Belden releases first UL-certified hybrid cable for fault-managed power class 4 circuits in smart buildings

Belden, a supplier of network infrastructure and digitisation solutions, is proud to announce its Fault-Managed Power System (FMPS) Hybrid Cables, which are designed and certified for Class 4 circuits.

With the release of the 2023 National Electrical Code® (NEC), Class 4 circuits allow the industry to support power delivery with the equivalent safety of existing Class 2 circuits with the added advantage of higher power levels and across longer distances.

Reducing installation complexity

Belden introduced the industry’s first UL-Certified Class 4 Cable and is now proud to add the industry’s first UL-Certified Hybrid Cable to its portfolio. Belden’s FMPS Hybrid Cables are certified by UL for Class 4 compliance. Their copper/fibre construction transmits power and data over long distances in a single cable run, saving installation time and reducing installation complexity.

Because Class 4 systems are just as safe as—if not safer than—Class 2 and Class 3 systems, these cables can be installed by the same integrators and contractors that install Category and PoE cabling. Class 4 circuits provide the convenience and safety of low-voltage power, just like Power over Ethernet (PoE); however, Class 4 also offers close to 20 times the power of PoE across hundreds of meters, presenting a safe alternative to AC power.

Defining safety considerations

Unlike Class 2 and Class 3 power-limited circuits, Class 4 circuits don’t limit power source output

Class 4—also referred to as FMPS, packet energy transfer (PET), Digital Electricity™ (DE), pulsed power or smart transfer systems—is an improved format of power delivery. Unlike Class 2 and Class 3 power-limited circuits, Class 4 circuits don’t limit power source output. Instead, they constantly monitor for faults and control the delivery of power current available during an abnormal condition. This mitigates the risk of shock or fire by limiting the amount of energy that can go into a fault.

To verify compliance with NEC requirements, Class 4 circuits must be certified. With Belden’s support, UL recently published UL 1400-2 as an Outline of Investigation (the first step toward a standard) to define safety considerations and criteria for evaluating Class 4 circuit cabling.

Smart transfer systems

Class 4 cable circuits will be certified to the published document.

“Fault-managed power systems are already in use in some intelligent buildings,” explains Ron Tellas, Technology Applications Manager at Belden, adding “And their use will continue to grow. The NEC recognised that these Class 4 systems are unique and specialised enough that they needed their own code section. We’re proud that Belden’s FMPS Cables are the first to be certified for use in Class 4 systems.”