Table of Contents
Advertisement
Chapter 2
Installing the Device
•
Section 2.5.2, "Gigabit Ethernet 1000Base-TX Cabling Recommendations"
Section 2.5.1
Protection On Twisted-Pair Data Ports
RuggedCom does not recommend the use of copper cabling of any length for critical, real-time substation
automatation applications. All copper Ethernet ports on RuggedCom products include transient suppression
circuitry to protect against damage from electrical transients and conform with IEC 61850-3 and IEEE 1613 Class
1 standards. This means that during a transient electrical event, communications erorrs or interruptions may
occur, but recovery is automatic.
RuggedCom also does not recommend using copper Ethernet ports to interface with devices in the field across
distances that could produce high levels of ground potential rise (i.e. greater than 2500 V), during line-to-ground
fault conditions.
Section 2.5.2
Gigabit Ethernet 1000Base-TX Cabling Recommendations
The IEEE 802.3ab Gigabit Ethernet standard defines 1000 Mbit/s Ethernet communications over distances of
up to 100 m (328 ft) using all 4 pairs in category 5 (or higher) balanced, unshielded twisted-pair cabling. For
wiring guidelines, system designers and integrators should refer to the Telecommunications Industry Association
(TIA) TIA/EIA-568-A wiring standard that characterizes minimum cabling performance specifications required
for proper Gigabit Ethernet operation. To ensure reliable, error-free data communication, new and pre-existing
communication paths should be verified for TIA/EIA-568-A compliance.
The following table summarizes the relevant cabling standards:
Table 1: Cabling Categories and 1000Base-TX Compliance
Cabling Category
< 5
5
5e
6
> 6
Follow these recommendations for copper data cabling in high electrical noise environments:
• Data cable lengths should be as short as possible, preferrably 3 m (10 ft) in length. Copper data cables should
not be used for inter-building communications.
• Power and data cables should not be run in parallel for long distances, and should be installed in separate
conduits. Power and data cables should intersect at 90° angles when necessary to reduce inductive coupling.
• Shielded/screened cabling can be used when required. The cable shield should be grounded at one single
point to avoid the generation of ground loops.
12
1000Base-
Required Action
TX Compliant
No
New wiring infrastructure required.
Yes
Verify TIA/EIA-568-A compliance.
Yes
No action required. New installations should be designed with Category 5e or higher.
Yes
No action required.
Yes
Connector and wiring standards to be determined.
RUGGEDCOM RSG2488
Installation Guide
Protection On Twisted-Pair Data Ports
Advertisement
Table of Contents
