This part of IEC 61156 specifies the definitions, requirements and test methods of multicore, symmetrical pair and quad cables.

This document is applicable to communication systems such as local area networks (LANs) and data communication cables. It is also applicable to cables used for industrial applications, customer premises wiring and generic cabling comprising installation cables and cables for work area wiring which are defined in ISO/IEC 11801 (all parts).

The cables covered by this document are intended to operate with voltages and currents normally encountered in communication systems. While these cables are not intended to be used in conjunction with low impedance sources, for example the electric power supplies of public utility mains, they are intended to be used to support the delivery of low voltage remote powering applications including but not restricted to Power over Ethernet as specified in ISO/IEC/IEEE 8802-3. More information on the capacity to support these applications according to the installation practices are given in IEC 61156-1-4, IEC TR 61156-1-6 and ISO/IEC TS 29125.