British Standard

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29 November 2004

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 BRITISH STANDARD BS 6701:2004

Telecommunications
equipment and
telecommunications
cabling —
Specification for
Licensed Copy: Rupert Heygate-Browne, Agip KOC, 29 November 2004, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

installation, operation
and maintenance

ICS 33.020

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 BS 6701:2004

Committees responsible for this

British Standard
The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted to Technical
Committee TCT/7, Telecommunications — Installation requirements, upon
which the following bodies were represented:
British Cables Association
British Telecommunications plc
Communications Workers Union
Electrical Contractors Association
Electricity Association
Fiberoptic Industry Association
NORDX/CDT Ltd
OFTEL
Telecommunications Industry Association
Licensed Copy: Rupert Heygate-Browne, Agip KOC, 29 November 2004, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

Thames Telecommunications Services Ltd

Co-opted members

This British Standard was

published under the authority
of the Standards Policy and
Strategy Committee
on 21 May 2004

© BSI 21 May 2004

First published as BS 6701-1

April 1996
Second edition July 1990
First published as BS 6701
November 1994
Amendments issued since publication
Second edition May 2004
Amd. No. Date Comments
The following BSI references
relate to the work on this
British Standard:
Committee reference TCT/7
Draft for comment 03/637076 DC

ISBN 0 580 43731 0

 BS 6701:2004

Contents
Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
Foreword ii
1 Scope 1
2 Normative references 1
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations 2
4 Requirements for installers of telecommunications equipment and
telecommunications cabling 2
5 Requirements for owners of premises housing telecommunications
systems 7
Figure 1 — Minimum separating distance between telecommunications
cabling and the uninsulated conductors of electricity supply cabling 8
Bibliography 11
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© BSI 21 May 2004 i

 BS 6701:2004

Foreword

This British Standard has been prepared by Technical Committee TCT/7.

It supersedes BS 6701:1994, which is withdrawn.
This new edition of BS 6701 represents a full revision of the text and has been
published to support the BS EN 50174 series of standards. It should be read in
conjunction with the BS EN 50174 series of standards and BIP 0007.
NOTE BIP 0007 provides guidance on the application of this British Standard. It is also an aid to
interpreting the contents of the BS EN 50174 series of standards and the identification of
responsibilities.
The principal changes from the 1994 edition are:
a) a change from a code of practice, giving recommendations and advice, to a
specification, containing requirements;
b) the removal of all requirements that are now covered by the BS EN 50174
series.
This new edition of BS 6701 extends the requirements of the BS EN 50174 series
of standards to the installation, operation, administration and maintenance of
Licensed Copy: Rupert Heygate-Browne, Agip KOC, 29 November 2004, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

telecommunications equipment and telecommunications cabling, other than

cabling within the scope of the BS EN 50174 series of standards. It also specifies
requirements beyond the scope of the BS EN 50174 series of standards for
telecommunications equipment and all types of telecommunications cabling.
Unless otherwise stated in this standard, voltages and currents are r.m.s. with a
nominal frequency of 50 Hz.
It has been assumed in the preparation of this British Standard that the
execution of its provisions will be entrusted to appropriately qualified and
experienced people, for whose use it has been produced.
WARNING. This British Standard calls for the use of procedures that can be
injurious to health if adequate precautions are not taken. It refers only to
technical suitability and does not absolve the user from legal obligations relating
to health and safety at any stage.
The requirements contained within Clause 4 are primarily for the installers of
telecommunications equipment and telecommunications cabling.
The requirements contained within Clause 5 are primarily for owners of premises
housing telecommunications systems, who may delegate selected responsibilities
to designers, specifiers, operators and maintainers of installed
telecommunications equipment and telecommunications cabling.
Users of this British Standard should ensure that they are reading the clause
appropriate to their responsibilities.
Copyright is claimed in Figure 1. Reproduction of this illustration and making
products from it can infringe that copyright. Details of the copyright owner (from
whom any permission to use this illustration may be sought) may be obtained by
contacting the BSI Library, British Standards House, 389 Chiswick High Road,
London W4 4AL.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii,
pages 1 to 11 and a back cover.
The BSI copyright notice displayed in this document indicates when the
document was last issued.

ii © BSI 21 May 2004

 BS 6701:2004

1 Scope
This British Standard specifies requirements for the installation, operation, administration and
maintenance of telecommunications equipment and telecommunications cabling, other than cabling
specified in BS EN 50174. It also specifies requirements beyond the scope of the BS EN 50174 series of
standards for telecommunications equipment and all types of telecommunications cabling.
It does not cover those aspects of installation that are associated with the transmission of signals in free
space between transmitters, receivers or their associated antenna systems (e.g. radio, microwave or
satellite).

2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
BS 5306-4, Fire extinguishing installations and equipment on premises — Part 4: Specification for carbon
Licensed Copy: Rupert Heygate-Browne, Agip KOC, 29 November 2004, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

dioxide systems.
BS 5306-5.1, Code of practice for fire extinguishing installations and equipment on premises —
Part 5: Halon systems — Section 5.1: Specification for Halon 1301 total flooding systems.
BS 5306-5.2, Code of practice for fire extinguishing installations and equipment on premises —
Part 5: Halon systems — Section 5.2: Halon 1211 total flooding systems.
BS 5588-4, Fire precautions in the design, construction and use of buildings — Part 4: Code of practice
for smoke control using pressure differentials.
BS 6133, Code of practice for safe operation of lead-acid stationary cells and batteries.
BS 6266, Code of practice for fire protection for electronic data processing installations.
BS 6651, Code of practice for protection of structures against lightning.
BS 6656, Assessment of inadvertent ignition of flammable atmospheres by radio-frequency radiation —
Guide.
BS 6657, Assessment of inadvertent initiation of bridge wire electro-explosive devices by radio-frequency
radiation — Guide.
BS 6746C, Colour chart for insulation and sheath of electric cables.
BS 7671, Requirements for electrical installations — IEE Wiring Regulations — Sixteenth edition.
BS EN 50014, Electrical apparatus for potentially explosive atmospheres — General requirements.
BS EN 50310, Application of equipotential bonding and earthing in buildings with information technology
equipment.
BS EN 50174 (all parts), Information technology — Cabling installation.
BS EN 50281-1-2, Electrical apparatus for use in the presence of combustible dust — Part 1: Electrical
apparatus protected by enclosures — Section 1-2: Selection, installation and maintenance.
BS EN 60079-14, Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres — Part 14: Electrical installations in
hazardous areas (other than mines).
BS EN 60825-2, Safety of laser products — Part 2: Safety of optical fibre communication systems.
BS EN 61340-5-1, Electrostatics — Part 5: Protection of electronic devices from electrostatic phenomena —
Section 5-1: General requirements.
PD CLC/TR 50404, Electrostatics — Code of practice for the avoidance of hazards due to static electricity.
BIP 0007, Telecommunication cabling and equipment installations — A guide to requirements and
responsibilities

© BSI 21 May 2004 1

 BS 6701:2004

3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations

3.1 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this British Standard, the definitions given in BS EN 50174 and the following apply.
3.1.1
cable element
smallest construction unit in a cable (including cable screen where appropriate)
3.1.2
electricity supply cabling
system of cables, cords and connecting hardware intended to provide an electricity supply whether or not
connected to an electricity supply at the time of installation of any telecommunications equipment and/or
cabling
3.1.3
telecommunications cabling
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system of cables, cords and connecting hardware intended to support the operation of information
technology equipment as, or as part of, a telecommunications system
3.1.4
telecommunications equipment
means of delivering a specific ICT application and its associated transmission method over
telecommunications cabling
3.1.5
telecommunications system
combination of telecommunications equipment and telecommunications cabling providing distribution
of ICT applications within and/or between premises
NOTE 1 Examples of ICT applications are those which perform actions such as processing, displaying or transferring information
including numerical data, text, audio, still or moving images together with any combination of these. ICT applications are also used
to control machinery, building facilities or other non-ICT equipment.
NOTE 2 In addition to telecommunications cabling, telecommunications systems also use waveguides (including optical
waveguides) and radio transmission.

3.2 Abbreviations
For the purposes of this British Standard, the abbreviations given in BS EN 50174 and the following apply.
CMET consumer’s main earthing terminal
FE functional earth
ICT information communication technology
PE protective earth

4 Requirements for installers of telecommunications equipment and

telecommunications cabling
4.1 General
4.1.1 Compliance with the BS EN 50174 series of standards
All telecommunications cabling and telecommunications equipment shall meet all the requirements of
the BS EN 50174 series of standards.
4.1.2 Documentation and administration
A quality plan shall be provided in accordance with BS EN 50174-1 for telecommunications equipment and
telecommunications cabling other than that specified in BS EN 50174-1.
Installation, operating and maintenance instructions for all telecommunications equipment and
telecommunications cabling shall be obtained.
All relevant documentation shall be provided to enable the owner of the premises to implement operating
procedures for the telecommunications system(s).

2 © BSI 21 May 2004

 BS 6701:2004

4.1.3 Products and processes

NOTE Attention is drawn to the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994 [1] in respect of hazards.

4.1.3.1 Compatibility with fire extinguishing systems

The potential for damage to, and subsequent interruption of service provided by, the telecommunications
equipment and telecommunications cabling to be installed following activation of the fire extinguishing
system shall be identified, documented and advised to the owner of the premises housing, and/or the
operator of, the telecommunications system.
4.1.3.2 Potentially explosive atmospheres
Telecommunications equipment in situations where explosive or flammable materials are generated,
prepared, processed, handled, stored or otherwise encountered shall be in accordance with
BS EN 50281-1-2, BS EN 50014 and BS EN 60079-14 as appropriate.
4.1.3.3 Electrostatic protection
Where used, electrostatic protection devices for both telecommunications equipment and personnel shall
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conform to BS EN 61340-5-1.
4.1.4 Installation procedures
NOTE 1 Attention is drawn to the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 [2].
NOTE 2 Attention is drawn to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1999 [3] in respect of documented
procedures for substances that are hazardous to health.

4.1.4.1 Optical fibre telecommunications equipment and telecommunications cabling

The installation of optical fibre telecommunications cabling and telecommunications equipment shall be
in accordance with BS EN 60825-2.
The operation of optical fibre test equipment shall be in accordance with BS EN 60825-2.
4.1.4.2 Treatment of cables containing flammable materials
Telecommunications cables containing flammable material (e.g. polyethylene sheaths) shall be either
terminated upon entry to buildings (see 4.4.2) or installed within trunking or conduit that has a fire
resistance agreed with local fire authorities.
WARNING. It is essential that measures are taken to prevent any flammable materials that are present
within telecommunications cables (e.g. petroleum gel) leaking in pathways, closures or at any point of
termination.
4.1.4.3 Potentially explosive atmospheres
The installation of telecommunications equipment and telecommunications cabling in situations where
explosive or flammable materials are generated, prepared, processed, handled, stored or otherwise
encountered shall be carried out in accordance with BS EN 50281-1-2, BS EN 50014 and BS EN 60079-14
as appropriate.
4.1.4.4 Static electricity, lightning and electromagnetic environment
Measures shall be taken in accordance with PD CLC/TR 50404 to reduce the risk of damage to
telecommunications equipment by static electricity.
Measures shall be taken in accordance with BS 6651 to protect the installed telecommunications
equipment from potential damage by lightning.
Measures shall be taken in accordance with BS 6656 and BS 6657 to prevent inadvertent initiation of
flammable atmospheres or electro-explosive devices by radio-frequency radiation.
4.2 Earthing
4.2.1 Protective earthing
PE connections shall be installed in accordance with BS EN 50310 and BS 7671.
The earthing of extraneous metallic elements (e.g. armouring, strain relief members of optical fibre cables)
that are part of the telecommunications cable construction shall be in accordance with BS 7671 and the
procedures used shall be documented.

© BSI 21 May 2004 3

 BS 6701:2004

4.2.2 Functional earthing

4.2.2.1 General
An FE conductor shall be provided to all telecommunications equipment requiring an FE connection.
FE connections provided by PE cabling shall be in accordance with 4.2.2.2. FE connections not provided
by PE cabling shall be in accordance with 4.2.2.3.
In order to prevent large earth loop or fault currents, telecommunications equipment shall only be
connected to an FE conductor that serves the building in which the telecommunications equipment is
installed.
The FE connection shall not be a plug/socket connection.
The FE cabling shall be continuous at and between all points providing a FE connection to the
telecommunications equipment.
4.2.2.2 FE connection provided by PE cabling
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Where an FE connection is provided by means of PE cabling and/or where telecommunications equipment

has a PE connection that can be used as a FE connection:
— the PE installation and associated connections shall be in accordance with 4.2.1;
— the outer insulation of the PE conductor shall be green/yellow in accordance with BS 6746C;
— a label or tag marked with the words “SAFETY/TELECOMMS EARTH DO NOT REMOVE” shall be
attached to the FE adjacent to all connection points;
— metallic elements such as armouring, conduit, pipes, metallic frames and trunking shall not be used
to provide an FE path.
4.2.2.3 FE connection not provided by PE cabling
Where necessary, the owner of the premises and/or the operator shall be consulted for information
regarding the location of the CMET.
Where an FE connection is not provided by PE cabling, the FE conductor shall be connected to earth at
the CMET in accordance with BS 7671. At the connection point at the CMET, the FE conductor shall be
clearly identified by a label or tag that includes the words “TELECOMMS EARTH DO NOT REMOVE”.
The FE conductor shall connect the CMET to the FE terminal of any telecommunications equipment that
is not connected to a PE.
The FE conductor shall be in accordance with the requirements of the supplier of the telecommunications
equipment to be connected (including, where appropriate, the provision of a path to operate low voltage
d.c. fuses or other overcurrent devices). The FE conductor shall be either a separate cable or a conductor
in a multi-conductor cable. Where the FE conductor is provided as a separate cable, the cable sheath
shall be:
— cream in colour in accordance with BS 6746C;
— continually marked with the words “TELECOMMS FUNCTIONAL EARTH”.
4.3 Power supplies
Documentation shall be provided to the owner of the premises detailing the power consumption
requirements of the telecommunications equipment to be supplied and installed.
4.4 Telecommunications cabling
4.4.1 General
NOTE 1 Attention is drawn to the Building Regulations 2000 [4] and BS 8300 in respect of access to telecommunications systems.
NOTE 2 Attention is drawn to the Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002 [5] in respect of supply of mains
electrical power to premises containing telecommunications systems.

4 © BSI 21 May 2004

 BS 6701:2004

4.4.1.1 Pathways
Details of the locations of pathways into which telecommunications cabling is installed and their contents
shall be recorded.
Any structures, fixtures and fittings used to support the telecommunications cabling within the pathways
shall be:
— in accordance with the installation requirements of the telecommunications cabling manufacturer;
— installed in accordance with instructions provided by the manufacturer(s) and/or supplier(s) of the
fixtures and fittings.
4.4.1.2 Telecommunications cable installation
The cable shall be installed in accordance with the instructions provided by the cable manufacturer and/or
supplier.
4.4.1.3 Closures
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The bend radii of telecommunications cables and telecommunications cable elements within closures shall
be in accordance with the instructions provided by the telecommunications cable manufacturer and/or
supplier.
4.4.1.4 Final acceptance
Final acceptance, as defined in the quality plan (see 4.1.2), shall only proceed following marking, labelling
and fitting of all components associated with the telecommunications cabling.
4.4.2 Telecommunications cabling at building entrance facilities
Telecommunications cables containing flammable materials (e.g. polyethylene sheaths, petroleum gel)
shall be either:
a) terminated, inside the building, within 2 m of the point of internal penetration of the floor/ceiling/wall
fire barrier of the building; or
b) installed in trunking or conduit that has a fire resistance agreed with local fire authorities.
4.4.3 Telecommunications cabling outside buildings
4.4.3.1 Overhead telecommunications cabling (including drop wires)
NOTE 1 BS EN 50174-3 specifies requirements for the installation of overhead telecommunications cabling. With respect to the
clearances above roads and railways, the heights specified in BS EN 50174-3 are those of both aerial cables and drop wires at the time
of installation. Temperature changes, slippage in the clamps used, pole bending (including bending induced by loading by personnel
and/or processes), and other mechanical factors encountered during installation can influence the road and railway crossing height
after installation.
Appropriate allowances or design features shall be applied such that, when subject to pole bending by
installation personnel and/or processes, telecommunications cables crossing maintainable highways, other
than motorways or designated high load routes, are maintained at a height of not less than 4.9 m.
NOTE 2 The terms “motorway” and “main roads” used in BS EN 50174-3 are interpreted in the UK as “motorway (blue sign)” and
designated “high load routes”.

4.4.3.2 Surge-protection devices

A risk assessment shall be undertaken to determine the requirements for surge-protection devices. Surge
protection devices shall be selected and installed to meet these requirements.
4.4.4 Segregation of telecommunications cabling and electricity supply cabling
4.4.4.1 Electromagnetic interference
The segregation of cabling with regard to electromagnetic interference shall be in accordance with
the BS EN 50174 series of standards.
Where telecommunications cabling crosses mains power supply cabling then the angle of their crossing
shall be maintained at 90°, in so far as is reasonably practicable, on either side of the crossing for a distance
no less than that specified in BS EN 50174-2 for the relevant construction of the telecommunications
cabling and mains power supply cabling.

© BSI 21 May 2004 5

 BS 6701:2004

4.4.4.2 Insulation
All cables shall be insulated in accordance with BS 7671 for the highest voltage present.
4.4.4.3 Separation between telecommunications cabling and electricity supply cabling
NOTE This subclause contains general requirements for telecommunications cabling and electricity supply cabling which also apply
where the cables are installed in the same compartment of a cable management system (ducts, conduits and trenches, unless
subdivided, are single compartment cable management systems). The requirements also apply to cables that carry the voltages
specified that are not electricity cables.

4.4.4.3.1 Telecommunications cabling shall not be installed in any compartment of a cable management
system that contains electricity supply cabling with unshrouded terminals.
4.4.4.3.2 For electricity supply cabling operating at nominal voltages exceeding 600 V a.c.
(900 V d.c. to earth), the telecommunications cabling and electricity supply cabling shall be separated
by either:
a) a distance of not less than 150 mm; or
Licensed Copy: Rupert Heygate-Browne, Agip KOC, 29 November 2004, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

b) a distance of not less than 50 mm, effected by a divider meeting the requirements of BS 7671.
4.4.4.3.3 For electricity supply cabling installed outside buildings and operating at nominal voltages
between 50 V a.c. and 600 V a.c. (120 V d.c. to 900 V d.c. to earth), the telecommunications cabling and
electricity supply cabling shall be separated by either:
a) a distance of not less than 50 mm; or
b) a divider meeting the requirements of BS 7671.
4.4.4.3.4 For electricity supply cabling installed inside buildings and operating at nominal voltages
between 50 V a.c. and 600 V a.c. (120 V d.c. to 900 V d.c. to earth), the telecommunications cabling and
electricity supply cabling shall be separated by either:
a) a distance of not less than 50 mm; or
b) a divider meeting the requirements of BS 7671;
unless one or more of the following conditions is met:
NOTE 1 If one or more of these conditions is met then separation is not deemed to be necessary.

1) the electricity supply cables are enclosed in a separate conduit or trunking which, if metallic, is
earthed in accordance with BS 7671;
2) the electricity supply cables are of a mineral-insulated type;
3) the electricity supply cables are of an earthed armoured construction;
4) the electricity supply cables are of a flexible double-insulated type (e.g. “kettle leads”
supplying 240 V mains power to telecommunications equipment in cabinets).
NOTE 2 Standard electrical 240 V “twin and earth type” cabling is not flexible double-insulated.

4.4.4.3.5 Where telecommunications cables and the electricity supply cables cross and neither cable is
armoured then additional insulation in accordance with BS 7671 shall be provided at the crossing point.
4.4.4.4 Telecommunications cabling crossing electricity supply cabling
4.4.4.4.1 For electricity supply cabling operating at or in excess of 600 V a.c. (900 V d.c. to earth), the
telecommunications cabling shall be protected by either:
a) installing the telecommunications cabling underground on either side of the crossing over a distance
at least equal to the height of the electricity supply cabling; or
b) a cradle guard associated with the electricity supply cabling, designed and installed to prevent a
broken conductor within the electricity supply cabling from falling and making contact with the
telecommunications cabling.

6 © BSI 21 May 2004

 BS 6701:2004

4.4.4.4.2 For electricity supply cabling operating below 600 V a.c. (900 V d.c. to earth), the
telecommunications cabling shall be protected by either:
a) installing the telecommunications cabling underground on either side of the crossing over a distance
at least equal to the height of the electricity supply cabling; or
b) a cradle guard between the telecommunications cabling and the electricity supply cabling, designed
and installed to prevent a broken conductor within the electricity supply cabling from falling and making
contact with the telecommunications cabling; or
c) ensuring that all cables are insulated in accordance with BS 7671 for the highest voltage present.
4.4.4.5 Proximity of telecommunications cabling to electricity supply cabling other than at crossings
4.4.4.5.1 For electricity supply cabling operating at or in excess of 1 000 V a.c. (1 500 V d.c. to earth), the
telecommunications cabling shall be protected in accordance with BS EN 50174-3.
4.4.4.5.2 For electricity supply cabling operating between 600 V a.c. and 1 000 V a.c (900 V d.c
to 1 500 V d.c to earth), the telecommunications cabling shall be protected in accordance with 4.4.4.4.1a)
Licensed Copy: Rupert Heygate-Browne, Agip KOC, 29 November 2004, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

where the horizontal distance between any part of the telecommunications cabling (including poles struts
and stays) and the electricity supply cabling (including poles, struts and stays not specially insulated for
the full line-to-earth voltage) is less than the height of the electricity supply cabling (measured at the
nearest support) or the height of the telecommunications cabling multiplied by 1.5, whichever is the
greater. Where the telecommunications cabling and electricity supply cabling are erected on ground at
different levels, the heights shall be calculated from the lower ground level.
NOTE For clarification of 4.4.4.5.2 and with reference to Figure 1, the requirements of 4.4.4.4.1a) apply where X < h or X < 1.5H,
whichever is the greater, where X is the smaller of the two measurements shown on the relevant diagram in Figure 1.

4.4.4.5.3 For electricity supply cabling operating below 600 V a.c. (900 V d.c. to earth), a clearance of at
least 1.25 m shall be provided and maintained between any part of the telecommunications cabling and any
part of any non-earthed conductor of the electricity supply cabling, with a clearance of at least 1 m from
any electrical equipment. Where the vertical distance between any part of the telecommunications cabling
and the electricity supply cabling exceeds the horizontal distance between them, the telecommunications
cabling shall be protected in accordance with 4.4.4.4.2a) or 4.4.4.4.2c).

5 Requirements for owners of premises housing telecommunications systems

NOTE The owners of premises housing telecommunications systems may delegate the responsibilities specified in this clause to
authorized persons such as designers, specifiers, operators and maintainers of the telecommunications systems.

5.1 General
5.1.1 Compliance with the BS EN 50174 series of standards
All telecommunications cabling and telecommunications equipment shall meet all the requirements of
the BS EN 50174 series of standards.
5.1.2 Documentation and administration
NOTE Attention is drawn to the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994 [1] in respect of the identification,
classification and recording of hazards on the premises.
An installation specification shall be provided in accordance with BS EN 50174-1 for telecommunications
equipment and telecommunications cabling other than that specified in BS EN 50174-1.
The classification of areas containing optical fibre telecommunications equipment and optical fibre
telecommunications cabling shall be undertaken in accordance with BS EN 60825-2.
Complete and accurate records relating to telecommunications equipment and telecommunications cabling
shall be maintained.
The location of the CMET shall be documented and the information shall be available for inspection.

© BSI 21 May 2004 7

 BS 6701:2004

1 2 1 2
Xa Xa

H h H h

Xb Xb
Licensed Copy: Rupert Heygate-Browne, Agip KOC, 29 November 2004, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

1 2
Xa 2 1 Xa

H h
Xb h H Xb

Key
1 Telecommunications cabling pole
2 Electricity supply cabling pole

NOTE Copyright is claimed in this illustration. Reproduction of this illustration and making products from it can infringe
that copyright. Details of the copyright owner (from whom any permission to use this illustration may be sought) may be
obtained by contacting the BSI Library, British Standards House, 389 Chiswick High Road, London W4 4AL.

a For pole without stay.

b For pole with stay.

Figure 1 — Minimum separating distance between telecommunications cabling and the

uninsulated conductors of electricity supply cabling

8 © BSI 21 May 2004

 BS 6701:2004

5.1.3 Power supplies

An electricity supply that meets the power consumption requirements of the telecommunications
equipment shall be provided.
The accommodation of lead-acid stationary batteries other than those known as sealed batteries shall
conform to the recommendations given in BS 6133. The accommodation of other types of batteries and
those lead-acid types known as sealed batteries shall be in accordance with the conditions specified by the
supplier.
5.1.4 Fire extinguishing systems
Where a gaseous flooding system is installed within a telecommunications space:
— safety information relating to the gaseous flooding system shall be displayed in accordance with the
BS 5306 series of standards;
— facilities for manual disabling of the flooding system shall be provided;
— egress from the telecommunications space to an escape route shall be provided in accordance with
Licensed Copy: Rupert Heygate-Browne, Agip KOC, 29 November 2004, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

BS 6266 and BS 5588-4.

NOTE 1 Requirements for gaseous flooding systems using carbon dioxide are specified in BS 5306-4.
NOTE 2 Recommendations for gaseous flooding systems using halon are given in BS 5306-5.1 and BS 5306-5.2.

5.2 Operating procedures

Telecommunications equipment and telecommunications cabling shall be operated in accordance with
the instructions provided by the installer.
The selection and operation of optical fibre telecommunications equipment, test equipment and optical
fibre telecommunications cabling shall be in accordance with BS EN 60825-2.
The operation of telecommunications equipment and telecommunications cabling in situations where
explosive or flammable materials are generated, prepared, processed, handled, stored or otherwise
encountered shall be carried out in accordance with BS EN 60079-14.
5.3 Maintenance
5.3.1 General
NOTE 1 Attention is drawn to the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 [6] in respect of the maintenance of cabling and associated
equipment.
The telecommunications equipment and telecommunications cabling shall be maintained in accordance
with the instructions provided by the installer.
All relevant personnel shall be made aware of all policies required to maintain proper operation of the
telecommunications system.
NOTE 2 Maintenance plans in accordance with BS EN 50174-1 should be considered for telecommunications equipment and
telecommunications cabling other than that specified in BS EN 50174-1.

5.3.2 Overhead telecommunications cabling (including drop wires)

When subject to pole bending by maintenance personnel and/or processes, telecommunications cables
crossing maintainable highways, other than motorways or designated high load routes, shall be
maintained at a height of not less than 4.9 m.
NOTE The terms “motorway” and “main roads” used in BS EN 50174-3 are interpreted in the UK as “motorway (blue sign)” and
designated “high load routes”.

5.4 Repair
Independent of the configuration of installed telecommunications equipment and telecommunications
cabling, there shall be a documented policy for use in the event of faults and breakdowns.
NOTE 1 This policy should include contingency planning, fault analysis and repair procedures.
NOTE 2 Repair plans in accordance with BS EN 50174-1 should be considered for telecommunications equipment and
telecommunications cabling other than that specified in BS EN 50174-1.

© BSI 21 May 2004 9

Licensed Copy: Rupert Heygate-Browne, Agip KOC, 29 November 2004, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

10
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 BS 6701:2004

Bibliography

Standards publications
BS 8300:2001, Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people —
Code of practice.

Other publications
[1] GREAT BRITAIN. Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994. London: The Stationery
Office.
[2] GREAT BRITAIN. Confined Spaces Regulations 1997. London: The Stationery Office.
[3] GREAT BRITAIN. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1999. London: The
Stationery Office.
[4] GREAT BRITAIN. Building Regulations 2000. London: The Stationery Office
[5] GREAT BRITAIN. Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002. London: The Stationery
Office.
[6] GREAT BRITAIN. Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. London: The Stationery Office.
Licensed Copy: Rupert Heygate-Browne, Agip KOC, 29 November 2004, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

© BSI 21 May 2004 11

 BS 6701:2004

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