DIN EN 50441-1:2012-10

This part of the standard series 50441 contains the constructional details and performances requirements for cables for indoor residential cabling systems characterized up to 100 MHz. Cables in this European Standard are based on the common design rules specified in EN 50290-2-1 and are specifically intended for supporting ICT (Information and Communications Technology) and BCT (Broadband Communication Technology) applications (telephone, computer and TV services) as specified in EN 50173-4. The cables covered in this European Standard are intended to operate with voltages and currents normally encountered in communications systems. These cables are not intended to be used in conjunction with low impedance sources, for example, the electrical power supply of public utility mains. Cables covered in this European Standard may however be subjected to voltages of not more than 300 V a.c. or 450 V d.c. and comply with the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive. The maximum current rating per conductor is 3 A/mm² unless otherwise specified in the relevant detail specification. For cable construction it shall be noted that conductor construction shall comply with the requirements of EN 50290-2-1. Constructions with "copper clad" conductors do not meet the requirements. The conductor shall be a solid wire of annealed copper with a minimum diameter of 0,5 mm in accordance with EN 50290-2-1. The insulation shall be polyethylene in accordance with EN 50290-2-23. Other materials may be used providing that they do not affect compliance with this European Standard and local regulations (for example, Environmental Directives). The thickness of the insulation shall be compatible with the electrical requirements. The colour of insulation shall be a reasonable match to HD 402 S2:1984. The cable element shall be a pair or a quad; the lay length shall be in accordance with EN 50290-2-1. The cables shall have at least 4 pairs or 2 quads. The colour code shall be as specified in the corresponding detail specification and should be compatible with local practices and internationally recognised colour codes. The colours shall be easily identifiable. The sheath shall be of a thermoplastic compound according to EN 50290-2-27 or EN 50290-2-22. Unless otherwise specified the colour of the sheath shall be cream. The sheath shall be applied to fit closely over the core of the cable but it shall be possible to strip the cable sheath over 20 cm without removing foils or damaging conductors. The sheath shall be cylindrical and its external aspect shall not reveal the core profile. The ovality of the finished cable shall be not greater than 0,16. The minimum thickness of the sheath shall be equal to or greater than 0,5 mm when measured in accordance with EN 60811-1-1. A ripcord shall be laid under the sheath. Identification shall be provided either by sheath marking or by identification thread. Unless otherwise specified by the customer the cable shall be marked as follows. Sheath marking shall be either by non-degradable print or embossing and shall contain the following minimum information: the designation of cable including the numbering of the relevant standard, the reaction to fire classification (ffs), the name of supplier and the metric marking. Where the cable is not identified by sheath marking there shall be an alternative means of identification (for example, identification thread laid under the sheath, identification tape, printing on the core wrapping, etcetera). Identification shall contain the following minimum information: the designation of cable including the numbering of the relevant standard, the reaction to fire classification (under the CPD) (ffs) and the name of supplier. Unless otherwise specified in the detail specification drums or coils shall be provided with a label with a non-degradable print containing the following minimum information: the designation of cable including the numbering of the relevant standard, the reaction to fire classification (ffs), the name of the supplier, the batch part number and the length of cable. The ends of the cable shall adequately capped to avoid water ingress. In clause "Mechanical requirements", a distinction is made between conductor, insulation, sheath and finished cable. Regarding the finished cable, the following is tested or the following tests are carried out: sheath integrity, static bending radius, abrasion resistance of the sheath, kink test, cut-through test, adhesion of the sheath and installation capability. Clause "Environmental and climatic requirements" concerns the topics insulation, sheath and fire behaviour, clause "Electric requirements" contains the conductor resistance, dielectric strength and capacitance, insulation resistance, high frequency characteristics, high frequency characteristics, unbalance attenuation, environmental and safety aspects. Tables on cable impedance, return loss measurement, maximum cable attenuation supplement this clause. Furthermore there are tables on the minimum NEXT and PSNEXT and the minimum ELFEXT and PSELFEXT. With respect to environmental and safety aspects, the cable shall comply with local environmental and safety requirements as implemented in the relevant standards and directives. The responsible committee is Subcommittee UK 412.1 "Symmetrische Kabel und Leitungen, Drähte" ("Symmetric cables and conductors, wires") the DKE (German Commission for Electrical, Electronic and Information Technologies) at DIN and VDE.