EN IEC 60793-2:2019

• Abstract:

  IEC 60793-2:2019 is available as IEC 60793-2:2019 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.IEC 60793-2:2019 contains the general specifications for both multimode and single-mode optical fibres. Sectional specifications for each of the four categories of multimode fibres: A1, A2, A3, and A4 (part of the multimode fibre class A) contain requirements specific to each category. Sectional specifications for each of the three single-mode fibre classes, B, C and D contain requirements common to each class. Each sectional specification includes family specifications (in normative annexes) that contain requirements for the applicable category or sub-categories. These sub-categories are distinguished on the basis of different fibre types or applications. The requirements of this document apply to all classes. Each sectional specification contains the requirements that are common to all the family specifications that are within it. These common requirements are copied to the family specification for ease of reference. Tests or measurement methods are defined for each specified attribute. Where possible, these definitions are by reference to an IEC International Standard (see IEC 60793-1 series) – otherwise the test or measurement method is outlined in the relevant sectional specification. This ninth edition cancels and replaces the eighth edition published in 2015. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: - introduction of the revised fibre designations for most A1 sub-category fibres and all class B single-mode fibres; - addition of the new fibre model (A1-OM5) defined for A1 category; - addition of class D polarization maintaining fibres. Keywords: specifications for both multimode and single-mode optical fibres

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 19-Dec-2019
• Withdrawal Date: 18-Dec-2022
• ICS: 33.180.10 - Fibres and cables
• 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: 20-Dec-2019
• Completion Date: 20-Dec-2019
• Ref Project: SIST EN IEC 60793-2:2020 - Optical fibres - Part 2: Product specifications - General (IEC 60793-2:2019)

• Replaces: EN 60793-2:2016 - Optical fibres - Part 2: Product specifications - General
• Effective Date: 24-Dec-2019
• Refers: EN IEC 60793-1-49:2018 - Optical fibres - Part 1-49: Measurement methods and test procedures - Differential mode delay
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Refers: EN IEC 60793-1-1:2022 - Optical fibres - Part 1-1: Measurement methods and test procedures - General and guidance
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Refers: HD 402 S2:1984 - Standard colours for insulation for low-frequency cables and wires
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Refers: EN IEC 60793-1-44:2023 - Optical fibres - Part 1-44: Measurement methods and test procedures - Cut-off wavelength
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Refers: EN IEC 60793-1-46:2024 - Optical fibres - Part 1-46: Measurement methods and test procedures - Monitoring of changes in attenuation
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Refers: EN IEC 60793-1-40:2019 - Optical fibres - Part 1-40: Attenuation measurement methods
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Refers: EN IEC 60793-1-32:2018 - Optical fibres - Part 1-32: Measurement methods and test procedures - Coating strippability
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Refers: EN IEC 60793-1-45:2018 - Optical fibres - Part 1-45: Measurement methods and test procedures - Mode field diameter
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Refers: EN IEC 60793-1-40:2025 - Optical fibres - Part 1-40: Attenuation measurement methods
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Refers: EN IEC 60793-1-45:2024 - Optical fibres - Part 1-45: Measurement methods and test procedures - Mode field diameter
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Refers: EN 60793-2-60:2008 - Optical fibres - Part 2-60: Product specifications - Sectional specification for category C single-mode intraconnection fibres
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Refers: EN IEC 60793-1-22:2024 - Optical fibres - Part 1-22: Measurement methods and test procedures - Length measurement
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Refers: EN IEC 60793-1-31:2019 - Optical fibres - Part 1-31: Measurement methods and test procedures - Tensile strength
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026
• Refers: EN IEC 60793-1-54:2018 - Optical fibres - Part 1-54: Measurement methods and test procedures - Gamma irradiation
• Effective Date: 03-Feb-2026

Overview

EN IEC 60793-2:2019 - "Optical fibres - Part 2: Product specifications - General" is the European adoption of IEC 60793-2:2019. It defines general product specifications for both multimode and single-mode optical fibres, establishes sectional and family specifications, and links required tests and measurement methods to the IEC 60793-1 series. This ninth edition introduces revised fibre designations, adds the A1-OM5 multimode model and includes class D polarization-maintaining fibres. The publication is available as a redline version (RLV) that shows technical changes vs. the previous edition.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and structure
  • Defines overarching requirements that apply to all fibre classes and references sectional specifications for detailed attributes.
  • Sectional specifications cover four multimode categories (A1–A4) and three single-mode classes (B, C, D).
• Fibre classification and family specifications
  • Class A (multimode): categories A1 (graded glass), A2 (quasi-step/step glass), A3 (plastic-clad glass), A4 (plastic-plastic).
  • Class B, C, D (single-mode): general requirements for standard single-mode, intraconnection, and polarization‑maintaining fibres.
  • Family specifications (normative annexes) define sub-categories based on fibre types and applications.
• Designations and new models
  • Revised fibre designations for most A1 sub-categories and all class B fibres.
  • Addition of A1‑OM5 multimode fibre model for wideband multimode applications.
  • Addition of class D polarization‑maintaining fibres.
• Tests and measurements
  • Attributes and test methods are defined, preferably by reference to the IEC 60793-1 series measurement methods; otherwise detailed in the relevant sectional specification.
• Quality and construction
  • General requirements on coating, coating/interface, and coating colours (referencing IEC 60304 for colour standards).
  • Quality assurance and normative annexes summarizing existing fibre specifications.

Applications and who uses this standard

• Manufacturers specifying optical fibre product requirements for production, quality control and product labelling.
• Test laboratories and conformity assessment bodies performing measurements and acceptance testing against standard methods.
• System integrators, network designers and procurement teams selecting fibres for data centres, enterprise networks, telecommunications and specialized polarization‑sensitive applications.
• R&D and standards engineers aligning new fibre models (e.g., OM5) with international product specifications.

Related standards

• IEC 60793-1 series - Measurement methods and test procedures (primary reference for tests).
• Sectional specifications referenced in EN IEC 60793-2:
  • IEC 60793-2-10 (A1 multimode), -20 (A2), -30 (A3), -40 (A4)
  • IEC 60793-2-50 (class B), -60 (class C), -70 (class D)

This standard is essential for anyone working with product specifications, testing and procurement of optical fibres, ensuring interoperability and consistent performance across multimode and single-mode fibre types.

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-marec-2020
Nadomešča:
SIST EN 60793-2:2016
Optična vlakna - 2. del: Specifikacije izdelka - Splošno (IEC 60793-2:2019)
Optical fibres - Part 2: Product specifications - General (IEC 60793-2:2019)
Lichtwellenleiter - Teil 2: Produktspezifikationen - Allgemeines (IEC 60793-2:2019)
Fibres optiques - Partie 2: Spécifications de produits - Généralités (IEC 60793-2:2019)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN IEC 60793-2:2019
ICS:
33.180.10 (Optična) vlakna in kabli Fibres and cables
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN IEC 60793-2

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
December 2019
ICS 33.180.10 Supersedes EN 60793-2:2016 and all of its amendments
and corrigenda (if any)
English Version
Optical fibres - Part 2: Product specifications - General
(IEC 60793-2:2019)
Fibres optiques - Partie 2: Spécifications de produits - Lichtwellenleiter - Teil 2: Produktspezifikationen -
Généralités Allgemeines
(IEC 60793-2:2019) (IEC 60793-2:2019)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2019-12-19. 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, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, 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
© 2019 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN IEC 60793-2:2019 E

European foreword
The text of document 86A/1964/FDIS, future edition 9 of IEC 60793-2, 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 60793-2:2019.
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which the document has to be implemented at national (dop) 2020-09-19
level by publication of an identical national standard or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards conflicting with the (dow) 2022-12-19
document have to be withdrawn
This document supersedes EN 60793-2:2016 and all of its amendments and corrigenda (if any).
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 60793-2:2019 was approved by CENELEC as a European
Standard without any modification.

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 60304 -  Standard colours for insulation for low- HD 402 S2 -
frequency cables and wires
IEC 60793-1 series Optical fibres - Part 1: Measurement EN 60793-1 series
methods and test procedures
IEC 60793-2-10 2019 Optical fibres - Part 2-10: Product EN IEC 60793-2-10 2019
specifications - Sectional specification for
category A1 multimode fibres
IEC 60793-2-20 2015 Optical fibres - Part 2-20: Product EN 60793-2-20 2016
specifications - Sectional specification for
category A2 multimode fibres
IEC 60793-2-30 2015 Optical fibres - Part 2-30: Product EN 60793-2-30 2015
specifications - Sectional specification for
category A3 multimode fibres
IEC 60793-2-40 2015 Optical fibres - Part 2-40: Product EN 60793-2-40 2016
specifications - Sectional specification for
category A4 multimode fibres
IEC 60793-2-50 2018 Optical fibres - Part 2-50: Product EN IEC 60793-2-50 2019
specifications - Sectional specification for
class B single-mode fibres
IEC 60793-2-60 2008 Optical fibres - Part 2-60: Product EN 60793-2-60 2008
specifications - Sectional specification for
category C single-mode intraconnection
fibres
IEC 60793-2-70 2017 Optical fibres - Part 2-70: Product EN 60793-2-70 2017
specifications - Sectional specification for
polarization-maintaining fibres

IEC 60793-2 ®
Edition 9.0 2019-11
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Optical fibres –
Part 2: Product specifications – General

Fibres optiques –
Partie 2: Spécifications de produits – Généralités

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 33.180.10 ISBN 978-2-8322-7600-6

– 2 – IEC 60793-2:2019 © IEC 2019
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 Quality assurance . 7
5 Construction of optical fibres . 7
5.1 Class A – Multimode fibres . 7
5.2 Class B – Single-mode fibres . 9
5.3 Class C – Single-mode fibres for intraconnection . 10
5.4 Class D – Polarization-maintaining fibres . 11
6 General requirements . 11
6.1 Coating . 11
6.2 Interface with the coating . 11
6.3 Colours of the coating . 12
Annex A (normative) Existing multimode fibres . 13
Annex B (normative) Existing single-mode fibres . 14
B.1 Existing single-mode fibres . 14
B.2 Existing fibres for intraconnection . 15
B.3 Existing polarization-maintaining fibres . 15
Bibliography . 16

Table 1 – Sectional specifications . 5
Table 2 – Main categories of multimode fibres . 8
Table 3 – Sub-categories of multimode fibres . 8
Table 4 – Categories of glass core/glass clad single-mode fibres . 10
Table 5 – Categories of glass core/glass clad single-mode fibres for intraconnection . 11
Table 6 – Categories of glass core/glass clad polarization-maintaining fibres . 11
Table A.1 – Existing multimode fibres . 13
Table B.1 – Existing single-mode fibres . 14
Table B.2 – Existing fibres for intraconnection . 15
Table B.3 – Existing polarization-maintaining fibres . 15

IEC 60793-2:2019 © IEC 2019 – 3 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
OPTICAL FIBRES –
Part 2: Product specifications –
General
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 60793-2 has been prepared by subcommittee 86A: Fibres and
cables, of IEC technical committee 86: Fibre optics.
This ninth edition cancels and replaces the eighth edition published in 2015. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) introduction of the revised fibre designations for most A1 sub-category fibres and all
class B single-mode fibres;
b) addition of the new fibre model (A1-OM5) defined for A1 category;
c) addition of class D polarization maintaining fibres.

– 4 – IEC 60793-2:2019 © IEC 2019
This document is to be read in conjunction with those parts of the IEC 60793-1 series that
address individual measurements and tests for attributes of optical fibres.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
86A/1964/FDIS 86A/1974/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 the parts in the IEC 60793 series, published under the general title Optical fibres,
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.
IEC 60793-2:2019 © IEC 2019 – 5 –
OPTICAL FIBRES –
Part 2: Product specifications –
General
1 Scope
This part of IEC 60793 contains the general specifications for both multimode and single-
mode optical fibres.
Sectional specifications for each of the four categories of multimode fibres: A1, A2, A3, and
A4 (part of the multimode fibre class A) contain requirements specific to each category.
Sectional specifications for each of the three single-mode fibre classes, B, C and D contain
requirements common to each class.
Each sectional specification includes family specifications (in normative annexes) that contain
requirements for the applicable category or sub-categories. These sub-categories are
distinguished on the basis of different fibre types or applications.
The requirements of this document apply to all classes.
Each sectional specification contains the requirements that are common to all the family
specifications that are within it. These common requirements are copied to the family
specification for ease of reference.
Tests or measurement methods are defined for each specified attribute. Where possible,
these definitions are by reference to an IEC International Standard (see IEC 60793-1 series) –
otherwise the test or measurement method is outlined in the relevant sectional specification.
Table 1 defines the sectional specifications. The relevant family specifications are defined
within the sectional specifications as normative annexes (see Tables 2 to 5).
Annexes A and B summarize the existing fibre specifications.
Table 1 – Sectional specifications
Document ID Fibre Cladding Core material Index profile
category/class material
IEC 60793-2-10 A1 multimode Glass Glass Graded
IEC 60793-2-20 A2 multimode Glass Glass Quasi-step or step
IEC 60793-2-30 A3 multimode Plastic Glass Step or graded (under
consideration)
IEC 60793-2-40 A4 multimode Plastic Plastic Step, multi-step or
graded
IEC 60793-2-50 B single-mode Glass Glass Not applicable
IEC 60793-2-60 C single-mode Glass Glass Not applicable
IEC 60793-2-70 D polarization- Glass Glass Not applicable
maintaining
– 6 – IEC 60793-2:2019 © IEC 2019
2 Normative references
The following documents are
...