IEC 61156-13-2023 PDF

Full title and description

Multicore and symmetrical pair/quad cables for digital communications - Part 13: Symmetrical single pair cables with transmission characteristics up to 20 MHz - Horizontal floor wiring - Sectional specification. This international standard specifies sectional requirements for single twisted-pair horizontal floor wiring intended for transmission of 10 Mbit/s over a single pair, with transmission characteristics defined up to 20 MHz and installation/use guidance for screened and unscreened constructions.

Abstract

IEC 61156-13:2023 defines electrical, mechanical and installation requirements and test methods for symmetrical single-pair cables intended for horizontal floor wiring used to support 10 Mbit/s links (single twisted pair) over distances up to 1 km. The document provides two sets of performance requirements to cover different maximum link lengths (type A-1000 and type A-400), addresses screening options depending on MICE environment, includes installation considerations and a blank detail specification for product-specific information in Annex A.

General information

• Status: International Standard — Published / Current.
• Publication date: 30 May 2023 (IEC publication).
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 33.040.20 (Transmission systems).
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (2023).
• Number of pages: 24 pages (base IEC publication).

Scope

Specifies sectional requirements for symmetrical single-pair cables used for horizontal floor wiring supporting 10 Mbit/s over a single twisted pair, with transmission characteristics specified up to 20 MHz at 20 °C. The standard covers unscreened and screened constructions as appropriate for the MICE environment, and defines two cable performance classes: A-1000 (supporting up to 1 km channel length) and A-400 (supporting up to 400 m channel length). It also notes suitability for DC low-voltage remote powering applications while excluding use with low-impedance mains sources.

Key topics and requirements

• Electrical transmission parameters specified up to 20 MHz (insertion loss, near-end and far-end crosstalk criteria where applicable).
• Two performance classes for maximum channel length: A-1000 (≤1 km) and A-400 (≤400 m).
• Requirements for screened and unscreened single-pair cable constructions depending on MICE environment and installation conditions.
• Mechanical and environmental installation considerations (bending radius, climatic conditions, handling).
• Tests and measurement methods to verify compliance with sectional requirements, including a blank detail specification template (Annex A) for product-specific parameters.
• Guidance on remote low-voltage powering capability and limitations regarding connection to low-impedance mains sources.

Typical use and users

Used for horizontal floor wiring in commercial, industrial and institutional buildings where single-pair data links (10 Mbit/s) are required. Typical users include cable manufacturers, product designers, network planners, electrical and communications installers, testing and certification laboratories, and procurement/specification teams writing cabling requirements for building networks and single-pair Ethernet or similar applications.

Related standards

Part of the IEC 61156 series (multicore and symmetrical pair/quad cables for digital communications). The document references other parts of the series and related technical specifications (for example IEC TS 61156-1-2 and the general/base parts of IEC 61156) for normative context and additional test or product definitions. National adoptions (e.g., BS IEC 61156-13) exist as identical or identical-adoption documents.

Keywords

single-pair cable, symmetrical pair, horizontal floor wiring, 10 Mbit/s, 20 MHz, A-1000, A-400, cable specification, screening, MICE environment, IEC 61156.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 61156-13:2023 is an international standard that provides sectional specifications for symmetrical single-pair cables used in horizontal floor wiring for digital communications, defining electrical, mechanical and installation requirements.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers single twisted-pair cables intended for 10 Mbit/s transmission with characteristics specified up to 20 MHz, screening options, installation guidance, two performance classes (A-1000 and A-400), test methods and a blank detail specification in Annex A.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Cable manufacturers, network designers, installers, testing/certification laboratories and procurement/specification teams for building and industrial communications cabling projects that require single-pair horizontal wiring.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: This edition (Edition 1.0) was published on 30 May 2023 and is the current IEC publication for this part; a stability date is indicated in IEC records (stable through 2027 unless amended or revised).

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 13 of the IEC 61156 series covering multicore and symmetrical pair/quad cables and is intended to be used alongside the general and other part-specific documents in the IEC 61156 family. The text also refers to related technical specifications such as IEC TS 61156-1-2.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Single-pair, twisted pair, horizontal wiring, 10 Mbit/s, 20 MHz, A-1000, A-400, screened/unscreened, IEC 61156.