EN IEC 60794-1-22:2018
(Main)Optical fibre cables - Part 1-22: Generic specification - Basic optical cable test procedures - Environmental test methods
Optical fibre cables - Part 1-22: Generic specification - Basic optical cable test procedures - Environmental test methods
NEW!IEC 60794-1-22:2017 is available as IEC 60794-1-22:2017 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.IEC 60794-1-22:2017 defines test procedures to be used in establishing uniform requirements for the environmental performance of: - optical fibre cables for use with telecommunication equipment and devices employing similar techniques, and - cables having a combination of both optical fibres and electrical conductors. Throughout this document, the wording "optical cable" can also include optical fibre units, microduct fibre units, etc. See IEC 60794-1-2 for a reference guide to test methods of all types and for general requirements and definitions. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2012. It constitutes a technical revision. This second edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: - new test method designation F16 – Compound flow (drip) [E14 in IEC 60794-1-21]; - new test method F17 – Cable shrinkage test (fibre protrusion); - new test method F18 – Mid-span temperature cycling test. Keywords: optical fibre cables for use with telecommunication equipment
Lichtwellenleiterkabel - Teil 1-22: Fachgrundspezifikation - Grundlegende Prüfverfahren für Lichtwellenleiterkabel - Umweltprüfverfahren
Câbles à fibres optiques - Partie 1-22 : Spécification générique - Procédures fondamentales d’essais des câbles optiques - Méthodes d’essai d’environnement
NEW!IEC 60794-1-22:2017 est disponible sous forme de IEC 60794-1-22:2017 RLV qui contient la Norme internationale et sa version Redline, illustrant les modifications du contenu technique depuis l'édition précédente.
Optični kabli - 1-22. del: Splošne specifikacije - Osnovni preskusni postopki za optične kable - Okoljske preskusne metode (IEC 60794-1-22:2017)
Ta del standarda IEC 60794 opredeljuje preskusne postopke, ki jih je treba uporabljati pri določanju enotnih zahtev za okoljsko zmogljivost:
• optičnih kablov, namenjenih za uporabo s telekomunikacijsko opremo in napravami, ki uporabljajo podobne tehnike; ter
• kablov, sestavljenih iz optičnih vlaken in električnih prevodnikov.
V tem dokumentu lahko izraz »optični kabel« zajema tudi optične enote, mikrokanale za optične enote itd.
Za navodila o preskusnih metodah za vse vrste ter za splošne zahteve in opredelitve glej standard IEC 60794-1-2.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 01-Feb-2018
- Withdrawal Date
- 08-Nov-2020
- Technical Committee
- CLC/TC 86A - Optical fibres and optical fibre cables
- Drafting Committee
- IEC/SC 86A - IEC_SC_86A
- Current Stage
- 6060 - Document made available - Publishing
- Start Date
- 02-Feb-2018
- Completion Date
- 02-Feb-2018
Relations
- Effective Date
- 07-Jun-2022
- Effective Date
- 08-Oct-2025
- Effective Date
- 08-Oct-2025
- Effective Date
- 23-Sep-2025
- Effective Date
- 20-May-2025
- Effective Date
- 20-May-2025
- Effective Date
- 18-Jun-2024
- Effective Date
- 18-Jun-2024
- Effective Date
- 28-May-2024
- Effective Date
- 07-May-2024
- Effective Date
- 30-Apr-2024
- Effective Date
- 09-Sep-2025
- Effective Date
- 07-Jun-2022
Overview
EN IEC 60794-1-22:2018 (IEC 60794-1-22:2017 RLV) is the CLC/CENELEC-harmonized edition of the international standard that defines environmental test methods and basic optical cable test procedures for optical fibre cables. It provides uniform, generic procedures to assess the environmental performance of optical fibre cables used with telecommunication equipment - including cables that combine optical fibres with electrical conductors, fibre units and microduct fibre units. This edition supersedes the 2012 version and includes a redline (RLV) showing technical changes.
Key topics and requirements
The standard specifies a suite of environmental test methods (examples from the document include):
- Temperature cycling (Method F1) and mid-span temperature cycling (new Method F18) for thermal stability
- Water penetration (Method F5) and underwater hydrostatic pressure (Method F10) for water-tightness and long-term submersion resistance
- UV resistance (Method F14) and ageing (Method F9) to assess outdoor durability and material degradation
- Pneumatic resistance (Method F8) and microduct pressure withstand (Method F13) for installation and deployment conditions
- Sheath shrinkage and cable shrinkage (fibre protrusion) (Methods F11 and new F17) for jackets and patch-cord suitability
- Nuclear radiation (Method F7) and compound flow (drip) (new Method F16) for specialty environments
- Tests addressing connectors and termination performance (e.g., temperature cycling for connectorized cables)
The standard defines sample selection, apparatus, procedures, pass/fail requirements, details to be specified by purchasers, and reporting conventions. It cross-references IEC 60794‑1‑2 for a comprehensive guide to test methods, general requirements and definitions.
Practical applications and users
EN IEC 60794-1-22:2018 is essential for:
- Cable manufacturers - to design, qualify and document environmental performance of fibre cables
- Test laboratories - to perform standardized environmental tests and produce comparable results
- Telecom network operators & installers - to verify cable suitability for particular climates and installation scenarios
- Procurement/specification engineers - to write clear procurement requirements and acceptance criteria
- OEMs and system integrators - to ensure cables meet environmental constraints for sensitive equipment
Using these standardized methods improves product reliability, reduces field failures, and supports regulatory and contractual compliance.
Related standards
- IEC 60794-1-2 - Reference guide to test methods, general requirements and definitions
- Other parts of IEC 60794 series (e.g., -1-21, -1-23, -1-24) for mechanical, optical and additional test procedures
Keywords: optical fibre cables, environmental test methods, IEC 60794-1-22, optical cable testing, telecommunication equipment, cable qualification.
Frequently Asked Questions
EN IEC 60794-1-22:2018 is a standard published by CLC. Its full title is "Optical fibre cables - Part 1-22: Generic specification - Basic optical cable test procedures - Environmental test methods". This standard covers: NEW!IEC 60794-1-22:2017 is available as IEC 60794-1-22:2017 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.IEC 60794-1-22:2017 defines test procedures to be used in establishing uniform requirements for the environmental performance of: - optical fibre cables for use with telecommunication equipment and devices employing similar techniques, and - cables having a combination of both optical fibres and electrical conductors. Throughout this document, the wording "optical cable" can also include optical fibre units, microduct fibre units, etc. See IEC 60794-1-2 for a reference guide to test methods of all types and for general requirements and definitions. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2012. It constitutes a technical revision. This second edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: - new test method designation F16 – Compound flow (drip) [E14 in IEC 60794-1-21]; - new test method F17 – Cable shrinkage test (fibre protrusion); - new test method F18 – Mid-span temperature cycling test. Keywords: optical fibre cables for use with telecommunication equipment
NEW!IEC 60794-1-22:2017 is available as IEC 60794-1-22:2017 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.IEC 60794-1-22:2017 defines test procedures to be used in establishing uniform requirements for the environmental performance of: - optical fibre cables for use with telecommunication equipment and devices employing similar techniques, and - cables having a combination of both optical fibres and electrical conductors. Throughout this document, the wording "optical cable" can also include optical fibre units, microduct fibre units, etc. See IEC 60794-1-2 for a reference guide to test methods of all types and for general requirements and definitions. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2012. It constitutes a technical revision. This second edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: - new test method designation F16 – Compound flow (drip) [E14 in IEC 60794-1-21]; - new test method F17 – Cable shrinkage test (fibre protrusion); - new test method F18 – Mid-span temperature cycling test. Keywords: optical fibre cables for use with telecommunication equipment
EN IEC 60794-1-22:2018 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 33.180.10 - Fibres and cables. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN IEC 60794-1-22:2018 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 60794-1-22:2012, EN IEC 60794-1-207:2025, prEN IEC 60794-1-205:2025, EN IEC 60794-1-218:2025, EN IEC 60794-1-208:2025, EN IEC 60794-1-216:2025, EN IEC 60794-1-201:2024, EN IEC 60794-1-209:2024, EN IEC 60794-1-213:2024, EN IEC 60794-1-217:2024, EN IEC 60794-1-212:2024, EN IEC 60794-1-214:2025, EN IEC 60794-1-211:2021. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
You can purchase EN IEC 60794-1-22:2018 directly from iTeh Standards. The document is available in PDF format and is delivered instantly after payment. Add the standard to your cart and complete the secure checkout process. iTeh Standards is an authorized distributor of CLC standards.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-april-2018
1DGRPHãþD
SIST EN 60794-1-22:2012
2SWLþQLNDEOLGHO 6SORãQHVSHFLILNDFLMH2VQRYQLSUHVNXVQLSRVWRSNL]D
RSWLþQHNDEOH2NROMVNHSUHVNXVQHPHWRGH ,(&
Optical fibre cables - Part 1-22: Generic specification - Basic optical cable test
procedures - Environmental test methods (IEC 60794-1-22:2017)
Lichtwellenleiterkabel - Teil 1-22: Fachgrundspezifikation - Grundlegende Prüfverfahren
für Lichtwellenleiterkabel - Prüfverfahren zur Umweltprüfung (IEC 60794-1-22:2017)
Câbles à fibres optiques - Partie 1-22 : Spécification générique - Procédures
fondamentales d’essais des câbles optiques - Méthodes d’essai d’environnement (IEC
60794-1-22:2017)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN IEC 60794-1-22:2018
ICS:
33.180.10 2SWLþQD YODNQDLQNDEOL Fibres and cables
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
EUROPEAN STANDARD EN IEC 60794-1-22
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
February 2018
ICS 33.180.10 Supersedes EN 60794-1-22:2012
English Version
Optical fibre cables - Part 1-22: Generic specification - Basic
optical cable test procedures - Environmental test methods
(IEC 60794-1-22:2017)
Câbles à fibres optiques - Partie 1-22 : Spécification Lichtwellenleiterkabel - Teil 1-22: Fachgrundspezifikation -
générique - Procédures fondamentales d'essais des câbles Grundlegende Prüfverfahren für Lichtwellenleiterkabel -
optiques - Méthodes d'essai d'environnement Prüfverfahren zur Umweltprüfung
(IEC 60794-1-22:2017) (IEC 60794-1-22:2017)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2017-11-09. 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, Serbia, 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: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2018 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN IEC 60794-1-22:2018 E
European foreword
The text of document 86A/1813/FDIS, future edition 2 of IEC 60794-1-22, prepared by SC 86A "Fibres
and cables" of IEC/TC 86 "Fibre optics" was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote and
approved by CENELEC as EN IEC 60794-1-22:2018.
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which the document has to be (dop) 2018-08-09
implemented at national level by
publication of an identical national
standard or by endorsement
(dow) 2020-11-09
• latest date by which the national
standards conflicting with the
document have to be withdrawn
This document supersedes EN 60794-1-22:2012.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CENELEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 60794-1-22:2017 was approved by CENELEC as a
European Standard without any modification.
In the official version, for Bibliography, the following notes have to be added for the standards indicated:
IEC 60794-1-2 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60794-1-2.
IEC 60794-1-21 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60794-1-21.
IEC 60794-1-22 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60794-1-22.
IEC 60794-1-23 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60794-1-23.
IEC 60794-1-24 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60794-1-24.
Annex ZA
(normative)
Normative references to international publications
with their corresponding European publications
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments)
applies.
NOTE 1 Where an International Publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod), the relevant
EN/HD applies.
NOTE 2 Up-to-date information on the latest versions of the European Standards listed in this annex is available here:
www.cenelec.eu.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 60068-2-14 2009 Environmental testing -- Part 2-14: Tests - EN 60068-2-14 2009
Test N: Change of temperature
IEC 60304 - Standard colours for insulation for low- HD 402 S2 -
frequency cables and wires
IEC 60544-1 - Electrical insulating materials - EN 60544-1 -
Determination of the effects of ionizing
radiation -- Part 1: Radiation interaction
and dosimetry
IEC 60793-1-40 - Optical fibres -- Part 1-40: Measurement EN 60793-1-40 -
methods and test procedures - Attenuation
IEC 60793-1-46 - Optical fibres -- Part 1-46: Measurement EN 60793-1-46 -
methods and test procedures - Monitoring
of changes in optical transmittance
IEC 60793-1-54 - Optical fibres -- Part 1-54: Measurement EN 60793-1-54 -
methods and test procedures - Gamma
irradiation
IEC 60794-1-1 - Optical fibre cables - Part 1-1: Generic EN 60794-1-1 -
specification - General
IEC 60811-503 - Electric and optical fibre cables - Test EN 60811-503 -
methods for non-metallic materials -- Part
503: Mechanical tests - Shrinkage test for
sheaths
ISO 4892-2 - Plastics - Methods of exposure to EN ISO 4892-2 -
laboratory light sources - Part 2: Xenon-arc
lamps
ISO 4892-3 - Plastics - Methods of exposure to EN ISO 4892-3 -
laboratory light sources - Part 3:
Fluorescent UV lamps
IEC 60794-1-22 ®
Edition 2.0 2017-10
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Optical fibre cables –
Part 1-22: Generic specification – Basic optical cable test procedures –
Environmental test methods
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 33.180.10 ISBN 978-2-8322-4864-5
– 2 – IEC 60794-1-22:2017 © IEC 2017
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 5
INTRODUCTION . 7
1 Scope . 8
2 Normative references . 8
3 Terms and definitions . 9
4 Method F1 – Temperature cycling . 9
4.1 Object . 9
4.2 Sample . 9
4.3 Apparatus . 10
4.4 Procedure . 10
4.4.1 Initial measurement . 10
4.4.2 Pre-conditioning . 10
4.4.3 Conditioning . 10
4.4.4 Recovery . 13
4.5 Requirements . 13
4.6 Details to be specified . 13
4.7 Details to be reported . 14
5 Method F5 – Water penetration . 14
5.1 Object . 14
5.2 Sample . 14
5.2.1 Method F5A . 14
5.2.2 Method F5B . 14
5.2.3 Method F5C (for cables with swellable water blocking material) . 15
5.3 Apparatus . 15
5.3.1 Test fixtures and set-up . 15
5.3.2 Water . 15
5.3.3 Orifice (method F5C) . 15
5.4 Procedure . 15
5.4.1 Method F5A and F5B . 15
5.4.2 Method F5C . 16
5.5 Requirements . 16
5.6 Details to be specified . 16
5.7 Details to be reported . 16
6 Method F7 – Nuclear radiation . 19
6.1 Object . 19
6.2 Sample . 19
6.3 Apparatus . 19
6.4 Procedure . 19
6.4.1 Fibres . 19
6.4.2 Materials . 19
6.5 Requirements . 19
6.6 Details to be specified . 19
7 Method F8 – Pneumatic resistance . 19
7.1 Object . 19
7.2 Sample . 20
IEC 60794-1-22:2017 © IEC 2017 – 3 –
7.3 Apparatus . 20
7.4 Procedure . 20
7.5 Requirement . 20
7.6 Details to be specified . 20
8 Method F9 – Ageing . 21
8.1 Object . 21
8.2 Sample . 21
8.3 Apparatus . 21
8.4 Procedure . 21
8.5 Requirement . 21
8.6 Details to be specified . 21
9 Method F10 – Underwater cable resistance to hydrostatic pressure . 22
9.1 Object . 22
9.2 Sample . 22
9.3 Apparatus . 22
9.4 Procedure . 22
9.5 Requirements . 22
9.6 Details to be specified . 22
10 Method F11 – Sheath shrinkage (cables intended for patch cords) . 22
10.1 Object . 22
10.2 Sample . 23
10.3 Apparatus . 23
10.4 Procedure . 23
10.5 Requirements . 24
10.6 Details to be specified . 24
10.7 Details to be reported . 24
11 Method F12 – Temperature cycling of cables to be terminated with connectors . 24
11.1 Object . 24
11.2 Sample . 24
11.3 Apparatus . 24
11.4 Procedure . 25
11.5 Requirements . 25
11.6 Details to be specified . 25
12 Method F13 – Microduct pressure withstand . 25
12.1 Object . 25
12.2 Sample . 26
12.3 Apparatus . 26
12.4 Procedure . 26
12.5 Requirements . 26
12.6 Details to be specified . 26
13 Method F14 – Cable UV resistance test . 26
13.1 Object . 26
13.2 Sample . 27
13.3 Apparatus . 27
13.4 Procedure . 27
13.4.1 General . 27
13.4.2 Conditioning for outdoor cables (weatherometer test) . 27
13.4.3 Conditioning for indoor cables (QUV test) . 28
– 4 – IEC 60794-1-22:2017 © IEC 2017
13.5 Requirements . 28
13.6 Details to be specified . 28
14 Method F15 – Cable external freezing test . 28
14.1 Object . 28
14.2 Sample . 28
14.3 Apparatus . 28
14.4 Procedure . 28
14.5 Requirements . 29
14.6 Details to be specified . 29
15 Method F16 – Compound flow (drip) . 29
15.1 Object . 29
15.2 Sample . 29
15.3 Apparatus . 30
15.4 Procedure . 30
15.5 Requirements . 31
15.6 Details to be specified . 31
16 Method F17 – Cable shrinkage test (fibre protrusion) . 31
16.1 Object . 31
16.2 Sample . 31
16.3 Apparatus . 31
16.4 Conditioning . 31
16.5 Requirements . 33
16.6 Details to be specified . 33
16.7 Details to be reported . 33
17 Method F18 – Mid-span temperature cycling test for exposed buffer tubes . 34
17.1 Object . 34
17.2 Sample . 34
17.3 Apparatus . 34
17.4 Procedure . 34
17.5 Requirements . 35
17.6 Details to be specified . 35
Annex A (normative) Colour permanence . 36
Bibliography . 37
Figure 1 – Initial cycle(s) procedure . 12
Figure 2 – Final cycle procedure . 13
Figure 3 – Test arrangement for method F5A . 17
Figure 4 – Test arrangement for method F5B . 17
Figure 5 – Test arrangement for method F5C: pre-soaked sample . 17
Figure 6 – Test arrangement for method F5C: pre-soak procedure . 18
Figure 7 – Test arrangement for method F5C: orifice . 18
Figure 8 – Test arrangement for method F5C: longer sample . 18
Figure 9 – Preparation of the cable ends. 32
Figure 10 – Fibre protrusion measurement . 33
Table 1 – Minimum soak time t . 12
IEC 60794-1-22:2017 © IEC 2017 – 5 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
OPTICAL FIBRE CABLES –
Part 1-22: Generic specification –
Basic optical cable test procedures –
Environmental test methods
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC
Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-
governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely
with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by
agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence
between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 60794-1-22 has been prepared by subcommittee 86A: Fibres and
cables, of IEC technical committee 86: Fibre optics.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2012. It constitutes a
technical revision.
This second edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the
previous edition:
a) new test method designation F16 – Compound flow (drip) [E14 in IEC 60794-1-21];
b) new test method F17 – Cable shrinkage test (fibre protrusion);
c) new test method F18 – Mid-span temperature cycling test.
– 6 – IEC 60794-1-22:2017 © IEC 2017
NOTE Missing numbers in the test methods sequence are intentional. They can suggest a deleted test method or
a test method that was never published.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
86A/1813/FDIS 86A/1827/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.
A list of all parts in the IEC 60794 series, published under the general title Optical fibre
cables, can be found on the IEC website.
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
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
A bilingual version of this publication may be issued at a later date.
IMPORTANT – The 'colour inside' logo on the cover page of this publication indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct
understanding of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a
colour printer.
IEC 60794-1-22:2017 © IEC 2017 – 7 –
INTRODUCTION
IEC 60794-1-2:2003 has been split into five new documents:
• IEC 60794-1-2, Optical fibre cables – Part 1-2: Generic specification – Basic optical cable
test procedures – General guidance
• IEC 60794-1-21, Optical fibre cables – Part 1-21: Generic specification – Basic optical
cable test procedures – Mechanical tests methods
• IEC 60794-1-22, Optical fibre cables – Part 1-22: Generic specification – Basic optical
cable test procedures – Environmental tests methods
• IEC 60794-1-23, Optical fibre cables – Part 1-23: Generic specification – Basic optical
cable test procedures – Cable elements tests methods
• IEC 60794-1-24, Optical fibre cables – Part 1-24: Generic specification – Basic optical
cable test procedures – Electrical tests methods
– 8 – IEC 60794-1-22:2017 © IEC 2017
OPTICAL FIBRE CABLES –
Part 1-22: Generic specification –
Basic optical cable test procedures –
Environmental test methods
1 Scope
This part of IEC 60794 defines test procedures to be used in establishing uniform
requirements for the environmental performance of
• optical fibre cables for use with telecommunication equipment and devices employing
similar techniques, and
• cables having a combination of both optical fibres and electrical conductors.
Throughout this document, the wording "optical cable" can also include optical fibre units,
microduct fibre units, etc.
See IEC 60794-1-2 for a reference guide to test methods of all types and for general
requirements and definitions.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their
content constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition
cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including
any amendments) applies.
IEC 60068-2-14:2009, Environmental testing – Part 2-14: Tests – Test N: Change of
temperature
IEC 60304, Standard colours for insulation for low-frequency cables and wires
IEC 60544-1, Electrical insulating materials – Determination of the effects of ionizing radiation
– Part 1: Radiation interaction and dosimetry
IEC 60793-1-40, Optical fibres – Part 1-40: Measurement methods and test procedures –
Attenuation
IEC 60793-1-46, Optical fibres – Part 1-46: Measurement methods and test procedures –
Monitoring of changes in optical transmittance
IEC 60793-1-54, Optical fibres – Part 1-54: Measurement methods and test procedures –
Gamma irradiation
IEC 60794-1-1, Optical fibre cables – Part 1-1: Generic specification – General
IEC 60811-503, Electric and optical fibre cables – Test methods for non-metallic materials –
Part 503: Mechanical tests – Shrinkage test for sheaths
ISO 4892-2, Plastics – Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources – Part 2: Xenon-arc
lamps
IEC 60794-1-22:2017 © IEC 2017 – 9 –
ISO 4892-3, Plastics – Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources – Part 3: Fluorescent
UV lamps
3 Terms and definitions
No terms and definitions are listed in this document.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
4 Method F1 – Temperature cycling
4.1 Object
This measuring method applies to optical fibre cables, which are tested by temperature
cycling in order to determine the stability behaviour of the attenuation of cables submitted to
temperature changes. This method can also be used for evaluation of buffer tubes or other
elements independent of a cable construction, as defined by a detail specification.
Changes in the attenuation of optical fibre cables, which can occur with changing
temperature, are generally the result of buckling or tensioning of the fibres resulting from
differences between their thermal expansion coefficient and the coefficients of the cable
strength and sheath members. Test conditions for temperature-dependent measurements
shall simulate the worst conditions.
This test can be used either for monitoring cable behaviour in the temperature range, which
can occur during storage, transportation and usage, or to check, in a selected temperature
range (usually wider than that required for the above-mentioned case), the stability behaviour
of the attenuation connected to a substantially microbend-free situation of the fibre within the
cable structure.
NOTE 1 Method F12 is a specialized subset of this method, specifically addressing cables for use in patch cords.
NOTE 2 The ageing test, F9, uses method F1 as its pre- and post-test temperature cycle. Often these tests are
done together.
NOTE 3 The cable shrinkage test, F17, uses method F1 as temperature cycling. These tests can be done
together.
4.2 Sample
The sample shall be a factory length or a sample of sufficient length as indicated in the detail
specification but, nevertheless, of length appropriate to achieve the desired accuracy of
attenuation measurements. The sample is additionally defined as the cable sample as
deployed for testing.
In order to gain reproducible values, the cable sample shall be brought into the climatic
chamber in a manner such that the deployment does not affect the measurement. Such
methods could be a loose coil or on a reel with large diameter coils, cushioned reels with a
soft layer or a zero tension facility device.
The ability of the fibre(s) to accommodate differential expansion and contraction (e.g. by
slipping within the cable) could be influenced by the bending radius of the cable. Sample
conditioning should, therefore, be realized as close as possible to normal usage conditions.
The bend diameter of the cable sample shall not violate the minimum bend diameter of the
cable, tube or other unit as specified by the detail specification.
– 10 – IEC 60794-1-22:2017 © IEC 2017
Potential problems are due to an actual difference between the expansion coefficients of the
test sample and of the holder (e.g. reel, basket, plate) which can induce, during thermal
cycles, a significant effect on the test result if "no effect" conditions are not completely
fulfilled. The intent is to simulate the installed condition, in which the cable is generally
straight for the majority of its length.
Parameters of influence are mainly the details of conditioning, the type and materials of the
holder, and the diameter of the sample coil or reel.
General recommendations include the following.
a) The winding diameter shall be large enough to keep the ability of the fibre to
accommodate differential expansion and contraction. A winding diameter substantially
greater than the value selected for cable delivery can be necessary.
b) Any risk of cable expansion (or contraction) limitation created by conditioning shall be
suppressed. In particular, special care should be taken to avoid residual tension on the
cable during the test. For example, a tight winding on a drum is not recommended as it
can limit cable contraction at low temperature. On the other hand, a tight multilayer
winding can limit expansion at high temperature.
c) The use of loose winding is recommended with large diameter coils and cushioned reels
with a soft layer or zero tension facility device.
d) The number of fibres tested shall conform to IEC 60794-1-1.
e) The fixed cable ends as well as connection to the equipment shall be outside of the
temperature chamber to avoid negative influences.
When necessary, in order to limit the length of the cable under test, it is permissible to
concatenate several fibres of the cable and to measure the concatenated fibres. The number
of connections shall be limited and they should be located outside the climatic chamber.
4.3 Apparatus
The apparatus shall consist of the following.
a) An appropriate attenuation measuring apparatus for the determination of attenuation
change (see the test methods of IEC 60793-1-40 and 60793-1-46).
b) a climatic chamber of a suitable size to accommodate the sample and whose temperature
shall be controllable to remain within ±3 °C of the specified testing temperature. One
example of a suitable chamber is given in Clause 8 of IEC 60068-2-14:2009.
c) A temperature sensing device to measure the temperature of the sample, when applicable.
Samples with a large thermal mass can require measurement to verify temperature
stability rather than utilizing a specified exposure period, t (see Table 1).
4.4 Procedure
4.4.1 Initial measurement
The sample shall be visually inspected and a basic value for attenuation at the initial
temperature shall be determined.
4.4.2 Pre-conditioning
Pre-conditioning conditions shall be agreed between customer and supplier.
4.4.3 Conditioning
Figure 1 and Figure 2 show graphically the initial cycle(s) and the final cycle. Together, they
illustrate the temperature cycle sequence to be used. If only one high and low temperature is
specified, use Figure 1; for cycles with multiple high and/or low temperature steps,
use Figure 2.
IEC 60794-1-22:2017 © IEC 2017 – 11 –
NOTE The language of the conditioning procedure is written in reference to Figure 1, for clarity. If Figure 2, with
multiple low and/or high temperatures, is used, the appropriate steps are repeated for each temperature. That is,
steps (2) to (4) would be repeated for each additional low temperature and/or steps (5) to (7) would be repeated for
each high temperature.
1) The sample at ambient temperature shall be introduced into the climatic chamber which is
also at that temperature.
2) The temperature in the chamber shall then be lowered to the appropriate low temperature
T at a rate of cooling not to exceed 60 ºC per hour, unless otherwise specified.
A2
NOTE The initial cycles use the temperature extremes, T and T , regardless of whether the cycle
A2 B2
Figure 1 or Figure 2 is being used.
3) After temperature stability in the chamber has been reached, the sample shall be exposed
to the low temperature conditions for the appropriate period t (see (4), below).
4) A minimum soak time is given in Table 1; however, the soak time, t , shall be sufficient to
bring the complete cable to equilibrium with the specified temperature.
5) The temperature in the chamber shall then be raised to the appropriate high temperature
T at a rate of heating not to exceed 60 ºC per hour, unless otherwise specified.
B2
6) After temperature stability in the chamber has been reached, the sample shall be exposed
to the high temperature conditions for the appropriate period t .
7) The temperature in the chamber shall then be lowered to the value of the ambient
temperature at the appropriate rate of cooling. This procedure constitutes one cycle (see
Figure 1 or Figure 2). If this is the intermediate step in a series of cycles, no soak is
required, but no measurements shall be taken.
8) Continue to the next cycle, using steps 2) through 7). The sample shall be subjected to at
least two cycles unless otherwise required by the relevant detail specification. The initial
cycle(s) shall comprise one low temperature and one high temperature, as per Figure 1.
The final cycle shall comprise one low temperature and one high temperature, as per
Figure 1, as required by the relevant detail specification. If multiple low or high
temperature steps are required, the final cycle shall comprise two or more low
temperatures and two or more high temperatures, as per Figure 2. On the last cycle, if
multiple temperatures are specified, the sample shall be held at each intermediate
temperature (T or T ) for the appropriate time t . At the end of the cycling sequence,
A1 B1 1
hold the sample at ambient temperature for the appropriate period t .
9) The attenuation shall be measured at ambient temperature at the start of the first cycle, at
at each of the specified temperature steps (T , T , T , T )
the end of the soak time t
1 A1 A2 B1 B2
in the final cycle, and at ambient temperature at the end of the final cycle. If measurement
at intermediate cycles is required by the detail specification, the measurements shall be
performed in the same manner.
10) Before removal from the chamber, the sample under test shall have reached temperature
stability at ambient temperature.
– 12 – IEC 60794-1-22:2017 © IEC 2017
Table 1 – Minimum soak time t
Minimum soak times for a given sample mass
Sample mass Minimum soak time, t
kg h
Under 0,35 0,5
0,36 to 0,7 1
0,8 to 1,5 2
1,6 to 15 4
16 to 100 8
101 to 250 12
251 to 500 14
Over 501 16
NOTE It is the responsibility of the tester to assure that the soak time is long enough to bring the cable to
equilibrium with the specified temperature.
T
B2
Time (t)
t
T
A2
t
1 cycle
IEC
Figure 1 – Initial cycle(s) procedure
Temperature in the chamber
IEC 60794-1-22:2017 © IEC 2017 – 13 –
T
B2
T
B1
Time (t)
T
A1
t t
1 1
T
A2
t t
1 1
1 cycle
IEC
Figure 2 – Final cycle procedure
4.4.4 Recovery
If the ambient temperature is not the standard atmospheric condition to be used for testing
after removal from the chamber, the sample shall be allowed to attain temperature stability at
this latter condition.
The relevant detail specification can call for a specific recovery period for a given type
...
SIST EN IEC 60794-1-22:2018は、通信機器に使用される光ファイバケーブルに関する基本的な特性試験手順と環境試験方法を規定した標準です。この標準の主な目的は、光ファイバケーブルの環境性能に関する均一な要求を確立するための試験手順を定義することです。 この標準の強みは、光ファイバケーブルに関連する新しい試験方法の導入にあります。具体的には、試験方法F16（化合物の流れ試験）、F17（ケーブル収縮試験）、およびF18（中間温度サイクル試験）が新たに追加されています。これにより、通信機器に使用される光ファイバケーブルの耐久性や性能評価がより包括的かつ細かな基準で実施できるようになりました。 また、IEC 60794-1-22の改訂版は、前版からの技術的な見直しが行われており、試験方法に関する情報が一貫して更新されています。光ファイバユニットやマイクロダクトファイバユニットを含む「光ケーブル」という用語は、より広範な適用を可能にしています。このことは、様々な通信機器における光ファイバケーブルの適応性を高め、技術の進化に対応できる柔軟性を与えます。 全体として、SIST EN IEC 60794-1-22:2018は、通信業界における光ファイバケーブルの技術的進展を反映し、標準化された試験手法によって製品の品質と信頼性を保証するための重要な文書です。
Die Norm EN IEC 60794-1-22:2018 stellt einen bedeutenden Fortschritt in der Standardisierung der optischen Kabel dar, speziell für deren Anwendung in Telekommunikationsanlagen. Der Fokus dieser Norm liegt auf den grundlegenden Testverfahren für die Umweltverträglichkeit optischer Faser-Kabel, die entweder für Telekommunikationsgeräte oder in Kombination mit elektrischen Leitern verwendet werden. Ein wesentlicher Vorteil dieser Norm ist die Einführung spezifischer Prüfmethoden, die Uniformität in den Anforderungen an die Umweltperformance gewährleisten. Die neuen Prüfmethoden, einschließlich der F16 – Compound flow (drip), F17 – Cable shrinkage test (fibre protrusion) und F18 – Mid-span temperature cycling test, erweitern die Testmöglichkeiten erheblich und erhöhen die Zuverlässigkeit der Materialien unter verschiedenen Umwelteinflüssen. Die Norm ist besonders relevant für Hersteller und Anwender von optischen Kabeln, da sie klare Richtlinien bietet, die die Qualität und Lebensdauer der Produkte beeinflussen. Durch die Definition und Standardisierung der Testverfahren wird sichergestellt, dass die Kabel den strengen Anforderungen in der Telekommunikation gerecht werden, was die Sicherheit und Effizienz von Kommunikationsnetzen verbessert. Zusammenfassend bietet die EN IEC 60794-1-22:2018 eine klare, strukturierte und relevante Grundlage für die Testmethoden von optischen Faser-Kabeln, die speziell auf den Einsatz mit Telekommunikationsgeräten abgestimmt sind. Diese Norm stellt damit einen unverzichtbaren Teil der internationalen Standards für die Qualitätssicherung im Bereich der optischen Kabel dar.
SIST EN IEC 60794-1-22:2018 표준은 통신 장비에 사용되는 광섬유 케이블의 환경 성능을 위한 시험 절차를 규정하고 있습니다. 이 표준은 사용자의 요구에 부응하기 위해 다양한 환경에서의 광섬유 케이블 시험 방법을 표준화하여 신뢰성을 높이는 데 큰 기여를 하고 있습니다. 본 문서의 주요 강점 중 하나는 다양한 테스트 방법이 포함되어 있다는 점으로, 새로운 시험 방법으로는 F16(Compound flow), F17(케이블 수축 시험), F18(중간 구간 온도 변화 시험)이 추가되었습니다. 이를 통해 사용자들은 각기 다른 환경 조건에서도 광섬유 케이블의 성능을 효과적으로 평가할 수 있습니다. 또한, IEC 60794-1-22:2018은 기술 내용이 이전 판과 비교하여 명확하게 변경된 사항을 반영하는 Redline 버전을 제공하여 사용자가 수정 사항을 쉽게 파악할 수 있도록 돕고 있습니다. 이 표준은 광섬유 케이블과 전기 도체가 결합된 케이블을 포함한 다양한 케이블 유형에도 적용 가능하여 그 범위가 넓습니다. SIST EN IEC 60794-1-22:2018은 통신 장비와 유사한 기술을 사용하는 장비에 적합한 광섬유 케이블의 환경 테스트 요구 사항을 통합한 종합적인 문서로, 현대 통신 인프라의 품질 및 신뢰성 확보를 위한 핵심 자료라고 할 수 있습니다.
La norme EN IEC 60794-1-22:2018 offre une spécification générique essentielle pour les câbles à fibre optique, en particulier ceux utilisés avec des équipements de télécommunication. Son champ d'application se concentre sur l'établissement de procédures d'essai uniformes visant à évaluer la performance environnementale des câbles à fibre optique, qu'ils soient utilisés seuls ou en combinaison avec des conducteurs électriques. L'un des points forts de cette norme est son approche détaillée et systématique pour définir les méthodes d'essai. La norme introduit de nouveaux désignations de méthodes d'essai, notamment F16 pour l'écoulement du composé, F17 pour le test de retrait de câble, et F18 pour le test de cycle de température à mi-longueur. Ces ajouts répondent aux exigences contemporaines des marchés en termes de fiabilité et de durabilité des câbles optiques. La mise à jour par rapport à l'édition précédente de 2012 est particulièrement pertinente. En intégrant les évolutions technologiques et les besoins du secteur, cette révision technique garantit que les tests effectués sur les câbles à fibre optique soient en phase avec les pratiques industrielles actuelles. De plus, la norme fera référence au document IEC 60794-1-2, qui propose un guide exhaustif sur les méthodes d'essai et les exigences générales, renforçant ainsi la cohérence et la compréhension des tests à réaliser. La norme EN IEC 60794-1-22:2018 est donc cruciale pour assurer que les câbles à fibre optique destinés aux équipements de télécommunication respectent des critères de performance rigoureux, renforçant ainsi leur fiabilité dans des environnements variés. Sa pertinence dans le contexte technologique actuel souligne l'importance de l'adhésion aux normes pour promouvoir la qualité et la performance des solutions de communication modernes.
The standard EN IEC 60794-1-22:2018 provides a comprehensive framework for establishing uniform requirements for the environmental performance of optical fibre cables for use with telecommunication equipment. Its scope is vital in a rapidly evolving technological landscape where the reliability and functionality of optical cables are paramount. One of the significant strengths of this standard is its detailed delineation of essential test procedures. By introducing new test methods-such as the designation F16 for compound flow (drip), F17 for cable shrinkage test (fibre protrusion), and F18 for mid-span temperature cycling test-the document enhances the testing repertoire available to manufacturers and engineers. This progression reflects an adaptive approach to emerging challenges in the field, catering specifically to optical fibre cables that might also integrate electrical conductors. Additionally, the emphasis on environmental testing methods underscores the growing importance of resilience in optical fibre cables used in telecommunication. This is particularly relevant given the increasing demands placed on telecommunications infrastructure and the potential impact of environmental factors on cable performance. The revised document serves not only as a technical reference but also as a strategic guide for ensuring the integrity and lifespan of optical fibre installations. The update from the previous edition, which was published in 2012, showcases an ongoing commitment to maintaining industry standards and responding to technological advancements. By providing a comprehensive coverage of new test methods and ensuring clarity in definitions and requirements, EN IEC 60794-1-22:2018 is a relevant and indispensable resource for professionals involved in the design, testing, and deployment of optical fibre cables for telecommunication equipment.
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.
Loading comments...