EN IEC 61169-1-3:2026

Radio-frequency connectors - Part 1-3: Electrical test methods - Surge withstand - Surge protective devices built in a coaxial connector - Performance requirements and testing methods

IEC 61169-1-3:2026 is applicable to built-in devices (hereinafter referred to as "SPD" - surge protective device) or surge protection of telecommunications and signalling networks against indirect and direct effects of lightning or other transient over voltages. An SPD is intended to protect the electrical apparatus from transient over voltages and to divert surge currents. The SPD built in the coaxial connector can be a gas discharge tube type, a ¼ wavelength short stub type, a flash-off gap type, and a hybrid type thereof. The purpose of these built-in SPD is to protect modern electronic equipment connected to telecommunications and signalling networks with nominal system voltages up to 1 000 V (RMS) AC and 1 500 V DC.

Hochfrequenz-Steckverbinder - Teil 1-3: Elektrische Prüfverfahren - Überspannungsschutz - Überspannungsschutzgeräte mit eingebautem Koaxialstecker - Leistungsanforderungen und Prüfverfahren

Connecteurs pour fréquences radioélectriques - Partie 1-3: Méthodes d'essais électriques - Tenue aux tensions de choc - Dispositifs de protection contre les surtensions intégrés dans un connecteur coaxial - Exigences de performance et méthodes d'essai

L’IEC 61169-1-3:2026 est applicable aux dispositifs intégrés (appelés ci-dessous parafoudres ou SPD) ou à la protection des réseaux de télécommunications et de signalisation contre les surtensions, y compris les effets directs et indirects de la foudre ou d'autres surtensions transitoires. Un parafoudre est destiné à protéger l'appareillage électrique contre les surtensions transitoires et à dévier les courants de choc. Le parafoudre intégré dans le connecteur coaxial peut être de type tube à décharge de gaz, de type à ligne courte quart d'onde, de type à espace d'évaporation, et d'un type hybride de ceux-ci. L'objectif de ces parafoudres intégrés est de protéger les équipements électroniques modernes connectés à des réseaux de télécommunications et de signalisation au moyen de tensions de système nominales allant jusqu'à 1 000 V (valeur efficace) en courant alternatif et 1 500 V en courant continu.

Radiofrekvenčni konektorji - 1-3. del: Električne preskusne metode - Odpornost na prenapetost - Prenapetostna zaščitna naprava z vgrajenim koaksialnim konektorjem - Zahtevane lastnosti in preskusne metode

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 02-Jul-2026
• ICS: 33.120.30 - RF connectors
• Technical Committee: CLC/SR 46F - RF and microwave passive components
• Current Stage: 6060 - Document made available - Publishing
• Start Date: 03-Jul-2026
• Due Date: 31-Jul-2025
• Completion Date: 03-Jul-2026
• Ref Project: kSIST FprEN IEC 61169-1-3:2026 - Radio-frequency connectors - Part 1-3: Electrical test methods - Surge withstand - Surge protective devices built-in coaxial connector - Performance requirements and testing methods

Relations

• Refers: EN 61169-1:2013 - Radio-frequency connectors - Part 1: Generic specification - General requirements and measuring methods
• Effective Date: 02-Jun-2026
• Refers: EN 61643-311:2013 - Components for low-voltage surge protective devices - Part 311: Performance requirements and test circuits for gas discharge tubes (GDT)
• Effective Date: 02-Jun-2026
• Refers: EN IEC 61169-1-2:2019 - Radio-frequency connectors - Part 1-2: Electrical test methods - Insertion loss
• Effective Date: 02-Jun-2026

Overview

EN IEC 61169-1-3:2026 specifies the performance requirements and testing methods for surge protective devices (SPDs) integrated into radio-frequency (RF) coaxial connectors. Issued by CLC, this standard addresses the need for robust surge protection within telecommunications and signalling networks, safeguarding sensitive electronic and communication equipment from the direct and indirect effects of lightning and other transient overvoltages.

SPDs built into coaxial connectors are essential for diverting surge currents and limiting voltages to acceptable levels, thereby preventing equipment damage and loss of service. The standard covers a wide range of SPD technologies, including gas discharge tube types, ¼ wavelength short stub types, flash-off gap types, and their hybrids, supporting system voltages up to 1,000 V AC (RMS) and 1,500 V DC.

Key Topics

• Scope and Purpose: Defines requirements for SPDs integrated in coaxial connectors used in RF, telecommunications, and signalling networks, focusing on their ability to withstand surge events and protect downstream equipment.
• Device Types: Details SPD types suitable for coaxial connectors such as:
  • Gas discharge tubes (GDT)
  • ¼ wavelength short stub designs
  • Flash-off gap
  • Hybrid arrangements
• Service and Environmental Conditions: Provides environmental operation guidelines, including:
  • Air pressure: 80 kPa to 106 kPa (altitude +2,000 m to -500 m)
  • Temperature: -5°C to +40°C (indoor), -40°C to +70°C (outdoor)
  • Humidity: 5% to 95% (indoor), 5% to 100% (outdoor)
• Electrical Performance: Outlines minimum performance requirements for:
  • Sparkover voltage
  • Return loss (V.S.W.R.)
  • Insertion loss
  • Insulation resistance
• Test Methods: Describes testing and measurement procedures for:
  • DC sparkover voltage
  • Impulse sparkover voltage
  • Impulse durability
  • Return loss and insertion loss
  • Insulation resistance
• Measurement Equipment: Specifies recommended equipment and set-ups for test execution, ensuring reliable and repeatable results.

Applications

EN IEC 61169-1-3:2026 is critical for manufacturers, designers, and users of:

• Telecommunications and Signalling Equipment: Ensures resilience and protection of communication infrastructure exposed to surge events, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
• RF and Microwave Systems: Provides guidance for integrating effective surge protection within RF connectors commonly used in antennas, base stations, and broadcast equipment.
• Industrial and Infrastructure Sectors: Applicable where coaxial connectors provide connectivity in control systems, security installations, or networked infrastructure, protecting these assets from abrupt overvoltage events.
• OEM Integration: Facilitates compliance during product development, ensuring that built-in SPD elements satisfy both international safety and functional performance expectations.

By adhering to this standard, stakeholders improve operational reliability, enhance safety, and achieve regulatory compliance for products used in critical communications and high-value electronic assets.

Related Standards

Compliance with EN IEC 61169-1-3:2026 often requires reference to other international standards and guidelines, such as:

• IEC 61169-1: Generic specification for radio-frequency connectors - General requirements and measuring methods
• IEC 61643 series: Surge protective devices for low-voltage power distribution and for telecommunications and signalling networks
  • IEC 61643-21: SPDs for telecommunications and signalling lines
• IEC 61000-4-5: EMC testing and measurement techniques - Surge immunity test
• ITU-T Recommendations K.30, K.55, K.65: Overvoltage and overcurrent requirements related to telecommunication SPD performance and applications
• IEC 60364-5-51: Selection and erection of electrical equipment - Common rules for electrical installations.

Use of these related standards ensures comprehensive surge protection solutions that are compatible with international best practices in safety and equipment reliability.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST prEN IEC 61169-1-3:2025
01-julij-2025
Radiofrekvenčni konektorji - 1-3. del: Električne preskusne metode - Odpornost na
prenapetost - Prenapetostna zaščitna naprava z vgrajenim koaksialnim
konektorjem - Zahtevane lastnosti in preskusne metode
Radio-frequency connectors - Part 1-3: Electrical test methods - Surge withstand - Surge
protective devices built-in coaxial connector - Performance requirements and testing
methods
Connecteurs pour fréquences radioélectriques - Partie 1-3: Méthodes d'essais
électriques - Tenue aux tensions de choc - Connecteurs coaxiaux intégrés pour
parafoudres - Exigences de performance et méthodes d'essai
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN IEC 61169-1-3:2025
ICS:
33.120.30 Radiofrekvenčni konektorji RF connectors
(RF)
oSIST prEN IEC 61169-1-3:2025 en
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

oSIST prEN IEC 61169-1-3:2025
oSIST prEN IEC 61169-1-3:2025
46F/706/CDV
COMMITTEE DRAFT FOR VOTE (CDV)
PROJECT NUMBER:
IEC 61169-1-3 ED1
DATE OF CIRCULATION: CLOSING DATE FOR VOTING:
2025-05-09 2025-08-01
SUPERSEDES DOCUMENTS:
46F/688/CD, 46F/700/CC
IEC SC 46F : RF AND MICROWAVE PASSIVE COMPONENTS
SECRETARIAT: SECRETARY:
United States of America Mr John Morelli
OF INTEREST TO THE FOLLOWING COMMITTEES: HORIZONTAL FUNCTION(S):

ASPECTS CONCERNED:
SUBMITTED FOR CENELEC PARALLEL VOTING NOT SUBMITTED FOR CENELEC PARALLEL VOTING
Attention IEC-CENELEC parallel voting
The attention of IEC National Committees, members of
CENELEC, is drawn to the fact that this Committee Draft for Vote
(CDV) is submitted for parallel voting.
The CENELEC members are invited to vote through the
CENELEC online voting system.
This document is still under study and subject to change. It should not be used for reference purposes.
Recipients of this document are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
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Recipients of this document are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant “In Some Countries” clau ses to
be included should this proposal proceed. Recipients are reminded that the CDV stage is the final stage for submitting ISC c lauses.
(SEE AC/22/2007 OR NEW GUIDANCE DOC).

TITLE:
Radio-frequency connectors – Part 1-3: Electrical test methods - Surge withstand – Surge protective devices
built-in coaxial connector – Performance requirements and testing methods

PROPOSED STABILITY DATE: 2028
NOTE FROM TC/SC OFFICERS:
The latest version from Japanese NC

electronic file, to make a copy and to print out the content for the sole purpose of preparing National Committee positions.
You may not copy or "mirror" the file or printed version of the document, or any part of it, for any other purpose without
permission in writing from IEC.

oSIST prEN IEC 61169-1-3:2025
– 2 – IEC CDV 61169-1-3 © IEC 2025
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Service and test conditions . 8
4.1 Service conditions . 8
4.1.1 Normal service conditions . 8
4.1.2 Abnormal service conditions . 9
4.2 Test temperature and humidity . 9
5 Electrical requirements . 9
5.1 General . 9
5.2 Initial values . 9
5.2.1 Sparkover voltages . 9
5.2.2 Return loss (V.S.W.R.) . 9
5.2.3 Insertion loss . 9
5.2.4 Insulation resistance . 9
5.3 Test measurements and requirements . 10
5.3.1 Impulse durability . 10
5.4 Requirements after application of load . 10
5.4.1 General . 10
5.4.2 Sparkover voltages . 10
5.4.3 Return loss (V.S.W.R.) . 10
5.4.4 Insertion loss . 10
5.4.5 Insulation resistance . 10
6 Test and measurement procedures and circuits . 10
6.1 DC sparkover voltage . 10
6.2 Impulse sparkover voltage . 10
6.3 Impulse durability . 11
6.4 Return loss (V.S.W.R.) . 11
6.5 Insertion loss . 11
6.6 Insulation resistance . 11
7 Test and measurement procedures and circuits . 11
Annex A (informative)  Measurement equipment examples of DC sparkover voltage
test . 12
A.1 DC sparkover voltage test overview, procedure and method . 12
Annex B (informative)  Measurement equipment examples of impulse sparkover
voltage test . 16
B.1 Impulse sparkover voltage test overview, procedure and method . 16
Annex C (informative)  Measurement equipment examples of impulse durability test . 19
C.1 Impulse durability (applicable to signal and communication SPDs) . 19
Bibliography . 22

Figure 1 – Coaxial adapter for surge protection device with gas discharge tube . 7
Figure 2 – Coaxial adapter for surge protection device with 1/4 wavelength short stub . 8

oSIST prEN IEC 61169-1-3:2025
IEC CDV 61169-1-3 © IEC 202X – 3 –
Figure 3 – Circuit for d.c. sparkover voltage test at 100 V/s . 10
Figure 4 – Circuit for impulse sparkover voltage at 1 000 V/μs . 11
Figure 5 – Test circuits for impulse durability and overstressed fault mode . 11
Figure A.1 – Withstand voltage tester . 12
Figure A.2 – Oscilloscope . 12
Figure A.3 – High voltage probe . 13
Figure A.4a – Test Overview . 14
Figure A.4b – Test Overview . 14
Figure A.5a – Test results . 15
Figure A.5b – Test results (monitoring) . 15
Figure B.1 – Lightning surge tester . 16
Figure B.2 – Test Overview . 17
Figure B.3a – Test results . 17
Figure B.3b – Test results (monitoring) . 18
Figure C.1 – Direct lightning impulse generator. 19
Figure C.2 – Names of the parts of the direct lightning impulse generator . 20
Figure C.3a – Impulse durability measurement layout . 20
Figure C.3b – Impulse durability measurement layout (other view) . 20
Figure C.4a – Connector setup example . 21
Figure C.4b – Connector setup example (detail) . 21

oSIST prEN IEC 61169-1-3:2025
– 4 – IEC CDV 61169-1-3 © IEC 2025
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
RADIO-FREQUENCY CONNECTORS –
Part 1-3: Electrical test methods – Surge withstand –
Surge protective devices built-in coaxial connector –
Performance requirements and testing methods

FOREWORD
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rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 61169-1 has been prepared by subcommittee 46F: R.F. and
microwave passive components, of IEC technical committee TC46.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
XX/XX/FDIS XX/XX/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this International Standard can be found in the
report on voting indicated in the above table.
This document has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related to
the specific document. At this date, the document will be

oSIST prEN IEC 61169-1-3:2025
IEC CDV 61169-1-3 © IEC 202X – 5 –
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
The National Committees are requested to note that for this document the stability date
is 20XX.
THIS TEXT IS INCLUDED FOR THE INFORMATION OF THE NATIONAL COMMITTEES AND WILL BE DELETED
AT THE PUBLICATION STAGE.
oSIST prEN IEC 61169-1-3:2025
– 6 – IEC CDV 61169-1-3 © IEC 2025
1 RADIO-FREQUENCY CONNECTORS –
3 Part 1-3: Electrical test methods – Surge withstand –
4 Surge protective devices built-in coaxial connector –
5 Performance requirements and testing methods
9 1 Scope
10 This International Standard is applicable to built-in devices (hereinafter referred to as SPD) or
11 surge protection of telecommunications and signalling networks against indirect and direct
12 effects of lightning or other transient over voltages.
14 SPD device that is intended to protect the electrical apparatus from transient overvoltages
15 and to divert surge currents.
17 The SPD built in the coaxial connector includes a gas discharge tube type, a 1/4 wavelength
18 short stub type, a flash-off gap type, and a hybrid type thereof.
20 The purpose of these built-in SPD connectors is to protect modern electronic equipment
21 connected to telecommunications and signaling networks with nominal system voltages up to
22 1 000 V (r.m.s.) a.c. and 1 500 V d.c.
24 2 Normative references
25 The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document.
26 For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition
27 of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
29 IEC 60050(702):1992, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary – Chapter 702: Oscillations,
30 signals and related devices
31 IEC 60050(726):1982, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary – Chapter 726: Transmission
32 lines and waveguides
33 IEC 61000-4-5, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4: Testing and measurement
34 techniques – Section 5 – Surge immunity test
35 IEC 61169-1:2013, Radio frequency connectors - Part 1: Generic specification - General
36 requirements and measuring methods
37 IEC 61643-1, Surge protective devices connected to low-voltage power distribution systems –
38 Part 1: Performance requirements and testing methods
39 IEC 61643-11:2011, Low-voltage surge protective devises – Part 11: Surge protective devices
40 connected to low-voltage power systems – Requirements and test methods
41 IEC 61643-12:2008, Low-voltage surge protective devices – Part 12: Surge protective devices
42 connected to low-voltage power distribution systems – Selection and application principles
43 IEC 61643-21:2009, Low-voltage surge protective devices – Part 21: Surge protection devices
44 connected to telecommunications and signaling networks – Performance requirements and
45 testing methods
46 IEC 61643-22:2004, Low-voltage surge protective devices – Part 22: Surge protection devices
47 connected to telecommunications and signaling networks – Selection and application
48 principles
50 ITU-T Recommendation K.30:1993, Positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistors
51 ITU-T Recommendation K.55:2002, Overvoltage and overcurrent requirements for insulation
52 displacement connectors (IDC) terminations

oSIST prEN IEC 61169-1-3:2025
IEC CDV 61169-1-3 © IEC 202X – 7 –
53 ITU-T Recommendation K.65:2004, Overvoltage and overcurrent requirements for termination
54 modules with contacts for test ports or SPDs
55 ITU-T Recommendation O.9:1999, Measuring arrangements to assess the degree of
56 unbalance about earth
58 3 Terms and definitions
59 3.1
60 For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 61169-1 2nd.
61 3.2
62 surge protective device
63 SPD
64 device that restricts the voltage of a designated port or ports, caused by a surge, when it
65 exceeds a predetermined level
66 NOTE 1 Secondary functions may be incorporated, such as a current-limiting to restrict
67 a terminal current.
68 NOTE 2 Typically the protective circuit has at least one non-linear voltage-limiting surge
69 protective component.
70 NOTE 3 An SPD is a complete assembly, having terminals to connect to the circuit
71 conductors.
72 3.3
73 voltage switching type SPD
74 SPD that has a high shunt impedance and will have a sudden and large reduction in
75 impedance in response to a voltage surge exceeding the threshold level of the SPD
76 NOTE Examples of components used in voltage switching type SPDs: air gaps, gas
77 discharge tubes (GDT) and thyristor surge suppressors (TSS).
91 Figure 1 - Coaxial adapter for surge protection device with gas discharge tube
93 3.4
94 1/4 wavelength short stub
95 specialized coaxial component that leverages a short stub design at a specific length to offer
96 surge protection for electronic devices. It serves to shield connected equipment from voltage
97 surges, ensuring the safe and reliable
...