SIST EN 50173-20:2023
(Main)Information technology - Generic cabling systems - Part 20: Alternative cabling configurations
Information technology - Generic cabling systems - Part 20: Alternative cabling configurations
This document specifies:
a) configurations of cabling which use components meeting the requirements of EN 50173-1 but do not conform to the structure of generic cabling specified in the premises-specific documents EN 50173-2 to EN 50173-6;
b) channel transmission and environmental performance requirements including those by reference to EN 50173-1.
NOTE The configurations of this document do not replace the generic cabling solutions of EN 50173-2, EN 50173-3, EN 50173-4, EN 50173-5 and EN 50173-6.
Test procedures to verify conformance of the balanced cabling configurations to the cabling transmission performance requirements of this document are provided in EN 50697.
Safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements are outside the scope of this document and are covered by other standards and regulations.
Informationstechnik - Anwendungsneutrale Kommunikationskabelanlagen - Teil 20: Alternative Verkabelungskonfigurationen
Technologies de l'information - Systèmes de câblage générique - Partie 20: Configurations alternatives de câblage
Le présent document spécifie:
a) les configurations de câblage qui utilisent des composants satisfaisant aux exigences de l'EN 50173-1 mais qui ne sont pas conformes à la structure du câblage générique spécifié dans les documents spécifiques aux locaux des EN 50173-2 à EN 50173-6;
b) les exigences de transmission de canaux et de performances d’environnement, y compris celles incluses en faisant référence à l'EN 50173-1.
NOTE Les configurations du présent document ne remplacent pas les solutions de câblage générique des EN 50173-2, EN 50173-3, EN 50173-4, EN 50173-5 et EN 50173-6.
Les procédures d’essai visant à vérifier la conformité des configurations de câblage à paires symétriques aux exigences de performances de transmission du câblage, données dans le présent document, sont détaillées dans l'EN 50697.
Les exigences relatives à la sécurité et à la compatibilité électromagnétique (CEM) ne relèvent pas du domaine d’application du présent document et sont couvertes par d’autres normes et réglementations.
Informacijska tehnologija - Generični kabelski sistemi - 20. del: Alternativne kabelske konfiguracije
Ta dokument določa:
a) kabelske konfiguracije s komponentami, ki izpolnjujejo zahteve standarda EN 50173-1, vendar niso v skladu s strukturo generičnih kablov, določenih v delih standarda EN 50173-X, ki se navezujejo na prostore;
b) zahteve za kanalni prenos in okoljske lastnosti, vključno s tistimi, ki se sklicujejo na standard EN 50173-1.
Preskusni postopki za preverjanje skladnosti uravnoteženih kabelskih konfiguracij z zahtevami glede zmogljivosti kabelskega prenosa iz tega dokumenta so navedeni v predlogu standarda prEN 50697.
Varnostne zahteve in zahteve za elektromagnetno združljivost (EMC) ne spadajo na področje uporabe tega dokumenta ter so obravnavane v drugih standardih in predpisih. Vendar so lahko informacije iz tega dokumenta v pomoč pri izpolnjevanju teh standardov in predpisov.
1.2 Skladnost
Za napeljavo kablov v skladu s tem dokumentom velja naslednje:
a) Konfiguracija in struktura kablov je v skladu z zahtevami iz točke 4.
b) Okoljske lastnosti izpolnjujejo zahteve iz točke 5.1.
c) Zmogljivost prenosa izpolnjuje zahteve iz točke 5.2.
Za uravnotežene kable so preskusne metode za oceno skladnosti z zahtevami glede zmogljivosti prenosa določene v predlogu standarda prEN 50697.
Za optične kable so preskusne metode za oceno skladnosti z zahtevami glede zmogljivosti prenosa določene v dodatkih A, B in C.
d) Izpolnjene so zahteve skupine standardov EN 50174 in EN 50310.
Ta dokument podaja zahteve in priporočila za preskušanje, medtem ko so zahteve za ravni vzorčenja navedene v dodatku F standarda EN 50174-1:2018.
Preskusni parametri, ki jih je treba izmeriti, ravni vzorčenja in obdelava rezultatov meritev, ki se uporabljajo za določeno inštalacijo, so opredeljeni v specifikaciji naprave in načrtih kakovosti za to inštalacijo, pripravljenih v skladu s standardom EN 50174-1.
General Information
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-januar-2023
Informacijska tehnologija - Osnovni kabelski sistemi - 20. del: Alternativne
kabelske konfiguracije
Information technology - Generic cabling systems - Part 20: Alternative cabling
configurations
Informationstechnik - Anwendungsneutrale Kommunikationskabelanlagen - Teil 20:
Alternative Verkabelungskonfigurationen
Technologies de l'information - Systèmes de câblage générique - Partie 20:
Configurations alternatives de câblage
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 50173-20:2022
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 EN 50173-20
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM October 2022
ICS 35.110
English Version
Information technology - Generic cabling systems - Part 20:
Alternative cabling configurations
Technologies de l'information - Systèmes de câblage Informationstechnik - Anwendungsneutrale
générique - Partie 20: Configurations alternatives de Kommunikationskabelanlagen - Teil 20: Alternative
câblage Verkabelungskonfigurationen
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2022-10-17. 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.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists 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.
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
© 2022 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN 50173-20:2022 E
Contents Page
European foreword . 4
Introduction . 5
1 Scope . 8
2 Normative references . 8
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations . 8
3.1 Terms and definitions . 8
3.2 Abbreviations . 9
3.3 Symbols . 9
4 Conformance . 10
5 Cabling configurations . 10
5.1 Direct attach cabling . 10
5.1.1 General . 10
5.1.2 Performance requirements . 11
5.1.3 Design objectives . 11
5.2 End-to-end (E2E) link . 12
5.2.1 General . 12
5.2.2 Performance requirements . 13
5.2.3 Design objectives . 13
5.3 Modular plug terminated links (MPTL) . 14
5.3.1 General . 14
5.3.2 Performance requirements . 15
5.3.3 Design objectives . 15
6 Cabling performance . 16
6.1 Environmental performance . 16
6.2 Transmission performance . 16
6.2.1 Balanced cabling performance . 16
6.2.2 Optical fibre cabling performance . 17
7 Performance verification . 17
Annex A (normative) Transmission performance requirements for direct attach cabling . 18
A.1 Balanced cabling of Class D to Class II . 18
A.2 Optical fibre cabling . 19
Annex B (normative) Transmission performance limits for E2E links . 20
B.1 Balanced cabling . 20
B.2 Optical fibre cabling . 21
Annex C (normative) Transmission performance limits for modular plug terminated links . 22
C.1 Balanced cabling . 22
C.2 Optical fibre cabling . 23
Annex D (normative) Testing procedures to assess conformance . 24
D.1 General . 24
D.2 Performance testing . 24
Bibliography . 28
Figures
Figure 1 — Schematic relationship between the EN 50173 series and other relevant standards . 6
Figure 2 — Direct attach cabling configuration. 10
Figure 3 — E2E link configurations . 13
Figure 4 — MPTL configuration . 14
Tables
Table 1 — Contextual relationship between EN 50173 series and other standards relevant for information
technology cabling systems . 6
Table A.1 — Transmission performance requirements for direct attach cabling of Class D to Class II. 18
Table B.1 — Transmission performance requirements for E2E links . 20
Table C.1 — Transmission performance requirements for MPTL of Class D to Class II . 22
Table D.1 — Test regime for reference conformance and installation conformance for balanced cabling . 26
Table D.2 — Test regime for reference conformance and installation conformance for optical fibre cabling . 27
European foreword
This document (EN 50173-20:2022) has been prepared by CLC/TC 215, "Electrotechnical aspects of
telecommunication equipment".
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which this document has to be (dop) 2023-10-17
implemented at national level by publication of
an identical national standard or by
endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards (dow) 2025-10-17
conflicting with this document have to be
withdrawn
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CENELEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national committee. A complete
listing of these bodies can be found on the CENELEC website.
Introduction
This document contains requirements for cabling configurations which use cabling components meeting the
requirements of EN 50173-1 but in configurations that do not conform to the structure of generic cabling in the
premises-specific documents EN 50173-2 to EN 50173-6.
These configurations are described as:
a) direct attach cabling;
b) end-to-end (E2E) links;
c) modular plug terminated links (MPTL).
The configurations of this document do not replace the generic cabling solutions of EN 50173-2, EN 50173-3,
EN 50173-4, EN 50173-5 and EN 50173-6.
The transmission performance of these configurations implemented using balanced cabling components is
specified in terms of Class in order to indicate their ability to support the relevant applications of EN 50173-1.
The transmission performance of these configurations implemented using optical fibre cabling components is
not specified and refers the application support parameters of EN 50173-1.
Remote powering is covered in EN 50174-1 (Planning) and in EN 50174-2 (installation).
The cabling configurations of this document are passive systems and cannot be tested for EMC compliance
individually. Application-specific equipment, designed for one or more cabling media, is required to meet
relevant EMC standards on those media. Care should be taken that the installation of any of those media in a
cabling system does not degrade the characteristics of the cabling. The installation methods of EN 50174
series should be used to minimise the effect of electromagnetic disturbances.
Figure 1 and Table 1 show the schematic and contextual relationships between the standards produced by
TC 215 for information technology cabling, namely:
1) this and other parts of the EN 50173 series;
2) installation (EN 50174 series);
3) bonding (EN 50310).
Figure 1 — Schematic relationship between the EN 50173 series and other relevant standards
Table 1 — Contextual relationship between EN 50173 series and other standards relevant for
information technology cabling systems
Building design Generic cabling Specification Installation Operation phase
phase design phase phase phase
EN 50174-1
Planning phase
EN 50174-2
EN 50173-XX
EN 50310 EN 50174-3 EN 50174-1
EN 50174-2
EN 50310
EN 50174-3
EN 50310
In addition, a number of Technical Reports have been developed to support or extend the application of these
standards, including:
— CLC/TR 50173-99-1, Cabling guidelines in support of 10 GBASE-T;
— CLC/TR 50173-99-2, Information technology — Implementation of BCT applications using cabling in
accordance with EN 50173-4;
— CLC/TR 50173-99-3, Information technology — Generic cabling systems — Part 99-3: Home cabling
infrastructures up to 50 m in length to support simultaneous and non simultaneous provision of
applications.
In addition, a number of cabling design standards have been developed using components of EN 50173-1 (e.g.
EN 50098 series and EN 50700).
1 Scope
This document specifies:
a) configurations of cabling which use components meeting the requirements of EN 50173-1 but do not
conform to the structure of generic cabling specified in the premises-specific documents EN 50173-2 to
EN 50173-6;
b) channel transmission and environmental performance requirements including those by reference to
EN 50173-1.
NOTE The configurations of this document do not replace the generic cabling solutions of EN 50173-2, EN 50173-3,
EN 50173-4, EN 50173-5 and EN 50173-6.
Test procedures to verify conformance of the balanced cabling configurations to the cabling transmission
performance requirements of this document are provided in EN 50697.
Safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements are outside the scope of this document and are
covered by other standards and regulations.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 50173-1:2018, Information technology — Generic cabling systems — Part 1: General requirements
EN 50174-1:2018, Information technology — Cabling installation — Part 1: Installation specification and quality
assurance
EN 50174 (series), Information technology — Cabling installation
EN 50310, Telecommunications bonding networks for buildings and other structures
EN 50697, Information technology — Measurement of end-to-end links, modular plug terminated links and
direct attach cabling
EN 60603-7(series), Connectors for electronic equipment — Part 7: Detail specification for 8-way, shielded,
free and fixed connectors
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations
3.1 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document the terms and definitions of EN 50173-1 and EN 50174-1 and the following
apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
As impacted by EN 50174-1:2018/A1:2020.
3.1.1
bulkhead connector
connection that serves as an interconnection point located through an enclosure wall
3.1.2
direct attach cabling
cable with free connectors at each end, and with no intermediate connecting hardware, that connects two
pieces of equipment
3.1.3
end-to-end link
end-to-end transmission path terminated with a free connector on each end
Note 1 to entry: It can be formed by structured cabling based on passive components including the portion of the end
connection that is attached to the link and the portion of the end connection that is attached to the end equipment.
3.1.4
modular plug terminated link
link terminated with a free connector on one end and a fixed connector at the other end
3.2 Abbreviations
For the purposes of this document the abbreviations of EN 50173-1 and EN 50174-1 and the following apply.
CA coupling attenuation
E2E end-to-end
ffs for further study
MPTL modular plug terminated link
3.3 Symbols
For the purposes of this document the following symbols apply.
bulkhead connector assembly with connections separated by ≥ 0,1 m (acting as two
connections)
bulkhead connector assembly with connections separated by < 0,1 m (acting as one
connection)
connection
fixed connector
free connector
4 Conformance
For a cabling to conform to this document the following applies:
a) The configuration and structure of the cabling shall conform to the requirements of Clause 5.
b) The environmental performance shall meet the requirements of 6.1.
c) The transmission performance shall meet the requirements of 6.2.
For balanced cabling, test methods to assess conformance with the transmission performance
requirements are specified in EN 50697.
For optical fibre cabling, test methods to assess conformance with the transmission performance
requirements are specified in Annexes A, B and C.
d) The requirements of EN 50174 series standards and EN 50310 shall be met.
This document provides the requirements and recommendations for testing, while the sampling levels shall
comply with EN 50174-1:2018, Annex F.
The test parameters to be measured, the sampling levels and the treatment of measured results to be applied
for a particular installation shall be defined in the installation specification and quality plans for that installation
prepared in accordance with EN 50174-1.
5 Cabling configurations
5.1 Direct attach cabling
5.1.1 General
Direct attach cabling can be used to connect items of information technology equipment but does not constitute
any part of, and cannot be exchanged with any part of, the generic cabling structures specified in EN 50173-2,
EN 50173-3, EN 50173-4, EN 50173-5 or EN 50173-6.
The configuration of direct attach cabling is shown in Figure 2 and comprises a length L of cable terminated in
free connectors. As a result, it can have the physical attributes of an equipment cord or patch cord as defined
in EN 50173-1 but its function is different.
The performance of the terminating free connectors is included in the specification of direct attach cabling.
Figure 2 — Direct attach cabling configuration
5.1.2 Performance requirements
5.1.2.1 Balanced direct attach cabling
See 6.1, 6.2.1.1 and 6.2.1.2.
5.1.2.2 Optical fibre direct attach cabling
See 6.1, 6.2.2.1 and 6.2.2.2.
5.1.3 Design objectives
5.1.3.1 General
Direct attach cabling connects a single port of one device to a single port of another device.
Although direct attach cabling can appear a simple and cost-effective method of providing connections, for
several reasons this cabling type should only be used for connections within the same or adjacent cabinets,
frames or racks.
Direct attach cabling is often not reusable as equipment types and locations change and a particular direct
attach cabling can have a limited lifetime. Continuous changes to the required interconnections increase both
the planning and the operational resources required for each change and increases the risk of interfering with
other infrastructures - including those for environmental control.
Direct attach cabling shall only be used subject to the following restrictions:
a) the mechanical performance of cables used for direct attach cabling shall meet the requirements of the
installation environment (e.g. pathway systems);
b) free connectors shall be protected against damage during installation, disconnection or removal;
c) direct attach cabling shall be managed so as to avoid mechanical damage and/or accidental disconnection
to adjacent connections during insertion or removal;
d) direct attach cabling shall be labelled at both ends to show their origin and destination in accordance with
the level 3 administration requirements of EN 50174-1:2018 ;
e) the impact of direct attach cabling on the fire load of cabling shall be assessed and mitigation provided if
necessary;
f) direct attach cabling shall not be located where they restrict cooling airflow towards active equipment.
5.1.3.2 Balanced direct attach cabling
Balanced direct attach cabling can be employed to connect any two items of information technology equipment.
Balanced cabling implementations provide generic application support for the transmission of information using
an application listed in EN 50173-1:2018, Annex F, and belonging to Classes A to F , I and II.
A
A more obvious, and lower risk, solution would be to use a factory-terminated cord of the required Category
necessary to deliver the required application Class as specified in EN 50173-1.
Where there are concerns about the “installability” of a pre-terminated cable, e.g. due to routing restrictions, a
user can terminate a cable in-situ. In such a situation the user can obtain knowledge regarding the performance
of the terminating free connectors applied to the cable following its installation.
The performance requirements are specified in Annex A, because direct attach cabling is required to act as a
direct connection rather than a component within a cabling subsystem.
The transmission performance requirements of Annex A are different to those of a patch cord of
EN 50173-1:2018, Clause 9, being more comprehensive but not as stringent as those of a cord in accordance
with EN 50173-1.
As a result, compliance of direct attach cabling to the performance requirements of Annex A does not allow
direct attach cabling to be used as cords within any generic cabling channel since they deplete the channel
performance preventing any other cabling components to be included within the channel.
Where direct attach cabling is proposed to be used but which could be confused with the cords of generic
cabling then either:
a) the direct attach cabling shall be labelled or otherwise identified to indicate its nature;
b) cords in accordance with EN 50173-1 (of the appropriate Category) shall be used in place of the direct
attach cabling.
Failure to apply one of these solutions would risk potential disruption to generic cabling function and associated
costs of downtime and fault-finding.
5.1.3.3 Optical fibre direct attach cabling
Optical fibre direct attach cabling shall be constructed using components with performance specified in
EN 50173-1.
As such optical fibre direct attach cabling is required to meet the requirements of a cord in accordance with
EN 50173-1. However, it may only be exchanged with a cord within any generic cabling chan
...
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-januar-2023
Informacijska tehnologija - Generični kabelski sistemi - 20. del: Alternativne
kabelske konfiguracije
Information technology - Generic cabling systems - Part 20: Alternative cabling
configurations
Informationstechnik - Anwendungsneutrale Kommunikationskabelanlagen - Teil 20:
Alternative Verkabelungskonfigurationen
Technologies de l'information - Systèmes de câblage générique - Partie 20:
Configurations alternatives de câblage
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 50173-20:2022
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 EN 50173-20
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM October 2022
ICS 35.110
English Version
Information technology - Generic cabling systems - Part 20:
Alternative cabling configurations
Technologies de l'information - Systèmes de câblage Informationstechnik - Anwendungsneutrale
générique - Partie 20: Configurations alternatives de Kommunikationskabelanlagen - Teil 20: Alternative
câblage Verkabelungskonfigurationen
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2022-10-17. 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.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists 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.
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
© 2022 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN 50173-20:2022 E
Contents Page
European foreword . 4
Introduction . 5
1 Scope . 8
2 Normative references . 8
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations . 8
3.1 Terms and definitions . 8
3.2 Abbreviations . 9
3.3 Symbols . 9
4 Conformance . 10
5 Cabling configurations . 10
5.1 Direct attach cabling . 10
5.1.1 General . 10
5.1.2 Performance requirements . 11
5.1.3 Design objectives . 11
5.2 End-to-end (E2E) link . 12
5.2.1 General . 12
5.2.2 Performance requirements . 13
5.2.3 Design objectives . 13
5.3 Modular plug terminated links (MPTL) . 14
5.3.1 General . 14
5.3.2 Performance requirements . 15
5.3.3 Design objectives . 15
6 Cabling performance . 16
6.1 Environmental performance . 16
6.2 Transmission performance . 16
6.2.1 Balanced cabling performance . 16
6.2.2 Optical fibre cabling performance . 17
7 Performance verification . 17
Annex A (normative) Transmission performance requirements for direct attach cabling . 18
A.1 Balanced cabling of Class D to Class II . 18
A.2 Optical fibre cabling . 19
Annex B (normative) Transmission performance limits for E2E links . 20
B.1 Balanced cabling . 20
B.2 Optical fibre cabling . 21
Annex C (normative) Transmission performance limits for modular plug terminated links . 22
C.1 Balanced cabling . 22
C.2 Optical fibre cabling . 23
Annex D (normative) Testing procedures to assess conformance . 24
D.1 General . 24
D.2 Performance testing . 24
Bibliography . 28
Figures
Figure 1 — Schematic relationship between the EN 50173 series and other relevant standards . 6
Figure 2 — Direct attach cabling configuration. 10
Figure 3 — E2E link configurations . 13
Figure 4 — MPTL configuration . 14
Tables
Table 1 — Contextual relationship between EN 50173 series and other standards relevant for information
technology cabling systems . 6
Table A.1 — Transmission performance requirements for direct attach cabling of Class D to Class II. 18
Table B.1 — Transmission performance requirements for E2E links . 20
Table C.1 — Transmission performance requirements for MPTL of Class D to Class II . 22
Table D.1 — Test regime for reference conformance and installation conformance for balanced cabling . 26
Table D.2 — Test regime for reference conformance and installation conformance for optical fibre cabling . 27
European foreword
This document (EN 50173-20:2022) has been prepared by CLC/TC 215, "Electrotechnical aspects of
telecommunication equipment".
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which this document has to be (dop) 2023-10-17
implemented at national level by publication of
an identical national standard or by
endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards (dow) 2025-10-17
conflicting with this document have to be
withdrawn
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CENELEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national committee. A complete
listing of these bodies can be found on the CENELEC website.
Introduction
This document contains requirements for cabling configurations which use cabling components meeting the
requirements of EN 50173-1 but in configurations that do not conform to the structure of generic cabling in the
premises-specific documents EN 50173-2 to EN 50173-6.
These configurations are described as:
a) direct attach cabling;
b) end-to-end (E2E) links;
c) modular plug terminated links (MPTL).
The configurations of this document do not replace the generic cabling solutions of EN 50173-2, EN 50173-3,
EN 50173-4, EN 50173-5 and EN 50173-6.
The transmission performance of these configurations implemented using balanced cabling components is
specified in terms of Class in order to indicate their ability to support the relevant applications of EN 50173-1.
The transmission performance of these configurations implemented using optical fibre cabling components is
not specified and refers the application support parameters of EN 50173-1.
Remote powering is covered in EN 50174-1 (Planning) and in EN 50174-2 (installation).
The cabling configurations of this document are passive systems and cannot be tested for EMC compliance
individually. Application-specific equipment, designed for one or more cabling media, is required to meet
relevant EMC standards on those media. Care should be taken that the installation of any of those media in a
cabling system does not degrade the characteristics of the cabling. The installation methods of EN 50174
series should be used to minimise the effect of electromagnetic disturbances.
Figure 1 and Table 1 show the schematic and contextual relationships between the standards produced by
TC 215 for information technology cabling, namely:
1) this and other parts of the EN 50173 series;
2) installation (EN 50174 series);
3) bonding (EN 50310).
Figure 1 — Schematic relationship between the EN 50173 series and other relevant standards
Table 1 — Contextual relationship between EN 50173 series and other standards relevant for
information technology cabling systems
Building design Generic cabling Specification Installation Operation phase
phase design phase phase phase
EN 50174-1
Planning phase
EN 50174-2
EN 50173-XX
EN 50310 EN 50174-3 EN 50174-1
EN 50174-2
EN 50310
EN 50174-3
EN 50310
In addition, a number of Technical Reports have been developed to support or extend the application of these
standards, including:
— CLC/TR 50173-99-1, Cabling guidelines in support of 10 GBASE-T;
— CLC/TR 50173-99-2, Information technology — Implementation of BCT applications using cabling in
accordance with EN 50173-4;
— CLC/TR 50173-99-3, Information technology — Generic cabling systems — Part 99-3: Home cabling
infrastructures up to 50 m in length to support simultaneous and non simultaneous provision of
applications.
In addition, a number of cabling design standards have been developed using components of EN 50173-1 (e.g.
EN 50098 series and EN 50700).
1 Scope
This document specifies:
a) configurations of cabling which use components meeting the requirements of EN 50173-1 but do not
conform to the structure of generic cabling specified in the premises-specific documents EN 50173-2 to
EN 50173-6;
b) channel transmission and environmental performance requirements including those by reference to
EN 50173-1.
NOTE The configurations of this document do not replace the generic cabling solutions of EN 50173-2, EN 50173-3,
EN 50173-4, EN 50173-5 and EN 50173-6.
Test procedures to verify conformance of the balanced cabling configurations to the cabling transmission
performance requirements of this document are provided in EN 50697.
Safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements are outside the scope of this document and are
covered by other standards and regulations.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 50173-1:2018, Information technology — Generic cabling systems — Part 1: General requirements
EN 50174-1:2018, Information technology — Cabling installation — Part 1: Installation specification and quality
assurance
EN 50174 (series), Information technology — Cabling installation
EN 50310, Telecommunications bonding networks for buildings and other structures
EN 50697, Information technology — Measurement of end-to-end links, modular plug terminated links and
direct attach cabling
EN 60603-7(series), Connectors for electronic equipment — Part 7: Detail specification for 8-way, shielded,
free and fixed connectors
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations
3.1 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document the terms and definitions of EN 50173-1 and EN 50174-1 and the following
apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
As impacted by EN 50174-1:2018/A1:2020.
3.1.1
bulkhead connector
connection that serves as an interconnection point located through an enclosure wall
3.1.2
direct attach cabling
cable with free connectors at each end, and with no intermediate connecting hardware, that connects two
pieces of equipment
3.1.3
end-to-end link
end-to-end transmission path terminated with a free connector on each end
Note 1 to entry: It can be formed by structured cabling based on passive components including the portion of the end
connection that is attached to the link and the portion of the end connection that is attached to the end equipment.
3.1.4
modular plug terminated link
link terminated with a free connector on one end and a fixed connector at the other end
3.2 Abbreviations
For the purposes of this document the abbreviations of EN 50173-1 and EN 50174-1 and the following apply.
CA coupling attenuation
E2E end-to-end
ffs for further study
MPTL modular plug terminated link
3.3 Symbols
For the purposes of this document the following symbols apply.
bulkhead connector assembly with connections separated by ≥ 0,1 m (acting as two
connections)
bulkhead connector assembly with connections separated by < 0,1 m (acting as one
connection)
connection
fixed connector
free connector
4 Conformance
For a cabling to conform to this document the following applies:
a) The configuration and structure of the cabling shall conform to the requirements of Clause 5.
b) The environmental performance shall meet the requirements of 6.1.
c) The transmission performance shall meet the requirements of 6.2.
For balanced cabling, test methods to assess conformance with the transmission performance
requirements are specified in EN 50697.
For optical fibre cabling, test methods to assess conformance with the transmission performance
requirements are specified in Annexes A, B and C.
d) The requirements of EN 50174 series standards and EN 50310 shall be met.
This document provides the requirements and recommendations for testing, while the sampling levels shall
comply with EN 50174-1:2018, Annex F.
The test parameters to be measured, the sampling levels and the treatment of measured results to be applied
for a particular installation shall be defined in the installation specification and quality plans for that installation
prepared in accordance with EN 50174-1.
5 Cabling configurations
5.1 Direct attach cabling
5.1.1 General
Direct attach cabling can be used to connect items of information technology equipment but does not constitute
any part of, and cannot be exchanged with any part of, the generic cabling structures specified in EN 50173-2,
EN 50173-3, EN 50173-4, EN 50173-5 or EN 50173-6.
The configuration of direct attach cabling is shown in Figure 2 and comprises a length L of cable terminated in
free connectors. As a result, it can have the physical attributes of an equipment cord or patch cord as defined
in EN 50173-1 but its function is different.
The performance of the terminating free connectors is included in the specification of direct attach cabling.
Figure 2 — Direct attach cabling configuration
5.1.2 Performance requirements
5.1.2.1 Balanced direct attach cabling
See 6.1, 6.2.1.1 and 6.2.1.2.
5.1.2.2 Optical fibre direct attach cabling
See 6.1, 6.2.2.1 and 6.2.2.2.
5.1.3 Design objectives
5.1.3.1 General
Direct attach cabling connects a single port of one device to a single port of another device.
Although direct attach cabling can appear a simple and cost-effective method of providing connections, for
several reasons this cabling type should only be used for connections within the same or adjacent cabinets,
frames or racks.
Direct attach cabling is often not reusable as equipment types and locations change and a particular direct
attach cabling can have a limited lifetime. Continuous changes to the required interconnections increase both
the planning and the operational resources required for each change and increases the risk of interfering with
other infrastructures - including those for environmental control.
Direct attach cabling shall only be used subject to the following restrictions:
a) the mechanical performance of cables used for direct attach cabling shall meet the requirements of the
installation environment (e.g. pathway systems);
b) free connectors shall be protected against damage during installation, disconnection or removal;
c) direct attach cabling shall be managed so as to avoid mechanical damage and/or accidental disconnection
to adjacent connections during insertion or removal;
d) direct attach cabling shall be labelled at both ends to show their origin and destination in accordance with
the level 3 administration requirements of EN 50174-1:2018 ;
e) the impact of direct attach cabling on the fire load of cabling shall be assessed and mitigation provided if
necessary;
f) direct attach cabling shall not be located where they restrict cooling airflow towards active equipment.
5.1.3.2 Balanced direct attach cabling
Balanced direct attach cabling can be employed to connect any two items of information technology equipment.
Balanced cabling implementations provide generic application support for the transmission of information using
an application listed in EN 50173-1:2018, Annex F, and belonging to Classes A to F , I and II.
A
A more obvious, and lower risk, solution would be to use a factory-terminated cord of the required Category
necessary to deliver the required application Class as specified in EN 50173-1.
Where there are concerns about the “installability” of a pre-terminated cable, e.g. due to routing restrictions, a
user can terminate a cable in-situ. In such a situation the user can obtain knowledge regarding the performance
of the terminating free connectors applied to the cable following its installation.
The performance requirements are specified in Annex A, because direct attach cabling is required to act as a
direct connection rather than a component within a cabling subsystem.
The transmission performance requirements of Annex A are different to those of a patch cord of
EN 50173-1:2018, Clause 9, being more comprehensive but not as stringent as those of a cord in accordance
with EN 50173-1.
As a result, compliance of direct attach cabling to the performance requirements of Annex A does not allow
direct attach cabling to be used as cords within any generic cabling channel since they deplete the channel
performance preventing any other cabling components to be included within the channel.
Where direct attach cabling is proposed to be used but which could be confused with the cords of generic
cabling then either:
a) the direct attach cabling shall be labelled or otherwise identified to indicate its nature;
b) cords in accordance with EN 50173-1 (of the appropriate Category) shall be used in place of the direct
attach cabling.
Failure to apply one of these solutions would risk potential disruption to generic cabling function and associated
costs of downtime and fault-finding.
5.1.3.3 Optical fibre direct attach cabling
Optical fibre direct attach cabling shall be constructed using components with performance specified in
EN 50173-1.
As such optical fibre direct attach cabling is required to meet the requirements of a cord in accordance with
EN 50173-1. However, it may only be exchanged with a cord within any generic cabling cha
...
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-januar-2023
Informacijska tehnologija - Generični kabelski sistemi - 20. del: Alternativne
kabelske konfiguracije
Information technology - Generic cabling systems - Part 20: Alternative cabling
configurations
Informationstechnik - Anwendungsneutrale Kommunikationskabelanlagen - Teil 20:
Alternative Verkabelungskonfigurationen
Technologies de l'information - Systèmes de câblage générique - Partie 20:
Configurations alternatives de câblage
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 50173-20:2022
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 EN 50173-20
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM October 2022
ICS 35.110
English Version
Information technology - Generic cabling systems - Part 20:
Alternative cabling configurations
Technologies de l'information - Systèmes de câblage Informationstechnik - Anwendungsneutrale
générique - Partie 20: Configurations alternatives de Kommunikationskabelanlagen - Teil 20: Alternative
câblage Verkabelungskonfigurationen
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2022-10-17. 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.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists 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.
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
© 2022 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN 50173-20:2022 E
Contents Page
European foreword . 4
Introduction . 5
1 Scope . 8
2 Normative references . 8
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations . 8
3.1 Terms and definitions . 8
3.2 Abbreviations . 9
3.3 Symbols . 9
4 Conformance . 10
5 Cabling configurations . 10
5.1 Direct attach cabling . 10
5.1.1 General . 10
5.1.2 Performance requirements . 11
5.1.3 Design objectives . 11
5.2 End-to-end (E2E) link . 12
5.2.1 General . 12
5.2.2 Performance requirements . 13
5.2.3 Design objectives . 13
5.3 Modular plug terminated links (MPTL) . 14
5.3.1 General . 14
5.3.2 Performance requirements . 15
5.3.3 Design objectives . 15
6 Cabling performance . 16
6.1 Environmental performance . 16
6.2 Transmission performance . 16
6.2.1 Balanced cabling performance . 16
6.2.2 Optical fibre cabling performance . 17
7 Performance verification . 17
Annex A (normative) Transmission performance requirements for direct attach cabling . 18
A.1 Balanced cabling of Class D to Class II . 18
A.2 Optical fibre cabling . 19
Annex B (normative) Transmission performance limits for E2E links . 20
B.1 Balanced cabling . 20
B.2 Optical fibre cabling . 21
Annex C (normative) Transmission performance limits for modular plug terminated links . 22
C.1 Balanced cabling . 22
C.2 Optical fibre cabling . 23
Annex D (normative) Testing procedures to assess conformance . 24
D.1 General . 24
D.2 Performance testing . 24
Bibliography . 28
Figures
Figure 1 — Schematic relationship between the EN 50173 series and other relevant standards . 6
Figure 2 — Direct attach cabling configuration. 10
Figure 3 — E2E link configurations . 13
Figure 4 — MPTL configuration . 14
Tables
Table 1 — Contextual relationship between EN 50173 series and other standards relevant for information
technology cabling systems . 6
Table A.1 — Transmission performance requirements for direct attach cabling of Class D to Class II. 18
Table B.1 — Transmission performance requirements for E2E links . 20
Table C.1 — Transmission performance requirements for MPTL of Class D to Class II . 22
Table D.1 — Test regime for reference conformance and installation conformance for balanced cabling . 26
Table D.2 — Test regime for reference conformance and installation conformance for optical fibre cabling . 27
European foreword
This document (EN 50173-20:2022) has been prepared by CLC/TC 215, "Electrotechnical aspects of
telecommunication equipment".
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which this document has to be (dop) 2023-10-17
implemented at national level by publication of
an identical national standard or by
endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards (dow) 2025-10-17
conflicting with this document have to be
withdrawn
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CENELEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national committee. A complete
listing of these bodies can be found on the CENELEC website.
Introduction
This document contains requirements for cabling configurations which use cabling components meeting the
requirements of EN 50173-1 but in configurations that do not conform to the structure of generic cabling in the
premises-specific documents EN 50173-2 to EN 50173-6.
These configurations are described as:
a) direct attach cabling;
b) end-to-end (E2E) links;
c) modular plug terminated links (MPTL).
The configurations of this document do not replace the generic cabling solutions of EN 50173-2, EN 50173-3,
EN 50173-4, EN 50173-5 and EN 50173-6.
The transmission performance of these configurations implemented using balanced cabling components is
specified in terms of Class in order to indicate their ability to support the relevant applications of EN 50173-1.
The transmission performance of these configurations implemented using optical fibre cabling components is
not specified and refers the application support parameters of EN 50173-1.
Remote powering is covered in EN 50174-1 (Planning) and in EN 50174-2 (installation).
The cabling configurations of this document are passive systems and cannot be tested for EMC compliance
individually. Application-specific equipment, designed for one or more cabling media, is required to meet
relevant EMC standards on those media. Care should be taken that the installation of any of those media in a
cabling system does not degrade the characteristics of the cabling. The installation methods of EN 50174
series should be used to minimise the effect of electromagnetic disturbances.
Figure 1 and Table 1 show the schematic and contextual relationships between the standards produced by
TC 215 for information technology cabling, namely:
1) this and other parts of the EN 50173 series;
2) installation (EN 50174 series);
3) bonding (EN 50310).
Figure 1 — Schematic relationship between the EN 50173 series and other relevant standards
Table 1 — Contextual relationship between EN 50173 series and other standards relevant for
information technology cabling systems
Building design Generic cabling Specification Installation Operation phase
phase design phase phase phase
EN 50174-1
Planning phase
EN 50174-2
EN 50173-XX
EN 50310 EN 50174-3 EN 50174-1
EN 50174-2
EN 50310
EN 50174-3
EN 50310
In addition, a number of Technical Reports have been developed to support or extend the application of these
standards, including:
— CLC/TR 50173-99-1, Cabling guidelines in support of 10 GBASE-T;
— CLC/TR 50173-99-2, Information technology — Implementation of BCT applications using cabling in
accordance with EN 50173-4;
— CLC/TR 50173-99-3, Information technology — Generic cabling systems — Part 99-3: Home cabling
infrastructures up to 50 m in length to support simultaneous and non simultaneous provision of
applications.
In addition, a number of cabling design standards have been developed using components of EN 50173-1 (e.g.
EN 50098 series and EN 50700).
1 Scope
This document specifies:
a) configurations of cabling which use components meeting the requirements of EN 50173-1 but do not
conform to the structure of generic cabling specified in the premises-specific documents EN 50173-2 to
EN 50173-6;
b) channel transmission and environmental performance requirements including those by reference to
EN 50173-1.
NOTE The configurations of this document do not replace the generic cabling solutions of EN 50173-2, EN 50173-3,
EN 50173-4, EN 50173-5 and EN 50173-6.
Test procedures to verify conformance of the balanced cabling configurations to the cabling transmission
performance requirements of this document are provided in EN 50697.
Safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements are outside the scope of this document and are
covered by other standards and regulations.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 50173-1:2018, Information technology — Generic cabling systems — Part 1: General requirements
EN 50174-1:2018, Information technology — Cabling installation — Part 1: Installation specification and quality
assurance
EN 50174 (series), Information technology — Cabling installation
EN 50310, Telecommunications bonding networks for buildings and other structures
EN 50697, Information technology — Measurement of end-to-end links, modular plug terminated links and
direct attach cabling
EN 60603-7(series), Connectors for electronic equipment — Part 7: Detail specification for 8-way, shielded,
free and fixed connectors
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations
3.1 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document the terms and definitions of EN 50173-1 and EN 50174-1 and the following
apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
As impacted by EN 50174-1:2018/A1:2020.
3.1.1
bulkhead connector
connection that serves as an interconnection point located through an enclosure wall
3.1.2
direct attach cabling
cable with free connectors at each end, and with no intermediate connecting hardware, that connects two
pieces of equipment
3.1.3
end-to-end link
end-to-end transmission path terminated with a free connector on each end
Note 1 to entry: It can be formed by structured cabling based on passive components including the portion of the end
connection that is attached to the link and the portion of the end connection that is attached to the end equipment.
3.1.4
modular plug terminated link
link terminated with a free connector on one end and a fixed connector at the other end
3.2 Abbreviations
For the purposes of this document the abbreviations of EN 50173-1 and EN 50174-1 and the following apply.
CA coupling attenuation
E2E end-to-end
ffs for further study
MPTL modular plug terminated link
3.3 Symbols
For the purposes of this document the following symbols apply.
bulkhead connector assembly with connections separated by ≥ 0,1 m (acting as two
connections)
bulkhead connector assembly with connections separated by < 0,1 m (acting as one
connection)
connection
fixed connector
free connector
4 Conformance
For a cabling to conform to this document the following applies:
a) The configuration and structure of the cabling shall conform to the requirements of Clause 5.
b) The environmental performance shall meet the requirements of 6.1.
c) The transmission performance shall meet the requirements of 6.2.
For balanced cabling, test methods to assess conformance with the transmission performance
requirements are specified in EN 50697.
For optical fibre cabling, test methods to assess conformance with the transmission performance
requirements are specified in Annexes A, B and C.
d) The requirements of EN 50174 series standards and EN 50310 shall be met.
This document provides the requirements and recommendations for testing, while the sampling levels shall
comply with EN 50174-1:2018, Annex F.
The test parameters to be measured, the sampling levels and the treatment of measured results to be applied
for a particular installation shall be defined in the installation specification and quality plans for that installation
prepared in accordance with EN 50174-1.
5 Cabling configurations
5.1 Direct attach cabling
5.1.1 General
Direct attach cabling can be used to connect items of information technology equipment but does not constitute
any part of, and cannot be exchanged with any part of, the generic cabling structures specified in EN 50173-2,
EN 50173-3, EN 50173-4, EN 50173-5 or EN 50173-6.
The configuration of direct attach cabling is shown in Figure 2 and comprises a length L of cable terminated in
free connectors. As a result, it can have the physical attributes of an equipment cord or patch cord as defined
in EN 50173-1 but its function is different.
The performance of the terminating free connectors is included in the specification of direct attach cabling.
Figure 2 — Direct attach cabling configuration
5.1.2 Performance requirements
5.1.2.1 Balanced direct attach cabling
See 6.1, 6.2.1.1 and 6.2.1.2.
5.1.2.2 Optical fibre direct attach cabling
See 6.1, 6.2.2.1 and 6.2.2.2.
5.1.3 Design objectives
5.1.3.1 General
Direct attach cabling connects a single port of one device to a single port of another device.
Although direct attach cabling can appear a simple and cost-effective method of providing connections, for
several reasons this cabling type should only be used for connections within the same or adjacent cabinets,
frames or racks.
Direct attach cabling is often not reusable as equipment types and locations change and a particular direct
attach cabling can have a limited lifetime. Continuous changes to the required interconnections increase both
the planning and the operational resources required for each change and increases the risk of interfering with
other infrastructures - including those for environmental control.
Direct attach cabling shall only be used subject to the following restrictions:
a) the mechanical performance of cables used for direct attach cabling shall meet the requirements of the
installation environment (e.g. pathway systems);
b) free connectors shall be protected against damage during installation, disconnection or removal;
c) direct attach cabling shall be managed so as to avoid mechanical damage and/or accidental disconnection
to adjacent connections during insertion or removal;
d) direct attach cabling shall be labelled at both ends to show their origin and destination in accordance with
the level 3 administration requirements of EN 50174-1:2018 ;
e) the impact of direct attach cabling on the fire load of cabling shall be assessed and mitigation provided if
necessary;
f) direct attach cabling shall not be located where they restrict cooling airflow towards active equipment.
5.1.3.2 Balanced direct attach cabling
Balanced direct attach cabling can be employed to connect any two items of information technology equipment.
Balanced cabling implementations provide generic application support for the transmission of information using
an application listed in EN 50173-1:2018, Annex F, and belonging to Classes A to F , I and II.
A
A more obvious, and lower risk, solution would be to use a factory-terminated cord of the required Category
necessary to deliver the required application Class as specified in EN 50173-1.
Where there are concerns about the “installability” of a pre-terminated cable, e.g. due to routing restrictions, a
user can terminate a cable in-situ. In such a situation the user can obtain knowledge regarding the performance
of the terminating free connectors applied to the cable following its installation.
The performance requirements are specified in Annex A, because direct attach cabling is required to act as a
direct connection rather than a component within a cabling subsystem.
The transmission performance requirements of Annex A are different to those of a patch cord of
EN 50173-1:2018, Clause 9, being more comprehensive but not as stringent as those of a cord in accordance
with EN 50173-1.
As a result, compliance of direct attach cabling to the performance requirements of Annex A does not allow
direct attach cabling to be used as cords within any generic cabling channel since they deplete the channel
performance preventing any other cabling components to be included within the channel.
Where direct attach cabling is proposed to be used but which could be confused with the cords of generic
cabling then either:
a) the direct attach cabling shall be labelled or otherwise identified to indicate its nature;
b) cords in accordance with EN 50173-1 (of the appropriate Category) shall be used in place of the direct
attach cabling.
Failure to apply one of these solutions would risk potential disruption to generic cabling function and associated
costs of downtime and fault-finding.
5.1.3.3 Optical fibre direct attach cabling
Optical fibre direct attach cabling shall be constructed using components with performance specified in
EN 50173-1.
As such optical fibre direct attach cabling is required to meet the requirements of a cord in accordance with
EN 50173-1. However, it may only be exchanged with a cord within any generic cabling cha
...
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.
Loading comments...