BS EN 50174-2:2018

What is BS EN 50174-2-Information technology cabling installation about?  

BS EN 50174 discusses information technology cabling infrastructure. BS EN 50174-2 is the second part of BS EN 50174 multi-series and discusses installation planning and practices inside buildings of cables. 

BS EN 50174-2 specifies requirements for the following aspects of information technology cabling: planning and installation practice. BS EN 50174-2 is applicable to all types of information technology cabling inside buildings (and may be applied to cabling that is defined as part of the building) including generic cabling systems designed in accordance with the EN 50173 series. 

BS EN 50174-2: 

• Details the considerations for satisfactory installation and operation of information technology cabling 
• Describes the methodology for the assessment of spaces, pathways (and pathway systems) and cabling (either installed or planned) in support of remote powering objectives 
• Excludes specific requirements applicable to other cabling systems (e.g. power supply cabling); however, it takes account of the effects other cabling systems have on the installation of information technology cabling (and vice versa) and gives general advice 
• Excludes those aspects of installation associated with the transmission of signals in free space between transmitters, receivers or their associated antenna systems 

BS EN 50174-2 is applicable to certain hazardous environments. It does not exclude additional requirements which are applicable in particular circumstances, defined by e.g. electricity supply and electrified railways 

Note: Planning and installation of certain types of application-specific cabling can be supplemented by other standards e.g., EN 50491-6-1 for Home Building Electronics System (HBES) and Building Automation and Control Systems (BACS). 

Who is BS EN 50174-2-Information technology cabling installation for? 

BS EN 50174-2 on information technology, cabling installation is useful for: 

• Architects 
• Building designers  
• Builders  
• Main contractors  
• Designers, suppliers, installers, inspectors (auditors), maintainers, and owners of information technology cabling 
• Public network providers and local service providers 

Why should you use BS EN 50174-2-Information technology cabling installation?  

The importance of services delivered by information technology cabling infrastructure is similar to that of utilities such as heating, lighting, and electricity supplies. As with those utilities, interruptions to service can have a serious impact. Poor quality of service due to lack of planning, use of inappropriate components, incorrect installation, poor administration, or inadequate support can threaten an organisation’s effectiveness 

BS EN 50174-2 provides you with the requirements and recommendations relating to the installation planning and practices by defining: 

• Planning strategy (road map) and guidance depending on the application, electromagnetic environment, building infrastructure and facilities, etc 
• Planning and installation requirements for metallic and optical fibre information technology cabling depending on the application, electromagnetic environment, building infrastructure and facilities, etc 
• The practices and procedures to be adopted to ensure that the cabling is installed in accordance with the specification 

BS EN 50174-2 also provides you with the methodology for the assessment of spaces, pathways (and pathway systems), and cabling (either installed or planned) in support of remote powering objectives. BS EN 50174-2 helps you with the smooth installation of information technology cabling.  

What’s changed since the last update?  

BS EN 50174-2:2018 supersedes BS EN 50174-2:2009+A2:2014, which is withdrawn. BS EN 50174-2:2018 includes some technical changes with respect to BS EN 50174-2:2009+A2:2014. These include: 

• Revises requirements of Clause 4 and Clause 5, respectively, regarding closures, cables, the stacking height of pathway systems, surge protective devices 
• Introduces a new subclause and Annex C on planning and assessment of cabling in support of Remote powering objectives 
• Amends requirements in Clause 6 on segregation 
• Modifies Clause 7 on electricity distribution systems and lightning protection 
• Introduces minor changes to Clauses 8, 9, 10, 11