EN IEC 60794-1-126:2026

Optical fibre cables - Part 1-126: Generic specification - Basic optical cable test procedures - Mechanical tests methods - Galloping, Method E26

IEC 60794-1-126:2026 defines the test procedures used to establish uniform requirements for mechanical performance - galloping. It applies to optical fibre cables like ADSS, OPGW or OPPC that can be exposed to galloping phenomena. See IEC 60794-1-2 for general requirements and definitions and for a complete reference guide to test methods of all types. This first edition cancels and replaces Method E26 of the first edition of IEC 60794‑1‑21 published in 2015. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a) Addition of "for ADSS" and "for OPGW and OPPC" in 4.7, a); b) Addition of "L4" in Figure 1 and in 4.7, b); c) Change of the specified static sag angle to ≤ 1,5±0,5°; d) Improvement of Figure 1;

Lichtwellenleiterkabel - Teil 1-126: Fachgrundspezifikation - Grundlegende Prüfverfahren für Lichtwellenleiterkabel - Mechanische Prüfverfahren - Galoppieren, Verfahren E26

Câbles à fibres optiques - Partie 1-126: Spécification générique - Procédures fondamentales d’essais des câbles optiques - Méthodes d’essais mécaniques - Galop, Méthode E26

IEC 60794-1-126: 2026 définit les procédures d’essai utilisées pour établir des exigences uniformes pour les performances mécaniques aux phénomènes de galop. Elle s’applique aux câbles à fibres optiques (câble autoportant tout diélectrique (ADSS, All Dielectric Self-Supporting), câble de garde à fibres optiques (OPGW, OPtical Ground Wire) ou conducteur de phase à fibres optiques (OPPC, OPtical Phase Conductor), par exemple) qui peuvent être exposés à des phénomènes de galop. Voir l’IEC 60794-1-2 pour les exigences générales et les définitions, et un guide de référence complet pour tous les types de méthodes d’essai. Cette première édition annule et remplace la Méthode E26 donnée dans la première édition de l’IEC 60794‑1‑21 parue en 2015. Cette édition constitue une révision technique. Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l'édition précédente: a) ajout de "pour un câble ADSS" et "pour des câbles OPGW et OPPC" au 4.7, a); b) ajout de "L4" à la Figure 1 et au 4.7, b); c) modification de l’angle formé par la flèche statique spécifié à ≤ 1,5±0,5°; d) amélioration de la Figure 1.

Optični kabli - 1-126. del: Splošna specifikacija - Osnovni preskusni postopki za optične kable - Mehanske preskusne metode - Galopiranje, metoda e26

General Information

• Status: Not Published
• Publication Date: 11-Jun-2026
• ICS: 33.180.10 - Fibres and cables
• Technical Committee: CLC/TC 86A - Optical fibres and optical fibre cables
• Current Stage: 6055 - Ratification Completed (DOR) - Publishing
• Start Date: 27-May-2026
• Completion Date: 27-May-2026
• Ref Project: kSIST FprEN IEC 60794-1-126:2026 - Optical fibre cables - Part 1-126: Generic specification - Basic optical cable test procedures - Mechanical tests methods - Galloping, method e26

Relations

• Splited From: EN 60794-1-21:2015 - Optical fibre cables - Part 1-21: Generic specification - Basic optical cable test procedures - Mechanical tests methods
• Effective Date: 09-Sep-2025
• Splited From: EN 60794-1-21:2015/A1:2020 - Optical fibre cables - Part 1-21: Generic specification - Basic optical cable test procedures - Mechanical tests methods
• Effective Date: 09-Sep-2025
• Refers: EN IEC 60794-1-1:2023 - Optical fibre cables - Part 1-1: Generic specification - General
• Effective Date: 26-May-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: 26-May-2026

Overview

EN IEC 60794-1-126:2026 specifies the standardized test procedures for evaluating the mechanical performance of optical fibre cables under galloping conditions. Galloping refers to the large-scale oscillatory movement experienced by aerial cables, typically due to wind and ice accumulation. This standard is particularly relevant for cables such as All-Dielectric Self-Supporting (ADSS), Optical Ground Wire (OPGW), and Optical Phase Conductor (OPPC) lines that may be exposed to such dynamic stresses.

This first edition replaces Method E26 in IEC 60794-1-21:2015 and brings significant updates, including clarification for specific cable types, modification of test figures and parameters, and improvements in the standard’s technical rigour.

Key Topics

• Scope and Applicability

  • Focuses on mechanical test methods for optical fibre cables subjected to galloping.
  • Applies to ADSS, OPGW, and OPPC cables commonly installed in outdoor aerial environments.

• Test Method - Galloping (Method E26)

  • Simulates dynamic stress similar to that imposed by natural galloping due to environmental conditions like wind and ice.
  • Designed to assess both the fatigue performance of cable elements and the impact on optical performance.

• Sample Selection and Preparation

  • Specifies cable preparation for testing, including access to optical fibres and appropriate sample length.
  • Cable terminations ensure realistic stress application and optical measurement capability.

• Test Apparatus and Procedure

  • Requires calibrated tensioning devices, secure fixtures, and an electronically controlled shaker to simulate galloping motions.
  • Monitors cable behaviour and fibre attenuation during and after a prolonged sequence of simulated galloping cycles.

• Performance Criteria

  • Focus on changes in optical attenuation and the physical integrity of the cable after exposure to galloping.
  • Mandates detailed reporting on results, including any physical damage and changes in performance.

Applications

Adopting EN IEC 60794-1-126:2026 ensures consistent and reliable mechanical testing for:

• Product Qualification
  • Manufacturers use this standard to validate aerial optical cable designs for resistance to environmental stresses.
• Quality Assurance
  • Service providers and network operators can refer to this standard during procurement to ensure installed cables will maintain performance and integrity in areas prone to galloping.
• Type Testing and Compliance
  • Certification bodies apply these procedures for type testing to verify cables meet international safety and performance requirements.
• Research and Development
  • R&D teams rely on this standard to benchmark improvements in cable and hardware design for better resistance to galloping-induced fatigue.

Cables tested under this standard are commonly found in power transmission environments, railway electrification, and telecom networks installed in regions susceptible to wind and ice.

Related Standards

For comprehensive cable qualification, EN IEC 60794-1-126:2026 should be used alongside the following key standards:

• IEC 60794-1-2 - General requirements and complete reference for optical cable test methods.
• IEC 60794 Series - Covers a broad spectrum of optical fibre cable specifications and test methods.
• IEC 60793-1-46 - Methods for monitoring changes in optical attenuation during mechanical testing.
• IEC 60794-1-1 - General specification for optical fibre cables.

Compliance with these interconnected standards ensures optical fibre cables meet global benchmarks for reliability and safety in challenging operational environments.

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Keywords: EN IEC 60794-1-126, optical fibre cable, galloping test, ADSS, OPGW, OPPC, mechanical performance, aerial cable, cable fatigue, standard test methods, telecommunications, power utilities, optical cable standards

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST prEN IEC 60794-1-126:2025
01-april-2025
Optični kabli - 1-126. del: Splošna specifikacija - Osnovni preskusni postopki za
optične kable - Mehanske preskusne metode - Galopiranje, metoda e26
Optical fibre cables - Part 1-126: Generic specification - Basic optical cable test
procedures - Mechanical tests methods - Galloping, method e26
Câbles à fibres optiques - Partie 1-126: Spécification générique - Procédures
fondamentales d’essais des câbles optiques - Méthodes d’essais mécaniques - Galop,
méthode e26
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN IEC 60794-1-126:2025
ICS:
33.180.10 (Optična) vlakna in kabli Fibres and cables
oSIST prEN IEC 60794-1-126:2025 en
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

oSIST prEN IEC 60794-1-126:2025

oSIST prEN IEC 60794-1-126:2025
86A/2532/CDV
COMMITTEE DRAFT FOR VOTE (CDV)
PROJECT NUMBER:
IEC 60794-1-126 ED1
DATE OF CIRCULATION: CLOSING DATE FOR VOTING:
2025-02-07 2025-05-02
SUPERSEDES DOCUMENTS:
86A/2480/CD, 86A/2527/CC
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
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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
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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 1-126: Generic specification - Basic optical cable test procedures -
Mechanical tests methods - Galloping, Method E26

PROPOSED STABILITY DATE: 2028
NOTE FROM TC/SC OFFICERS:
download this electronic file, to make a copy and to print out the content for the sole purpose of preparing National
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oSIST prEN IEC 60794-1-126:2025
IEC CDV 60794-1-126 © IEC 2025       2                          86A/2532/CDV
1 CONTENTS
3 FOREWORD . 3
4 INTRODUCTION . 5
5 1 Scope . 6
6 2 Normative references . 6
7 3 Terms and definitions . 6
8 4 Method E26: Galloping . 6
9 4.1 Object . 6
10 4.2 Sample . 7
11 4.3 Apparatus . 7
12 4.4 Procedure . 7
13 4.5 Loading criteria: . 8
14 4.6 Requirements . 8
15 4.7 Details to be specified . 8
16 4.8 Details to be reported . 8
18 Figure 1 – Cable galloping test set-up . 9
oSIST prEN IEC 60794-1-126:2025
IEC CDV 60794-1-126 © IEC 2025       3                          86A/2532/CDV
21 INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
22 ____________
24 OPTICAL FIBRE CABLES –
26 Part 1-126: Generic specification –
27 Basic optical cable test procedures – Mechanical tests methods –
28 Galloping, Method E26
30 FOREWORD
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67 IEC 60794-1-126 has been prepared by subcommittee 86A: Fibres and cables: of IEC technical
68 committee 86: Fibre optics. It is an International Standard.
69 This first edition cancels and replaces Method E26 of the first edition of IEC 60794-1-21
70 published in 2015, Amendment 1:2020. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
72 This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
73 edition:
74 a) addition …
75 b)
oSIST prEN IEC 60794-1-126:2025
IEC CDV 60794-1-126 © IEC 2025       4                          86A/2532/CDV
76 The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
86A/XX/FDIS 86A/XX/RVD
78 Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
79 the above table.
80 The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
81 A list of all parts in the IEC 60794 series, published under the general title Optical fibre, can be
82 found on the IEC website.
83 This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
84 accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
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90 • reconfirmed,
91 • withdrawn, or
92 • revised.
IMPORTANT – Th
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