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Cabling and equipment

As computer systems become more complex and critical to our daily business operations, all network infrastructure installations should be planned for best practice. Getting the cabling and equipment right is essential to building an effective communications system. With this need in mind, the development of cabling and network equipment standards has been a key aspect in advancements of network and communication technology.

Ensuring quality and safety in cabling and equipment

Explore how standards support the installation and maintenance of ICT and telecommunication networks

Building a network: Infrastructure standards for ICT and telecommunications
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Building a network: Infrastructure standards for ICT and telecommunications

Most small firms are connected to a computer network – even if they do not realize it. If all you have is one computer connected to a broadband router that provides internet access, you are still connected to a network. Infrastructure that connects computers together is a network. It can be public (e.g. the internet) or private (e.g. cabling within an office), and networks can be wired (Ethernet), wireless (Wi-Fi), or both. The device that controls the information passing between the computers is called a router. Normally, even if just two computers are connected to the same piece of cable, all messages between them pass via a router. All networks are potentially vulnerable to intrusion. Many attempts pass unnoticed – as do many successful attacks. Therefore, it is crucial that the infrastructure – cables and equipment - of ICT and telecommunications are installed, operated, and protected to the highest standard possible. Key Standards for ICT and Telecommunications Infrastructure Installation There are several key standards for safe and effective ICT and telecommunications infrastructure installation: BS 7671:2018+A1:2020 Requirements for Electrical Installations. IET Wiring Regulations. BS 7671 on wiring regulations is the UK’s main electrical safety standard. This document sets out requirements that detail how to perform electrical installations safely. It sets out regulations that apply to the design, erection, and verification of electrical installations, and to additions and alterations to existing installations. Although not a statutory document, it sets the standard for how electrical installations should be done in the UK (and many other countries) and enables compliance with the law. BS EN 50174 Series Installation technology. Cabling installation. The BS EN 50174 series covers the installation of telecommunications cabling using balanced and/or optical fiber cabling, both within and between buildings. BS EN 50174-1 is intended to be used by personnel during the specification phase of the installation, together with those responsible for the quality planning and operation of the installation. It contains requirements and guidance for the specification and quality assurance of the information. Parts 2 and 3 of the BS EN 50174 series are intended to be used by the personnel who are directly involved in the planning aspects (of the specification phase) and the installation phase. BS EN 50174-2 is applicable inside buildings and BS EN 50174-3 is applicable outside buildings. BS 6701:2016+A1:2017 Telecommunications equipment and telecommunications cabling. Specification for installation, operation and maintenance. Specification for installation, operation and maintenance. For everyone dealing with telecommunications equipment and cabling, BS 6701:2016+A1:2017 provides a link between UK-specific electrical installation standards and their IT cabling equivalents. The 2017 Amendment adds two new sections (see ‘What’s changed’ below) that were necessary so that the standard aligns with changes to The Wiring Regulations standard, BS 7671. It specifies requirements for the installation, operation, administration, and maintenance of telecommunications equipment and cabling, other than that specified in BS EN 50174. It also specifies requirements beyond the scope of the BS EN 50174 series but doesn’t cover those aspects of installation associated with the transmission of signals in free space between transmitters, receivers, or their associated antenna systems (for example, radio microwave or satellite). To learn how to manage information in the cloud, click here. How IT Networks can be Protected The operating systems of most modern computers contain a built-in personal firewall, meant to protect that individual computer from external attack. Many PC security packages replace the operating system firewall with their own, which is intended to be more effective and easier to use. If you have a computer that does not come with a personal built-in firewall, buy or download one immediately (some of the well-known free products are highly effective). If you only have one computer connected via a router to the internet, a personal firewall is probably all that you need. However, most SMEs will have many computers on their network and will want to share data between them, while ensuring adequate protection from outside attacks. In this case, you will need a secure local area network (LAN) and one or more network firewalls separating your LAN from the internet. If your business operates from more than one site, you will probably want to share information securely between them. There are two ways you can do this. You can create your own wide area network using private cables or leased circuits, or you can create a virtual private network (VPN) using encryption over a shared bearer (e.g. the internet). In either case, it will be your network firewalls that control secure communication between different locations. BS EN ISO/IEC 27002 Code of practice for information security controls, has a section covering network security management and information transfer. This should be enough for simple networks, for example, where there are just computers connected to a wired router with a broadband internet connection. Ensure the infrastructure of your organization’s ICT and telecommunications is installed and protected to the highest standard by adding these key standards to your collection today. Discover BSI Knowledge Subscriptions Being able to ensure the interoperability of your ICT networks and guarantee that such technologies work smoothly and reliably together is key for effective working throughout your business. However, knowing and applying the standards that can help you achieve this can seem like a huge challenge. With a BSI Knowledge subscription, you will have the flexibility and visibility to manage the key standards you need in order to build secure and reliable networks with confidence. Build your own custom collection of standards, or opt for access to one of our pre-built modules, such as GBM24 Information Technology - Software & Networking, and keep up-to-date with any relevant changes to your network strategy. Request to learn more.Read more
How standards achieve safety in the design of electrical equipment
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How standards achieve safety in the design of electrical equipment

Electrical safety is crucially important for organizations in the electric and electronic sector because hazards such as arc flash, fire, and shock can result in serious harm, even death if employees and clients are exposed to them. Fortunately, the likelihood of this occurring is relatively low. However, the control measures that prevent these hazards require careful management, attention to detail, and technical competence. Non-compliance with safety regulations can be hugely damaging for manufacturers and other electrical organizations alike, resulting in them being left with hefty fines as well as loss of customer trust. Standards can help electrical engineers, electricians and product designers ensure quality in safety, performance, and compliance for a huge range of equipment. To read more on the topic of quality management in the electric and electronic sector, click here. The Key Safety Standard on Household Electrical Appliances BS EN IEC 60335-1 is the British Standard on general requirements and conditions for domestic safety testing of electrical household appliances. It covers protection against live parts, heating, leakage currents, electric strength at operating temperatures, moisture resistance, resistance to heat and fire, stability and mechanical hazards, internal wiring, and supply connections. It also defines the classification and marking of electrical equipment. The standard deals with the reasonably foreseeable hazards presented by appliances and machines that can be encountered by anyone in everyday life – although the scope stipulates that the use of appliances by unsupervised young children, or children playing with electrical household equipment, isn’t covered. It also includes appliances that aren’t intended for normal household use, but rather for use by an expert or trained users in shops, in the light industry, and on farms. It also deals with appliances and machines that are declared to be for commercial use by lay-persons. These best practice recommendations look at reasonably foreseeable hazards that could cause injury. Its application can be seen in everyday life from the washing machine to the electric oven. The standard’s aim is to ensure a high level of safety for electrical appliance users. As such, it is relevant to manufacturers of electrical household equipment, component suppliers, retailers, regulators, and inspectors, including test house engineers. It will also be of interest to trading standards and consumer groups. The standard: Specifies general requirements for the safety of household and similar electrical appliances providing their rated voltage is not more than 250 V for single-phase and 480 V for other appliances Looks at common hazards of household equipment or electrically operated devices that could cause injury to persons in and around the house Looks at the general requirements and conditions to test the domestic safety of electrical household appliances Defines the classification and marking of electrical equipment Demonstrates how to ensure protection against live parts Explains heating, as well as leakage currents and electric strength at operating temperatures Covers other topics including moisture resistance, stability, mechanical hazards, internal wiring, and connections Addresses requirements for cyber security to avoid unauthorized access and the effects of transmission failures via remote communication through public networks Insulation Coordination: Basic Safety of Electrical Equipment Insulation coordination is the mutual correlation of the insulation characteristics of equipment and takes into account the expected micro-environment and other influencing stresses. It is basic to the safety of electrical equipment. Standard BS EN IEC 60664-1:2020 is for insulation coordination for equipment within low-voltage supply systems. It is a revised standard dealing with insulation coordination for equipment having a rated voltage up to AC 1000 V or DC 1500 V connected to low-voltage supply systems, covering principles, requirements, and testing. This standard applies to frequencies up to 30kHz and equipment for use up to 2000m above sea level (though the standard also provides guidance for use at higher altitudes). It includes methods of electrical testing with respect to insulation coordination. The standard provides requirements for technical committees to determine clearances, creepage distances, and criteria for solid insulation. Other users will be found in power management organizations and energy distribution companies; power resistor design and technology companies; and earthing, overload, and lightning protection system manufacturers. The standard will also be used by electric and electronic equipment and component manufacturers in multiple fields. This could include heating and welding companies, air conditioning providers, lighting manufacturers, and automotive and rail transport applications. The result is a standard that provides the best and safest internationally agreed design solutions. These are often also low-cost. It will help organizations in the electrical sector to trade, innovate and develop their expertise, and above all, make electrical equipment safer. In your safety-critical industry, ensure you are meeting the industry design standards. A BSI Knowledge subscription gives you instant access to the resources you need to effectively design safe electrical equipment and build trust throughout your supply chain. Build your own custom collection of standards, or opt for access to one of our pre-built modules and keep up-to-date with any relevant changes to your standards strategy. Request to learn more. Add the key safety standards BS EN IEC 60335-1 and BS EN IEC 60664-1:2020 to your collection today.
Stay switched on to electrical safety: You need to be up to date with the IET Wiring Regulations
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Stay switched on to electrical safety: You need to be up to date with the IET Wiring Regulations

Calling all those involved with electrical installations, all your electrical installations must comply with BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 from 28 September 2022. Developed in partnership with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), this 2nd Amendment marks an essential update to the IET Wiring Regulations. It forms the national standard to which all new electrical installations and additions, and alterations to existing electrical installations in the UK are to comply. First adopted as a standard by BSI in 1992, BS 7671 is primarily a safety standard that provides a framework for the electrical industry in the UK and many other countries that have adopted its requirements. BS 7671 applies to the design, erection, and verification of electrical installations, also additions and alterations to existing installations. It provides a single reference point for almost all domestic and similar electrical installations. The previous version of this standard, BS 7671:2018+A1:2020 is being withdrawn on 27 September 2022. As this standard is the most widely accepted way to demonstrate compliance with the applicable legislation, if you are an electrical professional, you need to ensure that you are now working to the new changes introduced inBS 7671:2018+A2:2022. Safety and sustainability: What are the new changes to BS 7671? Whether you are already a user of BS 7671 or looking to adopt this standard, BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 includes several new updates that are considered essential for anyone engaged in electrical installation activities. The main changes fall into three categories: changes to general safety, changes to fire safety, and changes to sustainability. General Safety All electrical systems have the potential to cause harm and so it is vital for those involved in their design and installation to be up to date with current industry knowledge on designing safe installations. These changes reflect the latest industry safety best practices. Protection Against Transient Overvoltages BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 deals with the protection of electrical installations against transient overvoltages of atmospheric origin transmitted by the supply distribution system, and against switching overvoltages generated by the equipment within the installation. A risk assessment now must be performed to determine if protection against transient overvoltages is required. Changes to Identification, Labels, and Notices The ways how safety information is provided to the user of the electrical installation has been updated inBS 7671:2018+A2:2022 to reflect current industry best practices. Fire Safety Protection against fire resulting from the electrical installation and the use of the electrical installation has been necessary ever since electricity was first introduced into buildings. These changes represent a major step in order to increase safety by reducing fire risks. A New Requirement for Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 includes requirements for the protection of persons, livestock, and property against fire caused by electrical equipment, against burns, and against overheating, together with precautions where particular risks of fire exist. It is now a necessity (rather than a recommendation as it was in previous editions) to protect final circuits supplying socket-outlets and fixed current-using equipment with a rated current not exceeding 32 A by Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs). Updated Requirements for the Fire Safety Design for Buildings BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 introduces requirements for the fire safety design of buildings to be documented where specific conditions of external influence exist, such as protected escape routes and locations with risk of fire. Sustainability For most electrical professionals, the world of work will have changed considerably over the last few years. Sustainability is now at the forefront of everyone’s mind. There are several reasons for this: the global climate crisis, Net Zero 2050 targets written into law, new energy efficiency legislation, not to mention rapid advances in technology. This change to the Wiring Regulations is an exciting step into the future of managing renewable sources of energy and their integration into our lives. A New Chapter on Prosumer’s Low Voltage Electrical Installations BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 introduces a new chapter on Prosumer’s Low Voltage Electrical Installations (PEI) which covers energy efficiency measures, the interface with the flexible grid, the management of electricity consumption through an electrical energy management system (EEMS), the management of renewable sources of electricity, and energy storage. The concept of the PEI has been developed to answer the end-user's needs. For example, where a PEI has a storage capability, the user could take advantage of low demand to store energy when its price may be lower. With active energy management, the end-user should be able to permanently monitor and control his or her own electricity consumption and production. To learn more about how standards are supporting the development of the flexible grid, visit our Flexible Grid Topic Page. Sparking change: What do the experts say? BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 is the result of years of work by the JPEL/64 committee, the committee responsible forBS 7671, taking on board requirements from international and European standards, as well as input from organizations such as the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and the findings of the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety (2018). Dan Palmer, Associate Director of Committees at BSI said: “BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 is one of the UK’s most important standards, providing authoritative requirements to promote electrical safety. The changes introduced in this new amendment will help electrical professionals keep up to date with new and innovative technologies, as well as ensuring they have current knowledge about designing safe installations.” Mark Coles, Head of Technical Regulations at the IET, said: “The IET is the authority for electrical installations in the UK and ensures that the National Wiring Regulations Committee carefully considers all necessary updates to the Regulations to ensure they best meet the needs of the industry. Amendment 2 is an essential update to provide for the safety of electrical installations in the UK and it is now imperative that the industry is ready to work to this amendment before BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 is withdrawn.” Do not get left behind. Ensure you are up to date, safe and compliant with the latest requirements of BS 7671 IET Wiring Regulations, by buying BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 today. You can also download the 2024 amendment to the IET Wiring Regulations - BS 7671:2018/A3:2024 - free of charge here. Discover BSI Knowledge Subscriptions In your safety-critical industry, ensure you are meeting the industry standards. A BSI Knowledge subscription gives you instant access to the resources you need to improve the safe design, manufacture, and maintenance of electrical installations and equipment. The flexibility and visibility it provides of the expert guidance enable you to ensure that your activities are consistently compliant with the relevant regulations. Build your own custom collection of standards, or opt for access to over 800 documents in our GBM81 Wiring Regulations Collection module and keep up-to-date with any relevant changes to your standards strategy. Request to learn more.

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