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Important note and change in procedure for certifying category 5e patch cords
Until recently, it has been possible to certify category 5e and 6 patch cords with the same category 6 test jack, based on ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.2. Within that standard, certain assumptions were made. One of these assumptions was that vendors making category 5e patch cords would not use high value NEXT RJ45 plugs. However, vendors are starting to use these high value NEXT plugs (category 6 plugs) when making category 5e cords. This means that the NEXT results could be optimistic (too good) when using a category 6 test jack. |
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Users certifying category 5e patch cords should migrate across to a category 5e test jack as soon as possible. It can be obtained from
Superior Modular Products
33 Superior Way
Swannanoa, NC 28778, USA
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Tel: + 1 828 298 2260
http://www.superiormod.com
Part No. PCTAC5e to be used with Database Version 5.17C
In addition, users will need to update the database on their DSP-4x00 CableAnalyzers, as different limit lines are used for this category 5e test jack. These new limit lines are the same as those found the in the DTX CableAnalyzer. |
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Making this change will now will make you ready for the new ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-C standard. Even if you are not using high value NEXT RJ45 plugs, you should migrate across to the new jack and test limits as soon as possible. Especially if you are using DTX CableAnalyzers to certify patch cords.
Can I use my Channel Adapters (DSP-LIA012 & DSP-LIA013) to Certify Patch Cords?
No. The test limits for patch cord certification are different to that of channel limits. The Channel test does not include the connection to the adapters, the part we are really interested in for patch cord certification. Whenever you run a channel test, the ‘3 dB rule’ for return loss is implemented. This means that you cannot fail return loss on category 5e patch cords less than 13 meters (assuming 20% additional attenuation over solid horizontal cable).
Certifying Screened Patch Cords
The DSP-PCI-6S are a set of adapters that will certify UTP (unshielded) cords to both ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.2-1 and IEC 61935-2. However, the jacks used in the adapters are not screened. This means that you can certify a screened patch cord but you will not be able to verify the continuity of the screen with these adapters – a separate wire map test will be required. To date, we have not been able to find a screened jack which meets these very specific transmission performance requirements. It must be emphasized that every jack in the DSP-PCI-6S is qualified on a Laboratory Network Analyzer. This is because the tolerance for jack performance stated in ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.2-1 and IEC 61935-2 is very strict / tight. It is hoped that in the near future Fluke Networks will be able to offer a screened solution.
DSP-LIA006
This is the adapter nomenclature for the DSP-PCI-6S Adapters. This will appear on the printed Autotest report.
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Length has no limit
This is not a pass/fail criteria for patch cord testing. Therefore, there is no limit line. However, the length is recorded for documentation purposes. Due to the impedance matching circuitry in the remote adapter, required for accurate RL measurements, you can expect the length to report approximately 0.5 m (2 ft) more than the physical length of the patch cord.
How many times can I replace the test jack?
The jack can be replaced up to 10 times – with care – by the user. Each jack should last >5,000 insertions so long as properly terminated RJ45 plugs are used. If the IPCs are not crimped fully, this can damage the jack.
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