scope:

This Recommended Practice is intended to provide for maximum interoperability in the use of equipment connected in permanently installed entertainment lighting applications. To accomplish this intent the Recommended Practice defines acceptable cable and connector types, and the ways in which they may be used.

Entertainment lighting uses both EIA-485/EIA-485-A and EIA/TIA-568 Category 5 and higher cabling systems for data connection between equipment. There are significant differences between the two cables. In order to avoid confusion arising from the differences in specification of the two cable types this Recommended Practice has separate sections for cables designed specifically for EIA-485 signals and Category 5 and higher cable.

Category 5 cable is also known as Class D cable under ISO/IEC standard 11801. Research by the ESTA CPWG determined that Category 5, 5e, 6, and 6a cables would all be suitable for use with DMX512. Since control over future revisions of ANSI/EIA/TIA-568 and ISO/IEC 11801 is beyond the scope of this Recommended Practice, ANIS/EIA/TIA-568 Category cables shall be the controlling standard with respect to future developments. Cable, Equipment, and System Manufacturers, and Engineers, System Integrators, and Installers subject to ISO/IEC standards should consider references to Category 5 or higher cable as referencing comparable cable described by ISO/IEC standards.

This Recommended Practice applies to entertainment lighting systems that are permanently installed, regardless of the nature of the facility. Connection of portable and temporary equipment are not covered by this Recommended Practice, and applications that may limit the interoperability of entertainment lighting control systems for the sake of cost are also beyond the scope of this Recommended Practice. Connection of proprietary control systems, which may co-exist with equipment covered by this Recommended Practice, is also beyond the scope of this Recommended Practice.