EN 50289-4-17:2015

Communication cables - Specifications for test methods - Part 4-17: Test methods for UV resistance evaluation of the sheath of electrical and optical fibre cable

This European Standard describes three methods to determine the UV resistance of sheath materials for electric and for optical fibre cables. These tests apply for outdoor and indoor cable applications according to the product standard. The samples of sheath are taken from the finished cables. Although this test method European Standard is written principally for communication cables, it may be used for energy cables if called up by the relevant product standard. Where a sheath is of cross-linked (thermosetting) material, it should be recalled that the preparation of moulded plaques must be made before crosslinking. Methods differ by the nature of the UV source. Due to the excessive time to failure, the methods described are inappropriate to products where UV resistance is conferred by ≥ 2,0 % carbon black meeting the dispersion requirements defined in EN 50290-2-24.

Kommunikationskabel - Specifikationen für Prüfverfahren - Teil 4-17: Prüfverfahren zur Ermittlung der UV-Beständigkeit der Mäntel elektrischer und optischer Kabel

Câbles de communication - Spécifications des méthodes d'essais - Partie 4-17: Méthodes d’essai pour évaluer la résistance aux UV des gaines des câbles électriques et des câbles à fibre optique

Komunikacijski kabli - Specifikacije za preskusne metode - 4-17. del: Preskusne metode za vrednotenje odpornosti plaščev električnih in optičnih kablov proti UV-žarkom

Ta evropski standard opisuje tri metode določanja odpornosti plaščev
električnih in optičnih kablov proti UV-žarkom. Ti preskusi veljajo za uporabo kablov na prostem in v prostoru glede na standard za izdelek. Vzorci plaščev so vzeti iz dokončanih kablov. Čeprav je ta preskusna metoda evropskega standarda namenjena predvsem za komunikacijske kable, se jo lahko glede na veljavni standard za izdelek uporablja tudi za energetske kable.
Če je plašč narejen iz zamreženega (duromernega) materiala, je treba opozoriti, da naj bi bila priprava
litih plošč izvedena pred zamreženjem. Metode se razlikujejo glede na vrsto vira UV-žarkov. Zaradi predolgega časa odpovedi so opisane metode neprimerne za izdelke, pri katerih je odpornost proti UV-žarkom ≥ 2,0 % saj, ki izpolnjujejo zahteve za disperzijo, opredeljene v standardu EN 50290-2-24.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 22-Oct-2015
• Withdrawal Date: 30-Aug-2018
• ICS: 33.120.10 - Coaxial cables. Waveguides
• Technical Committee: CLC/TC 46X - Communication cables
• Drafting Committee: CLC/TC 46X - Communication cables
• Current Stage: 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
• Start Date: 26-May-2021
• Completion Date: 23-Sep-2025
• Ref Project: SIST EN 50289-4-17:2016 - Communication cables - Specifications for test methods - Part 4-17: Test methods for UV resistance evaluation of the sheath of electrical and optical fibre cable

Relations

• Replaces: EN 50289-4-17:2011 - Communication cables - Specifications for test methods - Part 4-17: Test methods for UV resistance evaluation of the sheath of electrical and optical fibre cable
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2023

Overview

EN 50289-4-17:2015 (CLC) specifies laboratory test methods for evaluating UV resistance of cable sheath materials used on electrical and optical fibre communication cables. It defines three alternative exposure methods (xenon arc, fluorescent UV, mercury vapour), procedures for preparing specimens taken from finished cable sheaths, and guidance for measuring UV-induced changes. Tests apply to both outdoor and indoor cable applications and may be referenced by product standards; the standard can also be used for energy cables when called up.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Three test methods
  • Method A (xenon arc) - simulates daylight; typical irradiance around 43 W/m2 (300–400 nm). Cycled exposure includes dry UV and periodic deionised water exposure (typical 120 min cycles: 102 min UV at ~60 °C, 18 min water at ~50 °C).
  • Method B (fluorescent UV) - uses UV-A (e.g., 340 nm) or UV-B (e.g., 313 nm) lamps; preferred UV-A 340 peak irradiance ≥ 0.68 W/m2 at 340 nm. Includes condensation/wet cycles to simulate outdoor conditions.
  • Method C (mercury vapour) - traditional method for telecom cables; examples and apparatus described (informative Annex A). Recent updates allow water immersion cycles; round-robin data indicate applicability for outdoor use.
• Specimen preparation
  • Samples are taken from finished cables or sheath removed from finished cables; moulded plaques may be used when necessary. Test specimen thickness guidance is given (e.g., ~1.0 mm where appropriate).
• Measurements and evaluation
  • Assess loss in mechanical properties, change in appearance, and change in colour after exposure; results are evaluated and reported per the standard and relevant product standards.
• Limitations
  • Methods are not appropriate for products where UV resistance is achieved by ≥ 2.0% carbon black meeting dispersion requirements of EN 50290-2-24.
• Reporting
  • Test report content, conditioning, and use of median values for multiple test results are specified.

Applications - who uses this standard

• Cable manufacturers - to validate sheath formulations and compare UV durability for outdoor/indoor cables.
• Independent test laboratories - to perform accelerated ageing and provide compliant test reports for product certification.
• Specification writers and procurement teams - to reference objective UV-resistance requirements in product standards and tenders.
• R&D and material suppliers - to screen additives, stabilizers and formulations for UV stability.

Related standards

• EN ISO 4892-1 / EN ISO 4892-2 / EN ISO 4892-3 (lab light exposure guidance and xenon/fluorescent methods)
• EN 16472 (mercury vapour weathering)
• EN 60811-202 / EN 60811-501 (cable material test methods)
• EN 50290-2-24 (carbon black dispersion and requirements)

EN 50289-4-17:2015 provides standardized, comparable test procedures for assessing UV resistance of cable sheaths, supporting material selection, product compliance and reliable outdoor cable performance.

Standards Content (Sample)

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Communication cables - Specifications for test methods - Part 4-17: Test methods for UV
resistance evaluation of the sheath of electrical and optical fibre cable
Kommunikationskabel - Specifikationen für Prüfverfahren - Teil.4-17: Prüfverfahren zur
Ermittlung der UV-Beständigkeit der Mäntel elektrischer und optischer Kabel
Câbles de communication - Spécifications des méthodes d'essais -- Partie 4-17:
Méthodes d’essai pour évaluer la résistance aux UV des gaines des câbles électriques
et des câbles à fibre optique
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 50289-4-17:2015
ICS:
33.120.10 Koaksialni kabli. Valovodi Coaxial cables. Waveguides
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN 50289-4-17
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
October 2015
ICS 33.120.10 Supersedes EN 50289-4-17:2011
English Version
Communication cables - Specifications for test methods - Part 4-
17: Test methods for UV resistance evaluation of the sheath of
electrical and optical fibre cable
Câbles de communication - Spécifications des méthodes Kommunikationskabel - Specifikationen für Prüfverfahren -
d'essais - Partie 4-17: Méthodes d'essai pour évaluer la Teil 4-17: Prüfverfahren zur Ermittlung der UV-
résistance aux UV des gaines des câbles électriques et des Beständigkeit der Mäntel elektrischer und optischer Kabel
câbles à fibre optique
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2015-08-31. CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC
Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the
same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and the United Kingdom.

European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2015 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN 50289-4-17:2015 E
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
Introduction . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Test methods . 6
4.1 Test methods for outdoor application . 6
4.2 Test methods for indoor application . 9
5 Measurements . 10
5.1 Loss in mechanical properties . 10
5.2 Change in appearance . 11
5.3 Change in colour . 11
6 Evaluation of results . 11
7 Test report . 11
Annex A (informative) Example of UV test apparatus with mercury vapour lamp source . 13
Annex B (informative) Guidelines to the interpretation and use . 15
Bibliography . 18

Figures
Figure A.1 — Vapour mercury test apparatus . 13
Figure A.2 — Vapour mercury test apparatus — Details of construction . 14

Tables
Table B.1 — Excerpt from MICE table . 16
a
Table B.2 — Measurement units and conversion . 16

European foreword
This document (EN 50289-4-17:2015) has been prepared by CLC/TC 46X “Communication cables”.
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which this document has to be implemented at (dop) 2016-08-31
national level by publication of an identical national standard
or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards conflicting with this (dow) 2018-08-31
document have to be withdrawn
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CENELEC [and/or CEN] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN 50289-4-17:2011.
17:2011:
Annex A has been downgraded as “informative”.
Annexes B and C have been deleted and a new Annex B has been introduced that is no longer requirements
but only a guideline to the interpretation and use.

Introduction
UV hazard assessment for synthetic compounds is possible using a number of UV sources. For the
purposes of this European Standard, three alternative methods are given.
1) Method A uses a xenon arc source to simulate the UV effect on cable sheath. The effect is measured by
the variation of mechanical characteristics and/or change in colour after exposure.
2) Method B uses a fluorescent lamp to simulate the UV effect on cable sheath. Two different lamps may
be used; type I (called UV-A lamps) and type II (called UV-B lamps). The effect is measured as for
method A, by the variation of mechanical characteristics and/or change in colour after exposure.
3) Method C uses mercury vapour lamp to simulate the UV effect on cable sheath. As for methods A
and B, the effect is determined by the variation of mechanical characteristics and/or change in colour
after exposure. This test has been typically used for telecommunication cables.
For outdoor cable application only, the test specimens are periodically subjected to water attack, for
methods A and B. A recent modification of method C now allows for a water immersion cycle.
For method C, the round robin tests made without water (see Annex B) indicate the method may be
applicable to outdoor environments.
Other sources and determination methods are capable of detecting and analysing the UV hazard for a cable
sheath. Examples of such methods are metal halide lamps or sunshine carbon arc lamps, in combination
with proper filters in order to cut off most radiation having wavelengths lower than 290 nm. Contracting
parties may agree to use such other methods, but such methods cannot claim conformity to this European
Standard. If used, it is recommended that such methods have at least equivalent sensitivity and detection
levels as those in this European Standard.
Informative Annex B gives guidelines for the use and interpretation of results.
NOTE It is important to recall the introduction to EN ISO 4892-1:2000, which says, “The relative durability of
materials in actual-use exposures can be very different depending on the location of the exposure because of differences
in UV radiation, time of wetness, temperature, pollutants and other factors. Therefore, even if results from a specific
accelerated laboratory test are found to be useful for comparing the relative durability of materials exposed in a particular
outdoor location or in particular actual-use conditions, it cannot be assumed that they will be useful for determining the
relative durability of materials exposed in a different outdoor location or in different actual-use conditions.”
1 Scope
This European Standard describes three methods to determine the UV resistance of sheath materials for
electric and for optical fibre cables. These tests apply for outdoor and indoor cable applications according to
the product standard. The samples of sheath are taken from the finished cables.
Although this test method European Standard is written principally for communication cables, it may be used
for energy cables if called up by the relevant product standard.
Where a sheath is of cross-linked (thermosetting) material, it should be recalled that the preparation of
moulded plaques should be made before crosslinking.
Methods differ by the nature of the UV source.
Due to the excessive time to failure, the methods described are inappropriate to products where UV
resistance is conferred by ≥ 2,0 % carbon black meeting the dispersion requirements defined in
EN 50290-2-24.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 16472:2014, Plastics — Method for artificial accelerated photoageing using medium pressure mercury
vapour lamps
EN 60811-202, Electric and optical fibre cables — Test methods for non-metallic materials — Part 202:
General tests - Measurement of thickness of non-metallic sheath (IEC 60811-202)
EN 60811-501, Electric and optical fibre cables — Test methods for non-metallic materials — Part 501:
Mechanical tests — Tests for determining the mechanical properties of insulating and sheathing compounds
(IEC 60811-501)
EN ISO 4892-1:2000, Plastics — Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources — Part 1: General
guidance (ISO 4892-1:1999)
EN ISO 4892-2:2013, Plastics — Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources — Part 2: Xenon-arc
lamps (ISO 4892-2:2013)
ISO 9370, Plastics — Instrumental determination of radiant exposure in weathering tests — General
guidance and basic test method
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following term and definition applies.
3.1
median value
when several test results have been obtained and ordered in an increasing (or decreasing) succession,
middle value if the number of available value is odd, and mean of the two middle values if the number is
even
[SOURCE: EN 60811-100:2012, 3.1)
4 Test methods
4.1 Test methods for outdoor application
4.1.1 Method A: xenon arc source
4.1.1.1 General
According to EN ISO 4892-1:2000, 5.1.6.1, the xenon arc lamp, when appropriately filtered, produces
radiations with a spectral power distribution that is a good simulation of average daylight throughout the UV
and visible region.
The exposure apparatus is typically constituted by a rotating specimen holder drum, which rotates around
the light source, as per EN ISO 4892-1:2000, Figure B.1.
Apparatus having a fixed specimen holder is also permitted. In this case, it is important that air can circulate
around the sample to allow a homogeneous repartition of temperature.
4.1.1.2 Apparatus
The testing apparatus is equipped with the following lamps and filters and is set with the parameters
prescribed below:
– a ray source consisting of a xenon arc lamp (“long arc” type) equipped with borosilicate filters so that the
typical irradiance should be 43 W/m ± 15 % with a spectrum between 300 nm and 400 nm;
– a means to provide automatic control of temperature, humidity and cycles;
– a generator of deionised water with a conductivity not greater than 5 µS/cm (the pH should be
recorded); the water shall leave no observable stains or deposits and should therefore contain less than
1 ppm of solids; the rate of flow should be sufficient to guarantee that all the test specimens can be
washed;
– a means to control the irradiance to produce (43,0 ± 0,2) W/m at 340 nm (if the apparatus is not
equipped with irradiance control, follow the device manufacturer's recommendations to produce this
irradiance).
More details are given in EN ISO 4892-2:2013.
4.1.1.3 Sample and test specimen preparation
A sample, at least 600 mm long, of the finished cable or of the outer sheath removed from the finished cable.
It shall be used to prepare 12 test specimens. Test specimens shall be prepared according to
EN 60811-202.
In case, for geometrical reasons, it is not possible to use the above samples (finished cable or outer sheath),
test specimens shall be cut from finished cable, a moulded plaque prepared from pieces of the cable sheath
or a moulded plaque produced from granules of the same material and colour of the cable sheath. The
thickness of the test pieces shall be (1,0 ± 0,1) mm.
4.1.1.4 Procedure
Six test specimens shall be suspended vertically so that the external surface is uniformly exposed to the
action of the actinic rays. During the test, the temperature indicated by the black-panel or the black-standard
thermometer shall remain in the range (60 ± 3) °C and the relative humidity shall remain in the range
(50 ± 5) % (only in the dry period in the case of a test for outdoor application). The rotating drum carrying the
test specimens shall turn at a speed of (1 ± 0,1) r/min. If a flat specimen plane is used, the minimum
irradiance in any point of the specimen exposure area shall be at least 90 % of maximum irradiance.
Test specimens are cycled through periods of UV exposure, followed by periods of no radiation during which
temperature changes occur.
The periods of each cycle, total time of 120 min, are the following:
1)
, followed by
– 102 min of dry UV exposure at a temperature of (60 ± 3) °C
– 18 min of deionised water exposure, without radiation, at a temperature of (50 ± 5) °C.
The overall duration of the test shall be as defined in the relevant product standard. In the absence of such a
definition, guidance is given in Annex B.
After the exposure, the exposed test specimens shall be removed from the equipment and conditioned at
ambient temperature for at least 16 h.
The six other test specimens shall be kept at ambient temperature and protected from any light source
during the UV treatment; they shall be tested at the same time as the exposed test specimens.
4.1.2 Method B: fluorescent UV lamp
4.1.2.1 General
According to EN ISO 4892-3:2013, 4.1.1, there are different types of fluorescent UV lamps that may be used
as laboratory light sources:
– type I lamps (commonly called UV-A lamps), with the preferred option of the UV-A 340 lamp, having a
spectral radiation that peaks at 340 nm;
– type II lamps (commonly called UV-B lamps), having a spectral radiation that peaks near the 313 nm
mercury line; these type II fluorescent UV lamps emit significant amount of radiation below 300 nm, the
nominal cut off wavelength for solar radiation, which may result in ageing processes not completely
equal to those occurring outdoors. The method using UV-B lamps is however frequently used by
agreement between the parties.
The exposure apparatus is typically constituted by a device where specimens are positioned in a flat plane in
front of an array of light sources, as per EN ISO 4892-1:2000, Figure B.2.
4.1.2.2 Apparatus
The testing apparatus is equipped as follows:
– a ray source consisting of type I or type II fluorescent UV lamps, having a typical irradiance peak of at
least 0,68 W/m at 340 nm for the UV-A 340 lamp, and at 313 nm for the UV-B 313 lamp;
– an exposure chamber constructed from inert material, such as to provide uniform irradiance, with a
means for controlling temperature and cycles and a means for providing the formation of water
condensate on the exposed face of the specimens;
– a means to control the specified value of irradiance or, if the apparatus is not equipped with irradiance
control, follow the device manufacturer’s recommendations on the procedure necessary to maintain the
required irradiance.
4.1.2.3 Sample and test specimen preparation
See 4.1.1.3.
—————————
1) Temperature indicated by the black-panel or the black-standard thermometer.
4.1.2.4 Procedure
Six test specimens shall be mounted so that the exposed face is uniformly exposed to the action of the
actinic rays.
Depending on the apparatus, lamp replacement, lamp rotation and test specimens, re-arrangement may be
required to obtain uniform exposure of all specimens to UV radiation and temperature. In such a case, follow
the manufacturer’s recommendations for lamp replacement / rotation or for the re-arrangement of the test
specimens.
Test specimens are cycled through periods of UV exposure, followed by periods of no radiation during which
temperature changes occur and condensation forms on the specimens.
The periods of each cycle, total time of 720 min, are the following:
2)
, followed by
– 600 min of dry UV exposure at a temperature of (60 ± 3) °C
2)
.
– 120 min of condensation exposure, without radiation, at a temperature of (50 ± 3) °C
For coloured compounds, a black-standard temperature of (60 ± 3) °C shall be used.
The overall duration of the test shall be as defined in the relevant product standard. In the absence of such a
definition, guidance is given in Annex B.
After the exposure, the exposed test specimens shall be removed from the equipment and conditioned at
ambient temperature for at least 16 h.
The six other test specimens shall be kept at ambient temperature and protected from direct sunlight during
the UV treatment; t
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