EN 50288-13-1:2026
(Main)Multi-element metallic cables used in analogue and digital communication and control - Part 13-1: Sectional specification for outer screened cables characterised up to 2000 MHz - Horizontal and building backbone 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 horizontal cables, characterized up to 2GHz, backward compatible to cables specified up to 500MHz, used in data centre and horizontal floor and building backbone 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 50288-13-1 is a CLC sectional specification for outer screened multi-element metallic cables used in analogue and digital communication and control. It specifies the cable construction, performance characteristics and reference test methods for screened horizontal and building backbone cables characterized up to 2000 MHz, for use in data centre and generic-cabling wiring. It is intended to be read with EN 50288-1, and it is not intended for use with low-impedance sources such as public utility mains.
What does EN 50288-13-1 specify?
EN 50288-13-1 specifies screened cables for horizontal and building backbone wiring in information technology and generic-cabling systems. It sets out the cable construction, the electrical, mechanical, transmission and environmental performance to be checked, and the test methods used to show conformity.
The standard applies to cables intended to operate with voltages and currents normally encountered in communication systems. It keeps the focus on data and control cabling, not on power distribution.
| Annex | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Annex A (normative) | Table for data cable current, voltage and power ratings |
The document is organized into:
- Clause 1 Scope
- Clause 2 Normative references
- Clause 3 Definitions, symbols and abbreviations
- Clause 4 Cable construction
- Clause 5 Test methods and requirements for completed cables
- Annex A for current, voltage and power ratings
What are the key requirements of EN 50288-13-1?
EN 50288-13-1 combines construction rules with test limits for completed cables. In practice, it tells manufacturers what the cable must be made from, what performance to prove, and which tests to run.
Cable construction
Clause 4 requires a solid copper conductor, plain or metal coated, with a nominal diameter in the stated range. The cable element is a pair, insulation and sheath materials are taken from the EN 50290-2 series, and the cable core is built from concentric layers or units.
This matters because the document is not just about electrical performance - it also fixes the basic cable build that supports that performance. Clause 4 also covers identification of cabling elements, screening of elements and the cable core, fillers, wrapping layers and sheath materials.
Screening and core build
Clause 4.9 sets requirements for core screening and distinguishes between braid-only and foil-plus-braid constructions. The document also ties coverage to EN 50290-2-1.
For a buyer or quality team, this means the screening construction is part of conformity, not an optional design detail. It affects EMC behavior and mechanical robustness.
Electrical performance
Clause 5.2 covers low-frequency and d.c. checks such as conductor loop resistance, resistance unbalance, dielectric strength, insulation resistance and capacitance balance. It also covers high-frequency and transmission tests up to 2 GHz, including attenuation, propagation delay, skew, near-end and far-end crosstalk measures, return loss, characteristic impedance, coupling attenuation and transfer impedance.
This is the core performance evidence for screened data cabling. Laboratories need the right frequency range and set-up, and specifiers need to match the tested cable type to the link performance they expect.
Mechanical and installation performance
Clause 5.3 includes conductor elongation, insulation shrinkage, crush resistance, impact resistance, sheath marking abrasion, simulated installation tests and tensile performance. The simulated installation tests cover single-bend and S-bend conditions.
These checks show whether the cable can survive handling, pulling and installation without losing transmission performance. That is important for product approval and for installation acceptance testing.
Environmental performance
Clause 5.4 covers cold bend performance and temperature cycling. The cable is checked after exposure to low temperature bending and repeated temperature changes.
This helps confirm that the cable remains usable after storage, transport and service-related temperature variation.
Current, voltage and power ratings
Annex A gives the table for data cable current, voltage and power ratings. It links the cable to communication-service use and keeps it away from mains-style applications.
What terms does EN 50288-13-1 define?
- ex - exogenous, meaning derived or originating externally.
- NEXT - near-end crosstalk, the unwanted signal coupling measured at the same end as the wanted signal source.
- PSNEXT - power sum near-end crosstalk, which combines crosstalk from multiple disturbing pairs.
- ACR-F - attenuation to crosstalk ratio at the far end, comparing signal loss with coupled interference at the far end.
- PSACR-F - power sum attenuation to crosstalk ratio at the far end, using the power-sum crosstalk condition.
- Transfer impedance - a screening-related measure used to assess how well the cable resists external interference.
Who uses EN 50288-13-1?
Cable manufacturers use EN 50288-13-1 to design screened pair cables and prove compliance by test. Test laboratories use it to run the electrical, mechanical and environmental checks in the specified methods.
It is also used by specifiers, procurement teams, quality managers and installers working on data centre, horizontal floor and building backbone cabling. They use it to compare cable constructions, check acceptance evidence and select cables for generic-cabling systems.
Which standards are used with EN 50288-13-1?
- EN 50288-1:2013 - the generic specification that provides the essential provisions for applying this sectional specification.
- EN 50289-3-2, -3-4, -3-5, -3-6, -3-8, -3-9:2001 and -3-16 - the mechanical test methods used for conductor, insulation, sheath, crush, impact, abrasion, bending and tensile checks.
- EN 50289-4-6 - the temperature-cycling test method referenced for environmental performance.
- EN 50290-2 series - material requirements for insulation, sheath and related cable materials.
- IEC 60189-2 and IEC 60708 - colour-coding references used where identification of cabling elements is specified.
What does the EN 50288-13-1 document contain?
EN 50288-13-1 contains the cable construction rules, the test methods for completed cables, and the limits or acceptance criteria needed to demonstrate compliance. It also includes the normative current, voltage and power rating table in Annex A.
The document gives:
- low-frequency and d.c. measurement requirements
- high-frequency transmission and balance measurements up to 2 GHz
- mechanical tests for handling and installation
- environmental tests for cold bend and temperature cycling
- a normative annex for service ratings used in communication cabling
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Frequently Asked Questions
EN 50288-13-1:2026 is a draft published by CLC. Its full title is "Multi-element metallic cables used in analogue and digital communication and control - Part 13-1: Sectional specification for outer screened cables characterised up to 2000 MHz - Horizontal and building backbone 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 horizontal cables, characterized up to 2GHz, backward compatible to cables specified up to 500MHz, used in data centre and horizontal floor and building backbone 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 horizontal cables, characterized up to 2GHz, backward compatible to cables specified up to 500MHz, used in data centre and horizontal floor and building backbone 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 50288-13-1:2026 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 50288-13-1:2026 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 50288-13-1:2026 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 50288-13-1:2020
01-julij-2020
Večelementni kovinski kabli za analogne in digitalne komunikacije in krmiljenje -
13-1. del: Področna specifikacija za zaslonjene kable z lastnostmi od 1 MHz do
2000 MHz - Vodoravni (etažni) in stavbni hrbtenični (medetažni) kabli
Multi-element metallic cables used in analogue and digital communication and control -
Part 13-1: Sectional specification for outer screened cables characterised up to 2000
MHz - Horizontal and building backbone cables
Câbles métalliques à éléments multiples utilisés pour les transmissions et les
commandes analogiques et numériques - Partie 13-1: Spécification intermédiaire pour
les câbles écrantés extérieurs caractérisés jusqu’à 2 000 MHz - Câbles horizontaux et
d’épine dorsale des bâtiments
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 50288-13-1
ICS:
33.120.20 Žice in simetrični kabli Wires and symmetrical
cables
oSIST prEN 50288-13-1:2020 en
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
oSIST prEN 50288-13-1:2020
oSIST prEN 50288-13-1:2020
EUROPEAN STANDARD DRAFT
prEN 50288-13-1
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
May 2020
ICS
English Version
Multi-element metallic cables used in analogue and digital
communication and control - Part 13-1: Sectional specification
for outer screened cables characterised up to 2000 MHz -
Horizontal and building backbone cables
Câbles métalliques à éléments multiples utilisés pour les To be completed
transmissions et les commandes analogiques et
numériques - Partie 13-1: Spécification intermédiaire pour
les câbles écrantés extérieurs caractérisés jusqu'à 2 000
MHz - Câbles horizontaux et d'épine dorsale des bâtiments
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: 65674 Ref. No. prEN 50288-13-1 E
oSIST prEN 50288-13-1:2020
prEN 50288-13-1:2020 (E)
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
1 Scope . 4
2 Normative references . 4
3 Definitions, symbols and abbreviations . 5
4 Cable construction . 5
4.1 Conductor . 5
4.2 Insulation . 5
4.3 Cabling elements . 5
4.4 Identification of cabling elements . 5
4.5 Screening of cabling elements . 5
4.6 Cable make-up . 5
4.7 Filling compound . 5
4.8 Interstitial fillers . 5
4.9 Screening of the cable core . 5
4.10 Moisture barriers. 6
4.11 Wrapping layers . 6
4.12 Sheath . 6
5 Test methods and requirements for completed cables . 6
5.1 General . 6
5.2 Electrical tests . 6
5.2.1 Low-frequency and d.c. electrical measurements . 6
5.2.2 High-frequency electrical and transmission measurements . 6
5.3 Mechanical tests . 8
5.4 Environmental tests . 9
5.5 Fire performance test methods . 9
Annex A (normative) Table for data cable current, voltage and power ratings . 10
Bibliography . 11
oSIST prEN 50288-13-1:2020
prEN 50288-13-1:2020 (E)
European foreword
This document (prEN 50288-13-1:2020) 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 13-1 is to be read in conjunction with EN 50288-1:2013.
oSIST prEN 50288-13-1:2020
prEN 50288-13-1:2020 (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 data centre and horizontal floor and building
backbone 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: M
...