EN 50288-13-2:2026
(Main)Multi-element metallic cables used in analogue and digital communication and control - Part 13-2: Sectional specification for outer screened cables characterised from 1 MHz up to 2000 MHz - Work Area cables
- Abstract
This document relates to EN 50288 1, Multi-element metallic cables used in analogue and digital communication and control. It covers overall screened work area cables, characterized up to 2GHz, backward compatible to cables specified up to 500MHz, used in work area wiring for information technology, generic-cabling systems. The electrical, mechanical, transmission and environmental performance characteristics of the cables, related to their reference test methods, are detailed. This sectional specification is expected to be read in conjunction with EN 50288 1, which contains the essential provisions for its application. The cables covered by this sectional specification are intended to operate with voltages and currents normally encountered in communication systems. These cables are not intended to be used in conjunction with low impedance sources, for example, the electric power supplies of public utility mains.
- Status
- Not Published
- Publication Date
- 22-Oct-2026
- Withdrawal Date
- 19-Jan-2023
- Technical Committee
- CLC/TC 46X - Communication cables
- Drafting Committee
- CLC/SC 46XC - Multicore, Multipair and Quad Data communication cables
- Current Stage
- 6055 - Ratification Completed (DOR) - Publishing
- Start Date
- 10-Aug-2026
- Due Date
- 26-Sep-2021
- Completion Date
- 10-Aug-2026
EN 50288-13-2 is a CLC sectional specification for outer screened multi-element metallic cables used in analogue and digital communication and control. It specifies the construction, test methods and performance characteristics for work area cables characterized from 1 MHz up to 2000 MHz. In practice, it gives cable makers, test laboratories and specifiers a common basis for selecting and verifying cables used in information technology generic-cabling systems.
What does EN 50288-13-2 specify?
EN 50288-13-2 covers screened work area cables and is intended to be read with EN 50288-1, which provides the essential generic provisions. The document is organized into scope, normative references, definitions, cable construction, completed-cable test requirements, and a normative annex for current, voltage and power ratings.
The scope ties the cables to communication-system voltages and currents and keeps them away from low-impedance sources such as public-utility mains supplies. That matters for buyers and installers because these cables are specified for communication use, not power distribution.
Annex A is the only annex and gives ratings for data-cable current, voltage and power.
What are the key requirements of EN 50288-13-2?
EN 50288-13-2 combines construction rules with electrical, mechanical and environmental verification. The most important point is that the cable has to meet the construction details in Clause 4 and then pass the test set in Clause 5.
Construction requirements in Clause 4
Clause 4 requires a pair-based cable element layout, screened cabling elements where appropriate, and a screened cable core where required by the design. The conductor is specified as solid copper or stranded, plain or metal coated, and the insulation and sheath materials are selected from the EN 50290-2 series.
For a manufacturer, this means the document is not just about performance at test time - it also restricts the physical build of the cable. The identification of cabling elements follows the color-coding rules named in the document, and the cable core may use concentric layers or units.
Screening and coverage
Clause 4 also sets requirements for screening of the cable core. Where a braid is used, the document sets a minimum braid coverage for mechanical purposes, and where foil and braid combinations are used, a lower minimum braid coverage applies. That matters because screening design affects both durability and immunity to external interference.
Electrical performance in Clause 5.2
Clause 5.2 covers low-frequency and high-frequency measurements. The low-frequency checks include conductor resistance, resistance unbalance, dielectric strength, insulation resistance and capacitance unbalance to earth. In practice, these tests show whether the cable is consistent from pair to pair and whether the insulation is adequate for communication service.
The high-frequency table sets limits for phase delay, skew, attenuation, NEXT, PSNEXT, ACR-F, PSACR-F, exogenous crosstalk, characteristic impedance, return loss, unbalance and transfer impedance. This is the part a system designer uses to judge whether the cable will support the intended signal bandwidth and how much margin exists against crosstalk and reflections.
Mechanical and installation robustness
Clause 5.3 includes tests for conductor elongation, insulation shrinkage, crush resistance, impact resistance, sheath marking abrasion, simulated installation bending, and tensile performance. These checks matter because cables often fail not in service but during pulling, bending, termination or handling.
Environmental verification
Clause 5.4 includes cold bend performance and temperature cycling. These tests show whether the cable can withstand installation and service conditions without cracking or losing electrical performance.
Service ratings in Annex A
Annex A gives the ratings for communication-service voltage, current density, short-circuit current density and conductor surface temperature. The annex makes clear that these values are for communications technology and are not to be used near mains supplies.
What terms does EN 50288-13-2 define?
- ex - exogenous, meaning derived or originating externally.
- NEXT - near-end crosstalk, a measure of unwanted signal coupling seen at the sending end.
- PSNEXT - power sum near-end crosstalk, the combined near-end crosstalk contribution from multiple disturbing pairs.
- ACR-F - attenuation to crosstalk ratio at the far end, a margin between attenuation and far-end crosstalk.
- PSACR-F - power sum ACR-F, the far-end margin when multiple disturbing pairs are considered.
- Return loss - a measure of signal reflection caused by impedance mismatch.
- Transfer impedance - a screening parameter showing how much external disturbance couples through the screen.
- Coupling attenuation - a screening parameter showing how strongly an external field couples into the cable.
Who uses EN 50288-13-2?
EN 50288-13-2 is used by cable manufacturers, test laboratories, component and system specifiers, and quality managers working with information technology cabling. It is especially relevant for work area wiring in generic-cabling systems, where the cable must support defined transmission performance and installation handling. Buyers also use it to compare screened cable offerings on a like-for-like technical basis.
Which standards are used with EN 50288-13-2?
- EN 50288-1:2013 - the generic specification that provides the essential provisions for this sectional specification.
- EN 50289-3-2, -3-4, -3-5, -3-6, -3-8, -3-9:2001, -3-16 - mechanical test methods used for tensile, elongation, crush, impact, marking abrasion, bending and tensile performance tests.
- EN 50290-2 series - material requirements for insulation, sheath and related cable materials.
- EN 50289-4-6 - the temperature-cycling test method used in the environmental checks.
- IEC 60189-2 and IEC 60708 - color coding references used for identifying cabling elements where appropriate.
- EN 50290-2-1 - the reference used for defining braid coverage.
What does the EN 50288-13-2 document contain?
The document contains a construction section and a completed-cable test section, supported by a normative annex for service ratings. The technical content is organized into tables for low-frequency electrical measurements, high-frequency transmission measurements, mechanical tests, environmental tests and current-voltage-power ratings.
It also includes frequency-dependent performance expressions and measurement conditions for transmission parameters up to 2 GHz. In practical use, those tables and methods are what manufacturers, laboratories and specifiers use for design checks, qualification testing, type testing and procurement verification.
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Frequently Asked Questions
EN 50288-13-2:2026 is a draft published by CLC. Its full title is "Multi-element metallic cables used in analogue and digital communication and control - Part 13-2: Sectional specification for outer screened cables characterised from 1 MHz up to 2000 MHz - Work Area cables". This standard covers: This document relates to EN 50288 1, Multi-element metallic cables used in analogue and digital communication and control. It covers overall screened work area cables, characterized up to 2GHz, backward compatible to cables specified up to 500MHz, used in work area wiring for information technology, generic-cabling systems. The electrical, mechanical, transmission and environmental performance characteristics of the cables, related to their reference test methods, are detailed. This sectional specification is expected to be read in conjunction with EN 50288 1, which contains the essential provisions for its application. The cables covered by this sectional specification are intended to operate with voltages and currents normally encountered in communication systems. These cables are not intended to be used in conjunction with low impedance sources, for example, the electric power supplies of public utility mains.
This document relates to EN 50288 1, Multi-element metallic cables used in analogue and digital communication and control. It covers overall screened work area cables, characterized up to 2GHz, backward compatible to cables specified up to 500MHz, used in work area wiring for information technology, generic-cabling systems. The electrical, mechanical, transmission and environmental performance characteristics of the cables, related to their reference test methods, are detailed. This sectional specification is expected to be read in conjunction with EN 50288 1, which contains the essential provisions for its application. The cables covered by this sectional specification are intended to operate with voltages and currents normally encountered in communication systems. These cables are not intended to be used in conjunction with low impedance sources, for example, the electric power supplies of public utility mains.
EN 50288-13-2:2026 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 33.120.10 - Coaxial cables. Waveguides. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 50288-13-2:2026 is associated with the following European legislation: EU Directives/Regulations: 2014/35/EU; Standardization Mandates: M/511. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
EN 50288-13-2:2026 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST prEN 50288-13-2:2020
01-julij-2020
Večelementni kovinski kabli za analogne in digitalne komunikacije in krmiljenje -
13-2. del: Področna specifikacija za zaslonjene kable z lastnostmi od 1 MHz do
2000 MHz - Kabli na delovnih območjih
Multi-element metallic cables used in analogue and digital communication and control -
Part 13-2: Sectional specification for outer screened cables characterised from 1 MHz up
to 2000 MHz - Work Area cables
Câbles métalliques à éléments multiples utilisés pour les transmissions et les
commandes analogiques et numériques - Partie 13-2: Spécification intermédiaire pour
les câbles écrantés extérieurs caractérisés de 1 MHz à 2 000 MHz - Câbles de zone de
travail
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 50288-13-2
ICS:
33.120.20 Žice in simetrični kabli Wires and symmetrical
cables
oSIST prEN 50288-13-2:2020 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
oSIST prEN 50288-13-2:2020
oSIST prEN 50288-13-2:2020
EUROPEAN STANDARD DRAFT
prEN 50288-13-2
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
May 2020
ICS
English Version
Multi-element metallic cables used in analogue and digital
communication and control - Part 13-2: Sectional specification
for outer screened cables characterised from 1 MHz up to 2000
MHz - Work Area cables
Câbles métalliques à éléments multiples utilisés pour les To be completed
transmissions et les commandes analogiques et
numériques - Partie 13-2: Spécification intermédiaire pour
les câbles écrantés extérieurs caractérisés de 1 MHz à 2
000 MHz - Câbles de zone de travail
This draft European Standard is submitted to CENELEC members for enquiry.
Deadline for CENELEC: 2020-07-31.
It has been drawn up by CLC/SC 46XC.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which
stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
This draft European Standard was established by CENELEC in three official versions (English, French, German).
A version in any other language made by translation under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to
the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and the United Kingdom.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are aware and to
provide supporting documentation.
Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without notice and
shall not be referred to as a European Standard.
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2020 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Project: 65675 Ref. No. prEN 50288-13-2 E
oSIST prEN 50288-13-2:2020
prEN 50288-13-2:2020 (E)
Contents Page
European foreword . 2
1 Scope . 3
2 Normative references . 3
3 Definitions, symbols and abbreviations . 4
4 Cable construction . 4
4.1 Conductor . 4
4.2 Insulation . 4
4.3 Cabling elements . 4
4.4 Identification of cabling elements . 4
4.5 Screening of cabling elements . 4
4.6 Cable make-up . 4
4.7 Filling compound . 4
4.8 Interstitial fillers . 4
4.9 Screening of the cable core . 4
4.10 Moisture barriers . 5
4.11 Wrapping layers . 5
4.12 Sheath . 5
5 Test methods and requirements for completed cables. 5
5.1 General . 5
5.2 Electrical tests . 5
5.2.1 Low-frequency and d.c. electrical measurements . 5
5.2.2 High-frequency electrical and transmission measurements . 5
5.3 Mechanical tests . 7
5.4 Environmental tests . 8
5.5 Fire performance test methods . 8
Annex A (normative) Table for data cable current, voltage and power ratings . 9
Bibliography . 10
oSIST prEN 50288-13-2:2020
prEN 50288-13-2:2020 (E)
European foreword
This document (prEN 50288-13-2:2020) has been prepared by SC 46XC, “Multicore, multipair and quad data
communication cables”, of TC 46X, “Communication cables”.
This document is currently submitted to the Enquiry.
The following dates are proposed:
• latest date by which the existence of this (doa) dor + 6 months
document has to be announced at national
level
• latest date by which this document has to be (dop) dor + 12 months
implemented at national level by publication of
an identical national standard or by
endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards (dow) dor + 36 months
conflicting with this document have to be (to be confirmed or
withdrawn modified when voting)
This Part 13-2 is to be read in conjunction with EN 50288-1:2013.
oSIST prEN 50288-13-2:2020
prEN 50288-13-2:2020 (E)
1 Scope
This document relates to EN 50288-1, Multi-element metallic cables used in analogue and digital
communication and control.
It covers screened cables, characterized up to 2GHz, used in work area wiring for information technology,
generic-cabling systems.
The electrical, mechanical, transmission and environmental performance characteristics of the cables, related
to their reference test methods, are detailed.
This sectional specification is expected to be read in conjunction with EN 50288-1, which contains the
essential provisions for its application.
The cables covered by this sectional specification are intended to operate with voltages and currents normally
encountered in communication systems. These cables are not intended to be used in conjunction with low
impedance sources, for example, the electric power supplies of public utility mains.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 50288-1:2013, Multi-element metallic cables used in analogue and digital communication and control -
Part 1: Generic specification
EN 50289-3-2, Communication cables - Specifications for test methods - Part 3-2: Mechanical test methods -
Tensile strength and elongation for conductor
EN 50289-3-4, Communication cables - Specifications for test methods - Part 3-4: Mechanical test methods -
Tensile strength, elongation and shrinkage of insulation and sheath
EN 50289-3-5, Communication cables - Specifications for test methods - Part 3-5: Mechanical test methods -
Crush resistance of the cable
EN 50289-3-6, Communication cables - Specifications for test methods - Part 3-6: Mechanical test methods -
Impact resistance of the cable
EN 50289-3-8, Communication cables - Specifications for test methods - Part 3-8: Mechanical test methods -
Abrasion resistance of cable sheath markings
EN 50289-3-9:2
...