BS EN 50290-4-1:2014

BSI Standards Publication

Communication cables
Part 4-1: General considerations for the use
of cables — Environmental conditions and
safety aspects


BS EN 50290-4-1:2014

BRITISH STANDARD

National foreword
This British Standard is the UK implementation of EN 50290-4-1:2014.
It supersedes BS EN 50290-4-1:2002 which is withdrawn.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical
Committee EPL/46, Cables, wires and waveguides, radio frequency
connectors and accessories for communication and signalling.
A list of organizations represented on this committee can be
obtained on request to its secretary.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary
provisions of a contract. Users are responsible for its correct
application.
© The British Standards Institution 2015.
Published by BSI Standards Limited 2015
ISBN 978 0 580 80200 3
ICS 29.060.20; 33.120.10
Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity from
legal obligations.

This British Standard was published under the authority of the
Standards Policy and Strategy Committee on 31 January 2015.
Amendments/corrigenda issued since publication
Date

Text affected


BS EN 50290-4-1:2014

EUROPEAN STANDARD

EN 50290-4-1

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM

December 2014

ICS 33.120.10

Supersedes EN 50290-4-1:2001

English Version

Communication cables - Part 4-1: General considerations for the
use of cables - Environmental conditions and safety aspects
Kommunikationskabel - Teil 4-1: Allgemeine Betrachtungen
für die Anwendung der Kabel - Bedingung der Umgebung
und Sicherheitsaspekte


This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2013-09-16. CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC
Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the
same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and the United Kingdom.

European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels

© 2014 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN 50290-4-1:2014 E


BS EN 50290-4-1:2014
EN 50290-4-1:2014

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Contents
Foreword .................................................................................................................................... 3

1

Scope ................................................................................................................................... 4

2

Normative references ............................................................................................................ 4

3

Terms and definitions ........................................................................................................... 4

4

Environmental conditions and installation aspects ................................................................ 4

4.1
4.2
4.2.1
4.2.2
4.2.3
4.3
4.3.1
4.3.2
4.3.3
4.3.4
4.3.5
4.3.6

General .......................................................................................................................... 4

Relationship with EC directives ...................................................................................... 5
EMC Directive .......................................................................................................... 5
Low voltage directive ............................................................................................... 5
Construction product directive/ Construction Product regulation .............................. 6
Environmental conditions ............................................................................................... 6
Relationship between environmental conditions and severities of testing ................. 6
Climatic environment and severities for environmental tests .................................... 7
Mechanical environment and severities for environmental tests ................................ 9
Chemical environment ........................................................................................... 10
Moisture, water and humidity ................................................................................. 10
Nuclear radiation ................................................................................................... 10

Bibliography ............................................................................................................................. 11


BS EN 50290-4-1:2014
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EN 50290-4-1:2014

Foreword
This document (EN 50290-4-1:2014) has been prepared by CLC/TC 46X "Communication cables".
The following dates are fixed:
•

•

latest date by which this document has
to be implemented at national level by
publication of an identical national

standard or by endorsement
latest date by which the national
standards conflicting with this
document have to be withdrawn

(dop)

2015-06-05

(dow)

2016-09-16

This document supersedes EN 50290-4-1:2001.
EN 50290-4-1:2014 includes
EN 50290-4-1:2001:
−

the

following

significant

technical

changes

with


respect

to

Clauses related to fire reaction and fire resistance have been updated to take into account the recent
development of supporting standards for the CPR.

This standard should be read in conjunction with EN 50290-1-1 and is completed by generic, sectional,
family and detail specifications, as appropriate, to describe in a detailed manner each type of cable with
its specific characteristics.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CENELEC [and/or CEN] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent
rights.
This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CENELEC by the European Commission
and the European Free Trade Association.
This standard covers the Principle Elements of the Safety Objectives for Electrical Equipment Designed
for Use within Certain Voltage Limits (LVD - 2006/95/EC).
EN 50290-4, Communication cables — General considerations for the use of cables, is divided into the
following sub-parts:
−

Part 4-1: Environmental conditions and safety aspects [the present document];

−

Part 4-2: Guide to use.


BS EN 50290-4-1:2014
EN 50290-4-1:2014


-4-

1 Scope
This European Standard gives the environmental conditions and safety aspects of symmetrical, coaxial
and optical cables used for the infrastructure of communication and control networks.

2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 13501-3, Fire classification of construction products and building elements  Part 3: Classification
using data from fire resistance tests on products and elements used in building service installations: fire
resisting ducts and fire dampers
EN 13501-6, Fire classification of construction products and building elements  Part 6: Classification
using data from reaction to fire tests on electric cables
EN 50289-3 (all parts), Communication cables  Specifications for test methods
EN 50289-4 (all parts), Communication cables  Specifications for test methods
EN 50290-1-2, Communication cables  Part 1-2: Definitions
EN 50290-2-2X (all parts), Communication cables
EN 50575:2014, Power, control and communication cables  Cables for general applications in
construction works subject to reaction to fire requirements
EN 60068-2-11, Environmental testing  Part 2: Tests  Test Ka: Salt mist (IEC 60068-2-11)
EN 60068-2-14, Environmental testing  Part 2-14: Tests  Test N: Change of temperature (IEC 600682-14)
EN 60068-2-27, Environmental testing  Part 2-27: Tests  Test Ea and guidance: Shock (IEC 600682-27)
EN 60068-2-42, Environmental testing  Part 2-42: Tests  Test Kc: Sulphur dioxide test for contacts
and connections (IEC 60068-2-42)
EN 60068-2-53, Environmental testing  Part 2-53: Tests and guidance: Combined climatic
(temperature/humidity) and dynamic (vibration/shock) tests (IEC 60068-2-53)
FprEN 60794-1-21 1) , Optical fibre cables  Part 1-21: Generic specification  Basic optical cable test

procedures - Mechanical tests methods (IEC 60794-1-21)
EN 61169-1:2013, Radio-frequency connectors  Part 1: Generic specification  General requirements
and measuring methods (IEC 61169-1:2013)
IEC 62012-1:2002, Multicore and symmetrical pair/quad cables for digital communications to be used in
harsh environments  Part 1: Generic specification

3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 50290-1-2 apply.

4 Environmental conditions and installation aspects
4.1 General
The reliability of the cables and their expected lifetime depend upon how the environmental conditions
(during storage, installation and operation) are taken into account in their design.
1) By the time of publication of the present document, this reference is at Committee Draft stage in the IEC under the reference
"6A/1582/CDV".


BS EN 50290-4-1:2014
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EN 50290-4-1:2014

The following subclauses address environmental aspects that can impact the reliability of the
communication cables.
4.2 Relationship with EC directives
4.2.1 EMC Directive
Though cables as products are not under the scope of the EMC directive, they are used to interconnect
apparatus as described in the directive.
The equipment supplier, system designer and operators shall be aware that the interconnection of cables
may affect the overall system EMC performance.

Mitigation practices as developed in some installation guides can decrease the level of electromagnetic
influence.
To help the systems users and the designers to fulfil the EMC directive requirements by an adequate
choice of cables, the electromagnetic behaviour of each cable shall be given in the relevant specification
and described by screening performance and balanced properties.
4.2.2 Low voltage directive
Depending upon the actual application for which they are used, communication and control cables may
have to carry signals, the voltage of which can exceed DC 100 V or AC 75 V.
These cables fall under the low voltage directive and have to be designed, tested and marked
accordingly.
The relevant cable specification shall take into account the requirements of the low voltage directive.
Demonstration of compliance with the essential requirements of the LVD is done either through a
technical file or when the cable fulfils the following diagram.

Figure 1


BS EN 50290-4-1:2014
EN 50290-4-1:2014

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4.2.3 Construction product directive/ Construction Product regulation
4.2.3.1 General
Communication and control cables fall under the scope of the construction product regulation, when
installed in construction works.
In case where CPD applies consideration shall be taken to the following:
–

resistance to fire where applicable (e.g. for fire alarm systems, fire fighting support systems,…);


–

reaction to fire;

–

durability;

–

release of dangerous substances under normal circumstances.

4.2.3.2 Resistance to fire
Communication cables packaging and/or labelling shall be tested according to EN 50289-4-16 for the
claimed Euroclass as defined in EN 13501-3.
When applicable, the communication cables packaging and/or labelling will be CE marked according to
EN 50XXX:201X 2) , Annex ZZ.
4.2.3.3 Reaction to fire
EN 50575 specifies reaction to fire performance requirements, test and assessment methods for
communication cables, which are intended for use in construction works.
After having been tested according to EN 50575 for the claimed Euroclass as defined in EN 13501-6,
communication cables packaging and/or labelling shall be CE marked according to EN 50575:2014,
Annex ZZ.
4.2.3.4 Durability
The relevant cable specification shall include mechanical and environmental requirements to be tested in
accordance with EN 50289-3 (all parts) and EN 50289-4 (all parts) (see 4.3).
Durability is presumed to be demonstrated when the cables pass the mechanical and environmental tests
as given in the sectional specification.
4.2.3.5 Release of dangerous substances

During the normal operating life of the cable no dangerous substances given in the updated list of the
Council Directive 76/769/EEC will be released.
Cables using materials according to the EN 50290-2-2X series comply with this requirement.
Other materials shall be subjected to the appropriate tests.
4.3 Environmental conditions
4.3.1 Relationship between environmental conditions and severities of testing
4.3.1.1 General
The purpose of environmental engineering is to render the product and the environment compatible. It
should take all economic and technical aspects into consideration and thereby choose the best test
methods and correct severities for the evaluation of the product's ability to comply with the environmental
conditions. A test program for the product is defined whereby the test sequence together with the test
methods and limits are specified.
4.3.1.2 Environmental conditions
The environmental conditions shall be evaluated by measurements or by other information available so
that statistically probable characteristic values can be established corresponding to the highest possible
2) At the date of publication of the present document, EN 50XXX:201X, which is currently bound to be entitled, Power, control and
communication cables — Cables for general applications in construction works subject to fire resistance requirements, is not
published yet.


BS EN 50290-4-1:2014
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EN 50290-4-1:2014

constraints. Each situation has an environment of its own but it is not reasonable to prescribe individual
products having slightly different withstand properties for each individual situation. It is necessary to
combine these environments into a class forming an envelope of related environments. It is only
necessary to take into account those parameters that influence the performance of the product. The
environment shall cover all the conditions that occur during the life of the product, i.e. storage,

transportation, handling and use.
4.3.1.3 Environmental testing
The purpose of an environmental test is to demonstrate that a product under defined environmental
conditions can survive without permanent failure and function according to specification. The severity of
the test to be selected will depend on the characteristic values obtained for the parameters, the failure
mechanism, the ageing factor, if known, and the consequences of failure. The latter will have been
studied by the utilisation of the particular product and depends on its application. This means that the
severity of the test can be raised or lowered according to the criticality of the product. If the sampling of
the product suggests wide variations in its ability to withstand the environment the level of testing should
be increased. If the distribution of environmental constraints and the resistance to the environment of a lot
tested are suspected to partially overlap, the test levels can be raised to clarify this weakness.
4.3.2 Climatic environment and severities for environmental tests
4.3.2.1 General
An environmental test can be performed for many purposes. In most cases the environmental tests are
one part of the qualification approval tests. In this case a test of resistance to the environment
demonstrates the ability of the product to function under constraints or withstand stated constraints.
There are, however, inherent limitations due to the fact that the test is usually carried out on a few
samples. The results give protection to a particular design but not to an individual product. The successful
test will ensure that the product as a type is capable of withstanding the expected environments. Different
kinds of tests and severity levels are necessary for product reliability and endurance.
An outline of the action needed for the preparation of an environmental test specification is given in
Figure 2.
4.3.2.2 Climatic sequence
The test shall be performed according to EN 50289-4-5. Unless otherwise required in the sectional or
detail specification one of the following recommended severities shall be selected:
−

low temperature:

- 10 °C - 15 °C - 25 °C - 40 °C - 45 °C;


−

high temperature:

+ 60 °C + 70 °C + 85 °C + 125 °C + 155 °C + 200 °C;

−

duration:

10 d, 21 d.

4.3.2.3 Damp heat steady state
This test shall be carried out in accordance with Test Ca of EN 60068-2-53 with the specific conditions as
described in EN 50289-4-7.
Unless otherwise required in the sectional or detail specification, the following recommended severity
shall be selected:
−

duration: 10 d.


BS EN 50290-4-1:2014
EN 50290-4-1:2014

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Figure 2  Outline of action needed for the preparation of the environmental test specification
4.3.2.4 Rapid change of temperature

This test shall be carried out in accordance with Chapter 1 of Test Nc of EN 60068-2-14 with the specific
conditions as described in EN 50289-4-6. Unless otherwise required in the sectional or detail
specification, the range of temperature shall be selected in accordance with the test of climatic sequence.
−

Velocity of change:

1 °C ± 0,2 °C/min;

−

Number of cycles:

2, unless otherwise specified.

4.3.2.5 Salt mist
When required, this test shall be carried out in accordance with Test Ka of EN 60068-2-11. Unless
otherwise required in the sectional or detail specification, the duration of the test shall be four days.


BS EN 50290-4-1:2014
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EN 50290-4-1:2014

4.3.2.6 Sulphur dioxide test
When required, this test shall be carried out in accordance with Test Kc of EN 60068-2-42. Unless
otherwise required in the sectional or detail specification, the duration of the test shall be four days.
4.3.2.7 Dust test
Under consideration

4.3.3 Mechanical environment and severities for environmental tests
4.3.3.1 Vibration
When the cable is intended for aerial application, it shall be tested for aeolian vibration according to
FprEN 60794-1-21 3) , method E19.
Cables for other applications may be requested to be tested in accordance with Test Fc of EN 60068-2-6
as specified in 9.3.3 of EN 61169-1:2013 which includes details on continuity monitoring and on the
information which should be given in the relevant sectional and detail specifications.
The vibration severity shall be defined by a combination of the following three parameters:
–

range of frequency,

–

vibration amplitude, and

–

duration in terms of the number of cycles.

The relevant specification shall select the appropriate requirement for each parameter from the following
recommended values:
–

swept frequency range:

10 Hz - 150 Hz;
10 Hz - 500 Hz;
10 Hz - 2 000 Hz;


–

vibration amplitude:

Vibration amplitude shall be specified below 60 Hz and at higher
frequencies acceleration amplitude shall be specified;
Table 1

Vibration amplitude

–

duration:

Acceleration amplitude

mm

m/s

G

0,75

98

10

1,0


147

15

1,5

196

20

Number of swept cycles in each axis: 2, 5, 10 or 20.

4.3.3.2 Bump
When required, this test shall be carried out in accordance with Test Eb of EN 60068-2-53. Unless
otherwise required in the sectional or detail specification one of the following recommended severities
shall be selected:
–

number of bumps:

1 000 ± 10.

4.3.3.3 Shock
When required, this test shall be carried out in accordance with Test Ea of EN 60068-2-27.

3) By the time of publication of the present document, this reference is at Committee Draft stage in the IEC under the reference
"6A/1582/CDV".


BS EN 50290-4-1:2014

EN 50290-4-1:2014

- 10 -

Unless otherwise required in the sectional or detail specification one of the recommended pulse shapes
given in the table below shall be selected. The shock severity is given by a combination of the peak
acceleration and the duration of the nominal pulse.
Table 2
Peak acceleration

m/s²

Corresponding
duration of pulse

g

Corresponding velocity of change
Final peak
saw tooth

Half sine

Trapezoidal

ms

m/s

m/s


m/s

147

15

11

0,81

1,03

1,46

294

30

18

2,65

3,37

4,77

490

50


11

2,69

3,43

4,86

981

100

6

2,94

3,74

5,30

4 900

500

1

2,45

3,12


4,42

14 700

1 500

0,5

3,68

4,68

6,62

4.3.4 Chemical environment
When cables are installed in an aggressive chemical environment, special care shall be taken when
choosing materials. Relevant tests according to EN 50289-4-4 shall be conducted accordingly.
4.3.5 Moisture, water and humidity
Cables even if they are not installed underwater may be subjected to moisture, water or humidity effects.
The relevant tests i.e. EN 50289-4-2 are intended to check the behaviour of cables when subjected to
moisture or humidity. EN 50289-3-15 will be used for testing the ability of cables to be laid under water.
4.3.6 Nuclear radiation
Cables, when installed in nuclear plant, may be affected by nuclear radiation. The effects may have
impact on transmission characteristics and or on mechanical behaviour depending upon the materials
used.
When required the test of IEC 62012-1:2002, 3.7 shall be performed.


BS EN 50290-4-1:2014

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EN 50290-4-1:2014

Bibliography
[1]
EN 50289-1-3, Communication cables  Specifications for test methods  Part 1-3: Electrical
test methods  Dielectric strength
[2]

EN 50290-1-1, Communication cables  Part 1-1: General

[3]

EN 50290-2 (all parts), Communication cables

[4]
EN 50XXX:201X, 4) Power, control and communication cables — Cables for general applications
in construction works subject to fire resistance requirements
[5]
EN 60068-2-6, Environmental testing  Part 2-6: Tests  Test Fc: Vibration (sinusoidal)
(IEC 60068-2-6)
[6]
Council Directive 76/769/EEC, Restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous
substances and preparations

4) At the date of publication of the present document, EN 50XXX:201X, which is currently bound to be entitled, Power, control and
communication cables — Cables for general applications in construction works subject to fire resistance requirements, is not
published yet.



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