IEC 60794-6-10:2020

Optical fibre cables - Part 6-10: Indoor-outdoor cables - Family specification for universal indoor-outdoor cables

IEC 60794-6-10:2020 is a family specification covering features of optical fibre cables applicable to outdoor as well as indoor environments, called "universal indoor-outdoor cables". These cables generally possess the characteristics associated with outdoor cable designs (according to IEC 60794-3, however typically less stringent, and typically "non armoured") having the thermal and mechanical robustness that makes them suitable for use in the outside plant, while simultaneously being flexible enough, compact and lightweight and exhibiting the fire performance required in indoor premises. A typical application is for example the centralized cabling in central office and the premises or local area network where the same cable design is used for the entire length of the cabling link including both the indoor as well as the outdoor portions.

Câbles à fibres optiques - Partie 6-10 : Câbles intérieurs/extérieurs - Spécification de famille pour les câbles intérieurs/extérieurs universels

IEC 60794-6-10:2020 est une spécification de famille qui couvre les fonctionnalités des câbles à fibres optiques destinés aussi bien aux environnements extérieurs qu'aux environnements intérieurs, ci-après désignés "câbles intérieurs/extérieurs universels". Ces câbles possèdent généralement les caractéristiques associées à des conceptions de câbles extérieurs (conformément à l'IEC 60794-3, appliquée cependant habituellement de manière moins rigoureuse, et en général "non armés"), présentant la robustesse thermique et mécanique qui les rend appropriés pour une utilisation dans les environnements d'usine extérieurs, tout en restant suffisamment souples, compacts et légers, et en présentant le comportement au feu exigé à l'intérieur des locaux. Une application type est par exemple la réalisation d'un câblage centralisé dans le bureau central et les locaux ou le réseau local exploitant la même conception de câble sur toute la longueur des liaisons de câblage, englobant les portions en intérieur ainsi que les portions en extérieur.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 28-Sep-2020
• ICS: 33.180.10 - Fibres and cables
• Technical Committee: SC 86A - Fibres and cables
• Current Stage: PPUB - Publication issued
• Start Date: 29-Sep-2020
• Completion Date: 30-Oct-2020

Overview

IEC 60794-6-10:2020 is an international standard specifying the family requirements for universal indoor-outdoor optical fibre cables. These cables are designed to operate reliably across both indoor and outdoor environments, integrating the advantages of outdoor cable robustness with indoor flexibility and fire performance. Typically, such cables are non-armoured but offer sufficient thermal and mechanical durability for outside plant use, while also meeting stringent fire safety standards required inside buildings.

This dual-environment suitability allows for a single cable solution used for comprehensive cabling runs-from outdoor networks into indoor premises or local area networks-thereby simplifying deployment and reducing installation costs.

Key Topics

• Optical Fibres and Cable Elements: Specifications detail the design and materials used within universal indoor-outdoor cable constructions.
• Mechanical Performance Tests: Encompass tensile strength, abrasion resistance, crush and impact resistance, bending, torsion, rip cord tests, and kink performance to ensure robustness in both environments.
• Environmental Endurance Tests: Include temperature cycling, water penetration resistance, aging, UV resistance, environmental stress cracking, freezing resilience, compound flow, and compatibility with materials.
• Fire Performance Standards: These cables must comply with fire safety requirements suitable for indoor installations without compromising outdoor durability.
• Cable Element Tests: Address ribbon strippability, ribbon tear, dimensional stability, torsion, residual twist, tube kinking, bending tests, and stripping force stability, ensuring fiber integrity and ease of handling.
• Normative References: Includes referenced tests like IEC 60332 series covering flame propagation and fire conditions for cables.

Applications

IEC 60794-6-10 universal indoor-outdoor cables are ideal for:

• Centralized Cabling in Central Offices: Use the same cable run internally and externally, reducing the complexity of cable transitions.
• Premises Cabling and Local Area Networks: Ensures seamless connectivity between outside plant fiber optic infrastructure and indoor network hardware.
• Telecommunications Infrastructure: Simplifies installation and maintenance by minimizing cable types for both indoor and outdoor deployments.
• Data Centers and Enterprise Networks: Where fire safety indoors and environmental resilience outdoors both are critical.
• Utility Networks and Smart Cities: Supporting fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) or fiber-to-the-building (FTTB) deployments needing durable, versatile cable solutions.

The compactness, fire performance, and mechanical reliability ensure safety compliance inside buildings while providing stable operation in harsher outdoor conditions.

Related Standards

• IEC 60794 Series: The broader series for optical fibre cables, where Part 3 covers outdoor cable design requirements.
• IEC 60332 Series: Pertinent flame tests for electric and optical fibre cables, including vertical flame propagation and spread on cable bundles.
• ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2: Guiding drafting and preparation of international standards ensuring conformity and clarity.
• Other standards on cable mechanical, environmental, and fire safety aspects often complement IEC 60794-6-10’s scope for comprehensive deployment solutions.

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Keywords: IEC 60794-6-10, universal indoor-outdoor cable, optical fibre cable, optical fiber, indoor-outdoor cable standard, fire performance cable, mechanical robustness, telecommunications cabling, cable environmental tests, fibre optic infrastructure.

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 60794-6-10 ®
Edition 1.0 2020-09
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Optical fibre cables –
Part 6-10: Indoor-outdoor cables – Family specification for universal
indoor-outdoor cables
Câbles à fibres optiques –
Partie 6-10: Câbles intérieurs/extérieurs – Spécification de famille pour
les câbles intérieurs/extérieurs universels

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IEC 60794-6-10 ®
Edition 1.0 2020-09
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Optical fibre cables –
Part 6-10: Indoor-outdoor cables – Family specification for universal

indoor-outdoor cables
Câbles à fibres optiques –
Partie 6-10: Câbles intérieurs/extérieurs – Spécification de famille pour

les câbles intérieurs/extérieurs universels

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 33.180.10 ISBN 978-2-8322-8907-5

– 2 – IEC 60794-6-10:2020 © IEC 2020
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviated terms . 7
3.1 Terms and definitions . 7
3.2 Symbols and abbreviated terms . 8
4 General specifications . 8
4.1 Optical fibres . 8
4.2 Cable elements . 8
5 Specifications for universal indoor-outdoor cables – Construction . 8
6 Details of family specifications and test conditions for universal indoor-outdoor
cables. 8
6.1 Applicable tests . 8
6.2 Mechanical tests . 10
6.2.1 General . 10
6.2.2 Tensile performance . 10
6.2.3 Abrasion . 11
6.2.4 Crush . 11
6.2.5 Impact . 11
6.2.6 Repeated bending . 12
6.2.7 Torsion . 12
6.2.8 Bend . 12
6.2.9 Bending under tension . 12
6.2.10 Kink . 13
6.2.11 Rip cord functional test . 13
6.3 Environmental tests . 13
6.3.1 Temperature cycling . 13
6.3.2 Water penetration . 14
6.3.3 Ageing . 14
6.3.4 UV resistance . 15
6.3.5 Environmental stress cracking . 15
6.3.6 Cable external freezing . 15
6.3.7 Compound flow . 15
6.3.8 Bleeding and evaporation . 16
6.3.9 Material compatibility . 16
6.4 Cable element tests . 16
6.4.1 Ribbon strippability . 16
6.4.2 Ribbon tear (separability) . 16
6.4.3 Ribbon dimensions and geometry . 16
6.4.4 Ribbon torsion . 17
6.4.5 Ribbon residual twist . 17
6.4.6 Tube kinking . 17
6.4.7 Bend test for optical cable elements . 17
6.4.8 Stripping force stability of cabled optical fibres . 17
6.5 Other tests . 17
6.5.1 Fire performance . 17
6.5.2 Electrical continuity of cable metallic elements . 18

6.5.3 Thickness of non-metallic sheath . 18
6.5.4 Overall dimensions . 18
Annex A (informative) Examples of universal indoor-outdoor cable . 19
Bibliography . 21

Figure A.1 – Example of a stranded universal indoor-outdoor cable design . 19
Figure A.2 – Example of an universal indoor-outdoor cable with a central tube design . 19
Figure A.3 – Mini-breakout universal indoor-outdoor cable design. 19
Figure A.4 – Breakout universal indoor-outdoor cable design . 20

Table 1 – Tests applicable for mechanical and environmental performance of universal
indoor-outdoor cables . 8
Table 2 – Low and high temperatures . 14

– 4 – IEC 60794-6-10:2020 © IEC 2020
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
OPTICAL FIBRE CABLES –
Part 6-10: Indoor-outdoor cables –
Family specification for universal indoor-outdoor cables

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,
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Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two organizations.
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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
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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 60794-6-10 has been prepared by subcommittee SC 86A: Fibres
and cables, of IEC technical committee 86: Fibre optics.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
86A/2036/FDIS 86A/2050/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.
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.

– 6 – IEC 60794-6-10:2020 © IEC 2020
OPTICAL FIBRE CABLES –
Part 6-10: Indoor-outdoor cables –
Family specification for universal indoor-outdoor cables

1 Scope
This part of IEC 60794 is a family specification covering features of optical fibre cables
applicable to outdoor as well as indoor environments, called "universal indoor-outdoor cables".
These cables generally possess the characteristics associated with outdoor cable designs
(according to IEC 60794-3, however typically less stringent, and typically "non armoured")
having the thermal and mechanical robustness that makes them suitable for use in the outside
plant, while simultaneously being flexible enough, compact and lightweight and exhibiting the
fire performance required in indoor premises. A typical application is for example the centralized
cabling in central office and the premises or local area network where the same cable design
is used for the entire length of the cabling link including both the indoor as well as the outdoor
portions.
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 60332-1 (all parts), Tests on electric and optical fibre cables under fire conditions – Part 1:
Test for vertical flame propagation for a single insulated wire or cable
IEC 60332-3 (all parts), Tests on electric and optical fibre cables under fire conditions – Part 3:
Test for vertical flame spread of vertically-mounted bunched wires or cables
IEC 60754-2:2011, Test on gases evolved during combustion of materials from cables – Part 2:
Determination of acidity (by pH measurement) and conductivity
IEC 60793-2, Optical fibres – Part 2: Product specifications – General
IEC 60793-2-10, Optical fibres – Part 2-10: Product specifications – Sectional specification for
category A1 multimode fibres
IEC 60793-2-50, Optical fibres – Part 2-50: Product specifications – Sectional specification for
class B single-mode fibres
IEC 60794-1-1, Optical fibre cables – Part 1-1: Generic specification – General
IEC 60794-1-21, Optical fibre cables – Part 1-21: Generic specification – Basic optical cable
test procedures – Mechanical test methods
IEC 60794-1-22:2017, Optical fibre cables – Part 1-22: Generic specification – Basic optical
cable test procedures – Environmental test methods
IEC 60794-1-23, Optical fibre cables – Part 1-23: Generic specification – Basic optical cable
test procedures – Cable element test methods

IEC 60794-1-24, Optical fibre cables – Part 1-24: Generic specification – Basic optical cable
test procedures – Electrical test methods
IEC 60794-1-31:2018, Optical fibre cables – Part 1-31 : Generic specification – Optical cable
elements – Optical fibre ribbon
IEC 60794-1-215, Optical fibre cables – Part 1-215: Generic specification – Basic optical cable
test procedures – Environmental test methods – Cable external freezing test, Method F15
IEC 60794-2 (all parts), Optical fibre cables – Part 2: Indoor cables
IEC 60794-2, Optical fibre cables – Part 2: Indoor cables – Sectional specification
IEC 60794-3 (all parts), Optical fibre cables – Part 3: Outdoor cables
IEC 60794-3-10:2015, Optical fibre cables – Part 3-10: Outdoor cables – Family specification
for duct, directly buried and lashed aerial optical telecommunication cables
IEC 60794-6:2020, Optical fibre cables – Part 6: Indoor-outdoor cables – Sectional specification
for indoor-outdoor cables
IEC 60811-202:2012, Electric and optical cables – Test methods for non-metallic materials –
Part 202: General tests – Measurement of thickness of non-metallic sheath
IEC 60811-202:2012/AMD1:2017
IEC 60811-203:2012, Electric and optical cables – Test methods for non-metallic materials –
Part 203: General tests – Measurement of overall dimensions
IEC 60811-406, Electric and optical fibre cables – Test methods for non-metallic materials –
Part 406: Miscellaneous tests – Resistance to stress cracking of polyethylene and
polypropylene compounds
IEC 60811-604, Electric and optical fibre cables – Test methods for non-metallic materials –
Part 604: Physical tests – Measurement of absence of corrosive components in filling
compounds
IEC 61034 (all parts), Measurement of smoke density of cables burning under defined
conditions
ISO 4892-2:2013, Plastics – Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources – Part 2: Xenon-
arc lamps
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviated terms
For the purposes of this document, the terms, definitions and abbreviated terms given in
IEC 60794-1-1 and the following apply.
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
3.1 Terms and definitions
No terms and definitions are listed in this document.

– 8 – IEC 60794-6-10:2020 © IEC 2020
3.2 Symbols and abbreviated terms
HFFR halogen free flame retardant
4 General specifications
4.1 Optical fibres
The optical fibre shall conform to the requirements of IEC 60793-2-10 or IEC 60793-2-50. The
fibre type shall be agreed between the customer and supplier. The cabled fibre shall conform
to IEC 60794-2 (all parts) as well as IEC 60794-3 (all parts).
4.2 Cable elements
The cable elements shall conform to IEC 60794-2 (all parts) and/or IEC 60794-3 (all parts).
5 Specifications for universal indoor-outdoor cables – Construction
Performance parameters for universal indoor-outdoor cable according to IEC 60794-6:2020,
Table 1, shall be addressed by designs following the intent of IEC 60794-3-10. As for typical
outdoor cable designs, the cable attenuation performance is extended over a wide range of
temperatures. In addition, fire performance and flexibility requirements according to
IEC 60794-2 shall be fulfilled. Typical examples of universal indoor-outdoor cable designs are
shown in Annex A.
6 Details of family specifications and test conditions for universal indoor-
outdoor cables
6.1 Applicable tests
Compliance with this document shall be verified by carrying out tests selected from Table 1. It
is not intended that all tests that are specified in 6.2 to 6.5 be carried out in all cases. The tests
to be applied and the frequency of testing shall be agreed between the customer and supplier.
Table 1 – Tests applicable for mechanical and environmental
performance of universal indoor-outdoor cables
Characteristics Detail Test methods Remarks
specifications
Mechanical tests  Typically required of most cable designs
Tensile performance See 6.2.2 IEC 60794-1-21,
method E1
Abrasion See 6.2.3 IEC 60794-1-21, Method E2A for sheath abrasion
method E2A, E2B Method E2B, method 2, for cable marking
abrasion
Crush See 6.2.4 IEC 60794-1-21,
method E3A
Impact See 6.2.5 IEC 60794-1-21,
method E4
Repeated bending See 6.2.6 IEC 60794-1-21,
method E6
Torsion See 6.2.7 IEC 60794-1-21,
method E7
Characteristics Detail Test methods Remarks
specifications
Bend See 6.2.8 IEC 60794-1-21,
method E11A or
E11B
Diameter of mandrel should be 40 x cable
Bending under tension See 6.2.9 IEC 60794-1-21,
diameter.
method E18A
Load should be as per 6.2.2
Kink See 6.2.10 IEC 60794-1-21,
method E10
Rip cord functional See 6.2.11 IEC 60794-1-21,
method E25
Environmental tests
Temperature cycling See 6.3.1 IEC 60794-1-22,
method F1
Water penetration See 6.3.2 IEC 60794-1-22, Method F5A is an option not frequently
used
method F5B, F5C
Ageing See 6.3.3 IEC 60794-1-22,
method F9
UV resistance See 6.3.4 IEC 60794-1-22,
method F14
(ISO 4892-2)
Environmental stress See 6.3.5 IEC 60811-406 Highly filled thermoplastics (e.g. FRNC
cracking materials) are more sensitive to stress
cracking. The test was developed for PE
and PP and thus shall be adapted.
Cable external freezing See 6.3.6 IEC 60794-1-215,
method F15A or
F15B
Compound flow See 6.3.7 IEC 60794-1-22,
method F16
Bleeding and See 6.3.8 IEC 60794-1-23,
evaporation method G9
Material compatibility See 6.3.9 IEC 60794-1-219
should be applied
Cable element tests
Ribbon strippability See 6.4.1 IEC 60794-1-23, If ribbons are used
method G10B
Ribbon tear See 6.4.2 IEC 60794-1-23, If ribbons are used
(separability)
method G5
Ribbon dimensions See 6.4.3 IEC 60794-1-23, If ribbons are used
and geometry method G2
Ribbon torsion See 6.4.4 IEC 60794-1-23, If ribbons are used
method G6
IEC 60794-1-23,
Ribbon residual twist See 6.4.5 If ribbons are used
method G8
Tube kinking See 6.4.6 IEC 60794-1-23,
method G7
Bend for optical cable See 6.4.7 IEC 60794-1-23,
elements method G1
Stripping force stability See 6.4.8 IEC 60794-1-23,
of cabled optical fibres method G10A

– 10 – IEC 60794-6-10:2020 © IEC 2020
Characteristics Detail Test methods Remarks
specifications
Other tests
Fire performance See 6.5.1 IEC 60332-1 Regional legal requirements shall be
(all parts) fulfilled. For more details, see IEC TR
62222.
IEC 60332-3
(all parts)
IEC 61034
(all parts)
IEC 60754-2
Electrical continuity See 6.5.2 IEC 60794-1-24, For cables with metallic elements
method H3
Thickness of non- See 6.5.3 IEC 60811-202
metallic sheath
Overall dimensions See 6.5.4 IEC 60811-203

6.2 Mechanical tests
6.2.1 General
The general optical criteria in mechanical tests is no change in attenuation, as described in
IEC 60794-1-1. In some environmental and installation tests, some increase is accepted.
The number of fibres tested shall be representative of the cable design according to fibre
sampling indicated in IEC 60794-1-1. Different sampling can be agreed between customer and
supplier.
The minimum acceptance criteria for the different designs of cables shall be indicated in the
product specification.
Test methods are defined in the generic specification IEC 60794-1-21, IEC 60794-1-22 and
IEC 60794-1-23. Universal indoor-outdoor cables are generally designed according to
IEC 60794-3. The mechanical performance is typically less stringent than specified in
IEC 60794-3-10.
6.2.2 Tensile performance
a) Family specifications
While the cable is under short-term tensile load (T , rated tensile load),
M
• the axial fibre strain shall be < 60 % of the fibre proof strain, and
• the attenuation shall be measured and recorded.
While the cable is under the long-term tensile load (T , residual load),
L
• the axial fibre strain shall be:
– < 20 % of fibre proof test, for fibre proof tested to ≤ 1 % strain (e.g., 0,69 GPa, 0,2 %
absolute strain), and
– < 17 % of fibre proof test, for fibre proof tested to greater than 1 % to 2 % strain (e.g.,
0,69 GPa to 1,38 Gpa, 0,34 % absolute strain for 2 % proof tested fibre);
NOTE For fibres proof tested at levels above 1 % strain, the safe long-term load will not scale linearly
with proof strain, so a lower percentage of the proof stain is applicable. There is no agreement for strain
limits for proof tests above 2 % strain.
• the change in attenuation shall be:
– single-mode fibre: no change;
– multimode fibre: ≤ 0,2 dB; and

• any observed change in attenuation shall be agreed between customer and supplier.
Under visual examination without magnification, there shall be no damage to the sheath or
to the cable elements after the test.
b) Test conditions
Method: IEC 60794-1-21, method E1
Length under tension: > 50 m
Tensile load on cable: Long-term (T ), short-term (T )
L M
T ≥ 1,0 × W (W = weight of 1 km cable)
M
T = 0,3 × T
L M
Other loads may be agreed between the customer and the supplier.
Diameter of test pulleys: Typically, 1 m but not less than the minimum loaded bending
diameter specified for the cable.
6.2.3 Abrasion
a) Family specifications
Sheath abrasion: There shall be no perforation of the sheath after performing the needle
test according to method E2A of IEC 60794-1-21.
Cable marking abrasion: The print shall be legible after the test performed according to
method E2B of IEC 60794-1-21 (felt test).
b) Test conditions
Method: IEC 60794-1-21, method E2A
Load: 2 N
Number of cycles: 50
Method IEC 60794-1-21, method E2B, method 2
Load: 4 N
Number of cycles: 3
Other loads and number of cycles may be agreed between customer and supplier.
6.2.4 Crush
a) Family specifications
Under the short-term load, the attenuation change shall not exceed:
• 0,15 dB for single-mode fibres;
• 0,30 dB for multimode fibres.
At the end of the long-term loading, before releasing the load, there shall be no change in
attenuation from the initial value(s).
Under visual examination, there shall be no damage to the sheath or to the cable elements.
The imprint of the plate on the sheath is not considered mechanical damage.
b) Test conditions
Method: IEC 60794-1-21, method E3A
Short-term load (plate-plate): 1 000 N
Long-term load (plate-plate): 500 N
6.2.5 Impact
a) Family specifications
Under visual examination without magnification, there shall be no damage to the sheath or
to the cable elements. The imprint of the striking surface on the sheath is not considered
mechanical damage. There shall be no permanent change in attenuation after the test.

– 12 – IEC 60794-6-10:2020 © IEC 2020
b) Test conditions
Method: IEC 60794-1-21, method E4
Number of impacts: One in 3 different places spaced not less than 500 mm apart
Impact energy: 10 J (un-armoured cable), 20 J (armoured cable)
Depending on the cable design, other energies can be selected in agreement between
customer and manufacturer.
Striking Surface curvature radius: 300 mm minimum radius (flat hammer)
6.2.6 Repeated bending
a) Family specifications
Under visual examination without magnification, there shall be no damage to the sheath and
to the cable elements.
b) Test conditions
Method: IEC 60794-1-21, method E6
Number of cycles: 25 or different number of cycles may be applied in accordance with the
particular user conditions
Load: Adequate to assure uniform contact with the mandrel
Bending radius: 20 d
6.2.7 Torsion
a) Family specifications
Under visual examination without magnification, there shall be no damage to the sheath or
to the cable elements.
b) Test conditions
Gauge length: 1 m
Method: IEC 60794-1-21, method E7 (as in IEC 60794-3-10:2015, 5.6.2)
6.2.8 Bend
a) Family specifications
There shall be no permanent change in attenuation after the test.
b) Test conditions
Method: IEC 60794-1-21, method E11. The default method is method E11A.
Diameter of mandrel: 20 d
Number of cycles: 3
Number of turns/helix: 4
Test temperature: Ambient (unless specifically requested otherwise).
Exceptions:
For large and/or stiff cables (e.g. where the mandrel diameter required is > 20 d,
IEC 60794-1-21, method E11B, may be used).
For cable incorporating a non-metallic rod and/or metallic armouring, diameter of mandrel:
20 d or the minimum bend diameter specified for the cable
6.2.9 Bending under tension
a) Family specifications
Under visual examination without magnification, there shall be no damage to the sheath
and/or to the cable elements.
The permanent increase in attenuation after the test shall be ≤ 0,2 dB for single-mode fibre
and ≤ 0,4 dB for multimode fibre.

b) Test conditions
Method: IEC 60794-1-21, method E18A, procedure 1
Diameter of mandrel: 40 × d (different diameters could be agreed between
customers and suppliers)
Tension: ≥ 1,0 × W (short term load T as defined in 6.2.2)
M
Number of moving cycles: 2
6.2.10 Kink
a) Family specifications
No kink shall occur at calculated bend diameters greater than the specified minimum.
b) Test conditions
Method: IEC 60794-1-21, method E10
6.2.11 Rip cord functional test
a) Family specifications
The rip cord shall rip through the cable sheath and shall not break for the entirety of the pull.
If the rip cord breaks prior to reaching the 1 m mark, two additional follow-up specimens
may be tested from the same cable length. The cable passes if neither of the two follow-up
specimens breaks prior to reaching the 1 m mark.
If the rip cord pulls out of the end of the cable without slitting the sheath, repeat the test.
b) Test conditions
Method: IEC 60794-1-21, method E25
6.3 Environmental tests
6.3.1 Temperature cycling
a) Family specifications
For T to T there shall be no change in attenuation as defined in IEC 60794-1-1.
A1 B1
b) Test conditions
Method: IEC 60794-1-22, method F1 (T-cycle as indicated in Figure 1 of
IEC 60794-1-22:2017)
Sample length: finished cable length, min. 500 m (fibre length should be longer than 1 000 m)

– 14 – IEC 60794-6-10:2020 © IEC 2020
Table 2 – Low and high temperatures
Low temperature, T High temperature, T Remarks
A1 B1
°C °C
–10 +60
–10 +70
Recommended for universal
–25 +70
indoor-outdoor cables
–25 +85
–30 +60
–40 +65
–40 +70
–40 +75
–40 +85
The temperature limits in this table are according to the different operating service
environments in IEC 61753-1. A suitable operating service environment should be selected
according to the application.
T and T : see Table 2
A1 B1
Alternative high and low temperatures may be agreed between the customer and the
supplier for warmer or colder climates.
Number of cycles: 2, but additional cycles may be required in accordance with particular
customer requirements.
If, due to intended application length, a shorter cable sample is agreed between supplier
and customer, this length shall be sufficient to ensure accurate, repeatable test results as
per the dynamic range and resolution of the optical test equipment.
6.3.2 Water penetration
a) Family specifications
The cable shall not propagate water longitudinally according to the requirements of
method F5B of IEC 60794-1- 22. Method F5C may be used if agreed between customer and
supplier.
b) Test conditions
Method: IEC 60794-1-22, method F5B or F5C, as applicable.
6.3.3 Ageing
a) Family specifications
Calculate the change in attenuation from the initial measurement (see 8.4 of IEC 60794-1-
22:2017, method F9). Unless otherwise agreed between customer and supplier, the
maximum allowable attenuation increase shall be
1) for single-mode fibre, tested at 1 550 nm: 0,25 dB/km, maximum, and 0,10 dB/km,
average, or
2) for multimode fibre, tested at 1 300 nm: 0,6 dB/km, maximum, and 0,4 dB/km, average.

After measuring attenuation, an appropriate section of the cable shall be dissected. Any
elements of the cable which are colour coded (fibres, buffer tubes, sheath) shall be
examined as per Annex A of IEC 60794-1-22:2017.
b) Test conditions
Method: IEC 60794-1-22, method F9
6.3.4 UV resistance
a) Family specifications
After exposure, the average tensile and elongation of the test specimens from the outer
jacket shall be a minimum of 80 % of the original value.
NOTE 1 This test is also needed when only short parts of the cable are installed with exposure to UV irradiation.
Cable jackets of PE-based materials using a minimum of 2,5 % by weight of carbon black
as colourant may be exempt from UV testing per 6.3.4.
b) Test conditions
Method: IEC 60794-1-22, method F14
Use the outdoor, weatherometer test, method ISO 4892-2 (xenon-arc test) for cable testing
Exposure time: minimum 750 h, UV exposure is dependent on the region. Longer exposure
times could be agreed between the customer and supplier.
6.3.5 Environmental stress cracking
a) Family specifications
No samples should be broken after the test.
b) Test conditions
Method: IEC 60811-406 (modifications shall agreed between the customer and the
manufacturer).
The jacket material is often made of a polymer resin which is highly filled with a flame
retardant additive and thus is more sensitive to stress cracking than the pure polymer (e.g.
PE, PP). Thus, the test shall be adapted to the specific jacket material. Tests shall be agreed
between customer and manufacturer.
6.3.6 Cable external freezing
a) Family specifications
After exposure, there shall be no visible cracks or other openings in the cable sheath. The
maximum increase in attenuation during and after the test shall be as shown in the relevant
detail specification, when frozen, and no change after thawing.
b) Test conditions
Method: IEC 60794-1-215, method F15A (test standard to simulate freezing of the medium
surrounding a buried cable as in wet earth or water) or F15B (test standard to simulate
freezing of the medium surrounding an outside cable in a conduit (duct) which is made of
rigid material, e.g. steel), as applicable to the intended installation.
6.3.7 Compound flow
This test is applicable to cables containing thixotropic (grease or gel) filling or flooding
compounds.
a) Family specifications
Unless otherwise specified in the detail specification, the cable specimens shall be permitted
at a maximum flow quantity of 0,050 g. If the flow quantity from one of the cable specimens
exceeds 0,050 g, but is less than 0,100 g, prepare two additional cable specimens in
accordance with IEC 60794-1-22:2017, 15.2 c) (method F16), and test as per IEC 60794-1-
22:2017, 15.4 a) to f) (method F16). The test shall be considered successful if neither of the
second set of specimens has flow quantities which exceed 0,050 g.

– 16 – IEC 60794-6-10:2020 © IEC 2020
b) Test conditions
Method: IEC 60794-1-22, method F16
6.3.8 Bleeding and evaporation
This test is applicable to cables containing thixotropic (grease or gel) filling or flooding
compounds.
a) Family specifications
The reported average results shall not exceed the maximum values given in the detail
specification.
b) Test conditions
Method: IEC 60794-1-23, method G9
6.3.9 Material compatibility
a) Family specifications
Tests according to Table 1 (IEC 60794-1-219 method) should be performed, and the
criteria listed in 3.4.2 (visual inspection) and 3.4.3 (physical testing) of that test method
should be fulfilled.
b) Test conditions
Method: IEC 60794-1-219, method F19
6.4 Cable element tests
6.4.1 Ribbon strippability
a) Family specifications
At least 25 mm of the ribbon matrix and the fibres’ protective coatings shall be removable
with commercially available stripping tools with no fibre breakage. Any remaining coating
residue shall be readily removable using isopropyl alcohol wipes.
b) Test conditions
Method: IEC 60794-1-23, method G10B
6.4.2 Ribbon tear (separability)
a) Family specifications
The primary requirement is to be able to make the tear without fibre damage (coating
damage or fibre breakage). For ribbons where the fibres are required to be separated, the
coloured primary coating of the separated fibre(s) shall be effectively free from ribbon matrix
residues.
Any colour coding of fibres shall remain sufficiently intact within any 25 mm segment to
enable individual fibres to be distinguished from each other, per IEC 60794-1-31:2018,
4.4.2.
The minimum or maximum and mean tear forces shall be as specified in the detail
specification.
b) Test conditions
Method: IEC 60794-1-23, method G5
6.4.3 Ribbon dimensions and geometry
a) Family specifications
Unless otherwise specified in the detail specification, the width, height and fibre alignment
shall be in accordance with IEC 60794-1-31:2018, Table 1.
____________
Under preparation. Stage at the time of publication: IEC/PCC 60794-1-219:2020.

b) Test conditions
Method: IEC 60794-1-23, method G2
6.4.4 Ribbon torsion
a) Family specifications
The ribbon shall withstand the number of 180° turns until delamination occurs, as given in
the detail specification.
b) Test conditions
Method: IEC 60794-1-23, method G6
6.4.5 Ribbon residual twist
a) Family specifications
The calculated residual twist of optical fibre ribbon shall not exceed the maximum residual twist
requirements of the detail specification. In most cases, a maximum residual twist of 8°/cm
is adequate.
b) Test conditions
Method: IEC 60794-1-23, method G8
6.4.6 Tube kinking
a) Family specifications
During the test, no kinking of the sample shall be visible.
b) Test conditions
Method: IEC 60794-1-23, method G7
6.4.7 Bend test for optical cable elements
a) Family specifications
Any increase in attenuation shall comply with the limits shown in the detail specification.
b) Test conditions
Method: IEC 60794-1-23, method G1
6.4.8 Stripping force stability of cabled optical fibres
a) Family specifications
The change in stripping force shall meet the requirements specified in the detail
specification.
b) Test conditions
Method: IEC 60794-1-23, method G10A
6.5 Other tests
6.5.1 Fire performance
All cables according to this document shall pass fire performance specifications. The
requirements may differ in different regions (e.g. North America, EU). But they also can differ
from country to country.
NOTE 1 IEC TR 62222 provides guidance and recommendations for the requirements and test methods for the fire
performance of communication cables when installed in buildings. The recommendations relate to typical applications
and installation practices, and an assessment of the fire hazards presented. Account is also taken of applicable
legislation and regulation.
IEC TR 62222 references several IEC fire performance test methods and also other test methods that can be required
by local or national legislation and regulation. It is important that the tests to be applied fulfil the national legislation
and regulation and the specific requirements by its intended use.

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