ANSI/TIA-568.2-E Is Here. Are Your Cables Compliant?

On October 24, 2024, TIA released the latest revision of the ANSI/TIA-568.2 Balanced Twisted-Pair Telecommunications Cabling and Components Standard.  This revision incorporated the following two amendments of ANSI/TIA-568.2-D:

 

• ANSI/TIA-568.2-D-1 Balun Requirements for Category 8 Testing
• ANSI/TIA-568.2-D-2 Power Delivery Over Balanced Twisted-Pair Cabling

The normative information from ANSI/TIA-568.2-D-2 associated with power delivery over balanced twisted-pair cabling was incorporated as Annex H within ANSI/TIA-568.2-E.  This includes requirements and guidance associated with the installation and design covering different cable categories, cable types and operating conditions including pathways and bundling.  A few key items of interest for non-Engineered channels are provided below:

 

• Category 6A or higher performance cabling is recommended
• Connecting hardware having the required performance per IEC 60512-99-002 for un-mating load should be chosen
• Maximum ambient temperature of 45 ºC (113 ºF)
• Minimum cable temperature rating of 60 ºC (140 ºF)
• 26 AWG and smaller cords not installed in conduit or similar pathways
• Cables should be left unbundled to allow for improved heat dissipation.  If bundling is necessary:
  • It is recommended to separate large bundles into smaller bundles
  • It is recommended that the individual cables within bundles not be combed or perfectly aligned

Previously only specified for category 8, ANSI/TIA-568.2-D-2 also introduced DC resistance unbalance specifications for category 5e, 6 and 6A cables, permanent links and channels which have been incorporated into ANSI/TIA-568.2-E.  As a result, category 5e, 6 and 6A cables, permanent links and channels claiming compliance or certification to ANSI/TIA-568.2-D, may not comply with the current ANSI/TIA-568.2-E requirements.

 

As a key contributor to TIA Standards, Siemon consistently stays ahead of technical changes to ensure compliance with the technical requirements well in advance of their publication.  In this case, adding DC resistance unbalance as a cable requirement (see example below) well before the release of ANSI/TIA-568.2-E.