flowchart of Project Process . 16
62 Figure 3— Conductor current for ISO/IEC/IEEE 8802-3 remote powering applications for 4-pair cabling
63 . 21
64 Figure 4 — Example of dual pathway entrance . 25
65 Figure 5 — Examples of labels indicating RP Category of remote powering installation . 39
66 Figure 6 – Examples for labelling of remote powering installations . 39
67 Figure B.1 — Duplex connecting hardware connector . 49
68 Figure B.2 — Duplex connecting adapter . 49
69 Figure B.3 — Duplex patch cord . 49
70 Figure B.4 — Views of crossover patch cords . 50
71 Figure B.5 — Optical fibre sequences and adapter orientation in patch panel for the Symmetrical
72 Position Method . 51
73 Figure B.6 — Optical fibre sequences and adapter orientation in patch panel for the Reverse-Pair
74 Position Method . 52
75 Figure B.7 — Optical fibre sequences and adapter orientation in patch panel for the Reverse-Pair
76 Position Method . 52
77 Figure C.1 — Array connector cable or patch cord (key-up to key-up) . 54
78 Figure C.2 — Array adapter with aligned keyways . 54
79 Figure C.3 — Transition assembly . 55
80 Figure C.4 — Example of connectivity method for duplex cabling . 56
81 Figure C.5 — Example of connectivity method for array cabling . 57
82 Figure F.1 — Schematic of test result boundaries . 68
83 Tables
84 Table 1 — Contextual relationship between EN 50174 series and other documents relevant for
85 information technology cabling systems . 7
86 Table 2 — Remote powering 4-pair cabling installation Categories and controls . 20
87 Table 3 — Remote powering 1-pair cabling installation Categories and controls . 21
88 Table 4 — Conductor current for ISO/IEC/IEEE 8802-3 remote powering applications for 1-pair cabling
89 . 22
90 Table 5 — Minimum requirements of administration systems . 37
91 Table 6 — Minimum requirements of operational administration systems . 37
92 Table 7 — Level of installation complexity . 46
93 Table 8 — Level of operational complexity . 46
94 Table A.1 — Minimum requirements for technical specification . 47
95 Table A.2 — Minimum requirements for quality plan . 47
96 Table B.1 — Example of optical fibre colour code scheme . 48
97 Table D.1 — Examples of the relations between the EN 60603–7 series pins and the tags of the
98 terminating block . 59
99 Table F.1 — Installed balanced cabling test parameters . 64
100 Table F.2 — Minimum sample sizes for alien (exogenous) crosstalk testing . 67
101 Table F.3 — Installed optical fibre cabling test parameters . 67
102 Table G.1 — Class designations and their foundation standards . 71
103 European foreword
104 This document (prEN 50174-1:2026) has been prepared by Technical Committee CLC/TC 215,
105 “Electrotechnical aspects of telecommunication equipment”.
106 This document is currently submitted to the Enquiry.
107 This document supersedes EN 50174-1:2018 and EN 50174-1:2018/A1:2020.
108 prEN 50174-1:2026 includes the following significant technical changes with respect to EN 50174-1:2018 and
109 EN 50174-1:2018/A1:2020:
110 a) the conformance requirements (previously subclause 1.2) have been moved into a new Clause 4 and the
111 existing clause numbers were updated accordingly;
112 b) a new Clause 5 on project process has been added;
113 c) requirements and recommendations for 1-pair cabling have been added in the relevant clauses;
114 d) the fire behaviour of pathway systems has been revised (subclause 6.3.2);
115 e) the document has been revised in various clauses to refine and improve the content;
116 f) terms and definitions were revised to reflect the changes in the document.
117 EN 50174 comprises four parts:
118 — EN 50174-1, Information technology — Cabling installation — Part 1: Installation specification and quality
119 assurance;
120 — EN 50174-2, Information technology — Cabling installation — Part 2: Installation planning and practices
121 inside buildings;
122 — EN 50174-3, Information technology — Cabling installation — Part 3: Installation planning and practices
123 outside buildings (the present document);
124 — EN 50174-4, Information technology — Cabling installation — Part 4: Testing of installed optical fibre
125 cabling.
126 There are specific requirements for cabling systems that are in accordance with the design requirements of
127 the EN 50173 series. However, the four parts also apply to cabling systems of any design including those in
128 accordance with standards such as EN 50700.
129 This part, EN 50174-1, is concerned with specification, quality assurance, documentation and administration
130 of information technology cabling to be installed, together with its subsequent operation and maintenance. It
131 sets out the responsibilities of information technology cabling installers and premises owners or appointed
132 representatives separately, and is intended to be referenced in relevant contracts.
133 It does not cover those aspects of installation associated with the transmission of signals in free space between
134 transmitters, receivers or their associated antenna systems (e.g. wireless, radio, microwave or satellite).
135 Introduction
136 The importance of services delivered by information technology cabling infrastructure is similar to that of
137 utilities such as heating, lighting and electricity supplies. As with those utilities, interruptions to service can
138 have a serious impact. Poor quality of service due to lack of planning, use of inappropriate components,
139 incorrect installation, poor administration or inadequate support can threaten an organization’s effectiveness.
140 There are four phases in the successful implementation of information technology cabling. These are:
141 a) design;
142 b) specification – the detailed requirement for the cabling, including the planning of its accommodation and
143 associated building services addressing specific environments (e.g. electromagnetic, reaction to fire,
144 remote powering) together with the quality assurance requirements to be applied;
145 c) installation – in accordance with the requirements of the specification;
146 d) operation – the management of connectivity and the maintenance of transmission performance during the
147 life of the cabling.
148 EN 50174 series is in four parts and addresses the specification, installation, operational aspects of information
149 technology cabling and the testing of installed optical fibre cabling. The EN 50173 series and other application
150 standards cover design issues.
151 EN 50174-1, EN 50174-2 and EN 50174-3 are intended to be used by the personnel directly involved in the
152 planning aspects (of the specification phase) and the installation phase. EN 50174-2 is applicable inside
153 buildings and EN 50174-3 is applicable outside buildings. EN 50174-4 is applicable for testing of installed
154 optical fibre cabling.
155 EN 50174 series is also relevant to:
156 • architects, building designers and builders;
157 • main contractors;
158 • designers, suppliers, installers, inspectors (auditors), maintainers and owners of information technology
159 cabling;
160 • public network providers and local service providers;
161 • end users.
162 EN 50174-1 is used during the specification phase. It addresses the:
163 – installation specification, quality assurance documentation and procedures;
164 – documentation and administration;
165 – operation and maintenance.
166 The requirements and recommendations of Clause 6 are primarily for owners of premises housing information
167 technology systems. The owners can delegate selected responsibilities to designers, specifiers, operators and
168 maintainers of installed information technology cabling.
169 The requirements and recommendations of Clause 7 are primarily for the installers of information technology
170 cabling.
171 Figure 1 and Table 1 show the schematic and contextual relationships between the documents produced by
172 CLC/TC 215 for information technology cabling, namely:
173 1) this and other parts of the EN 50174 series;
174 2) generic cabling design (EN 50173 series);
175 3) application dependent cabling design (e.g. EN 50700);
176 4) bonding requirements (EN 50310) - the principles of which can be employed in installations outside
177 buildings.
179 Figure 1 — Schematic relationship between the EN 50174 series
180 and other relevant documents
181 Table 1 — Contextual relationship between EN 50174 series and other documents
182 relevant for information technology cabling systems
Building design Generic cabling Specification Installation
Operation phase
phase design phase phase phase
EN 50173–2 EN 50174–1
EN 50173–3
Planning phase
EN 50173–4
EN 50174–2
EN 50173–5
EN 50173–6 EN 50174–3 EN 50174–1
EN 50174–2
EN 50310
EN 50174–4 EN 50174–4
(these ENs
EN 50174–3
reference general
EN 50310
EN 50174–4
requirements of
EN 50173–1)
EN 50310
EN 50173-10
EN 50173-20
183 1 Scope
184 This document specifies requirements for the following aspects of information technology cabling:
185 a) installation specification, quality assurance documentation and procedures;
186 b) documentation and administration;
187 c) operation and maintenance.
188 This document is applicable to all types of information technology cabling including but not limited to generic
189 cabling systems designed in accordance with the EN 50173 series. Examples of other types of information
190 technology cabling covered by this document are:
191 — Cable TV;
192 — CCTV;
193 — alarm and access control;
194 — building control.
195 NOTE Local regulations can also apply to the above mentioned cabling types.
196 Safety (electrical safety and protection, optical power, fire, etc.) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
197 requirements are outside the scope of this document and are covered by other standards and regulations.
198 However, information given in this document might be of assistance in meeting these standards and
199 regulations.
200 2 Normative references
201 The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
202 requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
203 the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
204 EN 13501-6, Fire classification of construction products and building elements – Part 6: Classification using
205 data from reaction to fire tests on electric cables
206 EN 50173 (all parts), Information technology - Generic cabling systems
207 EN 50174-2, Information technology - Cabling installation - Part 2: Installation planning and practices inside
208 buildings
209 EN 50174-3, Information technology - Cabling installation - Part 3: Installation planning and practices outside
210 buildings
211 EN 50174-4, Information technology - Cabling installation - Part 4: Testing of installed optical fibre cabling
212 EN 50310, Telecommunications bonding networks for buildings and other structures
213 EN 50667, Information technology - Automated infrastructure management (AIM) systems - Requirements,
214 data exchange and applications
———————
Under preparation. Stage at the time of publication: prEN 50174-2:2026.
Under preparation. Stage at the time of publication: prEN 50174-3:2026.
215 EN IEC 62305-4, Protection against lightning - Part 4: Electrical and electronic systems within structures (IEC
216 62305-4)
217 EN IEC 62368-3, Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment - Part 3: Safety aspects
218 for DC power transfer through communication cables and ports (IEC 62368-3)
219 ISO/IEC/TR 14763-2-1, Information technology — Implementation and operation of customer premises cabling
220 — Part 2-1: Planning and installation - Identifiers within administration systems
221 IEC 61935-1, Specification for the testing of balanced and coaxial information technology cabling – Part 1:
222 Installed balanced cabling as specified in ISO/IEC 11801-1 and related standards
223 3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations
224 3.1 Terms and definitions
225 For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
226 Where the cabling is designed in accordance with standards in the EN 50173 series, the additional definitions
227 of those standards are applicable.
228 ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
229 — IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
230 — ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
231 3.1.1
232 access provider
233 operator or another entity providing the means to enable external telecommunications service provision to a
234 subscriber
235 [SOURCE: EN 50700:2023, 3.1.1]
236 3.1.2
237 access provider space
238 location of access provider transmission and support equipment
239 3.1.3
240 administration
241 methodology defining the documentation requirements of a cabling system and its containment, the labelling
242 of functional elements and the process by which moves, additions and changes are recorded
243 [SOURCE: EN 50173-1:2018, 3.1.1]
244 3.1.4
245 automated infrastructure management system
246 integrated hardware and software which automatically records the nature of, and identifies changes to,
247 connections between the cabling infrastructure and of the interconnected transmission and terminal equipment
248 3.1.5
249 building entrance facility
250 facility that provides all necessary mechanical and electrical services for the entry of telecommunications
251 cables into a building and which may allow for transition from external and internal cable
252 [SOURCE: EN 50173-1:2018, 3.1.18]
253 3.1.6
254 cabinet
255 enclosed construction, typically self-supporting and floor-mounted, for housing closures and other information
256 technology equipment
257 3.1.7
258 cable element
259 smallest construction unit in a cable
260 Note 1 to entry: A cable element may have a screen.
261 Note 2 to entry: A pair, a quad, a single isolated lead with coaxial screen and a single optical fibre are examples of a
262 cable element.
263 [SOURCE: EN 50173-1:2018, 3.1.20]
264 3.1.8
265 cable management system
266 system used for the support and/or containment, retention, protection of all types of cables, information and
267 communication lines, electrical power distribution conductors and their associated accessories (includes ducts
268 and tubes housing, or intended to house, blown information technology cables and/or cable elements)
269 3.1.9
270 cabling component
271 any product associated with the cabling installation including cables, connecting hardware, closures, cabinets,
272 frames and racks and pathway systems together with components used to provide earth connections for the
273 cabling installation
274 3.1.10
275 closure
276 fixture or fitting of either open or closed construction intended to contain connecting hardware
277 3.1.11
278 discoverable equipment
279 equipment with a network address
280 Note 1 to entry: Discoverable equipment can be treated as non-discoverable equipment per end user choice.
281 3.1.12
282 draw-box
283 space in a pathway that allows the routing of cables during the cable installation process
284 3.1.13
285 electrostatic discharge
286 transfer of electric charge between bodies of different electrostatic potential in proximity or through direct
287 contact
288 [SOURCE: IEC 60050-161:1990, 161-01-22]
289 3.1.14
290 electromagnetic disturbance
291 any electromagnetic phenomenon which may degrade the performance of a device, equipment or system, or
292 adversely affect living or inert matter
293 Note 1 to entry: An electromagnetic disturbance may be an electromagnetic noise, an unwanted signal or a change in
294 the propagation medium itself.
295 [SOURCE: IEC 60050-161:1990, 161-01-05]
296 3.1.15
297 entrance room
298 space within, or at the boundary of, a building housing the demarcation point where facilities owned by access
299 and/or service providers interface with the premises cabling
300 Note 1 to entry: For generic cabling in accordance with EN 50173–5, the demarcation point is the external network
301 interface (ENI) and the data centre cabling at that point is the network access cabling.
302 3.1.16
303 external network interface
304 termination point providing demarcation of external telecommunications service provision
305 [SOURCE: EN 50173-1:2018, 3.1.42]
306 3.1.17
307 external fire barrier
308 boundary, designated by local fire authorities, that demarcates the extent of the fire zones or compartments of
309 a building
310 3.1.18
311 fire barrier
312 separating element that exhibits fire integrity or fire stability or thermal insulation, or a combination thereof, for
313 a period of time under specified conditions
314 [SOURCE: ISO 13493:2023, 3.141]
315 3.1.19
316 fire-stop materials
317 sealing products that, at all times, take up imperfections of fit or design tolerance between the fire resisting
318 fixed elements of a building and which provide the same fire performance as the fixed elements in order to
319 restrict the passage of fire and smoke
320 3.1.20
321 fire-stopping techniques
322 processes, products and materials that reinstate the original fire rating of a fire barrier
323 3.1.21
324 frame
325 open construction, typically wall-mounted, for housing closures and other information technology equipment
326 3.1.22
327 identifier
328 unique item of information to distinguish a specific component of the cabling installation
329 3.1.23
330 information technology
331 telecommunications
332 technology concerned with the transmission, emission and reception of signs, signals, writing, images and
333 sounds by cable, radio, optical or other electromagnetic systems
334 Note 1 to entry: The term telecommunications has no legal meaning when used in this document.
335 [SOURCE: EN 50173-1:2018, 3.1.49]
336 3.1.24
337 information technology cabling
338 system of telecommunications cables, cords and connecting hardware that supports the operation of
339 information technology equipment
340 Note 1 to entry: This is not restricted to the cabling defined in the EN 50173 series of standards.
341 3.1.25
342 information technology equipment
343 active or passive equipment necessary to deliver a specific application
344 Note 1 to entry: Examples include hubs, switches, routers, adapters.
345 3.1.26
346 installer
347 person installing cabling components
348 Note 1 to entry: No design functions are assumed.
349 3.1.27
350 internal cable
351 cable intended for indoor use and with relevant fire rating
352 [SOURCE: EN 50173-1:2018, 3.1.54]
353 3.1.28
354 jumper
355 one or more cable elements without connectors used to make a connection between terminated cables
356 3.1.29
357 label
358 means of marking a specific component of the information technology infrastructure with its identifier and
359 (optionally) other information and intended to be fixed to, or be part of, the component
360 3.1.30
361 maintenance hole (telecommunications)
362 vault/chamber located in the ground or earth as part of an underground conduit system and used to facilitate
363 placing, connectorization, and maintenance of cables as well as the placing of associated equipment, in which
364 it is expected that a person will enter to perform work
365 [SOURCE: prEN 50174-2:2026, 3.1.15]
366 3.1.31
367 microduct
368 small, flexible, tube with an outer diameter typically less than or equal to 16 mm
369 [SOURCE: EN 50411-2-8:2009, 3.1.2]
370 3.1.32
371 fibre unit
372 unit of fibre elements suitable for installation by blowing into a microduct
373 Note 1 to entry: it differs from a microduct optical fibre cable in that it provides less protection to the fibres that it contains.
374 3.1.33
375 microduct optical fibre cable
376 optical fibre cable suitable for installation by blowing into a microduct
377 [SOURCE: EN 50411-6-1:2022, 3.3]
378 3.1.34
379 minimum bend radius during operation – static
380 minimum radius as specified by the cable manufacturer, supplier or in accordance with the relevant product
381 standard to which a cable or cable element is allowed to be subjected following installation and fixed in its final
382 operating position
383 3.1.35
384 minimum bend radius during operation – dynamic
385 minimum radius as specified by the cable manufacturer, supplier or in accordance with the relevant product
386 standard to which a cable or cable element is allowed to be subjected under conditions where the cable or
387 cable element is subject to movement
388 3.1.36
389 pathway
390 defined route for cables between termination points
391 3.1.37
392 pathway system
393 cable management system, or other area or volume defined by markings
394 3.1.38
395 rack
396 open construction, typically self-supporting and floor-mounted, for housing closures and other information
397 technology equipment
398 3.1.39
399 record
400 collection of information about, or related to, a specific element of the information technology infrastructure
401 3.1.40
402 remote powering
403 delivery of power to a device using the cable elements of information technology cable
404 3.1.41
405 scope of work
406 document that specifies and describes the goods, services, or construction works which are to be provided,
407 and any other requirements and constraints relating to the manner in which the contract work is to be performed
408 [SOURCE: ISO 10845-3:2021, 3.15]
409 3.1.42
410 service loop
411 excess length of cable or cable element(s)
412 3.1.43
413 service provider
414 operator of any service that furnishes telecommunications content (transmissions) delivered over access
415 provider facilities
416 Note 1 to entry: The access provider and the service provider can be a single entity
417 [SOURCE: EN 50700:2023, 3.1.21]
418 3.1.44
419 space
420 specified volume within premises allocated to information technology cabling infrastructure (e.g. entrance
421 facilities, functional elements in accordance with EN 50173 series standards)
422 Note 1 to entry: Examples include rooms, maintenance holes or part thereof, housing closures and/or other information
423 technology equipment.
424 3.1.45
425 termination point
426 free or fixed connectors (e.g. plugs or sockets) fitted to an installed cable
427 3.1.46
428 test operator
429 person who tests in accordance with instructions provided by the system designer
430 [SOURCE: EN 50174-4:2025, 3.1.25]
431 3.1.47
432 transition assembly
433 assembly of optical fibres and connectors, with an array connector on one end and simplex or duplex
434 connectors on the other end
435 3.2 Abbreviations
436 For the purposes of this document, the following abbreviations apply.
437 Where the cabling is designed in accordance with standards in the EN 50173 series, the additional
438 abbreviations of those standards are applicable:
AIM automated infrastructure management
BEF building entrance facility
ENI external network interface
ESD electrostatic discharge
HVAC heating, ventilation and air conditioning
IS installation specification
MAC move, add, change
QP quality plan
439 4 Conformance
440 For a cabling installation to conform to this document:
441 a) the specification of the installation shall meet the requirements of Clauses 5 and 6;
442 The requirements and recommendations of Clause 5 are primarily for owners of premises housing
443 information technology systems. The owners may delegate selected responsibilities to designers,
444 specifiers, operators and maintainers of installed information technology cabling. The party responsible
445 for demonstrating conformance should be clearly stated in the appropriate section of the documentation.
446 b) the installer shall meet the requirements of Clauses 5 and 7;
447 c) the bonding system within the premises shall be in accordance with EN 50310;
448 d) where a lightning protection system is required, it shall be designed in accordance to EN IEC 62305-4,
449 based on the risk process defined in EN IEC 62305-2;
450 e) other lightning protection systems, including systems defined in EN IEC 62305-3 are allowed, provided
451 that specific restrictions are applied to the implementation of the information technology cabling and the
452 requirements of EN 50310, as agreed between the planners of the lightning protection system and the
453 information technology cabling.
454 NOTE It is assumed that local regulations, if any, are met.
455 5 Project process
456 Figure 2 describes the key aspects of the flowchart of project process of Clauses 6 and 7.
457 The project should start with defining the customers needs. It is therefore assumed that there is an information
458 gathering process and validation to define the project objectives. The results of this process forms the basis
459 for the installation specification. The premises owner or an appointed representative shall prepare an
460 installation specification with a technical description that will ensure the transmission performance of the
461 cabling in the installed environmental conditions for the total operation lifetime.
462 The installer performing the installation shall prepare a quality plan which describes the methods, procedures,
463 and products for the installation in detail.
464 Prior to the commencement of the installation the installer shall agree on the IS and the premises owner, or
465 an appointed representative shall agree to the QP. And during the installation phase of the project, there will
466 often be a need for amendments to the IS and QP. These amendments shall be agreed, approved, and
467 documented before the work can be completed.
468 Finally, testing, inspection and documentation shall be carried out to verify the installation for agreed quality,
469 and finally a handover with acceptance of the completed installation.
471 Figure 2 — Flowchart of Project Process
472 6 Requirements for specifying installations of information technology cabling
473 6.1 Installation specification
474 6.1.1 General project process
475 In preparation for the project process (see Clause 5) the infrastructure of the premises and the actual need for
476 information technology cabling should be identified and related to standard(s) in the EN 50173-series, see also
477 Figure 1 and Table 1.
478 IS shall be prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Clause 6 of this document and client’s
479 requirement. These can include for example: resilience, use of remote powering, future expansions and safety.
480 The IS shall be agreed with the installer prior to the commencement of the installation.
481 6.1.2 Requirements
482 An IS shall be prepared in accordance with the requirements of this clause. The IS shall be agreed with the
483 installer prior to the commencement of the installation.
484 The IS shall comprise:
485 a) the technical specification (see 6.1.2);
486 b) the scope of work (6.1.3).
487 The effective implementation of cabling systems depends on the provision of appropriate infrastructures to
488 accommodate cables and termination points both in areas of cabling distribution and equipment attachment.
489 The design and planning of such infrastructures benefits from their early consideration within the premises
490 design or refurbishment process and their integration within the design and planning of the distribution systems
491 for power supply, water, gas, lighting, security and environmental control (heating, ventilation and air
492 conditioning (HVAC)) together with earthing and bonding systems.
493 The IS shall detail how the following have been taken into account:
494 1) other building services such as power supply distribution and earthing systems;
495 2) building management systems including security and access control;
496 3) circuits for smoke/fire detection and associated controls;
497 4) HVAC infrastructures;
498 5) piping systems (hot and cold fluid supply and return, waste water, fire suppression);
499 6) the qualification towards the EN 50174 series and handover of the completed pathway or pathway system,
500 existing or build by another contractor
501 7) other relevant infrastructures.
502 The IS shall detail the applicable legislation, regulations and compliance statements including:
503 – building regulations relating to the installation, which shall include all regulatory certification and technical
504 assessments (e.g. reaction to fi
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