IEC 61156-3-1:2009

Multicore and symmetrical pair/quad cables for digital communications - Part 3-1: Work area wiring - Blank detail specification

IEC 61156-3-1:2009(E) determines the layout and style for detail specifications describing multicore and symmetrical pair(s)/quad(s) cables for digital communication in work area wiring. Detail specifications based on the blank detail specification may be prepared by a national standards organization, a manufacturer or a user. This edition constitutes a technical revision. The significant global technical change is the alignment with IEC 61156-3:2008. This publication is to be read in conjunction with IEC 61156-1:2002 and IEC 61156-3:2008.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 12-May-2009
• ICS: 33.120.20 - Wires and symmetrical cables
• Technical Committee: SC 46C - Wires and symmetric cables
• Drafting Committee: WG 7 - TC 46/SC 46C/WG 7
• Current Stage: PPUB - Publication issued
• Start Date: 13-May-2009
• Completion Date: 15-May-2009

Relations

• Revises: IEC 61156-3-1:2003 - Multicore and symmetrical pair/quad cables for digital communications - Part 3-1: Work area wiring - Blank detail specification
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Overview

IEC 61156-3-1:2009 is an internationally recognized standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) for the layout and style of detail specifications regarding multicore and symmetrical pair or quad cables used in digital communication work area wiring. This "blank detail specification" acts as a foundational template that guides manufacturers, national standards organizations, and end users in preparing detail specifications for these types of cables, ensuring uniformity and international compatibility within the cabling industry.

The third edition of IEC 61156-3-1 represents a technical revision, aligning its requirements with IEC 61156-3:2008. It must be used in conjunction with IEC 61156-1:2002 (the generic specification) and IEC 61156-3:2008 (the sectional specification).

Key Topics

• Blank Detail Specification Template

  • Defines the structure, required information, and style for detail specifications.
  • Lists all relevant data points (e.g., materials, construction, dimensions, performance characteristics) for comprehensive cable specification.

• Scope of Applicability

  • Focuses on multicore and symmetrical pair/quad cables for digital communication, specifically for use in work area wiring.
  • Enables clear and consistent comparison and evaluation of cable products.

• Specification Components

  • Identifies required technical details, such as:
    • Electrical and transmission characteristics
    • Mechanical and environmental properties
    • Construction information (e.g., conductor, insulation, sheath)
    • Marking, identification, and packaging instructions

• Preparation Guidance

  • Outlines steps for compiling compliant detail specifications.
  • Calls for cross-referencing related IEC standards to ensure all requirements are met.

Applications

IEC 61156-3-1:2009 is instrumental for a wide range of stakeholders in the digital communications industry:

• Manufacturers: Provides a standardized method for documenting and describing cable products, improving market clarity and customer trust.
• National Standards Organizations: Supports harmonization of cable specifications and facilitates easier regulatory alignment.
• System Integrators and Installers: Assists in selecting appropriate cables for work area wiring in data networks, ensuring compatibility, safety, and optimal performance.
• End Users: Enables informed procurement decisions by offering a common specification language for digital communication cables.

Common areas of application include office networks (structured cabling), data centres, IT infrastructure installations, and other environments where reliable digital communications cabling is essential.

Related Standards

For proper application and compliance, IEC 61156-3-1:2009 should be used together with:

• IEC 61156-1:2002
  • Multicore and symmetrical pair/quad cables for digital communications - Part 1: Generic specification
• IEC 61156-3:2008
  • Multicore and symmetrical pair/quad cables for digital communications - Part 3: Work area wiring - Sectional specification

Other related standards and resources:

• ISO/IEC 11801: International standard for generic cabling for customer premises
• IEC Electropedia: Authoritative resource for electrical and electronic terminology

Practical Value

By adopting IEC 61156-3-1:2009, organizations benefit from:

• Consistency in Specification: Reduces ambiguity, simplifying global sourcing and interoperability.
• Streamlined Documentation: Makes it easier to create and update cable specifications as products evolve.
• Quality Assurance: Facilitates compliance with industry best practices and regulatory demands for digital communication networks.

Keywords: IEC 61156-3-1, multicore cables, symmetrical pair cables, quad cables, work area wiring, digital communications, cable standard, blank detail specification, IEC standards, structured cabling, data cabling specification.

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 61156-3-1 ®
Edition 3.0 2009-05
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Multicore and symmetrical pair/quad cables for digital communications –
Part 3-1: Work area wiring – Blank detail specification

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IEC 61156-3-1 ®
Edition 3.0 2009-05
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Multicore and symmetrical pair/quad cables for digital communications –
Part 3-1: Work area wiring – Blank detail specification

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
PRICE CODE
L
ICS 33.120.20 ISBN 978-2-88910-421-5
– 2 – 61156-3-1 © IEC:2009(E)
CONTENTS
FOREWORD.3
1 Scope.5
2 Normative references.5
3 Guidance for preparation of detail specifications .5
4 Blank detail specification for multicore and symmetrical pair(s)/quad(s) cables for
digital communication in horizontal floor wiring .7

61156-3-1 © IEC:2009(E) – 3 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
MULTICORE AND SYMMETRICAL PAIR/QUAD CABLES
FOR DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS –
Part 3-1: Work area wiring –
Blank detail specification
FOREWORD
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International Standard IEC 61156-3-1 has been prepared by subcommittee 46C: Wires and
symmetric cables, of IEC technical committee 46: Cables, wires, waveguides, r.f. connectors,
r.f. and microwave passive components and accessories.
This standard is to be read in conjunction with IEC 61156-1: 2002 and IEC 61156-3: 2008.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2003. This edition
constitutes a technical revision. The significant global technical change is the alignment with
IEC 61156-3: 2008.
– 4 – 61156-3-1 © IEC:2009(E)
The text of this standard is based on the first edition and on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
46C/883/FDIS 46C/891/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all parts of the IEC 61156 series, published under the general title Multicore and
symmetrical pair/quad cables for digital communications, can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until the
maintenance result date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data
related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed;
• withdrawn;
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
A bilingual version of this publication may be issued at a later date.
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