kSIST FprEN 50288-12-2:2026
(Main)Multi-element metallic cables used in analogue and digital communication and control - Part 12-2: Sectional specification for screened cables characterised from 1 MHz up to 2000 MHz - Work Area cables
- Abstract
This document relates to EN 50288 1, Multi-element metallic cables used in analogue and digital communication and control.
It covers screened cables, characterized up to 2GHz, used in work area wiring for information technology, generic-cabling systems.
The electrical, mechanical, transmission and environmental performance characteristics of the cables, related to their reference test methods, are detailed.
This sectional specification is expected to be read in conjunction with EN 50288 1, which contains the essential provisions for its application.
The cables covered by this sectional specification are intended to operate with voltages and currents normally encountered in communication systems. These cables are not intended to be used in conjunction with low impedance sources, for example, the electric power supplies of public utility mains.
- Status
- Not Published
- Public Enquiry End Date
- 30-Jul-2020
- Technical Committee
- MOC - Mobile Communications
- Current Stage
- 5020 - Formal vote (FV) (Adopted Project)
- Start Date
- 13-May-2026
- Due Date
- 01-Jul-2026
- Completion Date
- 13-May-2026
kSIST FprEN 50288-12-2:2026 is a SIST standard for screened multi-element metallic cables used in analogue and digital communication and control. It covers work area cables for information technology and generic-cabling systems, characterised from 1 MHz up to 2000 MHz. The document specifies cable construction, reference test methods and performance limits, and it is meant to be read with EN 50288-1.
What does kSIST FprEN 50288-12-2:2026 specify?
kSIST FprEN 50288-12-2:2026 defines a sectional specification for a specific family of screened communication cables. It sets out how these cables are built, how they are tested, and what performance they need to meet in service.
The scope says the cables are intended for the voltages and currents normally found in communication systems. It also makes clear that they are not intended for low impedance sources such as public utility mains supplies.
The document is organized into these main clauses:
- Scope
- Normative references
- Definitions, symbols and abbreviations
- Cable construction
- Test methods and requirements for completed cables
| Annex | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Annex A (normative) | Data cable current, voltage and power ratings |
What are the key requirements of kSIST FprEN 50288-12-2:2026?
kSIST FprEN 50288-12-2:2026 combines construction rules with electrical, mechanical, environmental and fire-related checks. In practice, that means a cable supplier or buyer can use one document to define the cable build and the qualification tests together.
Cable construction in Clause 4
Clause 4 requires the conductor to be solid copper or stranded, plain or metal coated, and the conductor diameter is constrained to a defined range. The cable element is a pair, so the document is aimed at paired data cable constructions rather than single-core power wiring.
Clause 4 also points to EN 50290-2 materials for insulation and sheath, and it sets rules for identification, screening, lay-up and wrapping layers. For a designer or purchaser, this matters because the cable materials and build have to match the intended communication performance and the expected installation method.
Screening and core build
Clause 4.9 covers screening of the cable core. The document distinguishes between braid-only screening and constructions that use foil and braid, or foil over each element or over the core, so the shielding design has to match the intended mechanical and electrical performance.
Electrical performance in Clause 5.2
Clause 5.2.1 covers low-frequency and d.c. measurements such as resistance, dielectric strength, insulation resistance and capacitance balance. These checks show whether the cable is electrically sound before high-frequency performance is considered.
Clause 5.2.2 covers the high-frequency behaviour that matters for data transmission: phase delay, skew, attenuation, crosstalk, return loss, coupling attenuation, transfer impedance and related balance measurements. In practice, these are the figures that determine whether the cable will support the intended communication link length and signal quality.
Mechanical and installation performance
Clause 5.3 requires mechanical tests for conductor elongation, insulation shrinkage, crush resistance, impact resistance, sheath marking abrasion, simulated installation and tensile performance. These tests matter because the cable has to survive pulling, bending, crushing and handling without losing its transmission performance.
Environmental and fire-related checks
Clause 5.4 covers cold bend performance and temperature cycling. This is the part a buyer uses to judge whether the cable can tolerate storage, transport and installation conditions beyond normal room temperature.
Clause 5.5 points to fire performance test methods in EN 50288-1. That makes fire behaviour part of the overall qualification rather than a separate afterthought.
Annex A
Annex A is normative and gives current, voltage and power ratings for data cable use. It also states that the table applies to communications technology and not to mains supplies.
What terms does kSIST FprEN 50288-12-2:2026 define?
- ex - The document defines this as exogenous, meaning derived from or originating externally.
- NEXT - Near-end Crosstalk, the unwanted signal coupled into a pair at the same end as the transmitter.
- PSNEXT - Power sum Near-end Crosstalk, which combines NEXT from multiple disturbing pairs.
- ACR-F - Attenuation to crosstalk ratio at the far end, a measure that compares signal loss with far-end crosstalk.
- PSACR-F - Power Sum ACR-F, the power-summed version of the far-end ratio for multiple pairs.
- Transfer impedance - A screening-performance measure that shows how well the cable resists external coupling through its shield.
- Coupling attenuation - A shielding-related measure of how much external interference is coupled into the cable.
Who uses kSIST FprEN 50288-12-2:2026?
kSIST FprEN 50288-12-2:2026 is used by cable manufacturers, test laboratories, specifiers and purchasers working with work area cabling for information technology. It is also relevant to quality managers and design engineers who need a common technical basis for product definition, verification and acceptance.
In practice, these users apply it when they:
- choose cable construction and screening type
- write product specifications and procurement requirements
- plan type tests and routine checks
- compare candidate cables for generic-cabling systems
- verify suitability for high-frequency communication use
Which standards are used with kSIST FprEN 50288-12-2:2026?
| Standard | What it contributes |
|---|---|
| EN 50288-1:2013 | The generic specification that provides the essential provisions for applying Part 12-2 |
| EN 50289-3-2 | Tensile strength and elongation test method for conductor |
| EN 50289-3-4 | Tensile strength, elongation and shrinkage test method for insulation and sheath |
| EN 50289-3-5 | Crush resistance test method for the cable |
| EN 50289-3-6 | Impact resistance test method for the cable |
| EN 50289-3-8 | Abrasion resistance test method for sheath markings |
| EN 50289-3-9:2001 | Bending and simulated installation test methods |
| EN 50289-3-16 | Cable tensile performance test method |
| EN 50290-2 series | Material requirements for insulation and sheath |
| EN 50289-4-6 | Temperature cycling test method |
| IEC 60189-2 / IEC 60708 | Colour coding for cabling element identification |
What does the kSIST FprEN 50288-12-2:2026 document contain?
The document contains clauses on scope, references, definitions, cable construction and the test methods needed to show compliance. It includes tables for low-frequency and d.c. measurements, high-frequency transmission measurements, mechanical tests, environmental tests and fire performance references.
It also contains the test conditions and acceptance limits that laboratories use when checking completed cables, plus a normative annex for current, voltage and power ratings. For engineering and procurement teams, that makes it a compact reference for both cable design and acceptance testing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
kSIST FprEN 50288-12-2:2026 is a draft published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Multi-element metallic cables used in analogue and digital communication and control - Part 12-2: Sectional specification for screened cables characterised from 1 MHz up to 2000 MHz - Work Area cables". This standard covers: This document relates to EN 50288 1, Multi-element metallic cables used in analogue and digital communication and control. It covers screened cables, characterized up to 2GHz, used in work area wiring for information technology, generic-cabling systems. The electrical, mechanical, transmission and environmental performance characteristics of the cables, related to their reference test methods, are detailed. This sectional specification is expected to be read in conjunction with EN 50288 1, which contains the essential provisions for its application. The cables covered by this sectional specification are intended to operate with voltages and currents normally encountered in communication systems. These cables are not intended to be used in conjunction with low impedance sources, for example, the electric power supplies of public utility mains.
This document relates to EN 50288 1, Multi-element metallic cables used in analogue and digital communication and control. It covers screened cables, characterized up to 2GHz, used in work area wiring for information technology, generic-cabling systems. The electrical, mechanical, transmission and environmental performance characteristics of the cables, related to their reference test methods, are detailed. This sectional specification is expected to be read in conjunction with EN 50288 1, which contains the essential provisions for its application. The cables covered by this sectional specification are intended to operate with voltages and currents normally encountered in communication systems. These cables are not intended to be used in conjunction with low impedance sources, for example, the electric power supplies of public utility mains.
kSIST FprEN 50288-12-2:2026 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 33.120.10 - Coaxial cables. Waveguides; 33.120.20 - Wires and symmetrical cables. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
kSIST FprEN 50288-12-2:2026 is associated with the following European legislation: EU Directives/Regulations: 2014/35/EU; Standardization Mandates: M/511. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
kSIST FprEN 50288-12-2:2026 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST prEN 50288-12-2:2020
01-julij-2020
Večelementni kovinski kabli za analogne in digitalne komunikacije in krmiljenje -
12-2. del: Področna specifikacija za zaslonjene kable z lastnostmi od 1 MHz do
2000 MHz - Kabli na delovnih območjih
Multi-element metallic cables used in analogue and digital communication and control -
Part 12-2: Sectional specification for screened cables characterised from 1 MHz up to
2000 MHz - Work Area cables
Câbles métalliques à éléments multiples utilisés pour les transmissions et les
commandes analogiques et numériques - Partie 12-2: Spécification intermédiaire pour
les câbles écrantés caractérisés de 1 MHz à 2 000 MHz - Câbles de zone de travail
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 50288-12-2
ICS:
33.120.20 Žice in simetrični kabli Wires and symmetrical
cables
oSIST prEN 50288-12-2:2020 en
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
oSIST prEN 50288-12-2:2020
oSIST prEN 50288-12-2:2020
EUROPEAN STANDARD DRAFT
prEN 50288-12-2
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
May 2020
ICS
English Version
Multi-element metallic cables used in analogue and digital
communication and control - Part 12-2: Sectional specification
for screened cables characterised from 1 MHz up to 2000 MHz -
Work Area cables
Câbles métalliques à éléments multiples utilisés pour les To be completed
transmissions et les commandes analogiques et
numériques - Partie 12-2: Spécification intermédiaire pour
les câbles écrantés caractérisés de 1 MHz à 2 000 MHz -
Câbles de zone de travail
This draft European Standard is submitted to CENELEC members for enquiry.
Deadline for CENELEC: 2020-07-31.
It has been drawn up by CLC/SC 46XC.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which
stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
This draft European Standard was established by CENELEC in three official versions (English, French, German).
A version in any other language made by translation under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to
the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and the United Kingdom.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are aware and to
provide supporting documentation.
Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without notice and
shall not be referred to as a European Standard.
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2020 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Project: 65673 Ref. No. prEN 50288-12-2 E
oSIST prEN 50288-12-2:2020
prEN 50288-12-2:2020 (E)
Contents Page
Foreword . 2
1 Scope . 3
2 Normative references . 3
3 Definitions, symbols and abbreviations . 4
4 Cable construction . 4
4.1 Conductor . 4
4.2 Insulation . 4
4.3 Cabling elements . 4
4.4 Identification of cabling elements . 4
4.5 Screening of cabling elements . 4
4.6 Cable make-up . 4
4.7 Filling compound . 4
4.8 Interstitial fillers . 4
4.9 Screening of the cable core . 4
4.10 Moisture barriers . 5
4.11 Wrapping layers . 5
4.12 Sheath . 5
5 Test methods and requirements for completed cables. 5
5.1 General . 5
5.2 Electrical tests . 5
5.2.1 Low-frequency and d.c. electrical measurements . 5
5.2.2 High-frequency electrical and transmission measurements . 5
5.3 Mechanical tests . 7
5.4 Environmental tests . 8
5.5 Fire performance test methods . 8
Annex A (normative) Table for data cable current, voltage and power ratings . 9
oSIST prEN 50288-12-2:2020
prEN 50288-12-2:2020 (E)
European foreword
This document (prEN 50288-12-2:2020) has been prepared by SC 46XC, “Multicore, multipair and quad data
communication cables”, of TC 46X, “Communication cables”.
This document is currently submitted to the Enquiry.
The following dates are proposed:
• latest date by which the existence of this (doa) dor + 6 months
document has to be announced at national
level
• latest date by which this document has to be (dop) dor + 12 months
implemented at national level by publication of
an identical national standard or by
endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards (dow) dor + 36 months
conflicting with this document have to be (to be confirmed or
withdrawn modified when voting)
This Part 12-2 is to be read in conjunction with EN 50288-1:2013.
oSIST prEN 50288-12-2:2020
prEN 50288-12-2:2020 (E)
1 Scope
This document relates to EN 50288-1, Multi-element metallic cables used in analogue and digital
communication and control.
It covers screened cables, characterized up to 2GHz, used in work area wiring for information technology,
generic-cabling systems.
The electrical, mechanical, transmission and environmental performance characteristics of the cables, related
to their reference test methods, are detailed.
This sectional specification is expected to be read in conjunction with EN 50288-1, which contains the
essential provisions for its application.
The cables covered by this sectional specification are intended to operate with voltages and currents normally
encountered in communication systems. These cables are not intended to be used in conjunction with low
impedance sources, for example, the electric power supplies of public utility mains.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 50288-1:2013, Multi-element metallic cables used in analogue and digital communication and control -
Part 1: Generic specification
EN 50289-3-2, Communication cables - Specifications for test methods - Part 3-2: Mechanical test methods -
Tensile strength and elongation for conductor
EN 50289-3-4, Communication cables - Specifications for test methods - Part 3-4: Mechanical test methods -
Tensile strength, elongation and shrinkage of insulation and sheath
EN 50289-3-5, Communication cables - Specifications for test methods - Part 3-5: Mechanical test methods -
Crush resistance of the cable
EN 50289-3-6, Communication cables - Specifications for test methods - Part 3-6: Mechanical test methods -
Impact resistance of the cable
EN 50289-3-8, Communication cables - Specifications for test methods - Part 3-8: Mechanical test methods -
Abrasion resistance of cable sheath markings
EN 50289-3-9:2001, Communication cables - Specifications for test methods - Part 3-9: Mechanical te
...