This part of IEC 61156 specifies cables that can be used for various communication systems as well as for analogue systems, such as video, that exist or are under development and which may use as many as four pairs simultaneously. In this sense, this sectional specification provides the cable characteristics required by system developers to evaluate new systems as well as to enhance present systems.

It covers a cable having four individually screened (S/FTP) pairs. The cable can be provided with a common screen over the cable core.

The transmission characteristics are specified up to a frequency of 1 200 MHz and at a temperature of 20 °C.

The cables covered by this sectional specification are intended to operate with voltages and currents normally encountered in communication systems and support the delivery of DC low voltage remote powering applications. These cables are not intended to be used in conjunction with low impedance sources, for example the electric power supply of public utility mains.