IEC 60794-2-30:2008

Optical fibre cables - Part 2-30: Indoor cables - Family specification for ribbon cables

IEC 60794-2-30:2008 is a family specification which covers optical fibre ribbon cables for indoor use. The requirements of the sectional specification IEC 60794-2 are applicable to cables covered by this standard. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2003. It constitutes a technical revision. The main changes are listed below:
- subclause 5.4 has been detailed according to the fibre type;
- Annex A has been added to show an example of cable construction;
- Annex B has been added which is a blank detail specification including Mice classification and requirements;
- a bibliography has been added. Keywords: optical fibre ribbon cables for indoor use
This publication is to be read in conjunction with IEC 60794-1-1:2011, IEC 60794-1-2:2003 and IEC 60794-2:2002.

Câbles à fibres optiques - Partie 2-30: Câbles intérieurs - Spécification de famille pour les câbles à rubans

La CEI 60794-2-30:2008 est une spécification de famille qui couvre les câbles à rubans de fibres optiques pour usage intérieur. Les exigences de la spécification intermédiaire CEI 60794-2 sont applicables aux câbles couverts par la présente norme. Cette deuxième édition annule et remplace la première édition publiée en 2003 dont elle constitue une révision technique. Les principales modifications sont présentées ci-après:
- le paragraphe 5.4 a été détaillé en fonction du type de fibre;
- l'Annexe A a été ajoutée pour montrer un exemple de construction de câble;
- l'Annexe B a été ajoutée. Elle constitue une spécification particulière cadre incluant les exigences et le classement MICE;
- une bibliographie a été ajoutée. Mots clés: câbles à rubans de fibres optiques pour usage intérieur
Cette publication doit être lue conjointement avec la IEC 60794-1-1:2011, la IEC 60794-1-2:2003, la IEC 60794-2:2002.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 07-Oct-2008
• ICS: 33.180.10 - Fibres and cables
• Technical Committee: SC 86A - Fibres and cables
• Current Stage: DELPUB - Deleted Publication
• Completion Date: 18-Mar-2019

Relations

• Revised: IEC 60794-2-30:2019 - Optical fibre cables - Part 2-30: Indoor cables - Family specification for optical fibre ribbon cables for use in terminated cable assemblies
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 60794-2-30



Edition 2.0 2008-10



INTERNATIONAL



STANDARD





Optical fibre cables –
Part 2-30: Indoor cables – Family specification for ribbon cables




IEC 60794-2-30:2008(E)

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
THIS PUBLICATION IS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED

Copyright © 2008 IEC, Geneva, Switzerland



All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form

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---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
IEC 60794-2-30



Edition 2.0 2008-10



INTERNATIONAL



STANDARD





Optical fibre cables –
Part 2-30: Indoor cables – Family specification for ribbon cables



INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
PRICE CODE
S
ICS 33.180.10 ISBN 978-2-88910-292-1
® Registered trademark of the International Electrotechnical Commission

---------------------- Page: 3 ----------------------
– 2 – 60794-2-30 © IEC:2008(E)




CONTENTS

FOREWORD.4

1 Scope.6

2 Normative references .6

3 Construction .7

3.1 General .7

3.2 Optical fibres and primary coating .7
3.3 Buffer .7
3.4 Ruggedized fibre .7
3.5 Slotted core.7
3.6 Tube.7
3.7 Stranded loose tube .7
3.8 Ribbon structure.7
3.9 Strength and anti-buckling members .7
3.10 Ripcord .8
3.11 Sheath .8
3.12 Sheath marking .8
3.13 Identification.8
3.14 Example of cable construction.8
4 Dimensions .9
4.1 Optical fibres and primary coating .9
4.2 Ribbon structural geometry.9
4.3 Optical fibre ribbon cable.9
5 Tests .9
5.1 Dimensions .9
5.2 Mechanical requirements.9
5.2.1 Tensile performance.10
5.2.2 Crush .10
5.2.3 Impact .10
5.2.4 Bend.10
5.2.5 Repeated bending .10
5.2.6 Bending under tension.11

5.2.7 Bending at low temperature .11
5.2.8 Flexing .11
5.2.9 Torsion .11
5.2.10 Kink.11
5.3 Environmental requirements .11
5.3.1 Temperature cycling .11
5.4 Transmission requirements .12
5.4.1 Single-mode optical fibres .12
5.4.2 Single-mode dispersion unshifted (B1.1) optical fibre .13
5.4.3 Single mode dispersion unshifted (B1.2) optical fibre.13
5.4.4 Single mode dispersion unshifted (B1.3) optical fibre.13
5.4.5 Single mode dispersion shifted (B2) optical fibre .13
5.4.6 Single mode non-zero dispersion (B4) optical fibre .14
5.4.7 Single mode wide band non-zero dispersion (B5) optical fibre .14

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60794-2-30 © IEC:2008(E) – 3 –


5.4.8 Multimode fibres .14

5.5 Fire Performance.14

Annex A (informative) Example of cable construction.16


Annex B (informative) Family Specification Indoor cables – optical fibre ribbon cables.17

Bibliography.22




Figure 1 – Example of identification by means of colour coding and positioning .8

Figure A.1 – Example of cross-section of a four-fibre ribbon cable.16



Table 1 – Dimensions of optical fibre ribbon cables .9
Table 2 – Temperature cycling conditions .12
Table 3 – Common single-mode fibre requirements .12
Table 4 – Cabled attenuation requirements for B1.1 optical fibre .13
Table 5 – Cabled attenuation requirements for B1.2 optical fibre .13
Table 6 – Cabled attenuation requirements for B1.3 optical fibre .13
Table 7 – Cabled attenuation requirements for B2 optical fibre .13
Table 8 – Cabled attenuation requirements for B4 optical fibre .14
Table 9 – Cabled attenuation requirements for B5 optical fibre .14
Table 10 – Requirements for multimode (A1a and A1b) optical fibre .14
Table B.1 – Cable description .17
Table B.2 – Cable element.18
Table B.3 – Cable construction .18
Table B.4 – Installation and operating conditions .19
Table B.5 – Tests applicable.19
Table B.6 – Specifications for Industrial Premises installations as defined in
ISO/IEC 24702.20

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INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION

____________



OPTICAL FIBRE CABLES –



Part 2-30: Indoor cables –

Family specification for ribbon 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, 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 provides no marking procedure to indicate its approval and cannot be rendered responsible for any
equipment declared to be in conformity with an IEC Publication.
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 60794-2-30 has been prepared by sub-committee 86A: Fibres and
cables, of IEC technical committee 86: Fibre optics.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2003. It constitutes a
technical revision. The main changes are listed below:
a) subclause 5.4 has been detailed according to the fibre type;
b) Annex A has been added to show an example of cable construction;
c) Annex B has been added which is a blank detail specification including Mice classification
and requirements;
d) a bibliography has been added
This standard shall be used in conjunction with IEC 60794-1-1 and IEC 60794-1-2, and
IEC 60794-2.

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60794-2-30 © IEC:2008(E) – 5 –


The text of this standard is based on the following documents:

FDIS Report on voting


86A/1233/FDIS 86A/1244/RVD



Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on

voting indicated in the above table.


This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.


A list of all parts of 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 publication will remain unchanged until
the maintenance result date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in
the data related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
A bilingual version of this publication may be issued at a later date.

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OPTICAL FIBRE CABLES –



Part 2-30: Indoor cables –

Family specification for ribbon cables








1 Scope


This part of IEC 60794 is a family specification which covers optical fibre ribbon cables for
indoor use. The requirements of the sectional specification IEC 60794-2 are applicable to
cables covered by this standard.
Clause B.2 contains requirements that supersede the normal requirements in case the cables
are intended to be used in installations governed by the MICE table of ISO/IEC 24702.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application 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.
These documents complete the normative references already listed in the generic
specification (IEC 60794-1-1, Clause 2, and IEC 60794-1-2, Clause 2) or in the sectional
specification (IEC 60794-2, Clause 2).
IEC 60304:1982, Standard colours for insulation for low-frequency cables and wires.
IEC 60793-1-20, Optical fibres – Part 1-20: Measurement methods and test procedures –
Fibre geometry
IEC 60793-1-40, Optical fibres – Part 1-40: Measurement methods and test procedures –
Attenuation
IEC 60793-1-44, Optical fibres – Part 1-44: Measurement methods and test procedures –
Cutoff wavelength
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 60794-1-1, Optical fibre cables – Part 1-1: Generic specification – General 86A/1054/NP
IEC 60794-1-2, Optical fibre cables – Part 1-2: Generic specification – Basic optical cable test
procedures
IEC 60794-2, Optical fibre cables – Part 2: Indoor cables – Sectional specification
IEC 60794-3, Optical fibre cables – Part 3: Sectional specification – Outdoor cables
IEC 60811-1-1:1993, Common test methods for insulating and sheathing materials of electric
cables and optical cables – Part 1-1: Methods for general application –Measurement of
thickness and overall dimensions – Tests for determining the mechanical properties

---------------------- Page: 8 ----------------------
60794-2-30 © IEC:2008(E) – 7 –


IEC 60811-1-4:1985, Common test methods for insulating and sheathing materials of electric

cables – Part 1: Methods for general application – Section Four: Tests at low temperatures.



3 Construction


3.1 General

In addition to the constructional requirements in IEC 60794-2, the following considerations

apply to indoor ribbon cables.


The cable shall be designed and manufactured for a predicted operating lifetime of at least 15

years. In this context, the attenuation of the installed cable at the operational wavelength(s)
shall not exceed values agreed between the customer and the supplier. The materials in the
cable shall not present a health hazard within its intended use.
There shall be no fibre splice in a delivery length unless otherwise agreed by the customer
and the supplier.
It shall be possible to identify each individual fibre throughout the length of the cable.
3.2 Optical fibres and primary coating
Multimode or single-mode optical fibres meeting the requirements of IEC 60793-2 shall be
used.
3.3 Buffer
None.
3.4 Ruggedized fibre
None.
3.5 Slotted core
None.
3.6 Tube
None.

3.7 Stranded loose tube
None.
3.8 Ribbon structure
The ribbon structure shall conform to 6.5 and 8.2.3 of IEC 60794-3. Fibres shall be formed
into units of typically two, four, six, eight, or twelve fibres each. The fibres within the units
shall remain parallel and not cross over. An example of a ribbon construction is shown in
Figure A.1
3.9 Strength and anti-buckling members
The optical fibre ribbon cable may incorporate a tensile strength member. The strength
member can be a layer of suitable material, longitudinally or helically applied, and/or may be
embedded in the overall sheath.

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– 8 – 60794-2-30 © IEC:2008(E)


3.10 Ripcord


None.


3.11 Sheath


The optical fibre ribbon shall be uniformly covered with a protective sheath generally as
shown in Figure A.1.


3.12 Sheath marking

If required, the cable shall be marked as agreed between the customer and the supplier.

3.13 Identification
The coated fibre shall be distinguishable by means of colour coding and positioning. For
example (see Figure 1):
a) a fibre ribbon has an identification coloured fibre on one side and a sub-identification
coloured one on the other side;
b) the identification and the sub-identification coloured fibres are the first and the last in the
fibre ribbon, respectively;
c) any colour of the identification colours group is different from that of the sub-identification
colours group;
d) the colour types and the order used for identification and sub-identification should be
agreed between the customer and the supplier. The colours of the other fibres shall be
agreed by the customer and/or the supplier;
e) the colour range used is similar to the first 12 colours described in Table 1 of IEC 60794-
2, i.e. blue, yellow, red, white, green, violet, orange, grey, turquoise, black, brown and
pink.


Ribbon coating
Optical fibre
1 2 3 n-1
n
...
Sub-identification colour code
Identification colour code



NOTE 1 The identification colour enables each fibre ribbon to be identified individually within a group of ribbons.
NOTE 2 The sub-identification colour shows the ribbon group.
NOTE 3 The identification and the sub-identification colour in a ribbon enables each fibre to be ident
...

IEC 60794-2-30


®


Edition 2.0 2008-10



INTERNATIONAL



STANDARD



NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside


Optical fibre cables –
Part 2-30: Indoor cables – Family specification for ribbon cables

Câbles à fibres optiques –
Partie 2-30: Câbles intérieurs – Spécification de famille pour les câbles à rubans


IEC 60794-2-30:2008

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
THIS PUBLICATION IS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED


Copyright © 2008 IEC, Geneva, Switzerland


All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form

or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from
either IEC or IEC's member National Committee in the country of the requester.
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please contact the address below or your local IEC member National Committee for further information.



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International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.

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---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
IEC 60794-2-30



®



Edition 2.0 2008-10







INTERNATIONAL





STANDARD







NORME



INTERNATIONALE
colour

inside










Optical fibre cables –

Part 2-30: Indoor cables – Family specification for ribbon cables




Câbles à fibres optiques –

Partie 2-30: Câbles intérieurs – Spécification de famille pour les câbles à rubans

















INTERNATIONAL

ELECTROTECHNICAL

COMMISSION


COMMISSION

ELECTROTECHNIQUE

PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE

CODE PRIX S


ICS 33.180.10 ISBN 978-2-83220-606-5



Warning! Make sure that you obtained this publication from an authorized distributor.

Attention! Veuillez vous assurer que vous avez obtenu cette publication via un distributeur agréé.

® Registered trademark of the International Electrotechnical Commission
Marque déposée de la Commission Electrotechnique Internationale

---------------------- Page: 3 ----------------------
– 2 – 60794-2-30  IEC:2008







CONTENTS


FOREWORD . 4

1 Scope . 6


2 Normative references . 6

3 Construction . 7

3.1 General . 7

3.2 Optical fibres and primary coating . 7
3.3 Buffer . 7
3.4 Ruggedized fibre . 7
3.5 Slotted core . 7
3.6 Tube. 7
3.7 Stranded loose tube . 7
3.8 Ribbon structure . 7
3.9 Strength and anti-buckling members . 7
3.10 Ripcord . 8
3.11 Sheath . 8
3.12 Sheath marking . 8
3.13 Identification. 8
3.14 Example of cable construction . 8
4 Dimensions . 9
4.1 Optical fibres and primary coating . 9
4.2 Ribbon structural geometry. 9
4.3 Optical fibre ribbon cable. 9
5 Tests . 9
5.1 Dimensions . 9
5.2 Mechanical requirements . 9
5.2.1 Tensile performance . 10
5.2.2 Crush . 10
5.2.3 Impact . 10
5.2.4 Bend. 10
5.2.5 Repeated bending . 10

5.2.6 Bending under tension . 11
5.2.7 Bending at low temperature . 11
5.2.8 Flexing . 11
5.2.9 Torsion . 11
5.2.10 Kink . 11
5.3 Environmental requirements . 11
5.3.1 Temperature cycling . 11
5.4 Transmission requirements . 12
5.4.1 Single-mode optical fibres . 12
5.4.2 Single-mode dispersion unshifted (B1.1) optical fibre . 13
5.4.3 Single mode dispersion unshifted (B1.2) optical fibre . 13
5.4.4 Single mode dispersion unshifted (B1.3) optical fibre . 13
5.4.5 Single mode dispersion shifted (B2) optical fibre . 13
5.4.6 Single mode non-zero dispersion (B4) optical fibre . 14

---------------------- Page: 4 ----------------------
60794-2-30  IEC:2008 – 3 –


5.4.7 Single mode wide band non-zero dispersion (B5) optical fibre . 14

5.4.8 Multimode fibres . 14

5.5 Fire Performance. 14

Annex A (informative) Example of cable construction . 16

Annex B (informative) Family Specification Indoor cables – optical fibre ribbon cables . 17

Bibliography . 22



Figure 1 – Example of identification by means of colour coding and positioning . 8

Figure A.1 – Example of cross-section of a four-fibre ribbon cable . 16


Table 1 – Dimensions of optical fibre ribbon cables . 9
Table 2 – Temperature cycling conditions . 12
Table 3 – Common single-mode fibre requirements . 12
Table 4 – Cabled attenuation requirements for B1.1 optical fibre . 13
Table 5 – Cabled attenuation requirements for B1.2 optical fibre . 13
Table 6 – Cabled attenuation requirements for B1.3 optical fibre . 13
Table 7 – Cabled attenuation requirements for B2 optical fibre . 13
Table 8 – Cabled attenuation requirements for B4 optical fibre . 14
Table 9 – Cabled attenuation requirements for B5 optical fibre . 14
Table 10 – Requirements for multimode (A1a and A1b) optical fibre . 14
Table B.1 – Cable description . 17
Table B.2 – Cable element . 18
Table B.3 – Cable construction . 18
Table B.4 – Installation and operating conditions . 19
Table B.5 – Tests applicable . 19
Table B.6 – Specifications for Industrial Premises installations as defined in
ISO/IEC 24702 . 20

---------------------- Page: 5 ----------------------
– 4 – 60794-2-30  IEC:2008


INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION

____________



OPTICAL FIBRE CABLES –



Part 2-30: Indoor cables –

Family specification for ribbon 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, 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 provides no marking procedure to indicate its approval and cannot be rendered responsible for any
equipment declared to be in conformity with an IEC Publication.
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 60794-2-30 has been prepared by sub-committee 86A: Fibres and
cables, of IEC technical committee 86: Fibre optics.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2003. It constitutes a
technical revision. The main changes are listed below:
a) subclause 5.4 has been detailed according to the fibre type;
b) Annex A has been added to show an example of cable construction;
c) Annex B has been added which is a blank detail specification including Mice classification
and requirements;
d) a bibliography has been added.
This standard shall be used in conjunction with IEC 60794-1-1 and IEC 60794-1-2, and
IEC 60794-2.

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60794-2-30  IEC:2008 – 5 –


This bilingual version (2013-01) corresponds to the monolingual English version, published in
2008-10.


The text of this standard is based on the following documents:

FDIS Report on voting


86A/1233/FDIS 86A/1244/RVD



Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on

voting indicated in the above table.

The French version of this standard has not been voted upon.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all parts of 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 publication will remain unchanged until
the maintenance result date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in
the data related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.

IMPORTANT – The 'colour inside' logo on the cover page of this publication indicates
considered to be useful for the correct
that it contains colours which are
understanding of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a
colour printer.

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OPTICAL FIBRE CABLES –



Part 2-30: Indoor cables –

Family specification for ribbon cables








1 Scope


This part of IEC 60794 is a family specification which covers optical fibre ribbon cables for
indoor use. The requirements of the sectional specification IEC 60794-2 are applicable to
cables covered by this standard.
Clause B.2 contains requirements that supersede the normal requirements in case the cables
are intended to be used in installations governed by the MICE table of ISO/IEC 24702.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application 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.
These documents complete the normative references already listed in the generic
specification (IEC 60794-1-1, Clause 2, and IEC 60794-1-2, Clause 2) or in the sectional
specification (IEC 60794-2, Clause 2).
IEC 60304:1982, Standard colours for insulation for low-frequency cables and wires.
IEC 60793-1-20, Optical fibres – Part 1-20: Measurement methods and test procedures –
Fibre geometry
IEC 60793-1-40, Optical fibres – Part 1-40: Measurement methods and test procedures –
Attenuation
IEC 60793-1-44, Optical fibres – Part 1-44: Measurement methods and test procedures –
Cutoff wavelength
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 60794-1-1, Optical fibre cables – Part 1-1: Generic specification – General 86A/1054/NP
IEC 60794-1-2, Optical fibre cables – Part 1-2: Generic specification – Basic optical cable test
procedures
IEC 60794-2, Optical fibre cables – Part 2: Indoor cables – Sectional specification
IEC 60794-3, Optical fibre cables – Part 3: Sectional specification – Outdoor cables
IEC 60811-1-1:1993, Common test methods for insulating and sheathing materials of electric
cables and optical cables – Part 1-1: Methods for general application –Measurement of
thickness and overall dimensions – Tests for determining the mechanical properties

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60794-2-30  IEC:2008 – 7 –


IEC 60811-1-4:1985, Common test methods for insulating and sheathing materials of electric

cables – Part 1: Methods for general application – Section Four: Tests at low temperatures.



3 Construction


3.1 General

In addition to the constructional requirements in IEC 60794-2, the following considerations

apply to indoor ribbon cables.


The cable shall be designed and manufactured for a predicted operating lifetime of at least 15

years. In this context, the attenuation of the installed cable at the operational wavelength(s)
shall not exceed values agreed between the customer and the supplier. The materials in the
cable shall not present a health hazard within its intended use.
There shall be no fibre splice in a delivery length unless otherwise agreed by the customer
and the supplier.
It shall be possible to identify each individual fibre throughout the length of the cable.
3.2 Optical fibres and primary coating
Multimode or single-mode optical fibres meeting the requirements of IEC 60793-2 shall be
used.
3.3 Buffer
None.
3.4 Ruggedized fibre
None.
3.5 Slotted core
None.
3.6 Tube
None.

3.7 Stranded loose tube
None.
3.8 Ribbon structure
The ribbon structure shall conform to 6.5 and 8.2.3 of IEC 60794-3. Fibres shall be formed
into units of typically two, four, six, eight, or twelve fibres each. The fibres within the units
shall remain parallel and not cross over. An example of a ribbon construction is shown in
Figure A.1
3.9 Strength and anti-buckling members
The optical fibre ribbon cable may incorporate a tensile strength member. The strength
member can be a layer of suitable material, longitudinally or helically applied, and/or may be
embedded in the overall sheath.

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– 8 – 60794-2-30  IEC:2008


3.10 Ripcord


None.


3.11 Sheath


The optical fibre ribbon shall be uniformly covered with a protective sheath generally as
shown in Figure A.1.


3.12 Sheath marking

If required, the cable shall be marked as agreed between the customer and the supplier.

3.13 Identification
The coated fibre shall be distinguishable by means of colour coding and positioning. For
example (see Figure 1):
a) a fibre ribbon has an identification coloured fibre on one side and a sub-identification
coloured one on the other side;
b) the identification and the sub-identification coloured fibres are the first and the last in the
fibre ribbon, respectively;
c) any colour of the identification colours group is different from that of the sub-identification
colours group;
d) the colour types and the order used for identification and sub-identification should be
agreed between the customer and the supplier. The colours of the other fibres shall be
agreed by the customer and/or the supplier;
e) the colour range used is similar to the first 12 colours described in Table 1 of IEC 60794-
2, i.e. blue, yellow, red, white, green, violet, orange, grey, turquoise, black, brown and
pink.


Ribbon coating
Optical fibre
1 2 3 n-1
n
...
Sub-identification colour code
Identification colour code



NOTE 1 The identification colour enables each fibre ribbon to be identified individually within a group of ribbons.
NOTE 2 The sub-identification colour shows the ribbon group.
NOTE 3 The identification and the sub-identification colour in a ribbon enables each fibre to be identified
individually within the ribbon.
Figure 1 – Example of identification by means of colour coding and positioning
Other methods of identification are under consideration.
3.14 Example of cable construction
An example of a ribbon cable construction is shown in Figure A.1. Other configurations are
not precluded if they meet the mechanical, environmental and transmission requirements
given in this specification.

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60794-2-30  IEC:2008 – 9 –


4 Dimensions


4.1 Optical fibres and primary coating


The dimensions of the individual primary coated fibres in the finished product shall be in

accordance with IEC 60793-2.


4.2 Ribbon structural geometry


The ribbon geometry shall conform to 8.2.3 of IEC 60794-3.


4.3 Optical fibre ribbon cable
Unless otherwise specified, the dimensions and the structural geometry of optical fibre ribbon
cables shall be as shown in Table 1.
Table 1 – Dimensions of optical fibre ribbon cables
Number of fibres Optical fibre ribbon cables
Width Height
mm mm
Nominal Maximum Nominal Maximum
tolerance tolerance
2 3,0 - 3,5 2,3 - 2,7
± 0,4 ± 0,3
4 3,0 - 3,5 2,3 - 2,7
± 0,4 ± 0,3
6 3,5 - 4,0 ± 0,4 2,3 - 2,7 ± 0,3
8 2,5 - 4,5 ± 0,4 0,9 - 3,0 ± 0,3
12 3,5 - 5,5 0,9 - 3,0
± 0,4 ± 0,3
NOTE These dimensions apply to the ribbon cable including the sheath and any
strength members.

5 Tests
Compliance with the relevant detail specification requirements shall be verified by carrying out
tests selected from the following subclauses. It is not intended that all the tests shall be
carried out; the tests which are to be performed and the frequency of testing shall be agreed
between the customer and the supplier.

5.1 Dimensions
The dimensions and structural geometry of optical fibre ribbon can be verified with a type test
described in 8.2.3 of IEC 60794-3 to establish and assure proper control of the ribbon
manufacturing process. Once the process is established, and in order to ensure functional
performance, the dimensions of ribbons may be controlled and verified, for final inspection
purpose, with a dial gauge as described in Method G4 of IEC 60794-1-2. The size of optical
fibre ribbon cable, width and height, shall be measured in accordance with the methods of
IEC 60811-1-1.
5.2 Mechanical requirements
Some of the following tests can be performed on a short sample length of optical fibre ribbon
cable which is still an integral part of a longer length. For testing, the force shall be applied on
the flat sides of the cable. Thus it becomes possible to detect permanent changes in
attenuation. The wavelength and maximum increase in attenuation change can be agreed
between the customer and the supplier.

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5.2.1 Tensile performance

Method: IEC 60794-1-2-E1A


Diameter of chuck drums not lower

than the minimum dynamic bending

and transfer devices: diameter specified for the cable.

Velocity of transfer device: either 100 mm/min or 100N/min

Load: 200 N applied for 5 min

Length of sample: sufficient to achieve the desired accuracy of

measurement of attenuation and shall be agreed

between the customer and the supplier

Requirement: no change in attenuation after the test, and there
shall be no damage to the cable elements
5.2.2 Crush
Method: IEC 60794-1-2-E3
Force: 500 N
Duration: 1 min
Length between test locations: 500 mm
Requirement: no change in attenuation after the test, and there
shall be no damage to the cable elements
NOTE The force is applied on the flat sides of the cable.
5.2.3 Impact
Method: IEC 60794-1-2-E4
Radius of striking surface: 12,5 mm
Impact energy: 1,0 J
Number of impacts: at least 3, each separated at least 500 mm
Requirement: no fibre breakage
NOTE The force is applied on the flat sides of the cable.
5.2.4 Bend
Method: IEC 60794-1-2-E11A
Mandrel diameter: 50 mm
Number of turns per helix: 6

Number of cycles: 10
Requirements: no fibre breakage
NOTE The bending is applied in the vertical direction to the flat sides of the cable.
5.2.5 Repeated bending
Method: IEC 60794-1-2-E6
Bending radius: 100 mm
Number of cycles: 300
Mass of weights: 2 kg
Requirement: no fibre breakage
NOTE The bending is applied in the vertical direction to the flat sides of the cable.

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