IEC 61300-2-44:2008

Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components - Basic test and measurement procedures - Part 2-44: Tests - Flexing of the strain relief of fibre optic devices

IEC 61300-2-44:2008 specifies a test to determine the influence of a flexing under tensile load of the strain relief of fibre optic devices. The intension is to simulate the number of flexing which would typically be experienced during service. This test is applied to both single fibre cable and multiple fibre cable. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2004, and constitutes a technical revision. The specific changes from the previous edition include the diversification ofthe severity according to environmental categories and component types. This bilingual version (2013-03) corresponds to the monolingual English version, published in 2008-07. Key words: flexing under tensile load of the strain relief of fibre optic devices

Dispositifs d'interconnexion et composants passifs à fibres optiques - Procédures fondamentales d'essais et de mesures - Partie 2-44: Essais - Flexion du serre-câble des dispositifs à fibres optiques

La CEI 61300-2-44:2008 spécifie un essai pour déterminer l'influence d'une flexion sous une charge de traction du serre-câble des dispositifs à fibres optiques. L'objectif est de simuler le nombre de flexions généralement expérimenté en service. L'essai est appliqué sur des câbles à fibre unique et des câbles à fibres multiples. Cette deuxième édition annule et remplace la première édition publiée en 2004, et constitue une révision technique. Par rapport à la précédente édition, les modifications spécifiques incluent la diversification de la sévérité selon les catégories environnementales et les types de composant. La présente version bilingue (2013-03) correspond à la version anglaise monolingue publiée en 2008-07. Mots clés: flexion sous une charge de traction du serre-câble des dispositifs à fibres optiques

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 20-Jul-2008
• ICS: 33.180.20 - Fibre optic interconnecting devices
• Technical Committee: SC 86B - Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components
• Drafting Committee: WG 4 - TC 86/SC 86B/WG 4
• Current Stage: DELPUB - Deleted Publication
• Start Date: 15-Jul-2013
• Completion Date: 26-Oct-2025

Relations

• Revised: IEC 61300-2-44:2013 - Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components - Basic test and measurement procedures - Part 2-44: Tests - Flexing of the strain relief of fibre optic devices
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023
• Revises: IEC 61300-2-44:2004 - Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components - Basic test and measurement procedures - Part 2-44: Tests - Flexing of the strain relief of fibre optic devices
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Overview

IEC 61300-2-44:2008 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). It specifies a basic test and measurement procedure for fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components, focusing particularly on the flexing of the strain relief of fibre optic devices under tensile load. This test simulates the mechanical stress experienced by the strain relief during typical service conditions, ensuring reliability and durability. The standard applies to both single fibre cables and multiple fibre cables.

This second edition, published in 2008, replaces the original 2004 edition and introduces diversified severity criteria based on environmental categories and component types, enhancing its applicability across different fibre optic device scenarios.

Key Topics

• Purpose of the Test: To evaluate the influence of flexing under tensile load on the strain relief of fibre optic devices, reflecting real-life mechanical stresses.
• Test Scope: Applicable to single fibre cables, duplex cordage, ribbon cables, and multiple fibre cables.
• Test Apparatus:
  • Optical source and detector conforming to IEC 61300-3-3 and IEC 61300-3-4.
  • Mounting fixture ensuring stable and secure attachment without distortion.
  • Flex test machine or jig capable of rotating the device ±90° while applying tensile loads.
• Procedure Summary:
  • Preparation and cleaning of the specimen per manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Preconditioning at standard test conditions.
  • Initial measurement of attenuation and visual examination.
  • Application of flexing cycles with specified tensile force.
  • Measurement of attenuation changes during test.
  • Recovery period post-test prior to final evaluation.
  • Final measurements and visual inspections to check for damage or performance degradation.
• Severity Criteria: Defined by magnitude of tensile force and the number of flexing cycles. Severity levels depend on component type and environmental category (e.g., reinforced cables, primary/secondary coated fibres).
• Performance Requirements: Limits on permissible attenuation change and visual integrity must be met for passing the test.

Applications

IEC 61300-2-44:2008 test procedures are critical for manufacturers, designers, and quality assurance specialists of fibre optic interconnecting devices such as connectors, adapters, and passive components. Practical applications include:

• Ensuring Mechanical Reliability: By simulating flexing stresses, the standard helps verify the robustness of strain relief designs against daily handling and in-field mechanical forces.
• Quality Control in Production: Manufacturers use this test to certify components meet international durability standards.
• Product Development: Enables R&D teams to optimize strain relief features for longer service life and improved performance.
• Service Simulation: Replicates mechanical flexing that occurs during installation, operation, and maintenance of fibre optic networks.
• Compliance with International Standards: Helps organizations meet global market requirements, facilitating international trade and interoperability.

Related Standards

IEC 61300-2-44 is part of a broader series addressing fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components testing:

• IEC 61300-1: General and guidance for basic test and measurement procedures.
• IEC 61300-3-1: Visual examination methods for fibre optic devices.
• IEC 61300-3-3: Active monitoring of attenuation and return loss changes during tests.
• IEC 61300-3-4: Attenuation measurement procedures.

These related standards complement IEC 61300-2-44 by providing comprehensive test methodologies for ensuring the quality, performance, and durability of fibre optic components.

---

For more details and access to the official IEC publications, visit the IEC website or contact your local IEC National Committee. Adhering to IEC 61300-2-44:2008 enhances product reliability and aligns fibre optic components with globally recognized quality standards.

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 61300-2-44
Edition 2.0 2008-07
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures –
Part 2-44: Tests – Flexing of the strain relief of fibre optic devices

All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from
either IEC or IEC's member National Committee in the country of the requester.
If you have any questions about IEC copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication,
please contact the address below or your local IEC member National Committee for further information.

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IEC 61300-2-44
Edition 2.0 2008-07
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures –
Part 2-44: Tests – Flexing of the strain relief of fibre optic devices

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
PRICE CODE
J
ICS 33.180.20 ISBN 2-8318-9900-1
– 2 – 61300-2-44 © IEC:2008(E)
CONTENTS
FOREWORD.3
1 Scope.5
2 Normative references.5
3 General description.5
4 Apparatus.6
4.1 General .6
4.2 Optical source (S).7
4.3 Detector (D).7
4.4 Mounting fixture.7
4.5 Flex test machine or jig.7
5 Procedure.7
5.1 Preparation of specimens .7
5.2 Preconditioning.7
5.3 Initial measurements .7
5.4 Conditioning .8
5.5 Recovery .8
5.6 Final measurements .8
6 Severity .8

Figure 1 – Apparatus for testing .6
Figure 2 – Application of the load in the case of duplex cordage .7

Table 1 – Severities .8

61300-2-44 © IEC:2008(E) – 3 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
FIBRE OPTIC INTERCONNECTING DEVICES
AND PASSIVE COMPONENTS –
BASIC TEST AND MEASUREMENT PROCEDURES –

Part 2-44: Tests – Flexing of the strain relief
of fibre optic devices
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC
Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-
governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely
with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by
agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence
between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
the latter.
5) IEC provides no marking procedure to indicate its approval and cannot be rendered responsible for any
equipment declared to be in conformity with an IEC Publication.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the refere
...

IEC 61300-2-44 ®
Edition 2.0 2008-07
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures –
Part 2-44: Tests – Flexing of the strain relief of fibre optic devices

Dispositifs d'interconnexion et composants passifs à fibres optiques –
Procédures fondamentales d'essais et de mesures –
Partie 2-44: Essais – Flexion du serre-câble des dispositifs à fibres optiques

All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from
either IEC or IEC's member National Committee in the country of the requester.
If you have any questions about IEC copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication,
please contact the address below or your local IEC member National Committee for further information.

Droits de reproduction réservés. Sauf indication contraire, aucune partie de cette publication ne peut être reproduite ni
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publication, utilisez les coordonnées ci-après ou contactez le Comité national de la CEI de votre pays de résidence.

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International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.

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

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IEC 61300-2-44 ®
Edition 2.0 2008-07
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and

measurement procedures –
Part 2-44: Tests – Flexing of the strain relief of fibre optic devices

Dispositifs d'interconnexion et composants passifs à fibres optiques –

Procédures fondamentales d'essais et de mesures –

Partie 2-44: Essais – Flexion du serre-câble des dispositifs à fibres optiques

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
CODE PRIX J
ICS 33.180.20 ISBN 978-2-83220-698-0

– 2 – 61300-2-44  IEC:2008
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references. 5
3 General description . 5
4 Apparatus . 6
4.1 General . 6
4.2 Optical source (S) . 7
4.3 Detector (D). 7
4.4 Mounting fixture . 7
4.5 Flex test machine or jig . 7
5 Procedure . 7
5.1 Preparation of specimens . 7
5.2 Preconditioning . 7
5.3 Initial measurements . 7
5.4 Conditioning . 8
5.5 Recovery . 8
5.6 Final measurements . 8
6 Severity . 8

Figure 1 – Apparatus for testing . 6
Figure 2 – Application of the load in the case of duplex cordage . 7

Table 1 – Severities . 8

61300-2-44  IEC:2008 – 3 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
FIBRE OPTIC INTERCONNECTING DEVICES
AND PASSIVE COMPONENTS –
BASIC TEST AND MEASUREMENT PROCEDURES –

Part 2-44: Tests – Flexing of the strain relief
of fibre optic devices
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC
Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-
governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely
with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by
agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence
between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
the latter.
5) IEC provides no marking procedure to indicate its approval and cannot be rendered responsible for any
equipment declared to be in conformity with an IEC Publication.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 61300-2-44 has been prepared by sub-committee 86B: Fibre optic
interconnecting devices and passive components, of IEC technical committee 86: Fibre optics.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2004, and constitutes a
technical revision. The specific changes from the previous edition include the diversification of
the severity according to environmental categories and component types.
This bilingual version (2013-04) corresponds to the monolingual English version, published in
2008-07.
– 4 – 61300-2-44  IEC:2008
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
CDV Report on voting
86B/2541/CDV 86B/2653/RVC
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
The French version of this standard has not been voted upon.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all parts of IEC 61300 series, published under the general title Fibre optic
interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and measurement procedures,
can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until the
maintenance result date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data
related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
61300-2-44  IEC:2008 – 5 –
FIBRE OPTIC INTERCONNECTING DEVICES
AND PASSIVE COMPONENTS –
BASIC TEST AND MEASUREMENT PROCEDURES –

Part 2-44: Tests – Flexing of the strain relief
of fibre optic devices
1 Scope
This part of IEC 61300 specifies a test to determine the influence of a flexing under tensile load
of the strain relief of fibre optic devices. The intension is to simulate the number of flexing
which would typically be experienced during service. This test is applied to both single fibre
cable and multiple fibre cable.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For
dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of
the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
IEC 61300-1, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures – Part 1: General and guidance
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 61300-3-3, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures – Part 3-3: Examinations and measurements – Active monitoring of
changes in attenuation and return loss
IEC 61300-3-4, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures – Part 3-4: Examinations and measurements – Attenuation
3 General description
o
The device under test is rotated ±90 about an axis perpendicular to the axis of the attached
cable and in the case of ribbon cable, parallel to the width of the ribbon. This causes a flexing
of the strain relief and cable close to the device under test. During the flexing, a tensile force,
but no torque, is applied.
– 6 – 61300-2-44  IEC:2008
4 Apparatus
4.1 General
The apparatus for testing and the flexing patterns involved are presented in Figure 1.

0°
+90° +90°
Source
S
DUT
Weight
Tensile force
Detector
D
IEC  1189/08
Figure 1a – Overall view of the testing apparatus

1 2 3 4
IEC  1275/04
Figure 1b – Flexing patterns
Key
1 bending counter-clockwise
2 returning to initial position
3 bending clockwise
4 returning to initial position
S optical source
D detector
Figure 1 – Apparatus for testing

20 cm min.
61300-2-44  IEC:2008 – 7 –
In the case of duplex cordage or ribbon, the loads shall not be doubled and the cable shall be
bent in the minor axis direction as shown in Figure 2.

Duplex cordage
Load
IEC  1276/04
Figure 2 – Application of the load in the case of duplex cordage
The equipment used is that indicated in 4.2 to 4.5.
4.2 Optical source (S)
The recommended source shall be in accordance with IEC 61300-3-3 and IEC 61300-3-4 as
appropriate.
4.3 Detector (D)
The recommended detector shall be in accordance with IEC 61300-3-3 and IEC 61300-3-4 as
appropriate.
4.4 Mounting fixture
The mounting fixture rigidly holds the fibre optic device under test in correct alignment during
the test. If the device is a fibre optic connector, an adaptor or a receptacle may be used as a
mounting fixture. The fixture shall not distort the device under test. The fixture shall allow the
device under test to be connected to monitoring equipment.
4.5 Flex test machine or jig
o
A machine or jig that can rotate the DUT ± 90 from a straight position while applying a load to
the fibre or cable.
5 Procedure
5.1 Preparation of specimens
Prepare and clean the specimen in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Visually check (IEC 61300-3-1) that the attachment of the cable to the fibre optic device is not
damaged.
Fibre length: 0,2 m to 1 m Details to be specified
5.2 Preconditioning
Pre-condition the specimen and all equipment for 2 h at the standard test conditions as defined
in IEC 61300-1, unless otherwise specified in the relevant specification.
5.3 Initial measurements
Complete initial examinations and measurements on the specimen as required by the relevant
specification.
– 8 – 61300-2-44  IEC:2008
5.4 Conditioning
Install the device under test on the apparatus.
Measure the attenuation (IEC 61300-3-4) of the device under test with the flexing arm in a
vertical position.
Apply
...