IEC 60794-3-40:2022

Optical fibre cables - Part 3-40: Outdoor cables - Family specification for cables for storm and sanitary sewers

IEC 60794-3-40: 2022 is a family specification that covers sewer cables and conduits for installation by blowing and/or pulling in man accessible and non-man accessible storm and sanitary sewers. Systems built with components covered by this document are subject to the requirements of sectional specification IEC 60794-3. Sewer cable and conduit constructions need to meet the different requirements of the sewer operating companies and/or associations regarding chemical, environmental, operational, cleaning and in general maintenance conditions. Preferential applications, describing sewer cable characteristics versus methods of installation is reported in Annex A and Annex B for non-man accessible sewers. Clause 5 describes characteristics of sewer cables and conduits for installation by blowing, pulling or other means in storm and sanitary sewers. Detail specifications can be prepared on the basis of this family specification. It is important that acceptance criteria are interpreted with respect to this consideration. The number of fibres tested is representative of the sewer cable and is agreed between the customer and the supplier. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2008. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:  
this document follows the new structure for family specifications: symbols and abbreviations were included in Clause 3, and Clause 4 became the General requirements with 4.1 Optical fibres, 4.2 Cable element and 4.3 Optical fibre cable construction;
Annex D has been removed as it is part of IEC TR 62691;
this document has been streamlined by cross-referencing IEC 60794-1-1, IEC 60793-2, IEC 60794-3 and the IEC 60794-1-2x series;
the fibre strain allowance for tensile tests was updated;
characteristics Table 5, Table 6, Table 7 were moved to the Annex A (informative).

Câbles à fibres optiques - Partie 3-40: Câbles extérieurs - Spécification de famille pour les câbles destinés aux évacuations d’eaux sanitaires et pluviales

IEC 60794-3-40:2022 s’applique aux câbles en égouts et aux conduits en vue de leur installation par soufflage et/ou tirage dans les évacuations d’eaux pluviales et sanitaires accessibles et non accessibles par l’homme. Les systèmes intégrant des éléments couverts par le présent document sont soumis aux exigences de la spécification intermédiaire IEC 60794-3. Il est nécessaire que les constructions des câbles en égouts et des conduits satisfassent aux différentes exigences d’ordre chimique, environnemental, fonctionnel et aux conditions générales en matière de nettoyage et de maintenance qui incombent aux entreprises et/ou aux organismes de maintenance des égouts. Les applications préférentielles, qui décrivent les caractéristiques des câbles en égouts en fonction des méthodes d’installation sont rapportées à l’Annexe A et l’Annexe B pour les égouts non accessibles par l’homme. L’Article 5 décrit les caractéristiques des câbles en égouts et des conduits en vue de leur installation par soufflage, tirage ou d’autres moyens dans des évacuations d’eaux pluviales et sanitaires. Les spécifications particulières peuvent être préparées sur la base de cette spécification de famille. Il importe d’interpréter les critères d’acceptation en conséquence. Le nombre de fibres soumises à l’essai est représentatif du câble en égouts et il fait l’objet d’un accord entre le client et le fournisseur. Cette seconde édition annule et remplace la première édition parue en 2008. Cette édition constitue une révision technique. Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l’édition précédente:
a) le présent document suit la nouvelle structure relative aux spécifications de famille. Les symbols et abréviations ont été inclus à l’Article 3, et l’Article 4 s’intitule désormais Exigences générales, et est composé de 4.1 Fibres optiques, 4.2 Elément de câble et 4.3 Construction d’un câble à fibres optiques;
b) l’Annexe D a été supprimée étant donné qu’elle fait partie intégrante de l’IEC TR 62691;
c) le présent document a été simplifié en s’appuyant sur des références à l’IEC 60794-1-1, l’IEC 60793-2, l’IEC 60794-3 et la série IEC 60794-1-2x;
d) la tolérance en matière de déformation de la fibre pour les essais de traction a été mise à jour; e) le Tableau 5, le Tableau 6 et le Tableau 7, Caractéristiques, ont été déplacés à l’Annexe A (informative).

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 26-Apr-2022
• ICS: 33.180.10 - Fibres and cables
• Technical Committee: SC 86A - Fibres and cables
• Current Stage: PPUB - Publication issued
• Start Date: 27-Apr-2022
• Completion Date: 20-May-2022

Relations

• Revises: IEC 60794-3-40:2008 - Optical fibre cables - Part 3-40: Outdoor cables - Family specification for sewer cables and conduits for installation by blowing and/or pulling in non-man accessible storm and sanitary sewers
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Overview

IEC 60794-3-40:2022 is an international family specification standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that defines the requirements for optical fibre cables designed for outdoor installation in storm and sanitary sewers. The standard addresses sewer cables and conduits installed by blowing, pulling, or other methods in both man-accessible and non-man accessible sewers. It complements the sectional specification IEC 60794-3 to ensure consistent quality and performance in challenging sewer environments.

This second edition, published in 2022, reflects technical revisions from the original 2008 edition. It streamlines the structure, updates test conditions such as fibre strain allowance, removes redundancy by cross-referencing related IEC standards, and relocates characteristic tables to informative annexes. The document is essential for manufacturers, suppliers, and sewer operating companies responsible for the deployment and maintenance of optical fibre communication infrastructure installed inside storm and sanitary sewer systems.

Key Topics

• Scope and Application
  The standard covers optical fibre cables and conduits specifically designed for installation inside sewer ducts, accommodating diverse installation methods (blowing, pulling) and environmental factors typical of sanitary and stormwater systems.

• Cable and Conduit Construction
  Detailed general requirements include optical fibres, cable elements, and conduit construction methods. It emphasizes the need for robust protective measures such as rodent protection and chemical resistance due to the harsh sewer environment.

• Installation Methods
  Focuses on cables suitable for installation within conduits (fixed to sewer walls) and direct installation in sewer ducts. Annexes provide guidance on preferential cable characteristics depending on installation method, particularly for non-man accessible sewers.

• Mechanical and Environmental Testing
  The standard specifies comprehensive test conditions to evaluate cable and conduit performance, including mechanical strength, chemical resistance, environmental durability, and cleaning challenges commonly encountered in sewer systems.

• Cross-Referenced Standards
  IEC 60794-3-40 references related standards such as IEC 60794-1-1, IEC 60793-2, and IEC 60794-1-2x series to align with broad optical fibre cable testing frameworks while focusing on sewer-specific requirements.

Applications

IEC 60794-3-40:2022 is pivotal for deploying resilient optical fibre networks within storm and sanitary sewers, enabling:

• Municipal and utility infrastructure communications requiring fibre cabling installations in confined sewer environments.
• Telecommunications providers and service operators implementing underground fibre optic networks that traverse stormwater and sanitary sewer pipes.
• Manufacturers and suppliers designing cables and conduit systems that meet stringent operational and environmental criteria-such as chemical exposure, rodent damage prevention, and long-term durability in moisture-rich and corrosive environments.
• Engineering projects requiring fibre installation through blowing or pulling techniques tailored for both man-accessible and non-man accessible sewers.

These applications contribute to enhanced network reliability, proactive maintenance, and extended fibre cable lifespan in demanding outdoor sewer environments.

Related Standards

To ensure comprehensive compliance and performance evaluation, IEC 60794-3-40:2022 is used in conjunction with related IEC standards including:

• IEC 60794-3: Sectional specification for optical fibre cables covering broader outdoor cable requirements.
• IEC 60794-1-1: General testing methods for optical fibre cables.
• IEC 60793-2: Specifications for optical fibres themselves, an essential aspect of optical cable performance.
• IEC 60794-1-2x series: Additional test procedures for cable characterization under various conditions.

These related standards supplement the family specification by defining the fundamental optical fibre characteristics, mechanical and environmental testing protocols, and industry-wide requirements necessary for seamless integration of fibre optic sewer cables into global networks.

---

Keywords: IEC 60794-3-40, optical fibre cable, storm sewers, sanitary sewers, outdoor cables, sewer cable installation, blowing installation, pulling installation, sewer conduit, rodent protection, optical fibre testing, IEC standards, fibre optic sewer cable, environmental resistance, mechanical testing, optical cable standards.

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 60794-3-40 ®
Edition 2.0 2022-04
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Optical fibre cables –
Part 3-40: Outdoor cables – Family specification for cables for storm and
sanitary sewers
Câbles à fibres optiques –
Partie 3-40: Câbles extérieurs – Spécification de famille pour les câbles destinés
aux évacuations d’eaux sanitaires et pluviales

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IEC 60794-3-40 ®
Edition 2.0 2022-04
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Optical fibre cables –
Part 3-40: Outdoor cables – Family specification for cables for storm and

sanitary sewers
Câbles à fibres optiques –
Partie 3-40: Câbles extérieurs – Spécification de famille pour les câbles destinés

aux évacuations d’eaux sanitaires et pluviales

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 33.180.10 ISBN 978-2-8322-1101-0

– 2 – IEC 60794-3-40:2022 © IEC 2022
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms, definitions, symbols and abbreviated terms . 7
4 General requirements . 7
4.1 Optical fibres . 7
4.2 Cable element . 7
4.3 Optical fibre cable and conduit construction . 7
4.3.1 General . 7
4.3.2 Conduits . 8
4.3.3 Sewer cables . 8
4.3.4 Rodent protection . 8
5 Details of family requirements and test conditions for optical fibre cable and
conduit . 8
5.1 Cable for installation within conduits (previously fixed to the sewer wall) . 8
5.2 Cable for direct installation into the sewer duct . 8
5.3 Conduit construction . 8
5.4 Operating conditions . 9
5.5 Mechanical and environmental tests . 9
5.5.1 Conduits . 9
5.5.2 Cable for installation within conduits (previously fixed to the sewer wall) . 12
5.5.3 Cables for direct installation into the sewer duct . 17
Annex A (informative) Blank detail specification – Sewer cables description . 24
A.1 Conduit description . 24
A.2 Cable for installation within conduits (previously fixed to the sewer wall) . 25
A.3 Cables for direct installation into the sewer duct . 26
Annex B (informative) Cables for non-man accessible sewers . 27
Annex C (informative) Examples of conduits and sewer cables . 28
C.1 Loose tube cables for installation within conduits . 28
C.1.1 Dielectric sewer cables . 28
C.1.2 Sewer cable installed within a conduit . 28
C.2 Loose tube cables for direct installation into the sewer duct . 29
C.2.1 Cables to be screwed to the sewer inner wall . 29
C.2.2 Cables for spanning between manholes, similarly to aerial cables . 30
C.2.3 Cables for laying on the ground of the sewer . 31
Bibliography . 32

Figure C.1 – Dielectric optical fibre sewer cable . 28
Figure C.2 – Dielectric optical fibre sewer cable . 28
Figure C.3 – Optical fibre sewer cable within a conduit . 29
Figure C.4 – Optical fibre sewer cable for direct installation – Peripheral strength
members . 29
Figure C.5 – Optical fibre sewer cable for direct installation – Steel wire armouring . 30
Figure C.6 – Optical fibre sewer cable for spanning – Peripheral strength members . 30
Figure C.7 – Optical fibre sewer cable for spanning – Steel wire armouring . 30

Figure C.8 – Optical fibre sewer cable for laying – Aluminium tape . 31
Figure C.9 – Optical fibre sewer cable for laying – Corrugated steel . 31
Figure C.10 – Optical fibre sewer cable for laying – 2-layer-steel wire armouring . 31

Table 1 – Conduit tests applicable . 9
Table 2 – Optical fibre cable – Tests applicable . 13
Table 3 – Tests applicable . 18
Table A.1 – Conduit description . 24
Table A.2 – Sewer optical fibre cable description – Within conduits . 25
Table A.3 – Sewer optical fibre cable description – Direct installation . 26
Table B.1 – Characteristics for optical fibre cables within non-man accessible sewers . 27

– 4 – IEC 60794-3-40:2022 © IEC 2022
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
OPTICAL FIBRE CABLES –
Part 3-40: Outdoor cables –
Family specification for cables for storm and sanitary sewers

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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preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with
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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
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6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
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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.
IEC 60794-3-40 has been prepared by subcommittee 86A: Fibres and cables, of IEC technical
committee 86: Fibre optics. It is an International Standard.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2008. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) this document follows the new structure for family specifications: symbols and abbreviations
were included in Clause 3, and Clause 4 became the General requirements with 4.1 Optical
fibres, 4.2 Cable element and 4.3 Optical fibre cable construction;
b) Annex D has been removed as it is part of IEC TR 62691;
c) this document has been streamlined by cross-referencing IEC 60794-1-1, IEC 60793-2,
IEC 60794-3 and the IEC 60794-1-2x series;
d) the fibre strain allowance for tensile tests was updated;

e) characteristics Table 5, Table 6, Table 7 were moved to the Annex A (informative).
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
86A/2189/FDIS 86A/2191/RVD
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/standardsdev/publications.
A list of all parts in the IEC 60794 series, published under the general title Optical fibre cables,
can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
IMPORTANT – The "colour inside" logo on the cover page of this document 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 60794-3-40:2022 © IEC 2022
OPTICAL FIBRE CABLES –
Part 3-40: Outdoor cables –
Family specification for cables for storm and sanitary sewers

1 Scope
This part of IEC 60794 is a family specification that covers sewer cables and conduits for
installation by blowing and/or pulling in man accessible and non-man accessible storm and
sanitary sewers. Systems built with components covered by this document are subject to the
requirements of sectional specification IEC 60794-3.
Sewer cable and conduit constructions need to meet the different requirements of the sewer
operating companies and/or associations regarding chemical, environmental, operational,
cleaning and in general maintenance conditions.
Preferential applications, describing sewer cable characteristics versus methods of installation
is reported in Annex A and Annex B for non-man accessible sewers.
escribes characteristics of sewer cables and conduits for installation by blowing,
Clause 5 d
pulling or other means in storm and sanitary sewers.
Detail specifications can be prepared on the basis of this family specification.
It is important that acceptance criteria are interpreted with respect to this consideration. The
number of fibres tested is representative of the sewer cable and is agreed between the customer
and the supplier.
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 60793-2, Optical fibres – Part 2: Product specifications – General
IEC 60794-1-1, Optical fibre cables – Part 1-1: Generic specification – General
IEC 60794-1-2, Optical fibre cables – Part 1-2: Generic specification – Basic optical cable test
procedures – General guidance
IEC 60794-1-21, Optical fibre cables – Part 1-21: Generic specification – Basic optical cable
test procedures – Mechanical tests methods
IEC 60794-1-22, Optical fibre cables – Part 1-22: Generic specification – Basic optical cable
test procedures – Environmental tests methods
IEC 60794-1-23, Optical fibre cables – Part 1-23: Generic specification – Basic optical cable
test procedures – Cable element test methods
IEC 60794-1-215, Optical fibre cables – Part 1-215: Generic specification – Basic optical cable
test procedures – Environmental test methods – Cable external freezing test, Method F15

IEC 60794-3:2014, Optical fibre cables – Part 3: Outdoor cables – Sectional specification
IEC 60794-5, Optical fibre cables – Part 5: Sectional specification – Microduct cabling for
installation by blowing
IEC 60794-5-10, Optical fibre cables – Part 5-10: Family specification – Outdoor microduct
optical fibre cables, microducts and protected microducts for installation by blowing
IEC 60811-501, Electric and optical fibre cables – Test methods for non-metallic materials –
Part 501: Mechanical tests – Tests for determining the mechanical properties of insulating and
sheathing compounds
IEC TR 62362:2020, Selection of optical fibre cable specifications relative to mechanical,
ingress, climatic or electromagnetic characteristics – Guidance
3 Terms, definitions, symbols and abbreviated terms
For the purposes of this document, the terms, definitions, symbols and abbreviated terms given
in IEC 60794-1-1 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
4 General requirements
4.1 Optical fibres
The optical fibre shall conform to the requirements of IEC 60793-2. The fibre type shall be
agreed between the customer and supplier. The cabled fibre shall conform to IEC 60794-3.
4.2 Cable element
The cable elements shall conform to IEC 60794-3.
4.3 Optical fibre cable and conduit construction
4.3.1 General
In addition to the constructional requirements of sectional specification IEC 60794-3, the
following considerations apply to the sewer cables and/or conduits.
The tests of this specification are intended to assess the performance of cables and conduits,
as manufactured and under agreed ageing and performance-limit tests. These tests are not
intended to define end-of-life performance. See IEC 60794-3:2014, 6.1.
The materials in the cable or conduit shall not present a health hazard within its intended use.
The clamping systems and accessories associated with cables and conduits of this document
are not specified herein. Such parts shall be agreed between the customer and the installer
depending on the installation technique.
Annex C shows examples of conduits and sewer cables.

– 8 – IEC 60794-3-40:2022 © IEC 2022
4.3.2 Conduits
If used, conduits shall conform to the installation and system design considerations of 4.3.3.
Conduits shall be able to resist pressure differences needed for installation by blowing and
outside pressure due to sewer cleaning operations. Conduits shall be circular and, if needed,
corrugated in cross-section throughout their length. The material shall withstand all possible
chemical attacks by the sewer liquid itself. Such chemicals hazards shall be agreed between
customer and supplier as well as the geometric dimensions, for example inner- and outer-
diameter, overall minimum wall thickness, of the conduit.
NOTE For instance stainless steel conduits have shown reliable performance.
4.3.3 Sewer cables
A sewer cable in accordance to this document should be suitable for installation in man
accessible storm and sanitary sewers and non-man accessible sewers and lateral sewer
systems, by installation methods as agreed between customer and supplier. Common
installation methods include
– blowing and/or pulling into a conduit, previously fixed to the sewer wall or, for laterals,
placed in between the lateral sewer wall and the in-liner system, and
– direct installation into the sewer duct, according to the following applications:
• drilling and screwing to the inner wall;
• spanning between manholes, etc. similarly to aerial cables;
• laying on the ground of the sewer.
The size and installation of the sewer cable shall be such that it does not restrict the flow of
sewer fluid or create obstacles to flow of any debris within the sewer pipe, as agreed between
customer and supplier.
Sewer cables installed without conduit into sewer systems shall be so constructed to withstand
chemical attacks by the sewer liquid. Such chemical hazards shall be agreed between customer
and supplier, using 5.5.3.3.9 as guidance.
4.3.4 Rodent protection
Rodent protection is generally needed but there is presently no standard test to measure the
level of rodent protection. Rodent protection can be provided by the cable or by the duct.
5 Details of family requirements and test conditions for optical fibre cable and
conduit
5.1 Cable for installation within conduits (previously fixed to the sewer wall)
The cable construction shall confirm to IEC 60794-3, IEC 60794-5 or IEC 60794-5-10, as
appropriate.
5.2 Cable for direct installation into the sewer duct
The cable construction shall confirm to IEC 60794-3.
5.3 Conduit construction
The conduit construction shall conform to the performance required for the sewer environment
as compatible with the performance intent of cables of IEC 60794-3 and of IEC 60794-5 and
IEC 60794-5-10 as applicable to microducts. Specific attributes to be considered in conduit
construction are:
• materials;
• conduit dimensions – inner and outer diameter;
• moisture barrier types (if used) – materials, metallic tapes, etc.;
• for corrugated conduit (metallic) – metal tape thickness, corrugation depth and pitch, overlap
requirements;
• for inner tubes (if used) – tube materials, tube dimensions.
The performance attributes shall be agreed between customer and supplier.
5.4 Operating conditions
The operating conditions of cables within sewers may be different from those of general cables
of IEC 60794-3. Different operating regimes, if applicable, shall be agreed between customer
and supplier. Consideration shall also be given to any operating regimes occurring when the
cable exits the sewer system. Typical considerations include
• temperatures of sewer fluids, especially high temperatures,
• normal operating temperature ranges that may be less severe than those usual for
IEC 60794-3 cables, especially the low temperature extreme,
• chemical exposure, as covered in 5.5.3.3.9, and
• other special conditions, as agreed between customer and supplier.
5.5 Mechanical and environmental tests
5.5.1 Conduits
5.5.1.1 Conduit tests (select applicable tests)
Tests listed in Table 1 are those relevant to IEC 60794-3, 60794-5 and 60794-5-10 as
applicable for conduits.
Table 1 – Conduit tests applicable
Characteristics IEC 60794-3:2014 Family Test methods Remarks
requirements
a
(IEC 60794-5-10:2014)
If external pressure
resistance is required,
IEC 60794-1-22,
IEC 60794-1-22,
Pressure withstand (6.1, Table 3) 5.5.1.2.2 method F10, may be
method F13
used, as agreed
between customer
and supplier.
Clause 9, Table 3 IEC 60794-1-21,
Tensile performance 5.5.1.2.3
(6.1, Table 3) method E1
Clause 9, Table 3 IEC 60794-1-21,
Crush 5.5.1.2.5
(6.1, Table 3) method E3A
Clause 9, Table 3 IEC 60794-1-21,
Impact 5.5.1.2.6
(6.1, Table 3) method E4
Clause 9, Table 3 IEC 60794-1-21,
Repeated bending 5.5.1.2.7
(6.1, Table 3) method E6
Clause 9, Table 3 IEC 60794-1-21,
Torsion 5.5.1.2.8
(6.1, Table 3) method E7
Clause 9, Table 3 IEC 60794-1-21,
Kink 5.5.1.2.4
(6.1, Table 3) method E10
Clause 9, Table 3 IEC 60794-1-21,
Bend 5.5.1.2.9
(Bend) (6.1, Table 3) method E11B

– 10 – IEC 60794-3-40:2022 © IEC 2022
Characteristics IEC 60794-3:2014 Family Test methods Remarks
requirements
a
(IEC 60794-5-10:2014)
IEC 60794-1-21,
Bending under
Clause 9, Table 3 5.5.1.2.10 method E18A,
tension
procedure 1
Clause 9, Table 3 IEC 60794-1-22,
Ageing 5.5.1.2.11
(6.1, Table 3) method F9
a
IEC 60794-3 or IEC 60794-5-10 as applicable.

5.5.1.2 Details of family requirements and test conditions for conduits
5.5.1.2.1 General
Tests shall be selected from those of Table 1 and the following hereinafter described.
5.5.1.2.2 Pressure withstand
a) Family requirements
Under visual examination, without magnification, there shall be no damage to the conduit.
b) Test conditions:
– Method: IEC 60794-1-22, method F13
– Apply an air pressure of 2,5 x the specified installation pressure at standard ambient
temperature, per IEC 60794-1-2, for 30 min.
– Apply an air pressure of 1,3 x the specified installation pressure and maintain at 40 ºC,
or other elevated temperature as specified, for 24 h.
5.5.1.2.3 Tensile performance
a) Family requirements
Under visual examination without magnification, there shall be no damage and the outer
diameter shall not change by more than 10 %.
b) Test conditions
Method: IEC 60794-1-21, method E1
Sample length under tension: ≥ 50 m, per method E1. Taking into account the measurement
accuracy and end effects, shorter lengths may be used by agreement between the customer
and the supplier.
Tensile load on sample: installation load (T ). Other loads may be applied in accordance
M
with particular user conditions.
Diameter of test pulleys: 1 m but not less than the minimum loaded bending diameter
specified for the conduit.
: equivalent to weight of 1 km of conduit.
T
M
5.5.1.2.4 Kink
a) Family requirements
Under visual examination, without magnification, there shall be no kink to the conduits.
b) Test conditions
Method: IEC 60794-1-21, method E10
Minimum diameter: 20 times the outer diameter of the conduit.
5.5.1.2.5 Crush
a) Family requirements
Under visual examination, without magnification, there shall be no damage to the conduit.
There shall be no residual deformation greater than 15 % of the conduit diameter, no
splitting or permanent damage after removing load. The imprint of the plates on the conduit
surface is not considered as mechanical damage.
b) Test conditions
Method: IEC 60794-1-21, method E3A
Sample length: 250 mm
Load (plate/plate):
– Un-armoured conduit: 1,5 kN
– Armoured conduit: 2,2 kN
Duration time: 60 s
Recovery time: 1 h
5.5.1.2.6 Impact
a) Family requirements
Under visual examination, without magnification, there shall be no splitting or permanent
damage to the conduit. There shall be no residual deformation greater than 15 % of the
conduit diameter. The imprint of the striking surface on the conduit is not considered
damage.
b) Test conditions
Method: in analogy of IEC 60794-1-21, method E4
Striking surface curvature radius: 300 mm minimum (flat hammer)
Impact energy:
– Un-armoured conduit: 10 J
– Armoured conduit: 20 J to 30 J, depending on particular user conditions
Recovery time: 1 h
Number of impacts: one in 3 different places spaced not less than 500 mm apart
5.5.1.2.7 Repeated bending
a) Family requirements
Under visual examination, without magnification, there shall be no splitting, collapse, or
other damage to the conduit sample. If the conduit has metallic armour, there shall be no
cracks greater than 5 mm in length. The conduit sample shall exhibit no reduction in outer
diameter greater than 15 %.
b) Test conditions
Method: IEC 60794-1-21, method E6
Bending diameter: 40 × OD
Load: Adequate to assure uniform contact with the mandrel
Number of cycles: 25
5.5.1.2.8 Torsion
a) Family requirements
Under visual examination, without magnification, there shall be no splitting or other damage
to the conduit sample. The conduit sample shall exhibit no reduction in outer diameter
greater than 15 %.
b) Test conditions
Method: IEC 60794-1-21, method E7
Maximum gauge length: 2 m
– 12 – IEC 60794-3-40:2022 © IEC 2022
5.5.1.2.9 Bend
a) Family requirements
Upon dissection, the outer and inner diameter of the conduit sample shall show, under visual
examination without magnification, no damage after the test. If the conduit has a metallic
armour, there shall be no cracks. The conduit sample shall exhibit no reduction in outer
diameter greater than 15 %.
b) Test conditions
Method: IEC 60794-1-21, method E11B
Diameter of mandrel: 40 × OD
Number of cycles: 3
5.5.1.2.10 Bending under tension
a) Family requirements
Upon dissection, the outer and inner diameter of the conduit sample shall show, under visual
examination without magnification, no damage after the test. If the conduit has a metallic
armour, there shall be no cracks. The conduit sample shall exhibit no reduction in outer
diameter greater than 15 %.
b) Test conditions
Method: IEC 60794-1-21, method E18A, procedure 1
Diameter of mandrel: 40 × OD or the minimum bending diameter of the conduit,
whichever is smaller
Tension: T , the rated installation tension
M
Bend angle: 90°
Test distance: 100 × OD
Number of cycles: 10
5.5.1.2.11 Ageing
a) Family requirements
After ageing, the following tests shall be applied.
• Under visual examination, without magnification, there shall be no splitting or other
damage to the conduit sample.
• Following the material tensile and elongation tests of IEC 60811-501, the conduit
material shall retain a minimum of 85 % of the before-ageing values.
• The conduit sample shall pass the bending test of 5.5.1.2.9.
b) Test conditions
Method: IEC 60794-1-22, method F9
Temperature: 85 °C
Duration: 168 h
5.5.2 Cable for installation within conduits (previously fixed to the sewer wall)
5.5.2.1 General
Cables installed in conduits within sewers follow the intent of IEC 60794-3. In some cases,
cable systems are designed to follow the intent of IEC 60794-5 and IEC 60794-5-10. In these
cases, refer to IEC 60794-5-10 for guidance on agreement between the manufacturer and
customer.
5.5.2.2 Tests applicable
Table 2 – Optical fibre cable – Tests applicable
Family
Characteristics IEC 60794-3:2014 Test methods Remarks
requirements
Tensile IEC 60794-1-21,
Clause 9, Table 3 5.5.2.3.2
performance method E1
IEC 60794-1-21,
Crush Clause 9, Table 3 5.5.2.3.6
method E3A
IEC 60794-1-21,
Impact Clause 9, Table 3 5.5.2.3.7
method E4
IEC 60794-1-21,
Repeated bending Clause 9, Table 3 5.5.2.3.3
method E6
IEC 60794-1-21,
Torsion Clause 9, Table 3 5.5.2.3.4
method E7
IEC 60794-1-21,
Kink Clause 9, Table 3 5.5.2.3.9

method E10
IEC 60794-1-21,
Bend Clause 9, Table 3 5.5.2.3.5
method E11A
IEC 60794-1-21,
Bending under
Clause 9, Table 3 5.5.2.3.10 method E18A,
tension
procedure 1
According to IEC 60794-1-21, Requirements will vary by
Blowing ---
DS method E24 duct, cable and installation.
IEC 60794-1-22,
Ageing Clause 9, Table 3 5.5.2.3.11
method F9
IEC 60794-1-22,
method F9
Coating adhesion
IEC 60794-1-23,
Clause 8, Table 2 5.5.2.3.12
stability
method G10A,
G10B or G10C, as
applicable.
Temperature IEC 60794-1-22,
Clause 9, Table 3 5.5.2.3.8
cycling method F1
IEC 60794-1-22,
Water penetration Clause 9, Table 3 5.5.2.3.13 method F5B or
F5C
IEC 60794-1-215, In the case where some
method F15A or part of a cable or cable in
Freezing --- 5.5.2.3.14
F15B conduit might freeze.
5.5.2.3 Details of family requirements and test conditions for sewer cable tests
5.5.2.3.1 General
Tests shall be selected from those of Table 2 and the following hereinafter described.
Attenuation measurements shall be made at room temperature except as specified in particular
tests.
Attenuation measurements shall be made at 1 550 nm for single-mode fibres and 1 300 nm for
multimode fibres, or at the operational wavelength specified by the customer.
For L-band operation, the measurements shall be measured at 1 625 nm and shall be a value
agreed between customer and supplier.

– 14 – IEC 60794-3-40:2022 © IEC 2022
5.5.2.3.2 Tensile performance
a) Family requirements
While the cable is under short-term tensile load (T , rated tensile load),
M
• the axial fibre strain shall be < 60 % of the fiber 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 fiber strain shall be
– < 20 % of fiber proof test, for fiber proof tested to ≤ 1 % strain (e.g., 0,69 GPa, 0,2 %
absolute strain), and
– < 17 % of fiber proof test, for fiber 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), and
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.
• there shall be no increase in attenuation.
After the test, there shall be no change in attenuation.
Under visual examination, without magnification, there shall be no damage to the sheath or
to the cable elements.
b) Test conditions
Method: IEC 60794-1-21, method E1
Cable length under tension: not less than 50 m taking into account the measurement
accuracy and end effects; shorter lengths may be used by agreement between the customer
and the supplier.
Fibre length: finished cable length
Tensile load on cable: long term tensile load (T ) and installation load (T ). Other loads
L M
may be applied in accordance with particular user conditions.
Diameter of test pulleys: 1 m but not less than the minimum loaded bending diameter
specified for the cable
T : equivalent to weight of 1 km of sewer cable or 50 N whichever is
M
greater (blowing in duct)
T : greater or equivalent to 1,5 × weight of 1 km (pulling in duct)
M
T : 0,3 × T
L M
5.5.2.3.3 Repeated bending
a) Family requirements
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
Bending radius: 20 d
Load: adequate to assure uniform contact with the mandrel
Number of cycles: 25
5.5.2.3.4 Torsion
a) Family requirements
Under visual examination, without magnification, there shall be no damage to the sheath or
to the cable elements.
The variation on attenuation for each fibre shall be less than, or equal to, 0,10 dB for single-
mode fibre.
There shall be no change in attenuation after the test.
b) Test conditions
Method: IEC 60794-1-21, method E7
5.5.2.3.5 Bend
a) Family requirements
There shall be no change in attenuation after the test at room temperature.
The change in attenuation after the test, when tested at –30 °C, if required, shall be ≤ 0,1 dB
for single-mode fibre.
b) Test conditions
Method: IEC 60794-1-21, method E11
Diameter of mandrel: 20 d or the minimum bend diameter of the cable, whichever is
greater.
For cable incorporating a non-metallic rod and/or metallic
armouring, bending shall be limited to a value from 20 d to 80 d
Number of turns/helix: 4
Number of cycles: 3
5.5.2.3.6 Crush
a) Family requirements
Immediately after removal of load, there shall be no increase in attenuation.
Under visual examination, there shall be no damage to the sheath or to the cable elements
after removing load.
The imprint of the plate on the sheath is not considered mechanical damage.
b) Test conditions
Method:  IEC 60794-1-21, method E3A
Load:  500 N
Duration of load: 1 min
5.5.2.3.7 Impact
a) Family requirements
Under visual examination, without magnification, there shall be no damage to the sheath or
to the cable elements. The imprint of the hammer on the sheath is not considered as
mechanical damage.
There shall be no change in attenuation after the test.
b) Test conditions:
Method: IEC 60794-1-21, method E4
Striking surface curvature radius: 300 mm minimum (flat hammer)
Impact energy: 1 J
Alternative energies may be used as agreed between customer
and user.
Number of impacts: 1 in 3 different places spaced not less than 500 mm apart
5.5.2.3.8 Temperature cycling
a) Family requirements
or T , if specified.
During the last cycle, there shall be no change in attenuation at T
A1 B1
– 16 – IEC 60794-3-40:2022 © IEC 2022
During the last cycle, the attenuation change at T or T shall be < 0,15 dB/km for single-
A2 B2
mode fibre. On completion of the test, there shall be no change in attenuation.
b) Test conditions
Method: IEC 60794-1-22, method F1
to T to ambient
Definition of a cycle: ambient to T
B2 A2
Definition of the last cycle: ambient, T , T , T , T with a final measurement at room
A2 A1 B1 B2
temperature. T or T are used only if specified.
A1 B1
Sample length: finished cable length of at least 1 000 m.
High temperature, T : +60 °C to +70 °C, depending on customer requirements
B2
High temperature, T , if specified: +30 °C to +60 °C, depending on customer requirements
B1
Low temperature, T , if specified: –10 °C to –15 °C, depending on customer requirements
A1
Low temperature, T : T to –30 °C or –45 °C, depending on customer requirements
A2 A1
Other temperature values corresponding to specific climate conditions can be agreed
between supplier and customer.
t : temperature cycling test dwell time until stable temperature is
reached
Number of cycles: 2, but additional cycles may be required in accordance with
particular customer requirements
5.5.2.3.9 Kink
a) Family requirements
Under visual examination, without magnification, there shall be no damage to the cable.
b) Test conditions
Method:  IEC 60794-1-21, method E10
Minimum diameter: 40 × d
5.5.2.3.10 Bending under tension
a) Family requirements
The cable sample shall show, under visual examination without magnification, no damage
after the test.
b) Test conditions
Method: IEC 60794-1-21, method E18A, procedure 1
Diameter of mandrel: 40 × OD or the minimum bending diameter of the cable, whichever
is smaller
Tension: T , the rated installation tension
M
Bend angle: 90°
Test distance: 100 × OD
Number of cycles: 10
5.5.2.3.11 Ageing
a) Family requirements
After ageing, the following criteria shall be applied.
Under visual examination, without magnification, there shall be no damage to the cable
sample.
Allowable change in attenuation described in IEC 60794-1-22, method F9.

b) Test conditions
Method: IEC 60794-1-22, method F9
Temperature: 85 °C
Duration: 168 h
5.5.2.3.12 Coating adhesion stability
a) Family requirements
After ageing per IEC 60794-1-22, method F9, fibre, ribbon, or buffered fibre shall meet the
following criteria.
Fibre: The coating shall show no signs of cracking, splitting, or delamination when examined
under 5 X magnification.
The force required to remove the fibre coating (30 mm, per IEC 60794-1-23, method G10A)
shall be between 1,0 N and 9,0 N.
Ribbon: Ribbon matrix and fibre coating shall be removed without breaking the fibres.
Cleanliness shall be per IEC 60794-1-23, method G10B.
Buffered fibre:
• tight buffer – the force required to strip the buffer material and fibre coating (15 mm, per
IEC 60794-1-23, method G10C) shall be between 1,3 N and 13,3 N.
• semi-tight buffer – the buffer shall be removed in a single operation, leav
...