IEC 61935-2-2022 PDF

Full title and description

Specification for the testing of balanced and coaxial information technology cabling — Part 2: Cords as specified in ISO/IEC 11801-1 and related standards. IEC 61935-2:2022 defines test methods and associated requirements for balanced and coaxial cords used as equipment cords, patch cords and CP cords within cabling systems to demonstrate performance, reliability and compatibility during operational life; it also extends coverage to cords up to Category 8.1 and Category 8.2 as defined in ISO/IEC 11801-1.

Abstract

IEC 61935-2:2022 (Edition 4.0) provides standardized laboratory and type-test procedures for balanced (twisted-pair) and coaxial cords used in information technology cabling systems. The document specifies measurement arrangements, limits and pass/fail criteria intended to ensure interoperability and long-term performance of patch cords, equipment cords and CP cords in systems designed to ISO/IEC 11801-series categories (including Cat 8.1/8.2). This edition cancels and replaces the 2010 edition and adds provisions for the newer Category 8 cord types.

General information

• Status: Published / Current.
• Publication date: 8 February 2022.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) — bilingual English/French publication (published also via IEC national publishers/agents).
• ICS / categories: 33.040.20; 33.120.20.
• Edition / version: 4.0 (fourth edition, replaces IEC 61935-2:2010).
• Number of pages: 67 pages (official PDF/page count for the bilingual edition).

Scope

Defines test methods and requirements for balanced and coaxial cords used within generic cabling systems as specified in ISO/IEC 11801-1 and related standards. The standard covers equipment cords, patch cords and CP cords used in cabling channels and aims to verify electrical parameters, mechanical performance and reliability across the expected operational lifetime. The 2022 edition extends the scope to include cord types and test provisions for Category 8.1 and Category 8.2 cords.

Key topics and requirements

• Reference measurement procedures for electrical parameters of cords (insertion loss, return loss, NEXT, FEXT, ACR, delay and delay skew, DC resistance and unbalance).
• Mechanical and durability tests (mating cycles, flexing, tensile/elongation, connector retention and environmental conditioning where applicable).
• Requirements and test arrangements for balanced and coaxial cord performance when used as patch cords, equipment cords and CP cords in cabling channels.
• Test adapters, reference plugs and accuracy considerations for test equipment to ensure repeatable measurements across laboratories/manufacturers.
• Extension to higher-frequency cord categories (Category 8.1 / 8.2) and corresponding test methodology to support 2 GHz component classes.

Typical use and users

Used by cable and connector manufacturers, test laboratories, certification bodies, data centre and enterprise cabling designers, installers and quality assurance teams. It is referenced when developing type-test protocols, producing data-sheet test results for cords, and when verifying cord performance for system certification to ISO/IEC 11801 family requirements.

Related standards

Commonly used alongside ISO/IEC 11801-1 (generic cabling system requirements and component categories), IEC 61935-1 (Part 1: installed balanced cabling test procedures), IEC 60603-7 series (connectors), IEC 61156 family (cable construction and tests) and related ISO/IEC technical reports addressing Category 8 (for example ISO/IEC TR 11801-9909). These documents together define component, channel and permanent-link requirements and coordinate test methods for system compliance.

Keywords

IEC 61935-2, cords, patch cords, equipment cords, CP cords, balanced cabling, coaxial cords, testing, Category 8.1, Category 8.2, ISO/IEC 11801-1, connector testing, insertion loss, return loss, NEXT, FEXT, ACR.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 61935-2:2022 is the fourth-edition international standard that specifies test methods and requirements for balanced and coaxial cords (patch cords, equipment cords and CP cords) used in information technology cabling systems.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers laboratory and type-test procedures for electrical and mechanical performance of cords, including measurement arrangements, test adapters and pass/fail criteria; the 2022 edition expands coverage to cords for Category 8.1 and Category 8.2.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Cable and connector manufacturers, test houses and certification bodies, data centre and enterprise cabling specifiers, and installation/QA teams use this standard to verify cord performance and support system-level compliance statements.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: IEC 61935-2:2022 (Edition 4.0) is the current edition published 8 February 2022 and it cancels and replaces IEC 61935-2:2010 (third edition). The IEC webstore lists the publication as the active edition with a stability/review timeframe indicated by IEC.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 2 of the IEC 61935 series (testing of balanced and coaxial information-technology cabling). Part 1 addresses installed balanced cabling (field/reference measurement procedures), while other IEC/ISO documents address the system/component requirements (for example ISO/IEC 11801 family and related IEC connector and cable standards).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Patch cord testing, equipment cord, CP cord, balanced cabling, coaxial cord, Category 8.1, Category 8.2, insertion loss, return loss, crosstalk, IEC 61935 series, ISO/IEC 11801.