Standard EN 50173: Simply explained and easy to understand

Preface

The Standard EN 50173: explained in detail and simply is an important regulation in the Telecommunications and information technology industry is applied. It concerns the planning, installation and testing of structured cabling systems. In this Article We will explain the different aspects of this standard and help you make the most important elements easy to understand.

What is the EN 50173 standard?

The Standard EN 50173 is a European Standard, which covers the requirements for planning, installing and testing structured cabling systems for telecommunications and information technology applications in buildings and data centers Are defined.

Why is it important?

The standard ensures that cabling systems in buildings and data centers function efficiently and reliably. It ensures that these systems meet user requirements and applicable security standards.

DIN EN 50173 series

The DIN EN 50173 series is a European one Standard for the planning, installation and maintenance of structured cabling systems in various application areas and locations. The standard series consists of six parts, each relating to different aspects:

DIN EN 50173-1:

General requirements The first part sets out the general requirements and Suggestions for structured cabling systems that apply to all types of locations. He covers basic ones Concepts, the classification of cabling structures, performance requirements, and the selection and installation of components.

DIN EN 50173-2:

Office buildings The second part focuses on structured cabling systems in office buildings. It covers requirements for planning, installation and Maintenance the cabling infrastructure in such buildings, including requirements for tertiary cabling and workplace cabling.

DIN EN 50173-3:

Data centers The third part relates to structured cabling in data centers. It contains specific requirements for planning and installing cabling infrastructure in data centers, including performance criteria, topologies and the selection of components such as fiber or copper cabling.

DIN EN 50173-4:

Industrial locations The fourth part deals with structured cabling in industrial locations and systems. He sets requirements and Suggestions for the planning, installation and maintenance of the cabling infrastructure, taking into account the specific environmental conditions in industrial plants, such as: B. Temperature, humidity, vibration and electromagnetic interference.

DIN EN 50173-5:

Residential buildings The fifth part deals with structured cabling systems in residential buildings. It establishes requirements and recommendations for the design, installation and maintenance of residential cabling infrastructure, including requirements for cabling communications, multimedia and smart home applications.

DIN EN 50173-6:

Distributed Building Services - The sixth part refers to structured cabling systems for distributed building services such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), security systems, lighting and energy management. This part specifies requirements and recommendations for the design, installation and maintenance of the cabling infrastructure for these services, including interaction with other parts of the structured cabling.

Conclusion of the DIN EN 50173 series

Overall, the DIN EN 50173 series offers a comprehensive guideline for the planning, installation and maintenance of structured cabling systems in various application areas and locations. Through the Compliance with these standards ensures that the communications infrastructure is future-proof, compatible with various devices and network protocols and meets the requirements of different locations and applications.

The DIN EN 50173 series helps ensure that network planners, installers and operators have one clear and consistent approach for the design and Implementation of cabling systems. Through the Compliance with the requirements specified in the individual parts will ensure network quality and performance while reducing the likelihood of glitches, failures and incompatibilities.

It is important to notethat the DIN EN 50173 series refers to the physical cabling infrastructure and not to the data transfer protocols or applications running over this infrastructure. However, well-planned and installed structured cabling forms the Basis for a powerful and reliable network that can meet the needs of users and various applications.

Overall, the DIN EN 50173 series is an important component for the design and implementation of structured cabling systems in various environments. By adhering to these standards you can Network planner and installers ensure that their systems are powerful, flexible and future-proof, thereby ensuring the success and longevity of their communication infrastructures.

What does structured cabling according to EN 50173 mean?

Structured cabling according to EN 50173 is a European standard for the planning, installation and maintenance of communication cabling in buildings and campus networks. This standard provides uniform guidelines and requirements to ensure a high-performance and flexible cabling infrastructure. It covers various application areas such as office buildings, data centers and industrial applications.

Structured cabling consists of several levels that build on each other:

  1. Primary cabling (campus backbone): It connects different buildings or locations within a campus or a larger area. This cabling can consist of fiber optic or copper cables, depending on the bandwidth requirements, Reach and environmental conditions.
  2. Secondary cabling (building backbone): It connects the floor distributors (Floor Distributor, FD) within a building and establishes the connection to the main distributor (Main Distributor, MD). Fiber optic or copper cables can also be used here.
  3. Tertiary cabling (floor cabling): It establishes the connection between the floor distributor (FD) and the connection boxes in the individual rooms. As a rule, copper cables of the CAT 5e, CAT 6, CAT 6A or CAT 7 category are used here.
  4. Workstation cabling: It provides the connection between the connection sockets and the end devices (e.g. Desktop, telephone). Patch cables made of copper are usually used here.

Structured cabling according to EN 50173 also includes different cable types, color coding, cabling components and connection techniques. Compliance with these standards ensures that the communications infrastructure is future-proof and Compatible with various devices and network protocols at a hunt.

Areas of application of the EN 50173 standard

The EN 50173 standard has applications in various areas, including:

  1. office buildings
  2. Data Centers
  3. Industrial facilities
  4. housing
  5. educational institutions
  6. Health facilities

Basics of the EN 50173 standard

Wiring hierarchy

The standard establishes a cabling hierarchy consisting of three levels:

  1. Primary cabling (backbone)
  2. Secondary cabling (horizontal)
  3. Tertiary cabling (workstation)

Types of cabling

The standard defines different types of cabling, including:

  1. Copper wiring
  2. fiber optic cabling
  3. Coaxial cabling

Performance parameters of the EN 50173 standard

The EN 50173 standard specifies the performance parameters for different cabling classes. This Parameter include:

  1. transmission frequency
  2. Damping
  3. crosstalk
  4. Return loss

Classification of cabling systems according to standard EN 50173

The EN 50173 standard classifies cabling systems into different classes, including:

  1. Class D (100MHz)
  2. Class E (250MHz)
  3. Class EA (500 MHz)
  4. Class F (600 MHz)
  5. Class FA (1000 MHz)

Requirements for the components

The standard also specifies the requirements for the various components of a cabling system, such as: E.g.:

  1. Connectors
  2. Cables
  3. Patch panels
  4. junction boxes
  5. cable channels

Installation and testing according to standard EN 50173

Installation Guidelines

The EN 50173 standard ensures that the installation of cabling systems is carried out properly by prescribing installation guidelines such as: E.g.:

  1. Minimum bending radii
  2. Tensile strength limitations
  3. Cable length restrictions
  4. Grounding and shielding

test procedure

The standard also specifies test methods for verifying the performance and compliance of cabling systems, such as: E.g.:

  1. Attenuation test
  2. Crosstalk testing
  3. Return loss test

How do you wire a network socket?

To wire a network socket, you will need the following materials and Tools:

  1. Network socket (RJ45)
  2. Network cable (e.g. CAT 5e, CAT 6 or CAT 7)
  3. LSA lay-down tool (also known as punch-down or lay-up tool)
  4. Scissors or cable cutters
  5. Wire stripper or knife
  6. Cable tester (optional but recommended)

Here are the steps for wiring a network box:

  1. Prepare cable: Cut the network cable to the desired length and carefully remove the outer jacket to expose the pairs of wires within. Be careful not to damage the wire pairs.
  2. Split wire pairs: Separate the wire pairs and sort them according to color coding. There are two common ones Color codes: T568A and T568B. Choose one of the two and stick to it consistently. T568A:
    1. Green white
    2. Green
    3. orange-white
    4. Blue
    5. Blue White
    6. Orange
    7. brown-white
    8. Brown
    T568B:
    1. orange-white
    2. Orange
    3. Green white
    4. Blue
    5. Blue White
    6. Green
    7. brown-white
    8. Brown
  3. Lay on cores: Insert the wires into the LSA ports of the network socket in the selected color sequence. Use the LSA application tool to firmly press the wires into the connectors. The tool automatically separates the insulation of the wires and creates a secure connection.
  4. Cables to back up: Attach the cable to the network socket using the integrated cable clamp to avoid tensile stress.
  5. Assembly: Mount the network socket in a flush-mounted or surface-mounted box and close the housing.
  6. Testing (optional): Use a cable tester to check the connection between the network socket and another Network device (eg Switch or patch panel).

Complete! You have successfully wired a network socket.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the EN 50173 standard

How does the EN 50173 standard differ from other standards?

The EN 50173 standard is specifically aimed at structured cabling systems and specifies detailed requirements for planning, installation and testing. Other standards may refer to related ones Topics focus, but the EN 50173 standard provides a comprehensive framework for structured cabling systems.

Does the EN 50173 standard only apply to Europe?

Although the EN 50173 standard is a European standard, it is often used outside Europe as it provides an internationally recognized standard for structured cabling systems.

Do I have to follow the EN 50173 standard when installing a new cabling system?

It is recommended to follow the EN 50173 standard when installing new cablingSystems to ensure that the system meets current performance and safety standards.

What happens if my cabling system does not meet the requirements of the EN 50173 standard?

A cabling system that does not comply with the requirements of the EN 50173 standard can lead to performance problems, increased maintenance costs and possible safety risks. It is therefore important to take the standard into account when planning, installing and testing a cabling system.

Where can I find more information about the EN 50173 standard?

Further information on the EN 50173 standard can be found on the Modern the responsible standardization organizations, such as B. the German Institute for Standardization (DIN) or the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

Is the EN 50173 standard relevant for my company?

If your company operates in the telecommunications or information technology industry and plans, installs or tests structured cabling systems, the EN 50173 standard is relevant for you.

Conclusion

The Standard EN 50173: explained in detail and simply offers a comprehensive framework for planning, installing and testing structured cabling systems in buildings and data centers. It ensures that these systems function efficiently, reliably and safely to meet user requirements and applicable security standards. By understanding and applying this standard, companies can ensure their cabling systems meet current requirements and are future-proof.

Summary of the main Points

  1. The EN 50173 standard is a European standard that specifies the requirements for structured cabling systems in buildings and data centers.
  2. The standard defines various aspects such as cabling hierarchy, cabling types, performance parameters and classification of cabling systems.
  3. This standard ensures that cabling systems are properly installed and tested by prescribing installation guidelines and testing procedures.
  4. EN 50173 is relevant for companies in the telecommunications and information technology industry and helps to ensure future-proof cabling systems.

The Standard EN 50173: explained in detail and simply is an important one Guide for companies and professionals working in the telecommunications and information technology industries. By understanding and applying this standard, you can ensure that your cabling systems meet current requirements and are future-proof.

Jan Domke

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I have been running the online magazine privately since the end of 2021 SEO4Business and thus turned my job into a hobby.
I have been working as a since 2019 Senior Hosting Manager, at one of the largest internet and marketing agencies in Germany and am constantly expanding my horizons.

Jan Domke