Multicore and symmetrical pair/quad cables for digital communications - Part 3-1: Work area wiring - Blank detail specification

IEC 61156-3-1:2009(E) determines the layout and style for detail specifications describing multicore and symmetrical pair(s)/quad(s) cables for digital communication in work area wiring. Detail specifications based on the blank detail specification may be prepared by a national standards organization, a manufacturer or a user. This edition constitutes a technical revision. The significant global technical change is the alignment with IEC 61156-3:2008. This publication is to be read in conjunction with IEC 61156-1:2002 and IEC 61156-3:2008.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
12-May-2009
Drafting Committee
WG 7 - TC 46/SC 46C/WG 7
Current Stage
PPUB - Publication issued
Start Date
13-May-2009
Completion Date
15-May-2009

Relations

Effective Date
05-Sep-2023

Overview

IEC 61156-3-1:2009 is an international standard issued by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) focused on multicore and symmetrical pair/quad cables used in digital communications, specifically targeting work area wiring. This standard provides a blank detail specification template to guide the preparation of detailed specifications describing cable design and performance for horizontal floor wiring applications.

The 2009 edition represents the third revision and aligns technically with IEC 61156-3:2008 to ensure global consistency. It is intended for adoption and customization by national standards bodies, manufacturers, and users who require standardized layout and specification style for these cables.

Key features include clear guidance on document structure, mandatory technical characteristics, and a comprehensive framework for describing cable materials, construction, and performance to ensure high-quality digital communication infrastructure.

Key Topics

  • Scope and Purpose
    The standard addresses the layout and style for detailed specifications of multicore and symmetrical pair(s)/quad(s) cables in work area wiring for digital communications.

  • Specification Template
    Provides a structured blank detail specification format covering cable description, construction, electrical, transmission, mechanical, and environmental characteristics.

  • Cable Description Requirements
    Includes guidelines for specifying cable type, number of elements, nominal impedance, screening methods, application, and category classification.

  • Materials and Construction Guidelines
    Detailed description of conductor, insulation, screening, sheath material, colour coding, packaging, and identification requirements.

  • Performance Characteristics
    Specifies electrical and transmission parameters such as conductor resistance, dielectric strength, capacitance, attenuation, crosstalk, velocity of propagation, characteristic impedance, and structural return loss.

  • Mechanical and Environmental Properties
    Requirements include bending radius, tensile strength, elongation properties, impact and crush resistance, temperature ranges, flame propagation, smoke generation, acid gas, and toxic gas emissions.

  • Alignment with Related IEC Standards
    Works in conjunction with IEC 61156-1:2002 (generic specification) and IEC 61156-3:2008 (sectional specification) for a comprehensive standardization framework on digital communication cables.

Applications

  • Work Area Wiring for Digital Communications
    Used by manufacturers and standards organizations to prepare detailed specifications for cables deployed in patch panels, desks, and workstation connectivity points.

  • Structured Cabling Design
    Facilitates standardized cable design for local area networks (LANs), voice/data transmission, and digital communication systems requiring multicore symmetrical pair/quad cables.

  • Quality Assurance and Compliance
    Supports testing laboratories and quality control teams to verify cable performance against internationally accepted norms for electrical, mechanical, and environmental properties.

  • National and Industry Standardization
    Enables country-specific or industry-specific adaptations and implementations of standardized cable details, ensuring interoperability and global conformity.

  • Infrastructure Planning and Installation
    Assists network designers and installers in selecting cables that meet specific performance criteria for reliable digital communications within commercial buildings and work environments.

Related Standards

  • IEC 61156-1:2002 – Generic specification for multicore and symmetrical pair/quad cables for digital communications, providing foundational guidelines for cable design and testing.

  • IEC 61156-3:2008 – Sectional specification focusing on work area wiring cables, detailing key transmission and mechanical characteristics relevant to horizontal cabling.

  • ISO/IEC Directives Part 2 – Offers principles for the drafting of international standards, ensuring consistency and usability of IEC 61156-3-1 specifications.

  • National Standards Derived from IEC 61156 Series – Many countries develop their own detailed specifications based on this blank specification to align local requirements with international best practices.


By standardizing the detailed specifications for multicore and symmetrical pair/quad cables used in digital communication work area wiring, IEC 61156-3-1:2009 plays a crucial role in ensuring consistent quality, interoperability, and performance across global structured cabling systems. This supports the growing demand for reliable, high-speed digital networks critical to modern workplaces and communication infrastructures.

Standard

IEC 61156-3-1:2009 - Multicore and symmetrical pair/quad cables for digital communications - Part 3-1: Work area wiring - Blank detail specification

English language
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Frequently Asked Questions

IEC 61156-3-1:2009 is a standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Its full title is "Multicore and symmetrical pair/quad cables for digital communications - Part 3-1: Work area wiring - Blank detail specification". This standard covers: IEC 61156-3-1:2009(E) determines the layout and style for detail specifications describing multicore and symmetrical pair(s)/quad(s) cables for digital communication in work area wiring. Detail specifications based on the blank detail specification may be prepared by a national standards organization, a manufacturer or a user. This edition constitutes a technical revision. The significant global technical change is the alignment with IEC 61156-3:2008. This publication is to be read in conjunction with IEC 61156-1:2002 and IEC 61156-3:2008.

IEC 61156-3-1:2009(E) determines the layout and style for detail specifications describing multicore and symmetrical pair(s)/quad(s) cables for digital communication in work area wiring. Detail specifications based on the blank detail specification may be prepared by a national standards organization, a manufacturer or a user. This edition constitutes a technical revision. The significant global technical change is the alignment with IEC 61156-3:2008. This publication is to be read in conjunction with IEC 61156-1:2002 and IEC 61156-3:2008.

IEC 61156-3-1:2009 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 33.120.20 - Wires and symmetrical cables. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

IEC 61156-3-1:2009 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to IEC 61156-3-1:2003. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

IEC 61156-3-1:2009 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


IEC 61156-3-1 ®
Edition 3.0 2009-05
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Multicore and symmetrical pair/quad cables for digital communications –
Part 3-1: Work area wiring – Blank detail specification

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IEC 61156-3-1 ®
Edition 3.0 2009-05
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Multicore and symmetrical pair/quad cables for digital communications –
Part 3-1: Work area wiring – Blank detail specification

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
PRICE CODE
L
ICS 33.120.20 ISBN 978-2-88910-421-5
– 2 – 61156-3-1 © IEC:2009(E)
CONTENTS
FOREWORD.3
1 Scope.5
2 Normative references.5
3 Guidance for preparation of detail specifications .5
4 Blank detail specification for multicore and symmetrical pair(s)/quad(s) cables for
digital communication in horizontal floor wiring .7

61156-3-1 © IEC:2009(E) – 3 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
MULTICORE AND SYMMETRICAL PAIR/QUAD CABLES
FOR DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS –
Part 3-1: Work area wiring –
Blank detail specification
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
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International Standard IEC 61156-3-1 has been prepared by subcommittee 46C: Wires and
symmetric cables, of IEC technical committee 46: Cables, wires, waveguides, r.f. connectors,
r.f. and microwave passive components and accessories.
This standard is to be read in conjunction with IEC 61156-1: 2002 and IEC 61156-3: 2008.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2003. This edition
constitutes a technical revision. The significant global technical change is the alignment with
IEC 61156-3: 2008.
– 4 – 61156-3-1 © IEC:2009(E)
The text of this standard is based on the first edition and on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
46C/883/FDIS 46C/891/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all parts of the IEC 61156 series, published under the general title Multicore and
symmetrical pair/quad cables for digital communications, can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until the
maintenance result date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data
related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed;
• withdrawn;
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
A bilingual version of this publication may be issued at a later date.
...

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