This part of IEC 61156 refers to cables as described in IEC 61156‑5:2020 or cables containing element(s) from cables as described in IEC 61156‑5 which are required to maintain both circuit integrity and data transmission capability before, during and after flame application under specified conditions.

In addition to the basic cable construction, it describes the means of sample preparation, checking arrangements and gives the performance requirements, means to evaluate the data transmission capability during and after subjecting to fire, and gives means for evaluating test results and the parameters that are specified in the detail specification.

The cables covered by this document are intended to operate with voltages and currents normally encountered in communication systems. While these cables are not intended to be used in conjunction with low impedance sources, for example the electric power supplies of public utility mains, they are intended to be used to support the delivery of low voltage remote powering applications and have no rated voltage and are used for extra low voltage circuits.

For the purpose of this document, fire conditions as currently listed in IEC 60331‑23:1999 and basic test apparatus as per IEC 60331‑11:1999 apply.

As the test method according to IEC 60331‑23:1999 will not be developed further, other test methods could be used or added in future editions of this document.

IEC 60331‑1 and IEC 60331‑2 will be added in a future revision as the standard tests for circuit integrity and the test rig to be used for all testing.