scope:

This document provides a summary of the maximum dc steady-state and duration limited voltage, current, and power limits to be maintained when telecommunications systems provide or receive power over conventional network telecommunications twisted-pair conductors/cabling. The technical requirements contained herein are based on industry-recognized safety and design standards, address the Information Communications Telecommunication (ICT) locations (e.g., Central Offices and data centers), Outside Plant (OSP) and customer locations, and are independent of the telecommunications system architectures deployed. Telecommunication signaling levels and transients are not addressed in this document, but should be considered when evaluating a system for conformance to these requirements if they will impact voltage, current, or power levels.

This standard is based on the historical and current requirements for telecommunications systems in North America that originated in the Bell System, and are incorporated in NFPA 70 (NEC), Telcordia GR-1089-CORE, ACTA 968, FCC CFR 68, UL/CSA-60950-1, UL/CSA-60950-21, UL-2391, UL/CSA 62368-1, and UL/CSA 62368-3.

• For relatively low voltage/current levels the following documents are used:

o TNV (UL/CSA 60950-1).

o ES2 (UL/CSA 62368-1).

• When the voltage/current levels in these two documents are exceeded in North America, the GR-1089- CORE limits are used. These GR-1089-CORE limits are consistent with RFT-V limits (ITU-T K.50 and UL/CSA 60950-21).

Similar requirements exist internationally with the exception that the UL/CSA standards are variants of IEC/EN/AS/NZ with various deviations. In addition, country requirements often replace the NEC, Telcordia, ACTA, and FCC requirements. When voltage/current levels exceed TNV or ES2, non- North American countries traditionally use the RFT-C limits (ITU-T K.50 and IEC 60950-21).

This standard should be used in conjunction with ATIS STEP draft standard for Line Powering of Telecommunications Equipment on OSP Twisted Copper Pair Loops.

Purpose

The purpose of this document is to provide requirements for the maximum limits for dc steady-state and duration limited voltage, current, and power used to operate telecommunications systems over telecommunications twisted-pair conductors that are consistent with industry-accepted electrical safety and design standards and criteria. These requirements are intended to provide a safe and consistent network electrical environment for the telecommunications service provider technicians, as well as for the customers and system users who may encounter powering voltages and currents on their business/residential telecommunications wiring. Additionally, through informative annexes, this document is intended to inform the reader regarding pertinent criteria contained in various safety and design standards, provide accessibility and service personnel work practice recommendations, and present a brief overview of the physiological effects of electric current on the human body (see further details and tests in ATIS STEP draft standard currently under development for Line Powering of Telecommunications Equipment on OSP Twisted Copper Pair Loops).