This section gives advice on applying the right technical standards, latest news and updates to ensure you’re fully equipped to understand the complexities when installing these systems.
Standards set the benchmarks for good practice, professionalism and help provide assurance to clients and ensure their expectations are met. They also promote a culture that encourages the delivery of high quality services.
Applying the right standards is crucial when carrying out different areas of work; importantly they fulfil your obligations under contract but ultimately your obligations under Health and Safety and the Electricity at Work Regulations.
When designing, installing, commissioning, testing, inspecting or maintaining datacomms, structured data cabling systems, a combination of the most recent edition of the following standards apply:
Design:
BS EN 50173 Information technology. Generic cabling systems
BS EN 50173 series of standards is made up of six parts and deals primarily with the design. Part 1 is essentially the ‘reference book’ (BS EN 50173-1)
BS EN 50173-2 focuses on designs for offices
BS EN 50173-3 focuses on designs for industrial locations
BS EN 50173-4 focuses on designs for homes
BS EN 50173-5 focuses on designs for data centres
BS EN 50173-6 focuses on designs for distributed building services.
Installation and planning:
BS EN 50174 Information technology. Cabling installation.
BS EN 50174 series of standards is made up of three parts. Part 1 is used during the specification phase & operation (BS EN 50174-1)
BS EN 50174-2 and BS EN 50174-3 (parts 2 & 3) are used by those directly involved in the planning aspect (of the specification phase) and the installation phase.
• BS EN 50174-2 is applicable inside buildings
• BS EN 50174-3 is applicable outside the building
BS EN 50310 Telecommunications bonding networks for buildings and other structures.
BS 6701 Telecommunications equipment and telecommunications cabling. Specification for installation, operation and maintenance
BS 7671 Requirements for Electrical Installations. IET Wiring Regulations
Inspecting and Testing:
BS EN 50346 Information technology. Cabling installation. Testing of installed cabling
HSR 25 Guidance on The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989