IEC 61753-052-6:2016

Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components - Performance standard - Part 052-6: Single-mode fibre non-connectorized fixed attenuator - Category O in outside plant environment

IEC 61753-052-6:2016 contains the minimum initial test and measurement requirements and severities which a fibre optic attenuator satisfies in order to be categorised as meeting the requirements of single-mode fibre non-connectorized fixed attenuator devices used in outside plant environments. IEC 60869-1 contains the generic specification of the optical attenuator. Optical performances specified in this document relate only to non-connectorized optical attenuators. Keywords: non-connectorized fixed attenuator devices, Category O in outside plant environments

Dispositifs d'interconnexion et composants passifs fibroniques - Norme de performance - Partie 052-6: Affaiblisseur fixe non connectorisé à fibres unimodales - Catégorie O pour des installations dans un environnement extérieur

IEC 61753-052-6:2016 contient les exigences de mesure et d'essai initiales minimales et les sévérités auxquelles satisfait un affaiblisseur fibronique pour être classé comme conforme aux exigences d'un affaiblisseur fixe non connectorisé à fibres unimodales destiné à être utilisé dans des installations dans un environnement extérieur. L'IEC 60869-1 contient la spécification générique de l'affaiblisseur optique. Les performances optiques spécifiées dans le présent document concernent uniquement des affaiblisseurs optiques non connectorisés.
Mots clés: affaiblisseur fixe non connectorisé, catégorize O pour des installations dans un environnement extérieur

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 27-Jul-2016
• ICS: 33.180.20 - Fibre optic interconnecting devices
• Technical Committee: SC 86B - Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components
• Drafting Committee: WG 7 - TC 86/SC 86B/WG 7
• Current Stage: PPUB - Publication issued
• Start Date: 28-Jul-2016
• Completion Date: 15-Sep-2016

Overview

IEC 61753-052-6:2016 defines minimum initial test and measurement requirements for single-mode fibre non-connectorized fixed attenuator devices intended for outside plant (Category O) environments. It specifies the performance severities and test sequencing that manufacturers and test labs must meet to classify non-connectorized fixed attenuator devices as suitable for field-deployed outside-plant optical networks. This part complements the generic optical attenuator specification in IEC 60869-1 and applies specifically to non-connectorized devices terminated on single‑mode fibres.

Key topics and technical requirements

The standard focuses on objective measurements and environmental robustness checks using methods from the IEC 61300 series. Major topics include:

• Attenuation

  • Measured over operating wavelength ranges 1260–1360 nm and/or 1460–1625 nm.
  • Tolerances: for nominal attenuation ≤ 5 dB → ±0.5 dB; for > 5 dB → ±10%.
  • Measurement method: IEC 61300-3-7 (Method B2.1) with single‑mode launch patchcords.

• Return loss

  • Requirement: ≥ 50 dB measured at 1310 nm, 1550 nm and 1625 nm (test performed twice, reversing the sample).

• Polarization dependent loss (PDL)

  • Requirement: ≤ 0.3 dB at 1550 nm (measured per IEC 61300-3-2).

• High optical power

  • Tested up to 100 mW input with monitored insertion loss and return loss; allowed change during test: ≤ ±0.5 dB for attenuators ≤ 5 dB, ≤ ±10% for > 5 dB.

• Environmental and mechanical tests

  • Damp heat (steady state): +75 °C, >90% RH, 168 h.
  • Vibration: 10–55 Hz, 1.52 mm amplitude, 3 axes, 2 h/axis.
  • Shock: acceleration 5 000 m/s², 12 shocks total (3 axes × 2 directions).
  • All environmental tests require insertion loss and return loss to remain within limits.

• Test samples and termination

  • Samples shall be terminated onto single‑mode fibres per IEC 60793‑2‑50 (B1.1, B1.3 or B6) or cable formats per IEC 60794‑2‑50.

Applications

IEC 61753-052-6 is essential for specifying and verifying the reliability of non-connectorized fixed attenuator devices used in outside‑plant fiber infrastructure:

• Passive outside‑plant links (distribution, access and backbone segments)
• Outdoor splice closures and pre-terminated assemblies that incorporate fixed attenuation
• Systems requiring proven environmental robustness (temperature, humidity, vibration, shock)

Who uses this standard

• Optical component manufacturers (design, QA and type approval)
• Independent test laboratories and certification bodies
• Network operators and procurement/specification engineers drafting OSP hardware requirements
• Systems integrators validating in-field components for outside-plant deployments

Related standards

• IEC 60869‑1 (generic optical attenuator specification)
• IEC 61300 series (basic test and measurement procedures)
• IEC 60793‑2‑50 (single‑mode fibre product specifications)
• IEC 60794‑2‑50 (indoor cable family specs)

This standard helps ensure predictable optical performance and mechanical/environmental resilience for non-connectorized fixed attenuator devices deployed in outside plant environments.

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 61753-052-6 ®
Edition 1.0 2016-07
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Performance
standard –
Part 052-6: Single-mode fibre non-connectorized fixed attenuator – Category O
in outside plant environment
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. If you have any questions about IEC
copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication, please contact the address below or
your local IEC member National Committee for further information.

IEC Central Office Tel.: [phone]
3, rue de Varembé Fax: [phone]
CH-1211 Geneva 20 [e-mail]
Switzerland www.iec.ch
About the IEC
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the leading global organization that prepares and publishes
International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.

About IEC publications
The technical content of IEC publications is kept under constant review by the IEC. Please make sure that you have the
latest edition, a corrigenda or an amendment might have been published.

IEC Catalogue - webstore.iec.ch/catalogue Electropedia - www.electropedia.org
The stand-alone application for consulting the entire The world's leading online dictionary of electronic and
bibliographical information on IEC International Standards, electrical terms containing 20 000 terms and definitions in
Technical Specifications, Technical Reports and other English and French, with equivalent terms in 15 additional
documents. Available for PC, Mac OS, Android Tablets and languages. Also known as the International Electrotechnical
iPad. Vocabulary (IEV) online.

IEC publications search - www.iec.ch/searchpub IEC Glossary - std.iec.ch/glossary
The advanced search enables to find IEC publications by a 65 000 electrotechnical terminology entries in English and
variety of criteria (reference number, text, technical French extracted from the Terms and Definitions clause of
committee,…). It also gives information on projects, replaced IEC publications issued since 2002. Some entries have been
and withdrawn publications. collected from earlier publications of IEC TC 37, 77, 86 and

CISPR.
IEC Just Published - webstore.iec.ch/justpublished
Stay up to date on all new IEC publications. Just Published IEC Customer Service Centre - webstore.iec.ch/csc
details all new publications released. Available online and If you wish to give us your feedback on this publication or
also once a month by email. need further assistance, please contact the Customer Service
Centre: [e-mail].
IEC 61753-052-6 ®
Edition 1.0 2016-07
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Performance

standard –
Part 052-6: Single-mode fibre non-connectorized fixed attenuator – Category O

in outside plant environment
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 33.180.20 ISBN 978-2-8322-3547-8

– 2 – IEC 61753-052-6:2016 © IEC 2016
CONTENTS
FOREWORD .3
1 Scope .5
2 Normative references .5
3 Test .6
4 Test report .6
5 Performance requirements .6
5.1 Sample size, sequencing and grouping.6
5.2 Dimensions .6
5.3 Test details and requirements .6
Annex A (normative) Test sequencing for single-mode non-connectorized fixed
attenuators, category O . 11
Bibliography . 12

Table 1 – Test details and requirements .7
Table A.1 – Test sequence for single-mode non-connectorized fixed attenuators,
category O . 11

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
FIBRE OPTIC INTERCONNECTING DEVICES
AND PASSIVE COMPONENTS –
PERFORMANCE STANDARD –
Part 052-6: Single-mode fibre non-connectorized fixed attenuator –
Category O in outside plant environment

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC
Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-
governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely
with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by
agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an
international consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation
from all interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence
between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated
in the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 61753-052-6 had been prepared by subcommittee 86B: Fibre
optic interconnecting devices and passive components of IEC technical committee 86: Fibre
optics.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
86B/3995/FDIS 86B/4010/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.

– 4 – IEC 61753-052-6:2016 © IEC 2016
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all parts in the IEC 61753 series, published under the general title Fibre optic
interconnecting devices and passive components – Performance standard, can be found on
the IEC website.
Future standards in this series will carry the new general title as cited above. Titles of
existing standards in this series will be updated at the time of the next edition.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the stability date indicated on the IEC website 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.

FIBRE OPTIC INTERCONNECTING DEVICES
AND PASSIVE COMPONENTS –
PERFORMANCE STANDARD –
Part 052-6: Single-mode fibre non-connectorized fixed attenuator –
Category O in outside plant environment

1 Scope
This part of IEC 61753 contains the minimum initial test and measurement requirements and
severities which a fibre optic attenuator satisfies in order to be categorised as meeting the
requirements of single-mode fibre non-connectorized fixed attenuator devices used in outside
plant environments. IEC 60869-1 contains the generic specification of the optical attenuator.
Optical performances specified in this document relate only to non-connectorized optical
attenuators.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document
and are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies.
For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 60793-2-50, Optical fibres – Part 2-50: Product specifications – Sectional specification
for class B single-mode fibres
IEC 60794-2-50, Optical fibre cables – Part 2.50: Indoor cables – Family specification for
simplex and duplex cables for use in terminated cable assemblies
IEC 61300-2-1, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures – Part 2-1: Tests – Vibration (sinusoidal)
IEC 61300-2-4, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures – Part 2-4: Tests – Fibre/cable retention
IEC 61300-2-5, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures – Part 2-5:Tests – Torsion
IEC 61300-2-9, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures – Part 2-9: Tests – Shock
IEC 61300-2-14, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test
and measurement procedures – Part 2-14: Tests – High optical power
IEC 61300-2-19, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test
and measurement procedures – Part 2-19: Tests – Damp heat (steady state)
IEC 61300-2-22, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test
and measurement procedures – Part 2-22: Tests – Change of temperature

– 6 – IEC 61753-052-6:2016 © IEC 2016
IEC 61300-2-42, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test
and measurement procedures – Part 2-42: Tests – Static side load for strain relief
IEC 61300-2-44, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test
and measurement procedures – Part 2-44: Tests – Flexing of the strain relief of fibre optic
devices
IEC 61300-2-48, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test
and measurement procedures – Part 2-48: Tests – Temperature-humidity cycling
IEC 61300-3-2, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement pr
...

IEC 61753-052-6 ®
Edition 1.0 2016-07
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Performance
standard –
Part 052-6: Single-mode fibre non-connectorized fixed attenuator – Category O
in outside plant environment
Dispositifs d'interconnexion et composants passifs fibroniques – Norme de
performance –
Partie 052-6: Affaiblisseur fixe non connectorisé à fibres unimodales – Catégorie
O pour des installations dans un environnement extérieur
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. If you have any questions about IEC
copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication, please contact the address below or
your local IEC member National Committee for further information.

Droits de reproduction réservés. Sauf indication contraire, aucune partie de cette publication ne peut être reproduite
ni utilisée sous quelque forme que ce soit et par aucun procédé, électronique ou mécanique, y compris la photocopie
et les microfilms, sans l'accord écrit de l'IEC ou du Comité national de l'IEC du pays du demandeur. Si vous avez des
questions sur le copyright de l'IEC ou si vous désirez obtenir des droits supplémentaires sur cette publication, utilisez
les coordonnées ci-après ou contactez le Comité national de l'IEC de votre pays de résidence.

IEC Central Office Tel.: [phone]
3, rue de Varembé [e-mail]
CH-1211 Geneva 20 www.iec.ch
Switzerland
About the IEC
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the leading global organization that prepares and publishes
International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.

About IEC publications
The technical content of IEC publications is kept under constant review by the IEC. Please make sure that you have the
latest edition, a corrigenda or an amendment might have been published.

IEC Catalogue - webstore.iec.ch/catalogue Electropedia - www.electropedia.org
The stand-alone application for consulting the entire The world's leading online dictionary of electronic and
bibliographical information on IEC International Standards, electrical terms containing 21 000 terms and definitions in
Technical Specifications, Technical Reports and other English and French, with equivalent terms in 16 additional
documents. Available for PC, Mac OS, Android Tablets and languages. Also known as the International Electrotechnical
iPad. Vocabulary (IEV) online.

IEC publications search - webstore.iec.ch/advsearchform IEC Glossary - std.iec.ch/glossary
The advanced search enables to find IEC publications by a 67 000 electrotechnical terminology entries in English and
variety of criteria (reference number, text, technical French extracted from the Terms and Definitions clause of
committee,…). It also gives information on projects, replaced IEC publications issued since 2002. Some entries have been
and withdrawn publications. collected from earlier publications of IEC TC 37, 77, 86 and

CISPR.
IEC Just Published - webstore.iec.ch/justpublished
Stay up to date on all new IEC publications. Just Published IEC Customer Service Centre - webstore.iec.ch/csc
details all new publications released. Available online and If you wish to give us your feedback on this publication or
also once a month by email. need further assistance, please contact the Customer Service
Centre: [e-mail].
A propos de l'IEC
La Commission Electrotechnique Internationale (IEC) est la première organisation mondiale qui élabore et publie des
Normes internationales pour tout ce qui a trait à l'électricité, à l'électronique et aux technologies apparentées.

A propos des publications IEC
Le contenu technique des publications IEC est constamment revu. Veuillez vous assurer que vous possédez l’édition la
plus récente, un corrigendum ou amendement peut avoir été publié.

Catalogue IEC - webstore.iec.ch/catalogue Electropedia - www.electropedia.org
Application autonome pour consulter tous les renseignements
Le premier dictionnaire en ligne de termes électroniques et
bibliographiques sur les Normes internationales,
électriques. Il contient 21 000 termes et définitions en anglais
Spécifications techniques, Rapports techniques et autres
et en français, ainsi que les termes équivalents dans 16
documents de l'IEC. Disponible pour PC, Mac OS, tablettes
langues additionnelles. Egalement appelé Vocabulaire
Android et iPad.
Electrotechnique International (IEV) en ligne.

Recherche de publications IEC -
Glossaire IEC - std.iec.ch/glossary
webstore.iec.ch/advsearchform
67 000 entrées terminologiques électrotechniques, en anglais
La recherche avancée permet de trouver des publications IEC et en français, extraites des articles Termes et Définitions des
en utilisant différents critères (numéro de référence, texte, publications IEC parues depuis 2002. Plus certaines entrées
comité d’études,…). Elle donne aussi des informations sur les antérieures extraites des publications des CE 37, 77, 86 et
projets et les publications remplacées ou retirées. CISPR de l'IEC.

IEC Just Published - webstore.iec.ch/justpublished Service Clients - webstore.iec.ch/csc
Restez informé sur les nouvelles publications IEC. Just Si vous désirez nous donner des commentaires sur cette
Published détaille les nouvelles publications parues. publication ou si vous avez des questions contactez-nous:
Disponible en ligne et aussi une fois par mois par email. [e-mail].

IEC 61753-052-6 ®
Edition 1.0 2016-07
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Performance

standard –
Part 052-6: Single-mode fibre non-connectorized fixed attenuator – Category O

in outside plant environment
Dispositifs d'interconnexion et composants passifs fibroniques – Norme de

performance –
Partie 052-6: Affaiblisseur fixe non connectorisé à fibres unimodales – Catégorie

O pour des installations dans un environnement extérieur

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 33.180.20 ISBN 978-2-8322-5270-3

– 2 – IEC 61753-052-6:2016 © IEC 2016
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Test . 6
4 Test report . 6
5 Performance requirements . 6
5.1 Sample size, sequencing and grouping . 6
5.2 Dimensions . 6
5.3 Test details and requirements . 6
Annex A (normative) Test sequencing for single-mode non-connectorized fixed
attenuators, category O . 12
Bibliography . 13

Table 1 – Test details and requirements . 7
Table A.1 – Test sequence for single-mode non-connectorized fixed attenuators,
category O . 12

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
FIBRE OPTIC INTERCONNECTING DEVICES
AND PASSIVE COMPONENTS –
PERFORMANCE STANDARD –
Part 052-6: Single-mode fibre non-connectorized fixed attenuator –
Category O in outside plant environment

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC
Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-
governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely
with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by
agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence
between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 61753-052-6 had been prepared by subcommittee 86B: Fibre optic
interconnecting devices and passive components of IEC technical committee 86: Fibre optics.
This bilingual version (2018-01) corresponds to the monolingual English version, published in
2016-07.
– 4 – IEC 61753-052-6:2016 © IEC 2016
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
86B/3995/FDIS 86B/4010/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 in the IEC 61753 series, published under the general title Fibre optic
interconnecting devices and passive components – Performance standard, can be found on the
IEC website.
Future standards in this series will carry the new general title as cited above. Titles of existing
standards in this series will be updated at the time of the next edition.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website 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.
FIBRE OPTIC INTERCONNECTING DEVICES
AND PASSIVE COMPONENTS –
PERFORMANCE STANDARD –
Part 052-6: Single-mode fibre non-connectorized fixed attenuator –
Category O in outside plant environment

1 Scope
This part of IEC 61753 contains the minimum initial test and measurement requirements and
severities which a fibre optic attenuator satisfies in order to be categorised as meeting the
requirements of single-mode fibre non-connectorized fixed attenuator devices used in outside
plant environments. IEC 60869-1 contains the generic specification of the optical attenuator.
Optical performances specified in this document relate only to non-connectorized optical
attenuators.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and
are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments)
applies.
IEC 60793-2-50, Optical fibres – Part 2-50: Product specifications – Sectional specification for
class B single-mode fibres
IEC 60794-2-50, Optical fibre cables – Part 2.50: Indoor cables – Family specification for
simplex and duplex cables for use in terminated cable assemblies
IEC 61300-2-1, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures – Part 2-1: Tests – Vibration (sinusoidal)
IEC 61300-2-4, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures – Part 2-4: Tests – Fibre/cable retention
IEC 61300-2-5, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures – Part 2-5:Tests – Torsion
IEC 61300-2-9, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures – Part 2-9: Tests – Shock
IEC 61300-2-14, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures – Part 2-14: Tests – High optical power
IEC 61300-2-19, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures – Part 2-19: Tests – Damp heat (steady state)
IEC 61300-2-22, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures – Part 2-22: Tests – Change of temperature

– 6 – IEC 61753-052-6:2016 © IEC 2016
IEC 61300-2-42, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures – Part 2-42: Tests – Static side load for strain relief
IEC 61300-2-44, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures – Part 2-44: Tests – Flexing of the strain relief of fibre optic devices
IEC 61300-2-48, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures – Part 2-48: Tests – Temperature-humidity cycling
IEC 61300-3-2, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures – Part 3-2: Examination and measurements – Polarization dependent
loss in a single-mode fibre optic device
IEC 61300-3-3, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures – Part 3-3: Examinations and measurements – Active monitoring of
changes in attenuation and return loss
IEC 61300-3-7, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures – Part 3-7: Examinations and measurements – Wavelength
dependence of attenuation and return loss of single mode components
3 Test
All test methods are in accordance with the IEC 61300 series. Tests validate performance over
the required operating wavelength and power range. The samples shall be terminated onto
single-mode fibres as per IEC 60793-2-50, type B1.1 or B1.3 or B6 in either coated fibres
(primary and secondary) or reinforced cable format as per IEC 60794-2-50.
4 Test report
Fully documented test reports and supporting evidence shall be prepared and shall be
available for inspection as evidence that the tests have been carried out and complied with.
5 Performance requirements
5.1 Sample size, sequencing and grouping
The sample size to be used for the tests shall be as defined in Annex A.
5.2 Dimensions
Dimensions shall comply with those given in appropriate manufacturer's drawings.
5.3 Test details and requirements
Table 1 defines the performance requirements and test details for single-mode non-
connectorized fixed attenuators, category O.

Table 1 – Test details and requirements
No. Tests Requirements Details
1 Attenuation Operating wavelength Method: Method B2.1
range: 1 260 nm to 1 360
IEC 61300-3-7 Launch patchcord
≥ 2 m. Only the fundamental mode
nm and/or 1 460 nm to
length: shall propagate at the attenuator
1 625 nm
interface and at the detector.
For nominal values ≤ 5 dB,
Launch The wavelength of the source shall be
the tolerance shall be
conditions: longer than cut-off wavelength of the
≤ ± 0,5 dB around the
fibre.
nominal insertion loss value.
Optical source Tunable narrowband non polarized
For nominal values > 5 dB,
wavelength: source. 1 260 nm to 1 360 nm and
the tolerance shall be
1 460 nm to 1 660 nm
≤ ± 10 % around the
nominal insertion loss value. Source power Within ± 0,05 dB over the measuring
stability: period or at least 1 h
Total uncertainty: ≤ ± 0,1 dB
2 Return loss Method: measurement method 1 OCWR
≥ 50 dB
IEC 61300-3-7 Optical source
1 310 nm ± 10 nm, 1 550 nm ± 10 nm
wavelength:
and 1 625 nm ± 10 nm
Test every sample with the three
wavelengths.
Other This test shall be performed twice,
requirements: reversing the sample. Both
measurements shall be within the
specified limits.
Total uncertainty:
≤ ± 1 dB
3 Polarization ≤ 0,3 dB at 1 550 nm Method:
dependent loss
The samples shall be Optical source 1 310 nm ± 10 nm, 1 550 nm ± 10 nm
IEC 61300-3-2
terminated onto single-mode wavelength:
and/or 1 625 nm ± 10 nm
fibres as per
Total uncertainty:
≤ ± 0,05 dB over the dynamic range to
IEC 60793-2-50
be measured
4 High optical Before, during and after the Method:
power test, the insertion loss shall
Test temperature:
25 °C ± 2 °C
meet the requirements of
IEC 61300-2-14
test No.1
Optical source 1 550 nm ± 10 nm
wavelength:
Before, during and after the
test, the return loss shall
Test duration: 1 h
meet the requirements of
Power:
For nominal insertion loss ≤ 5 dB:
test No. 2.
100 mW continuous power increments
During the test, insertion
For nominal insertion loss > 5 dB:
loss and return loss shall be
10 mW continuous power increments
monitored.
The above increments are applied up
During the test, the
to the maximum allowed power input
maximum allowed change in
of 100 mW.
insertion loss is:
≤ ± 0,5 dB for attenuator
≤ 5 dB.
≤ ± 10% for attenuators
> 5 dB.
– 8 – IEC 61753-052-6:2016 © IEC 2016
No. Tests Requirements Details
5 Damp heat Before and after the test,
(steady state) the insertion loss
Temperature: + 75 °C ± 2 °C
requirements of test No. 1
IEC 61300-2-19
shall be met.
Before and after the test,
Relative humidity:
> 90 % RH ± 2 % RH
the return loss requirement
Duration: 168 h
of test No. 2 shall be met.
Optical source
During the test, the change 1 310 nm ± 10 nm, 1 550 nm ± 10 nm
wavelength:
and/or 1 625 nm ± 10 nm
in Insertion Loss shall be
measured by test method
Before and after the test the samples
IEC 61300-3-3
will be measured with three
wavelengths. During the test the
samples will be measured with one
wavelength.
Maximum 1 h
sampling interval
during the test:
Specimen Yes
optically
functioning:
6 Vibration Before, during and after the
test, the insertion loss shall
IEC 61300-2-1
Frequency range: 10 Hz to 55 Hz
meet the requirements of
test No. 1. Constant vibration 1,52 mm
amplitude:
Before and after the test,
the return loss shall meet
Duration per axis: 2 h
the requirements of test No.
Number of axes: 3 orthogonal
2.
Sweep rate: 1 octave/min
During test, the change in
insertion loss shall be
Optical source
1 310 nm ± 10 nm, 1 550 nm ±
≤ ± 0,5 dB.
wavelength:
10 nm and/or 1 625 nm ± 10 nm
Before and after the test the samples
will be measured with three
wavelengths. During the test the
samples will be measured with one
wavelength.
Specimen Yes
optically
functioning:
7 Shock Before and after the test,
the insertion loss shall meet
IEC 61300-2-9
Acceleration 5 000 m/s
the requirements of test
force:
No. 1.
Number of axes: 3 axes, 2 directions
Before and after the test the
return loss shall meet the
Number of cycles: 2 shocks per direction, 12 shocks total
requirements of test No. 2.
Duration per axis: Nominal 1 ms duration, half sine pulse
Measurements Before, after each axis, and after the
required: test
Specimen No
optically
functioning:
Optical source 1 310 nm ± 10 nm, 1 550 nm ± 10 nm
Wavelength and/or 1 625 nm ± 10 nm

No. Tests Requirements Details
8 Change of Before, during and after the Method: Test Nb
temperature test, the insertion loss
During the test the change in
requirements of test No. 1
IEC 61300-2- insertion loss shall be measured by
shall be met.
22 test method IEC 61300-3-3.
Before and after the test,
High
+75 °C ± 2 °C
the return loss requirement
temperature:
of test No. 2 shall be met.
Low temperature: –40 °C ± 2 °C
Number of 10
cycles:
Rate of 1 °C/min
temperature
Dwell at + 23 °C allowed between
change:
temperature extreme.
Duration at 1 h
extreme
temperatures:
Optical source
1 310 nm ± 10 nm, 1 550 nm ± 10 nm
wavelength:
and/or 1 625 nm ± 10 nm
Before and after the test the samples
will be measured with three
wavelengths. During the test the
samples will be measured with one
wavelength.
Maximum 15 min
sampling interval
during the test:
Specimen Yes
optically
functioning:
9 Temperature- Before, during and after the Method: Method A
humidity test, the insertion loss shall
During the test, the change in
cycling meet the requirements of
insertion loss shall be measured by
test No. 1.
IEC 61300-2- test method IEC 61300-3-3.
48 Before and after the test,
Temperature
(-40 ± 2) °C to (+85 ± 2) °C for primary,
the return loss shall meet
range:
secondary coated fibre, and
the requirements of test
reinforced cables, but limited to:
No. 2.
(-40 ± 2) °C to (+ 75 ± 2) °C for LSZH
cables
Relative
85 % RH ± 5 % RH at the maximum
humidity: temperature
Duration: 1 h minimum duration at extremes
Rate of 1 °C /min rate of change
temperature
change:
Number of 42
cycles:
Optical source 1 310 nm ± 10 nm, 1 550 nm ± 10 nm
wavelength:
and/or 1 625 nm ± 10 nm
Before and after the test the samples
will be measured with three
wavelengths. During the test the
samples will be measured with one
wavelength.
Specimen Yes
optically
functioning:
– 10 – IEC 61753-052-6:2016 © IEC 2016
No. Tests Requirements Details
10 Optical fibre Before and after the test, Method:
cable flexing the insertion loss shall
Magnitude of the 5 N for reinforced cable
IEC 61300-2- meet the requirements of
load:
44 test No. 1. 2 N for primary and secondary coated
fibres
Before and after the test,
the return loss shall meet Angle of
± 90°
the requirements of test
deflection per
No. 2.
cycle:
Number of 30
cycles:
Specimen No
optically
functioning:
Method of The sample shall be rigidly mounted
mounting: such that the load is only applied to
the fibre/cable.
11 Torsion/twist Before and after the test, Method: IEC 61300-2-5
IEC 61300-2-5 the insertion loss shall
Magnitude of the 5,0 N at 0,1 N/s for reinforced cables
meet the requirements of
load: 2,0 N at 0,1 N/s for primary and
test No. 1.
secondary coated fibres
Before and after the test,
Rate of load 0,1 N/s
the return loss shall meet
application:
the requirements of test
No. 2.
Number of 10 cycles, ± 180° angular movement
cycles:
Specimen No
optically
functioning:
12 Static side Before and after the test,
a
load the insertion loss shall
Magnitude of the 5 N for 5 s for reinforced cable
IEC 61300-2- meet the requirements of
load: 2,3 N for 5 s for primary and
42 test No. 1.
secondary coated fibres
Before and after the test,
the return loss shall meet
the requirements of test
Load application 0,3 m from the end of the device and
No. 2.
point: two mutually perpendicular directions
as permitted by the product design
Specimen No
optically
functioning:
No. Tests Requirements Details
13 Fibre/cable Before and after the test, During the test, the change in
retention the insertion loss shall insertion loss shall be measured by
IEC 61300-2- meet the requirements of test method IEC 61300-3-3.
4. test No. 1.
Magnitude of the
10 N ± 1 N at 5 N/s for reinforced
Before and after the test, load:
cables
the return loss shall meet
5,0 N ± 0,5 N at 0,5 N/s for
the requirements of test
secondary coated fibres
No. 2.
2,0 N ± 0,2 N at 0,5 N/s for primary
During the test, the change
coated fibres
in insertion loss shall be
≤ ± 0,5 dB.
Load application 0,3 m from point where the
point: fibre/cable exits from the specimen
Duration of the 120 s duration at 10 N
load:
60 s duration at 2 N or 5 N
Method of The sample shall be rigidly mounted
mounting: such that the load is only applied to
the fibre/cable retention mechanism.
Specimen Yes
optically
functioning:
Optical source 1 310 nm ± 10 nm, 1 550 nm ± 10 nm
wavelength:
and/or 1 625 nm ± 10 nm
a
Static side load shall be applied in two mutually perpendicular directions as permitted by the product design.
For example, a product with a base plate extending beyond the fibre exit may prohibit loading in that
direction.
– 12 – IEC 61753-052-6:2016 © IEC 2016
Annex A
(normative)
Test sequencing for single-mode non-connectorized
fixed attenuators, category O
IEC 60068-1 describes the background for test sequencing. Test sequencing is based on the
premise that the effect one test parameter has on a specimen will depend on the previous test
conditions to which the specimen has been exposed. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct the
tests in a specific order.
The choice of the sequence of tests i
...