Telecommunication cabling and equipment installations

A guide to requirements and responsibilities

© British Standards Institution, Electrical Contractors Association, Fibreoptic Industry Association Ltd,
Telecommunications Industry Association, 2004.

Whilst every care has been taken in developing and compiling this document, the copyright holders accept
no liability for any loss or damage caused, arising directly or indirectly in connection with reliance on its
contents except to the extent that such liability may not lawfully be excluded. Copyright subsists in all
publications. Except as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 no extract may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic,
photocopying, recording or otherwise – without prior written permission from the copyright holders.

BSI ref: BIP 0007

ISBN: 0 580 43556 3

ii
Foreword
This Guide provides advice on the application of BS 6701:2004, Telecommunications equipment and
telecommunications cabling — Specification for installation, operation and maintenance. It is also an aid to
interpreting the contents of BS EN 50174, Information technology — Cabling installation, and the
identification of responsibilities therein.
This Guide was developed by BSI Subcommittee TCT7/-/3. Those involved in the production of the text for
this document were:
Mike Andersson Andstrom Consulting Limited
Steve Banks Nightlake Limited (and the Telecommunications Industry Association)
Rob Cardigan Molex Premise Networks
Alan Derbyshire
Mike Gilmore e-Ready Building Limited
John Kellow Siemon Corporation
Tim Oldershaw J. Brand Limited
Stuart Reeves Krone (UK) Technique Limited
Dave Stefanowicz Electrical Contractors Association
Stuart Smith Fibreoptic Industry Association
Roger Springett BT

The production of this Guide is sponsored by the following organizations.

Electrical Contractors Association www.eca.co.uk
Fibreoptic Industry Association Ltd www.fibreoptic.org.uk
Telecommunications Industry Association www.tia.org.uk

iii
Contents
1 Introduction 1
2 Scope 1
3 BS 6701:2004 1
3.1 Why change? 1
3.2 What are telecommunications equipment and telecommunications cabling? 2
3.3 To which installations does BS 6701:2004 apply? 2
3.4 How do you conform to BS 6701:2004? 2
3.5 Who is responsible for meeting the requirements of BS 6701:2004? 3
3.6 How to use this Guide 3
4 Requirements for installers of telecommunications equipment and telecommunications cabling 4
4.1 General 4
4.2 Earthing 5
4.3 Power supplies 5
4.4 Telecommunications cabling 5
5 Requirements for owners of premises housing telecommunications systems 8
5.1 General 8
5.2 Operating procedures 11
5.3 Maintenance 12
5.4 Repair 12
6 Best practice 12
6.1 Best practice for installers of telecommunications equipment and telecommunications cabling 12
6.2 Best practice for owners of premises housing telecommunications systems 12
7 Abbreviations 13
8 List of references 13

iv
1 Introduction
This Guide acts as a supporting document to BS 6701:2004 by:
• explaining the importance and applicability of BS 6701:2004;
• clarifying which aspects of the BS EN 50174 series have to be met, and by whom, in order to claim
conformance to BS 6701:2004; and
• providing information on what is considered to be “best practice” where the BS EN 50174 series of
standards are less than clear or not explicit.
Within this Guide and within the standards to which it refers, the term telecommunications embraces any
technology relating to the transmission, emission and reception of signs, signals, writing, images and
sounds; i.e. information of any nature by cable, radio, optical or other electromagnetic systems.
The specification of installation, operation and maintenance of telecommunications equipment and cabling
underwent significant change during 2004. The publication of the BS EN 50174 series of standards required
the consequent revision of BS 6701:1994 and withdrawal of BS 7718. Some text of BS 7718 was included
within the revised BS 6701. Other text from BS 7718 that could not be included within a standard, but which
was thought to be useful information, was provided to other standards bodies and industry associations so
that they could consider its inclusion within their documents.
During the revision process, major changes were made to BS 6701 including:
• the modification of the status of BS 6701 from a code of practice, containing only recommendations,
to a specification containing mandatory requirements;
• the requirement that compliance with BS 6701 demands conformance to the BS EN 50174 series;
• a clear separation of the responsibilities of the installer and those of the owner of the premises
containing the telecommunications cabling and equipment.
BS 6701 continues to make normative (i.e. mandatory) reference to national regulations and other British
Standards including BS 7671.

2 Scope
This Guide acts as a supporting document to BS 6701:2004 by:
• explaining the importance and applicability of BS 6701:2004;
• clarifying which aspects of the BS EN 50174 series of standards have to be met, and by whom, in
order to claim conformance to BS 6701;
• providing information that is considered to be “best practice” where the BS EN 50174 series of
standards are not explicit.

3 BS 6701:2004

3.1 Why change?

The CENELEC committees, responsible for the production of the EN 50174 series, used national standards
available at the time as a basis of their work. The UK experts involved in this work submitted BS 6701:1994
and BS 7718:1996 together with other information.
It is a condition of CENELEC membership that national standards bodies (BSI in the UK) withdraw conflicting
standards when a European standard is published. In the case of the BS EN 50174 series, the task of
reviewing the implications of this condition was given to BSI subcommittee TCT7/-/3. TCT7/-/3 removed from
both BS 6701:1994 and BS 7718:1996 the elements covered by the BS EN 50174 standards. Having
completed this task, BS 7718:1996 was withdrawn in 2003 and BS 6701 was revised.
The revisions made to BS 6701 were not solely editorial. It was also decided that BS 6701:2004 should no
longer be a code of practice, but should become a specification as its use is mandated in BS 7671, while
BS 6701:2004 also mandates the use of other specifications and European standards as shown in Figure 1.
This decision had significant impact.

1
 DESIGN
Any cabling
design
SPECIFICATION BS EN 50174-1

BS EN 50174-X
PLANNING BS 6701 BS EN 50310
BS 7671
BS EN 60825-2
BS 7671
INSTALLATION BS EN 50174-X
BS 7671
BS EN 60825-2

COMMISSIONING

BS EN 50174-1
HANDOVER BS 7671
BS EN 60825-2

BS EN 50174-1
OPERATION BS 6701 BS 7671
BS EN 60825-2

BS EN 50174-1
MAINTENANCE BS 7671
BS EN 60825-2

Figure 1 — Interrelationship between applicable standards

3.2 What are telecommunications equipment and telecommunications cabling?

BS 6701:2004 specifies requirements for the installation, operation and maintenance of telecommunications
equipment and telecommunications cabling. The BS EN 50174 series covers the installation of
telecommunications cabling using balanced and/or optical fibre cabling, both within and between buildings.
BS 6701:2004 applies the requirements of the BS EN 50174 series to all types of telecommunications
cabling and telecommunications transmission equipment connected to that cabling.
BS 6701:2004 specifies requirements for the installation, operation and maintenance of cabling independent
of any standard used in the design of the cabling. As a result, BS 6701:2004 is equally applicable to basic
telephone wiring, cabling in support of ISDN and ADSL services, and “structured cabling” in accordance with
standards, e.g. the BS EN 50173 series, ISO/IEC 11801 and ANSI/TIA-568-B.

3.3 To which installations does BS 6701:2004 apply?

The application of standards is voluntary. Standards assist in the quality assurance of a product or service
only if conformance to the standard is a requirement of the contract governing the supply of that product or
service.
In certain cases a standard or Code of Practice is regarded as one, or even the only, way of complying with
a statute, act or other legislative tool. A good example of this is BS 7671, better known as the IEE Wiring
Regulations, through which one is able to comply with the Electricity at Work Regulations [1].
BS 7671 requires conformance with BS 6701 in relation to segregation of telecommunications circuits.
Therefore, within premises containing electrical wiring that is procured and installed according to the IEE
Wiring Regulations (BS 7671 in the UK), certain aspects of BS 6701 are required to be complied with even
when BS 6701 is not explicitly referenced in documentation covering the procurement of the
telecommunications installation. As mentioned in 3.1, this is one of the reasons why BS 6701:2004 is now a
British Standard Specification (with specific and verifiable conformance requirements – see 3.4) rather than
a Code of Practice. In those premises containing electrical wiring that is procured and installed according to
the IEE Wiring Regulations (BS 7671 in the UK), the requirements of BS 6701:2004 and, by normative
reference from BS 6701:2004, the requirements of BS EN 50174 series of standards apply to the installation
of all telecommunications equipment and telecommunications cabling.

3.4 How do you conform to BS 6701:2004?

The wording in a BS specification, such as BS 6701:2004, is very specific; requirements are denoted by the
use of the word “shall” and are verifiable. Conformance with BS 6701:2004 demands that all such
requirements are met.

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British Standard publications of European standards would, ideally, use the same basis for conformance.
The word “shall” is used to define a requirement of a BS EN standard. However, in the BS EN 50174 series
other terms or phrases are also used to define requirements including:
• “it is essential that”;
• “under no circumstances” which is a negative statement of requirement which is usually conveyed
by the wording “shall not”.
The word “should” in all types of BS specifications, codes of practice and European standards represents a
recommendation or a statement of best practice. However, in the BS EN 50174 series, other phrases such
as “it is vital that” could either be requirements or recommendations depending on their context.
This Guide maps the requirements of each of the BS EN 50174 series onto the subclause headings of
BS 6701:2004. By reading BS 6701:2004 and the relevant sections of clauses 4 and 5 of this Guide, the
specific requirements of each of the BS EN 50174 series can be readily determined.

3.5 Who is responsible for meeting the requirements of BS 6701:2004?

In BS 6701:2004 it is very clear who is responsible for meeting the requirements of the standard. The
responsibilities for the installation of telecommunications equipment and telecommunications cabling are
divided between the installer and the owner of the premises housing the telecommunications systems
referred to hereinafter as the “premises owner”.
The responsibilities for the operation and maintenance of telecommunications equipment and
telecommunications cabling lie solely with the premises owner.
By installer, BS 6701:2004 means the competent person who undertakes the installation task.
The installer does not, by means of the separation of responsibilities within BS 6701:2004, undertake other
tasks, e.g. infrastructure design, product selection. It is recognized that some organizations undertake both
design and installation services. However, the design aspect is considered as being undertaken on behalf of
the premises owner.
The premises owner may delegate some of their responsibilities to authorized persons, e.g. tenants,
leaseholders, design consultants, systems integrators.
In the BS EN 50174 series, the responsibilities are not always clearly set out. This Guide adopts the division
of responsibility within BS 6701:2004 and maps the requirements of each of the BS EN 50174 standards on
to the subclause headings of BS 6701:2004. Clause 4 contains the requirements for the “installer”, similar to
the layout within BS 6701:2004 and clause 5 contains the requirements for the “premises owner”. In this
way, the user of the standard will be able to determine what has to be done and by whom.

3.6 How to use this Guide

The subclause numbering and headings of clauses 4 and 5 of this Guide are identical to those of BS
6701:2004 unless otherwise indicated. The requirements stated for BS EN 50174 series in each subclause
within clauses 4 and 5 are therefore additional to the requirements in that same subclause of BS 6701:2004.
Clause 6 contains a small number of items from the BS EN 50174 series that, while not clearly identified as
requirements, are considered to be “best practice” within the UK. The treatment of these items reflects the
division of responsibilities between installers and premises owners (see 3.5).

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4 Requirements for installers of telecommunications equipment and telecommunications
cabling

4.1 General

4.1.1 Compliance with, and extension of, BS EN 50174 requirements

BS 6701:2004 requires that the BS EN 50174 series of standards shall be applied to all telecommunications
equipment and cabling in addition to those within the scope of that series.

4.1.2 Documentation and administration

50174-1 [5.1] requires that an installation specification be agreed with the premises owner prior to the
commencement of the installation.
[5.1] requires that a quality plan be provided.
[5.1] requires that a quality plan be agreed with the premises owner prior to commencement
of the installation.
[5.3] contains general requirements of a quality plan.
[6.1] requires that final cabling documentation be provided.
[6.2] contains requirements for final cabling documentation.

4.1.3 Products and processes

50174-1 [4.4.1] requires that components used be chosen to be compatible with the installation and
operational environments. This is a joint responsibility held with the premises owner (see
5.1.2.1.1 of this Guide).
[4.4.1] requires that consideration be given to temporary abnormal environmental conditions.
This is a joint responsibility held with the premises owner (see 5.1.2.1.1 of this Guide).
50174-2 [4.2.1] requires that telecommunications equipment meets relevant specifications in relation
to protection against electric shock. This is a joint responsibility held with the premises owner
(see 5.1.2.1.1 of this Guide).
[6.14] requires that materials be selected in order to avoid corrosion.
50174-3 [4.1] and [4.4] require that cables comply with relevant product safety requirements. This is a
joint responsibility held with the premises owner (see 5.1.2.1.1 of this Guide).
[4.2.1] requires that telecommunications equipment meets relevant specifications in relation
to protection against electric shock. This is a joint responsibility held with the premises owner
(see 5.1.2.1.1 of this Guide).
[6.10] requires that materials be installed in order to avoid and/or mitigate corrosion. This is a
joint responsibility held with the premises owner (see 5.1.2.1.1 of this Guide).

4.1.4 Installation procedures

50174-1 [4.4.2] requires that termination of screened cables be undertaken in accordance with
instructions supplied by the connecting hardware manufacturer.
[4.4.2] requires that connection to a cable screen be firmly fixed and not used as a strain
relief.
50174-2 [4.3] requires that installation practices do not impair the fire performance of the cabling or
associated components.
[4.4] requires that specific procedures be applied for working in locations where it is possible
for gases to collect.
[4.5] requires that specific procedures, including those for safety in accordance with
BS EN 60825-2, be applied to installation practices for optical fibre cabling.
[5.2] requires that specific procedures be applied to the delivery, documentation and storage
of incoming goods.
[6.3.2] requires that screened cabling have low transfer impedance.

4
50174-3 [4.5] requires that specific procedures be applied for working in locations where it is possible
for gases to collect.
[4.6] requires that specific procedures, including those for safety in accordance with
BS EN 60825-2, be applied to installation practices for optical fibre cabling.
[5.2] requires that specific procedures be applied to the delivery, documentation and storage
of incoming goods.
[5.7] contains requirements for the labelling of cabling components and pathway systems.
[5.8] contains requirements for the labelling of cabinets.
[5.8] contains requirements for the installation of electrical equipment in cabinets.
[5.9.3] contains requirements for the installation of underground cabling.

4.2 Earthing
No additional requirements are contained in the BS EN 50174 series of standards.

4.3 Power supplies

No additional requirements are contained in the BS EN 50174 series of standards.

4.4 Telecommunications cabling

4.4.1 General

4.4.1.1 Pathways
50174-1 [4.8.1] requires that warning signs, guards and protective structures be used in accordance
with local or national legislation.
[4.8.1] contains requirements for the installation of pathway systems.
[4.8.1] requires that the accessibility and availability of pathways be determined and any
proposed deviations from the design shall be advised to the premises owner.
[4.8.2] requires that the installation environment is compatible with the proposed method of
installation.
50174-2 [4.2.2] requires that conductive pathway systems and cabling components be provided with
protection against electric shock in accordance with BS 7671 in the UK.
[5.4] requires that specific procedures be undertaken with regard to preparation of cable
route.
50174-3 [4.9] requires that conductive pathway systems and cabling components be provided with
protection against electric shock in accordance with BS 7671 in the UK.
[5.4.1] and [5.4.2] require specific procedures be undertaken with regard to the preparation of
the cable route.
[5.4.3] contains requirements for protection of cables. This is a joint responsibility held with
the premises owner (see 5.1.2.1.3 of this Guide).
[5.6.1] contains requirements for the insulation of accessible components of pathway
systems.
[5.6.1] prevents in situ splicing of catenary wires.
[5.6.1] and [5.9.3.2] contain requirements for the installation of underground pathway
systems.
[5.9.8] contains requirements where telecommunications cabling enters “hot zones”.
[6.7.3] and [7.7.3.2] contain requirements for telecommunication cabling and pathway
systems.

4.4.1.2 Telecommunications cable installation

50174-1 [4.4.4] requires that the accessibility and availability of locations for drums be determined.

5
50174-2 [5.1] requires that the method of cable installation within wall-trunking allow the installation of
additional cables.
[5.2] requires that cable ends be sealed during cable installation to prevent ingress of
moisture or other contaminants.
[5.2] requires that mechanical fuses be applied to optical fibre cables during installation.
[5.3] requires that specific procedures be undertaken prior to installation.
[5.5] and [5.7] require specific procedures to be undertaken during installation.
[6.6.2] requires that cable within trays not be laid above the side walls of the tray.
50174-3 [5.2] requires that cable ends be sealed during cable installation to prevent ingress of
moisture or other contaminants.
[5.2] requires that mechanical fuses be applied to optical fibre cables during installation.
[5.3.1] requires that specific procedures be undertaken prior to cable installation.
[5.4.2] requires that marking tape be laid above direct-buried cable.
[5.4.3] contains requirements for protection of cables. This is a joint responsibility held with
the premises owner (see 5.1.2.1.4 of this Guide).
[5.5] and [5.9.2.1] require that specific procedures be undertaken during installation of cable.
[5.9.8] contains requirements where telecommunications cabling enters “hot zones”.
[5.10.1] contains requirements for installation of cabling between buildings with a common
earthing system.
[8.6] contains requirements for the isolation of screened cable crossing metallic bridges
supporting electrified railways.
[8.7] requires marking to be applied in the vicinity of locations where underwater cables are
brought ashore.

4.4.1.3 Closures
50174-1 [4.5.1] requires that the accessibility and availability of locations for closures be determined.
[4.7.5] requires that adequate lighting be provided at the site of frames and cabinets. This is a
joint responsibility held with the premises owner (see 5.1.2.1.5 of this Guide).
50174-2 [5.8] requires that specific procedures be undertaken during installation and assembly of
closures.
[5.9] requires that specific procedures be undertaken during cable termination.
[6.3.2] requires that cable screens be connected at termination points (not using the signal
contacts of connecting hardware).
[7.6.2] requires that protection be provided to optical fibre splices.
50174-3 [5.8] requires that specific procedures be undertaken during installation and assembly of
closures.
[5.9] and [7.6.1] require that specific procedures be undertaken during cable termination.
[7.7.1] requires that specific procedures be undertaken for the management of optical fibres.

4.4.1.4 Final acceptance

50174-3 [7.7.3.1] contains requirements for the pressurization testing of sealed closures.

4.4.2 Telecommunications cabling at building entrance facilities

50174-3 [5.9.6], [5.9.7], [6.7.3] and [7.7.3.2] contain requirements for telecommunication cabling and
pathway systems.

6
4.4.3 Telecommunications cabling outside buildings

4.4.3.1 Overhead telecommunications cabling (including drop wires)

50174-3 [5.9.2] and [5.11] contain requirements for sharing of low voltage distribution poles including
separation distances between different types of cabling on a pole.
4.4.3.2 Surge-protection devices
50174-2 [6.8.3] requires specific procedures to be undertaken during installation of surge arrestors.
50174-3 [6.7.3] contains requirements for overvoltage and surge protection devices.

4.4.4 Segregation of telecommunications cabling and electricity supply cabling

4.4.4.1 Electromagnetic interference

50174-2 [4.6.1] requires separation or segregation of metallic telecommunications cabling from mains
power cabling by reference to [6.5] discussed below. This is a joint responsibility held with the
premises owner (see 5.1.2.1.9 of this Guide).
[6.5] contains requirements for separation or segregation of metallic telecommunications
cabling from mains power cabling by reference to [6.5.1], [6.5.2] and [6.5.3]. This is a joint
responsibility held with the premises owner (see 5.1.2.1.9 of this Guide).
The following clarification of the requirements within [6.5.2] applies for horizontal cabling.
• The separation distances of Table 1 apply to the full length of telecommunications
cabling excluding the final 15 m attached to the outlet.
• If the horizontal cabling length is less than 35 m, no separation is required in case of
screened telecommunications or power cabling.
NOTE “Horizontal” cabling is cabling between the point of connection to terminal equipment [e.g. the
telecommunications outlet (TO) in EN 50173-1] and any other termination point. “Backbone” cabling
refers to all other cabling between termination points.

• By definition a screened power cable has a continuous 360° metallic sheath (wire
armouring does not generally constitute such a screen).
[6.5.3] contains requirements for separation of metallic telecommunications cabling from high
intensity discharge lighting systems. This is a joint responsibility held with the premises owner
(see 5.1.2.1.9 of this Guide).

4.4.4.2 Insulation
No additional requirements are contained within the BS EN 50174 series.

4.4.4.3 Separation between telecommunications cabling and electricity supply cabling

50174-3 [5.9.3] contains requirements for underground cabling.

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5 Requirements for owners of premises housing telecommunications systems

5.1 General

5.1.1 Compliance with, and extension of, BS EN 50174 requirements

BS 6701:2004 requires that the BS EN 50174 series be applied to all telecommunications equipment and
cabling in addition to those within the scope of that series.

5.1.2 Documentation and administration

50174-1 [4.10] requires that advice relating to permissible distances between items of equipment is
obtained from the supplier.
[4.10] requires that all aspects relating to the external network interface be agreed with the
external network provider.
[5.1] requires that an installation specification be provided that contains a technical
specification, scope of work and contractual requirements.
[5.1] requires that an installation specification be agreed with the installer prior to the
commencement of the installation.
[5.1] requires that a quality plan be agreed with the installer prior to the commencement of
the installation.
[5.2.1] contains requirements for the contents of the information technology strategy (where
used).
[4.1] requires that consideration be given to the applications to be supported.
[4.2.4] requires that the number of termination points within the work areas be in accordance
with application requirements.
[5.2.2] contains requirements for the contents of a technical specification.
[4.3.1] requires that the physical and climatic environment of the premises be considered in
terms of the performance of the cabling;
[4.4.1] requires that the specification of the components be adequate for the intended
applications to be supported by the installed cabling.
[5.2.3] contains requirements for the contents of the scope of work.
[4.2.4] requires that growth in demand and/or resilience be considered.
[6.1] requires that the level of documentation to be provided be specified in the installation
specification.
[5.2.5] requires that modifications to, changes to, and deviations from the installation
specification be agreed with the installer.
50174-2 [4.1] requires locations of hazardous areas, procedures for working within (or near them) and
fire precautions and escape routes to be advised to all personnel visiting the premises.
50174-3 [4.1] requires locations of hazardous areas, procedures for working within (or near them) and
fire precautions and escape routes to be advised to all personnel visiting the premises.

5.1.2.1 Installation specification (no corresponding clause in BS 6701:2004)

5.1.2.1.1 Products and processes

50174-1 [4.4.1] requires that the components used be chosen to be compatible with the installation
and operational environments. This is a joint responsibility held with the installer (see 4.1.3 of
this Guide).
[4.4.1] requires that consideration be given to temporary abnormal environmental conditions.
This is a joint responsibility held with the installer (see 4.1.3 of this Guide).
[4.4.2] requires that screening effectiveness be ensured by the appropriate choice of
components.

8
50174-2 [4.2.1] requires that telecommunications equipment meet relevant specifications in relation to
protection against electric shock. This is a joint responsibility held with the installer (see 4.1.3
of this Guide).
[4.2.2] requires that connecting hardware for telecommunications equipment not be
interchangeable with that for mains power cabling.
[4.2.2] requires that the means of access to telecommunications cabling provide protection
against electric shock.
[4.3] requires cables to be selected to meet the applicable fire performance and chemical
resistance criteria.
[6.14] requires materials be selected in order to avoid corrosion.
50174-3 [4.1] and [4.4] require that cables comply with relevant product safety requirements. This is a
joint responsibility held with the installer (see 4.1.3 of this Guide).
[4.2.1] requires that telecommunications equipment meet relevant specifications in relation to
protection against electric shock. This is a joint responsibility held with the installer (see 4.1.3
of this Guide).
[4.2.2] requires that connecting hardware for telecommunications equipment not be
interchangeable with that for mains power cabling.
[5.4.2], [5.8], [5.10.2], [8.5] and [8.6] require that the components used be chosen to be
compatible with the installation and operational environments. This is a joint responsibility
held with the installer (see 4.1.3 of this Guide).
[5.7] contains requirements for labels.
[6.10] requires that materials be selected in order to avoid and/or mitigate corrosion. This is a
joint responsibility held with the installer (see 4.1.3 of this Guide).
[7.1] contains requirements for optical fibre cable design to allow identification of different
optical fibre types where applicable.
[7.7.3.1] contains requirements for optical fibre closures.

5.1.2.1.2 Earthing
50174-1 [4.7.7] requires frames and cabinets to be earthed.
50174-2 [6.4] contains considerations and warnings for certain a.c. distribution systems.
[6.12.2] requires appropriate lightning protection to be provided.
50174-3 [5.9.3] contains requirements for the minimum distances between telecommunications
cabling earths and buried earth electrodes of mains power supply systems.

5.1.2.1.3 Telecommunications cabling — pathways

50174-1 [4.8.1] contains requirements for the location of pathways.
[4.8.1] contains requirements for the design of pathway systems.
[4.8.2] contains requirements for the physical and climatic protection provided by pathways to
the cabling that they contain.
[4.8.2] requires that consideration be given to restricting unauthorized access to pathways
and pathway systems.
50174-2 [4.2.2] requires that the means of access to telecommunications cabling provide protection
against electric shock.
[5.5] specifies the requirements for pathway systems.
[6.6.2] requires that trays be selected in order that cables are not required to be laid above or
on the sides of walls of the tray.

9
50174-3 [4.7] contains requirements for the placement of poles to ensure mechanical stability of aerial
cables.
[5.4.3] contains requirements for design of aerial cable pathways including the minimum
clearances above ground.
[5.4.3] contains requirements for protection of cables. This is a joint responsibility held with
the installer (see 4.4.1.1 of this Guide).
[5.5], [5.6.1] and [5.9.2.1] contain requirements for pathway systems.
[5.9.3] contains requirements for the installation of underground cabling.
[5.9.8] contains requirements where telecommunications cabling enters “hot zones”.
[5.9.11] contains requirements for sharing of low voltage distribution poles including
separation distances between different types of cabling on a pole.
[8.7] contains requirements for underwater cabling and aerial crossing of waterways.
[8.8] contains requirements for cabling in proximity to railways.

5.1.2.1.4 Telecommunications cabling — telecommunications cable installation

50174-3 [5.4.3] contains requirements for protection of cables. This is a joint responsibility held with
the installer (see 4.4.1.1 of this Guide).
[5.5], [5.6.1] and [5.9.2.1] contain requirements for pathway systems.
[5.9.3] contains requirements for the installation of underground cabling.
[5.9.8] contains requirements where telecommunications cabling enters “hot zones”.
[8.7] contains requirements for underwater cabling and aerial crossing of waterways.
[8.8] contains requirements for cabling in proximity to railways.
5.1.2.1.5 Telecommunications cabling — closures
50174-1 [4.5.1], [4.5.5] and [4.5.7] contain requirements for the location of termination points.
[4.5.2] contains requirements for the size and distribution of work areas and the number of
termination within each work area.
[4.5.3] contains requirements for the space allocated to termination points.
[4.6.1] contains requirements for the location of closures.
[4.6.3] contains requirements for the closures containing mains power cabling.
[4.5.4] contains requirements for the physical and climatic protection provided by closures to
the termination points they contain.
[4.7.3], [4.7.4], [4.7.6] and [4.7.8.2] contain requirements for the location of frames and
cabinets.
[4.7.4] contains requirements for the space allocated to, and design of, frames and cabinets.
[4.7.5] contains requirements for the physical and climatic protection provided by frames and
cabinets to the closures and equipment that they contain.
[4.7.5] requires that adequate lighting be provided at the site of frames and cabinets. This is a
joint responsibility held with the installers (see 4.4.1.3 of this Guide).
[4.7.7] requires that mains power cabling within frames and cabinets be in accordance with
local regulations meeting HD 384 (BS 7671 in the UK).
[4.7.7] contains requirements for the frames and cabinets containing mains power cabling.
50174-2 [4.2.2] requires that termination points be located and oriented to minimize the risk of electric
shock or damage to the telecommunications cables from ingress of moisture or other
contaminants.
[4.2.2] requires that the means of access to telecommunications cabling provides protection
against electric shock.

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50174-3 [4.9] requires that the means of access to telecommunications cabling provides protection
against electric shock.
5.1.2.1.6 Telecommunications cabling at building entrance facilities
50174-3 [5.9.6], [5.9.7] and [6.7.3] contain requirements for telecommunication cabling and pathway
systems.
5.1.2.1.7 Overhead telecommunications cabling (including drop wires)
50174-3 [4.7] contains requirements for the placement of poles to ensure mechanical stability of aerial
cables.
[5.4.3] contains requirements for the design of aerial cable pathways including the minimum
clearances above ground.
[5.9.2] and [5.11] contains requirements for sharing of low voltage distribution poles, including
separation distances between different types of cabling on a pole.

5.1.2.1.8 Surge-protection devices (including filters)

50174-2 [6.8.3] contains requirements for the use of filters.
50174-3 [6.7.3] contains requirements for overvoltage and surge protection devices.

5.1.2.1.9 Segregation of circuits — electromagnetic interference

50174-2 [4.6.1] requires separation or segregation of metallic telecommunications cabling from mains
power cabling by reference to [6.5] discussed below. This is a joint responsibility held with the
installer (see 4.4.4.1 of this Guide).
[6.5] contains requirements for separation or segregation of metallic telecommunications
cabling from mains power cabling by reference to [6.5.1], [6.5.2] and [6.5.3]. This is a joint
responsibility held with the installer (see 4.4.4.1 of this Guide).
The following clarification of the requirements within [6.5.2] applies for horizontal cabling.
• The separation distances of Table 1 apply to the full length of telecommunications
cabling excluding the final 15 m attached to the outlet.
• If the horizontal cabling length is less than 35 m, no separation is required in case of
screened telecommunications or power cabling.
NOTE “Horizontal” cabling is cabling between the point of connection to terminal equipment [e.g. the
telecommunications outlet (TO) in EN 50173-1] and any other termination point. “Backbone” cabling
refers to all other cabling between termination points.

• By definition a screened power cable has a continuous 360o metallic sheath (wire
armouring does not generally constitute such a screen).
[6.5.3] contains requirements for separation of metallic telecommunications cabling from high
intensity discharge lighting systems. This is a joint responsibility held with the installer (see
4.4.4.1 of this Guide).
5.1.2.1.10 Separation between telecommunications cabling and electricity supply cabling
50174-3 [5.9.3] contains requirements for the installation of underground cabling including minimum
distances between telecommunications cabling and buried earth electrodes of mains power
supply systems in rural environments.
5.1.2.1.11 Power supplies (including batteries)
50174-2 [4.4] requires appropriate accommodation for batteries that produce explosive gases.
50174-3 [4.4] requires appropriate accommodation for batteries that produce explosive gases.

5.2 Operating procedures

50174-1 [4.1] requires that administration be considered early in the specification process.
[7.1] requires that, if administration systems are used, consideration be given to specific
aspects undertaken.
[7.2] contains requirements for identifiers, where used.
[7.4.1] contains requirements for reports, where used.

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 [7.4.2] contains requirements for drawings, where used.
50174-2 [6.3.2] requires that any cabling screens be continuous from transmitter to receiver.

5.3 Maintenance
50174-3 [7.7.3.2] contains requirements for the accessibility of optical fibre closures.

5.4 Repair
No additional requirements are contained in the BS EN 50174 series.

6 Best practice

6.1 Best practice for installers of telecommunications equipment and telecommunications

cabling
50174-1 Products and [4.4.4] requires that storage conditions be compatible with the
processes recommendations provided by the manufacturers. This is a joint
responsibility held with the premises owner (see 6.2 of this Guide).
As a demand for compliance with a “recommendation” is not a clear
requirement, it has not been placed in clause 4 of this document.
However, this should be considered to be best practice.
50174-2 Telecommunications [5.2] requires that appropriate means of protection be used to
cable installation prevent optical fibre cables being subjected to tensile loads in
excess of those established by the cable manufacturer. Best
practice applies such a recommendation to all types of cable.
50174-3 Telecommunications [5.2] requires that appropriate means of protection be used to
cable installation prevent optical fibre cables being subjected to tensile loads in
excess of those established by the cable manufacturer. Best
practice applies such a recommendation to all types of cable.
[5.4.2] states that the laying of marker tape above a cable
management system is always recommended. The use of the term
“always” suggests more than just a recommendation and is
considered as a statement of best practice.
BP [5.10.2] contains best practice considerations for installation of
cabling between buildings with different types of, or separate,
earthing system.

6.2 Best practice for owners of premises housing telecommunications systems

50174-1 Products and [4.4.4] requires that storage conditions be compatible with the
processes recommendations provided by the manufacturers. This is a joint
responsibility held with the installer (see 6.1 of this Guide). As a
demand for compliance with a “recommendation” is not a clear
requirement, it has not been placed in clause 4 of this document.
However, this should be considered to be best practice.
50174-3 Separation between [5.9.2.2] recommends against aerial crossing of electrified railways.
telecommunications For the UK this recommendation is considered as best practice.
cabling and electricity
supply cabling
50174-1 Operating procedures [7.1] indicates specific issues relating to best practice for the
effective administration of telecommunications cabling
infrastructures in the following areas:
• identifiers;
• records;
• reports;
• drawings.

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50174-1 Operating procedures [4.7.4] highlights the importance of careful planning of the layouts of
cabinets and frames.
50174-1 Maintenance [6.2] advises that it is of utmost importance that maintenance
information is not duplicated and is managed in a consistent
manner.
[8.2] Preventative maintenance is considered best practice where
minimum downtime is required.

7 Abbreviations
ADSL asymmetric digital subscriber line
CENELEC European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
EN European Standard
IEC International Electrotechnical Commission
IEE Institution of Electrical Engineers
ISDN Integrated Services Digital Network
ISO International Organization for Standardization
TO telecommunications outlet

8 List of references
Standards publications
BS 6701:1994 (withdrawn)
BS 6701:2004
BS EN 50173-1:2002
BS EN 50174-1:2001
BS EN 50174-2:2001
BS EN 50174-3:2003
BS EN 50310:2000
BS EN 60825-2:2002
BS 7718:1996 (withdrawn)
BS 7671:2001
ISO/IEC 11801:2002
HD 384
ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B series
Code of practice for the installation of apparatus intended for connection to
certain telecommunications systems.
Telecommunications equipment and telecommunications cabling —
Specification for installation, operation and maintenance
Information technology — Generic cabling systems — Part 1: General
requirements and office areas.
Information technology — Cabling installation — Part 1: specification and
quality assurance.
Information technology — Cabling installation — Part 2: Installation planning
and practices inside buildings.
Information technology — Cabling installation — Part 3: Installation planning
and practices outside buildings.
Application of equipotential bonding and earthing in buildings with information
technology equipment.
Safety of laser products — Part 2: Safety of optical fibre communication
systems.
Code of practice for the installation of fibre optic cabling.
Requirements for electrical installations. IEE Wiring Regulations. Sixteenth
Edition.
Information technology — Generic cabling for customer premises.
Electrical installations of buildings.
Commercial building telecommunications cabling standard.

Non-standards publications

[1] UNITED KINGDOM. Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. London: The Stationery Office.

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