Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components - Basic test and measurement procedures - Part 1: General and guidance

IEC 61300-1:2022 provides general information and guidance for the basic test and measurement procedures defined in IEC 61300-2 (all parts) and IEC 61300-3 (all parts) for interconnecting devices, passive components, mechanical splices, fusion splice protectors, fibre management systems and protective housings. This document is used in combination with the relevant specification which defines the tests to be used, the required degree of severity for each of them, their sequence, if relevant, and the permissible performance limits. In the event of conflict between this document and the relevant specification, the latter takes precedence. This fifth edition cancels and replaces the fourth edition published in 2016. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
- addition of the information of measurement uncertainties in 4.2.1;
- change of the requirements for attenuation variation in 4.2.2;
- addition of the multimode launch conditions of other fibres than A1-OM2, A1-OM3, A1-OM4, A1-OM5 and A3e in 10.4;
- addition of the multimode launch conditions of the planer waveguide in 10.6;
- splitting Annex A for EF and Annex B for EAF;
- correction of errors in the definitions of encircled flux and encircled angular flux.

Dispositifs d'interconnexion et composants passifs fibroniques - Procédures fondamentales d'essais et de mesures - Partie 1: Généralités et recommandations

L'IEC 61300-1:2022 donne des informations d'ordre général et des recommandations concernant les procédures fondamentales d’essai et de mesure définies dans l'IEC 61300-2 (toutes les parties) et l'IEC 61300-3 (toutes les parties) et applicables aux dispositifs d'interconnexion, aux composants passifs, aux épissures mécaniques, aux protecteurs d'épissures par fusion, aux systèmes de gestion des fibres et aux boîtiers de protection. Le présent document est utilisé avec la spécification applicable qui définit les essais à réaliser, le degré de sévérité exigé pour chacun d’eux, l'ordre dans lequel ils sont effectués, le cas échéant, et les limites des performances admissibles. Si le présent document et la spécification applicable sont en contradiction, c’est cette dernière qui prévaut. Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l'édition précédente:
- ajout d'informations sur les incertitudes de mesure en 4.2.1;
- modification des exigences pour la variation d'affaiblissement en 4.2.2;
- ajout des conditions d’injection en multimodal des fibres autres que A1-OM2, A1-OM3,
- A1-OM4, A1-OM5 et A3e en 10.4;
- ajout des conditions d’injection en multimodal du guide d'onde plan en 10.6;
- séparation de l'Annexe A pour l’EF et de l'Annexe B pour l’EAF;
- correction d'erreurs dans les définitions du flux inscrit et du flux angulaire inscrit.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
03-Dec-2025
Current Stage
PPUB - Publication issued
Start Date
04-Apr-2022
Completion Date
29-Apr-2022
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IEC 61300-1:2022 RLV - Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components - Basic test and measurement procedures - Part 1: General and guidance Released:4/4/2022 Isbn:9782832249437
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IEC 61300-1 ®
Edition 5.0 2022-04
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
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Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
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Part 1: General and guidance
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IEC 61300-1 ®
Edition 5.0 2022-04
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures –
Part 1: General and guidance
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 33.180.20 ISBN 978-2-8322-4943-7

– 2 – IEC 61300-1:2022 RLV © IEC 2022
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
INTRODUCTION . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviated terms . 8
3.1 Terms and definitions . 8
3.2 Abbreviated terms . 11
4 Requirements for IEC 61300-2 (all parts) and IEC 61300-3 (all parts) . 11
4.1 Requirements for IEC 61300-2 (all parts) (tests) . 11
4.2 Requirements for IEC 61300-3 (all parts) (examinations and measurement
procedures) . 12
4.2.1 General requirements . 12
4.2.2 Requirements for attenuation variation . 12
5 Standard atmospheric conditions . 12
6 Significance of the numerical value of a quantity . 13
6.1 General . 13
6.2 Quantity expressed as nominal value with tolerance . 13
6.3 Quantity expressed as a range of values. 14
7 Graphical symbols and terminology . 14
8 Safety . 14
9 Calibration . 15
9.1 General . 15
9.2 Round robin calibration procedure . 15
10 Launch conditions. 15
10.1 General . 15
10.2 Multimode launch conditions for A1b fibre A1 fibres . 15
10.3 Multimode launch conditions for A3e fibre . 16
10.4 Multimode launch conditions for the other multimode fibres . 17
10.5 Single-mode launch conditions. 17
10.6 Multimode planar waveguide launch conditions . 17
Annex A (normative) Multimode launch condition requirement for measuring
attenuation of components terminated on IEC 60793-2-10 type A1a and A1b
A1 fibres . 18
A.1 General . 18
A.2 Technical background . 18
A.3 EF template . 18
A.3.1 Applicable types of optical fibres . 18
A.3.2 Encircled flux . 18
A.3.3 EF template example . 18
A.4 Target launch and upper and lower tolerance bands for attenuation
measurements of A1a A1-OM2 to A1-OM5 and A1b A1-OM1 optical fibre
connections . 19
A.4.1 General . 19
A.4.2 Limits on EF . 19
Annex B (normative) Multimode launch condition requirement for measuring
attenuation of components terminated on IEC 60793-2-30 type A3e fibres . 21

B.1 EAF template . 21
B.1.1 Applicable types of optical fibres . 21
B.1.2 Encircled angular flux . 21
B.1.3 EAF template example . 21
B.2 Target launch and upper and lower tolerance bands for attenuation

measurements of A3e optical fibre connections. 21
B.2.1 General . 21
B.2.2 Limits on EAF . 22
Bibliography . 23

Figure A.1 – Encircled flux template example . 19
Figure B.1 – Encircled angular flux template example . 21

Table 1 – Standard atmospheric conditions . 12
Table 2 – Expected uncertainty for measured attenuation of single connections for A1b
fibre variation of attenuation due to mode variation of single connections for A1-OM2,
A1-OM3, A1-OM4 and A1-OM5 fibres . 16
Table 3 – Expected uncertainty for measured variation of attenuation due to mode
variation of single connections for A3e fibre . 16
Table A.1 – EF requirements for 50 µm core fibre at 850 nm . 19
Table A.2 – EF requirements for 50 µm core fibre at 1 300 nm . 20
Table A.3 – EF requirements for 62,5 µm fibre at 850 nm . 20
Table A.4 – EF requirements for 62,5 µm fibre at 1 300 nm . 20
Table B.1 – EAF requirements for NA of 0,37 and 200 µm core fibre at 850 nm . 22

– 4 – IEC 61300-1:2022 RLV © IEC 2022
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
FIBRE OPTIC INTERCONNECTING
DEVICES AND PASSIVE COMPONENTS –
BASIC TEST AND MEASUREMENT PROCEDURES –

Part 1: General and guidance
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
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rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This redline version of the official IEC Standard allows the user to identify the changes made to
the previous edition IEC 61300-1:2022. A vertical bar appears in the margin wherever a change
has been made. Additions are in green text, deletions are in strikethrough red text.

IEC 61300-1 has been prepared by subcommittee 86B: Fibre optic interconnecting devices and
passive components, of IEC technical committee 86: Fibre optics. It is an International Standard.
This fifth edition cancels and replaces the fourth edition published in 2016. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) addition of the information of measurement uncertainties in 4.2.1;
b) change of the requirements for attenuation variation in 4.2.2;
c) addition of the multimode launch conditions of other fibres than A1-OM2, A1-OM3, A1-OM4,
A1-OM5 and A3e in 10.4;
d) addition of the multimode launch conditions of the planar waveguide in 10.6;
e) splitting Annex A for EF and Annex B for EAF;
f) correction of errors in the definitions of encircled flux and encircled angular flux.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
86B/4582/FDIS 86B/4602/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 61300 series, published under the general title, Fibre optic
interconnecting and passive components – Basic test and measurement procedures, 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 publication indicates that it
contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct understanding of its
contents. Users should therefore print this document using a colour printer.

– 6 – IEC 61300-1:2022 RLV © IEC 2022
INTRODUCTION
The publications in IEC 61300 series [1] contain information on mechanical and environmental
testing procedures and measurement procedures relating to fibre optic interconnecting devices
and passive components. They are intended to be used to achieve uniformity and reproducibility
in environmental testing procedures and measurement procedures.
The term "test procedure" refers to procedures commonly known as mechanical and
environmental tests. The expressions "environmental conditioning" and "environmental testing"
refer to the environments to which components or equipment may be exposed so that an
assessment may be made of their performance under the conditions of use, transport and
storage.
The term "measurement procedure" refers to those measurements which are necessary
to assess the physical and optical characteristics of a component and may also be used before,
during or after a test procedure to measure the effects of environmental conditioning or testing.
The return loss and attenuation tests are examples of measurement procedures.
The requirements for the performance of components or equipment subjected to the test and
measurement procedures described in this document are not included. The relevant
specification for the device under test defines the allowed performance limits.
When drafting a specification or purchase contract, only those tests which are necessary for
the relevant components or equipment taking into account the technical and economic aspects
should be specified.
The mechanical and environmental test procedures are contained in IEC 61300-2 (all parts)
and the measurement procedures in IEC 61300-3 (all parts). Each test or measurement
procedure is published as a stand-alone publication so that it may be modified, expanded or
cancelled without having an effect on any other test or measurement procedure. However, it
should be noted that, where practical, reference is made to other standards as opposed to
repeating all or part of already existing standards. As an example, the cold test for fibre optic
apparatus refers to IEC 60068-2-1 [2], but it also provides other needed information such as
purpose, recommended severities and a list of items to be specified.
Multiple methods may be contained in a test or measurement procedure. As an example,
several methods of measuring attenuation are contained in the attenuation measurement
procedure.
If more than one method is contained in a test or measurement procedure, the reference method
may be identified.
The tests in this document permit the performance of components or equipment to be compared.
To assess the overall quality of a production lot, the test procedures should be applied in
accordance with a suitable sampling plan and may be supplemented by appropriate additional
tests, if necessary.
To provide tests appropriate to the different intensities of an environmental condition, some of
the test procedures have a number of degrees of severity. These different degrees of severity are
obtained by varying the time, temperature or some other determining factor separately or in
combination.
___________
Numbers in square bracket refer to the Bibliography.

FIBRE OPTIC INTERCONNECTING
DEVICES AND PASSIVE COMPONENTS –
BASIC TEST AND MEASUREMENT PROCEDURES –

Part 1: General and guidance
1 Scope
This part of IEC 61300 provides general information and guidance for the basic test and
measurement procedures defined in IEC 61300-2 (all parts) and IEC 61300-3 (all parts) for
interconnecting devices, passive components, mechanical splices, fusion splice protectors,
fibre management systems and protective housings.
This document should be is used in combination with the relevant specification which defines
the tests to be used, the required degree of severity for each of them, their sequence, if relevant,
and the permissible performance limits. In the event of conflict between this document and the
relevant specification, the latter takes precedence.
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 60050-731, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary – Part 731: Optical fibre
communication (available at www.electropedia.org)
IEC 60617, Graphical symbols for diagrams (available at http://std.iec.ch/iec60617)
IEC 60793-2-10, Optical fibres – Part 2-10: Product specifications – Sectional specification for
category A1 multimode fibres
IEC 60793-2-30, Optical fibres – Part 2-30: Product specifications – Sectional specification for
category A3 multimode fibres
IEC 60793-2-40, Optical fibres – Part 2-40: Product specifications – Sectional specification for
category A4 multimode fibres
IEC 60825-1, Safety of laser products – Part 1: Equipment classification and requirements
IEC 60825-2, Safety of laser products – Part 2: Safety of optical fibre communication systems
(OFCSs)
IEC 61280-1-4, Fibre optic communication subsystem test procedures – Part 1-4: General
communication subsystems – Light source encircled flux measurement method
IEC 61280-4-1, Fibre-optic communication subsystem test procedures – Part 4-1: Installed
cable cabling plant – Multimode attenuation measurement
IEC 61300-2 (all parts), Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic
test and measurement procedures – Part 2: Tests

– 8 – IEC 61300-1:2022 RLV © IEC 2022
IEC 61300-3 (all parts), Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic
test and measurement procedures – Part 3: Examinations and measurements
IEC 61300-3-1, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures – Part 3-1: Examinations and measurements – Visual examination
IEC 61300-3-35, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures – Part 3-35: Examinations and measurements – Visual inspection of
fibre optic connectors and fibre-stub transceivers
IEC 61300-3-53, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures – Part 3-53: Examinations and measurements – Encircled angular
flux (EAF) measurement method based on two-dimensional far field data from step index
multimode waveguide (including fibre)
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviated terms
3.1 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1.1
test
technical operation that consists of the determination of one or more characteristics of a given
product, process or service according to a specified procedure and normally consists of the
following steps:
a) preparation (where required);
b) preconditioning (where required);
c) initial examination and measurement (where required);
d) conditioning;
e) recovery (where required);
f) final examination and measurement
3.1.2
device under test
DUT
interconnecting device, passive component, equipment or other item designated to be tested
3.1.3
preparation
preparing the DUT according to the manufacturer’s instructions or as specified in the relevant
specification
3.1.4
preconditioning
treatment of a DUT with the object of removing or partly counteracting the effects of its previous
environmental history or acclimatisation of the test specimen to standard atmospheric
conditions
3.1.5
conditioning
exposure of a DUT to environmental or mechanical conditions for a specified duration in order
to determine the effects of such conditions on the DUT
3.1.6
recovery
treatment of a DUT after conditioning in order that the properties of the DUT may stabilise
before measurement
3.1.7
examination
visual and/or mechanical inspection of a DUT made with or without the use of special equipment
Note 1 to entry: Examination is usually carried out before and after the test, and/or during the test.
3.1.8
measurement
process of obtaining one or more values that can reasonably be attributed to a quantity
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-112:2010, 112-04-01, modified – The adverb "experimentally" has been
removed from the definition, as well as the notes.]
3.1.9
uncertainty of measurement
quantified doubt about the result of a measurement
Note 1 to entry: ISO/IEC Guide 98-3:2008 [3] defines uncertainty of measurement.
Note 2 to entry: IEC TR 61282-14 [4] provides the information of measurement uncertainties.
3.1.10
encircled flux
EF
fraction of cumulative near-field power to the total output power as a function of radial distance
from the optical centre of the core, defined by Formula (1):
r
xI x dx
( )

EF()r =
(1)
R
xI x dx
( )

where
I(x) is the near-field intensity profile as a function of radial position, r x;
R is the maximum range of integration
Note 1 to entry: The encircled flux shall be measured according to IEC 61280-1-4.
3.1.11
encircled angular flux
EAF
fraction of cumulative far-field power to the total output power as a function of incident angle θ
from the optical central axis of the far-field pattern, defined by Formula (2):

– 10 – IEC 61300-1:2022 RLV © IEC 2022
sin(θ )
2π θ ′
I(r,ϕ) dθdϕ
∫ ∫
0 0
cos (θ )

EAF(θ ) =
sin(θ )
2π θ
max
I(r,ϕ) dθdϕ
∫ ∫
0 0
cos (θ )
(2)
where
I(r,φ) is the 2 dimensional far-field intensity profile as a function of moving radius
r and argument φ;
incident angle θ’ = tan-1(r/d);
d is the distance between luminescent point and far field screen; and
θmax is the maximum range of integration.
Note 1 to entry: EAF shall be measured according to IEC 61300-3-53.

2πθ sinθ
( )
I θ,φ dθdφ
( )
∫ ∫ 3
cos (θ )
EAF θ′ = (2)
( )
2πθ
sinθ
max ( )
I θ,φ dθdφ
( )
∫ ∫
cos θ
( )
where
I(θ,φ) is the far-field intensity profile as a function of radial angle and circular angle;
r  is the radial distance from the origin corresponding to an angle between one ray emitted
from the multimode waveguide and the optical axis of the multimode waveguide,
calculated by d tanθ;
f
φ is a circular angle in polar coordinates;
θ is an angle between one ray emitted from the multimode waveguide and the optical axis;
θ is the maximum ray angle, which is approximately 30° for category A3 multimode fibre
max
for example;
d is the distance between the end of multimode optical waveguide and far field pattern
f
(FFP) screen.
Note 1 to entry: The encircled angular flux is measured according to IEC 61300-3-53 [5].
3.1.12
differential mode attenuation
DMA
variation in attenuation among the propagating modes of a multimode optical fibre
[SOURCE: IEC TR 62614-2:2015 [6], 3.4]
3.1.13
standard uncertainty
uncertainty of a measurement result expressed as a standard deviation
Note 1 to entry: For further information, see the ISO/IEC Guide 98-3.
3.1.14
uncertainty type A
type of uncertainty obtained by a statistical analysis of a series of observations, such as when
evaluating certain random effects of measurement
Note 1 to entry: See Annex A and ISO/IEC Guide 98-3.

3.1.15
uncertainty type B
type of uncertainty obtained by means other than a statistical analysis of observations, for
example an estimation of probable sources of uncertainty, such as when evaluating systematic
effects of measurement
Note 1 to entry: See Annex A and ISO/IEC Guide 98-3.
3.1.16
measurement repeatability
measurement precision under a set of repeatability conditions of measurement
3.1.17
measurement reproducibility
reproducibility measurement precision under reproducibility conditions of measurement
3.1.18
stability
ability of a measuring instrument to keep its performance characteristics within a specified
range during a specified time interval, all other conditions being the same
3.1.19
repeatability condition
condition of measurement that includes the same measurement procedure, same operators,
same measuring system, same operating conditions and same location, and replicate
measurements on the same or similar objects over a short period of time
3.1.20
reproducibility condition
condition of measurement that includes different locations, operators, measuring systems, and
replicate measurements on the same or similar objects
3.2 Abbreviated terms
For the purposes of this document, the following abbreviations apply:
DMA differential mode attenuation
DUT device under test
EAF encircled angular flux
EF encircled flux
FFP far field pattern
FP-LD Fabry-Perot laser diode
GI graded index
LED light emitting diode
NA numerical aperture
SI step index
VCSEL vertical cavity surface emitting laser
4 Requirements for IEC 61300-2 (all parts) and IEC 61300-3 (all parts)
4.1 Requirements for IEC 61300-2 (all parts) (tests)
IEC 61300-2 (all parts) shall contain the following items:
– test apparatus;
– 12 – IEC 61300-1:2022 RLV © IEC 2022
– test procedures, stated in the test requirements;
– severities;
– details to be specified and reported.
4.2 Requirements for IEC 61300-3 (all parts) (examinations and measurement
procedures)
4.2.1 General requirements
IEC 61300-3 (all parts) shall contain the following items:
– measurement apparatus;
– measurement procedures;
– method of calculation (where required);
– consideration of measurement uncertainty;
– details to be specified and reported.
NOTE 1 The measurement uncertainty herein means the measurement uncertainty of the physical value of the
performance parameters of DUT, not that for measurement apparatus (instruments).
NOTE 2 The measurement uncertainty is expressed as an absolute value not using "±".
The measurement accuracy, linearity, stability and repeatability of each measurement
apparatus are possible to affect the measurement uncertainty. The relation of those factors on
the measurement uncertainty should be described. When the reference value, such as the
setting values, the initial values, the nominal values, can be defined, the sign "±" can be adopted
for the deviation from the reference values (refer to 6.2 and 6.3).
4.2.2 Requirements for attenuation variation
For interconnection devices, the attenuation variation is defined as the peak-to-peak variation
of attenuation during the test, unless otherwise specified.
For interconnecting devices and passive optical components, the attenuation variation is
defined as a plus or minus (±) deviation from the original value at the start of the test, unless
otherwise specified.
5 Standard atmospheric conditions
Standard atmospheric conditions shall be controlled within some range to ensure proper
correlation of data obtained from measurements and tests conducted in various facilities. Test
and measurement procedures shall be conducted under the following atmospheric conditions
unless otherwise specified. In some cases, special ambient conditions may be needed and can
be specified in the relevant specification.
The standard range of atmospheric conditions for carrying out measurements and tests is set
out in Table 1.
Table 1 – Standard atmospheric conditions
Temperature Relative humidity Air pressure
18 °C to 28 °C 25 % to 75 % 86 kPa to 106 kPa
NOTE Some dimensional measurements require a tighter temperature range of 18 °C to 22 °C as defined in ISO 1
[7].
Variations in ambient temperature and humidity shall be kept to a minimum during a series of
measurements.
6 Significance of the numerical value of a quantity
6.1 General
The numerical values of quantities for the various parameters (temperature, humidity, stress,
duration, optical power levels, etc.) given in the basic methods of environmental and optical
testing constituting IEC 61300-2 (all parts) and the optical and physical measurements
constituting IEC 61300-3 (all parts) are expressed in different ways according to the needs of
each individual test.
The two cases that most frequently arise are as follows:
a) the quantity is expressed as a nominal value with a tolerance;
b) the quantity is expressed as a range of values.
For these two cases, the significance of the numerical value is discussed in 6.2 and 6.3.
6.2 Quantity expressed as nominal value with tolerance
Examples of two forms of presentation are:
a) 40 mm ± 2 mm
2 s ± 0,5 s
0,3 dB ± 0,1 dB
+3
a) 93 % %
–2
The expression of a quantity as a numerical value indicates the intention that the test should
be carried out at the stated value. The object of stating tolerances is to take account of the
following factors in particular:
• the difficulties in regulating some devices and their drift (undesired slow variation) during
the test;
• uncertainties of instrument;
• non-uniformity of environmental parameters, for which no specific tolerances are given, in
the test space in which the DUTs are located.
These tolerances are not intended to allow latitude in the adjustment of the values of the
parameter within the test space. Hence, when a quantity is expressed by a nominal value with
a tolerance, the test apparatus shall be adjusted so as to obtain this nominal value making
allowance for the uncertainties of instrument.
In principle, the test apparatus shall not be adjusted to maintain a limiting value of the tolerance
zone, even if its uncertainty is so small as to ensure that this limiting value would not be
exceeded.
EXAMPLE If the quantity is expressed numerically as 100 ± 5, the test apparatus is adjusted to maintain the target
value of 100 making allowance for the uncertainties of instrument and in no case is adjusted to maintain a target
value of 95 or 105.
In order to avoid any limiting value applicable to the DUT during the carrying out of the test, it
may be necessary in some cases to set the test apparatus near to one tolerance limit.
In the particular case where the quantity is expressed by a nominal value with a unilateral
tolerance (which is generally the case unless justified otherwise by special conditions, for

– 14 – IEC 61300-1:2022 RLV © IEC 2022
example, a non-linear response), the test apparatus shall be set as close as possible to the
nominal value (which is also a tolerance limit) taking account of the uncertainty of measurement,
which depends on the apparatus used for the test (including the instruments used to measure
the values of the parameters).
+0
EXAMPLE If the quantity is expressed numerically as 100 % % and the test apparatus is capable of an overall
–5
uncertainty in the control of the parameter of ±1 %, then the test apparatus is adjusted to maintain a target value of
99 %. If, on the other hand, the overall uncertainty is ±2,5 %, then the adjustment is set to maintain a target value of
97,5 %.
6.3 Quantity expressed as a range of values
Examples of forms of presentation:
a) From 18 °C to 28 °C
Relative humidity from 80 % to 100 %
From 1 h to 2 h
b) Return loss ≥ 55 dB
Attenuation ≤ 0,50 dB
The use of words in expressing a range leads to ambiguity; for example, the phrase "from 80 %
to 100 %" is recognised as "excluding the values of 80 and 100" by some readers, as "80 and
100 are included" by others. The use of symbols, for example > 80 or ≥ 80, is generally less
likely to be ambiguous and is shall therefore to be preferred.
The expression of a quantity as a range of values indicates that the value to which the test
apparatus is adjusted has only a small influence on the result of the test.
Where the uncertainty of the control of the parameter (including uncertainties of instrument)
permits, any desired value within the given range may be chosen. For example, if it is stated
that the temperature shall be from 18 °C to 28 °C, any value within this range can be used (but
it is not intended that the temperature should be programmed to vary over the range).
7 Graphical symbols and terminology
The terminology used in the interpretation and preparation of fibre optic test and measurement
procedures shall be taken from IEC 60050-731.
Graphical symbols used for the preparation and interpretation of fibre optic test and
measurement procedures shall be selected where possible from IEC 60617.
8 Safety
As far as laser radiation is concerned, the precautions for carrying out fibre optic measurements
are as given in IEC 60825-1 shall be used. Fibre optic components and systems may emit
hazardous radiation. This may occur
a) at sources,
b) in transmission systems during installation, during service or intentional interruption and
failure or unintentional interruption, and
c) while measuring and testing.
For hazard evaluation, precautions and manufacturer's requirements, the relevant standards
are IEC 60825-1 and IEC 60825-2 shall be used.

Other safety aspects are referred to in applicable test methods and other standards.
9 Calibration
9.1 General
The equipment used shall have a valid calibration certificate in accordance with the applicable
quality system for the period over which the testing is done. Preferably international or national
standards should be adopted (e.g. IEC 61315 [8]). The calibration should be traceable to a
national standard if available.
In cases where no calibration standard exists, the manufacturer or laboratory carrying out the
test shall state the uncertainty of the test equipment to their best knowledge.
9.2 Round robin calibration procedure
Where the uncertainty is unknown, it may be necessary to evaluate the uncertainty with use a
round robin calibration procedure for calibrating measuring instruments (e.g. gauges).
10 Launch conditions
10.1 General
The loss characteristics of a component frequently depend, to a very significant extent, on how
the light is launched into the input fibre. It is recommended that The launch conditions are
should be used for all optical measurements. In order to obtain repeatable measurements, it is
necessary to use standard launch conditions, which are clearly defined, and can be duplicated
easily and precisely.
To achieve consistent results, first inspect and, if necessary, clean and inspect again all
connector plugs and adaptors prior to measurement. Visual examination shall be undertaken in
accordance with IEC 61300-3-1. Additionally, end-faces of optical connectors shall be
inspected in accordance with IEC 61300-3-35.
The power in the fibre shall be set high enough, within the power level, not to generate non-
linear scattering effects.
Precautions shall be taken to ensure that cladding modes do not affect the measurement.
Cladding modes shall be eliminated either as a natural function of the fibre coating in the input
and output fibres, or by adding cladding mode eliminators if specified in the relevant
specification.
Precautions shall be taken to ensure that excessive bending of the fibres on either the input or
output fibre, which could affect the measurement, does not occur. The fibres should remain
fixed in position during the measurement.
The stability of the launch shall be suitable for the measurement to be undertaken. The stability
shall be maintained over the measurement time and operational temperature range.
10.2 Multimode launch conditions for A1b fibre A1 fibres
Annex A provides a procedure for establishing the launch conditions for multimode fibre of
category A1 defined in IEC 60793-2-10. The launch conditions are defined by tolerance bands
on a target encircled flux (EF) metric.
NOTE 1 IEC 62614-1 [9] and IEC TR 61282-11 IEC TR 62614-2 provide useful information on multimode launch
condition.
– 16 – IEC 61300-1:2022 RLV © IEC 2022
These tolerance bands have been created for testing installed fibre optic links as defined in
according to IEC 61280-4-1, to limit the variation in measured attenuation. The expected
tolerances for links (with multiple connectors) are different to those for a single connection.
When the measured EF of the source is within the specified tolerance bands, the expected
uncertainty for the measured attenuation value of a single connection for A1-OM2, A1-OM3,
A1-OM4 and A1-OM5 fibres, in dB, is according to Table 2.
NOTE 2 Multimode optical interfaces are provided in IEC 63267 (all parts) [10].
Table 2 – Expected uncertainty for measured
attenuation of single connections for A1b fibre variation of attenuation due to mode
variation of single connections for A1-OM2, A1-OM3, A1-OM4 and A1-OM5 fibres
Fibre nominal core diameter Wavelength Expected uncertainty
variation of attenuation due to mode
variation
µm nm dB
50 850 ±0,08
Table 2 is valid for attenuation values ≤ 0,75 dB due to launch condition and modal variation.
When calculating the total uncertainty of the multimode attenuation measurement, the
uncertainty due to the modal variations shall be included.
10.3 Multimode launch conditions for A3e fibre
Annex B provides a procedure for establishing the launch conditions for category A3e
multimode fibre defined in IEC 60793-2-30. The launch condition is defined by tolerance band
on a target encircled angular flux (EAF) metric.
NOTE IEC 61300-3-53 provides useful information on multimode launch condition for step index (SI) fibre, defined
in IEC 60793-2-30 and IEC 60793-2-40 [11].
These tolerance bands have been created for testing connecting devices, to limit the variation
in measured attenuation. When the measured EAF of the source is within the specified tolerance
band, the expected uncertainty for the measured attenuation value of a single connection, in
dB, is according to Table 3.
Table 3 – Expected uncertainty for measured
variation of attenuation due to mode variation
of single connections for A3e fibre
Fibre nominal core NA Wavelength Expected uncertainty variation of
diameter attenuation due to mode variation
µm nm dB
200 0,37 850 ±0,2
Table 3 is valid for attenuation values ≤ 2,0 dB due to launch condition and modal variation.
When calculating the total uncertainty of the multimode attenuation measurement, the
uncertainty due to the modal variations shall be included.
___________
Under preparation.
10.4 Multimode launch conditions for the other multimode fibres
For multimode fibres the other than A1 fibres an
...


IEC 61300-1 ®
Edition 5.1 2024-04
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
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Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
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Part 1: General and guidance
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IEC 61300-1 ®
Edition 5.1 2024-04
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures –
Part 1: General and guidance
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 33.180.20 ISBN 978-2-8322-8798-9
REDLINE VERSION – 2 – IEC 61300-1:2022+AMD1:2024 CSV
© IEC 2024
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 5
INTRODUCTION . 7
1 Scope . 8
2 Normative references . 8
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviated terms . 9
3.1 Terms and definitions . 9
3.2 Abbreviated terms . 12
4 Requirements for IEC 61300-2 (all parts) and IEC 61300-3 (all parts) . 12
4.1 Requirements for IEC 61300-2 (all parts) (tests) . 12
4.2 Requirements for IEC 61300-3 (all parts) (examinations and measurement
procedures) . 12
4.2.1 General requirements . 12
4.2.2 Requirements for attenuation variation . 12
4.2.3 Requirements for test sample configuration in environmental test
chamber . 13
5 Standard atmospheric conditions . 13
6 Significance of the numerical value of a quantity . 13
6.1 General . 13
6.2 Quantity expressed as nominal value with tolerance . 13
6.3 Quantity expressed as a range of values. 14
7 Graphical symbols and terminology . 15
8 Safety . 15
9 Calibration . 15
9.1 General . 15
9.2 Round robin calibration procedure . 15
10 Launch conditions. 15
10.1 General . 15
10.2 Multimode launch conditions for A1 fibres . 16
10.3 Multimode launch conditions for A3e fibre . 16
10.4 Multimode launch conditions for the other multimode fibres . 17
10.5 Single-mode launch conditions. 17
10.6 Multimode planar waveguide launch conditions . 17
Annex A (normative) Multimode launch condition requirement for measuring
attenuation of components terminated on IEC 60793-2-10 type A1 fibres . 18
A.1 General . 18
A.2 Technical background . 18
A.3 EF template . 18
A.3.1 Applicable types of optical fibres . 18
A.3.2 Encircled flux . 18
A.3.3 EF template example . 18
A.4 Target launch and upper and lower tolerance bands for attenuation
measurements of A1-OM2 to A1-OM5 and A1-OM1 optical fibre connections . 19
A.4.1 General . 19
A.4.2 Limits on EF . 19
Annex B (normative) Multimode launch condition requirement for measuring
attenuation of components terminated on IEC 60793-2-30 type A3e fibres . 21

© IEC 2024
B.1 EAF template . 21
B.1.1 Applicable types of optical fibres . 21
B.1.2 Encircled angular flux . 21
B.1.3 EAF template example . 21
B.2 Target launch and upper and lower tolerance bands for attenuation

measurements of A3e optical fibre connections. 21
B.2.1 General . 21
B.2.2 Limits on EAF . 22
Annex C (normative) Test sample configuration in environmental test chamber . 23
C.1 General . 23
C.2 Pigtail test sample . 24
C.3 Hardened connector pigtail test sample . 24
C.4 Patchcord test sample . 25
C.5 Non-connectorized passive component test sample . 26
C.6 Connectorized passive component test sample . 28
C.7 Plug-receptacle style passive component test sample . 28
C.8 Fibre management system test sample . 29
C.9 Protective housing test sample without looped cable . 30
C.10 Protective housing test sample with looped cable . 30
C.11 Combined protective housing test sample with looped cable . 32
C.12 Mechanical splice or fusion splice test sample . 33
Bibliography . 35

Figure A.1 – Encircled flux template example . 19
Figure B.1 – Encircled angular flux template example . 21
Figure C.1 – Example configuration of a pigtail test sample . 24
Figure C.2 – Example configuration of a hardened connector pigtail test sample . 25
Figure C.3 – Example configuration of a patchcord test sample . 26
Figure C.4 – Example configuration of a non-connectorized passive component test
sample . 27
Figure C.5 – Example configuration of a connectorized passive component test
sample . 28
Figure C.6 – Example configuration of a plug-receptacle style passive component test

sample . 29
Figure C.7 – Example configuration of a fibre management system test sample . 29
Figure C.8 – Example configuration of a protective housing test sample without looped
cable. 30
Figure C.9 – Example configuration I of a protective housing test sample with looped
cable. 31
Figure C.10 – Example configuration II of a protective housing test sample with looped
cable. 32
Figure C.11 – Example configuration of a combined distribution and track or spur
protective housing test sample with looped cable . 33
Figure C.12 – Example configuration of a mechanical splice or fusion splice test
sample . 34

Table 1 – Standard atmospheric conditions . 13

REDLINE VERSION – 4 – IEC 61300-1:2022+AMD1:2024 CSV
© IEC 2024
Table 2 – Expected variation of attenuation due to mode variation of single
connections for A1-OM2, A1-OM3, A1-OM4 and A1-OM5 fibres . 16
Table 3 – Expected variation of attenuation due to mode variation of single

connections for A3e fibre . 17
Table A.1 – EF requirements for 50 µm core fibre at 850 nm . 19
Table A.2 – EF requirements for 50 µm core fibre at 1 300 nm . 20
Table A.3 – EF requirements for 62,5 µm fibre at 850 nm . 20
Table A.4 – EF requirements for 62,5 µm fibre at 1 300 nm . 20
Table B.1 – EAF requirements for NA of 0,37 and 200 µm core fibre at 850 nm . 22

© IEC 2024
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
FIBRE OPTIC INTERCONNECTING
DEVICES AND PASSIVE COMPONENTS –
BASIC TEST AND MEASUREMENT PROCEDURES –

Part 1: General and guidance
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
may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising
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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
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4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
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6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
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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) IEC draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). IEC takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent rights in
respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, IEC had not received notice of (a) patent(s), which
may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that this may not represent
the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at https://patents.iec.ch [and/or]
www.iso.org/patents. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This consolidated version of the official IEC Standard and its amendment has been
prepared for user convenience.
IEC 61300-1 edition 5.1 contains the fifth edition (2022-04) [documents 86B/4582/FDIS and
86B/4602/RVD] and its amendment 1 (2024-04) [documents 86B/4865/FDIS and
86B/4900/RVD].
In this Redline version, a vertical line in the margin shows where the technical content is
modified by amendment 1. Additions are in green text, deletions are in strikethrough red
text. A separate Final version with all changes accepted is available in this publication.

REDLINE VERSION – 6 – IEC 61300-1:2022+AMD1:2024 CSV
© IEC 2024
IEC 61300-1 has been prepared by subcommittee 86B: Fibre optic interconnecting devices and
passive components, of IEC technical committee 86: Fibre optics. It is an International Standard.
This fifth edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) addition of the information of measurement uncertainties in 4.2.1;
b) change of the requirements for attenuation variation in 4.2.2;
c) addition of the multimode launch conditions of other fibres than A1-OM2, A1-OM3, A1-OM4,
A1-OM5 and A3e in 10.4;
d) addition of the multimode launch conditions of the planar waveguide in 10.6;
e) splitting Annex A for EF and Annex B for EAF;
f) correction of errors in the definitions of encircled flux and encircled angular flux.
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 61300 series, published under the general title, Fibre optic
interconnecting and passive components – Basic test and measurement procedures, can be
found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document and its amendment will remain
unchanged until the stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the
data related to the specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn, or
• revised.
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.

© IEC 2024
INTRODUCTION
The publications in IEC 61300 series [1] contain information on mechanical and environmental
testing procedures and measurement procedures relating to fibre optic interconnecting devices
and passive components. They are intended to be used to achieve uniformity and reproducibility
in environmental testing procedures and measurement procedures.
The term "test procedure" refers to procedures commonly known as mechanical and
environmental tests. The expressions "environmental conditioning" and "environmental testing"
refer to the environments to which components or equipment may be exposed so that an
assessment may be made of their performance under the conditions of use, transport and
storage.
The term "measurement procedure" refers to those measurements which are necessary
to assess the physical and optical characteristics of a component and may also be used before,
during or after a test procedure to measure the effects of environmental conditioning or testing.
The return loss and attenuation tests are examples of measurement procedures.
The requirements for the performance of components or equipment subjected to the test and
measurement procedures described in this document are not included. The relevant
specification for the device under test defines the allowed performance limits.
When drafting a specification or purchase contract, only those tests which are necessary for
the relevant components or equipment taking into account the technical and economic aspects
should be specified.
The mechanical and environmental test procedures are contained in IEC 61300-2 (all parts)
and the measurement procedures in IEC 61300-3 (all parts). Each test or measurement
procedure is published as a stand-alone publication so that it may be modified, expanded or
cancelled without having an effect on any other test or measurement procedure. However, it
should be noted that, where practical, reference is made to other standards as opposed to
repeating all or part of already existing standards. As an example, the cold test for fibre optic
apparatus refers to IEC 60068-2-1 [2], but it also provides other needed information such as
purpose, recommended severities and a list of items to be specified.
Multiple methods may be contained in a test or measurement procedure. As an example,
several methods of measuring attenuation are contained in the attenuation measurement
procedure.
If more than one method is contained in a test or measurement procedure, the reference method
may be identified.
The tests in this document permit the performance of components or equipment to be compared.
To assess the overall quality of a production lot, the test procedures should be applied in
accordance with a suitable sampling plan and may be supplemented by appropriate additional
tests, if necessary.
To provide tests appropriate to the different intensities of an environmental condition, some of
the test procedures have a number of degrees of severity. These different degrees of severity are
obtained by varying the time, temperature or some other determining factor separately or in
combination.
___________
Numbers in square bracket refer to the Bibliography.

REDLINE VERSION – 8 – IEC 61300-1:2022+AMD1:2024 CSV
© IEC 2024
FIBRE OPTIC INTERCONNECTING
DEVICES AND PASSIVE COMPONENTS –
BASIC TEST AND MEASUREMENT PROCEDURES –

Part 1: General and guidance
1 Scope
This part of IEC 61300 provides general information and guidance for the basic test and
measurement procedures defined in IEC 61300-2 (all parts) and IEC 61300-3 (all parts) for
interconnecting devices, passive components, mechanical splices, fusion splice protectors,
fibre management systems and protective housings.
This document is used in combination with the relevant specification which defines the tests to
be used, the required degree of severity for each of them, their sequence, if relevant, and the
permissible performance limits. In the event of conflict between this document and the relevant
specification, the latter takes precedence.
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 60050-731, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary – Part 731: Optical fibre
communication (available at www.electropedia.org)
IEC 60617, Graphical symbols for diagrams (available at http://std.iec.ch/iec60617)
IEC 60793-2-10, Optical fibres – Part 2-10: Product specifications – Sectional specification for
category A1 multimode fibres
IEC 60793-2-30, Optical fibres – Part 2-30: Product specifications – Sectional specification for
category A3 multimode fibres
IEC 60825-1, Safety of laser products – Part 1: Equipment classification and requirements
IEC 60825-2, Safety of laser products – Part 2: Safety of optical fibre communication systems
(OFCSs)
IEC 61280-1-4, Fibre optic communication subsystem test procedures – Part 1-4: General
communication subsystems – Light source encircled flux measurement method
IEC 61280-4-1, Fibre-optic communication subsystem test procedures – Part 4-1: Installed
cabling plant – Multimode attenuation measurement
IEC 61300-2 (all parts), Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic
test and measurement procedures – Part 2: Tests
IEC 61300-3 (all parts), Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic
test and measurement procedures – Part 3: Examinations and measurements

© IEC 2024
IEC 61300-3-1, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures – Part 3-1: Examinations and measurements – Visual examination
IEC 61300-3-35, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures – Part 3-35: Examinations and measurements – Visual inspection of
fibre optic connectors and fibre-stub transceivers
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviated terms
3.1 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1.1
test
technical operation that consists of the determination of one or more characteristics of a given
product, process or service according to a specified procedure and normally consists of the
following steps:
a) preparation (where required);
b) preconditioning (where required);
c) initial examination and measurement (where required);
d) conditioning;
e) recovery (where required);
f) final examination and measurement
3.1.2
device under test
DUT
interconnecting device, passive component, equipment or other item designated to be tested
3.1.3
preparation
preparing the DUT according to the manufacturer’s instructions or as specified in the relevant
specification
3.1.4
preconditioning
treatment of a DUT with the object of removing or partly counteracting the effects of its previous
environmental history or acclimatisation of the test specimen to standard atmospheric
conditions
3.1.5
conditioning
exposure of a DUT to environmental or mechanical conditions for a specified duration in order
to determine the effects of such conditions on the DUT
3.1.6
recovery
treatment of a DUT after conditioning in order that the properties of the DUT may stabilise
before measurement
REDLINE VERSION – 10 – IEC 61300-1:2022+AMD1:2024 CSV
© IEC 2024
3.1.7
examination
visual and/or mechanical inspection of a DUT made with or without the use of special equipment
Note 1 to entry: Examination is usually carried out before and after the test, and/or during the test.
3.1.8
measurement
process of obtaining one or more values that can reasonably be attributed to a quantity
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-112:2010, 112-04-01, modified – The adverb "experimentally" has been
removed from the definition, as well as the notes.]
3.1.9
uncertainty of measurement
quantified doubt about the result of a measurement
Note 1 to entry: ISO/IEC Guide 98-3:2008 [3] defines uncertainty of measurement.
Note 2 to entry: IEC TR 61282-14 [4] provides the information of measurement uncertainties.
3.1.10
encircled flux
EF
fraction of cumulative near-field power to the total output power as a function of radial distance
from the optical centre of the core, defined by Formula (1):
r
xI ( x)dx

EF()r = (1)
R
xI x dx
( )

where
I(x) is the near-field intensity profile as a function of radial position x;
R is the maximum range of integration
Note 1 to entry: The encircled flux shall be measured according to IEC 61280-1-4.
3.1.11
encircled angular flux
EAF
fraction of cumulative far-field power to the total output power as a function of incident angle θ
from the optical central axis of the far-field pattern, defined by Formula (2):

2πθ sinθ
( )
I (θ,φ) dθdφ
∫ ∫
cos θ
( )

EAF (θ ) = (2)
2πθ sinθ
( )
max
I θ,φ dθdφ
( )
∫ ∫
cos θ
( )
where
I(θ,φ) is the far-field intensity profile as a function of radial angle and circular angle;
r  is the radial distance from the origin corresponding to an angle between one ray emitted
from the multimode waveguide and the optical axis of the multimode waveguide,
calculated by d tanθ;
f
φ is a circular angle in polar coordinates;

© IEC 2024
θ is an angle between one ray emitted from the multimode waveguide and the optical axis;
θ is the maximum ray angle, which is approximately 30° for category A3 multimode fibre
max
for example;
is the distance between the end of multimode optical waveguide and far field pattern
d
f
(FFP) screen.
Note 1 to entry: The encircled angular flux is measured according to IEC 61300-3-53 [5].
3.1.12
differential mode attenuation
DMA
variation in attenuation among the propagating modes of a multimode optical fibre
[SOURCE: IEC TR 62614-2:2015 [6], 3.4]
3.1.13
standard uncertainty
uncertainty of a measurement result expressed as a standard deviation
Note 1 to entry: For further information, see the ISO/IEC Guide 98-3.
3.1.14
uncertainty type A
type of uncertainty obtained by a statistical analysis of a series of observations, such as when
evaluating certain random effects of measurement
Note 1 to entry: See Annex A and ISO/IEC Guide 98-3.
3.1.15
uncertainty type B
type of uncertainty obtained by means other than a statistical analysis of observations, for
example an estimation of probable sources of uncertainty, such as when evaluating systematic
effects of measurement
Note 1 to entry: See Annex A and ISO/IEC Guide 98-3.
3.1.16
measurement repeatability
measurement precision under a set of repeatability conditions of measurement
3.1.17
measurement reproducibility
reproducibility measurement precision under reproducibility conditions of measurement
3.1.18
stability
ability of a measuring instrument to keep its performance characteristics within a specified
range during a specified time interval, all other conditions being the same
3.1.19
repeatability condition
condition of measurement that includes the same measurement procedure, same operators,
same measuring system, same operating conditions and same location, and replicate
measurements on the same or similar objects over a short period of time
3.1.20
reproducibility condition
condition of measurement that includes different locations, operators, measuring systems, and
replicate measurements on the same or similar objects

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© IEC 2024
3.2 Abbreviated terms
DMA differential mode attenuation
DUT device under test
EAF encircled angular flux
EF encircled flux
FFP far field pattern
FP-LD Fabry-Perot laser diode
GI graded index
LED light emitting diode
NA numerical aperture
SI step index
VCSEL vertical cavity surface emitting laser
4 Requirements for IEC 61300-2 (all parts) and IEC 61300-3 (all parts)
4.1 Requirements for IEC 61300-2 (all parts) (tests)
IEC 61300-2 (all parts) shall contain the following items:
– test apparatus;
– test procedures;
– severities;
– details to be specified and reported.
4.2 Requirements for IEC 61300-3 (all parts) (examinations and measurement
procedures)
4.2.1 General requirements
IEC 61300-3 (all parts) shall contain the following items:
– measurement apparatus;
– measurement procedures;
– method of calculation (where required);
– consideration of measurement uncertainty;
– details to be specified and reported.
NOTE 1 The measurement uncertainty herein means the measurement uncertainty of the physical value of the
performance parameters of DUT, not that for measurement apparatus (instruments).
NOTE 2 The measurement uncertainty is expressed as an absolute value not using "±".
The measurement accuracy, linearity, stability and repeatability of each measurement
apparatus are possible to affect the measurement uncertainty. The relation of those factors on
the measurement uncertainty should be described. When the reference value, such as the
setting values, the initial values, the nominal values, can be defined, the sign "±" can be adopted
for the deviation from the reference values (refer to 6.2 and 6.3).
4.2.2 Requirements for attenuation variation
For interconnecting devices and passive optical components, the attenuation variation is
defined as a plus or minus (±) deviation from the original value at the start of the test, unless
otherwise specified.
© IEC 2024
4.2.3 Requirements for test sample configuration in environmental test chamber
Annex C defines example configuration of the test sample, and specifies the fibre, pigtail, or
cable length inside the environmental test chamber for different test sample types.
5 Standard atmospheric conditions
Standard atmospheric conditions shall be controlled within some range to ensure proper
correlation of data obtained from measurements and tests conducted in various facilities. Test
and measurement procedures shall be conducted under the following atmospheric conditions
unless otherwise specified. In some cases, special ambient conditions may be needed and can
be specified in the relevant specification.
The standard range of atmospheric conditions for carrying out measurements and tests is set
out in Table 1.
Table 1 – Standard atmospheric conditions
Temperature Relative humidity Air pressure
18 °C to 28 °C 25 % to 75 % 86 kPa to 106 kPa
NOTE Some dimensional measurements require a tighter temperature range of 18 °C to 22 °C as defined in ISO 1
[7].
Variations in ambient temperature and humidity shall be kept to a minimum during a series of
measurements.
6 Significance of the numerical value of a quantity
6.1 General
The numerical values of quantities for the various parameters (temperature, humidity, stress,
duration, optical power levels, etc.) given in the basic methods of environmental and optical
testing constituting IEC 61300-2 (all parts) and the optical and physical measurements
constituting IEC 61300-3 (all parts) are expressed in different ways according to the needs of
each individual test.
The two cases that most frequently arise are as follows:
a) the quantity is expressed as a nominal value with a tolerance;
b) the quantity is expressed as a range of values.
For these two cases, the significance of the numerical value is discussed in 6.2 and 6.3.
6.2 Quantity expressed as nominal value with tolerance
Examples of two forms of presentation are:
a) 40 mm ± 2 mm
2 s ± 0,5 s
0,3 dB ± 0,1 dB
+3
b) 93 % %
–2
REDLINE VERSION – 14 – IEC 61300-1:2022+AMD1:2024 CSV
© IEC 2024
The expression of a quantity as a numerical value indicates the intention that the test should
be carried out at the stated value. The object of stating tolerances is to take account of the
following factors in particular:
• the difficulties in regulating some devices and their drift (undesired slow variation) during
the test;
• uncertainties of instrument;
• non-uniformity of environmental parameters, for which no specific tolerances are given, in
the test space in which the DUTs are located.
These tolerances are not intended to allow latitude in the adjustment of the values of the
parameter within the test space. Hence, when a quantity is expressed by a nominal value with
a tolerance, the test apparatus shall be adjusted so as to obtain this nominal value making
allowance for the uncertainties of instrument.
In principle, the test apparatus shall not be adjusted to maintain a limiting value of the tolerance
zone, even if its uncertainty is so small as to ensure that this limiting value would not be
exceeded.
EXAMPLE If the quantity is expressed numerically as 100 ± 5, the test apparatus is adjusted to maintain the target
value of 100 making allowance for the uncertainties of instrument and in no case is adjusted to maintain a target
value of 95 or 105.
In order to avoid any limiting value applicable to the DUT during the carrying out of the test, it
may be necessary in some cases to set the test apparatus near to one tolerance limit.
In the particular case where the quantity is expressed by a nominal value with a unilateral
tolerance (which is generally the case unless justified otherwise by special conditions, for
example, a non-linear response), the test apparatus shall be set as close as possible to the
nominal value (which is also a tolerance limit) taking account of the uncertainty of measurement,
which depends on the apparatus used for the test (including the instruments used to measure
the values of the parameters).
+0
EXAMPLE If the quantity is expressed numerically as 100 % % and the test apparatus is capable of an overall
–5
uncertainty in the control of the parameter of ±1 %, then the test apparatus is adjusted to maintain a target value of
99 %. If, on the other hand, the overall uncertainty is ±2,5 %, then the adjustment is set to maintain a target value of
97,5 %.
6.3 Quantity expressed as a range of values
Examples of forms of presentation:
a) From 18 °C to 28 °C
Relative humidity from 80 % to 100 %
From 1 h to 2 h
b) Return loss ≥ 55 dB
Attenuation ≤ 0,50 dB
The use of words in expressing a range leads to ambiguity; for example, the phrase "from 80 %
to 100 %" is recognised as "excluding the values of 80 and 100" by some readers, as "80 and
100 are included" by others. The use of symbols, for example > 80 or ≥ 80, is generally less
likely to be ambiguous and shall therefore be preferred.
The expression of a quantity as a range of values indicates that the value to which the test
apparatus is adjusted has only a small influence on the result of the test.
Where the uncertainty of the control of the parameter (including uncertainties of instrument)
permits, any desired value within the given range may be chosen. For example, if it is stated

© IEC 2024
that the temperature shall be from 18 °C to 28 °C, any value within this range can be used (but
it is not intended that the temperature should be programmed to vary over the range).
7 Graphical symbols and terminology
The terminology used in the interpretation and preparation of fibre optic test and measurement
procedures shall be taken from IEC 60050-731.
Graphical symbols used for the preparation and interpretation of fibre optic test and
measurement procedures shall be selected where possible from IEC 60617.
8 Safety
As far as laser radiation is concerned, the precautions for carrying out fibre optic measurements
as given in IEC 60825-1 shall be used. Fibre optic components and systems may emit
hazardous radiation. This may occur
a) at sources,
b) in transmission systems during installation, during service or intentional interruption and
failure or unintentional interruption, and
c) while measuring and testing.
For hazard evaluation, precautions and manufacturer's requirements, IEC 60825-1 and
IEC 60825-2 shall be used.
Other safety aspects are referred to in applicable test methods and other standards.
9 Calibration
9.1 General
The equipment used shall have a valid calibration certificate in accordance with the applicable
quality system for the period over which the testing is done. Preferably international or national
standards should be adopted (e.g. IEC 61315 [8]). The calibration should be traceable to a
national standard if available.
In cases where no calibration standard exists, the manufacturer or laboratory carrying out the
test shall state the uncertainty of the test equipment to their best knowledge.
9.2 Round robin calibration procedure
Where the uncertainty is unknown, it may be necessary to evaluate the uncertainty with use a
round robin calibration procedure for calibrating measuring instruments (e.g. gauges).
10 Launch conditions
10.1 General
The loss characteristics of a component frequently depend, to a very significant extent, on how
the light is launched into the input fibre. The launch conditions should be used for all optical
measurements. In order to obtain repeatable measurements, it is necessary to use standard
launch conditions, which are clearly defined, and can be duplicated easily and precisely.
To achieve consistent results, first inspect and, if necessary, clean and inspect again all
connector plugs and adaptors prior to measurement. Visual examination shall be undertaken in

REDLINE VERSION – 16 – IEC 61300-1:2022+AMD1:2024 CSV
© IEC 2024
accordance with IEC 61300-3-1. Additionally, end-faces of optical connectors shall be
inspected in accordance with IEC 61300-3-35.
The power in the fibre shall be set high enough, within the power level, not to generate non-
linear scattering effects.
Precautions shall be taken to ensure that cladding modes do not affect the measurement.
Cladding modes shall be eliminated either as a natural function of the fibre coating in the input
and output fibres, or by adding cladding mode eliminators if specified in the relevant
specification.
Precautions shall be taken to ensure that excessive bending of the fibre
...


IEC 61300-1 ®
Edition 5.2 2025-12
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
Fibre optic interconnecting - Devices and passive components - Basic test and
measurement procedures -
Part 1: General and guidance
ICS 33.180.20 ISBN 978-2-8327-0927-6
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CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
INTRODUCTION . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviated terms . 8
3.1 Terms and definitions. 8
3.2 Abbreviated terms . 11
4 Requirements for IEC 61300-2 (all parts) and IEC 61300-3 (all parts) . 11
4.1 Requirements for IEC 61300-2 (all parts) (tests) . 11
4.2 Requirements for IEC 61300-3 (all parts) (examinations and measurement
procedures) . 11
4.2.1 General requirements . 11
4.2.2 Requirements for attenuation variation . 12
4.2.3 Requirements for test sample configuration in environmental test
chamber . 12
5 Standard atmospheric conditions . 12
6 Significance of the numerical value of a quantity . 12
6.1 General . 12
6.2 Quantity expressed as nominal value with tolerance . 12
6.3 Quantity expressed as a range of values . 13
7 Graphical symbols and terminology . 14
8 Safety . 14
9 Calibration . 14
9.1 General . 14
9.2 Round robin calibration procedure . 14
10 Launch conditions . 14
10.1 General . 14
10.2 Multimode launch conditions for A1 fibres . 15
10.3 Multimode launch conditions for A3e fibre . 16
10.4 Multimode launch conditions for the other multimode fibres . 16
10.5 Single-mode launch conditions . 16
10.6 Multimode planar waveguide launch conditions . 16
Annex A (normative) Multimode launch condition requirement for measuring
attenuation of components terminated on IEC 60793-2-10 type A1 fibres . 18
A.1 General . 18
A.2 Technical background . 18
A.3 EF template . 18
A.3.1 Applicable types of optical fibres . 18
A.3.2 Encircled flux . 18
A.3.3 EF template example . 18
A.4 Target launch and upper and lower tolerance bands for attenuation
measurements of A1-OM2 to A1-OM5 and A1-OM1 optical fibre connections . 19
A.4.1 General . 19
A.4.2 Limits on EF . 19
Annex B (normative) Multimode launch condition requirement for measuring
attenuation of components terminated on IEC 60793-2-30 type A3e fibres . 21
B.1 EAF template . 21
B.1.1 Applicable types of optical fibres . 21
B.1.2 Encircled angular flux . 21
B.1.3 EAF template example . 21
B.2 Target launch and upper and lower tolerance bands for attenuation
measurements of A3e optical fibre connections . 21
B.2.1 General . 21
B.2.2 Limits on EAF . 22
Annex C (normative) Test sample configuration in environmental test chamber . 23
C.1 General . 23
C.2 Pigtail test sample . 24
C.3 Hardened connector pigtail test sample . 24
C.4 Patchcord test sample . 25
C.5 Non-connectorized passive component test sample . 26
C.6 Connectorized passive component test sample . 28
C.7 Plug-receptacle style passive component test sample . 28
C.8 Fibre management system test sample . 29
C.9 Protective housing test sample without looped cable . 30
C.10 Protective housing test sample with looped cable . 30
C.11 Combined protective housing test sample with looped cable . 32
C.12 Mechanical splice or fusion splice test sample . 33
Bibliography . 35

Figure A.1 – Encircled flux template example. 19
Figure B.1 – Encircled angular flux template example . 21
Figure C.1 – Example configuration of a pigtail test sample . 24
Figure C.2 – Example configuration of a hardened connector pigtail test sample . 25
Figure C.3 – Example configuration of a patchcord test sample . 26
Figure C.4 – Example configuration of a non-connectorized passive component test
sample . 27
Figure C.5 – Example configuration of a connectorized passive component test
sample . 28
Figure C.6 – Example configuration of a plug-receptacle style passive component test
sample . 29
Figure C.7 – Example configuration of a fibre management system test sample . 29
Figure C.8 – Example configuration of a protective housing test sample without looped
cable . 30
Figure C.9 – Example configuration I of a protective housing test sample with looped
cable . 31
Figure C.10 – Example configuration II of a protective housing test sample with looped
cable . 32
Figure C.11 – Example configuration of a combined distribution and track or spur
protective housing test sample with looped cable . 33
Figure C.12 – Example configuration of a mechanical splice or fusion splice test
sample . 34

Table 1 – Standard atmospheric conditions . 12
Table 2 – Expected variation of attenuation due to mode variation of single
connections for A1-OM2, A1-OM3, A1-OM4 and A1-OM5 fibres . 15
Table 3 – Expected variation of attenuation due to mode variation of single
connections for A3e fibre . 16
Table A.1 – EF requirements for 50 µm core fibre at 850 nm . 19
Table A.2 – EF requirements for 50 µm core fibre at 1 300 nm. 20
Table A.3 – EF requirements for 62,5 µm fibre at 850 nm . 20
Table A.4 – EF requirements for 62,5 µm fibre at 1 300 nm . 20
Table B.1 – EAF requirements for NA of 0,37 and 200 µm core fibre at 850 nm . 22

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
Fibre optic interconnecting -
Devices and passive components -
Basic test and measurement procedures -
Part 1: General and guidance
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
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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) IEC draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
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the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at https://patents.iec.ch. IEC
shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This consolidated version of the official IEC Standard and its amendments has been prepared
for user convenience.
IEC 61300-1 edition 5.2 contains the fifth edition (2022-04) [documents 86B/4582/FDIS and
86B/4602/RVD], its amendment 1 (2024-04) [documents 86B/4865/FDIS and 86B/4900/RVD]
and its amendment 2 (2025-12) [documents 86B/5026/CDV and 86B/5110/RVC].
In this Redline version, a vertical line in the margin shows where the technical content is
modified by amendments 1 and 2. Additions are in green text, deletions are in strikethrough red
text. A separate Final version with all changes accepted is available in this publication.

IEC 61300-1 has been prepared by subcommittee 86B: Fibre optic interconnecting devices and
passive components, of IEC technical committee 86: Fibre optics. It is an International Standard.
This fifth edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) addition of the information of measurement uncertainties in 4.2.1;
b) change of the requirements for attenuation variation in 4.2.2;
c) addition of the multimode launch conditions of other fibres than A1-OM2, A1-OM3, A1-OM4,
A1-OM5 and A3e in 10.4;
d) addition of the multimode launch conditions of the planar waveguide in 10.6;
e) splitting Annex A for EF and Annex B for EAF;
f) correction of errors in the definitions of encircled flux and encircled angular flux.
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 61300 series, published under the general title, Fibre optic
interconnecting and passive components – Basic test and measurement procedures, can be
found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document and its amendments will remain
unchanged until the stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the
data related to the specific document. At this date, the document will be
– reconfirmed,
– withdrawn, or
– revised.
INTRODUCTION
The publications in IEC 61300 series [1] contain information on mechanical and environmental
testing procedures and measurement procedures relating to fibre optic interconnecting devices
and passive components. They are intended to be used to achieve uniformity and reproducibility
in environmental testing procedures and measurement procedures.
The term "test procedure" refers to procedures commonly known as mechanical and
environmental tests. The expressions "environmental conditioning" and "environmental testing"
refer to the environments to which components or equipment may be exposed so that an
assessment may be made of their performance under the conditions of use, transport and
storage.
The term "measurement procedure" refers to those measurements which are necessary
to assess the physical and optical characteristics of a component and may also be used before,
during or after a test procedure to measure the effects of environmental conditioning or testing.
The return loss and attenuation tests are examples of measurement procedures.
The requirements for the performance of components or equipment subjected to the test and
measurement procedures described in this document are not included. The relevant
specification for the device under test defines the allowed performance limits.
When drafting a specification or purchase contract, only those tests which are necessary for
the relevant components or equipment taking into account the technical and economic aspects
should be specified.
The mechanical and environmental test procedures are contained in IEC 61300-2 (all parts)
and the measurement procedures in IEC 61300-3 (all parts). Each test or measurement
procedure is published as a stand-alone publication so that it may be modified, expanded or
cancelled without having an effect on any other test or measurement procedure. However, it
should be noted that, where practical, reference is made to other standards as opposed to
repeating all or part of already existing standards. As an example, the cold test for fibre optic
apparatus refers to IEC 60068-2-1 [2], but it also provides other needed information such as
purpose, recommended severities and a list of items to be specified.
Multiple methods may be contained in a test or measurement procedure. As an example,
several methods of measuring attenuation are contained in the attenuation measurement
procedure.
If more than one method is contained in a test or measurement procedure, the reference method
may be identified.
The tests in this document permit the performance of components or equipment to be compared.
To assess the overall quality of a production lot, the test procedures should be applied in
accordance with a suitable sampling plan and may be supplemented by appropriate additional
tests, if necessary.
To provide tests appropriate to the different intensities of an environmental condition, some of
the test procedures have a number of degrees of severity. These different degrees of severity are
obtained by varying the time, temperature or some other determining factor separately or in
combination.
___________
Numbers in square bracket refer to the Bibliography.
1 Scope
This part of IEC 61300 provides general information and guidance for the basic test and
measurement procedures defined in IEC 61300-2 (all parts) and IEC 61300-3 (all parts) for
interconnecting devices, passive components, mechanical splices, fusion splice protectors,
fibre management systems and protective housings.
This document is used in combination with the relevant specification which defines the tests to
be used, the required degree of severity for each of them, their sequence, if relevant, and the
permissible performance limits. In the event of conflict between this document and the relevant
specification, the latter takes precedence.
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 60050-731, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary – Part 731: Optical fibre
communication (available at www.electropedia.org)
IEC 60617, Graphical symbols for diagrams (available at http://std.iec.ch/iec60617)
IEC 60793-2-10, Optical fibres – Part 2-10: Product specifications – Sectional specification for
category A1 multimode fibres
IEC 60793-2-30, Optical fibres – Part 2-30: Product specifications – Sectional specification for
category A3 multimode fibres
IEC 60825-1, Safety of laser products – Part 1: Equipment classification and requirements
IEC 60825-2, Safety of laser products – Part 2: Safety of optical fibre communication systems
(OFCSs)
IEC 61280-1-4, Fibre optic communication subsystem test procedures – Part 1-4: General
communication subsystems – Light source encircled flux measurement method
IEC 61280-4-1, Fibre-optic communication subsystem test procedures – Part 4-1: Installed
cabling plant – Multimode attenuation measurement
IEC 61300-2 (all parts), Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic
test and measurement procedures – Part 2: Tests
IEC 61300-3 (all parts), Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic
test and measurement procedures – Part 3: Examinations and measurements
IEC 61300-3-1, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures – Part 3-1: Examinations and measurements – Visual examination
IEC 61300-3-35, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures – Part 3-35: Examinations and measurements – Visual inspection of
fibre optic connectors and fibre-stub transceivers
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviated terms
3.1 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1.1
test
technical operation that consists of the determination of one or more characteristics of a given
product, process or service according to a specified procedure and normally consists of the
following steps:
a) preparation (where required);
b) preconditioning (where required);
c) initial examination and measurement (where required);
d) conditioning;
e) recovery (where required);
f) final examination and measurement
3.1.2
device under test
DUT
interconnecting device, passive component, equipment or other item designated to be tested
3.1.3
preparation
preparing the DUT according to the manufacturer’s instructions or as specified in the relevant
specification
3.1.4
preconditioning
treatment of a DUT with the object of removing or partly counteracting the effects of its previous
environmental history or acclimatisation of the test specimen to standard atmospheric
conditions
3.1.5
conditioning
exposure of a DUT to environmental or mechanical conditions for a specified duration in order
to determine the effects of such conditions on the DUT
3.1.6
recovery
treatment of a DUT after conditioning in order that the properties of the DUT may stabilise
before measurement
3.1.7
examination
visual and/or mechanical inspection of a DUT made with or without the use of special equipment
Note 1 to entry: Examination is usually carried out before and after the test, and/or during the test.
3.1.8
measurement
process of obtaining one or more values that can reasonably be attributed to a quantity
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-112:2010, 112-04-01, modified – The adverb "experimentally" has been
removed from the definition, as well as the notes.]
3.1.9
uncertainty of measurement
quantified doubt about the result of a measurement
Note 1 to entry: ISO/IEC Guide 98-3:2008 [3] defines uncertainty of measurement.
Note 2 to entry: IEC TR 61282-14 [4] provides the information of measurement uncertainties.
3.1.10
encircled flux
EF
fraction of cumulative near-field power to the total output power as a function of radial distance
from the optical centre of the core, defined by Formula (1):
r
xI ( x)dx

EF()r = (1)
R
xI x dx
( )

where
I(x) is the near-field intensity profile as a function of radial position of x;
r is the radial distance from the centre of the optical axis;
R is the maximum range of integration.
Note 1 to entry: The encircled flux shall be measured according to IEC 61280-1-4.
3.1.11
encircled angular flux
EAF
fraction of cumulative far-field power to the total output power as a function of incident angle θ
from the optical central axis of the far-field pattern, defined by Formula (2):
2πθ′
sinθ
( )
I θ,φ dθdφ
( )
∫ ∫ 3
cos (θ )
EAF θ′ = (2)
( )
2πθ
sinθ
max ( )
I θ,φ dθdφ
( )
∫ ∫ 3
cos (θ )
where
I(θ,φ) is the far-field intensity profile as a function of radial angle and circular angle;
r  is the radial distance from the origin corresponding to an angle between one ray emitted
from the multimode waveguide and the optical axis of the multimode waveguide,
calculated by d tanθ;
f
φ is a circular angle in polar coordinates;
θ is an angle between one ray emitted from the multimode waveguide and the optical axis;
θ is the maximum ray angle, which is approximately 30° for category A3 multimode fibre for
max
example;.
d is the distance between the end of multimode optical waveguide and far field pattern
f
(FFP) screen.
Note 1 to entry: The encircled angular flux is measured according to IEC 61300-3-53 [5]. Encircled angular flux is
computed according to IEC 61300-3-53 [5], which describes deriving Formula (2) by using the following two reference
parameters of r and d :
f
r is the radial distance from the origin corresponding to an angle between one ray emitted from the multimode
waveguide and the optical axis of the multimode waveguide, calculated by d tanθ;
f
d is the distance between the end of multimode optical waveguide and far field pattern (FFP) screen.
f
3.1.12
differential mode attenuation
DMA
variation in attenuation among the propagating modes of a multimode optical fibre
[SOURCE: IEC TR 62614-2:2015 [6], 3.4]
3.1.13
standard uncertainty
uncertainty of a measurement result expressed as a standard deviation
Note 1 to entry: For further information, see the ISO/IEC Guide 98-3.
3.1.14
uncertainty type A
type of uncertainty obtained by a statistical analysis of a series of observations, such as when
evaluating certain random effects of measurement
Note 1 to entry: See Annex A and ISO/IEC Guide 98-3.
3.1.15
uncertainty type B
type of uncertainty obtained by means other than a statistical analysis of observations, for
example an estimation of probable sources of uncertainty, such as when evaluating systematic
effects of measurement
Note 1 to entry: See Annex A and ISO/IEC Guide 98-3.
3.1.16
measurement repeatability
measurement precision under a set of repeatability conditions of measurement
3.1.17
measurement reproducibility
reproducibility measurement precision under reproducibility conditions of measurement
3.1.18
stability
ability of a measuring instrument to keep its performance characteristics within a specified
range during a specified time interval, all other conditions being the same
3.1.19
repeatability condition
condition of measurement that includes the same measurement procedure, same operators,
same measuring system, same operating conditions and same location, and replicate
measurements on the same or similar objects over a short period of time
3.1.20
reproducibility condition
condition of measurement that includes different locations, operators, measuring systems, and
replicate measurements on the same or similar objects
3.2 Abbreviated terms
DMA differential mode attenuation
DUT device under test
EAF encircled angular flux
EF encircled flux
FFP far field pattern
FP-LD Fabry-Perot laser diode
GI graded index
LED light emitting diode
NA numerical aperture
SI step index
VCSEL vertical cavity surface emitting laser
4 Requirements for IEC 61300-2 (all parts) and IEC 61300-3 (all parts)
4.1 Requirements for IEC 61300-2 (all parts) (tests)
IEC 61300-2 (all parts) shall contain the following items:
– test apparatus;
– test procedures;
– severities;
– details to be specified and reported.
4.2 Requirements for IEC 61300-3 (all parts) (examinations and measurement
procedures)
4.2.1 General requirements
IEC 61300-3 (all parts) shall contain the following items:
– measurement apparatus;
– measurement procedures;
– method of calculation (where required);
– consideration of measurement uncertainty;
– details to be specified and reported.
NOTE 1 The measurement uncertainty herein means the measurement uncertainty of the physical value of the
performance parameters of DUT, not that for measurement apparatus (instruments).
NOTE 2 The measurement uncertainty is expressed as an absolute value not using "±".
The measurement accuracy, linearity, stability and repeatability of each measurement
apparatus are possible to affect the measurement uncertainty. The relation of those factors on
the measurement uncertainty should be described. When the reference value, such as the
setting values, the initial values, the nominal values, can be defined, the sign "±" can be adopted
for the deviation from the reference values (refer to 6.2 and 6.3).
4.2.2 Requirements for attenuation variation
For interconnecting devices and passive optical components, the attenuation variation is
defined as a plus or minus (±) deviation from the original value at the start of the test, unless
otherwise specified.
4.2.3 Requirements for test sample configuration in environmental test chamber
Annex C defines example configuration of the test sample, and specifies the fibre, pigtail, or
cable length inside the environmental test chamber for different test sample types.
5 Standard atmospheric conditions
Standard atmospheric conditions shall be controlled within some range to ensure proper
correlation of data obtained from measurements and tests conducted in various facilities. Test
and measurement procedures shall be conducted under the following atmospheric conditions
unless otherwise specified. In some cases, special ambient conditions may be needed and can
be specified in the relevant specification.
The standard range of atmospheric conditions for carrying out measurements and tests is set
out in Table 1.
Table 1 – Standard atmospheric conditions
Temperature Relative humidity Air pressure
18 °C to 28 °C 25 % to 75 % 86 kPa to 106 kPa
NOTE Some dimensional measurements require a tighter temperature range of 18 °C to 22 °C as defined in ISO 1
[7].
Variations in ambient temperature and humidity shall be kept to a minimum during a series of
measurements.
6 Significance of the numerical value of a quantity
6.1 General
The numerical values of quantities for the various parameters (temperature, humidity, stress,
duration, optical power levels, etc.) given in the basic methods of environmental and optical
testing constituting IEC 61300-2 (all parts) and the optical and physical measurements
constituting IEC 61300-3 (all parts) are expressed in different ways according to the needs of
each individual test.
The two cases that most frequently arise are as follows:
a) the quantity is expressed as a nominal value with a tolerance;
b) the quantity is expressed as a range of values.
For these two cases, the significance of the numerical value is discussed in 6.2 and 6.3.
6.2 Quantity expressed as nominal value with tolerance
Examples of two forms of presentation are:
a) 40 mm ± 2 mm
2 s ± 0,5 s
0,3 dB ± 0,1 dB
+3
b) 93 % %
–2
The expression of a quantity as a numerical value indicates the intention that the test should
be carried out at the stated value. The object of stating tolerances is to take account of the
following factors in particular:
• the difficulties in regulating some devices and their drift (undesired slow variation) during
the test;
• uncertainties of instrument;
• non-uniformity of environmental parameters, for which no specific tolerances are given, in
the test space in which the DUTs are located.
These tolerances are not intended to allow latitude in the adjustment of the values of the
parameter within the test space. Hence, when a quantity is expressed by a nominal value with
a tolerance, the test apparatus shall be adjusted so as to obtain this nominal value making
allowance for the uncertainties of instrument.
In principle, the test apparatus shall not be adjusted to maintain a limiting value of the tolerance
zone, even if its uncertainty is so small as to ensure that this limiting value would not be
exceeded.
EXAMPLE If the quantity is expressed numerically as 100 ± 5, the test apparatus is adjusted to maintain the target
value of 100 making allowance for the uncertainties of instrument and in no case is adjusted to maintain a target
value of 95 or 105.
In order to avoid any limiting value applicable to the DUT during the carrying out of the test, it
may be necessary in some cases to set the test apparatus near to one tolerance limit.
In the particular case where the quantity is expressed by a nominal value with a unilateral
tolerance (which is generally the case unless justified otherwise by special conditions, for
example, a non-linear response), the test apparatus shall be set as close as possible to the
nominal value (which is also a tolerance limit) taking account of the uncertainty of measurement,
which depends on the apparatus used for the test (including the instruments used to measure
the values of the parameters).
+0
EXAMPLE If the quantity is expressed numerically as 100 % % and the test apparatus is capable of an overall
–5
uncertainty in the control of the parameter of ±1 %, then the test apparatus is adjusted to maintain a target value of
99 %. If, on the other hand, the overall uncertainty is ±2,5 %, then the adjustment is set to maintain a target value of
97,5 %.
6.3 Quantity expressed as a range of values
Examples of forms of presentation:
a) From 18 °C to 28 °C
Relative humidity from 80 % to 100 %
From 1 h to 2 h
b) Return loss ≥ 55 dB
Attenuation ≤ 0,50 dB
The use of words in expressing a range leads to ambiguity; for example, the phrase "from 80 %
to 100 %" is recognised as "excluding the values of 80 and 100" by some readers, as "80 and
100 are included" by others. The use of symbols, for example > 80 or ≥ 80, is generally less
likely to be ambiguous and shall therefore be preferred.
The expression of a quantity as a range of values indicates that the value to which the test
apparatus is adjusted has only a small influence on the result of the test.
Where the uncertainty of the control of the parameter (including uncertainties of instrument)
permits, any desired value within the given range may be chosen. For example, if it is stated
that the temperature shall be from 18 °C to 28 °C, any value within this range can be used (but
it is not intended that the temperature should be programmed to vary over the range).
7 Graphical symbols and terminology
The terminology used in the interpretation and preparation of fibre optic test and measurement
procedures shall be taken from IEC 60050-731.
Graphical symbols used for the preparation and interpretation of fibre optic test and
measurement procedures shall be selected where possible from IEC 60617.
8 Safety
As far as laser radiation is concerned, the precautions for carrying out fibre optic measurements
as given in IEC 60825-1 shall be used. Fibre optic components and systems may emit
hazardous radiation. This may occur
a) at sources,
b) in transmission systems during installation, during service or intentional interruption and
failure or unintentional interruption, and
c) while measuring and testing.
For hazard evaluation, precautions and manufacturer's requirements, IEC 60825-1 and
IEC 60825-2 shall be used.
Other safety aspects are referred to in applicable test methods and other standards.
9 Calibration
9.1 General
The equipment used shall have a valid calibration certificate in accordance with the applicable
quality system for the period over which the testing is done. Preferably international or national
standards should be adopted (e.g. IEC 61315 [8]). The calibration should be traceable to a
national standard if available.
In cases where no calibration standard exists, the manufacturer or laboratory carrying out the
test shall state the uncertainty of the test equipment to their best knowledge.
9.2 Round robin calibration procedure
Where the uncertainty is unknown, it may be necessary to evaluate the uncertainty with use a
round robin calibration procedure for calibrating measuring instruments (e.g. gauges).
10 Launch conditions
10.1 General
The loss characteristics of a component frequently depend, to a very significant extent, on how
the light is launched into the input fibre. The launch conditions should be used for all optical
measurements. In order to obtain repeatable measurements, it is necessary to use standard
launch conditions, which are clearly defined, and can be duplicated easily and precisely.
To achieve consistent results, first inspect and, if necessary, clean and inspect again all
connector plugs and adaptors prior to measurement. Visual examination shall be undertaken in
accordance with IEC 61300-3-1. Additionally, end-faces of optical connectors shall be
inspected in accordance with IEC 61300-3-35.
The power in the fibre shall be set high enough, within the power level, not to generate non-
linear scattering effects.
Precautions shall be taken to ensure that cladding modes do not affect the measurement.
Cladding modes shall be eliminated either as a natural function of the fibre coating in the input
and output fibres, or by adding cladding mode eliminators if specified in the relevant
specification.
Precautions shall be taken to ensure that excessive bending of the fibres on either the input or
output fibre, which could affect the measurement, does not occur. The fibres should remain
fixed in position during the
...


IEC 61300-1 ®
Edition 5.0 2022-04
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures –
Part 1: General and guidance
Dispositifs d'interconnexion et composants passifs fibroniques – Procédures
fondamentales d'essais et de mesures –
Partie 1: Généralités et recommandations

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IEC 61300-1 ®
Edition 5.0 2022-04
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and

measurement procedures –
Part 1: General and guidance
Dispositifs d'interconnexion et composants passifs fibroniques – Procédures

fondamentales d'essais et de mesures –

Partie 1: Généralités et recommandations

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 33.180.20 ISBN 978-2-8322-1093-9

– 2 – IEC 61300-1:2022 © IEC 2022
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
INTRODUCTION . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviated terms . 8
3.1 Terms and definitions . 8
3.2 Abbreviated terms . 11
4 Requirements for IEC 61300-2 (all parts) and IEC 61300-3 (all parts) . 11
4.1 Requirements for IEC 61300-2 (all parts) (tests) . 11
4.2 Requirements for IEC 61300-3 (all parts) (examinations and measurement
procedures) . 11
4.2.1 General requirements . 11
4.2.2 Requirements for attenuation variation . 11
5 Standard atmospheric conditions . 12
6 Significance of the numerical value of a quantity . 12
6.1 General . 12
6.2 Quantity expressed as nominal value with tolerance . 12
6.3 Quantity expressed as a range of values. 13
7 Graphical symbols and terminology . 13
8 Safety . 14
9 Calibration . 14
9.1 General . 14
9.2 Round robin calibration procedure . 14
10 Launch conditions. 14
10.1 General . 14
10.2 Multimode launch conditions for A1 fibres . 15
10.3 Multimode launch conditions for A3e fibre . 15
10.4 Multimode launch conditions for the other multimode fibres . 16
10.5 Single-mode launch conditions. 16
10.6 Multimode planar waveguide launch conditions . 16
Annex A (normative) Multimode launch condition requirement for measuring
attenuation of components terminated on IEC 60793-2-10 type A1 fibres . 17
A.1 General . 17
A.2 Technical background . 17
A.3 EF template . 17
A.3.1 Applicable types of optical fibres . 17
A.3.2 Encircled flux . 17
A.3.3 EF template example . 17
A.4 Target launch and upper and lower tolerance bands for attenuation
measurements of A1-OM2 to A1-OM5 and A1-OM1 optical fibre connections . 18
A.4.1 General . 18
A.4.2 Limits on EF . 18
Annex B (normative) Multimode launch condition requirement for measuring
attenuation of components terminated on IEC 60793-2-30 type A3e fibres . 20
B.1 EAF template . 20
B.1.1 Applicable types of optical fibres . 20

B.1.2 Encircled angular flux . 20
B.1.3 EAF template example . 20
B.2 Target launch and upper and lower tolerance bands for attenuation
measurements of A3e optical fibre connections. 20
B.2.1 General . 20
B.2.2 Limits on EAF . 21
Bibliography . 22

Figure A.1 – Encircled flux template example . 18
Figure B.1 – Encircled angular flux template example . 20

Table 1 – Standard atmospheric conditions . 12
Table 2 – Expected variation of attenuation due to mode variation of single
connections for A1-OM2, A1-OM3, A1-OM4 and A1-OM5 fibres . 15
Table 3 – Expected variation of attenuation due to mode variation of single

connections for A3e fibre . 16
Table A.1 – EF requirements for 50 µm core fibre at 850 nm . 18
Table A.2 – EF requirements for 50 µm core fibre at 1 300 nm . 19
Table A.3 – EF requirements for 62,5 µm fibre at 850 nm . 19
Table A.4 – EF requirements for 62,5 µm fibre at 1 300 nm . 19
Table B.1 – EAF requirements for NA of 0,37 and 200 µm core fibre at 850 nm . 21

– 4 – IEC 61300-1:2022 © IEC 2022
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
FIBRE OPTIC INTERCONNECTING
DEVICES AND PASSIVE COMPONENTS –
BASIC TEST AND MEASUREMENT PROCEDURES –

Part 1: General and guidance
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
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rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
IEC 61300-1 has been prepared by subcommittee 86B: Fibre optic interconnecting devices and
passive components, of IEC technical committee 86: Fibre optics. It is an International Standard.
This fifth edition cancels and replaces the fourth edition published in 2016. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) addition of the information of measurement uncertainties in 4.2.1;
b) change of the requirements for attenuation variation in 4.2.2;
c) addition of the multimode launch conditions of other fibres than A1-OM2, A1-OM3, A1-OM4,
A1-OM5 and A3e in 10.4;
d) addition of the multimode launch conditions of the planar waveguide in 10.6;

e) splitting Annex A for EF and Annex B for EAF;
f) correction of errors in the definitions of encircled flux and encircled angular flux.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
86B/4582/FDIS 86B/4602/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 61300 series, published under the general title, Fibre optic
interconnecting and passive components – Basic test and measurement procedures, 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.
– 6 – IEC 61300-1:2022 © IEC 2022
INTRODUCTION
The publications in IEC 61300 series [1] contain information on mechanical and environmental
testing procedures and measurement procedures relating to fibre optic interconnecting devices
and passive components. They are intended to be used to achieve uniformity and reproducibility
in environmental testing procedures and measurement procedures.
The term "test procedure" refers to procedures commonly known as mechanical and
environmental tests. The expressions "environmental conditioning" and "environmental testing"
refer to the environments to which components or equipment may be exposed so that an
assessment may be made of their performance under the conditions of use, transport and
storage.
The term "measurement procedure" refers to those measurements which are necessary
to assess the physical and optical characteristics of a component and may also be used before,
during or after a test procedure to measure the effects of environmental conditioning or testing.
The return loss and attenuation tests are examples of measurement procedures.
The requirements for the performance of components or equipment subjected to the test and
measurement procedures described in this document are not included. The relevant
specification for the device under test defines the allowed performance limits.
When drafting a specification or purchase contract, only those tests which are necessary for
the relevant components or equipment taking into account the technical and economic aspects
should be specified.
The mechanical and environmental test procedures are contained in IEC 61300-2 (all parts)
and the measurement procedures in IEC 61300-3 (all parts). Each test or measurement
procedure is published as a stand-alone publication so that it may be modified, expanded or
cancelled without having an effect on any other test or measurement procedure. However, it
should be noted that, where practical, reference is made to other standards as opposed to
repeating all or part of already existing standards. As an example, the cold test for fibre optic
apparatus refers to IEC 60068-2-1 [2], but it also provides other needed information such as
purpose, recommended severities and a list of items to be specified.
Multiple methods may be contained in a test or measurement procedure. As an example,
several methods of measuring attenuation are contained in the attenuation measurement
procedure.
If more than one method is contained in a test or measurement procedure, the reference method
may be identified.
The tests in this document permit the performance of components or equipment to be compared.
To assess the overall quality of a production lot, the test procedures should be applied in
accordance with a suitable sampling plan and may be supplemented by appropriate additional
tests, if necessary.
To provide tests appropriate to the different intensities of an environmental condition, some of
the test procedures have a number of degrees of severity. These different degrees of severity are
obtained by varying the time, temperature or some other determining factor separately or in
combination.
___________
Numbers in square bracket refer to the Bibliography.

FIBRE OPTIC INTERCONNECTING
DEVICES AND PASSIVE COMPONENTS –
BASIC TEST AND MEASUREMENT PROCEDURES –

Part 1: General and guidance
1 Scope
This part of IEC 61300 provides general information and guidance for the basic test and
measurement procedures defined in IEC 61300-2 (all parts) and IEC 61300-3 (all parts) for
interconnecting devices, passive components, mechanical splices, fusion splice protectors,
fibre management systems and protective housings.
This document is used in combination with the relevant specification which defines the tests to
be used, the required degree of severity for each of them, their sequence, if relevant, and the
permissible performance limits. In the event of conflict between this document and the relevant
specification, the latter takes precedence.
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 60050-731, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary – Part 731: Optical fibre
communication (available at www.electropedia.org)
IEC 60617, Graphical symbols for diagrams (available at http://std.iec.ch/iec60617)
IEC 60793-2-10, Optical fibres – Part 2-10: Product specifications – Sectional specification for
category A1 multimode fibres
IEC 60793-2-30, Optical fibres – Part 2-30: Product specifications – Sectional specification for
category A3 multimode fibres
IEC 60825-1, Safety of laser products – Part 1: Equipment classification and requirements
IEC 60825-2, Safety of laser products – Part 2: Safety of optical fibre communication systems
(OFCSs)
IEC 61280-1-4, Fibre optic communication subsystem test procedures – Part 1-4: General
communication subsystems – Light source encircled flux measurement method
IEC 61280-4-1, Fibre-optic communication subsystem test procedures – Part 4-1: Installed
cabling plant – Multimode attenuation measurement
IEC 61300-2 (all parts), Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic
test and measurement procedures – Part 2: Tests
IEC 61300-3 (all parts), Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic
test and measurement procedures – Part 3: Examinations and measurements

– 8 – IEC 61300-1:2022 © IEC 2022
IEC 61300-3-1, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures – Part 3-1: Examinations and measurements – Visual examination
IEC 61300-3-35, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures – Part 3-35: Examinations and measurements – Visual inspection of
fibre optic connectors and fibre-stub transceivers
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviated terms
3.1 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1.1
test
technical operation that consists of the determination of one or more characteristics of a given
product, process or service according to a specified procedure and normally consists of the
following steps:
a) preparation (where required);
b) preconditioning (where required);
c) initial examination and measurement (where required);
d) conditioning;
e) recovery (where required);
f) final examination and measurement
3.1.2
device under test
DUT
interconnecting device, passive component, equipment or other item designated to be tested
3.1.3
preparation
preparing the DUT according to the manufacturer’s instructions or as specified in the relevant
specification
3.1.4
preconditioning
treatment of a DUT with the object of removing or partly counteracting the effects of its previous
environmental history or acclimatisation of the test specimen to standard atmospheric
conditions
3.1.5
conditioning
exposure of a DUT to environmental or mechanical conditions for a specified duration in order
to determine the effects of such conditions on the DUT
3.1.6
recovery
treatment of a DUT after conditioning in order that the properties of the DUT may stabilise
before measurement
3.1.7
examination
visual and/or mechanical inspection of a DUT made with or without the use of special equipment
Note 1 to entry: Examination is usually carried out before and after the test, and/or during the test.
3.1.8
measurement
process of obtaining one or more values that can reasonably be attributed to a quantity
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-112:2010, 112-04-01, modified – The adverb "experimentally" has been
removed from the definition, as well as the notes.]
3.1.9
uncertainty of measurement
quantified doubt about the result of a measurement
Note 1 to entry: ISO/IEC Guide 98-3:2008 [3] defines uncertainty of measurement.
Note 2 to entry: IEC TR 61282-14 [4] provides the information of measurement uncertainties.
3.1.10
encircled flux
EF
fraction of cumulative near-field power to the total output power as a function of radial distance
from the optical centre of the core, defined by Formula (1):
r
xI ( x)dx

EF()r =
(1)
R
xI x dx
( )

where
I(x) is the near-field intensity profile as a function of radial position x;
R is the maximum range of integration
Note 1 to entry: The encircled flux shall be measured according to IEC 61280-1-4.
3.1.11
encircled angular flux
EAF
fraction of cumulative far-field power to the total output power as a function of incident angle θ
from the optical central axis of the far-field pattern, defined by Formula (2):
2πθ′
sinθ
( )
I θ,φ dθdφ
( )
∫ ∫ 3
cos θ
( )
EAF θ′ =
( ) (2)
2πθ sinθ
( )
max
I (θ,φ) dθdφ
∫ ∫
cos θ
( )
where
I(θ,φ) is the far-field intensity profile as a function of radial angle and circular angle;
r  is the radial distance from the origin corresponding to an angle between one ray emitted
from the multimode waveguide and the optical axis of the multimode waveguide,
calculated by d tanθ;
f
φ is a circular angle in polar coordinates;

– 10 – IEC 61300-1:2022 © IEC 2022
θ is an angle between one ray emitted from the multimode waveguide and the optical axis;
θ is the maximum ray angle, which is approximately 30° for category A3 multimode fibre
max
for example;
is the distance between the end of multimode optical waveguide and far field pattern
d
f
(FFP) screen.
Note 1 to entry: The encircled angular flux is measured according to IEC 61300-3-53 [5].
3.1.12
differential mode attenuation
DMA
variation in attenuation among the propagating modes of a multimode optical fibre
[SOURCE: IEC TR 62614-2:2015 [6], 3.4]
3.1.13
standard uncertainty
uncertainty of a measurement result expressed as a standard deviation
Note 1 to entry: For further information, see the ISO/IEC Guide 98-3.
3.1.14
uncertainty type A
type of uncertainty obtained by a statistical analysis of a series of observations, such as when
evaluating certain random effects of measurement
Note 1 to entry: See Annex A and ISO/IEC Guide 98-3.
3.1.15
uncertainty type B
type of uncertainty obtained by means other than a statistical analysis of observations, for
example an estimation of probable sources of uncertainty, such as when evaluating systematic
effects of measurement
Note 1 to entry: See Annex A and ISO/IEC Guide 98-3.
3.1.16
measurement repeatability
measurement precision under a set of repeatability conditions of measurement
3.1.17
measurement reproducibility
reproducibility measurement precision under reproducibility conditions of measurement
3.1.18
stability
ability of a measuring instrument to keep its performance characteristics within a specified
range during a specified time interval, all other conditions being the same
3.1.19
repeatability condition
condition of measurement that includes the same measurement procedure, same operators,
same measuring system, same operating conditions and same location, and replicate
measurements on the same or similar objects over a short period of time
3.1.20
reproducibility condition
condition of measurement that includes different locations, operators, measuring systems, and
replicate measurements on the same or similar objects

3.2 Abbreviated terms
DMA differential mode attenuation
DUT device under test
EAF encircled angular flux
EF encircled flux
FFP far field pattern
FP-LD Fabry-Perot laser diode
GI graded index
LED light emitting diode
NA numerical aperture
SI step index
VCSEL vertical cavity surface emitting laser
4 Requirements for IEC 61300-2 (all parts) and IEC 61300-3 (all parts)
4.1 Requirements for IEC 61300-2 (all parts) (tests)
IEC 61300-2 (all parts) shall contain the following items:
– test apparatus;
– test procedures;
– severities;
– details to be specified and reported.
4.2 Requirements for IEC 61300-3 (all parts) (examinations and measurement
procedures)
4.2.1 General requirements
IEC 61300-3 (all parts) shall contain the following items:
– measurement apparatus;
– measurement procedures;
– method of calculation (where required);
– consideration of measurement uncertainty;
– details to be specified and reported.
NOTE 1 The measurement uncertainty herein means the measurement uncertainty of the physical value of the
performance parameters of DUT, not that for measurement apparatus (instruments).
NOTE 2 The measurement uncertainty is expressed as an absolute value not using "±".
The measurement accuracy, linearity, stability and repeatability of each measurement
apparatus are possible to affect the measurement uncertainty. The relation of those factors on
the measurement uncertainty should be described. When the reference value, such as the
setting values, the initial values, the nominal values, can be defined, the sign "±" can be adopted
for the deviation from the reference values (refer to 6.2 and 6.3).
4.2.2 Requirements for attenuation variation
For interconnecting devices and passive optical components, the attenuation variation is
defined as a plus or minus (±) deviation from the original value at the start of the test, unless
otherwise specified.
– 12 – IEC 61300-1:2022 © IEC 2022
5 Standard atmospheric conditions
Standard atmospheric conditions shall be controlled within some range to ensure proper
correlation of data obtained from measurements and tests conducted in various facilities. Test
and measurement procedures shall be conducted under the following atmospheric conditions
unless otherwise specified. In some cases, special ambient conditions may be needed and can
be specified in the relevant specification.
The standard range of atmospheric conditions for carrying out measurements and tests is set
out in Table 1.
Table 1 – Standard atmospheric conditions
Temperature Relative humidity Air pressure
18 °C to 28 °C 25 % to 75 % 86 kPa to 106 kPa
NOTE Some dimensional measurements require a tighter temperature range of 18 °C to 22 °C as defined in ISO 1
[7].
Variations in ambient temperature and humidity shall be kept to a minimum during a series of
measurements.
6 Significance of the numerical value of a quantity
6.1 General
The numerical values of quantities for the various parameters (temperature, humidity, stress,
duration, optical power levels, etc.) given in the basic methods of environmental and optical
testing constituting IEC 61300-2 (all parts) and the optical and physical measurements
constituting IEC 61300-3 (all parts) are expressed in different ways according to the needs of
each individual test.
The two cases that most frequently arise are as follows:
a) the quantity is expressed as a nominal value with a tolerance;
b) the quantity is expressed as a range of values.
For these two cases, the significance of the numerical value is discussed in 6.2 and 6.3.
6.2 Quantity expressed as nominal value with tolerance
Examples of two forms of presentation are:
a) 40 mm ± 2 mm
2 s ± 0,5 s
0,3 dB ± 0,1 dB
+3
%
b) 93 %
–2
The expression of a quantity as a numerical value indicates the intention that the test should
be carried out at the stated value. The object of stating tolerances is to take account of the
following factors in particular:
• the difficulties in regulating some devices and their drift (undesired slow variation) during
the test;
• uncertainties of instrument;

• non-uniformity of environmental parameters, for which no specific tolerances are given, in
the test space in which the DUTs are located.
These tolerances are not intended to allow latitude in the adjustment of the values of the
parameter within the test space. Hence, when a quantity is expressed by a nominal value with
a tolerance, the test apparatus shall be adjusted so as to obtain this nominal value making
allowance for the uncertainties of instrument.
In principle, the test apparatus shall not be adjusted to maintain a limiting value of the tolerance
zone, even if its uncertainty is so small as to ensure that this limiting value would not be
exceeded.
EXAMPLE If the quantity is expressed numerically as 100 ± 5, the test apparatus is adjusted to maintain the target
value of 100 making allowance for the uncertainties of instrument and in no case is adjusted to maintain a target
value of 95 or 105.
In order to avoid any limiting value applicable to the DUT during the carrying out of the test, it
may be necessary in some cases to set the test apparatus near to one tolerance limit.
In the particular case where the quantity is expressed by a nominal value with a unilateral
tolerance (which is generally the case unless justified otherwise by special conditions, for
example, a non-linear response), the test apparatus shall be set as close as possible to the
nominal value (which is also a tolerance limit) taking account of the uncertainty of measurement,
which depends on the apparatus used for the test (including the instruments used to measure
the values of the parameters).
+0
EXAMPLE If the quantity is expressed numerically as 100 % % and the test apparatus is capable of an overall
–5
uncertainty in the control of the parameter of ±1 %, then the test apparatus is adjusted to maintain a target value of
99 %. If, on the other hand, the overall uncertainty is ±2,5 %, then the adjustment is set to maintain a target value of
97,5 %.
6.3 Quantity expressed as a range of values
Examples of forms of presentation:
a) From 18 °C to 28 °C
Relative humidity from 80 % to 100 %
From 1 h to 2 h
b) Return loss ≥ 55 dB
Attenuation ≤ 0,50 dB
The use of words in expressing a range leads to ambiguity; for example, the phrase "from 80 %
to 100 %" is recognised as "excluding the values of 80 and 100" by some readers, as "80 and
100 are included" by others. The use of symbols, for example > 80 or ≥ 80, is generally less
likely to be ambiguous and shall therefore be preferred.
The expression of a quantity as a range of values indicates that the value to which the test
apparatus is adjusted has only a small influence on the result of the test.
Where the uncertainty of the control of the parameter (including uncertainties of instrument)
permits, any desired value within the given range may be chosen. For example, if it is stated
that the temperature shall be from 18 °C to 28 °C, any value within this range can be used (but
it is not intended that the temperature should be programmed to vary over the range).
7 Graphical symbols and terminology
The terminology used in the interpretation and preparation of fibre optic test and measurement
procedures shall be taken from IEC 60050-731.

– 14 – IEC 61300-1:2022 © IEC 2022
Graphical symbols used for the preparation and interpretation of fibre optic test and
measurement procedures shall be selected where possible from IEC 60617.
8 Safety
As far as laser radiation is concerned, the precautions for carrying out fibre optic measurements
as given in IEC 60825-1 shall be used. Fibre optic components and systems may emit
hazardous radiation. This may occur
a) at sources,
b) in transmission systems during installation, during service or intentional interruption and
failure or unintentional interruption, and
c) while measuring and testing.
For hazard evaluation, precautions and manufacturer's requirements, IEC 60825-1 and
IEC 60825-2 shall be used.
Other safety aspects are referred to in applicable test methods and other standards.
9 Calibration
9.1 General
The equipment used shall have a valid calibration certificate in accordance with the applicable
quality system for the period over which the testing is done. Preferably international or national
standards should be adopted (e.g. IEC 61315 [8]). The calibration should be traceable to a
national standard if available.
In cases where no calibration standard exists, the manufacturer or laboratory carrying out the
test shall state the uncertainty of the test equipment to their best knowledge.
9.2 Round robin calibration procedure
Where the uncertainty is unknown, it may be necessary to evaluate the uncertainty with use a
round robin calibration procedure for calibrating measuring instruments (e.g. gauges).
10 Launch conditions
10.1 General
The loss characteristics of a component frequently depend, to a very significant extent, on how
the light is launched into the input fibre. The launch conditions should be used for all optical
measurements. In order to obtain repeatable measurements, it is necessary to use standard
launch conditions, which are clearly defined, and can be duplicated easily and precisely.
To achieve consistent results, first inspect and, if necessary, clean and inspect again all
connector plugs and adaptors prior to measurement. Visual examination shall be undertaken in
accordance with IEC 61300-3-1. Additionally, end-faces of optical connectors shall be
inspected in accordance with IEC 61300-3-35.
The power in the fibre shall be set high enough, within the power level, not to generate non-
linear scattering effects.
Precautions shall be taken to ensure that cladding modes do not affect the measurement.
Cladding modes shall be eliminated either as a natural function of the fibre coating in the input

and output fibres, or by adding cladding mode eliminators if specified in the relevant
specification.
Precautions shall be taken to ensure that excessive bending of the fibres on either the input or
output fibre, which could affect the measurement, does not occur. The fibres should remain
fixed in position during the measurement.
The stability of the launch shall be suitable for the measurement to be undertaken. The stability
shall be maintained over the measurement time and operational temperature range.
10.2 Multimode launch conditions for A1 fibres
Annex A provides a procedure for establishing the launch conditions for multimode fibre of
category A1 defined in IEC 60793-2-10. The launch conditions are defined by tolerance bands
on a target encircled flux (EF) metric.
NOTE 1 IEC 62614-1 [9] and IEC TR 62614-2 provide useful information on multimode launch condition.
These tolerance bands have been created for testing installed fibre optic links according to
IEC 61280-4-1, to limit the variation in measured attenuation. The expected tolerances for links
(with multiple connectors) are different to those for a single connection. When the measured
EF of the source is within the specified tolerance bands, the expected uncertainty for the
measured attenuation value of a single connection for A1-OM2, A1-OM3, A1-OM4 and A1-OM5
fibres, in dB, is according to Table 2.
NOTE 2 Multimode optical interfaces are provided in IEC 63267 (all parts) [10].
Table 2 – Expected variation of attenuation due to mode variation
of single connections for A1-OM2, A1-OM3, A1-OM4 and A1-OM5 fibres
Fibre nominal core diameter Wavelength Expected variation of attenuation due
to mode variation
µm nm dB
50 850 ±0,08
Table 2 is valid for attenuation values ≤ 0,75 dB due to launch condition and modal variation.
When calculating the total uncertainty of the multimode attenuation measurement, the
uncertainty due to the modal variations shall be included.
10.3 Multimode launch conditions for A3e fibre
Annex B provides a procedure for establishing the launch conditions for category A3e
multimode fibre defined in IEC 60793-2-30. The launch condition is defined by tolerance band
on a target encircled angular flux (EAF) metric.
NOTE IEC 61300-3-53 provides useful information on multimode launch condition for step index (SI) fibre, defined
in IEC 60793-2-30 and IEC 60793-2-40 [11].
These tolerance bands have been created for testing connecting devices, to limit the variation
in measured attenuation. When the measured EAF of the source is within the specified tolerance
band, the expected uncertainty for the measured attenuation value of a single connection, in
dB, is according to Table 3.
___________
Under preparation.
– 16 – IEC 61300-1:2022 © IEC 2022
Table 3 – Expected variation of attenuation due
...

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