Just curious what defines telecommunications in regards to segregation.
I've seen a definition in the TCF guilines as:
"Telecommunication is the conveyance by electromagnetic means from one device to another of any encrypted or non-
encrypted sign, signal, impulse, writing, image, sound, instruction, information, or intelligence of any nature, whether
for the information of any person using the device or not. In the context of this document, it typically implies POTS and
Data (Broadband)."
In a domestic premise it's quite simple as but in the industrial world we deal with all sorts of control and communication platforms. It's very common to have a local network switch and sheilded twisted pairs. As far as I'm aware the same rules still apply. It's just I often seen such network switches and cabling in control panels and although segregation is usually well maintained externally, it's where cables enter and inside that the minimum segregations can become hard to maintain. With more and more control moving systems moving to data based communication such as VFD etcetc
Some manufacturers and people seem to believe it's ok when the cable is designed for purpose such as properly sheilded and rated to a sufficient voltage level similar to the requirements of low and ELV but is this fair or do the telecommunications rules still prevent this? Could it be a case of if data is first then installing power cables would be non-compliant but if the power cables were first it could be ok to install such data near them as the data installation wouldn't need to comply in the same way?
What defines something as telecommunications?
Re: What defines something as telecommunications?
the requirements of 3.9.8.4 are about interference.
3.9.8.3 is about voltage / insulation.
Both are in Section 3, so apply to "wiring systems".
wiring within an equipment enclosure, eg swbd / control panel, is also "wiring systems".
so these rules still apply; however the details of how they apply will be different.
There's also the issue of who has / needs access to the different wiring systems (or other services) within the enclosure.
That's the reason that ELV / comms fittings can't be on the same faceplate as LV switches / sockets - to avoid non-electrical people from having to access the back of the plate. Unfortunately hidden in 4.4.1.3 (2018 edition); under "socket outlets".
So where there are both LV & ELV / comms in same enclosure, the LV may need to be arranged to reduce risk to non-electrical people.
Ir the cabinet isolated while they access it.
3.9.8.3 is about voltage / insulation.
Both are in Section 3, so apply to "wiring systems".
wiring within an equipment enclosure, eg swbd / control panel, is also "wiring systems".
so these rules still apply; however the details of how they apply will be different.
There's also the issue of who has / needs access to the different wiring systems (or other services) within the enclosure.
That's the reason that ELV / comms fittings can't be on the same faceplate as LV switches / sockets - to avoid non-electrical people from having to access the back of the plate. Unfortunately hidden in 4.4.1.3 (2018 edition); under "socket outlets".
So where there are both LV & ELV / comms in same enclosure, the LV may need to be arranged to reduce risk to non-electrical people.
Ir the cabinet isolated while they access it.
Re: What defines something as telecommunications?
I'm just wondering how within a switchboard is part of a wiring system?
Re: What defines something as telecommunications?
Hard to understand how wiring within a switchboard could be regarded as anything other than a "wiring system".
The term "wiring systems" is defined in 2018 edition.
For purposes of 2007 edition; the meaning has to be interpreted .
Partly from the way the term is used in Section 3; particularly the functions specified in 3.1.02 and the fact that the term is limited by 3.2.
Partly from other defined terms
A switchboard is an assembly of one or more protective devices for submains / subcircuits.
There may also be other fittings.
These various fittings will have circuit wiring connected to them.
In the case of an overcurrent protective device ; a submain / final subcircuit , by definition, originates at the load terminals of the protective device and at the relevant terminal of the neutral bar.
Each of these circuits is made up of at least one type of "wiring system.
Definition of "equipment wiring" states that for an incoming circuit this change happens at the "supply terminals" of the equipment concerned; ie not at the point of entry into the equipment's enclosure.
So for both incoming and outgoing, the demarcation point is not the boundary of the equipment enclosure, but the terminals of equipment within the enclosure.
Generally the type of wiring system is different for the parts internal and external, eg outgoing subcircuit in TPS is 'insulated & sheathed' outside but 'insulated unsheathed' inside.
Similarly interconnection wiring between fittings within a switchboard is also a "wiring system".
However as this is not regarded as "installation wiring", but instead as "equipment wiring" [Note 3 to 3.8.1]; requirements for "installation wiring" need not apply. While this Note is not replicated elsewhere; the underlying interpretation can be carried across from 3.8.1 'conductor ID' to other aspects. It therefore affects whether or not a particular requirement applies to the particular wiring system in question.
But it doesn't mean that "equipment wiring" is somehow not comprised of one or more "wiring systems".
The term "wiring systems" is defined in 2018 edition.
For purposes of 2007 edition; the meaning has to be interpreted .
Partly from the way the term is used in Section 3; particularly the functions specified in 3.1.02 and the fact that the term is limited by 3.2.
Partly from other defined terms
A switchboard is an assembly of one or more protective devices for submains / subcircuits.
There may also be other fittings.
These various fittings will have circuit wiring connected to them.
In the case of an overcurrent protective device ; a submain / final subcircuit , by definition, originates at the load terminals of the protective device and at the relevant terminal of the neutral bar.
Each of these circuits is made up of at least one type of "wiring system.
Definition of "equipment wiring" states that for an incoming circuit this change happens at the "supply terminals" of the equipment concerned; ie not at the point of entry into the equipment's enclosure.
So for both incoming and outgoing, the demarcation point is not the boundary of the equipment enclosure, but the terminals of equipment within the enclosure.
Generally the type of wiring system is different for the parts internal and external, eg outgoing subcircuit in TPS is 'insulated & sheathed' outside but 'insulated unsheathed' inside.
Similarly interconnection wiring between fittings within a switchboard is also a "wiring system".
However as this is not regarded as "installation wiring", but instead as "equipment wiring" [Note 3 to 3.8.1]; requirements for "installation wiring" need not apply. While this Note is not replicated elsewhere; the underlying interpretation can be carried across from 3.8.1 'conductor ID' to other aspects. It therefore affects whether or not a particular requirement applies to the particular wiring system in question.
But it doesn't mean that "equipment wiring" is somehow not comprised of one or more "wiring systems".