Are Standards mandatory?

Standards such as ISO 11801 and BS EN 50173 are widely recognized as best practices for the installation and presentation of information technology cabling (ICT). While these standards are voluntary when considered in isolation, they serve as recommendations to ensure high-quality and reliable cabling systems.
However, once these standards are specified in the project documentation and the tender responses are accepted, they become contractually binding. This means that the agreed-upon standards must be adhered to by all parties involved in the project. Under UK law, the acceptance of these specifications in the tender process creates a contractual obligation for the installers to follow the specified standards and best practices. Failure to comply with these standards can result in legal consequences and potential breaches of contract.