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BS EN 50173 Generic Cabling Systems
BS EN 50173 Generic Cabling Systems
BS EN 50173 is the British-adopted European series for generic cabling systems. Part 1 sets general requirements, while the other parts cover defined premises, spaces and cabling configurations.
Scope
Generic cabling systems, including general requirements and premises-specific parts for environments such as offices, industrial spaces, homes and data centres.
Who this guidance is for
Cabling designers, manufacturers, installers, testers, consultants, educators, owners and quality assurance personnel.
Installation relevance
The series helps determine the required cabling architecture, component performance, link and channel performance, interfaces and conformance verification.
Qualifications and competence
Installer and testing qualifications should include the parts of the BS EN 50173 series relevant to the occupational role and environment.
Key points
Use the correct premises-specific part.
Understand cabling subsystems and interfaces.
Differentiate component, permanent-link and channel performance.
Verify the installed system appropriately.
Confirm the current edition before use.
Authorised publication
British Standards Institution · BS EN 50173 series
View the publisher’s standard information
Standards overview · Knowledge Hub
Reviewed by Paul Forster, COFNII Chairman
Last reviewed: 10 September 2026