[ Technical: FAQs ] Need to know?
Each issue, we answer a selection of members’ most frequently asked questions, providing expert guidance and tips. Here, ECA Technical Manager – ITEC, David Stefanowicz, covers issues relating to ICT and datacomms
I have been told that copper clad aluminium (CCA) data cables do not meet the requirements
for the category 5 standards, but a mate of mine who works for another company told me he saw a box with the standards printed on the case. Do they or don’t they meet the required standards?
The answer is ‘No’ – there are no standards for copper clad aluminium (CCA) data cables for
category 5, 5e or 6 etc. Unfortunately, there are some manufacturers and suppliers who have sold CCA cables under a number of differing remits. However, the answer is always that there are no recognised standards. The ECA always recommends using third party-certifi ed cables by a recognised test house such as BASEC, Delta, and so on.
I bought a batch of category 5 data cable and found that the cable cores were only 0.4mm
diameter and not 0.5mm as required by BS EN 50288. The cable had the BS number printed on the outside. Is this illegal?
This is a not a straightforward question. BS EN 50288-3-1 was issued in 2001, and specifi ed cable conductors to be between 0.4mm and 0.8mm. The standard was revised in 2003, specifying cable conductors to be between 0.5mm and 0.8mm. When data cables get into the supply chain, in some cases they can be in storage for a long time. Hence, it is always important to defi ne your full cable specifi cation when ordering your cables. For example, BS EN 50288 part 3-1:2003. This avoids such problems.
About the author
David Stefanowicz Eur Ing David Stefanowicz is ECA Technical Manager – ITEC.
Must I comply with the Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) when installing data systems? The answer depends upon your contract. If your contract requires that the relevant parts of your installation meet BS 7671, then you must comply with the parts that are relevant to the installation that you are undertaking. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require that any electrical installation (and that includes electrical datacomm installations) shall comply with the safety requirements of BS 7671. Therefore, it is always best to comply with BS 7671 or another recognised electrical standard such as the NEC, and so on.
May 2012 ECA Today 61
SHUTTERSTOCK / VIKTORIYA
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