Cenelec: Final Draft en 50174-2 Fpra1

FINAL DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 50174-2

NORME EUROPÉENNE FprA1
EUROPÄISCHE NORM September 2010
ICS 35.110; 91.140.50
English version
Information technology -
Cabling installation -
Part 2: Installation planning and practices inside buildings
Technologies de l'information - Informationstechnik -

Installation de câblages - Installation von
Partie 2: Planification et pratiques Kommunikationsverkabelung -
d'installation à l'intérieur des bâtiments Teil 2: Installationsplanung und
Installationspraktiken in Gebäuden
This draft amendment FprA1, if approved, will modify the European Standard EN 50174-2:2009; it is submitted to
CENELEC members for formal vote.
Deadline for CENELEC: 2010-11-26.
It has been drawn up by CLC/TC 215.
If this draft becomes an amendment, CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal
Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this amendment the status of a national standard without
any alteration.
This draft amendment 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 Central Secretariat 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, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
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.
CENELEC
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B - 1000 Brussels
© 2010 CENELEC - All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members.
Project: 22445 Ref. No. EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010 E

EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010 –2–
1 Foreword
2 This draft amendment to the European Standard EN 50174-2:2009 was prepared by the Technical
3 Committee CENELEC TC 215, Electrotechnical aspects of telecommunication equipment. It is submitted to
4 the formal vote.
5 The following dates are proposed:
– latest date by which the existence of the amendment

has to be announced at national level
(doa) dor + 6 months
– latest date by which the amendment has to be implemented

at national level by publication of an identical
national standard or by endorsement
(dop) dor + 12 months
– latest date by which the national standards conflicting

with the amendment have to be withdrawn
(dow) dor + 36 months
(to be confirmed or
modified when voting)
6 This draft amendment introduces:
7 – a new Clause 10 with specific requirements for installation of cabling in homes;

8 – a new Clause 11 with specific requirements for installation of cabling in data centres;
9 – detailed requirements and recommendations for installation of cabling in office (including commercial)
10 (see Clause 8) premises and in industrial premises (see Clause 9) ;
11 – some technical and editorial modifications to the other Clauses.
12 CLC/TC 215 note:

13 For the convenience of the reader of this draft, the pertinent tables are reproduced in total, with grey shading
14 of new table cells. Where modifications to text apply to single expressions or a few words only, this is
15 indicated by underlining.
–3– EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010
16 Text of FprA1 to EN 50174-2:2009
17 Introduction
18 Replace Table 1 with:
19 Table 1 – Contextual relationship between EN 50174 series and other standards

20 relevant for information technology cabling systems
Building design phase Generic cabling Specification phase Installation phase Operation phase
design phase
EN 50310 EN 50173 series EN 50174-1 EN 50174-1

except
EN 50173-4
6. Bonding networks 4: Structure 4: Requirements for 4: Requirements for
specifying installations specifying installations
5: Channel performance of information of information
7: Cable requirements technology cabling technology cabling
8: Connecting hardware 5: Requirements for

requirements installers of information
technology cabling
9: Requirements for
cords and jumpers
A: Link performance
limits
Planning phase
and
EN 50173-4 EN 50174-2 EN 50174-2
4 and 5: Structure 4: Requirements for 5: Requirements for the
planning installations of installation of
6: Channel performance information technology information technology
8: Cable requirements cabling cabling
9: Connecting hardware 6: Segregation of 6: Segregation of

requirements metallic information metallic information
technology cabling and technology cabling and
10: Requirements for power supply cabling power supply cabling
cords and jumpers
7: Electricity distribution 8: Office (commercial)
A: Link performance systems and lightning premises
limits protection
9: Industrial premises
10: Homes
11: Data centres
and and
EN 50174-3 EN 50174-3
and and
(for equipotential (for equipotential
bonding) bonding)
EN 50310 EN 50310
and
EN 50346
4: General requirements
5: Test parameters for
balanced cabling
6: Test parameters for
optical fibre cabling
21
EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010 –4–
22 1.1 Scope
23 Replace “mains power” with “power supply” in bullet 2 (English version only).
24 Replace 5th paragraph with:
25 This standard is applicable to certain hazardous environments. It does not exclude additional requirements
26 which are applicable in particular circumstances, defined by e.g. electricity supply and electrified railways.
27 1.2 Conformance
28 Replace bullet g) with:
29 g) local regulations, including safety, that are more stringent than the requirements listed in a) to f) shall be
30 met.
31 2 Normative references
32 Add the following references:
33 EN 50090-9-1:2004, Home and Building Electronic Systems (HBES) – Part 9-1: Installation requirements –
34 Generic cabling for HBES Class 1 Twisted Pair
35 EN 50491 series, General requirements for Home and Building Electronic Systems (HBES) and Building
36 Automation and Control Systems (BACS)
37 EN 50491-6-1 1), Home and Building Electronic Systems (HBES) and Building Automation and Control
38 Systems (BACS) - Part 6-1: Installation requirements
39 Delete reference to IEC 61784-4.
40 3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations

41 3.1 Terms and definitions
42 Replace in existing 3.1.11 and 3.1.15 “mains power” with “power supply” (English version only)
43 Insert the following definitions and renumber existing definitions accordingly:
44 3.1.2
45 co-hosting data centre
46 data centre in which multiple customers are provided with access to network(s), servers and storage
47 equipment on which they operate their own services/applications
48 NOTE Both the information technology equipment and the support infrastructure of the building are provided as a service by the data
49 centre operator.
50 3.1.3
51 co-location data centre
52 data centre in which multiple customers locate their own network(s), servers and storage equipment
53 NOTE The support infrastructure of the building (such as power distribution and environmental control) is provided as a service by
54 the data centre operator.
55
———————
1) In preparation.
–5– EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010
56 3.1.5
57 data centre
58 building or space, whose primary function is to accommodate equipment that processes, delivers and/or
59 stores information
60 NOTE A data centre can consist of multiple spaces with specific functions to support the primary function.
61 3.1.8
62 enterprise data centre
63 data centre that is operated by an enterprise which has the sole purpose of the delivery and management of
64 services to its employees and customers
65 3.1.9
66 entrance room
67 space housing the demarcation point where facilities owned by external service providers interface with the
68 data centre cabling
69 NOTE For generic cabling in accordance with EN 50173-5, the demarcation point is the external network interface (ENI) and the data
70 centre cabling at that point is the network access cabling.
71 3.1.10
72 equipment connection space
73 space within a home that corresponds to the installation space IS6 of EN 50491-6-1 and that may house the
74 outlets (TO, BO, MATO, CO) of EN 50173-4 together with attached equipment
75 3.1.14
76 home entrance
77 space at the boundary of a home that may house the interface(s) between the home networks and external
78 networks provided to the home and that demarcate the administration and maintenance of the two networks
79 3.1.16
80 junction box
81 space within a home that corresponds to the installation space IS5 of EN 50491-6-1 and designed to allow
82 cables to be routed between pathway systems
83 3.1.17
84 local distribution space
86 area connection point (ACP) of EN 50173-4
87 3.1.20
88 multiple-family dwelling
89 residence of at least two families within which access to the home entrance is limited to the premises owner
90 or authorised maintenance person
91 3.1.21
92 multi-tenant premises
93 premises containing multiple homes that have each their own home entrance space but share building
94 entrance facilities (BEF) and associated distribution spaces
95 3.1.22
96 network operator data centre
97 data centre that has the primary purpose of the delivery and management of broadband services to the
98 operators’ customers
99 3.1.25
100 primary distribution space
102 home distributor (secondary home distributor) of EN 50173-4 and associated equipment
EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010 –6–
103 3.1.29
104 semi-detached house
105 residence of a single family within a building containing two single-family houses where access to external
106 service provision is shared
107 3.1.30
108 single-family house
109 residence of a single family within which access to the home entrance space is limited to dweller of the
110 house
111 3.2 Abbreviations
112 Insert the following additional abbreviations:
113 CPL Central Patching Location
114 HBES Home and Building Electronic System
115 HE Home Entrance
116 SHD Secondary Home Distributor
117 ZPL Zone Patching Location
118 4 Requirements for planning installations of information technology cabling

119 4.1.2 Mains power cabling
120 Replace title with:
121 4.1.2 Power supply cabling
122 4.1.7 Closures
123 Replace “mains power” with “power supply” (6 places).
124 4.1.8.2 External cables containing flammable materials
125 Replace subclause with:
126 Information technology cables that do not comply with the minimum recommended performance
127 requirements of EN 60332-1-2 shall either be:
128 a) terminated inside the building, within 2 m (unless an alternative distance if specified by local regulations)
129 of the point of internal penetration of the external fire barrier (e.g. floor/ceiling/wall)
130 or
131 b) any length exceeding 2 m (unless an alternative distance if specified by local regulations) is installed
132 within trunking or conduit that is considered as a fire barrier in accordance with local fire regulations.
133 NOTE This also applies where the cable has to pass through a space between two external fire barriers within a building.
134 4.1.9 Termination points
135 Replace “mains power” with “power supply” in two places

–7– EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010
136 4.3.1 Cable segregation
nd
137 Replace “mains power” with “power supply” in 2 paragraph.
138 4.4 Pathway systems
139 Insert new heading:
140 4.4.1 Requirements
st
141 Amend 1 paragraph to read:
142 Pathways, entry points to the pathways and the pathway systems selected shall ensure cables are able to be
143 installed and, where appropriate, fixed in accordance with the applicable minimum bend radius (during
144 installation, during operation – static and during operation – dynamic). This may be achieved by the use of
145 pre-fabricated curved corners, drop-outs, radius limiters or other means. Where multiple cable types are
146 involved, the largest minimum bend radius shall apply.
147 Insert new sub-clause
148 4.4.2 Recommendations
149 During initial planning, the initial quantity of cables should not use more than 40 % of the usable cross-
150 sectional area within the chosen pathway system subject to the following definition for useable cross-
151 sectional area:
152 a) for uncovered pathway systems and cable management systems (e.g. tray, basket), cables are not
153 installed above the sidewalls (note electromagnetic screening performance of the selected cable
154 management system may require modified criteria - see Clause 6);
155 b) bends in the pathway systems may restrict the useable space dependent upon the specified bend radii
156 of the cable to be installed;
157 c) for non-enclosed pathway systems to which cables are to be attached or supported by (e.g. messenger/
158 catenary wires or designated routes) the cross-sectional area shall be considered to be the minimum
159 available area surrounding the pathway system.
161 Delete text from “Non-metallic cable management systems..” to “ • optical fibre cabling” and from “The
th th th
162 planning (selection and location) …” to “… installed above the sidewalls” (i.e. 7 ,8 and 10 paragraph).
164 Insert the following text at the end of existing text:
165 Non-metallic cable management systems are neutral products from the electromagnetic point of view. They
166 do not provide electromagnetic screening to the contained cabling, but they do not perturb the cabling by
167 transferring induced currents or leakage currents. Non-metallic cable management systems should be used
168 where electromagnetic screening is not required by the cables to be installed within them.
169 Insert new subclause as follows:

EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010 –8–
170 4.8 Spaces
171 Requirements and recommendations for the spaces in different types of premises are found in Clauses 8, 9,
172 10 and 11.
173 5 Requirements for the installation of information technology cabling

174 5.1.1.1 Mains power cabling
176 5.1.1.1 Power supply cabling
177 5.1.3 Closures
rd
178 In the 3 paragraph replace “mains power” with “power supply” in three places.
179 5.1.4 Cables
nd
180 Replace 2 paragraph with:
181 Information technology cables that do not comply with the minimum recommended performance
182 requirements of EN 60332-1-2 shall be installed according to the instructions of the planner (see 4.1.8.2).
183 5.3.2 Pathways
184 Replace last two paragraphs with:
185 Where it is necessary to remove ceiling tiles, floor covers or trunking covers, only the minimum number shall
186 be removed and these shall be replaced on completion of works.
187 Fire barriers and gas seals shall be opened only when necessary and resealed on completion of works.
188 5.3.3.1.1 Requirements
st
189 Insert new 1 paragraph as follows:
190 Any structures, fixtures and fittings used to support the telecommunications cabling within the pathways shall
191 be installed in accordance with instructions provided by the manufacturer(s) and/or supplier(s) of the fixtures
192 and fittings.
th
193 Delete existing 4 paragraph.
194 5.3.3.2 Electrically conductive cable management systems
195 Correct reference to “7.1.3.3” to read “7.1.3.4”.
197 Replace bullet c) as follows:
198 c) Figure 4 shows cable management systems crossing a wall at which a fire barrier is to be re-instated
199 following cable installation. Unless specifically allowed by local regulations, the fire-stop materials or fire-
200 stopping techniques, the cable management system shall be interrupted and the two metallic sections
201 shall be bonded. The bonds shall have performance in accordance with EN 50310;
–9– EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010
202 5.3.3.3.2 Recommendations
st
203 In the 1 paragraph correct reference to “4.4.2” to read “4.5.2”.
204 5.3.5.1 General
rd
205 In 3 paragraph replace “mains power” with “power supply”.
th
207 Insert new 6 paragraph:
208 The re-instatement of the fire rating of fire barriers in accordance with local regulations shall be implemented
209 using the specified fire-stop materials and/or fire-stopping techniques.
210 5.3.5.4 Requirements for closures
rd
211 Insert new 3 paragraph:
212 The bend radii of telecommunications cables and telecommunications cable elements within closures shall
213 be in accordance with the instructions provided by the telecommunications cable manufacturer and/or
214 supplier.
215 5.3.6.3 Screened cabling
216 Replace the first four lines with the following (list a) to g) unchanged):
217 The cable screen shall totally surround the cable along its entire length (a screening contact applied only
218 through the drain wire has little effect at high frequencies).
219 Cable screens shall be terminated at each termination point to maintain the intended performance of the
220 cable screen termination of connecting hardware. Where instructions for termination of a specific cable are
221 not available from the manufacturer/supplier of the connecting hardware:
222 5.6 Testing
223 Replace existing text as follows:
224 If required by the quality plan, final cabling inspection and tests shall be undertaken as soon as practicable
225 following marking, labelling and fitting of all components associated with the telecommunications cabling into
226 their final locations.
227 5.7 Contractual acceptance
228 Replace existing text as follows:
229 If required within the installation specification, acceptance procedures shall be undertaken as soon as
230 practicable following marking, labelling and fitting of all components associated with the telecommunications
231 cabling into their final locations.
232 Insert new subclause as follows:

EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010 – 10 –
233 5.8 Operation
235 Provided that there is no risk of damage to cables or the pathway system additional cables may be installed
236 within pathway systems according to the following rules:
237 a) using all the useable cross-sectional area (see 4.4.2) within:
238 1) uncovered pathway systems and cable management systems;
239 2) pathway systems and cable management systems from which covers are removed before
240 installation of cables;
241 3) non-enclosed pathway systems and cable management systems;
242 b) using up to 40 % of the useable cross-sectional area (see 4.4.2) within conduit (unless the conduit
243 contains empty sub-conduits).
245 No additional recommendations.
246 6 Segregation of metallic information technology cabling and mains power cabling
248 6 Segregation of metallic information technology cabling and power supply cabling
249 6.1 General
nd
250 Delete “mains” in 2 paragraph, bullet b) and in Note 2.
251 Delete NOTE 1 and renumber NOTE 2.
252 Replace “any” in bullet c) with “one or more”
253 6.2.1 General segregation requirements
254 Replace “mains power” with “power supply” in 15 places (including figures) throughout the subclause.
255 Replace 4th paragraph with:
256 Where the cabling to be installed is in accordance with, and is intended to support the applications of Class
257 D or above listed in the EN 50173 series the separation requirements for classification “b” in Table 4
258 represent the minimum requirements of this standard. Reduced separations based upon the other
259 classifications of Table 4 may restrict the type and use of cables installed in the pathways and cable
260 management systems selected.
– 11 – EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010
261 Replace Table 4 with:
262 Table 4 – Minimum separation S
Containment applied to information technology

or power supply cabling
Segregation Separation without Open metallic Perforated metallic Solid metallic
classification electromagnetic containment a containment b, c containment d
barrier
(from Table 3)
d 10 mm 8 mm 5 mm 0 mm
c 50 mm 38 mm 25 mm 0 mm
b 100 mm 75 mm 50 mm 0 mm
a 300 mm 225 mm 150 mm 0 mm
a
Screening performance (0 MHz to 100 MHz) equivalent to welded mesh steel basket of mesh size 50 mm x 100 mm (excluding
ladders). This screening performance is also achieved with steel tray (trunking without cover) of less than 1,0 mm wall thickness
and/or more than 20 % equally distributed perforated area.
b
Screening performance (0 MHz to 100 MHz) equivalent to steel tray (trunking without cover) of at least 1,0 mm wall thickness and
no more than 20 % equally distributed perforated area. This screening performance is also achieved with screened power cables
that do not meet the performance defined in footnote d.
c
The upper surface of installed cables shall be at least 10 mm below the top of the barrier.
d
Screening performance (0 MHz to 100 MHz) equivalent to a steel conduit of 1,5 mm wall thickness. Separation specified is in
addition to that provided by any divider/barrier.
263
th
264 Replace 12 paragraph, starting with “Cables for different purposes….” with:
265 From an EMI perspective, this standard considers circuits to be within the following groups:
266 – Group 1: Power supply: e.g. AC and/or DC, high di/dt power circuits, speed drives, power converters,
267 etc, which may disturb signals within Groups 2, 3 and 4;
268 – Group 2: Auxiliary: e.g. relay contactor, actuator, command and control, which may disturb signals within
269 Groups 3 and 4;
270 – Group 3: Information technology, which may disturb signals within Group 4;
271 – Group 4: Sensitive circuits: e.g. analog signalling, low level sensors.
272 Cables of different groups shall not be in the same bundle (see Figure 8, where power supply and
273 information technology segregation meets the requirement of this clause).
274 6.2.2 Conditional relaxation of requirement
st
275 In 1 paragraph replace “mains power” with “power supply”.
276 In bullet b) replace “power conductors” with “power supply conductors”.
277 7 Electricity distribution systems and lightning protection
278 Insert new 7.1.2 and renumber existing subclauses.

EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010 – 12 –
279 7.1.2 Availability of supply
280 Where operational procedures, including those designated by national or local regulations or in accordance
281 with manufacturers’ instructions, require actions that could interrupt supply then either appropriate facilities
282 shall be provided, or the actions scheduled, to avoid unplanned disruption to the information technology
283 equipment.
284 Examples of such procedures include the testing of residual current devices and the replacement of surge
285 protection devices on power supply cabling.
286 8 Office (commercial) premises

287 8.3 Requirements for planning installations of information technology cabling
288 Replace text with:
289 8.3.1 Safety
290 No additional requirements
291 8.3.2 Documentation
292 No additional requirements
293 8.3.3 Pathways
294 8.3.3.1 External service provision
296 A risk assessment shall be undertaken to determine the need for:
297 a) multiple service providers;

298 b) multiple service provider premises (i.e. operator sites or central offices);
299 c) diverse pathways from each of the service provider premises;
300 d) multiple BEFs;
301 e) multiple entrance rooms.
302 8.3.3.1.2 General recommendations
303 Where external service provision from multiple service provider premises is required, it should be ensured
304 that the pathways to the premises are diversely routed in order to remove any single point-of-failure.
305 Multiple entrance pathways should be used between the boundary of the premises and the entrance room(s)
306 in order to remove any single point-of-failure. These pathways may include customer-owned maintenance
307 holes where the pathway systems owned by the access provider do not terminate at the boundary of the
308 premises.
309 A minimum of two entrance pathways should be provided both of which should be:
310 a) located underground (aerial entrance pathways are not recommended because of their vulnerability due
311 to physical exposure);
312 b) physically separated between the boundary of the premises and the point of entry into the building by at
313 least 20 m to ensure that a single incident will not cause damage to both entrance pathways.
314 The entrance pathways should also have adequate capacity to handle growth and additional service
315 providers.
316 Each external service provider should enter the premises via at least two pathways. Pathways should be
317 considered between entrance rooms.
– 13 – EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010
318 8.3.3.2 Office pathways
320 The design of pathways shall be co-ordinated with architects and other responsible engineers.
322 Consideration should be given to providing protection against failure in one or more parts of the cabling
323 infrastructure by implementing:
324 a) multiple areas of distribution with appropriate fire compartmentation with areas served by different
325 power supply distribution units, and be served by different environmental control equipment;
326 b) multiple pathways between each area of distribution ensuring that maximum channel lengths are not
327 exceeded.
328 The location of aisles separating rows of cabinets, frames or racks should be co-ordinated with lighting and
329 fire protection plans:
330 1) lighting should be placed above aisles and not above cabinets, frames, racks and overhead pathways;
331 2) pathways should not be located where they interfere with proper operation of fire suppression systems
332 such as water distribution from sprinkler heads.
333 Pathways should not block airflow to or from environmental control equipment.
334 Pathways should not restrict access to other building infrastructures that require periodic maintenance e.g.
335 valves, electrical receptacles and smoke detectors. Under-floor pathways should not be located above such
336 equipment unless there is an accessible row of tiles adjacent to these pathways.
337 8.3.3.2.3 Additional recommendations for generic cabling
340 a) multiple CDs in the campus;

341 b) multiple BDs in each building;
342 c) multiple FDs on each floor;
343 d) multiple pathways between each CD;
344 e) multiple pathways between each BD; multiple pathways between each FD on each floor;
345 f) multiple pathways between each CD and BDs and each BD and FDs.
346 8.3.3.3 Cable segregation
348 No additional requirements.
351 8.3.3.4 Protection of installed cabling (including security)

EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010 – 14 –
355 Pathways less than 2,7 m above the finished floor should be installed in secure pathway systems (such as
356 duct, trunking or conduit) or apply alternate means to prevent accidental and/or intentional damage to the
357 installed cabling.
358 Any maintenance holes, hand-holes and draw-boxes in unsecured areas should be locked (requiring keys or
359 tools for access) and monitored by a security system using a camera, remote alarm or both.
360 8.3.4 Pathway systems
361 8.3.4.1 External service pathways systems
365 The number of pathway systems required within each of the building entrance pathways depends on the
366 number of external service providers and the number and type of cables that the external service providers
367 will install.
368 The entrance pathway systems should have adequate capacity to handle growth and additional external
369 service providers.
370 8.3.4.2 Office pathway systems
372 The weight of fully loaded pathway systems shall be evaluated and co-ordinated with:
373 a) the structural engineer if the pathway systems are to be supported from the ceiling (the ceiling shall have
374 a minimum hanging capacity of 1,2 kPa);
375 b) the access floor system designer if the pathway systems are to be supported by the access floor system.
377 Separate pathway systems should be installed to segregate cabling that is permanently installed cabling
378 from that which is less permanent such as equipment cords and patch cords.
379 Access floor systems, also known as raised floor systems, should be used for cabinets, frames or racks that
380 are to be cabled from below.
381 Under-floor cable tray routing should be co-ordinated with other under floor systems during the planning
382 stages of the building.
383 If pathway systems are to be suspended from the ceiling, the ceiling should have a hanging capacity of
384 2,4 kPa (min.).
385 The size and quantity of all pathway systems should take into account the volume of cables to be contained
386 at maximum planned utilization. Particular attention is required for adequate capacity of pathways at
387 intersections.
388 8.3.4.3 Access floor tile openings

– 15 – EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010
390 The area of the access floor tile opening shall be twice the cross-sectional area of the cables to be installed
391 when the cabinets or frames are at full capacity.
392 NOTE If the floor opening uses grommets or brushes, the size of the opening may need to be increased to accommodate the support
393 mechanisms for the grommets and brushes.
395 Access floor tile openings for cabinets should be placed under the intended location of the cabinets or in
396 locations where the opening will not create a tripping hazard.
397 Access floor tile openings should:
398 a) be no larger than required and should use gaskets, brushes, or other method to minimize loss of under-
399 floor pressure;
400 b) have edging or grommets along all cut edges that does not interfere with placement of frames and
401 cabinets;
402 c) the edging or grommets should not be placed where cabinets, frames or racks are intended to be in
403 contact with the surface of the access floor.
404 Access floor tile openings for frames should be placed either under the vertical cable managers between the
405 frames or under the frame (at the opening between the bottom angles). Generally, placing the opening under
406 the vertical cable managers is preferable as it allows equipment to be located at the bottom of the frame.
407 8.3.5 Cable management systems
408 8.3.5.1 Overhead systems
412 Planning of overhead cable trays for information technology cabling should be co-ordinated with architects,
413 mechanical engineers and electrical engineers that are designing lighting, plumbing, air ducts, power supply
414 and fire protection systems.
415 Overhead cable management systems may be stacked to provide additional capacity.
416 Cable management systems should be suspended from the ceiling where increased operational flexibility is
417 required to:
418 a) support the use of cabinets, frames and racks of various heights;
419 b) add and/or remove cabinets, frames and racks.
420 Cable management systems may be attached to the tops of cabinets, frames and racks where the cabinets,
421 frames or racks are of uniform height and are capable of supporting the additional loads of the cable
422 management systems and the installed cables.
423 Fire extinguishing systems should not be placed directly above cable management systems.
424 8.3.5.2 Under-floor systems

EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010 – 16 –
428 Information technology cabling under the access floor should be installed in cable management systems that
429 do not block airflow.
430 There should be adequate space between the top of open cable management systems (e.g. tray, basket,
431 etc.) and the access floor tiles to allow the cables to enter/exit the pathway systems without risk of damage
432 and in accordance with the applicable minimum bend radius (installation, operating-static and operating-
433 dynamic).
434 Where cable management systems are vertically stacked and run in parallel to provide additional capacity:
435 a) access to lower layers should be provided by either using narrower cable management systems for
436 upper layers (as shown in Figure 9) or by providing an accessible row of adjacent tiles (as shown in
437 Figure 10).
438 b) at least 300 mm vertical separation should be provided between each layer to provide adequate access
439 to lower layers for addition and removal of cables.
ACCESS FLOOR TILE ACCESS FLOOR TILE
50 mm clearance
to permit cables
to exit tray CABLES
CABLES
EQUIPMENT CABINETS
EQUIPMENT CABINETS
SUPPORT STRUT SUPPORT STRUT
NARROWER
UPPER TRAYS 300 300 mm clearance between
PEDESTAL
PEDESTAL
PEDESTAL
mm stacked parallel trays
PROVIDE ACCESS
TO LOWER TRAYS
CABLES CABLES
SUPPORT STRUT SUPPORT STRUT
440
441 Figure 9 – Example of layered cable trays with smaller width upper trays
– 17 – EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010
ACCESS FLOOR TILE ACCESS FLOOR TILE
50 mm clearance
to permit cables
to exit tray
EQUIPMENT CABINETS CABLES
EQUIP MENT CABINETS

SUPPORT STRUT
AISLE LEFT
OPEN TO PROVIDE
PEDESTAL
300 mm clearance between 300
ACCESS TO
PEDESTAL
PEDESTAL
stacked parallel trays mm
LOWER TRAY
& SPACE BELOW
TRAYS
CABLES
SUPPORT STRUT
442
443 Figure 10 – Example of accessible row of floor tiles to provide access to lower tray
444 8.3.6 Closures
446 8.3.7 Cabling
448 8.3.8 Spaces
449 8.3.8.1 General
451 Where risk of water ingress exists, a means of evacuating water from the space(s) shall be provided. Where
452 floor drains are used they shall be fitted an ingress blocking facility.
453 Access to the designated spaces shall be controlled by the premises owner. Within the designated spaces,
454 additional systems shall be considered to limit access to specific elements of the cabling infrastructure.
455 8.3.8.2 Entrance rooms
457 The number and size of entrance rooms shall be determined taking into consideration:
458 a) cabling lengths for external service providers circuits;

459 b) requirements for redundancy;
460 c) requirements for compartmentation between different external service providers;
EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010 – 18 –
461 d) predicted requirements for:

462 – entrance pathways for external service provider and premises cabling (e.g. campus cabling for
463 generic cabling in accordance with the EN 50173 series);
464 – backboard and frame space for termination of external service provider and premises cabling;
465 – external service provider cabinets and racks to accommodate, as required;
466 – space for the presentation of the cable terminations of the external service providers;
467 – space for the presentation of equipment ports;
468 – surge protection devices.
469 Typical information necessary to Information required to determine the requirements for entrance rooms is
470 shown in Table 7.
471 Table 7 – Environmental requirements for office premises
Information provided to external service providers Information provided by external service providers
General information concerning other uses of the building, Space and mounting requirements for surge protection
including other tenants equipment on incoming metallic cables
Plans of entrance pathways from the boundary of the Quantity and dimensions of access provider racks and
premises to the entrance room, including location of cabinets
maintenance holes, hand-holes and draw-boxes
Floor plans for the BEF and entrance room Power requirements for equipment, including receptacle
types
Assigned location of the external service providers Service clearances

protectors, cabinets, racks or frames
Cable pathways within entrance room (under access floor, Installation schedule
overhead cable ladders, other)
Requested location and interface for demarcation of each Service schedule

type of circuit to be provided by the external service provider
(for generic cabling)
474 8.3.8.3 Spaces containing cabinets, frames or racks housing cabling components
476 Spaces intended to contain metallic cabling shall be located away from sources of electromagnetic
477 interference. Examples of such noise sources include electrical power supply transformers, motors and
478 generators, x-ray equipment, radio or radar transmitters, and induction sealing devices.
479 Piping systems other than those providing necessary services to the space (e.g. sprinkler systems and
480 cooling systems) shall not pass through the space.
481 Floor loading capacity shall be sufficient to bear both the distributed and concentrated load of the installed
482 equipment with associated cabling and media. The minimum distributed floor loading capacity shall be
483 5,0 kPa.
484 Consideration should also be given to the floor loadings generated through the transit of equipment and
485 associated infrastructure
486 Spaces in which cables are routed to cabinets, frames, or racks using underfloor pathways shall be provided
487 with raised floor with an underfloor depth of no less than 200 mm.
– 19 – EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010
488 Where cables are routed using high-level or ceiling-mounted pathway systems, the height of cabinets,
489 frames and racks shall not exceed 75 % of the unobstructed height between the finished floor and any
490 overhead objects such as sprinklers, lighting fixtures, or cameras room height. Unless the range of cabinets,
491 frames and racks to be used is to be restricted, spaces shall provide a minimum of 2,6 m unobstructed
492 height.
493 NOTE The use of overhead pathway systems or cabinets, frame and racks taller than 2,13 m may necessitate increased
494 unobstructed height requirements.
495 While access is required to cabinets, frames, and racks, lighting shall provide a minimum of 500 lux
496 measured 1 m above the finished floor in front (and at the rear, if applicable) of the cabinets, frames, and
497 racks.
499 Spaces should be located centrally in the area they serve.
500 Positive air pressure systems (including appropriate filters) should be used to prevent ingress of dust and
501 other contamination to the space.
502 Any water and drain pipes that pass through the space should be located away from and not directly above
503 cabling or equipment.
504 Consideration should be given to application of floor covering comprised of anti-static material (see
505 EN 50174-1).
506 Spaces in which cables are routed to cabinets, frames, or racks using underfloor pathways should be
507 provided with raised floor with an underfloor depth of no less than 300 mm.
508 Ceiling height should be 3 m minimum to allow the installation of:
509 a) widest range of cabinets, frames and rack heights;

510 b) high-level or ceiling-mounted pathway systems.
511 8.3.8.4 Rooms containing cabinets, frames or racks housing cabling components only
515 The following recommendations are in addition to those of 8.3.8.3.2.
516 Rooms should be provided with doors that:
517 a) are 1 m wide and 2,13 m high (min.);

518 b) do not have a doorsill;
519 c) are fitted with a lock or locking system;
520 d) have either no centre post or a removable centre post to facilitate access for large equipment.
521 Floors, walls and ceilings should be selected and treated to minimise the generation of dust.
522 To provide additional space for installation and maintenance, the room dimensions should be (3 x 2) m (min).
523 To provide additional space for installation and maintenance, the minimum dimensions to house
524 cabinets/frames/racks containing up to 500 termination points should be 3,2 m (length) x 2,2 m (width) (see
525 Figure 11a).
EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010 – 20 –
526 For more than 500 termination points, the minimum room size should be increased by 0,8 m along the line of
527 cabinets for each additional group of up to 500 termination points (see Figure 11b).
528 NOTE These recommendations are based on the use of 800 mm x 800 mm cabinets within unrestricted height spaces (see 8.3.8.3.1)
529 that allow for sufficient cord management for fully utilized cabinets or open racks with vertical cable management for sufficient cord
530 management for fully utilized racks, this will also accommodate access from both front and back of the cabinets or rack to install
531 additional cabling.
0,8 m 0,8 m 0,8 m
3,2 m 3,2 m
2,2 m 3,0 m
a) up to 500 termination points b) up to 1 000 termination points
532 Figure 11 – Minimum dimensions for rooms housing cabling components only
533 8.3.8.5 Rooms containing cabinets, frames or racks housing active equipment in addition to
534 cabling components
536 The following requirements are in addition to those of 8.3.8.3.1 and 8.3.8.4.1.
537 The temperature and humidity shall be maintained to allow continuous operation of the active equipment.
538 Adequate mains power shall be provided
540 The following recommendations are in addition to those of 8.3.8.3.2 and 8.3.8.4.2.
541 To provide additional space for equipment installation and maintenance, the room dimensions should be (3 x
542 3) m (min).
543 To provide additional space for equipment installation and maintenance, the minimum dimensions to house
544 cabinets/frames/ racks containing up to 500 termination points should be 3,2 m (length) x 3 m (width) (see
545 Figure 12a).
546 For more than 500 termination points, the minimum room size should be increased by 1,6 m along the line of
547 cabinets for each additional group of up to 500 termination points to accommodate the additional space for
548 connecting hardware, cord management and active equipment (see Figure 12b).
549 NOTE These recommendations are based on the use of 800 mm x 800 mm cabinets within unrestricted height spaces (see 8.3.8.3.1)
550 that allow for sufficient cord management for fully utilized cabinets or open racks with vertical cable management for sufficient cord
551 management for fully utilized racks, this will also accommodate access from both front and back of the cabinets or rack to install
552 additional cabling.
– 21 – EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010
0,8 m 0,8 m 0,8 m 0,8 m 0,8 m 0,8 m
3,2 m 3,2 m
3,0 m 4,6 m
a) up to 500 termination points b) up to 1000 termination points
553 Figure 12 – Minimum dimensions for rooms housing active equipment

554 in addition to cabling components
555 8.3.8.6 Enclosures containing active equipment
557 The temperature and humidity shall be maintained to allow continuous operation of the active equipment.
558 Adequate mains power shall be provided.
559 The location of the enclosure and any relevant mounting shall be capable of supporting the loads applied
560 during the construction and operation of the cabling and equipment contained therein. It shall be verified that
561 proposed loading does not exceed the loading limit of the supporting structure.
564 8.5 Segregation of metallic information technology cabling and mains power cabling
566 8.5 Segregation of metallic information technology cabling and power supply cabling
567 9 Industrial premises

568 9.2 Industrial premises cabling design overview
569 Renumber Figures 9 and 10 into Figures 13 and 14, respectively.
570 9.3.2 Security
571 Renumber subclause 9.3.2 into 9.3.1.3
572 Delete “in accordance with IEC 61784-4” in first line.

EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010 – 22 –
573 Insert new subclauses 9.3.2 to 9.3.8, with existing text of 9.3.3 moved into 9.3.7 as shown below:
576 9.3.3 Pathways
582 9.3.6 Closures
584 9.3.7 Cabling
585 9.3.7.1 Special cables
587 Cables shall be rated appropriately for use in applications requiring constant movement of cables such as
588 rolling “C” track (also known as a drag chain) or robotic applications where the cable is moved in a bending
589 flex way (also known as “tic-toc”).
591 Industrial premises often require the use of cables designed to meet specific environmental and operational
592 requirements including:
593 a) festoon cables;

594 b) high flexibility (or high flex) cables;
595 c) UV protected cables.
596 Selection of high flexibility cables should take into account the following:
597 1) cables are rated differently depending on the specific movements to which they are subject;
598 2) cables should only be used where specifically needed;
599 3) presence of other risks e.g. weld splatter in robotic welding applications;
600 4) pathways and dressing of the cables should ensure that bending and twisting is minimised;
601 5) cables shall be terminated in locations to facilitate replacement and maintenance;
602 6) any increased cable attenuation (or other modified transmission performance parameter) resulting from
603 the cable construction.
– 23 – EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010
604 9.3.8 Spaces

609 b) requirements for redundancy;
619 Typical information necessary to information required to determine the requirements for entrance rooms is
620 shown in Table 8.
621 Table 8 – Environmental requirements for industrial premises
types


(for generic cabling)
622
625 9.5 Segregation of metallic information technology cabling and mains power cabling
628
629 Insert new Clause 10:
EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010 – 24 –
630 10 Homes
631 10.1 General
632 This clause specifies amendments of, or additions to, the requirements and recommendation of the general
633 clauses of this standard as they apply within premises designated as homes, or areas containing homes
634 within other types of premises.
635 Subclause 10.3 addresses amendments of, or additions to, the requirements and recommendation of Clause 4.
638 The requirements and recommendations of this clause are applicable to all types of information technology
639 cabling within premises designated as homes, or areas containing homes within other types of premises,
640 including:
641 a) generic cabling systems designed in accordance with EN 50173-4;

642 b) application-specific network cabling.
643 Cabling installations in premises outside the areas designated as homes shall be in accordance with the
644 requirements and recommendations of Clauses 4 and 5 together with the applicable premises-specific
645 clause. Where homes are contained within multi-tenant residential premises the requirements and
646 recommendations of Clause 12 (under consideration) apply to those sections of shared cabling infrastructure
647 within the larger premises.
648 The effective implementation of a home cabling system depends on the provision of the proper
649 infrastructures to accommodate cables and termination points both in areas of cabling distribution and
650 equipment attachment. Failure to provide appropriate pathways and spaces will limit the opportunities for the
651 delivery of evolving information technology services throughout the life of the home.
652 The design and planning of such infrastructures should be undertaken at an early stage of the building
653 design or refurbishment and should be integrated with the design and planning of electrical power, water,
654 gas and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) distribution systems. It is recognized that extensive
655 refurbishment is uncommon in homes and it is therefore critical that effective planning and installation of
656 pathways and spaces is applied within the design phase of buildings.
657 NOTE Additional requirements are given in EN 50491-6-1 that are specific to Home and Building Electronic Systems (HBES)
658 installations.
659 10.2 Home cabling design overview
660 10.2.1 General
661 Within homes, as shown in Figure 15, cabling is installed in pathways linking:
662 a) building entrance facilities (BEF) to home entrance (HE) spaces;

663 b) HE spaces to primary distribution spaces;
664 c) primary distribution spaces to secondary distribution spaces;
665 d) primary/secondary distribution spaces to local distribution spaces;
666 e) primary/secondary spaces to equipment connection spaces;
667 f) local distribution spaces to equipment connection spaces.
– 25 – EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010
Single home
with
Secondary Distribution Space
Single home
without BEF
Secondary Distribution Space
Secondary
distribution space
BEF
HE HE HE
BEF BEF
External services External services
Primary distribution space Primary distribution space
Local distribution
Primary/secondary
space
distribution space
Equipment connection space
Junction box
668
669 Figure 15 – Pathways within homes
670 10.2.2 Generic cabling
671 For cabling to support ICT and BCT services, EN 50173-4 requires that the cabling between primary
672 distribution spaces (containing home distributors (HD)), secondary distribution spaces (containing secondary
673 home distributors (SHD)) and equipment connection spaces containing telecommunications outlets (TO),
674 broadcast outlets (BO) and multi-application telecommunications outlets (MATO)) shall have a star topology
675 as shown in Figure 16.
HD HD
Home Home
cabling subsystem cabling subsystem
SHD SHD
Secondary home
cabling subsystem
676 TO/BO TO/BO MATO TO/BO TO/BO TO/BO MATO TO/BO TO/BO
677 Figure 16 – Example of infrastructure supporting star cabling topology
678 NOTE Within multi-dwelling premises, generic cabling backbones have distributors designated CD, BD and FD which are
679 accommodated in space IS1, IS2 and IS3 defined in EN 50491-6-1.
680 The minimum quantities of outlets supporting ICT and BCT services (i.e. TOs, BOs and MATOs) and their
681 distribution within the home are specified in EN 50173-4. The spaces and pathways shall enable the
682 installation of cables and equipment to meet these requirements. Specific infrastructure planning should be
683 agreed between customer and system designer.
684 The provision of wireless networks in homes is typically achieved by an access point device connected to
685 TOs or MATOs served by balanced cabling.
EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010 – 26 –
686 For cabling to support CCCB services, EN 50173-4 requires that the cabling between primary distribution
687 spaces and local distribution spaces (containing area connection points (ACP)) shall have a star topology.
688 However, the cabling between local distribution spaces and equipment connection spaces may have
689 different topologies depending upon the applications to be supported (tree, bus, etc.) as shown in Figure 17.
690 The number of termination points (COs) depends upon the CCCB services required and the applications to
691 be supported. The spaces and pathways shall enable the installation of cables and equipment for the most
692 common CCCB services. Specific infrastructure planning should be agreed between customer and system
693 designer.
HD/SHD
Area feeder
cabling subsystem
ACP ACP
Loop Tree and branch
Coverage area
subsystem CO CO
CO CO
CO CO CO CO CO CO
CO CO
CO CO
CO CO CO CO
CO CO
Star
CO CO
CO CO CO CO CO CO
Bus CO CO
KEY: = point of loop closure

694
695 Figure 17 – Example of infrastructure supporting various cabling topologies
696 NOTE Within multi-dwelling premises, generic cabling backbones have distributors designated CD, BD and FD which are
697 accommodated in space IS1, IS2 and IS3 defined in EN 50491-6-1.
698 In order to reduce the physical volume of the pathways required in the home, junction boxes may be used to
699 allow the pathway topology to be independent of, while supporting, the applicable cabling topologies.
700 10.2.3 Cabling in accordance with EN 50491-6-1
701 For cabling to support CCCB services and associated applications, EN 50491-6-1 allows a variety of cabling
702 topologies between primary distribution spaces, local distribution spaces and equipment connection spaces
703 (tree, bus, etc.) similar to those shown in the coverage area subsystem in Figure 17.
704 The number of termination points depends upon the services required and the HBES functions to be
705 supported.
706 The spaces and pathways shall enable the installation of cables and equipment for the most common HBES
707 functions. Specific infrastructure planning should be agreed between customer and system designer.
– 27 – EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010
709 10.3.1 Safety
713 10.3.3 Pathways
716 10.3.3.2 Pathways within the home
718 The infrastructure for home cabling shall be implemented according to the following principles:
719 a) pathways may be planned within or through the building fabric (e.g. inside or through walls), in voids (e.g.
720 above ceilings, under floors) or on building surfaces (e.g. walls);
721 – when pathway systems or suitable specified cables are to be routed within the building fabric, their
722 orientation shall be in accordance with national or local regulations;
723 b) any openings created within the building fabric by the planning of the selected pathways and pathway
724 systems shall:
725 – not cause damage to adjacent properties without prior permission;
726 – be treated to maintain the mechanical strength, fire protection, thermal insulation and sound
727 insulation of the premises;
728 – allow the installation of the pathways systems of equivalent cross-sectional areas to those specified
729 in 10.3.4;
730 c) the planning of cabling infrastructure shall take into account the other distribution systems in homes (e.g.
731 water, gas, heating, cooling, drain, etc.);
732 d) information technology cables shall be separated from “hot pipes” (e.g. heating, hot water) by at least
733 0,1 m unless heat insulating materials are used to protect the cables or the pipes.
738 Pathways shall be planned in accordance with the requirements of 10.5.

EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010 – 28 –
742 10.3.4.1 Home entrance to primary distribution space
744 There shall be a minimum of three pathway systems for services to be provided using different types of
745 media.
746 Where conduits are used to provide pathways within or through the building fabric, the conduits shall have a
747 minimum diameter of 38 mm (consistent with Size 40 conduits of EN 61386 standards). The number of
748 conduits depends on the number and the type of cables to be installed. Other pathway systems (e.g.
749 trunking) within or through the building fabric shall have equivalent minimum cross-sectional areas.
752 10.3.4.2 Primary distribution space to secondary distribution space
754 The requirements for pathway systems between the primary distribution space and secondary distribution
755 space(s) cannot be defined unless locations have been specified for the secondary distribution space(s).
757 minimum diameter of 38 mm (consistent with Size 40 conduits of EN 61386 standards). The number of
762 10.3.4.3 Primary/secondary distribution space into the home
764 The requirements for pathway systems from the distribution spaces into the home cannot be defined unless
765 locations have been specified for the equipment connection spaces throughout the home.
766 The following requirements apply to pathway systems between the primary/secondary distribution spaces,
767 local distribution space(s) and equipment connection spaces.
769 minimum diameter of 16mm (consistent with Size 20 conduits of EN 61386 standards). The number of
776 10.3.6 Closures

– 29 – EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010
778 10.3.7 Cabling
780 10.3.8 Spaces
781 10.3.8.1 Home entrance for multi-tenant premises
782 The decision whether a room or open area is provided to accommodate the home entrance shall be based
783 on security, quantity and type of protectors, number of services, dimensions of their interfaces, availability of
784 space and physical location within the building.
785 If network interface devices and telecommunications equipment are required in the entrance facility,
786 additional space will be needed.
787 The dimensions of the home entrance shall take into account predicted requirements for additional external
788 service provision (including the accommodation necessary for associated equipment, where known).
789 In some situations the space associated with primary home distributor may be integrated into the home
790 entrance space.
791 10.3.8.2 Home entrance for premises containing single-family and semi-detached houses
793 The following requirements are additional to those of 10.3.8.1.
794 Installation spaces (designated IS2 in EN 50090-9-1:2004, Figure 2) shall be provided to allow the
795 installation of the BEF according to EN 50173-4. The IS2 is normally placed at ground level (or underground)
796 to allow connection with cabled external network provision, but also in proximity of the roof to allow the
797 connection with antennas (see also EN 60728-1).
798 Lightning and over-voltage protection, if fitted, shall be sited within the entrance facility.
799 Where utility meters (i.e. electricity, gas, water) are accommodated in the home entrance then additional
800 space shall be provided to allow installation of the metering equipment and to any segregation required by
801 national or local regulation.
803 Where utility meters (i.e. electricity, gas, water) are accommodated in the home entrance then pathways
804 should be planned to support the requirements for smart metering connections to the primary home
805 distributor.
806 10.3.8.3 Primary and secondary home distribution
807 10.3.8.3.1 General
808 The space associated with the primary home distribution, as shown in Figure 18, contains:
809 a) cables from the home entrance space (e.g. antenna -, telephone - and broadband networks);
810 b) cables distributed to the home including those to secondary home distribution spaces, if present;
811 c) closures containing the termination points of those cables;
812 NOTE All cables from the home entrance(s) shall be terminated in a patch panel
813 d) equipment including power supplies, optical fibre transceivers, coaxial amplifiers.
EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010 – 30 –
814 The physical volume of distributor space depends upon:
815 1) the quantities of cabling / equipment used to support ICT, BCT and CCCB services;
816 2) associated transmission equipment including:
817 – for ICT, BCT applications: patch panels, switch, router, TV distributors, etc.;
818 – for CCCB applications: control units, active commands for lighting controls, etc.;
819 – auxiliary devices (UPS, etc.).
Depth
(see Table 12)
Width
(see Table 12)
BCT application Interfaces of

ENI 1, splitters cabling from
(passive/active) home entrance(s)
Height
(see Table 12) ICT application
ENI1 Interfaces of
ICT/BCT cabling
within the home
Switch/Router
Interfaces of
CCCB equipment CCCB cabling
within the home
Pathway systems from Pathway systems to

home entrance, “smart” utility meters local distribution, equipment distribution
and to secondary distribution spaces and equipment connection spaces
(if applicable)
1 Unless the external network interface (ENI) is accommodated within the home entrance(s).
820 Figure 18 – Example of primary distribution space
822 The primary distribution space shall be placed:
823 a) with due consideration to the pathways to the home entrance and into the home;
824 b) any applicable restrictions of transmission distances:
825 – within premises containing a single home, between the home entrance facilities and the primary
826 distribution space;
827 – within a home within multi-tenant premises, between the relevant shared space and the primary
828 distribution space;
829 c) access for changes.
830 NOTE This may be close to the barycentre of the home.
– 31 – EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010
831 The location and physical volume allocated to the primary distribution space(s) shall be foreseen at an early
832 stage in the design of the home and shall:
833 1) provide sufficient space for the applicable segregation requirements between power supply and
834 information technology cabling (see 10.5);
835 2) provide sufficient space for access control (space for management equipment);
836 3) be in accordance with Table 9 to support ICT and BCT services;
837 4) be of adequate additional volume to accommodate the equipment, interfaces and associated electrical
838 supplies (see EN 50491 series) to support CCCB services.
839 Where utility meters (i.e. electricity, gas, water) are accommodated in the primary home distributor then
840 additional space shall be provided to allow installation of the metering equipment and to any segregation
841 required by national or local regulation.
842 Table 9 – Minimum requirements for dimensions of primary distribution spaces
Floor area F Height Width Depth

of home
m2 mm mm mm
F < 50 700 450 150

50 ≤ F < 150 550 550 150
150 ≤ F < 200 700 550 150
200 ≤ F < 250 900 550 150
250 ≤ F < 300 1 100 550 150
300 ≤ F see Notes 1 and 2
NOTE 1 For areas greater than 300 m2, the required dimensions
may be calculated based upon the area required; e. g for 600 m2 the
total area required is 2 × (1 100 x 550) mm2 which may be provided
as 2 200 mm × 550 mm or 1 500 mm × 800 mm.
NOTE 2 Where a space of at least 800 mm is provided, the depth

should also be increased to at least 800 mm to accommodate
cabinets that are able to house a wider range of equipment that
would be associated with the distributor.
843
844 The planning of dimensions and locations of closures in distribution spaces shall ensure that:
845 – separation between power supply and information technology cables is in accordance with the
846 requirements of Clause 6;
847 – separate access is provided for power supply and information technology cables;
848 – cables are accessible;
849 – patch panels are accessible for the end-user.
850 10.3.8.4 Secondary home distribution
851 10.3.8.4.1 General
852 A secondary home distribution space is used in multiple floor dwellings or similar locations and, if present,
853 contains:
854 a) cables from the primary distribution space;

855 b) cables distributed to the home;
856 c) closures containing the termination points of those cables;
857 d) equipment.
EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010 – 32 –
858 The secondary distribution space shall be placed with due consideration to:
859 1) the pathways to the primary home distribution space entrance and into the home;
860 2) access for changes.
862 The location and physical volume allocated to the secondary distribution space(s) shall be foreseen at an
863 early stage in the design of the home and shall:
864 a) provide sufficient space for the applicable segregation requirements between power supply and
865 information technology cabling (see 10.5);
866 b) be in accordance with Table 10, taking into account the area served.
867 Table 10 – Requirements for dimensions of secondary distribution spaces
Area served by Minimum Minimum Minimum

secondary height width depth
distribution space S
m2 mm mm mm
S < 50 700 450 150

50 ≤ S < 150 550 550 150
868
869 The planning of dimensions and locations of closures in distribution spaces shall ensure that:
870 1) separation between power supply and information technology cables is in accordance with the
871 requirements of Clause 6;
872 2) separate access is provided for power supply and information technology cables;
873 3) cables are accessible;
874 4) patch panels are accessible for the end-user.
875 10.3.8.5 Local distribution
877 Local distribution spaces as shown in Figure 19 shall be located to house area connection points as required
878 by the quantity and configuration of COs according to EN 50173-4.
879 It is envisaged that this will be in restricted access area (above ceilings or below floor) or be a surface
880 mounted/flush mounted closure in accordance with local building practices.
881
882 Figure 19 – Example of local distribution spaces and junction boxes
883
– 33 – EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010
884 10.3.8.6 Junction box
886 Junction boxes (see Figure 19) shall be located as required to:
887 a) allow the interconnection of cable management systems using conduit in order to simplify the installation
888 of pathway systems while maintaining the applicable cabling topology;
889 b) ease the installation of cables with respect to maximum pulling strength.
890 It is envisaged that junction boxes will be planned to be installed within the building fabric a flush mounted
891 closure in accordance with local building practices.
892 At least one junction box shall be installed:
893 1) for every 10 m of continuous conduit length;

894 2) to serve each room.
895 The minimum dimensions of the space allocated to a junction box shall be based on the required number of
896 incoming/outgoing conduits to be interconnected and shall be in accordance with Table 11.
897 Table 11 – Minimum dimensions of spaces allocated to junction boxes
Junction box Number of conduits/side face

dimensions
32 mm external 25 mm external 20 mm external
L x W x D in mm diameter diameter diameter
conduit conduit conduit
(consistent with (consistent with (consistent with
Size 32 conduits of Size 25 conduits of Size 20 conduits of
EN 61386 EN 61386 EN 61386
standards) standards) standards)
100 x 100 x 50 2 3 4
100 x 100 x 70 3 7 10
150 x 100 x 70 5 10 15
200 x 150 x 70 6 12 18
300 x 200 x 70 9 18 27
400 x 200 x 70 12 36 54
500 x 200 x 70 25 39 58
898
901 10.3.8.7 Equipment connection space
903 The quantity and location of equipment connection spaces shall meet any minimum requirements specified
904 in the application standards (e.g. EN 50173-4 and EN 50941 series).
905 Specific infrastructure planning should be agreed between customer and system designer.
906 The location of equipment connection spaces should take into consideration requirements for power of the
907 equipment to be attached. The dimensions of equipment connections spaces shall take into consideration
908 the dimensions of the types of equipment that may be attached in those spaces (e.g. touch-screen, video
909 stations, loudspeakers).
910 Also different media for transport of information require different type of equipment connection devices. Each
911 respecting special requirements e.g. bending radius for optical fibre.
EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010 – 34 –
914 10.4 Requirements for installers of information technology cabling
916 The installation of closures in distribution spaces shall ensure that:
917 a) separation between power supply and information technology cables is in accordance with the
918 requirements of 10.5;
919 b) separate access is provided for power supply and information technology cables;
920 c) cables are accessible;
921 d) patch panels are accessible for the end-user.
922 Additional requirements for coaxial cables are ffs.
924 When protection against lightning is needed (see 7.2), it is recommended to protect the incoming power and
925 telecommunications lines with appropriate protective devices.
926 Cables should be grouped to allow ordered positioning inside the HD, respecting their mechanical
927 requirements (see 4.3.6).
930 Insert new Clause 11:
931 11 Data centres

932 11.1 General
933 This clause specifies amendments of, or additions to, the requirements and recommendation of the general
934 clauses of this standard as they apply within premises designated as data centres, or areas containing a
935 data centre within other types of premises.
939 The requirements and recommendations of this clause are applicable to all types of information technology
940 cabling within the spaces designated as computer room spaces (see 11.2) within premises designated as
941 data centre or areas containing data centres within other types of premises, including:
942 a) application-specific network cabling (see 11.2.2.1 and 11.2.2.2);

943 b) generic cabling systems designed in accordance with EN 50173-5 and EN 50173-2 (see 11.2.2.3).
944 Cabling installations in premises outside the areas designated as data centres shall be in accordance with
945 the requirements and recommendations of Clauses 4 and 5 together with the applicable premises-specific
946 clause.
– 35 – EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010
947 11.2 Data centre cabling design and planning overview
948 11.2.1 General
949 Data centres house concentrations of information technology equipment (with a variety of storage and
950 transmission functions) that require connection via cabling infrastructures to perform a variety of functions
951 including those of:
952 • enterprise data centres;

953 NOTE For the purposes of this standard, small enterprise data centres include areas housing equipment that provide information
954 technology services to other areas in the premises. This definition allows the “PBX room” to be considered as a data centre.
955 • network operator data centres;
956 • commercial data centres (co-location or co-hosting facilities).
957 The need for the spaces and facilities within the building accommodating the data centre depends upon the
958 purpose of both the building and the data centre. Any sharing of spaces and facilities will depend on the size
959 of the data centre and the functions of the remainder of the building. For example, in buildings housing large
960 data centres, the facilities and spaces supporting the data centre may be dedicated to the data centre with
961 separate spaces being provided for the remainder of the building.
962 Within the area designated as a data centre, the need for, and contents of, the spaces depends upon the
963 purpose of the data centre, its anticipated power consumption and the need for environmental control. The
964 need for segregation of spaces within rooms depends safety considerations, requirements for security and
965 upon the need for environmental control.
966 As examples, a small enterprise data centre may comprise a single room having the function of a computer
967 room space and an electrical space without physical segregation whereas a large data centre may require
968 one or more segregated spaces.
969 The cabling infrastructure of clause 8 may be appropriate to provide telecommunications in and between
970 many of the dedicated data centres spaces. The cabling infrastructure described in this clause is that
971 between and within the cabinets, frames and racks which constitute the computer room space (but which
972 may be extended into the other dedicated data centres spaces). It may take one of, or a combination of, the
973 following forms:
974 a) direct point-to-point;

975 b) structured;
976 c) generic – in accordance with EN 50173-5.
977 The infrastructure strategy shall take account the need to support significant amounts of change as follows:
978 1) direct point-to-point cabling is initially the simplest and most cost-effective, continuous changes to the
979 required interconnections increase both the planning resource required for each change and the risk of
980 interfering with other infrastructures - including those for environmental control. As a result, direct point-
981 to-point is only suitable for data centres with limited growth and evolution;
982 2) structured cabling uses pre-defined pathways and spaces that are specifically intended to support
983 changing demands and provides:
984 – scalability via a modular design;
985 – a reduced number of points of failure;
986 – faster equipment moves, adds and changes;
987 – long-term integration with other critical infrastructures such as power supply distribution and
988 environmental control;
989 3) generic cabling in accordance with the EN 50173-5 series of standards combines the benefits of
990 structured infrastructures with the support for a wide range of applications.
991 The effective implementation of a cabling system depends on the provision of the proper infrastructures to
992 accommodate cables and termination points both in areas of cabling distribution and equipment attachment.
993 In general, the selection of applications (transmission protocols and transmission media) and the channel
994 lengths within the data centre should allow their transmission using generic cabling. Direct point-to-point
995 cabling should be restricted to local connections within cabinets, frames and rack or within clearly defined
996 areas.
EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010 – 36 –
997 11.2.2 Cabling design
998 11.2.2.1 Direct point-to-point cabling
999 11.2.2.1.1 General
1000 The point-to-point connection method uses discrete cords (typically factory-produced) that directly connect
1001 the active equipment. Each cord connects a single port of one device to a single port of another device. This
1002 is often the default method for data centre cabling because it requires little up-front investment or planning.
1003 Additional cords are added as needed. Figure 20 shows schematically how cabling with discrete cords starts
1004 simply, but the complexity quickly grows as switches are added into the system hardware configuration.
Servers Storage Servers Switches Storage
a) Direct point-to-point b) Switched point-to-point
1005 Figure 20 – Growing complexity of point-to-point connections
1006 Although direct point-to-point cabling is initially the simplest and most cost effective method of providing
1007 connections, the installation becomes complicated as a system grows and it becomes difficult to determine
1008 the origin or destination of any of the cords (see Figure 21 and Figure 22). Removal of unused cords
1009 becomes difficult due to the risk of mechanical damage to adjacent cabling.
1011 Direct point to point cabling should only be used for connections within a singe cabinet or frame because:
1012 a) cables used within cords typically have lower levels of mechanical protection than fixed cables and the
1013 risk of damage to them is increased unless appropriate pathways systems are installed;
1014 b) cords require additional mechanical protection, particularly for the connectors, to avoid damage;
1015 c) multiple cords typically have a higher burning load than the equivalent number of cable elements within
1016 a fixed cable;
1017 d) multiple cords typically have a greater physical volume than the equivalent number of cable elements
1018 within a fixed cable, increasing the risk of blocking airflow.
1019
– 37 – EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010
Servers Switches Storage Servers Switches Storage
a) Pre-change configuration b) Post-change configuration
1020 Figure 21 – Impact of fibre optic jumper cabling changes

1021 with direct point-to-point connections
1022
1023 Figure 22 – Example of direct point-to-point cabling
1024 11.2.2.2 Structured data centre cabling
1025 Structured cabling systems are intended to avoid the impact of the uncontrolled use of cords described in
1026 11.2.2.1 by using fixed cables within defined cable pathways between panels (patch panel) at designated
1027 patching locations. This greatly simplifies cabling modifications by managing changes at the patching
1028 locations rather than disconnecting, moving and reconnecting discrete cords under the floor or in ceiling
1029 spaces.
1030 The structured cabling system approach, illustrated in Figure 23, shows the equipment ports presented at
1031 remote central patching locations (CPLs). Server-to-storage connections are made using short, easily
1032 managed, cords within the CPL. The use of distributed zone patching locations (ZPL), connected the CPLs
1033 with fixed cables provides additional flexibility for managing changes.
EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010 – 38 –
CPL CPL
ZPL
ZPL
CPL = Central patching location
ZPL = Zone patching location
a) Server-to-storage b) Switched server-to-storage

connections connections
1034 Figure 23 – Structured fibre optic cabling
1035 Requirements for redundancy, determined following a risk assessment, are addressed by multiple fixed
1036 cables between CPLs and ZPLs within different pathways.
1037 The following shall be taken into account:
1038 a) burning load – the fixed cable installation has a significantly lower burning load than that of the equivalent
1039 number of cable elements within discrete cords;
1040 b) cooling air-flow – fixed cable have a significantly lower physical volume than the equivalent number of
1041 cable elements within discrete cords, reducing the risk of blocking airflow;
1042 c) installation – fixed cables typically have greater bending radius than cords and this has be reflect in
1043 pathway and pathway system design and planning.
1044 Managing change with a structured fibre optic cabling system is illustrated in Figure 24 and shows how the
1045 structured system isolates the change activity to the defined areas. New equipment is connected to a CPL or
1046 ZPL without impacting active systems so no scheduled downtime is required. The equipment can then be
1047 connected to the active systems during the scheduled downtime by simply reconfiguring the cords at the
1048 CPL or ZPL. In the event of a problem with the change, it is only necessary reconnect the cords at the CPL
1049 or ZPL to their pre-change configuration. The structured approach enables more accurate predictions of the
1050 time required to implement system changes and recovery resulting in easier, faster changes that introduce
1051 less risk and enable improved overall system response.
– 39 – EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010
CPL CPL
ZPL
ZPL
CPL = Central patching location
ZPL = Zone patching location
a) Pre-change configuration b) Post-change configuration
1052 Figure 24 – Managing changes with a structured fibre optic cabling system
1053 11.2.2.3 Generic data centre cabling
1054 Generic cabling in accordance with the EN 50173 series of standards combines cabling structure with
1055 requirements for minimum transmission performance within the cabling subsystems fed from distribution points
1056 within a data centre.
1057 Within the space(s) designated as a data centre, two generic cabling infrastructures may be applicable:
1058 a) generic cabling systems, in the computer room space (although extending as required in to other areas
1059 of the data centre), designed in accordance with EN 50173-5 (see Figure 25);
1060 b) generic cabling systems, in support of associated information technology equipment within the data
1061 centre (such as telephones) designed in accordance with EN 50173-2 (see Figure 26).
1062 EN 50173-5 provides a structured solution for cabling to Equipment Outlets (EO) that are typically housed in
1063 cabinets, frames or racks. EN 50173-2 provides a structured solution for cabling to Telecommunications Outlets
1064 (TO) that are typically housed in locations serving specific work areas. In both cases, the distributors are typically
1065 housed in cabinets, frame or racks.
EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010 – 40 –
ENI MD ZD LDP EO
EQP
Distributor
in accordance
with EN 50173-1 Network Main distribution Zone distribution Equipment
access cabling cabling subsystem cabling
cabling subsystem
subsystem
Generic cabling system

1066
1067 Figure 25 – Generic data centre cabling in accordance with EN 50173-5
Distributors in accordance with EN 50173-1
CD BD FD CP TO TE
Campus Building Horizontal cabling subsystem Work

backbone backbone area cabling
cabling cabling
subsystem subsystem
Generic cabling system

1068
1069 Figure 26 – Generic office cabling in accordance with EN 50173-2
1070 11.2.3 Co-ordination
1071 11.2.3.1 General
1072 In general, commercial demands require data centres to be operational on a continuous basis. Availability
1073 levels, a measurement for quality of service, of in excess of 99 % are common.
1074 As the size of data centres increases, the provision of electrical power required for the information
1075 technology equipment and the environmental control represents a major design factor that has to take
1076 account of predicted growth of, and changes to, the business demands placed upon the data centres.
1077 The design and planning of cabling infrastructures should be undertaken at an early stage of the data centre
1078 design or refurbishment and should be integrated with the design and planning of electrical power,
1079 environmental control systems and other utilities and services such as security and lighting systems.
1080 EN 50600 series standards (in preparation) provide extensive detail.
– 41 – EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010
1081 11.2.3.2 Initial construction
1082 Adequate planning during building construction or renovation is significantly less expensive and less
1083 disruptive than after the facility is operational. Information technology professionals should be involved in the
1084 design of the data centre from its inception thereby:
1085 a) contributing to the architectural considerations;

1086 b) providing information within multidisciplinary design efforts;
1087 c) promoting co-operation in the design and construction phases.
1088 With regard to the cabling infrastructure, any risk assessment applied during the construction phase of the
1089 data centre shall result in:
1090 1) planning of pathways (see 11.3.3), pathways systems (see 11.3.4 and 11.3.5) and cables (see 11.3.7) in
1091 order to:
1092 – reflect the desired levels of operational redundancy;
1093 – maximise the effectiveness of the environmental control systems;
1094 – minimise the impact of cabling installation, maintenance and repair activities;
1095 – minimise the impact of predicted growth and/or evolution of the services provided by the data centre;
1096 2) installation and operational administration schemes (see EN 50174-1 for minimum requirements).
1097 11.2.3.3 Changes
1098 The premises owner shall perform a risk assessment based on operational demands before undertaking
1099 changes to the cabling. The responsible planner shall take actions according to the result of the risk
1100 assessment.
1102 11.3.1 Safety - fire performance
1103 The selection of cable materials shall be in accordance with any national and local legislation for burning
1104 load limits within the designated spaces of the data centre.
1106 11.3.2.1 Requirements
1108 11.3.2.2 Recommendations
1109 The identifier scheme for cabinets, frames and racks should use a grid co-ordinate system based on the
1110 access floor grid or, where no access floor exists, a grid created by aisles and cabinets, frames and racks.
1111 11.3.3 Pathways
1115 a) multiple service providers;

1116 b) multiple service provider premises (i.e. operator sites or central offices);
1117 c) diverse pathways from each of the service provider premises;
1118 d) multiple BEFs;
1119 e) multiple entrance rooms.
EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010 – 42 –
1121 Where external service provision from multiple service providers is required, the pathways to the premises
1122 should be diversely routed in order to remove any single point-of-failure.
1123 Multiple entrance pathways should be used between the boundary of the premises and the entrance room(s)
1124 in order to remove any single point-of-failure. These pathways may include customer-owned maintenance
1125 holes where the pathway systems owned by the access provider do not terminate at the boundary of the
1126 premises.
1127 A minimum of two entrance pathways should be provided which should be:
1128 a) located underground (aerial entrance pathways are not recommended because of their vulnerability due
1129 to physical exposure);
1130 b) physically separated between the boundary of the premises and the point of entry into the building by at
1131 least 20 m to ensure that a single incident will not cause damage to both entrance pathways.
1132 The entrance pathways should also have adequate capacity to handle growth and additional service
1133 providers.
1134 Each external service provider should enter the premises via at least two pathways. Pathways should be
1135 considered between entrance rooms.
1136 Where an entrance room is located in the computer room space, the entrance pathways should not interfere
1137 with environmental control systems (e.g. airflow, chilled water piping) and other cable pathways.
1139 All the functional elements shown in Figure 25 may be housed in the same room within the data centre.
1140 As shown in Figure 27, consideration should be given to providing protection against failure in one or more
1141 parts of the cabling infrastructure by implementing:
1142 a) multiple external network interfaces (ENIs);

1143 b) connections between ENIs;
1144 c) multiple connections between ENIs and main and zone distributors (MDs and ZDs);
1145 d) multiple pathways between ENIs and main and zone distributors (MDs and ZDs).
– 43 – EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010
ENI ENI
Distributor
in accordance
with EN 50173-1
MD MD
ZD ZD
LDP LDP
EO EO EO EO EO EO EO EO EO EO EO EO
1146
1147
1148 Figure 27 – Functional elements and connections providing redundancy within generic
1149 cabling in accordance with EN 50173-5
1150 11.3.3.2 Data centre pathways
1152 The design of pathways shall be co-ordinated with architects and other responsible engineers.
1154 a) multiple computer rooms and other spaces served by the computer room cabling;
1155 b) hierarchical, redundant, distribution areas within the computer room(s);
1156 c) segregation between redundant areas using different fire protection zones (fire compartmentation);
1157 d) independent pathways, environmental control equipment and power supply distribution systems for each
1158 redundant area.
1162 a) multiple areas of distribution with appropriate fire compartmentation with areas served by different power
1163 supply distribution units, and be served by different environmental control equipment;
1164 b) multiple pathways between each area of distribution ensuring that maximum channel lengths are not
1165 exceeded.
1166 The location of aisles separating rows of cabinets, frames or racks should be co-ordinated with lighting and
1167 fire protection plans:
1168 1) lighting should be placed above aisles and not above cabinets, frames, racks and overhead pathways;
1169 2) pathways should not be located where they interfere with proper operation of fire suppression systems
1170 such as water distribution from sprinkler heads.
EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010 – 44 –
1171 Pathways should not block airflow to or from environmental control equipment.
1172 Pathways should not restrict access to other building infrastructures that require periodic maintenance e .g.
1173 valves, electrical receptacles and smoke detectors. Under-floor pathways should not be located above such
1174 equipment unless there is an accessible row of tiles adjacent to these pathways.
1175 Where under-floor pathways are to be used in areas containing designated hot and cold aisles, the pathways
1176 for information technology cables should be located under the access floor in the hot aisles (to avoid
1177 blocking air flow through perforated tiles).
1179 As shown in Figure 27, consideration should be given to providing protection against failure in one or more
1180 parts of the cabling infrastructure by implementing:
1181 a) multiple MDs;

1182 b) multiple ZDs;
1183 c) multiple pathways between each MD;
1184 d) multiple pathways between each ZD;
1185 e) multiple pathways between each MD and ZDs.
1186 Consideration should be given to providing multiple ENIs, MDs ZDs and cabling pathways between
1187 distributors to provide redundancy in the data centre.
1192 The desired separation between information technology cabling and power supply cabling within computer
1193 rooms (see 11.5) should be achieved using a range of approaches including:
1194 a) if the areas do, or will, contain aisles:

1195 - using separate aisles for information technology cabling and power supply cabling;
1196 - using different rows of tiles in the aisles for power supply and information technology cabling, with the
1197 power supply and information technology cables as far apart from each other as possible;
1198 - installing the information technology cabling in pathways as far above the power supply cables as
1199 practical.
1200 b) if the areas do, or will, contain access floors for information technology cabling and aisles designated as
1201 hot and cold aisles (see 11.3.8.4.2) then:
1202 - locating pathways for information technology cables under the access floor in the hot aisles (see
1203 11.3.8.4.2);
1204 - locating pathways for power supply cables under the access floor in the cold aisles.
1205 c) where it is not possible to allocate separate aisles to information technology cabling and power supply
1206 cabling both horizontal and vertical segregation should be provided by:
1207 – using different rows of tiles in the aisles for power supply and information technology cabling, with the
1208 power supply and information technology cables as far apart from each other as practicable;
1209 – installing the information technology cabling in pathways as far above the power supply cables as
1210 practicable.
– 45 – EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010
1211 Different cabling media (balanced, coaxial and optical fibre) within pathways should be separated to improve
1212 administration, operation, and minimise damage to less rugged cable constructions. Physical barriers
1213 between the two types of cables are not necessary.
1214 Lighting should be located in aisles between overhead cable pathways rather than adjacent to or directly
1215 above overhead cable pathways.
1216 11.3.3.4 Protection of installed cabling (including security)
1220 Pathways less than 2,7 m above the finished floor should be installed in secure pathway systems (such as
1221 duct, trunking or conduit) or apply alternate means to prevent accidental and/or intentional damage to the
1222 installed cabling.
1223 Any maintenance holes, hand-holes and draw-boxes in unsecured areas should be locked (requiring keys or
1224 tools for access) and monitored by a security system using a camera, remote alarm or both.
1226 11.3.4.1 External service pathway systems
1230 The number of pathway systems required within each of the building entrance pathways depends on the
1231 number of external service providers and the number and type of cables that the external service providers
1232 will install.
1233 The entrance pathway systems should have adequate capacity to handle growth and additional external
1234 service providers.
1235 11.3.4.2 Data centre pathway systems
1237 The weight of fully loaded pathway systems shall be evaluated and co-ordinated with:
1238 a) the structural engineer if the pathway systems are to be supported from the ceiling (the ceiling shall have
1239 a minimum hanging capacity of 1,2 kPa);
1240 b) the access floor system designer if the pathway systems are to be supported by the access floor system.
1242 Separate pathway systems should be installed to segregate cabling that is permanently installed from that
1243 which is less permanent such as equipment cords and patch cords.
1244 Access floor systems, also known as raised floor systems, should be used for cabinets, frames, racks or
1245 equipment that are to be cabled from below.
1246 Under-floor cable tray routing should be co-ordinated with other under floor systems during the planning
1247 stages of the building.
EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010 – 46 –
1248 If pathway systems are to be suspended from the ceiling, the ceiling should have a hanging capacity of
1249 2,4 kPa (min.).
1250 The size and quantity of all pathway systems should take into account the volume of cables to be contained
1251 when the data centre is at maximum planned utilization. Particular attention is required for adequate capacity
1252 of pathways at intersections.
1253 11.3.4.3 Access floor tile openings
1255 The area of the access floor tile opening shall be twice the cross-sectional area of the cables to be installed
1256 when the cabinets or frames are at full capacity.
1257 NOTE If the floor opening uses grommets or brushes, the size of the opening may need to be increased to accommodate the support
1258 mechanisms for the grommets and brushes.
1260 Access floor tile openings for cabinets should be placed under the intended location of the cabinets or in
1261 locations where the opening will not create a tripping hazard.
1262 Access floor tile openings should:
1263 a) be no larger than required and should use gaskets, brushes, or other method to minimize loss of under-
1264 floor pressure;
1265 b) have edging or grommets along all cut edges that does not interfere with placement of frames and
1266 cabinets;
1267 c) the edging or grommets should not be placed where cabinets, frames or racks are intended to be in
1268 contact with the surface of the access floor.
1269 Access floor tile openings for frames should be placed either under the vertical cable managers between the
1270 frames or under the frame (at the opening between the bottom angles). Generally, placing the opening under
1271 the vertical cable managers is preferable as it allows equipment to be located at the bottom of the frame.
1273 11.3.5.1 Overhead systems
1277 Overhead cable pathways may alleviate the need for access floors in data centres.
1278 Overhead cable pathways may be used to minimize airflow obstructions and turbulence under access floors
1279 caused by cabling and associated pathway systems.
1280 Overhead cable pathways may be used to supplement the floor-standing systems that are also cabled from
1281 below.
1282 Planning of overhead cable trays for information technology cabling should be co-ordinated with architects,
1283 mechanical engineers and electrical engineers that are designing lighting, plumbing, air ducts, power supply
1284 and fire protection systems.
1285 Overhead cable management systems may be stacked to provide additional capacity.
– 47 – EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010
1286 Cable management systems should be suspended from the ceiling where increased operational flexibility is
1287 required to:
1288 a) support the use of cabinets, frames and racks of various heights;
1289 b) add and/or remove cabinets, frames and racks.
1290 Cable management systems may be attached to the tops of cabinets, frames and racks where the cabinets,
1291 frames or racks are of uniform height and are capable of supporting the additional loads of the cable
1292 management systems and the installed cables.
1293 Fire extinguishing systems should not be placed directly above cable management systems.
1294 11.3.5.2 Under-floor systems
1298 Information technology cabling under the access floor should be installed in cable management systems that
1299 do not block airflow.
1300 There should be adequate space between the top of open cable management systems (e.g. tray, basket,
1301 etc.) and the access floor tiles to allow the cables to enter/exit the pathway systems without risk of damage
1302 and in accordance with the applicable minimum bend radius (installation, operating-static and operating-
1303 dynamic).
1304 Where cable management systems are vertically stacked and run in parallel to provide additional capacity:
1305 a) access to lower layers should be provided by either using narrower cable management systems for
1306 upper layers (as shown in Figure 9) or by providing an accessible row of adjacent tiles (as shown in
1307 Figure 10).
1308 b) at least 300 mm vertical separation should be provided between each layer to provide adequate access
1309 to lower layers for addition and removal of cables.
1310 11.3.6 Closures
1312 11.3.7 Cabling
1313 11.3.7.1 General
1314 In addition to the environmental characteristics identified in EN 50174-1, the selection of cables shall be in
1315 accordance with national and local legislation in relation to fire performance of materials. Where no national
1316 and local legislation exists, the selection shall take into consideration the requirements for both safety of
1317 personnel and protection of equipment based upon the compartmentation, fire detection and suppression
1318 systems employed within the data centre.
EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010 – 48 –
1319 11.3.7.2 Pre-terminated cables
1320 11.3.7.2.1 General
1321 The process controls applied to pre-terminated cables generally provide improved transmission performance.
1322 In addition, the installation of pre-terminated cables provides more rapid implementation solutions and
1323 increases the opportunities for re-use.
1324 However, if excessive length of cable stored as service loops are to be avoided, accurate assessments of
1325 installed lengths are required. It should also be noted that the fixtures attached to, and used to install, the
1326 pre-terminated cables may require additional cross-sectional area and bend radii in pathways and pathways
1327 systems.
1328 Test methods applied to pre-terminated cables that are intended to provide comparisons with manufacturers’
1329 result shall be in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
1330 11.3.7.2.2 Optical fibre cables
1331 In order to avoid contamination and potential damage of optical fibre end-faces and/or connecting hardware
1332 due to the build-up of static charge during transport, manufacturers recommended cleaning procedures shall
1333 be applied before any connection is made to a pre-terminated cable.
1334 11.3.8 Spaces
1335 11.3.8.1 General
1337 The design of spaces shall be co-ordinated with architects and other responsible engineers.
1338 Where risk of water ingress exists, a means of evacuating water from the space(s) shall be provided. Where
1339 floor drains are used they shall be fitted with an ingress blocking facility.
1340 Access to the designated spaces of the data centre shall be controlled by the premises owner. Within the
1341 designated spaces of the data centre, additional systems shall be considered to limit access to specific
1342 elements of the cabling infrastructure.
1343 11.3.8.1.2 Recommendation
1344 Where risk of water ingress exists, a water detection and notification system should be installed.

1349 b) requirements for redundancy (see 11.3.3.1.1);
– 49 – EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010
1359 Typical information necessary to determine the requirements for entrance rooms is shown in Table 12.
1360 Table 12 – Environmental requirements for data centres
types


(for generic cabling, EN 50173-5 specifies the external
network interface (ENI) of the network access cabling)
1361
1362 If an entrance room is located in the computer room, the entrance pathways should be designed to avoid
1363 interfering with airflow, chilled water piping and any other cable routing under the access floor, where
1364 present.
1366 Subject to the requirements for redundancy (see 11.3.3.1.1), entrance rooms should house the demarcation
1367 points for multiple external service providers in order to simplify management of circuits.
1368 11.3.8.3 Computer rooms
1370 Computer rooms shall be located away from sources of electromagnetic interference. Examples of such
1371 noise sources include electrical power supply transformers, motors and generators, x-ray equipment, radio or
1372 radar transmitters, and induction sealing devices.
1373 Piping systems other than those providing necessary services to computer rooms (e.g. sprinkler systems and
1374 cooling systems) shall not pass through computer rooms.
1375 Computer rooms shall be provided with doors that:
1376 a) are 1 m wide and 2,13 m high (min.);

1377 b) do not have a doorsill;
1378 c) are fitted with a lock or locking system;
1379 d) have either no centre post or a removable centre post to facilitate access for large equipment.
1380 Computer rooms shall provide 2,6 m (min.) unobstructed height between the finished floor and any overhead
1381 objects such as sprinklers, lighting fixtures, or cameras.
1382 NOTE Cooling requirements or the use of overhead pathway systems or cabinets, frame and racks taller than 2,13 m may
1383 necessitate increased unobstructed height requirements.
1384 Floor loading capacity in the computer room shall be sufficient to bear both the distributed and concentrated
1385 load of the installed equipment with associated cabling and media. The minimum distributed floor loading
1386 capacity shall be 7,2 kPa.
EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010 – 50 –
1387 Consideration should also be given to the floor loadings generated through the transit of equipment and
1388 associated infrastructure.
1389 Floors, walls and ceiling shall be selected and treated to minimise the generation of dust.
1391 The space allocated to the computer room(s) should not be restricted by building components (e.g. lifts,
1392 core, outside walls, or other fixed building walls) that limit expansion.
1393 Equipment rooms should not have exterior windows, in order to minimise heat load and increase security.
1394 Accessibility for the delivery of large equipment to the computer room should be provided.
1395 The minimum distributed floor loading capacity should be 12 kPa.
1396 11.3.8.4 Cabinets within computer rooms
1398 The minimum distance between aisles of cabinets is specified in EN 50174-1.
1399 Cabinets shall not be located under piping systems (both for reasons of breakage or aggregation of
1400 condensation). This requirement also applies in other data centre spaces.
1401 The cabinets shall be selected to provide adequate ventilation for the equipment it will house.
1402 Ventilation can be achieved by one or both of the following:
1403 a) forced airflow utilizing fans in combination with properly placed door vents, and sufficient space between
1404 the equipment and rack doors;
1405 b) utilizing natural airflow between hot and cold aisles through ventilation openings in the front and rear
1406 doors of the cabinets.
1407 As heat loads within the cabinets increase, natural airflow alone is inadequate to provide the required cooling
1408 but where fans are used they shall:
1409 1) enhance rather than disrupt the functioning of “hot” and “cold” aisles;
1410 2) be adequate to dissipate the heat generated in the cabinet.
1412 When placed on an access floor, cabinets should be:
1413 a) arranged so that they permit at least one and preferably two tiles in the front and rear of the cabinets to
1414 be lifted;
1415 b) aligned with either the front or rear edge along the edge of the floor tile.
1416 If placement of cabinets in this manner creates unequal aisle sizes, the front aisle should be the larger one to
1417 provide more working space for installation of equipment and a greater area for providing cool air to
1418 cabinets.
1419 Cabinets should provide adequate ventilation for equipment - if no active cooling mechanisms are provided
1420 by the cabinet, the front and rear doors should have at least 66 % open space.
– 51 – EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010
1421 Cabinets, racks and frames should be provided with cable and cord management fittings:
1422 1) there should be one rack unit of horizontal cable management for each rack unit of termination points;
1423 2) the capacity of the vertical cable management within cabinets should be twice the cross-sectional area of
1424 the cables to be installed when the cabinets when fully utilised.
1425 Cabinets may require additional depth or width to provide adequate vertical cable management.
1426 Cable and cord routing in cabinets should not block airflow into or from equipment.
1427 The vertical cable management, horizontal cable management, slack storage and location of access floor
1428 openings should be designed to ensure that the bend radius requirements of the installed cables are met.
1429 Overhead pathway systems should be installed for routing of equipment cords between cabinets, rack and
1430 frames.
1431 Blanking panels should be installed in unused cabinet positions in order to avoid mixing of hot and cold air.
1432 11.3.8.5 Racks and frames within computer rooms
1434 The minimum distance between the front of frames and racks across a cold aisle shall be 1,2 m.
1435 The minimum distance between the rear of frames and racks across a hot aisle shall be 1,2 m.
1437 When placed on an access floor, racks should be:
1438 a) arranged so that they permit at least one and preferably two tiles in the front and rear of the racks to be
1439 lifted;
1440 b) aligned with either the front or rear edge along the edge of the floor tile.
1441 If placement of racks in this manner creates unequal aisle sizes, the front aisle should be the larger one to
1442 provide more working space for installation of equipment.
1443 When placed on an access floor, frames should be:
1444 1) arranged so that they permit at least one and preferably two tiles in the front of the frames to be lifted;
1445 2) placed such that the rods that secure the frames to the concrete slab will not penetrate a structural
1446 member of the access floor.
1447 Racks and frames should be provided with cable and cord management fittings:
1448 – there should be one rack unit of horizontal cable management for each rack unit of termination points;
1449 – the capacity of the vertical cable management within racks and frames should be twice the cross-
1450 sectional area of the cables to be installed when the racks and frames are at full capacity.
1451 Cable and cord routing in racks should not block airflow into or from equipment.
1452 The vertical cable management, horizontal cable management, slack storage and location of access floor
1453 openings should be designed to ensure that the bend radius requirements of the installed cables are met.
1454 Overhead pathway systems should be installed for routing of equipment cords between cabinets, rack and
1455 frames.
EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010 – 52 –
1456 11.3.8.6 Telecommunications/equipment rooms
1458 11.3.9 Operation
1459 11.3.9.1 Requirements
1461 11.3.9.2 Recommendations
1462 Blanking panels should be installed in unused cabinet positions.
1463 Obsolete cables should be removed unless removal represents a risk to the operation of adjacent cabling.
1464 11.4 Requirements for installers of information technology cabling
1470 The segregation between information technology and power supply cabling should be twice that determined
1471 using the calculation in Clause 6.

Cenelec: Final Draft en 50174-2 Fpra1

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Cenelec: Final Draft en 50174-2 Fpra1

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Cenelec: Final Draft en 50174-2 Fpra1

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

FINAL DRAFT

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 50174-2

ICS 35.110; 91.140.50

Technologies de l'information - Informationstechnik -

It has been drawn up by CLC/TC 215.

Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B - 1000 Brussels

Project: 22445 Ref. No. EN 50174-2:2009/FprA1:2010 E

5 The following dates are proposed:

– latest date by which the existence of the amendment

– latest date by which the amendment has to be implemented

– latest date by which the national standards conflicting

6 This draft amendment introduces:

7 – a new Clause 10 with specific requirements for installation of cabling in homes;

12 CLC/TC 215 note:

16 Text of FprA1 to EN 50174-2:2009

18 Replace Table 1 with:

19 Table 1 – Contextual relationship between EN 50174 series and other standards

EN 50310 EN 50173 series EN 50174-1 EN 50174-1

8: Connecting hardware 5: Requirements for

9: Connecting hardware 6: Segregation of 6: Segregation of

24 Replace 5th paragraph with:

28 Replace bullet g) with:

32 Add the following references:

39 Delete reference to IEC 61784-4.

40 3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations

43 Insert the following definitions and renumber existing definitions accordingly:

111 3.2 Abbreviations

112 Insert the following additional abbreviations:

113 CPL Central Patching Location

114 HBES Home and Building Electronic System

115 HE Home Entrance

116 SHD Secondary Home Distributor

117 ZPL Zone Patching Location

118 4 Requirements for planning installations of information technology cabling

120 Replace title with:

121 4.1.2 Power supply cabling

122 4.1.7 Closures

123 Replace “mains power” with “power supply” (6 places).

124 4.1.8.2 External cables containing flammable materials

125 Replace subclause with:

134 4.1.9 Termination points

135 Replace “mains power” with “power supply” in two places

136 4.3.1 Cable segregation

138 4.4 Pathway systems

139 Insert new heading:

140 4.4.1 Requirements

147 Insert new sub-clause

148 4.4.2 Recommendations

160 4.5.1 Requirements

163 4.5.2 Recommendations

164 Insert the following text at the end of existing text:

169 Insert new subclause as follows:

170 4.8 Spaces

173 5 Requirements for the installation of information technology cabling

175 Replace title with:

176 5.1.1.1 Power supply cabling

177 5.1.3 Closures

179 5.1.4 Cables

183 5.3.2 Pathways