IEC 61300-2-17:2003

Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components - Basic test and measurement procedures - Part 2-17: Tests - Cold

Details a procedure for determining the suitability of a fibre optic device to withstand extended low temperature (cold)environmental conditions, which may occur in use, storage and/or transport. This procedure does not assess the ability of a device to operate during temperature variations; in this case, IEC 61300-2-22 would be used.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 06-Feb-2003
• 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: 29-Nov-2010
• Completion Date: 14-Feb-2026

Relations

• Revised: IEC 61300-2-17:2010 - Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components - Basic test and measurement procedures - Part 2-17: Tests - Cold
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Overview

IEC 61300-2-17:2003 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies the basic test procedures used to evaluate the cold endurance of fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components. This standard is crucial for manufacturers, testing laboratories, and quality assurance professionals in the optical fibre industry, where devices frequently encounter extended low temperature environments during use, storage, or transport.

The procedure outlined in IEC 61300-2-17 determines if fibre optic devices can withstand prolonged exposure to cold conditions without performance degradation. Importantly, this test does not assess performance during temperature changes; for that purpose, IEC 61300-2-22 should be referenced.

Key Topics

• Cold Endurance Testing: Guidance on subjecting fibre optic interconnecting devices to defined low temperature exposures to determine their suitability for operational and storage environments.
• Procedure Alignment: This testing is conducted in accordance with IEC 60068-2-1, ensuring harmonization with established environmental testing protocols.
• Test Parameters: Key variables include:
  • Specific cold exposure temperatures (e.g., -10°C, -25°C, -40°C)
  • Duration of exposure (typically 96 hours)
  • Strict temperature control (deviation within ±3°C)
• Equipment Requirements:
  • Environmental chamber conforming to IEC 60068-2-1
  • Appropriate monitoring and measurement equipment to evaluate device performance before, during, and after exposure
• Assessment Criteria:
  • Device is assessed for performance compliance both before and after cold exposure, as well as at specified intervals during testing if required.
  • The standard defines examination methods and measurements to detect any degradation or failure.

Applications

• Fibre Optic Component Manufacturers: IEC 61300-2-17 is essential for qualifying the cold resistance of connectors, couplers, splitters, and other passive fibre optic components prior to market release.
• Quality Assurance Labs: Testing protocols standardized by IEC 61300-2-17 ensure reliable and reproducible evaluation of product durability under cold stress.
• Network Operators: Providers operating fibre optic networks in regions with harsh winter climates use cold endurance data to inform equipment selection and deployment decisions.
• Transport and Storage: The standard helps to assess if products can withstand prolonged transport or storage in unheated environments without loss of function.
• Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with IEC 61300-2-17 may be mandated by industry regulations or customer requirements as evidence of product robustness.

Related Standards

• IEC 61300-2-22: For assessments involving temperature cycling or changes rather than static cold exposure, this standard should be consulted.
• IEC 60068-2-1: The general environmental testing framework referenced in IEC 61300-2-17 for specific details on cold testing procedures.
• IEC 61300-1: General guidance on fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components.
• IEC 61300-2: Comprehensive directory of basic test procedures for fibre optic devices, ensuring interoperability and performance consistency.

Practical Value

Adhering to IEC 61300-2-17 ensures that fibre optic components are qualified for field conditions, contributing to long-term reliability and customer satisfaction. For organizations involved in global supply chains, compliance with international standards like IEC 61300-2-17 streamlines export, regulatory approval, and integration into diverse communication networks. Applying this standard helps reduce the risk of failures due to cold exposure, ultimately saving on maintenance costs and minimizing network downtime.

Keywords: IEC 61300-2-17, fibre optic cold test, fibre optic test standards, passive component endurance, low temperature testing, optical device reliability, IEC cold procedure

Standards Content (Sample)

INTERNATIONAL IEC
STANDARD
61300-2-17
Second edition
2003-02
Fibre optic interconnecting devices
and passive components –
Basic test and measurement procedures –
Part 2-17:
Tests – Cold
Dispositifs d'interconnexion et composants passifs
à fibres optiques –
Méthodes fondamentales d'essais et de mesures –
Partie 2-17:
Essais – Froid
Reference number
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60000 series. For example, IEC 34-1 is now referred to as IEC 60034-1.

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amendments 1 and 2.
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INTERNATIONAL IEC
STANDARD
61300-2-17
Second edition
2003-02
Fibre optic interconnecting devices
and passive components –
Basic test and measurement procedures –
Part 2-17:
Tests – Cold
Dispositifs d'interconnexion et composants passifs
à fibres optiques –
Méthodes fondamentales d'essais et de mesures –
Partie 2-17:
Essais – Froid
 IEC 2003  Copyright - all rights reserved
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F
International Electrotechnical Commission
Международная Электротехническая Комиссия
For price, see current catalogue

– 2 – 61300-2-17  IEC:2003(E)

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION

____________
FIBRE OPTIC INTERCONNECTING DEVICES

AND PASSIVE COMPONENTS –
BASIC TEST AND MEASUREMENT PROCEDURES –

Part 2-17: Tests – Cold
FOREWORD
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International Standard IEC 61300-2-17 has been prepared by subcommittee 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 1995. It constitutes
a technical revision.
The text of this standard is based on the following
...