Overview
EN 61935-2:2010 (IEC 61935-2:2010) is the international/European specification for the testing of balanced and coaxial information‑technology cabling – Part 2: cords. It defines test methods and requirements to verify the performance, compatibility and reliability of balanced cords used with generic cabling systems specified in ISO/IEC 11801. Edition 3.0 (2010) replaces the 2005 edition and extends coverage to higher performance cords (category 6A to 7A as defined in ISO/IEC 11801).
Key topics
The standard sets out test procedures, acceptance criteria and periodic‑/type‑test requirements for cords and connectors. Major technical topics include:
- Electrical measurements: insertion loss, return loss, propagation delay, delay skew and near‑end crosstalk (NEXT) for balanced cords.
- Wiring verification: visual inspection, wire‑map checks and correct pairing.
- Mechanical and environmental tests: tensile strength, flexure, bending, twisting, crushing and climatic sequence tests to demonstrate reliability over the cord’s operational lifetime.
- EMC and screening: coupling attenuation (screening attenuation) test methods for shielded cords/coaxial assemblies.
- Test configuration and equipment: network‑analyzer based measurement setups, test head requirements and centering/connection criteria to ensure repeatable results.
- Assumptions and component models used in developing test limits (cord vs. channel assumptions).
EN 61935-2 documents test methods (type, acceptance and periodic) rather than channel performance limits, so it is complementary to cabling performance standards.
Applications and who uses it
This standard is applied where cord performance, interoperability and durability must be verified:
- Cable and connector manufacturers - for design verification, type testing and factory quality control of patch cords and pre‑terminated leads.
- Test laboratories and certification bodies - to produce repeatable, standardized test reports for cords and assemblies.
- System integrators and installers - for acceptance testing of cord assemblies used in ISO/IEC 11801 cabling systems.
- Spec writers and procurement teams - to define test requirements in product specifications and tenders.
Using EN 61935-2 helps ensure that cords meet the electrical and mechanical behaviours expected in structured cabling deployments and remain compatible with ISO/IEC 11801 systems.
Related standards
Relevant companion and referenced standards include:
Keywords: EN 61935-2:2010, IEC 61935-2, testing of balanced and coaxial cabling, cords, ISO/IEC 11801, category 6A, category 7A, NEXT, insertion loss, return loss, coupling attenuation.
