N O R M A I T A L I A N A CEI

Norma Italiana

CEI 46-64
Data Pubblicazione Edizione
1998-11 Prima
Classificazione Fascicolo
46-64 4889E
Titolo
Specifica settoriale per cavi per apparecchiature da utilizzare in
comunicazioni digitali e analogiche

Title
Sectional specification for equipment cables to be used for digital and analogue
communication

CAVI E APPARECCHIATURE PER DISTRIBUZIONE

NORMA TECNICA

COMITATO
ELETTROTECNICO CNR CONSIGLIO NAZIONALE DELLE RICERCHE • AEI ASSOCIAZIONE ELETTROTECNICA ED ELETTRONICA ITALIANA
ITALIANO
 SOMMARIO
La presente Norma si riferisce ai cavi per apparecchiature utilizzati nelle interconnessioni interne ed
esterne di dispositivi elettronici in reti di comunicazioni digitali e analogiche.
Il presente HD viene pubblicato dal CEI nella sola lingua originale inglese, a causa della limitata utilizza-
zione, particolarmente mirata a settori specialistici.

DESCRITTORI • DESCRIPTORS
Cavi per apparecchiature • Equipment cables; Comunicazioni digitali • Digital communications;

COLLEGAMENTI/RELAZIONI TRA DOCUMENTI

Nazionali

Europei (IDT) HD 609 S1:1995-11;

Internazionali

Legislativi

INFORMAZIONI EDITORIALI
Norma Italiana CEI 46-64 Pubblicazione Norma Tecnica Carattere Doc.

Stato Edizione In vigore Data validità 1999-1-1 Ambito validità Europeo

Varianti Nessuna
Ed. Prec. Fasc. Nessuna

Comitato Tecnico 46-Cavi simmetrici e coassiali, cordoni, fili, guide d’onda, connettori per radiofrequenza
Approvata dal Presidente del CEI in Data 1998-11-5
CENELEC in Data 1994-12-6
Sottoposta a inchiesta pubblica come Documento originale Chiusa in data 1994-9-1

Gruppo Abb. 4 Sezioni Abb. C

ICS 33.040.50;
CDU

LEGENDA
(IDT) La Norma in oggetto è identica alle Norme indicate dopo il riferimento (IDT)

© CEI - Milano 1998. Riproduzione vietata.

Tutti i diritti sono riservati. Nessuna parte del presente Documento può essere riprodotta o diffusa con un mezzo qualsiasi senza il consenso scritto del CEI.
Le Norme CEI sono revisionate, quando necessario, con la pubblicazione sia di nuove edizioni sia di varianti.
È importante pertanto che gli utenti delle stesse si accertino di essere in possesso dell’ultima edizione o variante.
 CONTENTS
Rif. Topic Pag.

1 GUIDE TO USE 1
1.1 Scope ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 1
1.2 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................................. 1
1.3 Installation considerations ................................................................................................................................................. 1
1.4 Object ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 1

2 DEFINITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS 1

2.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 1
2.2 Reference publications ......................................................................................................................................................... 1
2.3 Definitions ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
2.4 Materials and cable construction .................................................................................................................................. 2

3 TEST METHODS 4
3.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 4
3.2 Electrical tests ............................................................................................................................................................................. 5
3.3 Transmission tests ................................................................................................................................................................... 5
3.4 Mechanical and dimensional measurement tests ............................................................................................. 5
3.5 Environmental tests ................................................................................................................................................................ 5

A N N E X
A OPERATING TEMPERATURE RANGE 7

A N N E X
B FILLING FACTOR OF BRAID 8

NORMA TECNICA
CEI 46-64:1998-11
Pagina iii
 FOREWORD
This Harmonization Document was prepared by CENELEC Technical Committee
SC 46XC, Multicore, Multipair and Quad Data communication cables.
It was submitted to the CENELEC Unique Acceptance Procedure (UAP) in Janu-
ary 1994 and was approved by CENELEC as HD 609 S1 on 1994-12-06.

The following dates were fixed:

n latest date by which the existence of the HD has to be announced at national
level
(doa) 1995-06-01
n latest date by which the HD has to be implemented at national level by pub-
lication of a harmonized national standard or by endorsement
(dop) 1995-12-01
n latest date by which the national standards conflicting with the HD have to be
withdrawn
(dow) 1995-12-01

Wherever this standard refers to “Generic Specification”, HD 608 S1: 1992 is

meant.
Note This HD 608 will be updated into a European Standard.

For products which have complied with the relevant national standard before
1995-12-01, as shown by the manufacturer or by a certification body, this previ-
ous standard may continue to apply for production until 2000-12-01.

NORMA TECNICA
CEI 46-64:1998-11
Pagina iv
1 GUIDE TO USE

1.1 Scope
This sectional specification covers the equipment cables used for internal and ex-
ternal interconnections of electronic devices in networks for digital and analog
communications.
The cables are insulated multicore, multipair and multiquad cables with or with-
out screens.
The cables are normally PVC sheathed. Where however a low smoke cable is re-
quired the cables shall be sheathed with a thermoplastic material having a low
emission of smoke and corrosive gases when affected by fire.
The cables are suitable for use in dry indoor situations under the conditions spec-
ified in Annex A. The insulation of these cables is suitable for operation at voltag-
es specified in the detail specifications. However these cables shall not be for di-
rect connection to a low impedance source, e.g. the public mains electricity
supply.

1.2 Introduction
See Generic Specification.

1.3 Installation considerations

Sec Generic Specification.

1.4 Object
The cables specified in this standard shall meet the requirements of the Generic
Specification for multicore and symmetric pair/quad cables for digital and analog
communications. This sectional specification shall be supplemented with detail
specifications giving additional detail as required by the particular application.

2 DEFINITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

2.1 General
Definitions and requirements are given in the Generic Specification for symmetri-
cal pairs, quads and multicore cables for digital and analog communication.

2.2 Reference publications

See Generic Specification. Other publications referred to are:

HD 602 Tests on gases evolved during combustion of materials from cables

HD 624.1 Materials used in communication cables Part 1: PVC insulation com-
pounds
HD 624.2 Part 2: PVC sheathing compounds
HD 624.3 Part 3: PE insulation
HD 624.5 Part 5: Polypropylene insulation compounds

CEI 46-64:1998-11 NORMA TECNICA

14 CEI 46-64:1998-11
Pagina 1 di 10
 HD 624.6 Part 6: Halogen free flame retardant insulation compounds
HD 624.7 Part 7: Halogen free flame retardant thermoplastic sheathing com-
pounds
IBC 189-2 Low-frequency cables and wires with p.v.c. insulation and p.v.c.
sheath Part 2: Cables in pairs, triples, quads and quintuples for in-
side installations
IEC 189-6 Part 6: Signalling cables in singles for telecommunication equipment
and installation
IEC 344 Guide to the calculation of resistance of plain and coated copper
conductors of iow-frequency cables and wires
IEC 708-1 Low frequency cables with polyolefin insulation and moisture barrier
polyolefin sheath - Part 1: General design details and requirements

2.3 Definitions
See Generic Specification.

2.4 Materials and cable construction

2.4.1 General
The choice of materials and cable construction shall be suitable for the intended
application and installation of the cable. Particular care shall be taken to meet
any special requirements for fire performance (such as burning properties,
smoke generation, evolution of halogen acid gas etc.).

2.4.2 Cable construction

See Generic Specification.

2.4.3 Conductor
The conductor shall be plain or tinned copper and stranded or bunched.
The detail specification shall specify a conductor size. The following sizes are
preferred:

No of Wires Nominal diameter Reference cross-

of wire (mm) sectional area
(mm2)
7 0,16 0,14
7 0,20 0,22
7 0,25 0,34
7 0,30 0,50

18 0,10 0,14
14 0,15 0,25
16 0,20 0,50

In order to determine the maximum conductor resistance for the conductors, in

accordance with IEC 344, the coefficient for tinned copper and a cabling lay fac-
tor greater than 16 shall be used.
Also a twisting lay factor of greater than 16 shall be used for cables with pairs or
quads.

NORMA TECNICA
CEI 46-64:1998-11
Pagina 2 di 10
2.4.4 Insulation
The insulation shall be either:
n PVC;
n polyolefin
n thermoplastic material having low emission of smoke and corrosive gases
when affected by fire.

2.4.4.1 PVC
The PVC insulation type TI 51 or TI 52 in accordance with HD 624.1, or other
suitable PVC material meeting the detail specification requirements.

2.4.4.2 Polyolefin
The polyolefin insulation shall be solid, cellular or composite insulation. The in-
sulation material shall consist of low, medium or high density polyethylene in ac-
cordance with HD 624.3 or polypropylene in accordance with HD 624.5.

2.4.4.3 Thermoplastic material having Iow emission of smoke and corrosive gases when
affected by fire
The insulation material shall be in accordance with HD 624.6.

2.4.5 Colour code for insulation

The insulated conductors shall be coloured by one colour or by two different
colours in accordance with IEC 189-2:1988, subclause 2.2.4.

2.4.5.1 Core identification

The preferred coloured code for up to 48 conductors is to be in accordance with
Appendix C of IEC 189-6:1982.

2.4.5.2 Pair identification

The preferred colour code for up to 50 pairs is given in Appendix A of IEC
189-2:1988.

2.4.5.3 Quad identification

The preferred colour code for up to 25 quads is given in Appendix E of IEC
708-1:1981.

2.4.6 Cabling element

The cabling element shall be:
n single core, pair or quad for unscreened cables;
n single core, pair or quad for cables with a common screen;
n single core, pair or quad for cables with screened elements.

2.4.7 Screening of cable element

When required in the detail specification a screen for the cabling element shall
be provided. The screen shall be in accordance with subclause 2.4.6 of the Ge-
neric Specification.
Where a copper braid is used it shall have a minimum filling factor of 0,41 (65%
coverage). Where a tape and braid screen is used the minimum filling factor of
the braid shall be 0,16 (30% coverage). The filling factor is defined in Annex B.

2.4.8 Cable make-up

It is preferable that the cable elements be assembled in concentric layers.

NORMA TECNICA
CEI 46-64:1998-11
Pagina 3 di 10
2.4.9 Screening of cable core
The screen shall be in accordance with subclause 2.4.9 of the Generic Specifi-
cation.
Where a copper braid is used it shall have a minimum filling factor of 0,41 (65%
coverage). Where a tape and braid screen is used the minimum filling factor of
the braid shall be 0,16 (30% coverage). The filling factor is defined in Annex B.

2.4.10 Sheath

2.4.10.1 PVC sheath

The PVC sheath shall be type TM 51 or TM 52 in accordance with HD 624.2.

2.4.10.2 Thermoplastic material having low emission of smoke and corrosive gases when
affected by fire
The sheath material shall be in accordance with HD 624.7.

2.4.10.3 Application
The sheath shall be applied to fit closely to the laid up cable elements. The
sheath shall not adhere to the insulation of the conductor of the outer layer, nor
to the screen if provided. The sheath shall be as uniform as possible with a thick-
ness not less than the value specified in the detail specification.

2.4.11 Colour of sheath

The preferred colour of the sheath is grey or blue.

2.4.12 Identification
Sec Generic Specification.

2.4.13 Finished cable

See Generic Specification.

2.4.14 Cable overall diameter

The overall diameter of the cable shall not exceed the value specified in the de-
tail specifications.

3 TEST METHODS

3.1 General
The detail specification defines the performance criteria of a cable and shall indi-
cate limits required for tests which shall be selected from the following test meth-
ods. For any cable not all the tests listed may be required.

NORMA TECNICA
CEI 46-64:1998-11
Pagina 4 di 10
3.2 Electrical tests
The tests shall be carried out on a cable length of not less than 100 m according
to the following subclauses of the Generic Specification.

Generic Specification HD 608

Subclause number
Conductor resistance 3.2.1
Dielectric strength n conductor/conductor 3.2.3
n conductor/screen 3.2.3
Insulation resistance n conductor/conductor 3.2.4
n conductor/screen 3.2.4
Mutual capacitance 3.2.5

3.3 Transmission tests

Transmission requirements will not normally be specified for equipment cables
but will be given in the detail specification if required.

3.4 Mechanical and dimensional measurement tests

The tests shall be carried out according to the following subclauses of the Gener-
ic Specification.

Generic Specification HD 608

Subclause number
Conductor n Elongation at break 3.4.2
Insulation n Overall diameter 3.4.1
n Elongation at break 3.4.3
Sheath n Minimum thickness 3.4.1
n Maximum overall diameter 3.4.1
n Elongation at break
and tensile strength 3.4.4/3.4.5

3.5 Environmental tests

The tests shall be carried out according to the following subclauses of the Gener-
ic Specification.

Generic Specification HD 608

Subclause number
Insulation n Shrinkage 3.5.1
n Wrapping after thermal ageing 3.5.2
n Bending at low temperature 3.5.3
Sheath n Elongation at break and tensile
strength 3.5.4/3.5.5
n Pressure at high temperature 3.5.6
n Heat shock 3.5.8
Finished Cable n Cold bend 3.5.7
n Flame propagation characteris- 3.5.9
tics of a single cable
n Flame propagation characteris-
tics of bunched cables 3.5.10

NORMA TECNICA
CEI 46-64:1998-11
Pagina 5 di 10
 Generic Specification HD 608
Subclause number
n Acidic (corrosive) gases evolu-
tion HD 602
n Smoke generation 3.5.12
n Toxic gas emission 3.5.13

NORMA TECNICA
CEI 46-64:1998-11
Pagina 6 di 10
A N N E X
A OPERATING TEMPERATURE RANGE
The cables described in this standard are designed for use in the operating range
of –15°C to +70°C.

PVC Sheathed Cables.

Attention is drawn to the fact that as the temperature decreases, PVC compounds
become increasingly stiff and brittle, with the result that if the cable is bent too
quickly to a small radius or is struck sharply at temperatures in the region of
+5°C or lower, there is a risk of shattering the PVC components.
To avoid the risk of damage during handling, therefore, it is desirable that the ca-
bles specified in this standard should be installed only when both the cable and
the ambient temperature are above +5°C and have been so for the previous 24 h,
or where special precautions have been taken to maintain the cable above this
temperature. However after installation the cables will operate satisfactorily at
temperatures between –15°C and + 70°C providing that at temperatures below
+ 5°C they are not subject to movement and/or impact.
At high temperatures certain insulation materials, such as PVC may have dielec-
tric properties which change significantly. Operation at such temperatures may
result in increased attenuation and decreased insulation resistance. The user is
cautioned to consider such performance should the cable environment exceed
+40°C.
The manufacturer should be consulted for precise instructions if a cable is to be
stored and/or used outside these temperature limits.

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CEI 46-64:1998-11
Pagina 7 di 10
A N N E X
B FILLING FACTOR OF BRAID

where Dm = D.O.D. + 2.25 dw

and dw is the wire diameter

The filling factor,

n.m.d w
FF = -------------------------------
2pD m × sina

or

2 2 1
n.m.d w p Dm --
2
------------------- 1 + ----------------
-
2pD m L
2

where n is the number of wires per spindle

and m is the number of spindles

Fine Documento

NORMA TECNICA
CEI 46-64:1998-11
Pagina 8 di 10
 NORMA TECNICA
CEI 46-64:1998-11
Pagina 9 di 10
 La presente Norma è stata compilata dal Comitato Elettrotecnico Italiano
e beneficia del riconoscimento di cui alla legge 1º Marzo 1968, n. 186.
Editore CEI, Comitato Elettrotecnico Italiano, Milano - Stampa in proprio
Autorizzazione del Tribunale di Milano N. 4093 del 24 luglio 1956
Responsabile: Ing. E. Camagni

46 – Cavi simmetrici e coassiali, cordoni, fili, guide d’onda, connettori per radiofrequenza

CEI 46-21
Specifica generale per cavi a più elementi a coppie/quarte sim-
metriche per trasmissione numerica

Lire 46.000
NORMA TECNICA Sede del Punto di Vendita e di Consultazione
CEI 46-64:1998-11 20126 Milano - Viale Monza, 261
Totale Pagine 14 tel. 02/25773.1 • fax 02/25773.222 • E-MAIL cei@ceiuni.it