Overview
IEC 61935-2:2022 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies test methods for balanced and coaxial cords used in information technology cabling. The standard applies to cords such as equipment cords, patch cords, and consolidation point (CP) cords utilized within structured cabling systems in accordance with ISO/IEC 11801-1 and other related standards.
IEC 61935-2 ensures the performance, reliability, and compatibility of both balanced (including twisted-pair and single-pair) and coaxial cords during their operational life cycle. The standard provides comprehensive testing methodologies and requirements, making it a key reference for manufacturers, testing laboratories, certification bodies, and organizations responsible for IT infrastructure deployment and maintenance.
The 2022 edition introduces significant updates, including requirements for category 8.1 and 8.2 cords, as well as extended coverage for single-pair balanced cords, aligning with the latest cabling technologies and market needs.
Key Topics
- Scope of Testing: IEC 61935-2 covers cords used as equipment cords, patch cords, work area cords, and CP cords within IT cabling systems.
- Cord Types: Includes balanced twisted-pair cords, balanced single-pair cords, and coaxial cords, with specific references to ISO/IEC 11801-1 categories.
- Acceptance and Periodic Tests:
- Visual inspection
- Wire map (for balanced cords)
- Return loss (for balanced and coaxial cords)
- NEXT (Near-End Crosstalk) and PS NEXT
- Insertion loss and attenuation
- Alien crosstalk
- DC resistance and resistance unbalance
- Mechanical tests: tensile strength, flexure, bending, twisting, and crushing
- Component Requirements: Specifies requirements for cables and connectors according to relevant IEC component standards (such as IEC 60603-7, IEC 61156, IEC 61169, IEC 61196).
- Test Procedures: Outlines both basic and advanced tests to assess electrical and mechanical performance over the product's lifecycle.
Applications
IEC 61935-2:2022 is applicable in various real-world contexts, supporting reliable IT networking and data transmission in commercial, industrial, and residential environments.
- Manufacturers: Provides a rigorous test framework for product development and quality control of cords manufactured for IT cabling systems.
- Testing Laboratories: Serves as a reference for third-party laboratories conducting compliance, type approval, and periodic testing of IT cords.
- Installers and Integrators: Enables verification of cable assemblies to ensure network reliability and conformity with international standards, reducing risk of failures or mismatched components.
- Certification Bodies: Acts as a foundation for certifying cords used in structured cabling solutions.
- Network Planners/Designers: Ensures selected cord products meet performance requirements for high-speed data applications, PoE (Power over Ethernet), and emerging digital infrastructure needs.
- Procurement and Quality Assurance: Provides criteria for purchasing and acceptance testing of IT cords from suppliers.
Related Standards
IEC 61935-2:2022 references and operates alongside several important international standards:
- ISO/IEC 11801-1 – Generic cabling for customer premises, defining categories and system architectures.
- IEC 61935-1 – Testing for installed balanced cabling.
- IEC 61156 series – Specifications for balanced cable types.
- IEC 61196-1 – Specifications for coaxial communication cables.
- IEC 60603-7 series – For modular connectors (e.g., RJ45).
- IEC 61169 series – For coaxial connector types.
- IEC 63171 series – For single-pair Ethernet connectors.
- ISO/IEC 14763-4 – Measurement of end-to-end (E2E) links within customer premises cabling.
- IEC 60966-1 – Requirements and test methods for coaxial cable assemblies.
Using IEC 61935-2 ensures that IT cabling systems and their supporting cords are compatible, reliable, and compliant with modern networking standards, supporting robust high-speed network infrastructures. This standard is essential for any organization seeking to guarantee the quality and durability of their cabling system components.
Open preview (PDF)Specification for the testing of balanced and coaxial information technology cabling - Part 2: Cords as specified in ISO/IEC 11801-1 and related standards
