EN 50173-3:2018

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-oktober-2018
1DGRPHãþD
SIST EN 50173-3:2008
SIST EN 50173-3:2008/A1:2011
SIST EN 50173-3:2008/A1:2011/AC:2011
Informacijska tehnologija - Univerzalni sistemi polaganja kablov - 3. del:
Industrijska okolja
Information technology - Generic cabling systems - Part 3: Industrial spaces
Informationstechnik - Anwendungsneutrale Kommunikationskabelanlagen - Teil 3:
Industriell genutzte Bereiche
Technologies de l'information - Systèmes de câblage générique - Partie 3: Espaces
industriels
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 50173-3:2018
ICS:
33.040.50 Vodi, zveze in tokokrogi Lines, connections and
circuits
35.110 Omreževanje Networking
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 50173-3
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
June 2018
ICS 35.110 Supersedes EN 50173-3:2007
English Version
Information technology - Generic cabling systems - Part 3:
Industrial spaces
Technologies de l'information - Systèmes de câblage Informationstechnik - Anwendungsneutrale
générique - Partie 3: Espaces industriels Kommunikationskabelanlagen - Teil 3: Industriell genutzte
Bereiche
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2018-03-19. 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.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists 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, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

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
© 2018 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN 50173-3:2018 E
Contents Page
European foreword 6
Introduction 7
1 Scope and conformance 11
1.1 Scope 11
1.2 Conformance 11
2 Normative references 12
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations 12
3.1 Terms and definitions 12
3.2 Abbreviations 13
4 Structure of the generic cabling system in industrial spaces 13
4.1 General 13
4.2 Functional elements 14
4.3 Structure and hierarchy 14
4.4 Cabling subsystems 17
4.4.1 Industrial space cabling subsystems 17
4.4.2 Associated cabling subsystems 18
4.5 Design objectives 18
4.5.1 General 18
4.5.2 Intermediate cabling 19
4.5.3 Floor cabling 20
4.5.4 Backbone cabling 20
4.5.5 Tie cabling 20
4.6 Accommodation of functional elements 20
4.6.1 General 20
4.6.2 Telecommunications Outlets 21
4.6.3 Distributors 21
4.6.4 Cables 21
4.6.5 Consolidation Points 21
4.7 Interfaces 21
4.7.1 Equipment interfaces and test interfaces 21
4.7.2 Channels and links 22
4.8 Dimensioning and configuring 22
4.8.1 Distributors 22
4.8.2 Cables 23
4.8.3 Connecting hardware 23
4.8.4 Cords 23
4.8.5 Telecommunications Outlets and Consolidation Points 23
4.8.6 External network interface 24
5 Channel performance in industrial spaces 24
5.1 General 24
5.2 Environmental performance 26
5.3 Transmission performance 26
5.3.1 General 26
5.3.2 Balanced cabling 26
5.3.3 Optical fibre cabling 27
6 Reference implementations in industrial spaces 27
6.1 General 27
6.2 Balanced cabling 27
6.2.1 Assumptions 27
6.2.2 Intermediate cabling 28
6.2.3 Floor cabling 31
6.2.4 Backbone cabling 31
6.3 Optical fibre cabling 31
6.3.1 Intermediate and floor cabling 31
6.3.2 Backbone cabling 32
7 Requirements for cables in industrial spaces 33
7.1 General 33
7.2 Balanced cables of Category 5, 6, 6 7, 7 , 8.1 and 8.2 33
A, A
7.3 Optical fibre cables of Category OM3, OM4, OM5, OS1a and OS2 33
8 Requirements for connecting hardware in industrial spaces 33
8.1 General requirements 33
8.2 Balanced connecting hardware 34
8.2.1 General requirements 34
8.2.2 Electrical, mechanical and environmental performance 34
8.3 Optical fibre connecting hardware 34
8.3.1 General requirements 34
8.3.2 Connecting hardware for optical fibres 34
9 Requirements for cords and jumpers in industrial spaces 35
9.1 Jumpers 35
9.2 Balanced cords of Category 5, 6, 6A, 7, 7A, 8.1 and 8.2 35
9.2.1 General 35
9.2.2 Additional requirements for certain cords 35
9.3 Optical fibre cords of Category OM3, OM4, OM5, OS1a and OS2 35
Annex A (normative) Permanent link performance limits 36
A.1 General 36
A.2 Balanced cabling and optical fibre cabling 37
A.2.1 General 37
A.2.2 Balanced cabling 37
A.2.3 Optical fibre cabling 37
Annex B (normative) Industrial cabling subsystem 38
B.1 General 38
B.2 Industrial cabling subsystem 39
Annex C (normative) Reference implementations that do not conform to Clause 4 40
C.1 General 40
C.2 Connection-less channels 40
C.2.1 General 40
C.2.2 Channels with no connections 40
C.2.3 Channels with interconnections 41
C.3 Channels using balanced cabling bulkhead connections 43
Annex D (informative) Alternative cabling implementations 47
D.1 General 47
D.2 Channels using balanced cabling bulkhead connections with additional connections 47
Bibliography 51
Figures
Figure 1 — Schematic relationship between the EN 50173 series and other relevant standards 8
Figure 2 — Relationships between the generic cabling standards produced by CLC TC215 and CLC SC65CX
Figure 3 — Structure of generic cabling 14
Figure 4 — Hierarchical topology of structured cabling 15
Figure 5 — Structures for centralized generic cabling 16
Figure 6 — Interconnections at the TO 17
Figure 7 — Examples of cabling implementation to improve reliability 19
Figure 8 — Accommodation of functional elements 21
Figure 9 — Test and equipment interfaces 22
Figure 10 — Transmission performance of an intermediate cabling channel 25
Figure 11 — Example of a system showing the location of cabling interfaces 26
Figure 12 — Intermediate cabling models 30
Figure 13 — Combined optical fibre intermediate/floor channels 32
Figure A.1 — Permanent link options 36
Figure B.1 — Industrial cabling system supporting several AIs 38
Figure B.2 — Combined structure of generic and industrial cabling system using an IID 39
Figure C.1 — Channel configurations with no connections 41
Figure C.2 — Channel configurations with balanced cabling interconnections 42
Figure C.3 — Channel configurations with balanced cabling bulkhead connections 44
Figure D.1 — Alternative channel configurations 48
Tables
Table 1 — Contextual relationship between EN 50173 series and other standards relevant for information
technology cabling systems 8
Table 2 — Maximum channel lengths for reference implementations 23
Table 3 — Intermediate channel length equations 30
Table C.1 — Channel equations for balanced cabling 43
Table C.2 — Channel equations for bulkhead connections 45
Table D.1 — Alternative channel equations 50
European foreword
This document (EN 50173-3:2018) has been prepared by the Technical Committee CENELEC TC 215
"Electrotechnical aspects of telecommunication equipment".
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which this document has (dop) 2019-03-19
to be implemented at national level by
publication of an identical national
standard or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national (dow) 2021-03-19
standards conflicting with this document
have to be withdrawn
This document supersedes EN 50173-3:2007 + A1:2010 + AC:2011.
The European Standards EN 50173:1995 and EN 50173-1:2002 have been developed to enable the
application-independent cabling to support ICT applications in office premises. Their basic principles,
however, are applicable to other types of applications and in other types of premises.
TC 215 has decided to establish relevant European Standards which address the specific requirements of
these premises. In order to point out the commonalities of these cabling design standards, these EN are
published as individual parts of the series EN 50173, thus also acknowledging that standards users recognize
the designation “EN 50173” as a synonym for generic cabling design.
At the time of publication of this European Standard, series EN 50173 comprises the following standards:
EN 50173-1 Information technology – Generic cabling systems – Part 1: General requirements
EN 50173-2 Information technology – Generic cabling systems – Part 2: Office premises
EN 50173-3 Information technology – Generic cabling systems – Part 3: Industrial spaces
EN 50173-4 Information technology – Generic cabling systems – Part 4: Homes
EN 50173-5 Information technology – Generic cabling systems – Part 5: Data centres
EN 50173-6 Information technology – Generic cabling systems – Part 6: Distributed building services
This European Standard, EN 50173-3, contains specific requirements for generic cabling systems intended to
be operated in industrial premises, referencing the general requirements of EN 50173-1:2018
This edition of EN 50173-3:
a) introduces new balanced cabling component Categories 8.1 and 8.2 to support new channel Classes I
and II;
b) introduces a new cabled optical fibre Category OM5 and Category OS1a;
c) introduces a new Annex on the industrial cabling subsystem;
d) amends various other subclauses, tables and figures;
e) aligns the document structure across the EN 50173 series and updates the document both technically
and editorially.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CENELEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Introduction
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 quality of service and have commercial consequences for all types of users.
This standard specifies generic cabling to serve the automation islands in industrial premises, or industrial
spaces within other types of building.
Additionally those premises can include:
— office spaces for which generic cabling is specified in EN 50173-2;
— data centre spaces for which generic cabling is specified in EN 50173-5.
Generic cabling for distributed building services in industrial spaces is specified in EN 50173-6 which
addresses all of the above premises and spaces within them.
Figure 1 and Table 1 show the schematic and contextual relationships between the standards produced by
TC 215 for information technology cabling, namely:
1) this and other parts of the EN 50173 series;
2) installation (EN 50174 series);
3) bonding (EN 50310).
Figure 1 — Schematic relationship between the EN 50173 series and other relevant standards
Table 1 — Contextual relationship between EN 50173 series and other standards relevant for
information technology cabling systems
Building design Generic cabling Specification Installation Operation phase
phase design phase phase phase
EN 50173-2 EN 50174-1
EN 50173-3
Planning phase
EN 50173-4
EN 50174-2
EN 50173-5
EN 50310 EN 50174-3 EN 50174-1
EN 50173-6 EN 50174-2
EN 50310
EN 50174-3
(these ENs
EN 50310
reference general
requirements of
EN 50173-1)
In addition, a number of Technical Reports have been developed to support or extend the application of these
standards, including:
— CLC/TR 50173-99-1, Cabling guidelines in support of 10 GBASE-T;
— CLC/TR 50173-99-2, Information technology — Implementation of BCT applications using cabling in
accordance with EN 50173-4;
— CLC/TR 50173-99-3, Information technology — Generic cabling systems — Part 99-3: Home cabling
infrastructures up to 50 m in length to support simultaneous and non simultaneous provision of
applications.
In addition, a number of cabling design standards have been developed using components of EN 50173-1
(e.g. EN 50098 series and EN 50700).
The generic cabling specified by this standard provides users with:
— an application independent system capable of supporting a wide range of applications in a range of
installation and operating environments;
— a flexible scheme such that modifications are both easy and economical;
— a multi-vendor supply chain within an open market for cabling components.
In addition this standard provides:
a) 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;
b) industry and standardization bodies with a cabling system which supports current products and provides
a basis for future product development and applications standardization.
Applications addressed in this standard include those developed by the Technical Committees of IEC
(including the subcommittees of ISO/IEC JTC 1) and study groups of ITU-T. In addition the Fieldbus
applications of EN 61784 (series) are included in order to support critical automation, process control and
monitoring applications in a range of industrial environments.
Physical layer requirements for the applications listed in EN 50173-1:2018, Annex F, have been analysed to
determine their compatibility with the cabling performance specified in this standard and, together with
statistics concerning premises geography from different countries and the models described in Clause 4,
have been used to develop the requirements for cabling components and to stipulate their arrangement into
cabling systems.
As a result, this standard:
a) specifies a structure for generic cabling supporting a wide variety of applications including, but not
restricted to, those in EN 50173-1:2018, Annex F;
b) adopts balanced cabling channel and link Classes D, E, EA, F and FA, specified in EN 50173-1;
c) adopts optical fibre cabling channel and link requirements specified in EN 50173-1;
d) adopts component requirements, specified in EN 50173-1, and specifies cabling implementations that
ensures performance of links and of channels meeting the requirements of a specified group (e.g. Class)
of applications.
With appropriate choice of components, generic cabling systems meeting the requirements of this standard
are expected to have a life expectancy consistent with other infrastructures within industrial premises.
Figure 2 shows the relationships between the generic cabling standards produced by CLC TC215 and the
application specific standards that apply to the industrial premises produced by CLC SC65CX.
Figure 2 — Relationships between the generic cabling standards produced by CLC TC215 and CLC
SC65CX
1 Scope and conformance
1.1 Scope
This standard specifies generic cabling to serve the automation islands in industrial premises, or industrial
spaces within other types of building.
It covers balanced cabling and optical fibre cabling.
This standard specifies directly or via reference to EN 50173-1 the:
— structure and minimum configuration for generic cabling within industrial 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.
This standard has taken into account requirements specified in application standards listed in EN 50173-1.
Safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements are outside the scope of this standard and are
covered by other standards and regulations. However, information given in this standard can be of assistance
in meeting these standards and regulations.
1.2 Conformance
For a cabling installation to conform to this standard the following applies.
a) The configuration and structure shall conform to the requirements of Clause 4.
b) Channels shall meet the requirements of Clause 5.
This shall be achieved by one of the following:
1) a channel design and implementation ensuring that the prescribed channel performance of Clause 5
is met;
2) attachment of appropriate components to a permanent link or CP link design meeting the prescribed
performance class of Annex A. Channel performance shall be ensured where a channel is created
by adding more than one cord to either end of a link meeting the requirements of Annex A;
3) for E1 environments, using the reference implementations of Clause 6 and compatible cabling
components conforming to the requirements of Clauses 7, 8 and 9 based upon a statistical
approach of performance modelling.
c) The interfaces to the cabling at the TO shall conform to the requirements of Clause 8 with respect to
mating interfaces and performance.
d) Connecting hardware at other places in the cabling structure shall meet the performance requirements
specified in Clause 8 independent of the interface used.
e) The requirements of EN 50174 series standards and EN 50310 shall be met.
f) Local regulations, including those concerning safety and EMC, shall be met.
This standard does not specify which tests and sampling levels should be adopted. Test methods to assess
conformance with the channel and link requirements of Clause 5 and Annex A respectively are specified in
EN 50173-1. The test parameters to be measured, the sampling levels and the treatment of measured results
to be applied for a particular installation shall be defined in the installation specification and quality plans for
that installation prepared in accordance with EN 50174-1.
In the absence of the channel, the conformance of the link shall be used to verify conformance with the
standard.
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 50173-1:2018, Information technology — Generic cabling systems — Part 1: General requirements
EN 50174-1, Information technology — Cabling installation — Part 1: Installation specification and quality
assurance
EN 50174-2, Information technology — Cabling installation — Part 2: Installation planning and practices
inside buildings
EN 50174-3, Information technology — Cabling installation — Part 3: Installation planning and practices
outside buildings
EN 61076-3-106:2006, Connectors for electronic equipment — Product requirements — Part 3-106:
Rectangular connectors — Detail specification for protective housings for use with 8-way shielded and
unshielded connectors for industrial environments incorporating the IEC 60603-7 series interface
(IEC 61076-3-106:2006)
EN 61754-20:2012, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components — Fibre optic connector
interfaces — Part 20: Type LC connector family (IEC 61754 20:2012)
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations
3.1 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 50173-1 and EN 50174-1 and the
following apply.
3.1.1
apparatus
one or more pieces of equipment having specific and defined overall functions within industrial spaces served
by one or more network interfaces
3.1.2
apparatus attachment cord
cord used to connect a telecommunications outlet (TO) to terminal equipment (TE) or a network interface (NI)
3.1.3
automation island
areas where combination of all systems that control, monitor and protect the process of a plant is installed
3.1.4
bulkhead
wall or barrier which maintains the ingress and climatic environmental classifications applicable on either side
3.1.5
floor cable
cable connecting the floor distributor to the intermediate distributor
3.1.6
floor distributor
the distributor used to make connections between the floor cable, building backbone cable and active
equipment
3.1.7
intermediate cable
cable connecting the intermediate distributor to the telecommunications outlet
3.1.8
intermediate distributor
distributor used to make connections between the intermediate cable, other cabling subsystems and active
equipment
3.1.9
network interface
interface between the apparatus attachment cabling and the apparatus or the automation island network
3.1.10
telecommunications outlet
fixed connector providing connection to terminal equipment
3.2 Abbreviations
For the purposes of this document, the abbreviations given in EN 50173-1 and the following apply.
AI Automation Island
AO Automation Outlet
CP Consolidation Point
FD Floor Distributor
ID Intermediate Distributor
IID Industrial Intermediate Distributor
NI Network Interface
PCMA Process Control, Monitoring and Automation
TO Telecommunications Outlet
4 Structure of the generic cabling system in industrial spaces
4.1 General
This clause identifies the functional elements of generic cabling for industrial premises, describes how they
are connected together to form subsystems and identifies the interfaces at which application-specific
components are connected to the generic cabling infrastructure. Applications listed in EN 50173-1:2018,
Annex F, are supported by connecting active equipment at the TOs and the distributors.
In general, all functional elements, subsystems and interfaces from the campus distributor to the floor
distributor as described in EN 50173-1 are applicable.
4.2 Functional elements
In addition to the distributors specified in EN 50173-1 this Standard specifies the following functional
elements and interfaces of generic cabling for industrial premises:
a) floor distributor (FD);
b) floor cable;
c) intermediate distributor (ID);
d) intermediate cable;
e) consolidation point (CP);
f) consolidation point cable (CP cable);
g) telecommunications outlet (TO).
Groups of these functional elements are connected together with those of EN 50173-1 to form cabling
subsystems.
4.3 Structure and hierarchy
Generic cabling schemes contain up to four cabling subsystems: campus backbone, building backbone, floor
and intermediate. The cabling subsystems are connected together to create a generic cabling structure as
shown in Figure 3. The composition of the subsystems is described in 4.4.2.2, 4.4.2.1, 4.4.1.2, and 4.4.1.1.
The functional elements of the cabling subsystems are interconnected to form a hierarchical structure as
shown in Figure 4.
Connections between cabling subsystems are either active, requiring application-specific equipment, or
passive. Connection to application-specific equipment adopts either an interconnect or a cross-connect
approach (see EN 50173-1). Passive connections between cabling subsystems shall be achieved using
cross-connections generally by way of either patch cords or jumpers, or an interconnect approach.

Figure 3 — Structure of generic cabling
Figure 4 — Hierarchical topology of structured cabling
Centralized cabling structures as shown in Figure 5 combine backbone, floor and intermediate channels. The
channels are provided by passive connections in the distributors. The connections are achieved by using
either cross-connections or interconnections. In addition, for centralized optical fibre cabling, it is possible to
create connections at the distributors using splices although this reduces the ability of the cabling to support
re-configuration.
Figure 5 — Structures for centralized generic cabling
As shown in Figure 6, an ID is able to serve TOs on telecommunications terminal equipment (TE), apparatus
or on automation islands. Apparatus can be served with multiple TOs. The type and nature of the apparatus
attachment cords and cabling are beyond the scope of this European Standard.
Figure 6 — Interconnections at the TO
The provision of certain critical process control, monitoring and automation (PCMA) applications to an AI it is
necessary to replace the intermediate cabling subsystem with application-specific cabling which is not
specified by this European Standard. However, Annex B describes an industrial cabling subsystem to support
specific implementations of this cabling in accordance with EN 61918 to support specific applications of the
EN 61784 series.
Examples of more complex equipment connection systems that are not in accordance with this clause are
described in Annex C and Annex D as follows:
a) Annex C describes reference implementations, using the components of Clauses 7, 8 and 9, which
deliver transmission performance in accordance with the Classes of Clause 5;
b) Annex D describes reference implementations, using the components Clauses 7, 8 and 9 that are
capable of delivering transmission performance in accordance with the Classes of Clause 5 but are not
able to be supported in a normative manner by this standard.
4.4 Cabling subsystems
4.4.1 Industrial space cabling subsystems
4.4.1.1 Intermediate cabling subsystem
The intermediate cabling subsystem extends from an ID to the TO(s) connected to it. The subsystem
includes:
a) the intermediate cables;
b) the mechanical termination of the intermediate cables at the TO and the ID together with associated
patch cords and/or jumpers at the ID;
c) CP(s) (optional);
d) CP cables (optional);
e) the TO(s).
Although apparatus attachment and equipment cords are used to connect terminal equipment, network
interfaces and transmission equipment to the cabling subsystem, they are not considered part of the cabling
subsystem because they can be application-specific.
Intermediate cables shall be continuous from the intermediate distributor to the TO(s) unless a CP is installed
(see 4.8.5.2).
4.4.1.2 Floor cabling subsystem
The floor cabling subsystem extends from an FD to the ID connected to it. The subsystem includes:
a) the floor cables;
b) the mechanical termination of the floor cables including the connecting hardware (e.g. of interconnect or
cross-connect) at both the FD and IDs together with associated patch cords and/or jumpers;
c) any passive connections to the building backbone cabling.
Although equipment cords are included in a channel, they are not considered part of the cabling subsystem
because they can be application-specific.
4.4.2 Associated cabling subsystems
4.4.2.1 Building backbone cabling subsystem
See EN 50173-1.
4.4.2.2 Campus backbone cabling subsystem
See EN 50173-1.
4.5 Design objectives
4.5.1 General
The design objectives should address the performance and capacity aspects described in 4.5.2, 4.5.3, 4.5.4
and 4.5.5.
In addition, the design should support objectives of reliability (by means of design choices addressing
resilience, redundancy and disaster recovery) and any requirements for localized security. Measures that can
be considered (see Figure 7) include:
a) multiple and physically separated building entrances;
b) facilities served by multiple service providers;
c) multiple and physically separated distributors;
d) diversely routed cabling between distributors;
e) tie cabling providing connection between distributors at the same hierarchical level as described in 4.5.5.
See EN 50174-1 for identification and administration of diverse routed and tie cabling.
Figure 7 — Examples of cabling implementation to improve reliability
4.5.2 Intermediate cabling
Intermediate cabling should be designed to support the broadest set of existing and emerging applications
within the environmental conditions defined in Clause 5 and therefore provide the longest operational life.
This will minimize disruption and the high cost of re-cabling within the industrial space.
This standard allows the use of cable sharing in the intermediate cabling subsystem terminating 4-pair cables
as 2-pair interfaces at the TO and ID. However, 4 pairs per TO is recommended to support common
applications (see EN 50173-1:2018, Annex F) and 2-pair interfaces should only be considered where a
design assessment has confirmed that there is adequate provision of capacity in terms of cables, their
accommodation and resulting application provision should it be necessary to re-terminate the 4 pair balanced
cable in a 4-pair configuration.
This standard allows the use of optical fibre cabling in the intermediate cabling subsystem. Such an
implementation should only be considered where a design assessment has confirmed that there is adequate
provision for applications that do not have optical fibre equivalents (e.g. remote powering). See
EN 50173-1:2018, Annex F, for further information.
4.5.3 Floor cabling
Floor cabling should be designed to support the broadest set of existing and emerging applications within the
environmental conditions defined in Clause 5 and therefore provide the longest operational life. This will
minimize disruption and the high cost of re-cabling within the industrial space.
4.5.4 Backbone cabling
See EN 50173-1.
4.5.5 Tie cabling
Tie cabling, although not considered as a part of the hierarchical structure within this European Standard,
connects distributors of the same hierarchical level and can be implemented for purposes of localized security
or for reliability. Where present, it contains:
a) the tie cables;
b) the mechanical termination of the tie cables at the connected distributors;
c) equipment cords, patch cords or jumpers used to connect the tie cables to the generic cabling at, or to
transmission equipment associated with, those distributors.
In the absence of specific design requirements, the tie cabling should be designed to meet the highest data
rate supported by the most demanding cabling subsystem solution.
4.6 Accommodation of functional elements
4.6.1 General
Figure 8 shows an example of how the functional elements are accommodated in a building.
Figure 8 — Accommodation of functional elements
4.6.2 Telecommunications Outlets
TOs are generally located on the fixed building structure or within or on apparatus.
4.6.3 Distributors
Requirements for spaces accommodating distributors are contained in EN 50174-2.
4.6.4 Cables
The requirements for pathways and pathway systems accommodating cables are provided in EN 50174-2
and EN 50174-3.
4.6.5 Consolidation Points
CPs should be located in accessible permanent locations.
4.7 Interfaces
4.7.1 Equipment interfaces and test interfaces
In addition to the equipment interfaces (EIs) specified in EN 50173-1, potential EIs are located at the ends of
the intermediate and floor cabling subsystems (as shown in Figure 9). A CP does not provide an EI to the
generic cabling system.
In addition to the test interfaces (TIs) specified in EN 50173-1, potential TIs are located at the ends of the
intermediate and floor cabling subsystem (as shown in Figure 9).

Figure 9 — Test and equipment interfaces
4.7.2 Channels and links
4.7.2.1 Channels
The transmission performance requirements of channels are detailed in Clause 5.
The channel is the transmission path between transmission equipment (EQP in Figure 9) and
transmission/terminal equipment (TE in Figure 9).
A typical channel would consist of the intermediate cabling subsystem together with apparatus attachment
and equipment cords. For longer reach services the channel would be formed by the connection of two or
more subsystems (again with apparatus attachment and equipment cords). It is important that the generic
cabling channel is designed to meet the required performance for the applications that are to be supported.
For the purposes of testing, the channel excludes the mated connection at the active equipment.
4.7.2.2 Links
The transmission performance requirements and relevant configurations of links are specified in Annex A.
For the purposes of testing, the link includes the connections at the ends of the cabling link under test.
4.8 Dimensioning and configuring
4.8.1 Distributors
The number and type of subsystems that are included in a generic cabling implementation depends upon the
geography and size of the campus or building, and upon the strategy of the user. Usually there would be one
campus distributor per campus. However, the number of BDs, FDs and IDs shall be determined by the size of
the building, the floor space and the disposition of apparatus. If the premises comprise only a single building
that is small enough to be served by a single building distributor, there is no need for a campus backbone
cabling subsystem. In contrast, larger buildings can be served by multiple building distributors interconnected
via a campus distributor.
The design of distributors should ensure that the lengths of patch cords, jumpers and equipment cords are
minimized. The design lengths of the cords should be maintained during operation.
Distributors shall be located such that the resulting cable lengths are consistent with the channel performance
requirements of Clause 5.
For the implementations described in Clause 6, using the components of Clauses 7, 8 and 9, the maximum
channel lengths in Table 2 shall be observed. In the case of the reference implementations described in
Clause 6, distributors shall be located to ensure that the channel lengths in Table 2 are not exceeded.
Table 2 — Maximum channel lengths for reference implementations
Channel Length
m
Intermediate 100
Intermediate + floor + building backbone + campus backbone 10 000
NOTE In some implementations of the intermediate cabling subsystem in Clause 5, the ID may not support
TOs up to the maximum distance shown.
There should be a minimum of one floor distributor for every 1 000 m of industrial space. A minimum of one
floor distributor should be provided for every floor. If a floor is sparsely populated it is permissible to serve this
floor from the floor distributor located on an adjacent floor. If a floor area extends beyond 1 000 m , additional
floor distributors can be installed to more effectively service the work area.
The functions of multiple distributors can be combined.
4.8.2 Cables
In the case of cable sharing, additional requirements shall be taken into account for balanced cabling. The
additional crosstalk requirements are specified in EN 50173-1:2018, 7.3.3.
4.8.3 Connecting hardware
Connecting hardware for connecting cables shall only provide direct onward attachment for each conductor
and shall not provide any contact between more than one incoming or outgoing conductor (e.g. bridge taps
shall not be used).
4.8.4 Cords
The apparatus attachment cord connects the TO to the telecommunications TE or NIs. Equipment cords
connect active equipment to the generic cabling at distributors. Both are non-permanent and application-
specific. The performance contribution of these cords shall be taken into account in the design of the channel.
Clause 6 provides guidance on cord lengths for reference implementations of generic cabling.
Patch cords and jumpers are used within cross-connect implementations at distributors. The performance
contribution of these cords shall be taken into account in the design of the channel. Clause 6 provides
guidance on cord/jumper lengths for reference implementations of generic cabling.
4.8.5 Telecommunications Outlets and Consolidation Points
4.8.5.1 Telecommunications Outlets
The design of generic cabling for industrial premises should provide for TOs to be installed and located
according to the requirements of the apparatus. A high density of TOs will enhance the ability of the cabling to
accommodate changes.
Telecommunications outlets may be presented individually or in groups. The number of TOs should take into
account any provision for connections to TE using overlay cabling in accordance with EN 50173-6.
a) each apparatus network shall be served by a minimum of one TO
b) each identified TE location shall be served by a minimum of one TO;
c) the TO shall be configured with either balanced cable terminated in accordance with 8.2 or optical fibres
terminated in accordance with 8.3 (provided the solution is supported by the design objective of 4.5.2);
d) where balanced cable is used:
i) 4 pair balanced cable should be terminated at the TO in accordance with 8.2.2.1. 2 pairs per TO
may be terminated provided that:
1) the solution is supported by the design objectives of 4.5.2:
2) initial pair assignment, and all subsequent changes, are recorded (see EN 50174-1 for details of
administration requirements).
ii) 2 pairs per TO, terminated in accordance with 8.2.2.2, may be used, however the interface of 8.2.2.2
cannot provide all the transmission performance options provided by the interface of 8.2.2.1 and will
not support some applications (see EN 50173-1);
e) each TO shall have a permanent, readable means of identification;
f) devices such as cable sharing adapters, baluns and impedance matching adapters, if used, shall be
external to the TO.
Reassignment of balanced pairs by means of inserts is allowed.
4.8.5.2 Consolidation Points
The installation of a CP in the intermediate cabling between the ID and the TO can be useful. One CP is
permitted between an ID and any TO. The CP shall only contain passive components and the connection
shall adopt an interconnect approach (see EN 50173-1).
In addition, where a CP is used:
a) the CP should be limited to serving a maximum of 24 TOs;
b) the CP should be located in accessible permanent locations such as ceiling voids and under floors;
c) for balanced cabling, the effect of multiple connections in close proximity on transmission performance
should be taken into consideration when planning the cable lengths between the ID and the CP;
d) the CP has labelling and documentation requirements and shall be covered in the cabling administration
system.
4.8.6 External network interface
See EN 50173-1.
5 Channel performance in industrial spaces
5.1 General
This clause specifies the minimum channel performance for balanced and optical fibre cabling. The
environmental and transmission performance of a channel is specified at and between the connections to
active equipment as shown in Figure 10. The channel comprises only passive sections of cable, connections,
apparatus attachment cords, equipment cords, patch cords and jumpers.
Compatibility between the structures and materials at the interfaces between these components and
assemblies shall ensure that the required mechanical, environmental and transmission performance is
maintained for the intended life of the cabling.
Using the environmental classification of EN 50173-1, many spaces served by cabling in accordance with this
European standard are M1I1C1E1. However:
— light industrial environments are typically M2I2C2E2;
— heavy industrial environments are typically M3I3C3E3.
The channel performance is a combination of environmental performance and transmission performance. The
environmental performance of the cabling is specified in terms of Classes in 5.2. The transmission
performance of cabling channels is specified in 5.3.
Where applications listed in EN 50173-1:2018, Annex F, are to be supported, the transmission and
environmental performance of the connections at the active equipment are the responsibility of the equipment
supplier.
Figure 10 — Transmission performance of an intermediate cabling channel
Application support depends on channel transmission performance only, which in turn depends on cable
length, the number of connections and the performance of the components within the environments to which
the channel is subjected.
Channels are implemented using either:
— intermediate cabling only;
— floor cabling only;
— building backbone cabling only;
— campus backbone cabling only;
— combinations of the above.
Figure 11 shows an example of a NI connected to a host using two channels; an optical fibre channel and a
balanced cabling channel. The optical fibre and balanced cabling channels are connected together using an
optical fibre to balanced cable converter. There are four channel interfaces; one at each end of the balanced
cabling channel, and one at each end of the optical fibre cabling channel.
Figure 11 — Example of a system showing the location of cabling interfaces
5.2 Environmental performance
The transmission performance of 5.3 shall be achieved following consideration of the relevant environmental
Class of EN 50173-1:2018, 5.1.
5.3 Transmission performance
5.3.1 General
The channel transmission performance specifications are separated into Classes that allow for the
transmission of the applications in EN 50173-1:2018, Annex F.
The channel performance requirements described in this clause shall be used for the design and can be used
for verification of any implementation of this European Standard, using the test methods defined, or referred
to, by this clause. In addition, these requirements can be used for application development and trouble
shooting.
The channel specifications in this clause allow for the transmission of defined Classes of applicati
...

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-oktober-2018
Nadomešča:
SIST EN 50173-3:2008
SIST EN 50173-3:2008/A1:2011
SIST EN 50173-3:2008/A1:2011/AC:2011
Informacijska tehnologija - Osnovni kabelski sistemi - 3. del: Industrijska okolja
Information technology - Generic cabling systems - Part 3: Industrial spaces
Informationstechnik - Anwendungsneutrale Kommunikationskabelanlagen - Teil 3:
Industriell genutzte Bereiche
Technologies de l'information - Systèmes de câblage générique - Partie 3: Espaces
industriels
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 50173-3:2018
ICS:
33.040.50 Vodi, zveze in tokokrogi Lines, connections and
circuits
35.110 Omreževanje Networking
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 50173-3
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
June 2018
ICS 35.110 Supersedes EN 50173-3:2007
English Version
Information technology - Generic cabling systems - Part 3:
Industrial spaces
Technologies de l'information - Systèmes de câblage Informationstechnik - Anwendungsneutrale
générique - Partie 3: Espaces industriels Kommunikationskabelanlagen - Teil 3: Industriell genutzte
Bereiche
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2018-03-19. 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.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists 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, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

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
© 2018 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN 50173-3:2018 E
Contents Page
European foreword 6
Introduction 7
1 Scope and conformance 11
1.1 Scope 11
1.2 Conformance 11
2 Normative references 12
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations 12
3.1 Terms and definitions 12
3.2 Abbreviations 13
4 Structure of the generic cabling system in industrial spaces 13
4.1 General 13
4.2 Functional elements 14
4.3 Structure and hierarchy 14
4.4 Cabling subsystems 17
4.4.1 Industrial space cabling subsystems 17
4.4.2 Associated cabling subsystems 18
4.5 Design objectives 18
4.5.1 General 18
4.5.2 Intermediate cabling 19
4.5.3 Floor cabling 20
4.5.4 Backbone cabling 20
4.5.5 Tie cabling 20
4.6 Accommodation of functional elements 20
4.6.1 General 20
4.6.2 Telecommunications Outlets 21
4.6.3 Distributors 21
4.6.4 Cables 21
4.6.5 Consolidation Points 21
4.7 Interfaces 21
4.7.1 Equipment interfaces and test interfaces 21
4.7.2 Channels and links 22
4.8 Dimensioning and configuring 22
4.8.1 Distributors 22
4.8.2 Cables 23
4.8.3 Connecting hardware 23
4.8.4 Cords 23
4.8.5 Telecommunications Outlets and Consolidation Points 23
4.8.6 External network interface 24
5 Channel performance in industrial spaces 24
5.1 General 24
5.2 Environmental performance 26
5.3 Transmission performance 26
5.3.1 General 26
5.3.2 Balanced cabling 26
5.3.3 Optical fibre cabling 27
6 Reference implementations in industrial spaces 27
6.1 General 27
6.2 Balanced cabling 27
6.2.1 Assumptions 27
6.2.2 Intermediate cabling 28
6.2.3 Floor cabling 31
6.2.4 Backbone cabling 31
6.3 Optical fibre cabling 31
6.3.1 Intermediate and floor cabling 31
6.3.2 Backbone cabling 32
7 Requirements for cables in industrial spaces 33
7.1 General 33
7.2 Balanced cables of Category 5, 6, 6 7, 7 , 8.1 and 8.2 33
A, A
7.3 Optical fibre cables of Category OM3, OM4, OM5, OS1a and OS2 33
8 Requirements for connecting hardware in industrial spaces 33
8.1 General requirements 33
8.2 Balanced connecting hardware 34
8.2.1 General requirements 34
8.2.2 Electrical, mechanical and environmental performance 34
8.3 Optical fibre connecting hardware 34
8.3.1 General requirements 34
8.3.2 Connecting hardware for optical fibres 34
9 Requirements for cords and jumpers in industrial spaces 35
9.1 Jumpers 35
9.2 Balanced cords of Category 5, 6, 6A, 7, 7A, 8.1 and 8.2 35
9.2.1 General 35
9.2.2 Additional requirements for certain cords 35
9.3 Optical fibre cords of Category OM3, OM4, OM5, OS1a and OS2 35
Annex A (normative) Permanent link performance limits 36
A.1 General 36
A.2 Balanced cabling and optical fibre cabling 37
A.2.1 General 37
A.2.2 Balanced cabling 37
A.2.3 Optical fibre cabling 37
Annex B (normative) Industrial cabling subsystem 38
B.1 General 38
B.2 Industrial cabling subsystem 39
Annex C (normative) Reference implementations that do not conform to Clause 4 40
C.1 General 40
C.2 Connection-less channels 40
C.2.1 General 40
C.2.2 Channels with no connections 40
C.2.3 Channels with interconnections 41
C.3 Channels using balanced cabling bulkhead connections 43
Annex D (informative) Alternative cabling implementations 47
D.1 General 47
D.2 Channels using balanced cabling bulkhead connections with additional connections 47
Bibliography 51
Figures
Figure 1 — Schematic relationship between the EN 50173 series and other relevant standards 8
Figure 2 — Relationships between the generic cabling standards produced by CLC TC215 and CLC SC65CX
Figure 3 — Structure of generic cabling 14
Figure 4 — Hierarchical topology of structured cabling 15
Figure 5 — Structures for centralized generic cabling 16
Figure 6 — Interconnections at the TO 17
Figure 7 — Examples of cabling implementation to improve reliability 19
Figure 8 — Accommodation of functional elements 21
Figure 9 — Test and equipment interfaces 22
Figure 10 — Transmission performance of an intermediate cabling channel 25
Figure 11 — Example of a system showing the location of cabling interfaces 26
Figure 12 — Intermediate cabling models 30
Figure 13 — Combined optical fibre intermediate/floor channels 32
Figure A.1 — Permanent link options 36
Figure B.1 — Industrial cabling system supporting several AIs 38
Figure B.2 — Combined structure of generic and industrial cabling system using an IID 39
Figure C.1 — Channel configurations with no connections 41
Figure C.2 — Channel configurations with balanced cabling interconnections 42
Figure C.3 — Channel configurations with balanced cabling bulkhead connections 44
Figure D.1 — Alternative channel configurations 48
Tables
Table 1 — Contextual relationship between EN 50173 series and other standards relevant for information
technology cabling systems 8
Table 2 — Maximum channel lengths for reference implementations 23
Table 3 — Intermediate channel length equations 30
Table C.1 — Channel equations for balanced cabling 43
Table C.2 — Channel equations for bulkhead connections 45
Table D.1 — Alternative channel equations 50
European foreword
This document (EN 50173-3:2018) has been prepared by the Technical Committee CENELEC TC 215
"Electrotechnical aspects of telecommunication equipment".
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which this document has (dop) 2019-03-19
to be implemented at national level by
publication of an identical national
standard or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national (dow) 2021-03-19
standards conflicting with this document
have to be withdrawn
This document supersedes EN 50173-3:2007 + A1:2010 + AC:2011.
The European Standards EN 50173:1995 and EN 50173-1:2002 have been developed to enable the
application-independent cabling to support ICT applications in office premises. Their basic principles,
however, are applicable to other types of applications and in other types of premises.
TC 215 has decided to establish relevant European Standards which address the specific requirements of
these premises. In order to point out the commonalities of these cabling design standards, these EN are
published as individual parts of the series EN 50173, thus also acknowledging that standards users recognize
the designation “EN 50173” as a synonym for generic cabling design.
At the time of publication of this European Standard, series EN 50173 comprises the following standards:
EN 50173-1 Information technology – Generic cabling systems – Part 1: General requirements
EN 50173-2 Information technology – Generic cabling systems – Part 2: Office premises
EN 50173-3 Information technology – Generic cabling systems – Part 3: Industrial spaces
EN 50173-4 Information technology – Generic cabling systems – Part 4: Homes
EN 50173-5 Information technology – Generic cabling systems – Part 5: Data centres
EN 50173-6 Information technology – Generic cabling systems – Part 6: Distributed building services
This European Standard, EN 50173-3, contains specific requirements for generic cabling systems intended to
be operated in industrial premises, referencing the general requirements of EN 50173-1:2018
This edition of EN 50173-3:
a) introduces new balanced cabling component Categories 8.1 and 8.2 to support new channel Classes I
and II;
b) introduces a new cabled optical fibre Category OM5 and Category OS1a;
c) introduces a new Annex on the industrial cabling subsystem;
d) amends various other subclauses, tables and figures;
e) aligns the document structure across the EN 50173 series and updates the document both technically
and editorially.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CENELEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Introduction
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 quality of service and have commercial consequences for all types of users.
This standard specifies generic cabling to serve the automation islands in industrial premises, or industrial
spaces within other types of building.
Additionally those premises can include:
— office spaces for which generic cabling is specified in EN 50173-2;
— data centre spaces for which generic cabling is specified in EN 50173-5.
Generic cabling for distributed building services in industrial spaces is specified in EN 50173-6 which
addresses all of the above premises and spaces within them.
Figure 1 and Table 1 show the schematic and contextual relationships between the standards produced by
TC 215 for information technology cabling, namely:
1) this and other parts of the EN 50173 series;
2) installation (EN 50174 series);
3) bonding (EN 50310).
Figure 1 — Schematic relationship between the EN 50173 series and other relevant standards
Table 1 — Contextual relationship between EN 50173 series and other standards relevant for
information technology cabling systems
Building design Generic cabling Specification Installation Operation phase
phase design phase phase phase
EN 50173-2 EN 50174-1
EN 50173-3
Planning phase
EN 50173-4
EN 50174-2
EN 50173-5
EN 50310 EN 50174-3 EN 50174-1
EN 50173-6 EN 50174-2
EN 50310
EN 50174-3
(these ENs
EN 50310
reference general
requirements of
EN 50173-1)
In addition, a number of Technical Reports have been developed to support or extend the application of these
standards, including:
— CLC/TR 50173-99-1, Cabling guidelines in support of 10 GBASE-T;
— CLC/TR 50173-99-2, Information technology — Implementation of BCT applications using cabling in
accordance with EN 50173-4;
— CLC/TR 50173-99-3, Information technology — Generic cabling systems — Part 99-3: Home cabling
infrastructures up to 50 m in length to support simultaneous and non simultaneous provision of
applications.
In addition, a number of cabling design standards have been developed using components of EN 50173-1
(e.g. EN 50098 series and EN 50700).
The generic cabling specified by this standard provides users with:
— an application independent system capable of supporting a wide range of applications in a range of
installation and operating environments;
— a flexible scheme such that modifications are both easy and economical;
— a multi-vendor supply chain within an open market for cabling components.
In addition this standard provides:
a) 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;
b) industry and standardization bodies with a cabling system which supports current products and provides
a basis for future product development and applications standardization.
Applications addressed in this standard include those developed by the Technical Committees of IEC
(including the subcommittees of ISO/IEC JTC 1) and study groups of ITU-T. In addition the Fieldbus
applications of EN 61784 (series) are included in order to support critical automation, process control and
monitoring applications in a range of industrial environments.
Physical layer requirements for the applications listed in EN 50173-1:2018, Annex F, have been analysed to
determine their compatibility with the cabling performance specified in this standard and, together with
statistics concerning premises geography from different countries and the models described in Clause 4,
have been used to develop the requirements for cabling components and to stipulate their arrangement into
cabling systems.
As a result, this standard:
a) specifies a structure for generic cabling supporting a wide variety of applications including, but not
restricted to, those in EN 50173-1:2018, Annex F;
b) adopts balanced cabling channel and link Classes D, E, EA, F and FA, specified in EN 50173-1;
c) adopts optical fibre cabling channel and link requirements specified in EN 50173-1;
d) adopts component requirements, specified in EN 50173-1, and specifies cabling implementations that
ensures performance of links and of channels meeting the requirements of a specified group (e.g. Class)
of applications.
With appropriate choice of components, generic cabling systems meeting the requirements of this standard
are expected to have a life expectancy consistent with other infrastructures within industrial premises.
Figure 2 shows the relationships between the generic cabling standards produced by CLC TC215 and the
application specific standards that apply to the industrial premises produced by CLC SC65CX.
Figure 2 — Relationships between the generic cabling standards produced by CLC TC215 and CLC
SC65CX
1 Scope and conformance
1.1 Scope
This standard specifies generic cabling to serve the automation islands in industrial premises, or industrial
spaces within other types of building.
It covers balanced cabling and optical fibre cabling.
This standard specifies directly or via reference to EN 50173-1 the:
— structure and minimum configuration for generic cabling within industrial 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.
This standard has taken into account requirements specified in application standards listed in EN 50173-1.
Safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements are outside the scope of this standard and are
covered by other standards and regulations. However, information given in this standard can be of assistance
in meeting these standards and regulations.
1.2 Conformance
For a cabling installation to conform to this standard the following applies.
a) The configuration and structure shall conform to the requirements of Clause 4.
b) Channels shall meet the requirements of Clause 5.
This shall be achieved by one of the following:
1) a channel design and implementation ensuring that the prescribed channel performance of Clause 5
is met;
2) attachment of appropriate components to a permanent link or CP link design meeting the prescribed
performance class of Annex A. Channel performance shall be ensured where a channel is created
by adding more than one cord to either end of a link meeting the requirements of Annex A;
3) for E1 environments, using the reference implementations of Clause 6 and compatible cabling
components conforming to the requirements of Clauses 7, 8 and 9 based upon a statistical
approach of performance modelling.
c) The interfaces to the cabling at the TO shall conform to the requirements of Clause 8 with respect to
mating interfaces and performance.
d) Connecting hardware at other places in the cabling structure shall meet the performance requirements
specified in Clause 8 independent of the interface used.
e) The requirements of EN 50174 series standards and EN 50310 shall be met.
f) Local regulations, including those concerning safety and EMC, shall be met.
This standard does not specify which tests and sampling levels should be adopted. Test methods to assess
conformance with the channel and link requirements of Clause 5 and Annex A respectively are specified in
EN 50173-1. The test parameters to be measured, the sampling levels and the treatment of measured results
to be applied for a particular installation shall be defined in the installation specification and quality plans for
that installation prepared in accordance with EN 50174-1.
In the absence of the channel, the conformance of the link shall be used to verify conformance with the
standard.
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 50173-1:2018, Information technology — Generic cabling systems — Part 1: General requirements
EN 50174-1, Information technology — Cabling installation — Part 1: Installation specification and quality
assurance
EN 50174-2, Information technology — Cabling installation — Part 2: Installation planning and practices
inside buildings
EN 50174-3, Information technology — Cabling installation — Part 3: Installation planning and practices
outside buildings
EN 61076-3-106:2006, Connectors for electronic equipment — Product requirements — Part 3-106:
Rectangular connectors — Detail specification for protective housings for use with 8-way shielded and
unshielded connectors for industrial environments incorporating the IEC 60603-7 series interface
(IEC 61076-3-106:2006)
EN 61754-20:2012, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components — Fibre optic connector
interfaces — Part 20: Type LC connector family (IEC 61754 20:2012)
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations
3.1 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 50173-1 and EN 50174-1 and the
following apply.
3.1.1
apparatus
one or more pieces of equipment having specific and defined overall functions within industrial spaces served
by one or more network interfaces
3.1.2
apparatus attachment cord
cord used to connect a telecommunications outlet (TO) to terminal equipment (TE) or a network interface (NI)
3.1.3
automation island
areas where combination of all systems that control, monitor and protect the process of a plant is installed
3.1.4
bulkhead
wall or barrier which maintains the ingress and climatic environmental classifications applicable on either side
3.1.5
floor cable
cable connecting the floor distributor to the intermediate distributor
3.1.6
floor distributor
the distributor used to make connections between the floor cable, building backbone cable and active
equipment
3.1.7
intermediate cable
cable connecting the intermediate distributor to the telecommunications outlet
3.1.8
intermediate distributor
distributor used to make connections between the intermediate cable, other cabling subsystems and active
equipment
3.1.9
network interface
interface between the apparatus attachment cabling and the apparatus or the automation island network
3.1.10
telecommunications outlet
fixed connector providing connection to terminal equipment
3.2 Abbreviations
For the purposes of this document, the abbreviations given in EN 50173-1 and the following apply.
AI Automation Island
AO Automation Outlet
CP Consolidation Point
FD Floor Distributor
ID Intermediate Distributor
IID Industrial Intermediate Distributor
NI Network Interface
PCMA Process Control, Monitoring and Automation
TO Telecommunications Outlet
4 Structure of the generic cabling system in industrial spaces
4.1 General
This clause identifies the functional elements of generic cabling for industrial premises, describes how they
are connected together to form subsystems and identifies the interfaces at which application-specific
components are connected to the generic cabling infrastructure. Applications listed in EN 50173-1:2018,
Annex F, are supported by connecting active equipment at the TOs and the distributors.
In general, all functional elements, subsystems and interfaces from the campus distributor to the floor
distributor as described in EN 50173-1 are applicable.
4.2 Functional elements
In addition to the distributors specified in EN 50173-1 this Standard specifies the following functional
elements and interfaces of generic cabling for industrial premises:
a) floor distributor (FD);
b) floor cable;
c) intermediate distributor (ID);
d) intermediate cable;
e) consolidation point (CP);
f) consolidation point cable (CP cable);
g) telecommunications outlet (TO).
Groups of these functional elements are connected together with those of EN 50173-1 to form cabling
subsystems.
4.3 Structure and hierarchy
Generic cabling schemes contain up to four cabling subsystems: campus backbone, building backbone, floor
and intermediate. The cabling subsystems are connected together to create a generic cabling structure as
shown in Figure 3. The composition of the subsystems is described in 4.4.2.2, 4.4.2.1, 4.4.1.2, and 4.4.1.1.
The functional elements of the cabling subsystems are interconnected to form a hierarchical structure as
shown in Figure 4.
Connections between cabling subsystems are either active, requiring application-specific equipment, or
passive. Connection to application-specific equipment adopts either an interconnect or a cross-connect
approach (see EN 50173-1). Passive connections between cabling subsystems shall be achieved using
cross-connections generally by way of either patch cords or jumpers, or an interconnect approach.

Figure 3 — Structure of generic cabling
Figure 4 — Hierarchical topology of structured cabling
Centralized cabling structures as shown in Figure 5 combine backbone, floor and intermediate channels. The
channels are provided by passive connections in the distributors. The connections are achieved by using
either cross-connections or interconnections. In addition, for centralized optical fibre cabling, it is possible to
create connections at the distributors using splices although this reduces the ability of the cabling to support
re-configuration.
Figure 5 — Structures for centralized generic cabling
As shown in Figure 6, an ID is able to serve TOs on telecommunications terminal equipment (TE), apparatus
or on automation islands. Apparatus can be served with multiple TOs. The type and nature of the apparatus
attachment cords and cabling are beyond the scope of this European Standard.
Figure 6 — Interconnections at the TO
The provision of certain critical process control, monitoring and automation (PCMA) applications to an AI it is
necessary to replace the intermediate cabling subsystem with application-specific cabling which is not
specified by this European Standard. However, Annex B describes an industrial cabling subsystem to support
specific implementations of this cabling in accordance with EN 61918 to support specific applications of the
EN 61784 series.
Examples of more complex equipment connection systems that are not in accordance with this clause are
described in Annex C and Annex D as follows:
a) Annex C describes reference implementations, using the components of Clauses 7, 8 and 9, which
deliver transmission performance in accordance with the Classes of Clause 5;
b) Annex D describes reference implementations, using the components Clauses 7, 8 and 9 that are
capable of delivering transmission performance in accordance with the Classes of Clause 5 but are not
able to be supported in a normative manner by this standard.
4.4 Cabling subsystems
4.4.1 Industrial space cabling subsystems
4.4.1.1 Intermediate cabling subsystem
The intermediate cabling subsystem extends from an ID to the TO(s) connected to it. The subsystem
includes:
a) the intermediate cables;
b) the mechanical termination of the intermediate cables at the TO and the ID together with associated
patch cords and/or jumpers at the ID;
c) CP(s) (optional);
d) CP cables (optional);
e) the TO(s).
Although apparatus attachment and equipment cords are used to connect terminal equipment, network
interfaces and transmission equipment to the cabling subsystem, they are not considered part of the cabling
subsystem because they can be application-specific.
Intermediate cables shall be continuous from the intermediate distributor to the TO(s) unless a CP is installed
(see 4.8.5.2).
4.4.1.2 Floor cabling subsystem
The floor cabling subsystem extends from an FD to the ID connected to it. The subsystem includes:
a) the floor cables;
b) the mechanical termination of the floor cables including the connecting hardware (e.g. of interconnect or
cross-connect) at both the FD and IDs together with associated patch cords and/or jumpers;
c) any passive connections to the building backbone cabling.
Although equipment cords are included in a channel, they are not considered part of the cabling subsystem
because they can be application-specific.
4.4.2 Associated cabling subsystems
4.4.2.1 Building backbone cabling subsystem
See EN 50173-1.
4.4.2.2 Campus backbone cabling subsystem
See EN 50173-1.
4.5 Design objectives
4.5.1 General
The design objectives should address the performance and capacity aspects described in 4.5.2, 4.5.3, 4.5.4
and 4.5.5.
In addition, the design should support objectives of reliability (by means of design choices addressing
resilience, redundancy and disaster recovery) and any requirements for localized security. Measures that can
be considered (see Figure 7) include:
a) multiple and physically separated building entrances;
b) facilities served by multiple service providers;
c) multiple and physically separated distributors;
d) diversely routed cabling between distributors;
e) tie cabling providing connection between distributors at the same hierarchical level as described in 4.5.5.
See EN 50174-1 for identification and administration of diverse routed and tie cabling.
Figure 7 — Examples of cabling implementation to improve reliability
4.5.2 Intermediate cabling
Intermediate cabling should be designed to support the broadest set of existing and emerging applications
within the environmental conditions defined in Clause 5 and therefore provide the longest operational life.
This will minimize disruption and the high cost of re-cabling within the industrial space.
This standard allows the use of cable sharing in the intermediate cabling subsystem terminating 4-pair cables
as 2-pair interfaces at the TO and ID. However, 4 pairs per TO is recommended to support common
applications (see EN 50173-1:2018, Annex F) and 2-pair interfaces should only be considered where a
design assessment has confirmed that there is adequate provision of capacity in terms of cables, their
accommodation and resulting application provision should it be necessary to re-terminate the 4 pair balanced
cable in a 4-pair configuration.
This standard allows the use of optical fibre cabling in the intermediate cabling subsystem. Such an
implementation should only be considered where a design assessment has confirmed that there is adequate
provision for applications that do not have optical fibre equivalents (e.g. remote powering). See
EN 50173-1:2018, Annex F, for further information.
4.5.3 Floor cabling
Floor cabling should be designed to support the broadest set of existing and emerging applications within the
environmental conditions defined in Clause 5 and therefore provide the longest operational life. This will
minimize disruption and the high cost of re-cabling within the industrial space.
4.5.4 Backbone cabling
See EN 50173-1.
4.5.5 Tie cabling
Tie cabling, although not considered as a part of the hierarchical structure within this European Standard,
connects distributors of the same hierarchical level and can be implemented for purposes of localized security
or for reliability. Where present, it contains:
a) the tie cables;
b) the mechanical termination of the tie cables at the connected distributors;
c) equipment cords, patch cords or jumpers used to connect the tie cables to the generic cabling at, or to
transmission equipment associated with, those distributors.
In the absence of specific design requirements, the tie cabling should be designed to meet the highest data
rate supported by the most demanding cabling subsystem solution.
4.6 Accommodation of functional elements
4.6.1 General
Figure 8 shows an example of how the functional elements are accommodated in a building.
Figure 8 — Accommodation of functional elements
4.6.2 Telecommunications Outlets
TOs are generally located on the fixed building structure or within or on apparatus.
4.6.3 Distributors
Requirements for spaces accommodating distributors are contained in EN 50174-2.
4.6.4 Cables
The requirements for pathways and pathway systems accommodating cables are provided in EN 50174-2
and EN 50174-3.
4.6.5 Consolidation Points
CPs should be located in accessible permanent locations.
4.7 Interfaces
4.7.1 Equipment interfaces and test interfaces
In addition to the equipment interfaces (EIs) specified in EN 50173-1, potential EIs are located at the ends of
the intermediate and floor cabling subsystems (as shown in Figure 9). A CP does not provide an EI to the
generic cabling system.
In addition to the test interfaces (TIs) specified in EN 50173-1, potential TIs are located at the ends of the
intermediate and floor cabling subsystem (as shown in Figure 9).

Figure 9 — Test and equipment interfaces
4.7.2 Channels and links
4.7.2.1 Channels
The transmission performance requirements of channels are detailed in Clause 5.
The channel is the transmission path between transmission equipment (EQP in Figure 9) and
transmission/terminal equipment (TE in Figure 9).
A typical channel would consist of the intermediate cabling subsystem together with apparatus attachment
and equipment cords. For longer reach services the channel would be formed by the connection of two or
more subsystems (again with apparatus attachment and equipment cords). It is important that the generic
cabling channel is designed to meet the required performance for the applications that are to be supported.
For the purposes of testing, the channel excludes the mated connection at the active equipment.
4.7.2.2 Links
The transmission performance requirements and relevant configurations of links are specified in Annex A.
For the purposes of testing, the link includes the connections at the ends of the cabling link under test.
4.8 Dimensioning and configuring
4.8.1 Distributors
The number and type of subsystems that are included in a generic cabling implementation depends upon the
geography and size of the campus or building, and upon the strategy of the user. Usually there would be one
campus distributor per campus. However, the number of BDs, FDs and IDs shall be determined by the size of
the building, the floor space and the disposition of apparatus. If the premises comprise only a single building
that is small enough to be served by a single building distributor, there is no need for a campus backbone
cabling subsystem. In contrast, larger buildings can be served by multiple building distributors interconnected
via a campus distributor.
The design of distributors should ensure that the lengths of patch cords, jumpers and equipment cords are
minimized. The design lengths of the cords should be maintained during operation.
Distributors shall be located such that the resulting cable lengths are consistent with the channel performance
requirements of Clause 5.
For the implementations described in Clause 6, using the components of Clauses 7, 8 and 9, the maximum
channel lengths in Table 2 shall be observed. In the case of the reference implementations described in
Clause 6, distributors shall be located to ensure that the channel lengths in Table 2 are not exceeded.
Table 2 — Maximum channel lengths for reference implementations
Channel Length
m
Intermediate 100
Intermediate + floor + building backbone + campus backbone 10 000
NOTE In some implementations of the intermediate cabling subsystem in Clause 5, the ID may not support
TOs up to the maximum distance shown.
There should be a minimum of one floor distributor for every 1 000 m of industrial space. A minimum of one
floor distributor should be provided for every floor. If a floor is sparsely populated it is permissible to serve this
floor from the floor distributor located on an adjacent floor. If a floor area extends beyond 1 000 m , additional
floor distributors can be installed to more effectively service the work area.
The functions of multiple distributors can be combined.
4.8.2 Cables
In the case of cable sharing, additional requirements shall be taken into account for balanced cabling. The
additional crosstalk requirements are specified in EN 50173-1:2018, 7.3.3.
4.8.3 Connecting hardware
Connecting hardware for connecting cables shall only provide direct onward attachment for each conductor
and shall not provide any contact between more than one incoming or outgoing conductor (e.g. bridge taps
shall not be used).
4.8.4 Cords
The apparatus attachment cord connects the TO to the telecommunications TE or NIs. Equipment cords
connect active equipment to the generic cabling at distributors. Both are non-permanent and application-
specific. The performance contribution of these cords shall be taken into account in the design of the channel.
Clause 6 provides guidance on cord lengths for reference implementations of generic cabling.
Patch cords and jumpers are used within cross-connect implementations at distributors. The performance
contribution of these cords shall be taken into account in the design of the channel. Clause 6 provides
guidance on cord/jumper lengths for reference implementations of generic cabling.
4.8.5 Telecommunications Outlets and Consolidation Points
4.8.5.1 Telecommunications Outlets
The design of generic cabling for industrial premises should provide for TOs to be installed and located
according to the requirements of the apparatus. A high density of TOs will enhance the ability of the cabling to
accommodate changes.
Telecommunications outlets may be presented individually or in groups. The number of TOs should take into
account any provision for connections to TE using overlay cabling in accordance with EN 50173-6.
a) each apparatus network shall be served by a minimum of one TO
b) each identified TE location shall be served by a minimum of one TO;
c) the TO shall be configured with either balanced cable terminated in accordance with 8.2 or optical fibres
terminated in accordance with 8.3 (provided the solution is supported by the design objective of 4.5.2);
d) where balanced cable is used:
i) 4 pair balanced cable should be terminated at the TO in accordance with 8.2.2.1. 2 pairs per TO
may be terminated provided that:
1) the solution is supported by the design objectives of 4.5.2:
2) initial pair assignment, and all subsequent changes, are recorded (see EN 50174-1 for details of
administration requirements).
ii) 2 pairs per TO, terminated in accordance with 8.2.2.2, may be used, however the interface of 8.2.2.2
cannot provide all the transmission performance options provided by the interface of 8.2.2.1 and will
not support some applications (see EN 50173-1);
e) each TO shall have a permanent, readable means of identification;
f) devices such as cable sharing adapters, baluns and impedance matching adapters, if used, shall be
external to the TO.
Reassignment of balanced pairs by means of inserts is allowed.
4.8.5.2 Consolidation Points
The installation of a CP in the intermediate cabling between the ID and the TO can be useful. One CP is
permitted between an ID and any TO. The CP shall only contain passive components and the connection
shall adopt an interconnect approach (see EN 50173-1).
In addition, where a CP is used:
a) the CP should be limited to serving a maximum of 24 TOs;
b) the CP should be located in accessible permanent locations such as ceiling voids and under floors;
c) for balanced cabling, the effect of multiple connections in close proximity on transmission performance
should be taken into consideration when planning the cable lengths between the ID and the CP;
d) the CP has labelling and documentation requirements and shall be covered in the cabling administration
system.
4.8.6 External network interface
See EN 50173-1.
5 Channel performance in industrial spaces
5.1 General
This clause specifies the minimum channel performance for balanced and optical fibre cabling. The
environmental and transmission performance of a channel is specified at and between the connections to
active equipment as shown in Figure 10. The channel comprises only passive sections of cable, connections,
apparatus attachment cords, equipment cords, patch cords and jumpers.
Compatibility between the structures and materials at the interfaces between these components and
assemblies shall ensure that the required mechanical, environmental and transmission performance is
maintained for the intended life of the cabling.
Using the environmental classification of EN 50173-1, many spaces served by cabling in accordance with this
European standard are M1I1C1E1. However:
— light industrial environments are typically M2I2C2E2;
— heavy industrial environments are typically M3I3C3E3.
The channel performance is a combination of environmental performance and transmission performance. The
environmental performance of the cabling is specified in terms of Classes in 5.2. The transmission
performance of cabling channels is specified in 5.3.
Where applications listed in EN 50173-1:2018, Annex F, are to be supported, the transmission and
environmental performance of the connections at the active equipment are the responsibility of the equipment
supplier.
Figure 10 — Transmission performance of an intermediate cabling channel
Application support depends on channel transmission performance only, which in turn depends on cable
length, the number of connections and the performance of the components within the environments to which
the channel is subjected.
Channels are implemented using either:
— intermediate cabling only;
— floor cabling only;
— building backbone cabling only;
— campus backbone cabling only;
— combinations of the above.
Figure 11 shows an example of a NI connected to a host using two channels; an optical fibre channel and a
balanced cabling channel. The optical fibre and balanced cabling channels are connected together using an
optical fibre to balanced cable converter. There are four channel interfaces; one at each end of the balanced
cabling channel, and one at each end of the optical fibre cabling channel.
Figure 11 — Example of a system showing the location of cabling interfaces
5.2 Environmental performance
The transmission performance of 5.3 shall be achieved following consideration of the relevant environmental
Class of EN 50173-1:2018, 5.1.
5.3 Transmission performance
5.3.1 General
The channel transmission performance specifications are separated into Classes that allow for the
transmission of the applications in EN 50173-1:2018, Annex F.
The channel performance requirements described in this clause shall be used for the design and can be used
for verification of any implementation of this European Standard, using the test methods defined, or referred
to, by this clause. In addition, these requirements can be used for application development and trouble
shooting.
The channel specifications in this clause allow for the transmission of defined Classes of applications over
distances other than those of Clause 6, and/or using med
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