Belden Releases First UL-Certified Hybrid Cable for Fault-Managed Power Class 4 Circuits in Smart Buildings

Rhea-AI Summary

Belden has launched its Fault-Managed Power System (FMPS) Hybrid Cables, certified for Class 4 circuits, which enhance power delivery capabilities. These cables offer safety comparable to Class 2 systems while transmitting nearly 20 times the power across longer distances. The certification aligns with the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC), allowing for simplified installations. Belden’s FMPS cables feature a copper/fiber design, facilitating both power and data transmission in one run. UL has published standards for Class 4, marking a significant milestone in power delivery technology.

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• Belden has introduced the first UL-Certified Hybrid Cable for Class 4 circuits.
• Class 4 circuits enhance power delivery safety and efficiency, offering nearly 20 times the power of traditional systems.
• Belden's FMPS cables streamline installation by combining power and data transmission.

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• None.

Class 4 safely supports power at higher levels and across much longer distances compared to circuits previously limited to 100W

ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Belden, a leading global supplier of network infrastructure and digitization 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.

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/fiber 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.

More About Class 4
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.

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. 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, “and their use will continue to grow. The NEC recognized that these Class 4 systems are unique and specialized 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.”

Learn more about Class 4 systems and our certified FMPS Cables at www.belden.com/Solutions/Class-4-Systems.

About Belden
Belden Inc. delivers the infrastructure that makes the digital journey simpler, smarter and more secure. We’re moving beyond connectivity—from what we make to what we make possible through a performance-driven portfolio, forward-thinking expertise and purpose-built solutions. With a legacy of quality and reliability spanning 120-plus years, we have a strong foundation to continue building the future. We are headquartered in St. Louis and have manufacturing capabilities in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa. For more information, visit us at www.belden.com; follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Belden, the Belden logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Belden Inc. or its affiliated companies in the United States and other jurisdictions. Belden and other parties may also have trademark rights in other terms used herein.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230317005008/en/

Mary Melchiorre

Marketing Communications Manager

(514) 822-7047

Mary.Melchiorre@Belden.com

Source: Belden Inc

FAQ

What is the significance of Belden's FMPS Hybrid Cables?

Belden's FMPS Hybrid Cables are the first UL-Certified for Class 4 circuits, allowing for higher power delivery across longer distances.

How do Class 4 circuits compare to Class 2 and Class 3 systems?

Class 4 circuits provide enhanced power delivery capabilities while maintaining safety standards similar to Class 2 and Class 3 systems.

What are the benefits of using Belden's FMPS cables?

These cables reduce installation complexity by transmitting both power and data over a single run, while also offering significant power advantages.

When was the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) updated regarding Class 4 circuits?

The 2023 NEC update allows Class 4 circuits to enhance power delivery while maintaining safety standards.

What does UL certification mean for Belden's Class 4 cables?

UL certification ensures that Belden's Class 4 cables meet safety and performance standards set forth for new power delivery systems.