Data Cabling Standards & Why They Are Important

Before official data cabling standards existed most companies had numerous separate cabling systems with each of them often only working with one particular type of equipment. Their ceilings walls and floor spaces were jam-packed with a wide assortment of different types of cables. It was a logistical nightmare when it came to trying to fix any one particular cabling problem.

The introduction of standardized cabling systems has considerably simplified things by providing the internationally recognized guidelines that enable the creation of logical road maps, rather than something that resembles spaghetti junction.

Main Benefits of Data Cabling Standards

Every cabling system is unique in its own way, due to the different variables that apply to each individual customer such as their building structure, the functions required of the system, types of equipment needed etc.

However, by following outlined standards the general design of systems and installation techniques used are consistent with uniform documentation, therefore making it both quicker and easier to trace individual cables and identify ports at a later date. This also allows both the customer and installer to know the different types of applications that the system will readily support.

In today’s world the structure and needs of individual businesses tend to change rapidly which results in things like individuals moving locations within the building, various systems being upgraded along with the introduction of different types of new technology as it emerges.

Luckily due to the introduction of data cabling standards most have now changed from the out-dated proprietary systems, to flexible yet structured cabling system that adhere to the required performance specifications. Therefore enabling any changes needed to be made in a time effective manner and simplifying the addition of new applications.

Either invest in the correct data wiring from the start or pay in errors?

Universal Data Cabling Standards

There are a number of different organizations throughout the world, many of which are non-profit that dedicate their time to the creation and implementation of universal standards and specifications.

These organizations publish up-to-date documents for standards relating to different types of networking equipment, cabling manufacture, performance requirements and installation techniques. These Standards documents vary slightly depending on the part of the world that you live in, but the main two are below:

For the United States the main Standard is the ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B, which is commonly known as the Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Standard.

Whereas, the predominant Standard in Europe is the ISO/IEC 11801 and this is referred to as the International Standard on Information Technology Generic Cabling for Customer Premises.

Data Cabling Standards Organizations

As mentioned above there are numerous organizations that are responsible for different standards throughout the world and listed below are some of the main ones that we use to obtain data cabling standards within the United States.

 (ANSI) American National Standards Institute 

The (ANSI) American National Standards Institute was originally founded back in 1918 by five engineering societies, along with three agencies within the U.S. government. The primary mission of the ANSA is to encourage voluntary compliance with the required Standards and methods. They do not actually produce any Standards documents, but instead their committee members are responsible for facilitating their development and future promotion.

(EIA) Electronic Industries Alliance

The Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) was established in 1924 and is responsible for the representation of electronics manufactures both in the U.S and abroad. The EIA is organized into different sectors which each have their own responsibility for a particular type of electronics such as consumer electronics, industrial electronics, telecommunication cabling to name a few.

(TIA) Telecommunications Industry Association

The Telecommunications Industry Association is a trade organization who is accredited by the American National Standards Institute. They manufacture and distribute a large majority of the telecommunication products used throughout the world and contribute to industry standards relating to communication technologies.

Insulated Cable Engineers Association (ICEA)

The ICEA was established in 1925 and is a non-profit organization sponsored by cable manufacturers. They are responsible for the specifications of the different types of cables used with-in network cabling systems.

National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) plays a role in the promotion of standards relating to cables, power lines and electrical components.

International Organization for Standardization
International Electrotechnical Commission

The (ISO) International Organization for Standardization and (IEC) – International Electrotechnical Commission have a combined technical committee that focuses on the development, maintenance and promotion of standards for both information and communications technology.

Proper Management makes sure the jobs are done correct

Final Thoughts…

Due to the constant technological advancements within the data cabling industry individual specifications for various Standards are continually being updated. Therefore companies that are responsible for designing and installing cabling systems do need to make sure that they keep up-to-date with any new updates.

We at BridgCable make it a priority to keep our staff constantly updated on all the industry standards so that we can always offer you the best service possible.

Why not give us a call today! 877-832-1206 – Bridge Global Services in Philadelphia area.