FprEN IEC 60794-1-205:2026

• Status: Not Published
• Publication Date: 31-Jan-2027
• ICS: 33.180.10 - Fibres and cables
• Technical Committee: CLC/TC 86A - Optical fibres and optical fibre cables
• Current Stage: 5020 - Vote circulated - Formal Approval
• Start Date: 18-Sep-2026
• Due Date: 17-Jan-2025
• Completion Date: 18-Sep-2026
• Ref Project: kSIST FprEN IEC 60794-1-205:2026 - Optical fibre cables - Part 1-205: Generic specification - Basic optical cable test procedures - Environmental test methods - Water penetration, method F5

• Splited From: EN IEC 60794-1-22:2018 - Optical fibre cables - Part 1-22: Generic specification - Basic optical cable test procedures - Environmental test methods
• Effective Date: 08-Oct-2025

Overview

FprEN IEC 60794-1-205:2026 specifies standardized testing for optical fibre cables focused on environmental test methods – particularly water penetration (Method F5). Developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) under CLC procedures, this standard ensures consistency and reliability in testing the ability of optical cables to prevent water ingress under controlled conditions. This document supersedes the previous test method F5 from IEC 60794-1-22:2017, introducing both editorial and technical updates, including more specific guidance and an independent document format in the IEC 60794-1-2xx series.

Key Topics

• Water Penetration (Method F5): The central focus of the standard is on three variants of the water penetration test (F5A, F5B, F5C), which assess how well optical fibre cables block or resist water intrusion through damage or cable ends.
• Applicability: These procedures apply to continuously water-blocked cables, including some with swellable water-blocking materials. The methods address different cable structures and water-blocking strategies.
• Testing Procedures:
  • F5A: Examines water penetration between the optical core and outer sheath due to sheath damage.
  • F5B: Evaluates water ingress longitudinally down the cable’s cross-section from a vulnerable cable end.
  • F5C: Tailored for cables with swellable water-blocking materials, simulating water exposure from cable ends or points along the cable length, including pre-soak, orifice, and long-sample alternatives.
• Test Set-Up and Requirements: Outlines sample preparations, necessary equipment, water types, and detection methods to consistently measure cable performance during water exposure.
• Specification and Reporting: Details to specify in test plans and requirements for test reporting, such as method selection, test conditions, and result documentation.

Applications

FprEN IEC 60794-1-205 is essential for:

• Manufacturers of Optical Fibre Cables: Ensuring product designs will pass recognized international water penetration benchmarks, and supporting claims of cable robustness and quality for use in damp environments or outdoor installations.
• Telecommunications Network Operators: Verifying cable suitability for applications where cables may be exposed to moisture or potential sheath breaches, such as in buried or aerial installations.
• Certification Bodies and Test Laboratories: Standardizing water penetration testing as part of routine quality assurance, type approval, or certification programs, ensuring that results are repeatable and comparable worldwide.
• System Integrators and Installers: Selecting the right type of fibre cable based on standardized test outcomes, ensuring network reliability and reducing maintenance costs caused by water ingress failures.
• Product Development and R&D: Supporting comparative analysis of new water-blocking materials or cable designs, providing a trusted reference for performance claims.

Related Standards

This standard aligns and should be used in conjunction with the following:

• IEC 60794-1-1: Generic specification – General overview of optical fibre cables.
• IEC 60794-1-2: Generic specification – Basic optical cable test procedures – General guidance.
• IEC 60794-1-22:2017: The superseded standard for environmental test procedures, where Method F5 was previously included.
• Other IEC 60794-1-2xx Series Documents: Each covers specific test procedures for other relevant optical cable properties such as mechanical performance, temperature cycling, and more.

Practical Value

The consistent application of FprEN IEC 60794-1-205 provides the optical fiber industry with:

• Improved Product Reliability: Ensures that fibre optic cables meet stringent water-blocking requirements for long-term durability in challenging environments.
• International Recognition: Facilitates global trade and acceptance of cable products conforming to widely-accepted test procedures.
• Reduced Network Downtime: By specifying robust cable selection and quality control, water ingress can be minimized, protecting critical fibre optic networks.
• Efficient Quality Assurance: Clear guidelines streamline lab testing and reporting, reducing ambiguity and the potential for misinterpretation.

By adhering to FprEN IEC 60794-1-205:2026, stakeholders across the cable supply chain can assure quality, facilitate compliance, and enhance the performance and lifespan of fibre optic infrastructure.

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST prEN IEC 60794-1-205:2024
01-julij-2024
Optični kabli - 1-205. del: Splošna specifikacija - Osnovni preskusni postopki za
optične kable - Okoljske preskusne metode - Vdor vode, metoda F5
Optical fibre cables - Part 1-205: Generic specification - Basic optical cable test
procedures - Environmental test methods - Water penetration, method F5
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN IEC 60794-1-205:2024
ICS:
33.180.10 (Optična) vlakna in kabli Fibres and cables
oSIST prEN IEC 60794-1-205:2024 en
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

oSIST prEN IEC 60794-1-205:2024

oSIST prEN IEC 60794-1-205:2024

86A/2453/CDV
COMMITTEE DRAFT FOR VOTE (CDV)
PROJECT NUMBER:
IEC 60794-1-205 ED1
DATE OF CIRCULATION: CLOSING DATE FOR VOTING:
2024-05-31 2024-08-23
SUPERSEDES DOCUMENTS:
86A/2348/CD, 86A/2389A/CC
IEC SC 86A : FIBRES AND CABLES
SECRETARIAT: SECRETARY:
France Mr Laurent Gasca
OF INTEREST TO THE FOLLOWING COMMITTEES: PROPOSED HORIZONTAL STANDARD:

Other TC/SCs are requested to indicate their interest, if any, in
this CDV to the secretary.
FUNCTIONS CONCERNED:
EMC ENVIRONMENT QUALITY ASSURANCE SAFETY
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
aware and to provide supporting documentation.
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:
Optical fibre cables - Part 1-205: Generic specification - Basic optical cable test procedures - Environmental
test methods – Water penetration, Method F5

PROPOSED STABILITY DATE: 2028
NOTE FROM TC/SC OFFICERS:
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 writi ng from IEC.

oSIST prEN IEC 60794-1-205:2024
86A/2453/CDV – 2 – IEC CDV 60794-1-205 © IEC 2024
CONTENTS
CONTENTS . 2
FOREWORD . 3
INTRODUCTION . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 Method F5 – Water penetration . 6
4.1 Object . 6
4.2 Sample . 7
4.2.1 Method F5A . 7
4.2.2 Method F5B . 7
4.2.3 Method F5C (for cables with swellable water blocking material) . 7
4.3 Apparatus . 7
4.3.1 Test fixtures and set-up . 7
4.3.2 Water . 8
4.3.2 Orifice (method F5C) . 8
4.4 Procedure . 8
4.4.1 Method F5A and F5B . 8
4.4.2 Method F5C . 8
4.4.2.1 Pre-soak (alternative) . 8
4.4.2.2 Orifice (alternative) . 8
4.4.2.3 Longer sample (alternative) . 8
4.5 Requirements . 8
4.6 Details to be specified . 9
4.7 Details to be reported . 9
Bibliography . 12

Figure 1 – Test arrangement for method F5A . 9
Figure 2 – Test arrangement for method F5B . 9
Figure 3 – Test arrangement for method F5C: pre-soaked sample . 10
Figure 4 – Test arrangement for method F5C: pre-soak procedure . 10
Figure 5 – Test arrangement for method F5C: orifice . 11
Figure 6 – Test arrangement for method F5C: longer sample . 11

oSIST prEN IEC 60794-1-205:2024
IEC CDV 60794-1-205 © IEC 2024 – 3 – 86A/2453/CDV

2 INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
3 ____________
5 OPTICAL FIBRE CABLES –
7 Part 1-205: Generic specification –
8 Basic optical cable test procedures –
9 Environmental test methods – Water penetration, Method F5
11 FOREWORD
12 1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
13 all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international
14 co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To this end and
15 in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications, Technical Reports,
16 Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC Publication(s)”). Their
17 preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with
18 may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising
19 with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely with the International Organization for
20 Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two organizations.
21 2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
22 consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
23 interested IEC National Committees.
24 3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
25 Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
26 Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
27 misinterpretation by any end user.
28 4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
29 transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence between
30 any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in the latter.
31 5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
32 assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
33 services carried out by independent certification bodies.
34 6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
35 7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
36 members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
37 other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
38 expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC Publications.
39 8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
40 indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
41 9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of patent
42 rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
43 International Standard IEC 60794-1-205 has been prepared by subcommittee 86A: Fibres and
44 cables, of IEC technical committee 86: Fibre optics.
45 This first edition of IEC 60794-1-205 cancels and replaces methods F5 of the second edition of
46 IEC 60794-1-22 published in 2017.
47 This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
48 edition:
49 a) the environmental test contained in IEC 60794-1-22: 2017 will now be individually numbered
50 in the IEC 60794-1-2xx series. Each test method is now considered to be an individual
51 document rather than part of a multi-test method compendium. Full cross-reference details
52 are given in IEC 60794-1-2.

oSIST prEN IEC 60794-1-205:2024
86A/2453/CDV – 4 – IEC CDV 60794-1-205 © IEC 2024
53 b) The clauses of “4.6 Details to be specified” and “4.7 Details to be reported” were revised.
54 The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
86A/xxxx/FDIS 86A/xxxx/RVD
56 Full information on the voting for the approval of this International Standard can be found in the
57 report on voting indicated in the above table.
58 The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
59 This document has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 , and
60 developed in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement,
61 avail
...

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST prEN IEC 60794-1-205:2025
01-december-2025
Optični kabli - 1-205. del: Splošna specifikacija - Osnovni preskusni postopki za
optične kable - Okoljske preskusne metode - Vdor vode, metoda F5
Optical fibre cables - Part 1-205: Generic specification - Basic optical cable test
procedures - Environmental test methods - Water penetration, method F5
Lichtwellenleiterkabel – Teil 1-205: Fachgrundspezifikation – Grundlegende
Prüfverfahren für Lichtwellenleiterkabel - Umweltprüfverfahren -Wasserdurchdringung,
Methode F5
Câbles à fibres optiques - Partie 1-205: Spécification générique - Procédures
fondamentales d’essais des câbles optiques - Méthodes d’essais d’environnement -
Pénétration d’eau, méthode f5
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN IEC 60794-1-205:2025
ICS:
33.180.10 (Optična) vlakna in kabli Fibres and cables
oSIST prEN IEC 60794-1-205:2025 en
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

oSIST prEN IEC 60794-1-205:2025

oSIST prEN IEC 60794-1-205:2025

86A/2623/CDV
COMMITTEE DRAFT FOR VOTE (CDV)
PROJECT NUMBER:
IEC 60794-1-205 ED1
DATE OF CIRCULATION: CLOSING DATE FOR VOTING:
2025-10-31 2025-12-26
SUPERSEDES DOCUMENTS:
86A/2453/CDV, 86A/2551/RVC
IEC SC 86A : FIBRES AND CABLES
SECRETARIAT: SECRETARY:
France Mr Laurent Gasca
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 aware and to provide supporting documentation.
Recipients of this document are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant “In Some
Countries” clauses to be included should this proposal proceed. Recipients are reminded that the CDV stage is the
final stage for submitting ISC clauses. (SEE AC/22/2007 OR NEW GUIDANCE DOC).

TITLE:
Optical fibre cables - Part 1-205: Generic specification - Basic optical cable test procedures -
Environmental test methods – Water penetration, Method F5

PROPOSED STABILITY DATE: 2029
NOTE FROM TC/SC OFFICERS:
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 60794-1-205:2025
IEC CDV 60794-1-205 © IEC 2025
1 CONTENTS
2 FOREWORD . 2
3 INTRODUCTION . 4
4 1 Scope . 5
5 2 Normative references . 5
6 3 Terms, definitions and abbreviated terms . 5
7 3.1 Terms and definitions . 5
8 3.2 Abbreviated terms . 5
9 4 Method F5 – Water penetration . 5
10 4.1 Object . 5
11 4.2 Sample . 6
12 4.2.1 Method F5A . 6
13 4.2.2 Method F5B . 6
14 4.2.3 Method F5C (for cables with swellable water blocking material) . 6
15 4.3 Apparatus . 6
16 4.3.1 Test fixtures and set-up . 6
17 4.3.2 Water . 7
18 4.3.3 Orifice (method F5C) . 7
19 4.4 Procedure . 7
20 4.4.1 Method F5A and Method F5B . 7
21 4.4.2 Method F5C . 7
22 4.5 Requirements . 7
23 4.6 Details to be specified . 8
24 4.7 Details to be reported . 8
25 Bibliography . 12
27 Figure 1 – Test arrangement for method F5A . 9
28 Figure 2 – Test arrangement for method F5B . 10
29 Figure 3 – Test arrangement for method F5C: pre-soaked sample . 10
30 Figure 4 – Test arrangement for method F5C: pre-soak procedure . 11
31 Figure 5 – Test arrangement for method F5C: orifice . 11
32 Figure 6 – Test arrangement for method F5C: longer sample . 12
oSIST prEN IEC 60794-1-205:2025
IEC CDV 60794-1-205 © IEC 2025
35 INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
36 ____________
38 OPTICAL FIBRE CABLES –
40 Part 1-205: Generic specification –
41 Basic optical cable test procedures –
42 Environmental test methods – Water penetration, Method F5
44 FOREWORD
45 1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
46 all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international
47 co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To this end and
48 in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications, Technical Reports,
49 Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC Publication(s)”). Their
50 preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with
51 may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising
52 with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely with the International Organization for
53 Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two organizations.
54 2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
55 consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
56 interested IEC National Committees.
57 3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
58 Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
59 Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
60 misinterpretation by any end user.
61 4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
62 transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence between
63 any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in the latter.
64 5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
65 assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
66 services carried out by independent certification bodies.
67 6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
68 7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
69 members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
70 other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
71 expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
72 Publications.
73 8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
74 indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
75 9) IEC draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
76 patent(s). IEC takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent rights in
77 respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, IEC had not received notice of (a) patent(s), which
78 may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that this may not represent
79 the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at https://patents.iec.ch. IEC
80 shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
81 IEC 60794-1-205 has been prepared by subcommittee 86A: Fibres and cables, of IEC technical
82 committee 86: Fibre optics. It is an International Standard.
83 This document partially replaces IEC 60794-1-22:2017. This edition constitutes a technical
84 revision.
85 This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to IEC 60794-1-
86 22:2017:
87 a) Revision of the contents of 4.6 Details to be specified and 4.7 Details to be reported in
88 comparison to IEC 60794-1-22: 2017, 5.6 and 5.7.
oSIST prEN IEC 60794-1-205:2025
IEC CDV 60794-1-205 © IEC 2025
89 The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
86A/XX/FDIS 86A/XX/RVD
91 Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
92 the above table.
93 The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
94 This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
95 accordance with ISO/IEC
...