ISO/IEC TR 29106:2007

ISO/IEC TR 29106
Edition 1.0 2007-11
TECHNICAL
REPORT
Information technology – Generic cabling –
Introduction to the MICE environmental classification

All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from
either IEC or IEC's member National Committee in the country of the requester.
If you have any questions about ISO/IEC copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this
publication, please contact the address below or your local IEC member National Committee for further information.

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CH-1211 Geneva 20
Switzerland
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About the IEC
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the leading global organization that prepares and publishes
International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.

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ISO/IEC TR 29106
Edition 1.0 2007-11
TECHNICAL
REPORT –TYPE 3
Information technology – Generic cabling –
Introduction to the MICE environmental classification

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
PRICE CODE
F
ICS 35.200 ISBN 2-8318-9386-0
– 2 – TR 29106 © ISO/IEC:2007(E)
CONTENTS
FOREWORD.3

1 Scope.5
2 Reference documents.5
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations .6
3.1 Terms and definitions .6
3.2 Abbreviations .6
4 Application of environmental classification.6
4.1 MICE.6
4.2 Channel environment .6
4.3 Component selection.7
5 MICE system .10
5.1 General .10
5.2 Mechanical environment.10
5.3 Ingress protection and climatic environment .11
5.4 Chemical environment.13
5.5 Electromagnetic environment .15
Bibliography.16

Figure 1 – Example of variation of the environment along an industrial premises
cabling channel.7
Figure 2 – The local environment.7

Table 1 – Details of environmental classification.8
Table 2 – Derivation of boundaries for mechanical criteria in Table 1.10
Table 3 – Derivation of boundaries for ingress protection criteria in Table 1.11
Table 4 – Derivation of boundaries for climatic criteria in Table 1.11
Table 5 – Derivation of boundaries for chemical criteria in Table 1.13
Table 6 – Derivation of boundaries for electromagnetic criteria in Table 1.15

TR 29106 © ISO/IEC:2007(E) – 3 –
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY –
GENERIC CABLING –
INTRODUCTION TO THE MICE
ENVIRONMENTAL CLASSIFICATION
FOREWORD
1) ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) form the
specialized system for worldwide standardization. National bodies that are members of ISO or IEC participate in
the development of International Standards. Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any ISO and
IEC member body interested in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International
governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising with ISO and IEC also participate in this preparation.
2) In the field of information technology, ISO and IEC have established a joint technical committee, ISO/IEC JTC 1.
Draft International Standards adopted by the joint technical committee are circulated to national bodies for voting.
Publication as an International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the national bodies casting a vote.
3) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC and ISO on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an
international consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation
from all interested IEC and ISO member bodies.
4) IEC, ISO and ISO/IEC publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted
by IEC and ISO member bodies in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the
technical content of IEC, ISO and ISO/IEC publications is accurate, IEC or ISO cannot be held responsible for
the way in which they are used or for any misinterpretation by any end user.
5) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC and ISO member bodies undertake to apply IEC, ISO and
ISO/IEC publications transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications.
Any divergence between any ISO/IEC publication and the corresponding national or regional publication
should be clearly indicated in the latter.
6) ISO and IEC provide no marking procedure to indicate their approval and cannot be rendered responsible for
any equipment declared to be in conformity with an ISO/IEC publication.
7) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
8) No liability shall attach to IEC or ISO or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts
and members of their technical committees and IEC or ISO member bodies for any personal injury, property
damage or other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees)
and expenses arising out of the publication of, use of, or reliance upon, this ISO/IEC publication or any other IEC,
ISO or ISO/IEC publications.
9) Attention is drawn to the reference documents cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
10) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this Technical Report, type 3 may be the subject
of patent rights. ISO and IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
The main task of IEC and ISO technical committees is to prepare International Standards. In
exceptional circumstances, ISO/IEC JTC 1 or a subcommittee may propose the publication of
a technical report of one of the following types:
• type 1, when the required support cannot be obtained for the publication of an
International Standard, despite repeated efforts;
• type 2, when the subject is still under technical development or where, for any other
reason, there is the future but not immediate possibility of an agreement on an
International Standard;
• type 3, when the technical committee has collected data of a different kind from that which
is normally published as an International Standard, for example ‘state of the art’.

– 4 – TR 29106 © ISO/IEC:2007(E)
ISO/IEC 29106, which is a Technical Report of type 3, has been prepared by
subcommittee 25: Interconnection of information technology equipment, of ISO/IEC joint
technical committee 1: Information technology.
Technical reports of types 1 and 2 are subject to review within three years of publication to
decide whether they can be transformed into International Standards. Technical reports of
type 3 do not necessarily have to be reviewed until the data they provide are considered to be
no longer valid or useful.
This Technical Report of type 3 has been approved by vote of the member bodies, and the
voting results may be obtained from the address given on the second title page.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.

TR 29106 © ISO/IEC:2007(E) – 5 –
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY –
GENERIC CABLING –
INTRODUCTION TO THE MICE
ENVIRONMENTAL CLASSIFICATION
1 Scope
This Technical Report acts as an introduction to the concepts used to develop the MICE
environmental classification system used in cabling standards developed by ISO/IEC. It also
provides detailed explanation of the sources used to define the boundaries of MICE
classifications.
2 Reference documents
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application 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.
ISO/IEC 11801, Information technology – Generic cabling for customer premises
ISO/IEC 15018, Information technology – Generic cabling for homes
ISO/IEC 24702, Information technology – Generic cabling – Industrial premises
IEC 60068-2-5:1975, Environmental testing – Part 2: Tests. Test Sa: Simulated solar radiation at
ground level
IEC 60654-4:1987 Operating conditions for industrial-process measurement and control equipment.
Part 4: Corrosive and erosive influences
IEC 60721-1, Classification of environmental conditions – Part 1: Environmental parameters and
their severities
IEC 60721-3-3, Classification of environmental conditions – Part 3-3: Classification of groups of
environmental parameters and their severities - Stationary use at weatherprotected locations
IEC 61000-2-5, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 2: Environment – Section 5:
Classification of electromagnetic environments. Basic EMC publication
IEC 61000-6-1, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 6-1: Generic standards – Immunity for
residential, commercial and light-industrial environments
IEC 61000-6-2, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 6-2: Generic standards – Immunity for
industrial environments
IEC 61131-2, Programmable controllers – Part 2: Equipment requirements and tests
IEC 61326:2001, Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use – EMC
requirements
IEC 61918, Industrial communication networks – Installation of communication networks in industrial
premises
– 6 – TR 29106 © ISO/IEC:2007(E)
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations
3.1 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this Technical Report the definitions of the applicable generic cabling
standards ISO/IEC 11801, ISO/IEC 15018 and ISO/IEC 24702 apply.
3.2 Abbreviations
For the purposes of this Technical Report the abbreviations of the applicable generic cabling
standards ISO/IEC 11801, ISO/IEC 15018 and ISO/IEC 24702 apply.
4 Application of environmental classification
4.1 MICE
The term MICE referenced in generic cabling standards produced by ISO/IEC relates to the
classification of the environment of the cabling channel.
There are four primary environmental criteria used to classify an environment:
• the M element, defining the mechanical characteristics of the environment;
• the I element, defining the ingress protection characteristics of the environment;
• the C element, defining the climatic and chemical characteristics of the environment;
• the E element, defining the electromagnetic characteristics of the environment.
Each of the four primary environmental criteria are further divided into specific parameters
and levels for those parameters. The MICE classification for a given location is therefore
defined as M I C E where a, b, c and d are the individual sub-classifications (levels) for the
a b c d
M, I, C and E criteria respectively.
The suffixes for the four primary environmental criteria are either 1, 2 or 3. For example, the
most benign environment is described as M I C E whereas the most harsh environment
1 1 1 1
within the scope of this standard would be defined as M I C E .
3 3 3 3
4.2 Channel environment
The applicable MICE classification may vary along the length of the cabling channel. As
shown in the industrial premises cabling example of Figure 1, the ingress protection
characteristics of the environment in the automation area and at the automation island are
different from, and more severe than, those characteristics on the factory floor or in the
telecommunications room.
———————
The documents prepared by subcommittee 25 of ISO/IEC joint technical committee 1: Information technology.

TR 29106 © ISO/IEC:2007(E) – 7 –
Telecommunications room Factory floor Automation area Automation island
M I C E M I C E M I C E M I C E
1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 2 3 2 3 3 3 3
NI
Distributor Cabling channel
Figure 1 – Example of variation of the environment along
an industrial premises cabling channel
The environment to be classified is that local to the cabling. Where no environmental
protection is provided to the cabling, the classification of the local environment is also that of
the overall environment at that location.
However, where technical or economic restrictions preclude the use of components
compatible with the overall environment, mitigation or isolation techniques may be applied to
modify one or more of the M, I, C or E environments local to the cabling in order to allow
appropriate components to be installed.
The mitigation or isolation techniques typically involve the use of alternative pathways and/or
pathway systems as shown in Figure 2.
Overall environment
Local environment
Cable Pathway system providing environmental protection

Figure 2 – The local environment
4.3 Component selection
The components used within a channel should be selected to be compatible with the MICE
classification of the channel at the point where the components are to be installed.
Table 1, taken from ISO/IEC 24702:2006, shows the parameters used to classify the local
environment under the M, I, C and E criteria. While the classification of an environment is
determined by the most demanding parameter within each criteria group, the selection of
components may reflect the specific demands of all the parameters within the group, including
those that may be less demanding than the overall classification of the environment.
The MICE classification system is intended to address approximately 80 % of the
environments to which cabling may be subjected. There are some environments beyond the
boundaries of M I C E . Such environments are beyond the scope of this Technical Report
3 3 3 3
and require special handling.
– 8 – TR 29106 © ISO/IEC:2007(E)
Table 1 – Details of environmental classification
Mechanical M M M
1 2 3
Shock/bump (see a))
-2 -2 -2
Peak acceleration 40 ms 100 ms 250 ms
Vibration
Displacement amplitude
1,5 mm 7,0 mm 15,0 mm
(2 Hz to 9 Hz)
Acceleration amplitude
-2 -2 -2
5 ms 20 ms 50 ms
(9 Hz to 500 Hz)
Tensile force See b) See b) See b)
45 N 1 100 N 2 200 N
Crush
over 25 mm (linear) min. over 150 mm (linear) min. over 150 mm (linear) min.
Impact 1 J 10 J 30 J
Bending, flexing and torsion See b) See b) See b)
Ingress I I I
1 2 3
Particulate ingress (dia. max.) 12,5 mm 50 μm 50 μm
Intermittent liquid jet
Intermittent liquid jet ≤12,5 l/min
≤ 12,5 l/min ≥6,3 mm jet
Immersion None
>2,5 m distance
≥ 6,3 mm jet
> 2,5 m distance and immersion
(≤1 m for <=30 minutes)
Climatic and chemical C C C
1 2 3
Ambient temperature -10 °C to +60 °C -25 °C to +70 °C -40 °C to +70 °C
Rate of change of temperature 0,1 °C per minute 1,0 °C per minute 3,0 °C per minute
5 % to 85 % 5 % to 95 % 5 % to 95 %
Humidity
(non-condensing) (condensing) (condensing)
-2 -2 -2
Solar radiation 700 Wm 1 120 Wm 1 120 Wm
Liquid pollution (see c))
-6 -6 -6
Concentration × 10 Concentration × 1
...

ISO/IEC TR 29106
Edition 1.0 2007-11
TECHNICAL
REPORT
Information technology – Generic cabling –
Introduction to the MICE environmental classification

All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from
either IEC or IEC's member National Committee in the country of the requester. If you have any questions about
ISO/IEC copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication, please contact the address
below or your local IEC member National Committee for further information.

IEC Secretariat Tel.: +41 22 919 02 11
3, rue de Varembé info@iec.ch
CH-1211 Geneva 20 www.iec.ch
Switzerland
About the IEC
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the leading global organization that prepares and publishes
International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.

About IEC publications
The technical content of IEC publications is kept under constant review by the IEC. Please make sure that you have the
latest edition, a corrigendum or an amendment might have been published.

IEC publications search - webstore.iec.ch/advsearchform IEC Products & Services Portal - products.iec.ch
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need further assistance, please contact the Customer Service
Centre: sales@iec.ch.
ISO/IEC TR 29106
Edition 1.0 2007-11
TECHNICAL
REPORT
Information technology – Generic cabling –

Introduction to the MICE environmental classification

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 35.200 ISBN 2-8318-9386-0
– 2 – TR 29106 © ISO/IEC:2007(E)
CONTENTS
FOREWORD.3

1 Scope.5
2 Reference documents.5
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations .6
3.1 Terms and definitions .6
3.2 Abbreviations .6
4 Application of environmental classification.6
4.1 MICE.6
4.2 Channel environment .6
4.3 Component selection.7
5 MICE system .10
5.1 General .10
5.2 Mechanical environment.10
5.3 Ingress protection and climatic environment .11
5.4 Chemical environment.13
5.5 Electromagnetic environment .15
Bibliography.16

Figure 1 – Example of variation of the environment along an industrial premises
cabling channel.7
Figure 2 – The local environment.7

Table 1 – Details of environmental classification.8
Table 2 – Derivation of boundaries for mechanical criteria in Table 1.10
Table 3 – Derivation of boundaries for ingress protection criteria in Table 1.11
Table 4 – Derivation of boundaries for climatic criteria in Table 1.11
Table 5 – Derivation of boundaries for chemical criteria in Table 1.13
Table 6 – Derivation of boundaries for electromagnetic criteria in Table 1.15

TR 29106 © ISO/IEC:2007(E) – 3 –
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY –
GENERIC CABLING –
INTRODUCTION TO THE MICE
ENVIRONMENTAL CLASSIFICATION
FOREWORD
1) ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) form the
specialized system for worldwide standardization. National bodies that are members of ISO or IEC participate in
the development of International Standards. Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any ISO and
IEC member body interested in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International
governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising with ISO and IEC also participate in this preparation.
2) In the field of information technology, ISO and IEC have established a joint technical committee, ISO/IEC JTC 1.
Draft International Standards adopted by the joint technical committee are circulated to national bodies for voting.
Publication as an International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the national bodies casting a vote.
3) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC and ISO on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an
international consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation
from all interested IEC and ISO member bodies.
4) IEC, ISO and ISO/IEC publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted
by IEC and ISO member bodies in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the
technical content of IEC, ISO and ISO/IEC publications is accurate, IEC or ISO cannot be held responsible for
the way in which they are used or for any misinterpretation by any end user.
5) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC and ISO member bodies undertake to apply IEC, ISO and
ISO/IEC publications transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications.
Any divergence between any ISO/IEC publication and the corresponding national or regional publication
should be clearly indicated in the latter.
6) ISO and IEC provide no marking procedure to indicate their approval and cannot be rendered responsible for
any equipment declared to be in conformity with an ISO/IEC publication.
7) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
8) No liability shall attach to IEC or ISO or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts
and members of their technical committees and IEC or ISO member bodies for any personal injury, property
damage or other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees)
and expenses arising out of the publication of, use of, or reliance upon, this ISO/IEC publication or any other IEC,
ISO or ISO/IEC publications.
9) Attention is drawn to the reference documents cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
10) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this Technical Report, type 3 may be the subject
of patent rights. ISO and IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
The main task of IEC and ISO technical committees is to prepare International Standards. In
exceptional circumstances, ISO/IEC JTC 1 or a subcommittee may propose the publication of
a technical report of one of the following types:
• type 1, when the required support cannot be obtained for the publication of an
International Standard, despite repeated efforts;
• type 2, when the subject is still under technical development or where, for any other
reason, there is the future but not immediate possibility of an agreement on an
International Standard;
• type 3, when the technical committee has collected data of a different kind from that which
is normally published as an International Standard, for example ‘state of the art’.

– 4 – TR 29106 © ISO/IEC:2007(E)
ISO/IEC 29106, which is a Technical Report of type 3, has been prepared by
subcommittee 25: Interconnection of information technology equipment, of ISO/IEC joint
technical committee 1: Information technology.
Technical reports of types 1 and 2 are subject to review within three years of publication to
decide whether they can be transformed into International Standards. Technical reports of
type 3 do not necessarily have to be reviewed until the data they provide are considered to be
no longer valid or useful.
This Technical Report of type 3 has been approved by vote of the member bodies, and the
voting results may be obtained from the address given on the second title page.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.

TR 29106 © ISO/IEC:2007(E) – 5 –
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY –
GENERIC CABLING –
INTRODUCTION TO THE MICE
ENVIRONMENTAL CLASSIFICATION
1 Scope
This Technical Report acts as an introduction to the concepts used to develop the MICE
environmental classification system used in cabling standards developed by ISO/IEC. It also
provides detailed explanation of the sources used to define the boundaries of MICE
classifications.
2 Reference documents
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application 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.
ISO/IEC 11801, Information technology – Generic cabling for customer premises
ISO/IEC 15018, Information technology – Generic cabling for homes
ISO/IEC 24702, Information technology – Generic cabling – Industrial premises
IEC 60068-2-5:1975, Environmental testing – Part 2: Tests. Test Sa: Simulated solar radiation at
ground level
IEC 60654-4:1987 Operating conditions for industrial-process measurement and control equipment.
Part 4: Corrosive and erosive influences
IEC 60721-1, Classification of environmental conditions – Part 1: Environmental parameters and
their severities
IEC 60721-3-3, Classification of environmental conditions – Part 3-3: Classification of groups of
environmental parameters and their severities - Stationary use at weatherprotected locations
IEC 61000-2-5, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 2: Environment – Section 5:
Classification of electromagnetic environments. Basic EMC publication
IEC 61000-6-1, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 6-1: Generic standards – Immunity for
residential, commercial and light-industrial environments
IEC 61000-6-2, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 6-2: Generic standards – Immunity for
industrial environments
IEC 61131-2, Programmable controllers – Part 2: Equipment requirements and tests
IEC 61326:2001, Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use – EMC
requirements
IEC 61918, Industrial communication networks – Installation of communication networks in industrial
premises
– 6 – TR 29106 © ISO/IEC:2007(E)
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations
3.1 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this Technical Report the definitions of the applicable generic cabling
standards ISO/IEC 11801, ISO/IEC 15018 and ISO/IEC 24702 apply.
3.2 Abbreviations
For the purposes of this Technical Report the abbreviations of the applicable generic cabling
standards ISO/IEC 11801, ISO/IEC 15018 and ISO/IEC 24702 apply.
4 Application of environmental classification
4.1 MICE
The term MICE referenced in generic cabling standards produced by ISO/IEC relates to the
classification of the environment of the cabling channel.
There are four primary environmental criteria used to classify an environment:
• the M element, defining the mechanical characteristics of the environment;
• the I element, defining the ingress protection characteristics of the environment;
• the C element, defining the climatic and chemical characteristics of the environment;
• the E element, defining the electromagnetic characteristics of the environment.
Each of the four primary environmental criteria are further divided into specific parameters
and levels for those parameters. The MICE classification for a given location is therefore
defined as M I C E where a, b, c and d are the individual sub-classifications (levels) for the
a b c d
M, I, C and E criteria respectively.
The suffixes for the four primary environmental criteria are either 1, 2 or 3. For example, the
most benign environment is described as M I C E whereas the most harsh environment
1 1 1 1
within the scope of this standard would be defined as M I C E .
3 3 3 3
4.2 Channel environment
The applicable MICE classification may vary along the length of the cabling channel. As
shown in the industrial premises cabling example of Figure 1, the ingress protection
characteristics of the environment in the automation area and at the automation island are
different from, and more severe than, those characteristics on the factory floor or in the
telecommunications room.
———————
The documents prepared by subcommittee 25 of ISO/IEC joint technical committee 1: Information technology.

TR 29106 © ISO/IEC:2007(E) – 7 –
Telecommunications room Factory floor Automation area Automation island
M I C E M I C E M I C E M I C E
1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 2 3 2 3 3 3 3
NI
Distributor Cabling channel
Figure 1 – Example of variation of the environment along
an industrial premises cabling channel
The environment to be classified is that local to the cabling. Where no environmental
protection is provided to the cabling, the classification of the local environment is also that of
the overall environment at that location.
However, where technical or economic restrictions preclude the use of components
compatible with the overall environment, mitigation or isolation techniques may be applied to
modify one or more of the M, I, C or E environments local to the cabling in order to allow
appropriate components to be installed.
The mitigation or isolation techniques typically involve the use of alternative pathways and/or
pathway systems as shown in Figure 2.
Overall environment
Local environment
Cable Pathway system providing environmental protection

Figure 2 – The local environment
4.3 Component selection
The components used within a channel should be selected to be compatible with the MICE
classification of the channel at the point where the components are to be installed.
Table 1, taken from ISO/IEC 24702:2006, shows the parameters used to classify the local
environment under the M, I, C and E criteria. While the classification of an environment is
determined by the most demanding parameter within each criteria group, the selection of
components may reflect the specific demands of all the parameters within the group, including
those that may be less demanding than the overall classification of the environment.
The MICE classification system is intended to address approximately 80 % of the
environments to which cabling may be subjected. There are some environments beyond the
boundaries of M I C E . Such environments are beyond the scope of this Technical Report
3 3 3 3
and require special handling.
– 8 – TR 29106 © ISO/IEC:2007(E)
Table 1 – Details of environmental classification
Mechanical M M M
1 2 3
Shock/bump (see a))
-2 -2 -2
Peak acceleration 40 ms 100 ms 250 ms
Vibration
Displacement amplitude
1,5 mm 7,0 mm 15,0 mm
(2 Hz to 9 Hz)
Acceleration amplitude
-2 -2 -2
5 ms 20 ms 50 ms
(9 Hz to 500 Hz)
Tensile force See b) See b) See b)
45 N 1 100 N 2 200 N
Crush
over 25 mm (linear) min. over 150 mm (linear) min. over 150 mm (linear) min.
Impact 1 J 10 J 30 J
Bending, flexing and torsion See b) See b) See b)
Ingress I I I
1 2 3
Particulate ingress (dia. max.) 12,5 mm 50 μm 50 μm
Intermittent liquid jet
Intermittent liquid jet ≤12,5 l/min
≤ 12,5 l/min ≥6,3 mm jet
Immersion None
>2,5 m distance
≥ 6,3 mm jet
> 2,5 m distance and immersion
(≤1 m for <=30 minutes)
Climatic and chemical C C C
1 2 3
Ambient temperature -10 °C to +60 °C -25 °C to +70 °C -40 °C to +70 °C
Rate of change of temperature 0,1 °C per minute 1,0 °C per minute 3,0 °C per minute
5 % to 85 % 5 % to 95 % 5 % t
...

ISO/IEC TR 29106
Edition 1.2 2019-07
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
TECHNICAL
REPORT
Information technology –
Generic cabling – Introduction to the MICE environmental classification

All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form
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ISO/IEC TR 29106
Edition 1.2 2019-07
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
TECHNICAL
REPORT
Information technology –
Generic cabling – Introduction to the MICE environmental classification

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 35.200 ISBN 978-2-8322-7203-9

ISO/IEC TR 29106
Edition 1.2 2019-07
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
REDLINE VERSION
Information technology –
Generic cabling – Introduction to the MICE environmental classification
– 2 – ISO/IEC TR 29106:2007+AMD1:2012
+AMD2:2019 CSV © ISO/IEC 2019
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
INTRODUCTION to Amendment 1 . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Reference documents . 6
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations . 7
3.1 Terms and definitions . 7
3.2 Abbreviations . 7
4 Application of environmental classification . 7
4.1 MICE . 7
4.2 Channel environment . 8
4.3 Component selection . 8
5 MICE system . 10
5.1 General . 10
5.2 Mechanical environment classification . 11
5.3 Ingress protection and climatic environment classification . 12
5.4 Chemical environment classification . 13
5.5 Electromagnetic environment classification . 15
Bibliography . 17

Figure 1 – Example of variation of the environment along an industrial premises
cabling channel . 8
Figure 2 – The local environment . 8

Table 1 – Details of environmental classification . 9
Table 2 – Derivation of boundaries for mechanical criteria in Table 1 . 11
Table 3 – Derivation of boundaries for ingress protection criteria in Table 1 . 12
Table 4 – Derivation of boundaries for climatic criteria in Table 1. 12
Table 5 – Derivation of boundaries for chemical criteria in Table 1 . 13
Table 6 – Derivation of boundaries for electromagnetic criteria in Table 1 . 16

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INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY –
GENERIC CABLING –
INTRODUCTION TO THE MICE ENVIRONMENTAL CLASSIFICATION
FOREWORD
1) ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) and IEC (the International Electrotechnical Commission)
form the specialized system for worldwide standardization. National bodies that are members of ISO or IEC
participate in the development of International Standards through technical committees established by the
respective organization to deal with particular fields of technical activity. ISO and IEC technical committees
collaborate in fields of mutual interest. Other international organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in
liaison with ISO and IEC, also take part in the work. In the field of information technology, ISO and IEC have
established a joint technical committee, ISO/IEC JTC 1.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC and ISO on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an
international consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation
from all interested IEC National Committees and ISO member bodies.
3) IEC, ISO and ISO/IEC publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted
by IEC National Committees and ISO member bodies in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to
ensure that the technical content of IEC, ISO and ISO/IEC publications is accurate, IEC or ISO cannot be held
responsible for the way in which they are used or for any misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees and ISO member bodies undertake to
apply IEC, ISO and ISO/IEC publications transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and
regional publications. Any divergence between any ISO, IEC or ISO/IEC publication and the corresponding
national or regional publication should be clearly indicated in the latter.
5) ISO and IEC do not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. ISO or IEC are not responsible
for any services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or ISO or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts
and members of their technical committees and IEC National Committees or ISO member bodies for any
personal injury, property damage or other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for
costs (including legal fees) and expenses arising out of the publication of, use of, or reliance upon, this ISO/IEC
publication or any other IEC, ISO or ISO/IEC publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this ISO/IEC publication may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO and IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This consolidated version of the official IEC Standard and its amendments has been
prepared for user convenience.
ISO/IEC TR 29106 edition 1.2 contains the first edition (2007-11), its amendment 1
(2012-12) and its amendment 2 (2019-07) [documents JTC1-SC25/2836/DTR and JTC1-
SC25/2853/RVDTR].
In this Redline version, a vertical line in the margin shows where the technical content
is modified by amendments 1 and 2. Additions are in green text, deletions are in
strikethrough red text. A separate Final version with all changes accepted is available
in this publication.
– 4 – ISO/IEC TR 29106:2007+AMD1:2012
+AMD2:2019 CSV © ISO/IEC 2019
The main task of IEC and ISO technical committees is to prepare International Standards. In
exceptional circumstances, ISO/IEC JTC 1 or a subcommittee may propose the publication of
a technical report of one of the following types:
• type 1, when the required support cannot be obtained for the publication of an
International Standard, despite repeated efforts;
• type 2, when the subject is still under technical development or where, for any other
reason, there is the future but not immediate possibility of an agreement on an
International Standard;
• type 3, when the technical committee has collected data of a different kind from that which
is normally published as an International Standard, for example ‘state of the art’.
ISO/IEC 29106, which is a Technical Report of type 3, has been prepared by
subcommittee 25: Interconnection of information technology equipment, of ISO/IEC joint
technical committee 1: Information technology.
Technical reports of types 1 and 2 are subject to review within three years of publication to
decide whether they can be transformed into International Standards. Technical reports of
type 3 do not necessarily have to be reviewed until the data they provide are considered to be
no longer valid or useful.
This Technical Report of type 3 has been approved by vote of the member bodies, and the
voting results may be obtained from the address given on the second title page.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.

IMPORTANT – The 'colour inside' logo on the cover page of this publication indicates that it
contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct understanding of its
contents. Users should therefore print this document using a colour printer.

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INTRODUCTION to Amendment 1
The Amendment has been developed to correct the misalignment of the MICE table with
ISO/IEC 24702.
– 6 – ISO/IEC TR 29106:2007+AMD1:2012
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INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY –
GENERIC CABLING –
INTRODUCTION TO THE MICE ENVIRONMENTAL CLASSIFICATION

1 Scope
This Technical Report acts as an introduction to the concepts used to develop the MICE
environmental classification system used in cabling standards developed by ISO/IEC. It also
provides detailed explanation of the sources used to define the boundaries of MICE
classifications.
2 Reference documents
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application 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.
ISO/IEC 11801, Information technology – Generic cabling for customer premises
ISO/IEC 11801-1:2017, Information technology – Generic cabling for customer premises –
Part 1: General requirements
ISO/IEC 11801-2, Information technology – Generic cabling for customer premises –
Part 2: Office premises
ISO/IEC 11801-3, Information technology – Generic cabling for customer premises –
Part 3: Industrial premises
ISO/IEC 11801-4, Information technology – Generic cabling for customer premises –
Part 4: Single-tenant homes
ISO/IEC 11801-5, Information technology – Generic cabling for customer premises –
Part 5: Data centres
ISO/IEC 11801-6, Information technology – Generic cabling for customer premises –
Part 6: Distributed building services
ISO/IEC 15018, Information technology – Generic cabling for homes
ISO/IEC 24702, Information technology – Generic cabling – Industrial premises
IEC 60068-2-5:1975, Environmental testing – Part 2: Tests. Test Sa: Simulated solar radiation at
ground level
IEC 60654-4:1987 Operating conditions for industrial-process measurement and control equipment.
Part 4: Corrosive and erosive influences
IEC 60721-1, Classification of environmental conditions – Part 1: Environmental parameters and
their severities
IEC 60721-3-3, Classification of environmental conditions – Part 3-3: Classification of groups of
environmental parameters and their severities - Stationary use at weatherprotected locations

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IEC 61000-2-5, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 2: Environment – Section 5:
Classification of electromagnetic environments. Basic EMC publication
IEC 61000-6-1, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 6-1: Generic standards – Immunity for
residential, commercial and light-industrial environments
IEC 61000-6-2, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 6-2: Generic standards – Immunity for
industrial environments
IEC 61131-2, Programmable controllers – Part 2: Equipment requirements and tests
IEC 61326:2001, Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use – EMC
requirements
IEC 61918, Industrial communication networks – Installation of communication networks in industrial
premises
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations
3.1 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this Technical Report the definitions of the applicable generic cabling
standards ISO/IEC 11801, ISO/IEC 15018 and ISO/IEC 24702 apply.
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions of the applicable parts of
ISO/IEC 11801 apply.
3.2 Abbreviations
For the purposes of this Technical Report the abbreviations of the applicable generic cabling
standards ISO/IEC 11801, ISO/IEC 15018 and ISO/IEC 24702 apply.
For the purposes of this document, the abbreviations of the applicable parts of ISO/IEC 11801
apply.
4 Application of environmental classification
4.1 MICE
The term MICE referenced in generic cabling standards produced by ISO/IEC relates to the
classification of the environment of the cabling channel.
There are four primary environmental criteria used to classify an environment:
• the M element, defining the mechanical characteristics of the environment;
• the I element, defining the ingress protection characteristics of the environment;
• the C element, defining the climatic and chemical characteristics of the environment;
• the E element, defining the electromagnetic characteristics of the environment.
Each of the four primary environmental criteria are further divided into specific parameters
and levels for those parameters. The MICE classification for a given location is therefore
defined as M I C E where a, b, c and d are the individual sub-classifications (levels) for the
a b c d
M, I, C and E criteria respectively.
———————
The documents prepared by subcommittee 25 of ISO/IEC joint technical committee 1: Information technology.

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The suffixes for the four primary environmental criteria are either 1, 2 or 3. For example, the
most benign environment is described as M I C E whereas the most harsh environment
1 1 1 1
within the scope of this standard would be defined as M I C E .
3 3 3 3
4.2 Channel environment
The applicable MICE classification may vary along the length of the cabling channel. As
shown in the industrial premises cabling example of Figure 1, the ingress protection
characteristics of the environment in the automation area and at the automation island are
different from, and more severe than, those characteristics on the factory floor or in the
telecommunications room.
Figure 1 – Example of variation of the environment along
an industrial premises cabling channel
The environment to be classified is that local to the cabling. Where no environmental
protection is provided to the cabling, the classification of the local environment is also that of
the overall environment at that location.
However, where technical or economic restrictions preclude the use of components
compatible with the overall environment, mitigation or isolation techniques may be applied to
modify one or more of the M, I, C or E environments local to the cabling in order to allow
appropriate components to be installed.
The mitigation or isolation techniques typically involve the use of alternative pathways and/or
pathway systems as shown in Figure 2.
Overall environment
Local environment
Cable Pathway system providing environmental protection

Figure 2 – The local environment
4.3 Component selection
The components used within a channel should be selected to be compatible with the MICE
classification of the channel at the point where the components are to be installed.

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Table 1, taken from ISO/IEC 24702:2006 ISO/IEC 11801-1:2017, shows the parameters used
to classify the local environment under the M, I, C and E criteria. While the classification of an
environment is determined by the most demanding parameter within each criteria group, the
selection of components may reflect the specific demands of all the parameters within the
group, including those that may be less demanding than the overall classification of the
environment.
The MICE classification system is intended to address approximately 80 % of the
environments to which cabling may be subjected. There are some environments beyond the
boundaries of M I C E . Such environments are beyond the scope of this Technical Report
3 3 3 3
and require special handling.
Table 1 – Details of environmental classification
Mechanical M M M
1 2 3
a
Shock/bump
−2 −2 −2
Peak acceleration
40 ms 100 ms 250 ms
Vibration
Displacement amplitude 1,5 mm 7,0 mm 15,0 mm
(2 Hz to 9 Hz)
−2 −2 −2
Acceleration amplitude
5 ms 20 ms 50 ms
(9 Hz to 500 Hz)
b b b
Tensile force strength
Crush 45 N 1 100 N 2 200 N
over 25 mm (linear) over 150 mm (linear) min. over 150 mm (linear) min.
min.
Impact 1 J 10 J 30 J
b b b
Bending, flexing and
torsion
Ingress I I I
1 2 3
Particulate ingress 12,5 mm 50 μm 50 μm
(max. diameter)
Immersion None Intermittent liquid jet Intermittent liquid jet
≤ 12,5 l/min ≤ 12,5 l/min
≥ 6,3 mm jet ≥ 6,3 mm jet
> 2,5 m distance > 2,5 m distance
and immersion
(≤ 1 m for ≤ 30 min)
Climatic and chemical C C C
1 2 3
Ambient temperature −10 °C to +60 °C −25 °C to +70 °C −40 °C to +70 °C
Rate of change of 0,1 °C per minute 1,0 °C per minute 3,0 °C per minute
temperature
Humidity 5 % to 85 % 5 % to 95 % 5 % to 95 %
(non-condensing) (condensing) (condensing)
−2 −2 −2
Solar radiation
700 Wm 1 120 Wm 1 120 Wm
c −6 −6 −6
Liquid pollution Concentration × 10 Concentration × 10 Concentration × 10
Contaminants
Sodium chloride (salt/sea 0 < 0,3 < 0,3
water)
Oil (dry-air concentration) 0 < 0,005 < 0,5
b
(for oil types see )
4 4
Sodium stearate (soap) None
> 5 × 10 aqueous non- > 5 × 10 aqueous gelling
gelling
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+AMD2:2019 CSV © ISO/IEC 2019
Detergent None ffs ffs
Conductive materials None Temporary Present
c
Mean / Peak Mean / Peak Mean / Peak
Gaseous pollution (see b)
−6 −6 −6
(Concentration × 10 ) (Concentration × 10 ) (Concentration × 10 )
Contaminants
Hydrogen sulphide < 0,003 / < 0,01 < 0,05 / < 0,5 < 10 / < 50
Sulphur dioxide < 0,01 / < 0,03 < 0,1 / < 0,3 < 5 / < 15
Sulphur trioxide (ffs) < 0,01 / < 0,03 < 0,1 / < 0,3 < 5 / < 15
Chlorine wet (> 50 % < 0,000 5 / < 0,001 < 0,005 / < 0,03 < 0,05 / < 0,3
humidity)
Chlorine dry (< 50 % < 0,002 / < 0,01 < 0,02 / < 0,1 < 0,2 / < 1,0
humidity)
Hydrogen chloride – / < 0,06 < 0,06 / < 0,3 < 0,6 / 3,0
Hydrogen fluoride < 0,001 / < 0,005 < 0,01 / < 0,05 < 0,1 / < 1,0
Ammonia < 1 / < 5 < 10 / < 50 < 50 / < 250
Oxides of nitrogen < 0,05 / < 0,1 < 0,5 / < 1 < 5 / < 10
Ozone < 0,002 / < 0,005 < 0,025 / < 0,05 < 0,1 / < 1
Electromagnetic E E E
1 2 3
Electrostatic discharge – 4 kV 4 kV 4 kV
Contact (0,667 µC)
Electrostatic discharge – 8 kV 8 kV 8 kV
Air (0,132 µC)
Radiated RF – AM 3 V/m at 3 V/m at 10 V/m at
(80 to 1 000) MHz (80 to 1 000) MHz (80 to 1 000) MHz
3 V/m at 3 V/m at 3 V/m at
(1 400 to 2 000) MHz (1 400 to 2 000) MHz (1 400 to 2 000) MHz
1 V/m at 1 V/m at 1 V/m at
(2 000 to 2 700) MHz (2 000 to 2 700) MHz (2 000 to 2 700) MHz
Conducted RF 3 V at 150 kHz to 3 V at 150 kHz to 80 MHz 10 V at 150 kHz to
80 MHz 80 MHz
EFT/B (comms) 500 V 500 V 1 000 V
Surge (transient ground 500 V 1 000 V 1 000 V
potential difference) –
signal, line to earth
−1 −1 −1
Magnetic field (50/60 Hz)
1 Am 3 Am 30 Am
Magnetic field ffs ffs ffs
(60 Hz to 20 000 Hz)
a
Bump: the repetitive nature of the shock experienced by the channel shall be taken into account.
b
This aspect of environmental classification is installation-specific and should be considered in association
with IEC 61918 and the appropriate component specification.
c -6
A single dimensional characteristic, i.e. concentration × 10 , was chosen to unify limits from different
standards.
5 MICE system
5.1 General
The MICE concept is provided for the use of designers and planners to allow the specification
of components to be purchased and/or protection (mitigation or isolation) required
respectively.
+AMD2:2019 CSV © ISO/IEC 2019
Table 1 is not a basis for testing the local environment and neither is it a series of
environmental criteria for the testing of components used within those environments.
However, the limits describing the MICE classification system are in many cases based upon
existing standards. Where such standards are not listed within Tables 2 to 6, no appropriate
external references were identified during the development of ISO/IEC 11801-1.
5.2 Mechanical environment classification
Table 2 shows the derivation of the boundaries used in Table 1.
Table 2 – Derivation of boundaries for mechanical criteria in Table 1
Mechanical M M M
1 2 3
a
Shock/bump
−2 −2 −2
Peak acceleration
40 ms 100 ms 250 ms
Vibration
Displacement amplitude
1,5 mm 7,0 mm 15,0 mm
(2 Hz to 9 Hz)
Acceleration amplitude
−2 −2 −2
5 ms 20 ms 50 ms
(9 Hz to 500 Hz)
Shock/bump/vibration (source IEC 60721-3-3 Class 3M2 < IEC 60721-3-3 Class 3M6 IEC 60721-3-3 Class 3M8
material)
45 N 1 100 N 2 200 N
Crush
over 25 mm (linear) min. over 150 mm (linear) min. over 150 mm (linear) min.
Impact 1 J 10 J 30 J
b b b
Bending, flexing and torsion
a
Bump: the repetitive nature of the shock experienced by the channel shall be taken into account.
b
This aspect of environmental classification is installation-specific and should be considered in association with
IEC 61918 and the appropriate component specification.

From IEC 60721-3-3:
3M1 applies to locations with insignificant vibration and shock.
In addition to the conditions covered by 3M1, 3M2 applies to locations with vibration of low
significance (products mounted on light structures subject to negligible vibration).
In addition to the conditions covered by 3M5, 3M6 applies to locations where the level of
vibration is high (e.g. close to heavy machines).
In addition to the conditions covered by 3M7, 3M8 applies to locations where the level of
vibration is extremely high (e.g. products mounted on power hammers).

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5.3 Ingress protection and climatic environment classification
Table 3 and Table 4 shows the derivation of the boundaries used in Table 1.
Table 3 – Derivation of boundaries for ingress protection criteria in Table 1
Ingress I I I
1 2 3
Particulate ingress (dia. max.) 12,5 mm 50 µm 50 µm
Immersion None Intermittent liquid jet Intermittent liquid jet
≤12,5 l/min ≤12,5 l/min
≥6,3 mm jet ≥6,3 mm jet
>2,5 m distance >2,5 m distance

and
immersion
(≤1 m for ≤30 min)
Table 4 – Derivation of boundaries for climatic criteria in Table 1
Climatic C C C
1 2 3
Ambient temperature −10 °C to +60 °C −25 °C to +70 °C −40 °C to +70 °C
Existing ISO/IEC 11801 IEC 60721-3-3 IEC 60721-3-3 Class 3K7
Class 3K8H
Rate of change of temperature 0,1 °C per minute 1,0 °C per minute 3,0 °C per minute
IEC 60721-3-3 Class 3K1 IEC 60721-3-3 Class 3K7 IEC 61131-2
Humidity 5 % to 85 % 5 % to 95 % 5 % to 95 %
(non-condensing) (condensing) (condensing)

IEC 60721-3-3 Class 3K3 IEC 60721-3-3 Class 3K4 IEC 60721-3-3 Class 3K5
-2 -2 -2
Solar radiation 700 Wm 1 120 Wm 1 120 Wm
IEC 60721-3-3 IEC 60721-3-3 Class 3K7.
Class 3K3 – 3K6 IEC 60068-2-5:1975 contains a table covering
-2
wavelengths from UV to IR that totals 1 120 Wm .

From IEC 60721-3-3:
3K1 applies to fully air-conditioned enclosed locations. Air temperature and humidity control is
used continuously to maintain the required conditions. Installed products may be exposed to
attenuated solar radiation and to movements of surrounding air due to draughts from the air-
conditioning system. They are not subjected to heat radiation, condensed water, precipitation,
water from sources other than rain, or formation of ice. These conditions may be found in a
room of such construction that a confined range of temperature and humidity may be
maintained.
In addition to the conditions covered by 3K1, 3K2 applies to continuously temperature-
controlled enclosed locations. Humidity is not controlled. Heating, cooling or humidification is
used where necessary to maintain the required conditions, especially where there is a large
difference between them and the open air-climate. Installed products may be exposed to solar
radiation and to heat radiation. They may be subject to movements of surrounding air due to
draughts in buildings. These conditions may be found in manned offices, workshops and other
rooms for special applications.
In addition to the conditions covered by 3K2, 3K3 applies to continuously temperature-
controlled enclosed locations. Humidity is not controlled. Heating or cooling is used where
necessary to maintain the required conditions, especially where there is a large difference
between them and the open air-climate. These conditions may be found in normal living or

+AMD2:2019 CSV © ISO/IEC 2019
working areas, e.g. living rooms, rooms for general use (theatres, restaurants, etc.), offices,
shops, workshops for electronic assemblies and other electrotechnical products,
telecommunications centres, storage rooms for valuable and sensitive products.
In addition to the conditions covered by 3K3, 3K4 applies to temperature-controlled enclosed
locations with a wide range of relative humidity. Humidity is not controlled. Installed products
may be subject to condensed water and to water from sources other than rain. These
conditions may be found in certain living or working areas, e.g. kitchens, bathrooms,
workshops with processes producing high humidity, certain cellars, ordinary storage rooms,
stables, garages. For the more humid open-air climates they may also be found in living
rooms and rooms for general use.
In addition to the conditions covered by 3K4, 3K5 applies to enclosed locations having neither
temperature nor humidity control. Heating may be used to raise low temperatures, especially
where there is a large difference between them and the open air-climate. A product may be
subject to the formation of ice. These conditions may be found in some entrances and
staircases of buildings, garages, cellars, certain workshops, buildings in factories and
industrial process plants, certain telecommunications buildings, ordinary storage rooms for
frost-resistant products, farm buildings, etc.
In addition to the conditions covered by 3K4, 3K6, 3K7 and 3K8H apply to weather-protected
locations having neither temperature nor humidity control. The locations may have openings
to the open-air. The climatic conditions may be affected by the open-air climate and the type
of building. Installed products may be exposed to solar radiation. They may also be subject to
wind-driven precipitation including snow. These conditions may be found in some entrances of
buildings, some garages, in sheds, shacks, lofts, telephone booths, buildings in factories and
industrial process plants, unattended equipment stations, unattended buildings for
telecommunications purposes, ordinary storage rooms for frost-resistant products, farm
buildings etc.
5.4 Chemical environment classification
Table 5 shows the derivation of the boundaries used in Table 1.
Table 5 – Derivation of boundaries for chemical criteria in Table 1
Chemical C C C
1 2 3
a −6 −6 −6
Liquid pollution (see Note) Concentration × 10 Concentration × 10 Concentration × 10
Contaminants
Sodium chloride (salt/sea
0 < 0,3 < 0,3
water)
IEC 60721-1
Oil (dry-air concentration) 0 < 0,005 < 0,5
4 4
Sodium stearate (soap) None
> 5 × 10 aqueous non- > 5 × 10 aqueous gelling
gelling
Detergent None ffs ffs
Conductive materials None Temporary Present
Gaseous pollution (see Mean/Peak Mean/Peak Mean/Peak
a −6 −6 −6
Note) (Concentration × 10 ) (Concentration × 10 ) (Concentration × 10 )
Contaminants
Hydrogen sulphide < 0,003 / < 0,01 < 0,05 / < 0,5 < 10 / < 50
The limits are taken from IEC 60654-4:1987 for the environmental descriptions
Class 1, 2 and 3. They are within the same region as those in IEC 60721-3-3,
A.1:1994 for the environmental descriptions 3C1, 3C2 and 3C4.
NOTE For comparison, the values in IEC 60721-3-3, A.1:1994 have been
−3
converted from mg.cm using the STP density = 1,539.

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Sulphur dioxide < 0,01 / < 0,03 < 0,1 / < 0,3 < 5 / < 10
The limits are taken from IEC 60654-4:1987 for the environmental descriptions
Class 1, 2 and 3, with the exception of Class 3 (max < 15). They are identical to
the environmental descriptions those in IEC 60721-3-3, A.1:1994 for the
environmental descriptions 3C1 and 3C2 and within the same region for the
environmental description 3C4 (mean < 4,5, max < 14).
NOTE For comparison, the values in IEC 60721-3-3, A.1:1994 have been
−3
converted from mg.cm using the STP density = 2,927.
Sulphur trioxide (ffs) < 0,01/< 0,03 < 0,1 / < 0,3 < 5 / < 15
There are no limits in IEC 60654-4:1987 or IEC 60721-3-3.
Chlorine wet ( > 50 % < 0,000 5 / < 0,001 < 0,005 / < 0,03 < 0,05 / < 0,3
humidity)
The limits are taken from IEC 60654-4:1987 for the environmental descriptions
Class 1, 2 and 3. There are no limits in IEC 60721-3-3.
Chlorine dry ( < 50 % < 0,002 / < 0,01 < 0,02 / < 0,1 < 0,2 / < 1,0
humidity)
The limits are taken from IEC 60654-4:1987 for the environmental descriptions
Class 1, 2 and 3. They are within the same region as those in IEC 60721-3-3,
A.1:1994 for the environmental descriptions 3C1, 3C2 and 3C4.
NOTE For comparison, the values in IEC 60721-3-3, A.1:1994 have been
−3
converted from mg.cm using the STP density = 3,124.
Hydrogen chloride – / < 0,06 < 0,06 / < 0,3 < 0,6 / 3,0
There are no limits in IEC 60654-4:1987. The limits are taken from IEC 60721-3-3,
A.1:1994 for the environmental descriptions 3C1, 3C2 and 3C4.
NOTE For comparison, the values in IEC 60721-3-3, A.1:1994 have been
−3
converted from mg.cm using the STP density = 1,639.
Hydrogen fluoride < 0,001 / < 0,005 < 0,01 / < 0,05 < 0,1 / < 1,0
The limits are taken from IEC 60654-4:1987 for the environmental descriptions
Class 1, 2 and 3. They are within the same region as those in IEC 60721-3-3,
A.1:1994 for the environmental descriptions 3C1, 3C2 and 3C4.
NOTE For comparison, the values in IEC 60721-3-3, A.1:1994 have been
−3
converted from mg.cm using the STP density = 0,901.
Ammonia < 1 / < 5 < 10 / < 50 < 50 / < 250
The limits are taken from IEC 60654-4:1987 for the environmental descriptions
Class 1, 2 and 3. They are within the same region as those in IEC 60721-3-3,
A.1:1994 for the environmental descriptions 3C2, 3C3 and 3C4.
NOTE For comparison, the values in IEC 60721-3-3 A.1:1994 have been
−3
converted from mg.cm using the STP density = 0,771.
Oxides of nitrogen < 0,05 / < 0,1 < 0,5 / < 1 < 5 / < 10
The limits are taken from IEC 60654-4:1987 for the environmental descriptions
Class 1, 2 and 3. They are within the same region as those in IEC 60721-3-3
A.1:1994 for the environmental descriptions 3C1, 3C2 and 3C4.
NOTE For comparison, the values in IEC 60721-3-3 A.1:1994 have been
−3
converted from mg.cm using the STP density = 1,350 (averaged on NO, NO and
NO .
Ozone < 0,002 / < 0,005 < 0,025 / < 0,05 < 0,1 / < 1
The limits are taken from IEC 60654-4:1987 for the environmental descriptions
Class 1, 2 and 3. They are within the same region as those in IEC 60721-3-3,
A.1:1994 for the environmental descriptions 3C2, 3C3 and 3C4.
NOTE For comparison, the values in IEC 60721-3-3 A.1:1994 have been
−3
converted from mg.cm using the STP density = 2,144.
a −6
NOTE A single dimensional characteristic, i.e. concentration × 10 , was chosen to unify limits from different
standards.
+AMD2:2019 CSV © ISO/IEC 2019
From IEC 60654-4:1987:
Class 1: Environments sufficiently well controlled so that corrosion is not a factor in
determining corrosion.
Class 2: Environments where the effects of corrosion are measurable and may be a factor in
determining equipment reliability.
Class 3: Environments where there is a high probability that corrosive attack will occur.
From IEC 60721-3-3:
3C1R applies to locations with stringently monitored and controlled atmosphere (clean room
category).
In addition to the conditions covered by 3C1L, 3C1R applies to locations where the
atmosphere is continuously controlled.
In addition to the conditions covered by 3C1R, 3C1 applies to locations in rural and some
urban areas with low industrial activities and moderate traffic. Contamination may be
increased in urban areas in winter due to heating methods. Salt mist may be present in
sheltered locations of coastal areas.
In addition to the conditions covered by 3C1, 3C2 applies to locations with normal levels of
contaminants experienced in urban areas with scattered industrial activities or heavy traffic.
In addition to the conditions covered by 3C2, 3C3 applies to locations in the immediate
neighbourhood of industrial sources with chemical emissions.
In addition to the conditions covered by 3C3, 3C4 applies to locations within industrial
process plants. Emissions of chemical pollutants in high concentrations may occur.
5.5 Electromagnetic environment classification
Table 6 shows the derivation of the boundaries used in Table 1.

– 16 – ISO/IEC TR 29106:2007+AMD1:2012
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Table 6 – Derivation of boundaries for electromagnetic criteria in Table 1
Electromagnetic E E E
1 2 3
Electrostatic discharge
4 kV 4 kV 4 kV
– Contact (0,667 µC)
Electrostatic discharge 8 kV 8 kV 8 kV
– Air (0,132 µC)
IEC 61000-6-1/IEC 61326 and IEC 61000-6-2
3 V/m at (80 MHz to 3 V/m at (80 to 1 000) MHz - 10 V/m at (80 MHz to
Radiated RF – AM
1 000) MHz 1 000 MHz 1 000) MHz
3 V/m at 3 V/m at 3 V/m at
(1 400 MHz to 2 000) MHz (1 400 MHz to 2 000) MHz (1 400 MHz to 2 000) MHz
1 V/m at 1 V/m at 1 V/m at
(2 000 MHz to 2 700) MHz (2 000 MHz to 2 700) MHz (2 000 MHz to 2 700) MHz
IEC 61000-2-5 IEC 61000-6-1 IEC 61000-6-2
Conducted RF 3 V at 150 kHz to 80 MHz 3 V at 150 kHz to 80 MHz 10 V at 150 kHz to 80 MHz
IEC 61000-6-1 /IEC 61326 IEC 61000-6-2 /IEC 61326
EFT/B (comms) 500 V 1 000 500 V 1 000 V
IEC 61326:2001, Annex A
IEC 61000-6-1
Table A.1
IEC 61000-2-5/IEC 61131-2
IEC 61000-6-2
Surge (transient ground
500 V 1 000 V 1 000 V
potential difference) –
IEC 61000-6-1 IEC 61000-6-2 IEC 61000-6-2
signal, line to earth
Magnetic field
-1
−1 −1
30 Am
1 Am 3 Am
(50/60 Hz)
– IEC 61000-6-1 IEC 61000-6-2 /IEC 61326
Magnetic field (60 Hz to
ffs ffs ffs
20 000 Hz)
+AMD2:2019 CSV © ISO/IEC 2019
Bibliography
IEC 60529:1987, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
ISO/IEC 14709-1, Information technology – Configuration of Customer Premises Cabling
(CPC) for applications – Part 1: Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) basic access
ISO/IEC 14709-2, Information technology – Configuration of Customer Premises Cabling
(CPC) for applications – Part 2: Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) primary rate
ISO/IEC 14763-1, Information technology – Implementation and operation of customer
premises cabling – Part 1: Administration
ISO/IEC 14763-2, Information technology – Implementation and operation of customer
premises cabling – Part 2: Planning and installation
ISO/IEC 14763-3, Information technology – Implementation and operation of customer
premises cabling – Part 3: Testing of optical fibre cabling
ISO/IEC 18010, Information technology – Pathways and spaces for customer premises
cabling
ISO/IEC TR 24704, Information technology – Customer premises cabling for wireless access
points
ISO/IEC TR 24746, Information technology – Generic cabling for customer premises – Mid-
span DTE power insertion
ISO/IEC 24764, Information technology – Generic cabling for data centres (under
consideration)
––––––––––––
ISO/IEC TR 29106
Edition 1.2 2019-07
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
FINAL VERSION
Information technology –
Generic cabling – Introduction to the MICE environmental classification
– 2 – ISO/IEC TR 29106:2007+AMD1:2012
+AMD2:2019 CSV © ISO/IEC 2019
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
INTRODUCTION to Amendment 1 . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Reference documents . 6
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations . 7
3.1 Terms and definitions . 7
3.2 Abbreviations . 7
4 Application of environmental classification . 7
4.1 MICE . 7
4.2 Channel environment . 7
4.3 Component selection . 8
5 MICE system . 10
5.1 General . 10
5.2 Mechanical environment classification . 11
5.3 Ingress protection and climatic environment classification . 12
5.4 Chemical environment classification . 13
5.5 Electromagnetic environment classification . 15
Bibliography . 17

Figure 1 – Example of variation of the environment along an industrial premises
cabling channel . 8
Figure 2 – The local environment . 8

Table 1 – Details of environmental classification . 9
Table 2 – Derivation of boundaries for mechanical criteria in Table 1 . 11
Table 3 – Derivation of boundaries for ingress protection criteria in Table 1 . 12
Table 4 – Derivation of boundaries for climatic criteria in Table 1. 12
Table 5 – Derivation of boundaries for chemical criteria in Table 1 . 13
Table 6 – Derivation of boundaries for electromagnetic criteria in Table 1 . 16

+AMD2:2019 CSV © ISO/IEC 2019
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY –
GENERIC CABLING –
INTRODUCTION TO THE MICE ENVIRONMENTAL CLASSIFICATION
FOREWORD
1) ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) and IEC (the International Ele
...