NEMA WC 66:2013

This standards publication covers mechanical, electrical and flammability requirements for thermoplastic insulated and jacketed, copper conductor, individually unshielded twisted pairs, with or without overall shield intended for use as horizontal cables, backbone cables, or in the manufacture of patch cords. Depending upon the application and system requirements, this Standard provides choices for materials and flammability ratings. This standards publication covers the minimum performance requirements for cables up to four pairs, with transmission characteristics specified up to 250 MHz for Category 6 cables and up to 500 MHz for Category 6A cables. These Category cables are intended for voice, text, data, video, and image transmission and low voltage power supply (POE & POE+). The cables are categorized by electrical transmission characteristics based on existing system requirements and projected application needs determined by IEEE 802.3. The cables included are intended to conform to the cabling system architecture and design, as specified in ANSI/TIA/568-C.2. Applicable definitions, test methods, and performance requirements are included. The material, mechanical, and physical characteristics for these cables are covered under UL 444/CSA 22.2 No. 214. For additional Categories, see companion ICEA Standards S-90-661 for Categories 3, 5, and 5e. The products covered in this standard should conform to the requirements of Part 68 of the FCC rules and regulations as well as the applicable article(s) of the National Electrical Code® and/or other national and local codes and safety standards. The performance requirements contained in this document are for cables as manufactured. Link and channel requirements are beyond the scope of this document. PURPOSE: The purpose of this standard publication is to supersede ANSI/ICEA S-102-700 and NEMA WC 66 standard and to establish generic technical requirements that may be referenced by individual telecommunications cable specifications covering products intended for use in commercial and residential structured telecommunications cabling systems.. The parameters covered provide material, construction, and performance requirements. Because this standard does not cover all details of individual cable design, it cannot be used as a single document for procurement of product. This standard is intended for use in conjunction with an individual product specification that provides complete design details for the specific cable type and designates the applicable performance requirements. Such individual cable specifications may be prepared either by the user or the manufacturer. The specification designated for procurement is at the option of the user.