IEC 60794-1-311:2024

Optical fibre cables - Part 1-311: Generic specification - Basic optical cable test procedures - Cable element test methods - Tensile strength and elongation test for cable elements, Method G11A

IEC 60794-1-311:2024 describes test procedures to be used in establishing uniform requirements of optical fibre cable elements for the mechanical property – tensile strength and elongation at break. This document applies to optical fibre cables for use with telecommunication equipment and devices employing similar techniques, and to cables having a combination of both optical fibres and electrical conductors. Throughout the document, the wording "optical cable" can also include optical fibre units, microduct fibre units, etc.
This document partially cancels and replaces IEC 60794-1-23:2019. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to IEC 60794‑1‑23:2019:
a) The information about dumb-bells is removed because this is not used for testing cable elements;
b) the parameters strain at yield and E modulus are added in 5.7.

Câbles à fibres optiques - Partie 1-311 : Spécification générique - Procédures fondamentales d'essai des câbles optiques - Méthodes d'essai des éléments de câble - Essai de résistance à la traction et d'allongement des éléments de câble, Méthode G11A

IEC 60794-1-311:2024 décrit les procédures d’essai à utiliser afin d'établir des exigences uniformes applicables aux caractéristiques mécaniques des éléments de câbles à fibres optiques – Résistance à la traction et allongement à la rupture. Le présent document s’applique aux câbles à fibres optiques destinés à être utilisés dans les équipements de télécommunications et les dispositifs utilisant des techniques analogues, ainsi qu'aux câbles constitués à la fois de fibres optiques et de conducteurs électriques. Dans tout le document, l'expression "câble optique" peut également inclure des assemblages de fibres optiques, des assemblages de fibres pour microconduits, etc. Ce document annule et remplace partiellement l’IEC 60794-1-23:2019. Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l’IEC 60794‑1‑23:2019:
a) Les informations relatives aux éprouvettes haltères ont été supprimées, car elles ne sont pas utilisées pour les essais des éléments de câble;
b) les paramètres de contrainte au seuil d’écoulement et de module d’élasticité ont été ajoutés au 5.7.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Jan-2024
• ICS: 33.180.10 - Fibres and cables
• Technical Committee: SC 86A - Fibres and cables
• Current Stage: PPUB - Publication issued
• Start Date: 31-Jan-2024
• Completion Date: 16-Feb-2024

Relations

• Replaces: IEC 60794-1-23:2019 - Optical fibre cables - Part 1-23: Generic specification - Basic optical cable test procedures - Cable element test methods
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Overview

IEC 60794-1-311:2024 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies basic optical cable test procedures focusing on the tensile strength and elongation at break tests for optical fibre cable elements, termed Method G11A. This standard establishes uniform requirements and detailed test methods essential for assessing the mechanical integrity of optical fibre buffer tubes and micro tubes used in telecommunication cables.

The scope covers optical fibre cables designed for telecommunications as well as hybrid cables combining optical fibres with electrical conductors. The document is part of the IEC 60794 series and replaces IEC 60794-1-23:2019, introducing updates such as the removal of dumb-bell testing methods and inclusion of parameters like strain at yield and E modulus.

Key Topics

• Test Procedure for Tensile Strength and Elongation
  Method G11A defines testing processes to evaluate the mechanical properties of cable elements like buffer tubes and micro tubes without ageing and after prescribed accelerated ageing treatments.

• Sample Preparation and Conditioning
  Samples must be taken with sufficient size to prepare multiple test pieces. Test pieces undergo preparation including conditioning, which may involve elevated temperature treatment to ensure consistent results.

• Use of Relevant Standards for Testing
  The tensile tests use procedures from IEC 60811-501 for mechanical testing and IEC 60811-401 for ageing treatments when applicable, ensuring reliable and consistent test conditions.

• Reporting and Specification Requirements
  The standard specifies what details to record and report, including dimensional measurements, testing apparatus, procedures, and observed mechanical parameters such as elongation at break, tensile strength, strain at yield, and E modulus.

• Applicability to Various Optical Cable Elements
  The terminology “optical cable” extends to various fibre optic components including microduct fibre units, reflecting the broad applicability of the testing method.

Applications

IEC 60794-1-311:2024 is critical for manufacturers, testers, and quality assurance professionals involved in:

• Telecommunication Optical Fibre Cable Production
  Ensuring cable elements meet stringent mechanical standards needed for durability and performance in real-world deployment.

• Cable Element Mechanical Property Assessment
  Evaluating tensile strength and elongation behavior helps in predicting cable longevity under mechanical stresses.

• Ageing and Environmental Testing
  Assesses how cable elements perform after accelerated ageing, simulating long-term use or harsh environmental conditions.

• Hybrid Cable Testing
  Applies to cables that combine optical fibre elements with electrical conductors, important for modern telecommunication infrastructure.

• Research and Development
  Provides a standardized baseline for developing new cable materials and structural designs with improved mechanical resilience.

Related Standards

• IEC 60794-1-2: Generic specification and guidance for all basic optical cable test procedures. It provides overarching requirements and test guidelines complementing Method G11A.

• IEC 60811-401: Standard for thermal ageing methods of non-metallic cable materials, essential for preparing aged test specimens.

• IEC 60811-501: Defines mechanical testing methods for insulating and sheathing compounds, utilized within Method G11A for tensile strength testing.

• Other IEC 60794 Parts: The series includes a comprehensive set of standards addressing various mechanical, environmental, and performance tests for optical fibre cables.

---

Keywords: IEC 60794-1-311, optical fibre cables, tensile strength test, elongation test, cable element test methods, Method G11A, optical cable mechanical properties, IEC optical fibre standards, buffer tubes test, micro tubes mechanical testing, optical fibre cable ageing test, telecommunication cable testing.

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 60794-1-311 ®
Edition 1.0 2024-01
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Optical fibre cables –
Part 1-311: Generic specification – Basic optical cable test procedures – Cable
element test methods – Tensile strength and elongation test for cable elements,
Method G11A
Câbles à fibres optiques –
Partie 1-311 : Spécification générique – Procédures fondamentales d'essai des
câbles optiques – Méthodes d'essai des éléments de câble – Essai de résistance
à la traction et d'allongement des éléments de câble, Méthode G11A
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IEC 60794-1-311 ®
Edition 1.0 2024-01
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Optical fibre cables –
Part 1-311: Generic specification – Basic optical cable test procedures – Cable

element test methods – Tensile strength and elongation test for cable elements,

Method G11A
Câbles à fibres optiques –
Partie 1-311 : Spécification générique – Procédures fondamentales d'essai des

câbles optiques – Méthodes d'essai des éléments de câble – Essai de

résistance à la traction et d'allongement des éléments de câble, Méthode G11A

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 33.180.10  ISBN 978-2-8322-8151-2

– 2 – IEC 60794-1-311:2024 © IEC 2024
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
INTRODUCTION . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 General requirements . 7
5 Method G11A: Tensile strength and elongation of buffer tubes and micro tubes at
break . 7
5.1 Object . 7
5.2 Sample . 7
5.2.1 General . 7
5.2.2 Preparation and conditioning of test pieces . 7
5.2.3 Determination of cross-sectional area . 8
5.2.4 Ageing treatment . 9
5.3 Apparatus . 9
5.4 Procedure . 9
5.5 Requirements . 9
5.6 Details to be specified . 10
5.7 Details to be reported . 10
Bibliography . 11

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
OPTICAL FIBRE CABLES –
Part 1-311: Generic specification – Basic optical cable test procedures –
Cable element test methods – Tensile strength and elongation test
for cable elements, method G11A

FOREWORD
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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
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9) IEC draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
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shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
IEC 60794-1-311 has been prepared by subcommittee 86A: Fibres and cables, of IEC technical
committee 86: Fibre optics. It is an International Standard.
This document partially cancels and replaces IEC 60794-1-23:2019.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to
IEC 60794-1-23:2019:
a) The information about dumb-bells is removed because this is not used for testing cable
elements;
b) the parameters strain at yield and E modulus are added in 5.7.

– 4 – IEC 60794-1-311:2024 © IEC 2024
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
86A/2394/FDIS 86A/2415/RVD
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/publications.
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 webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn, or
• revised.
INTRODUCTION
This document contains method G11A of IEC 60794-1-23:2019, which will be withdrawn. The
system for optical fibre test methods have been restructured and renumbered. The optical cable
element test methods contained in IEC 60794-1-23:2019 will now be individually numbered in
the IEC 60794-1-3xx series. Each test method is now considered to be an individual document
rather than part of a multi-test method compendium. Full cross-reference details are given in
IEC 60794-1-2.
– 6 – IEC 60794-1-311:2024 © IEC 2024
OPTICAL FIBRE CABLES –
Part 1-311: Generic specification – Basic optical cable test procedures –
Cable element test methods – Tensile strength and elongation test
for cable elements, method G11A

1 Scope
This part of IEC 60794 describes test procedures to be used in establishing uniform
requirements of optical fibre cable elements for the mechanical property – tensile strength and
elongation at break.
This document applies to optical fibre cables for use with telecommunication equipment and
devices employing similar techniques, and to cables having a combination of both optical fibres
and electrical conductors.
Throughout the document, the wording "optical cable" can also include optical fibre units,
microduct fibre units, etc.
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 60794-1-2, Optical fibre cables – Part 1-2: Generic specification – Basic optical cable test
procedures – General guidance
IEC 60811-401, Electric and optical fibre cables – Test methods for non-metallic materials –
Part 401: Miscellaneous tests – Thermal ageing methods – Ageing in an air oven
IEC 60811-501, Electric and optical fibre cables – Test methods for non-metallic materials –
Part 501: Mechanical tests – Tests for determining the mechanical properties of insulating and
sheathing compounds
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 General requirements
IEC 60794-1-2 is the reference guide to test methods of all types. It shall be considered for
general requirements and definitions.
5 Method G11A: Tensile strength and elongation of buffer tubes and micro
tubes at break
5.1 Object
These tests are to determine the tensile strength and elongation at break of the buffer tubes of
the cable and micro tubes in the condition as manufactured (i.e. without any ageing treatment)
and, when required, after one or more accelerated ageing treatment(s), which are prescribed
in the relevant cable standard.
For this test the procedure IEC 60811-501 shall be used. When the ageing treatment is to be
carried out on prepared test pieces (in accordance with IEC 60811-401), the test pieces for the
ageing treatment shall be from positions adjacent to the test pieces used for the test without
ageing, and the tensile tests on the aged and unaged test pieces shall be made in immediate
succession.
Where further increased test reliability is necessary, it is recommended that the tests on aged
and unaged test pieces are performed by the same person using the same testing method and
the same apparatus, in the same laboratory.
NOTE 1 In 5.2 to 5.5, descriptions for buffer tube also include micro tube.
5.2 Sample
5.2.1 General
One sample of each buffer tube to be tested shall be taken of sufficient size to provide a
minimum of five test pieces each for the tensile tests without ageing and the tensile tests after
each of the required ageing treatments, bearing in mind that a 100 mm length is needed for the
preparation of each test piece.
Any sample that shows signs of mechanical damage shall not be used for the test.
5.2.2 Preparation and conditioning of test pieces
a) Conditioning of test pieces
1) Elevated temperature conditioning
NOTE 1 Elevated temperature conditioning is not an ageing treatment. It is used as a means of ensuring
stable and consistent test pieces when required. It is used a) when called for in the relevant cable standard,
or b) if there is a doubt or disagreement about a result and the test needs to be repeated. In either case,
the conditioning applies only to the test piece as taken from the cable before any subsequent treatment
(ageing, compatibility test, oil immersion, etc.).
Where conditioning at elevated temperature is used, such conditioning shall be carried
out, for tubular test pieces, after removal of the fibre, and any filling compound, but
before applying the reference marks, if any, for measurement of the extension.
Where the relevant cable standard calls for conditioning at elevated temperature, it shall
be for the time and temperature given in that standard. Where, in case of doubt, the test
has to be repeated, the conditioning shall be 24 h at 70 °C ± 2 °C, or a lower temperature
corresponding to the maximum operating temperature of the cable.
2) Room temperature conditioning
Before determination of the cross-sectional area, all test pieces shall be protected from
direct sunlight and maintained for at least 3 h at a temperature of 23 °C ± 5 °C.

– 8 – IEC 60794-1-311:2024 © IEC 2024
b) Tubular test pieces
Tubular test pieces shall be used only when the dimensions of the buffer tube are such that
it is not possible to prepare dumb-bell test pieces.
The samples of buffer tube shall be cut into pieces approximately 100 mm long and the fibre
and any filling compound removed, care being taken not to damage the buffer tube. The
tubes shall be marked to identify the sample from which they were prepared and their
relative positions in the sample.
The central 20 mm shall be marked immediately before the tensile test.
NOTE 2 Where a contact extensometer is used, the pre set grips at the required spacing are deemed to
constitute a mark.
5.2.3 Determination of cross-sectional area
In the middle of the sample being used to prepare the tubular test pieces, a piece shall be taken
to determine the cross-sectional area, A, in square millimetres, of the test piece, using one of the
following methods. In case of doubt, the methods 2) and 3) shall be used.
1) From the dimensions, using the formula:
A π()D−δδ
(1)
where
δ is the mean value of the thickness of the buffer tube, in millimetres, rounded off to two
decimal places;
D is the mean value of the outer diameter of the test piece, in millimetres, rounded off to
two decimal places.
2) From the density, the mass and the length, using the formula:
1000× m
A=
(2)
dl×
where
m is the mass of the test piece, in grams, to three decimal places;
d is the density, in grams per cubic centimetre, to three decimal places;
l is the length, in millimetres, to one decimal place.
3) From the volume and the length, the volume being determined by means of immersion in,
for example ethyl alcohol, using the formula:
V
A=
(3)
l
where
V is the volume, in cubic millimetres, to two decimal places;
l is the length, in millimetres, to one decimal place.
Ensure there are no air bubbles in or on the surface of the test piece during immersion.
For test pieces which are to be aged, the cross-sectional area shall be determined before ageing
treatment.
=
5.2.4 Ageing treatment
Each required ageing treatment shall be carried out on a minimum of five test pieces (see 5.2.1)
in accordance with IEC 60811-401, under the conditions specified in the relevant cable standard.
5.3 Apparatus
A calibrated tensile test machine shall be used.
For the tubular test pieces, in order to avoid damage on samples because of clamping and to
get stable results, using the following in the clamping section is recommended:
– rigid inserts whose diameters are similar to the inner diameter of the buffer tube;
– close-to-tube diameter shape clamps.
NOTE As buffer tubes have a kind of rigid behaviour, their structures are susceptible to be fractured at the clamping
section when using plain clamps with the result of breakage in the clamping section which will get inconsistent values
from mechanical evaluations.
5.4 Procedure
The test procedure shall be as follows.
a) Test temperature
The test shall be carried out at a temperature of 23 °C ± 5 °C.
b) Distance between the grips and rate of separation
The grips of the tensile testing machine may be either of a self-tightening type or not. The
total length between the grips shall be about:
– 50 mm for tubes, if tested with self-tightening grips;
– 85 mm for tubes, if tested with non-self-tightening grips.
The rate of separation, except for PE and PP buffer tubes, shall be
250 mm/min ± 50 mm/min and, in case of doubt, 25 mm/min ± 5 mm/min.
For PE and PP, or buffer tubes containing these materials, the rate of separation shall be
25 mm/min ± 5 mm/min, but for routine te
...