Ensure Cabling Meets Australian Standards
Install cables according to Australian Standards as required by the communications authority.
Plain language
This control is about making sure any cables you have installed for communications or internet meet Australian Standards. It is important because poorly installed cables can lead to weak connections or even cause safety hazards like electrical fires. By following the standards, you ensure your network runs reliably and safely.
Framework
ASD Information Security Manual (ISM)
Control effect
Preventative
Classifications
NC, OS, P, S, TS
ISM last updated
Feb 2021
Control Stack last updated
19 Mar 2026
E8 maturity levels
N/A
Section
Cabling infrastructureOfficial control statement
Cabling infrastructure is installed in accordance with relevant Australian Standards, as directed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority.
Why it matters
Non-compliant cabling can cause outages, interference and fire/electrical hazards, disrupting services and endangering staff and facilities.
Operational notes
Install and label cabling to relevant Australian Standards/ACMA rules; periodically inspect, test and remediate damaged or non-compliant runs.
Implementation tips
- Facilities management staff should coordinate with certified cable installers to ensure all new installations comply with Australian Standards. They should verify the installers' qualifications and request documentation proving compliance with standards such as AS/CA S009:2020, which details how to safely install communication cables.
- The IT manager should create a checklist that matches the Australian Standards for cabling and ensure that all new installations are checked against these criteria. This checklist should include inspecting cable routes and connections to ensure they follow proper guidelines to minimise interference and maintain safety.
- An office manager should keep a copy of all cabling compliance certificates and installation documents in an accessible location. These documents should be stored both digitally and physically to ensure they can be easily accessed during audits.
- Procurement officers should only approve purchasing from vendors who provide a compliance guarantee with their products. They should request a declaration from vendors that all cabling supplied meets the necessary Australian Standards before placing an order.
- Business owners should periodically review cabling installations with a certified electrical inspector. This can involve scheduling regular inspections to catch any issues early and maintain compliance over time.
Audit / evidence tips
- AskThe compliance certificate from the cabling installer: Request to see the installer’s certification documentation that proves they follow Australian Standards GoodIs a dated certificate verifying compliance with the correct standards
- AskTo see the checklist used by the IT manager during the installation: Review this checklist to confirm all items relating to Australian Standards were checked GoodIncludes detailed notes on each checklist item showing compliance was observed
- AskThem to explain how they ensure compliance with Australian Standards during installations GoodIs that they work with certified installers and perform their own inspections
- GoodSetup shows cables are neatly organised, secured, and away from potential hazards
- GoodContract clearly states these compliance requirements
Cross-framework mappings
How ISM-0181 relates to controls across ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 42001, Essential Eight, and ASD ISM.
ISO 27001
| Control | Notes | Details |
|---|---|---|
| handshake Supports (3) expand_less | ||
| Annex A 5.5 | ISM-0181 stipulates that cabling must meet Australian Standards as directed by ACMA | |
| Annex A 5.31 | ISM-0181 requires cabling infrastructure to be installed in accordance with relevant Australian Standards, directed by ACMA | |
| Annex A 7.12 | Annex A 7.12 requires cables carrying power or data to be protected from interception, interference, or damage | |
These mappings show relationships between controls across frameworks. They do not imply full equivalence or certification.