BS EN 50173-6:2018

What is BS EN 50173-6- Generic cabling systems for distributed building services about?

BS EN 50173-6 specifies generic cabling for distributed building services and can be used in conjunction with all the space-specific standards of the EN 50173 series.

BS EN 50173-6 covers balanced cabling and optical fibre cabling.

BS EN 50173-6 specifies directly or via reference to EN 50173-1 the:

• Structure and minimum configuration for generic cabling for distributed building services
• Interfaces at the service outlet (SO)
• Performance requirements for cabling links and channels
• Implementation requirements and options
• Performance requirements for cabling components
• Conformance requirements and verification procedures

BS EN 50173-6 has taken into account requirements specified in application standards listed in EN 50173-1.

Note: Safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements are outside the scope of this standard and are covered by other standards and regulations. However, information given in this standard can be of assistance in meeting these standards and regulations.

Who is BS EN 50173-6- Generic cabling systems for distributed building services for?

BS EN 50173-6- Generic cabling systems for distributed building services is useful for:

• Information technology industry
• Generic cabling system installing companies
• Generic cabling system designers
• Industrial premises managing departments

Why should you use BS EN 50173-6- Generic cabling systems for distributed building services?

The importance of cabling infrastructure is similar to that of other fundamental utilities such as water and energy supply and interruptions to the services provided over that infrastructure can have a serious impact. A lack of design foresight, the use of inappropriate components, incorrect installation, poor administration or inadequate support can threaten quality of service and have commercial consequences for all types of users.

BS EN 50173-6 specifies generic cabling for distributed building services and can be used as a stand-alone infrastructure or in conjunction with all the space-specific standards of the EN 50173 series.

BS EN 50173-6 addresses the increasing use of generic cabling in support of non-user specific services and the sharing of information between such services, many of which require the use of remote powered devices.

Although certain functional elements of distributed building services cabling can be co-located with those of other generic cabling infrastructures, BS EN 50173-6 can be used in following conditions

• Specified, installed and operated by different entities than those responsible for other generic cabling infrastructures that are be installed within the premises
• Specified and installed at a different time than other generic cabling infrastructures that are be installed within the premises.

The generic cabling specified by BS EN 50173-6 provides users with:

• An application independent system capable of supporting a wide range of applications in a range of installation and operating environments
• A flexible scheme such that modifications are both easy and economical
• A multi-vendor supply chain within an open market for cabling components.

In addition BS EN 50173-6 provides:

• Relevant industry professionals with guidance allowing the accommodation of cabling before specific requirements are known; i.e. in the initial planning either for construction or refurbishment and for further deployment as the requirements of areas are defined;
• Industry and standardization bodies with a cabling system which supports current products and provides a basis for future product development and applications standardization.

With appropriate choice of components, generic cabling systems meeting the requirements of BS EN 50173-6 are expected to have a life expectancy of at least ten years.

What’s changed since the last update?

BS EN 50173-6:2018 supersedes EN 50173-6:2013. BS EN 50173-6:2018 includes some technical changes with respect to EN 50173-6:2013. These include:

• New components 8.1 and 8.2 for balanced cabling to support new channel Classes I and II as well as optical fibre cabling (OM5) as defined in EN 50173-1:2018
• Revised Annex B on services and applications
• Revised Annex D on optical fibres used in the Type B service distribution type cabling system

Alignment of the document structure across the EN 50173 series and updates the document both technically and editorially