IEC 61156-15:2024

Overview

IEC 61156-15:2024 is the IEC sectional specification for symmetrical pair/quad cables for horizontal floor wiring with transmission characteristics up to 1 000 MHz and defined resistance to fire performance. It applies to cables described in IEC 61156-5:2020 (or cables containing elements from those designs) that are required to maintain both circuit integrity and data transmission capability before, during and after flame exposure under specified conditions.

This standard defines sample preparation, checking arrangements, performance requirements, and methods to evaluate transmission performance when subjected to fire. It targets cables used in communications and extra-low-voltage remote powering applications (not intended for mains power distribution).

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and construction: Builds on IEC 61156-5 constructions; specifies materials and cable geometry for horizontal floor wiring.
• Transmission performance: Defines electrical and transmission characteristics (impedance, attenuation, NEXT/ANEXT, return loss, delay/velocity) up to 1 000 MHz.
• Fire resistance testing: Two distinct tests are required - one for circuit integrity and one for transmission integrity - using fire conditions as listed in IEC 60331-23:1999 and test apparatus per IEC 60331-11:1999. The document notes future adoption of IEC 60331-1 and IEC 60331-2 as standard test methods.
• Sample preparation and measurement: Procedures for preparing specimens, checking arrangements and measuring transmission parameters while under flame attack.
• Mechanical, environmental and safety criteria: Dimensional and mechanical tests, environmental ageing, smoke, halogen gas and toxic gas considerations, bundled-cable requirements, and integrated fire testing.
• Test reporting and evaluation: Criteria for evaluating post‑fire transmission capability, retest procedures and documentation requirements. Annex provides a blank detail specification template.

Practical applications and users

Who uses IEC 61156-15:2024:

• Cable manufacturers designing fire-resistant horizontal floor cabling
• Independent test laboratories performing fire-resistance and transmission tests
• Building services engineers and network designers specifying resilient data cabling
• Safety and compliance officers assessing emergency communications and critical infrastructure cabling
• Procurement teams and standards committees creating product requirements for installations that require both data performance and fire resilience

Typical applications:

• Horizontal floor wiring in commercial, industrial and public buildings
• Data networks and telecommunication links that must retain operation during fire incidents
• Systems requiring extra-low-voltage remote powering combined with high-frequency data transmission

Related standards

• IEC 61156-5:2020 (cable constructions referenced)
• IEC 60331-23:1999 and IEC 60331-11:1999 (fire conditions and basic test apparatus)
• Future: IEC 60331-1 and IEC 60331-2 (planned additions for circuit integrity and test rig)

Keywords: IEC 61156-15:2024, symmetrical pair/quad cables, horizontal floor wiring, resistance to fire, transmission up to 1000 MHz, circuit integrity, fire-resistant cabling, IEC 60331-23.