This Standard covers fiber optic communications cables intended for use in the buildings of communications users. Materials, constructions and performance requirements are included in the Standard, together with applicable test procedures. Refer to ICEA S-104-696 for optical fiber communications cables intended for indoor and outdoor use, and to ICEA S-87-640 for optical fiber communication cables intended for outdoor use.

Products covered by this standard are intended only for operation under conditions normally found in communication systems. Typically, these products are installed both in exposed areas (surface mounted to walls or building baseboards or in nonstationary configurations) and in concealed areas (within walls, attics, etc.), with or without external protection (such as conduit), depending upon product type and specific use. These products normally convey communications signals (voice, video, data, etc.) from place to place within a building. Products covered by this Standard may be factory terminated with connectors or splicing modules.

When a composite cable (a cable with both optical fibers and metallic conductors) is required, the applicable metallic conductor requirements shall be as established by agreement between the end user and the cable manufacturer. The requirements of ANSI/ICEA S-90-661 should be considered when determining appropriate requirements.

The normal temperature ranges for cables covered by this Standard are listed in Table 1-1:

The standard installation tensile rating for cables is specified in Part 7.

Products covered by this Standard shall comply with the pertinent Fire Resistance Code(s) described in Section 1.9.