IEC 61156-10:2016

Overview

IEC 61156-10:2016 is the sectional specification within the IEC 61156 series that defines requirements for multicore and symmetrical pair/quad cables used as work‑area cords for digital communications. It covers cables with transmission characteristics up to 2 GHz (2000 MHz) at 20 °C, intended primarily for work‑area/patch cords defined in ISO/IEC 11801 and ISO/IEC TR 11801‑9901. Two cable categories are defined: Category 8.1 (for Class I) and Category 8.2 (for Class II).

Key topics and technical requirements

IEC 61156‑10 specifies the electrical, mechanical and environmental performance, including:

• Cable types and screening options:
  • Overall screened with screened or unscreened pairs (X/FTP, X/UTP, where X = F, S or SF)
  • Pair‑screened without overall screen (U/FTP)
• Transmission performance up to 2 GHz:
  • Attenuation, velocity/phase propagation, delay skew
  • Impedance and return loss
  • Near‑end and far‑end crosstalk (NEXT, ACR‑F) and alien/exogenous crosstalk (ANEXT, AFEXT)
  • Coupling attenuation, transfer impedance
• Electrical tests and limits: conductor resistance, resistance unbalance, insulation resistance, mutual capacitance, capacitance unbalance, current‑carrying capacity
• Mechanical and dimensional tests: tensile, elongation, crush, bending, shock, vibration
• Environmental durability: thermal ageing, cold bend, damp heat, UV/solar radiation, solvents, salt mist, water immersion, flame propagation, smoke and halogen gas evolution
• Bundled cable requirements and guidance for supporting remote powering (PoE) applications

Note: IEC 61156‑10 defines performance criteria and test methods but does not provide specific installation practices.

Practical applications and users

IEC 61156‑10 is used by professionals who design, manufacture, test or specify high‑performance cords and patch cables for high‑speed networks:

• Cable and connector manufacturers validating Category 8.1 / 8.2 work‑area cords
• Data center and enterprise network designers specifying patching and work‑area cabling
• Test labs and certification bodies performing compliance and interoperability testing
• Procurement and standards teams referencing harmonized performance for shielded/unscreened cords

Typical applications include high‑speed Ethernet patching and work‑area connections that may carry up to four pairs simultaneously and support Power over Ethernet (IEEE 802.3af/at/bt) under appropriate installation conditions.

Related standards (select)

• ISO/IEC 11801 and ISO/IEC TR 11801‑9901 (work area and channel classes)
• IEC 61156 family (other parts for cable types and test methods)
• IEEE 802.3 (Power over Ethernet standards)
• IEC PAS 61156‑1‑4, IEC TR 61156‑1‑6, ISO/IEC TR 29125 (guidance on powering and installation)

By following IEC 61156‑10, stakeholders ensure that work‑area cords meet rigorous electrical, mechanical and environmental criteria for reliable, high‑frequency digital communications.