Is it legally permissible to install data systems to TIA (Telecommunications Industry Association) standards in the UK and Europe? In most cases, the answer is ‘Yes’ – provided that your contract does not specify British and European standards. However, some contracts under European regulations require European standards to be applied to certain types of projects in the public domain. Also, TIA standards specify compliance with the NEC code, which raises some awkward issues due to compliance with other USA standards and codes.
I was told that the Wi-Fi Alliance does not certify all types of Wi-Fi systems.
Is this true? Yes. The Wi-Fi Alliance certifies the main types of Wi-Fi systems – but not all of them. For instance, devices to IEEE 802.11n with more than three streams are not covered yet. However, the Wi-Fi Alliance has introduced a range of ‘optional’ certification schemes. These are only offered by a few vendors. Further information can be obtained from the W-iFi Alliance at
www.wi-fi.org
Can I use wireless systems in hazardous areas? .Yes, but they must be certified for the zone in which they are to be used. There are a wide range of wireless systems for controls and communications that are specifically designed for installation in hazardous areas. These include systems to IEEE 802.11, IEEEE 802.15, Bluetooth, HART, ISA 100.11a, GSM, and so on. Any wireless system installation in a hazardous area must comply with the relevant parts of BS EN 60079 and be certified accordingly.
Like any other electrical
system, if it is not properly designed, installed and maintained, it may cause problems
If a wireless device is for use in the ISM band, is it true that I do not have to comply with regulations for wireless systems? No. All wireless systems must comply with the radio communications regulations. Despite the name ‘unlicensed’, any wireless system must comply with the requirements for unregulated or ‘licence exemption’ as defined by Ofcom. For further information see
www.ofcom.org.uk
I have been told that using Power over Ethernet can cause fires. Is this true?
Whilst there have been a few cases of fire attributed to Power over Ethernet (PoE), they are a
very small proportion of the many millions of PoE points installed. Like any other electrical system, if it is not properly designed, installed and maintained, it may cause problems. The fires that have occurred appear to be due to connector damage caused by repeatedly inserting and disconnecting live PoE plugs. This should not be confused with the problems caused by PoE heating cables. The ECA’s Technical team can also provide a presentation on the subject – ask your ECA regional manager for further details (see page 46 for contact details).
Will using PoE cause my cables to overheat?
If you take care to design and install your PoE system in accordance with electrical installation
industry standards and codes of practice, then you should have few problems. Although there is some advice available in ISO/IEC TR 29125 Information technology – Telecommunications cabling requirements for remote powering of terminal equipment, more concise advice is planned for inclusion in BS EN 50174
62 ECA Today May 2012
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