Meeting Digital and Technology Standards: Network Cabling

As schools increasingly rely on robust digital infrastructure, ensuring network cabling meets essential standards is crucial for supporting current and future technological needs

Throughout 2024, we’ve explored how schools can meet essential digital and technology standards. As the year comes to a close, we’re turning our focus to network cabling, diving into the specifics of copper cabling, optical fibre cabling and installation best practices.

Why is Cabling Important?

High-quality cabling is essential for schools looking to support their growing digital infrastructure and adapt to future technological needs. Optimal cabling solutions provide the flexibility to increase both the volume and sophistication of connected devices, ensuring that schools are well-equipped to integrate new technologies.

Cabling serves as the backbone of a school’s network, facilitating the transfer of data between devices, systems and users. Reliable cabling ensures that data is transmitted efficiently and without interruption.

Technical Specifications

It’s essential to ensure compliance with the relevant British Standards to ensure safety, performance, and durability. Begin by verifying with your supplier or in-house support team that all existing cabling aligns with British Standards 6701, 50173 and 50174.

For new installations, it’s particularly important to adhere to the fire rating requirements specified in the latest version of British Standards 6701, which currently mandates compliance with Euroclass Cca s1b d2 a2. These classifications ensure that the cabling meets strict fire safety criteria, including reduced flame spread and lower smoke production.

When implementing or upgrading optical fibre cabling in your school, it’s essential to ensure compliance with established standards for safety and performance. Confirm with your supplier or in-house support team that all cabling adheres to British Standards 6701, 50173 and 50174.

Installing New Cabling

Cables should be installed by manufacturer-approved installation partners with appropriate network infrastructure installation accreditations. This ensures that the installation meets the highest standards of quality and reliability.

The network infrastructure installer must also provide a comprehensive test report demonstrating successful test results for all installed network cables.

This provides a brief overview of the required standards, but school business leaders should consult the government website for comprehensive details and guidelines. Our series will continue in 2025, starting the new year with an in-depth look at network switching standards.