What is BS EN 50173-2 - Information technology about?
BS EN 50173 is a series on information technology. Information technology is the use of computers to create, process, store, retrieve, and exchange all kinds of electronic data and information. BS EN 50173-2 specifies generic cabling within and between the buildings of office premises, or office spaces within other types of building. BS EN 50173-2 covers balanced cabling and optical fibre cabling. BS EN 50173-2 specifies directly or via reference to EN 50173-1 the:
- Structure and minimum configuration for generic cabling within office spaces
- Interfaces at the telecommunications outlet (to)
- Performance requirements for cabling links and channels
- Implementation requirements and options
- Performance requirements for cabling components
- Conformance requirements and verification procedures
BS EN 50173-2 has considered requirements specified in application standards listed in EN 50173-1.
Note: Safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements are outside the scope of BS EN 50173-2 and are covered by other standards and regulations. However, the information given in this standard can be of assistance in meeting these standards and regulations.
Who is BS EN 50173-2 - Information technology for?
BS EN 50173-2 on information technology is useful for:
- Telecommunication sectors
- Telecommunication cabling manufacturers
- Design engineers
- Quality control personnel
Why should you use BS EN 50173-2 - Information technology?
Information technology is typically used within the context of business operations as opposed to personal or entertainment technology. 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 the quality of service and have commercial consequences for all types of users. BS EN 50173-2 specifies generic cabling within and between the buildings of office premises, or office spaces within other types of building. Additionally, those premises include industrial spaces and data centre spaces.
In addition, BS EN 50173-2 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 and industry and standardization bodies with a cabling system which supports current products and provides a basis for future product development and applications standardization. The life expectancy of generic cabling systems can vary depending on environmental conditions, supported applications, ageing of materials used in cables, and other factors such as access to pathways. With appropriate choice of components, generic cabling systems meeting the requirements of BS EN 50173-2 are expected to have a life expectancy of at least ten years. Using BS EN 50173-2 you can specify generic cabling within and between the buildings of office premises, or office spaces within other types of building.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN 50173-2:2018 supersedes BS EN 50173-2:2007+A1:2010. BS EN 50173-2:2018 includes some technical changes with respect to BS EN 50173-2:2007+A1:2010. These include:
- Introduces new balanced cabling component Categories 8.1 and 8.2 to support new channel Classes I and II as well as optical fibre categories OM5 and OS1a
- Amends various other sub clauses, tables, and figures
- Aligns the document structure across all parts of the series