oSIST prEN IEC 63466-1:2026
(Main)Leaky waveguides - Part 1: Generic specification - General requirements and test methods
- Abstract
This part of IEC 63466 specifies the general requirements and test methods for leaky waveguides,
including terms and definitions, design and structure, type designation, ratings and characteristics,
identification, marking and labelling, requirements and test methods, etc.
This document is applicable to leaky waveguides, including rigid rectangular leaky waveguides
and elliptic leaky waveguides. These leaky waveguides are intended for use in tunnels, railways,
highways, subways, elevators and other installations in which conventional antenna transmission
is not satisfactory or even impossible.
- Status
- Not Published
- Public Enquiry End Date
- 30-Nov-2026
- Technical Committee
- MOC - Mobile Communications
- Current Stage
- 4020 - Public enquire (PE) (Adopted Project)
- Start Date
- 16-Sep-2026
- Due Date
- 03-Feb-2027
oSIST prEN IEC 63466-1:2026 is the Slovenian draft adoption of the European draft prEN IEC 63466-1:2026, based on IEC 63466-1:2025 and published through SIST/CENELEC. It specifies the generic requirements and test methods for leaky waveguides, including their design, identification, ratings, marking and performance tests. Engineers, manufacturers, test labs and buyers use it when selecting or verifying rigid rectangular and elliptic leaky waveguides for tunnels, railways, highways, subways, elevators and similar installations.
What does oSIST prEN IEC 63466-1:2026 specify?
oSIST prEN IEC 63466-1:2026 specifies the general requirements and test methods for leaky waveguides. It covers the common basis for the product family, while detailed product values are left to the relevant specifications.
The document applies to leaky waveguides, including rigid rectangular leaky waveguides and elliptic leaky waveguides, for environments where conventional antenna transmission is not satisfactory or even impossible. Annex ZA links the cited international publications to their European publications.
The document is organized into clauses 1 to 10 and normative Annexes A to E.
| Annex | What it covers |
|---|---|
| A | Test methods for attenuation constant |
| B | Test methods for coupling loss |
| C | Test methods for return loss |
| D | Test methods for bending of elliptical leaky waveguides |
| E | Test method for crush resistance of elliptical leaky waveguides |
What are the key requirements of oSIST prEN IEC 63466-1:2026?
oSIST prEN IEC 63466-1:2026 sets the framework for how leaky waveguides are built, identified, tested and reported. In practice, it gives the product family structure and the test methods that a product specification must complete with values and limits.
Design, structure and identification
- Clause 4 requires the leaky waveguide to be built from a waveguide tube, slots, an optional sealing layer and a sheath. For rigid rectangular types, the tube geometry and internal structure follow IEC 60153-1 or the relevant specification; for elliptical types, the long and short axis dimensions, wall thickness and slot details are set by the relevant specification. This matters because the generic document fixes the product architecture, but the exact dimensions remain product-specific.
- Clause 5 defines the type designation. The type name uses L plus R for rigid rectangular or E for elliptical, followed by the variant information and the IEC standard number. This gives a consistent way to order, identify and trace a specific leaky waveguide.
- Clause 7 requires identification, marking and labelling that remain legible after the specified tests. Where applicable, the sheath must show the installation or radiation direction, and each waveguide or package must carry durable information such as type designation, length and manufacturer or supplier code. In practice, this supports installation control and later traceability.
Ratings and test conditions
- Clause 6 covers the rated temperature range and operating frequency range, both to be given in the relevant specification. This means the generic standard does not fix one universal operating band or temperature window, so the product specification has to do that work.
- Clause 8.1 says tests are normally carried out in accordance with IEC 60068-1, with temperature conditioning before measurement and temperature correction where needed. That keeps test results comparable between laboratories.
Performance, durability and acceptance checks
- Clause 8.2 requires visual inspection of workmanship, surface condition, marking and any deterioration after electrical or mechanical testing. The waveguide tube must be smooth and free from defects at the slots, and the sheath must be smooth and intact. This is the first check that the item is fit for further testing and use.
- Clause 8.3 defines the main electrical tests: sheath withstand voltage or spark test for elliptical leaky waveguides, attenuation constant, coupling loss and return loss. The actual measurement methods are given in Annexes A, B and C. In practice, these are the core RF performance checks that show whether the waveguide behaves as intended.
- Clause 8.4 separates mechanical tests by product type. Rigid rectangular leaky waveguides are checked for eccentricity, bow, twist, surface roughness and internal stress, while elliptical leaky waveguides are checked for sheath eccentricity, bending, crush resistance and tensile strength. This matters because the two constructions face different installation and handling stresses.
- Clauses 8.5 to 8.7 cover environmental tests, combustion performance and sealing. Environmental checks include cold bend, climatic sequence, UV stability and aging; combustion performance relies on the relevant fire, gas and smoke methods; sealing is verified by a pressure-change test. For users, this is the durability and safety part of the standard.
- Clauses 9 and 10 allow quality assessment and delivery or storage requirements to be added in the relevant specification. That means procurement documents can set acceptance and logistics conditions without changing the generic standard.
What terms does oSIST prEN IEC 63466-1:2026 define?
- Leaky waveguide - A hollow metallic waveguide that is intentionally not fully closed so that part of the electromagnetic energy couples between the guide and the surrounding environment.
- Rigid rectangular leaky waveguide - A leaky waveguide with a rectangular metallic tube that does not allow bending and torsion during installation or operation.
- Elliptical leaky waveguide - A leaky waveguide with an elliptical metallic tube that allows limited bending and torsion during installation or operation.
- Coupling loss - The power relationship between the signal transmitted in the leaky waveguide and the power received by a half-wavelength dipole antenna at a given distance.
- Twist - The rotation angle around the longitudinal axis over a specified length of a rigid rectangular leaky waveguide.
- Bow - The maximum deviation of the actual axis of a rigid rectangular leaky waveguide from the straight distance between its end points.
- Eccentricity - Half of the difference between the measured thicknesses of opposite walls of a rigid rectangular leaky waveguide.
- Vector network analyser (VNA) - The measuring instrument used in Annexes A and C for attenuation constant and return loss testing.
Who uses oSIST prEN IEC 63466-1:2026?
oSIST prEN IEC 63466-1:2026 is used by manufacturers, test laboratories, system designers and quality teams working with leaky waveguide products. It is also relevant to buyers and specifiers who need a common technical basis for procurement and acceptance.
The intended application areas named in the document are tunnels, railways, highways, subways, elevators and other installations where conventional antenna transmission is not satisfactory or is impossible. In practice, that makes the standard useful wherever distributed radio coverage has to follow a long route, a confined space or a difficult propagation path.
Which standards are used with oSIST prEN IEC 63466-1:2026?
- IEC 60068-1 - general environmental testing rules used as the default basis for test conditions.
- IEC 60153-1 - requirements and measuring methods for hollow metallic waveguides, used for the rigid rectangular tube structure and dimensions.
- IEC 60261 - sealing test for pressurized waveguide tubing and assemblies.
- IEC 60332-1-2, IEC 60754-1 and IEC 61034-2 - fire behaviour, halogen acid gas and smoke density tests used for combustion performance.
- IEC 61196-1:2005 and IEC 61196-1-106/-212/-215/-302/-316 - generic coaxial cable requirements and test methods reused for voltage withstand, UV stability, aging, eccentricity and tensile strength-related checks.
- IEC 62230 - spark-test method that may be used for sheath testing.
- ISO 3274 and ISO 21920-3 - surface texture measurement and specification operators used for surface roughness.
- IEC 63466-2 and IEC 63466-3 - companion sectional specifications for elliptical leaky waveguides and rigid rectangular leaky waveguides.
What does the oSIST prEN IEC 63466-1:2026 document contain?
oSIST prEN IEC 63466-1:2026 contains the structural figures for rigid rectangular and elliptical leaky waveguides, plus the detailed test set-ups for attenuation constant, coupling loss, return loss, bending and crush resistance. It also includes calculation formulas and report content for the test methods in Annexes A to E.
The body of the document covers design, type designation, ratings, marking, visual inspection, electrical tests, mechanical tests, environmental tests, combustion performance, sealing, quality assessment and delivery/storage. In practice, it is a working document for design control, laboratory testing, product qualification and acceptance documentation.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 15-Sep-2026
- Effective Date
- 15-Sep-2026
- Effective Date
- 15-Sep-2026
- Effective Date
- 15-Sep-2026
- Effective Date
- 15-Sep-2026
- Effective Date
- 15-Sep-2026
- Effective Date
- 15-Sep-2026
- Effective Date
- 15-Sep-2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
oSIST prEN IEC 63466-1:2026 is a draft published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Leaky waveguides - Part 1: Generic specification - General requirements and test methods". This standard covers: This part of IEC 63466 specifies the general requirements and test methods for leaky waveguides, including terms and definitions, design and structure, type designation, ratings and characteristics, identification, marking and labelling, requirements and test methods, etc. This document is applicable to leaky waveguides, including rigid rectangular leaky waveguides and elliptic leaky waveguides. These leaky waveguides are intended for use in tunnels, railways, highways, subways, elevators and other installations in which conventional antenna transmission is not satisfactory or even impossible.
This part of IEC 63466 specifies the general requirements and test methods for leaky waveguides, including terms and definitions, design and structure, type designation, ratings and characteristics, identification, marking and labelling, requirements and test methods, etc. This document is applicable to leaky waveguides, including rigid rectangular leaky waveguides and elliptic leaky waveguides. These leaky waveguides are intended for use in tunnels, railways, highways, subways, elevators and other installations in which conventional antenna transmission is not satisfactory or even impossible.
oSIST prEN IEC 63466-1:2026 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 33.120.10 - Coaxial cables. Waveguides. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
oSIST prEN IEC 63466-1:2026 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to SIST EN 61034-2:2005, SIST EN ISO 21920-3:2022, SIST EN ISO 25178-601:2025, SIST EN 60754-1:2014, SIST HD 138 S2:2002, SIST EN 60153-1:2016, SIST EN 60068-1:2014, SIST EN 62230:2008. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
oSIST prEN IEC 63466-1:2026 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-november-2026
Puščajoči valovodi - 1. del: Splošna specifikacija - Splošne zahteve in preskusne
metode
Leaky waveguides - Part 1: Generic specification - General requirements and test
methods
Leckhohlleiter - Teil 1: Allgemeine Spezifikation - Allgemeine Anforderungen und
Prüfverfahren
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN IEC 63466-1:2026
ICS:
33.120.10 Koaksialni kabli. Valovodi Coaxial cables. Waveguides
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
EUROPEAN STANDARD DRAFT
prEN IEC 63466-1
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
September 2026
ICS 33.120.10 -
English Version
Leaky waveguides - Part 1: Generic specification - General
requirements and test methods
(IEC 63466-1:2025)
To be completed Leckhohlleiter - Teil 1: Allgemeine Spezifikation -
(IEC 63466-1:2025) Allgemeine Anforderungen und Prüfverfahren
(IEC 63466-1:2025)
This draft European Standard is submitted to CENELEC members for enquiry.
Deadline for CENELEC: 2026-12-04.
The text of this draft consists of the text of IEC 63466-1:2025.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which
stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
This draft European Standard was established by CENELEC in three official versions (English, French, German).
A version in any other language made by translation under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to
the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Türkiye and the United Kingdom.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are aware and to
provide supporting documentation.
Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without notice and
shall not be referred to as a European Standard.
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2026 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Project: 83597 Ref. No. prEN IEC 63466-1:2026 E
European foreword
This document (prEN IEC 63466-1:2026) consists of the text of document IEC 63466-1:2025,
prepared by IEC/TC 46 " Cables, wires, waveguides, RF connectors, RF and microwave passive
components and accessories".
This document is currently submitted to the Enquiry.
The following dates are proposed:
• latest date by which the existence of (doa) dav + 6 months
this document has to be announced at national
level
• latest date by which this document has to be (dop) dav + 12 months
implemented at national level by publication of an
identical national standard or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards (dow) dav + 36 months
conflicting with this document have to be (to be confirmed or
withdrawn modified when voting)
Annex ZA
(normative)
Normative references to international publications
with their corresponding European publications
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.
NOTE 1 Where an International Publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod),
the relevant EN/HD applies.
NOTE 2 Up-to-date information on the latest versions of the European Standards listed in this annex is available
here: www.cencenelec.eu.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 60068-1 2013 Environmental testing - Part 1: General EN 60068-1 2014
and guidance
IEC 60153-1 - Hollow metallic waveguides - Part 1: EN 60153-1 -
General requirements and measuring
methods
IEC 60261 - Sealing test for pressurized waveguide HD 138 S2 -
tubing and assemblies
IEC 60332-1-2 - Tests on electric and optical fibre cables - -
under fire conditions_- Part:1-2: Test for
vertical flame propagation for a single
insulated wire or cable_- Procedure for
1_kW pre-mixed flame
IEC 60754-1 - Test on gases evolved during combustion EN 60754-1 -
of materials from cables - Part 1:
Determination of the halogen acid gas
content
IEC 61034-2 - Measurement of smoke density of cables EN 61034-2 -
burning under defined conditions - Part 2:
Test procedure and requirements
IEC 61196-1 2005 Coaxial communication cables - Part 1: - -
Generic specification - General, definitions
and requirements
IEC 61196-1-106 - Coaxial communication cables - Part 1- - -
106: Electrical test methods - Test for
withstand voltage of cable sheath
IEC 61196-1-212 Coaxial communication cables - Part 1- - -
212: Environmental test methods - UV
stability
IEC 61196-1-215 Coaxial communication cables - Part 1- - -
215: Environmental test methods - High
temperature cable ageing
IEC 61196-1-302 - Coaxial communication cables – Part 1- - -
302: Mechanical test methods – Test for
eccentricity
IEC 61196-1-316 - Coaxial communication cables – Part 1- - -
316: Mechanical test methods – Test of
maximum pulling force of cable
IEC 62230 - Electric cables – Spark-test method EN 62230 -
ISO 3274 - Geometrical Product Specifications (GPS) - -
– Surface texture: Profile method –
Nominal characteristics of contact (stylus)
instruments
ISO 21920-3 - Geometrical product specifications (GPS) – EN ISO 21920-3 -
Surface texture: Profile – Part 3:
Specification operators
IEC 63466-1 ®
Edition 1.0 2025-11
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Leaky waveguides -
Part 1: Generic specification - General requirements and test methods
ICS 33.120.10 ISBN 978-2-8327-0863-7
IEC 63466-1:2025-11(en)
IEC 63466-1:2025 © IEC 2025
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Design and structure . 8
4.1 General . 8
4.2 Rigid rectangular leaky waveguides . 9
4.2.1 Waveguide tube . 9
4.2.2 The slots in waveguide tube . 10
4.2.3 Sealing layer . 10
4.2.4 Sheath . 10
4.3 Elliptical leaky waveguides . 10
4.3.1 Waveguide tube . 10
4.3.2 The slots in waveguide tube . 10
4.3.3 Sealing layer (when applicable) . 10
4.3.4 Sheath . 11
5 Type designation . 11
5.1 Type name . 11
5.2 Variant . 11
5.3 Leaky waveguide marking . 12
6 Ratings and characteristics . 12
6.1 Rated temperature range . 12
6.2 Operating frequency . 12
7 Identification, marking and labelling . 12
7.1 Identification. 12
7.2 Marking . 12
7.3 Labelling . 13
8 Requirements and test methods . 13
8.1 General . 13
8.2 Visual inspection. 13
8.2.1 Requirements . 13
8.2.2 Inspection procedure . 13
8.3 Electrical tests . 14
8.3.1 Withstand voltage or spark test of sheath (for elliptical leaky waveguide) . 14
8.3.2 Attenuation constant . 14
8.3.3 Coupling loss . 14
8.3.4 Return loss . 14
8.4 Mechanical tests . 14
8.4.1 Eccentricity of sheath (for elliptical leaky waveguides) . 14
8.4.2 Mechanical dimensions . 14
8.4.3 Eccentricity (for rigid rectangular leaky waveguides) . 15
8.4.4 Bow (for rigid rectangular leaky waveguides) . 15
8.4.5 Twist . 16
8.4.6 Surface roughness . 16
8.4.7 Internal stress (for rigid rectangular leaky waveguides) . 16
IEC 63466-1:2025 © IEC 2025
8.4.8 Bending (for elliptical leaky waveguides) . 16
8.4.9 Crush resistance test (for elliptical leaky waveguides) . 17
8.4.10 Tensile strength of waveguide (for elliptical leaky waveguides) . 17
8.5 Environmental tests . 17
8.5.1 Cold bend (for elliptical leaky waveguides) . 17
8.5.2 Climatic sequence . 18
8.5.3 UV test . 18
8.5.4 Aging test . 18
8.6 Combustion performance . 19
8.6.1 Requirements . 19
8.6.2 Test procedure . 19
8.7 Sealing test . 19
8.7.1 Requirements . 19
8.7.2 Test procedure . 19
9 Quality assessment . 19
10 Delivery and storage . 19
Annex A (normative) Test methods of attenuation constant . 20
A.1 Test equipment . 20
A.2 Test sample (TS) . 20
A.3 Test arrangement. 20
A.4 Test frequency. 22
A.5 Method A (using VNA) . 22
A.5.1 Known insertion loss of waveguide coaxial adapter . 22
A.5.2 Unknown insertion of waveguide coaxial adapter IL . 23
ad
A.6 Method B (using power meters) . 24
A.6.1 Known insertion loss of waveguide coaxial adapter . 24
A.6.2 Unknown insertion loss of waveguide coaxial adapter . 24
A.7 Report . 25
Annex B (normative) Test methods of coupling loss . 26
B.1 Test equipment . 26
B.2 Test sample (TS) . 27
B.3 Test arrangement. 27
B.3.1 General . 27
B.3.2 Free-space method . 27
B.3.3 Ground-level method . 28
B.4 Test frequency. 29
B.5 Test procedure . 30
B.6 Precautions . 31
B.7 Report . 31
Annex C (normative) Test methods of return loss . 32
C.1 Test equipment . 32
C.2 Test sample (TS) . 32
C.3 Test arrangement. 32
C.4 Test frequency. 33
C.5 Procedure . 33
C.6 Report . 33
IEC 63466-1:2025 © IEC 2025
Annex D (normative) Test methods of bending for elliptical leaky waveguides . 34
D.1 Test equipment . 34
D.2 Test sample . 34
D.3 Procedure . 34
D.4 Test report . 35
Annex E (normative) Test method for crush resistance of elliptical leaky waveguides. 36
E.1 Equipment . 36
E.2 Test sample . 36
E.3 Procedure . 36
E.4 Test report . 37
Bibliography . 38
Figure 1 – Typical structure of rigid rectangular leaky waveguides . 9
Figure 2 – Typical structure of elliptical leaky waveguides. 9
Figure A.1 – Method A: Free-space arrangement for attenuation constant test
by using VNA . 21
Figure A.2 – Method B: Free space arrangement for attenuation constant test by using
power meters . 21
Figure A.3 – Method A: Ground-level arrangement for attenuation constant test
by using VNA . 22
Figure A.4 – Method B: Ground-level arrangement for attenuation constant test
by using power meters . 22
Figure B.1 – Test arrangement for free-space method . 28
Figure B.2 – Antenna orientations with free-space method . 28
Figure B.3 – Test arrangement for ground-level method . 29
Figure B.4 – Antenna orientations with ground-level method . 29
Figure C.1 – Free space arrangement for return loss test . 32
Figure C.2 – Ground-level arrangement for return loss test . 33
Figure D.1 – Schematic diagram of bending test . 35
Figure E.1 – Crush resistance test . 37
IEC 63466-1:2025 © IEC 2025
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
Leaky waveguides -
Part 1: Generic specification -
General requirements and test methods
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising all
national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international co-
operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To this end and in addition
to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications, Technical Reports, Publicly
Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as "IEC Publication(s)"). Their preparation is
entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with may participate
in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also
participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all interested
IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence between
any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any services
carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or other
damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and expenses arising
out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) 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. IEC shall not be held responsible
for identifying any or all such patent rights.
IEC 63466-1 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 46: Cables, wires, waveguides, RF
connectors, RF and microwave passive components and accessories. It is an International
Standard.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
46/1065/FDIS 46/1072/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.
IEC 63466-1:2025 © IEC 2025
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/publications.
A list of all parts in the IEC 63466 series, published under the general title Leaky waveguides, 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, or
– revised.
IEC 63466-1:2025 © IEC 2025
1 Scope
This part of IEC 63466 specifies the general requirements and test methods for leaky waveguides,
including terms and definitions, design and structure, type designation, ratings and characteristics,
identification, marking and labelling, requirements and test methods, etc.
This document is applicable to leaky waveguides, including rigid rectangular leaky waveguides
and elliptic leaky waveguides. These leaky waveguides are intended for use in tunnels, railways,
highways, subways, elevators and other installations in which conventional antenna transmission
is not satisfactory or even impossible.
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 60068-1:2013, Environmental testing - Part 1: General and guidance
IEC 60153-1, Hollow metallic waveguides - Part 1: General requirements and measuring methods
IEC 60261, Sealing test for pressurized waveguide tubing and assemblies
IEC 60332-1-2, Tests on electric and optical fibre cables under fire conditions - Part 1-2: Test for
vertical flame propagation for a single insulated wire or cable - Procedure for 1 kW pre-mixed flame
IEC 60754-1, Test on gases evolved during combustion of materials from cables - Part 1:
Determination of the halogen acid gas content
IEC 61034-2, Measurement of smoke density of cables burning under defined conditions - Part 2:
Test procedure and requirements
IEC 61196-1:2005, Coaxial communication cables - Part 1: Generic specification - General,
definitions and requirements
IEC 61196-1-106, Coaxial communication cables - Part 1-106: Electrical test methods - Test for
withstand voltage of cable sheath
IEC 61196-1-212, Coaxial communication cables - Part 1-212: Environmental test methods - UV
stability
IEC 61196-1-215, Coaxial communication cables - Part 1-215: Environmental test methods - High
temperature cable ageing
IEC 61196-1-302, Coaxial communication cables - Part 1-302: Mechanical test methods - Test for
eccentricity
IEC 61196-1-316, Coaxial communication cables - Part 1-316: Mechanical test methods - Test of
maximum pulling force of cable
IEC 62230, Electric cables - Spark-test method
IEC 63466-1:2025 © IEC 2025
ISO 3274, Geometrical Product Specifications (GPS) - Surface texture: Profile method - Nominal
characteristics of contact (stylus) instruments
ISO 21920-3, Geometrical product specifications (GPS) - Surface texture: Profile - Part 3:
Specification operators
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
– IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
– ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
leaky waveguide
waveguide with hollow metallic tube that is intentionally not completely closed, so that part of the
electromagnetic wave energy transmitted or received through the waveguides is coupled by a
bidirectional transmission system formed by the hollow metallic tube of the waveguides and the
external environment
Note 1 to entry: The coupling intensity between leaky waveguide and mobile equipment depends on:
– structure of the leaky waveguide;
– characteristics of antenna (such as the type, the orientation, gain, etc.);
– distance and orientation of the mobile antenna from the leaky waveguide;
– nature of ambient atmosphere;
– operating frequency range;
– manner of installation of the leaky waveguide;
– shape, material and size of surrounding buildings.
3.2
rigid rectangular leaky waveguide
leaky waveguide with rectangular cross-section metallic tube not allowing bending and torsion
during installation and operation
3.3
twist
angle rotating around the longitudinal axis over the specified length of the rigid rectangular leaky
waveguide
3.4
bow
maximum deviation of the actual axis length of the rigid rectangular leaky waveguide from the
straight distance of specified length connecting two end points on that axis
3.5
eccentricity
half of the difference between the measured thickness of opposite walls of the rigid rectangular
leaky waveguide
3.6
elliptical leaky waveguide
leaky waveguide with elliptical cross-section metallic tube allowing limited bending and torsion
during installation and operation
IEC 63466-1:2025 © IEC 2025
3.7
E plane
plane perpendicular to the long axis of the elliptical leaky waveguide and parallel to the short axis
of the elliptical leaky waveguide
3.8
H plane
plane perpendicular to the short axis of the elliptical leaky waveguide and parallel to the long axis
of the elliptical leaky waveguide
3.9
E bend
bending along the E plane of the elliptical leaky waveguide
3.10
H bend
bending along the H plane of the elliptical leaky waveguide
3.11
coupling loss
ratio of the power P transmitted into the leaky waveguide at one point to the power P received by
t r
a half-wavelength dipole antenna located at a distance from the leaky waveguide at the same point
Note 1 to entry: See Formula (1):
P
t
L = 10log
(1)
c 10
P
r
where
L is the coupling loss, in dB;
c
P is the transmission power in the leaky waveguide at one point, in W;
t
P is the receiving power of the half-wavelength dipole antenna at a distance from the leaky waveguide at the same
r
point, in W.
4 Design and structure
4.1 General
The typical structure of rigid rectangular leaky waveguides is shown in Figure 1, and the typical
structure of elliptical leaky waveguides is shown in Figure 2.
The design and structure of the leaky waveguide shall be in accordance with 4.2 or 4.3 and the
relevant specifications.
IEC 63466-1:2025 © IEC 2025
Key
1 Waveguide tube
2 Slot
3 Sealing layer
4 Sheath
Figure 1 – Typical structure of rigid rectangular leaky waveguides
Key
1 Waveguide tube
2 Slot
3 Sealing layer
4 Sheath
5 Marking of installation or radiating direction
Figure 2 – Typical structure of elliptical leaky waveguides
4.2 Rigid rectangular leaky waveguides
4.2.1 Waveguide tube
The material for waveguide tube shall be as specified in the relevant specifications.
The internal structure and dimensions of waveguide tube shall comply with IEC 60153-1 or relevant
specifications.
Unless otherwise specified, the ratio between the height and width of the inside cross-section is
1:2.
The thickness and tolerance of waveguide tube wall shall be as specified in the relevant
specifications. The inner angle radius shall be specified in the relevant specifications.
The nominal values and tolerances of the height and width of the outside cross-section of
waveguide tube shall be specified in the relevant specifications.
IEC 63466-1:2025 © IEC 2025
4.2.2 The slots in waveguide tube
The shape and dimensions of the slots in the waveguide shall be such that the electrical
requirements are met.
4.2.3 Sealing layer
The material of sealing layer shall be as specified in the relevant specifications.
The sealing layer should be adhered to the slots of the metal waveguide tube and closely bonded
with the waveguides.
The thickness of the sealing layer shall comply with the requirements for gastight tests of the leaky
waveguides.
4.2.4 Sheath
The material of sheath shall be as specified in the relevant specifications.
The sheath shall cover the whole sealing layer, which can cover only a part of the waveguide tube
or the entire waveguide tube as required.
The thickness and tolerance of the sheath shall be as specified in the relevant specifications.
For outdoor leaky waveguides, UV stability tests shall be passed in accordance with
IEC 61196-1-212.
4.3 Elliptical leaky waveguides
4.3.1 Waveguide tube
The materials for elliptical waveguides tubes shall be as specified in the relevant specifications.
The long and short axis dimensions of elliptical waveguide tubes shall be as specified in the
relevant specifications.
The wall thickness of the elliptical waveguide tubes shall be as specified in the relevant
specifications.
The peak, root, pitch of the elliptical waveguide tube shall be as specified in the relevant
specifications.
4.3.2 The slots in waveguide tube
The shape and dimensions of the slots in the waveguide shall be such that the electrical
requirements are met.
4.3.3 Sealing layer (when applicable)
The material for sealing layer shall be as specified in the relevant specifications.
The sealing layer should be adhered to the slots of the metal waveguide tube and closely bonded
with the waveguides.
The thickness of the sealing layer shall comply with the requirements for gastight tests of the leaky
waveguides.
IEC 63466-1:2025 © IEC 2025
4.3.4 Sheath
The material for sheath shall be as specified in the relevant specifications.
The sheath shall cover the whole elliptical leaky waveguide, the thickness and tolerance of the
sheath shall be as specified in the relevant specifications.
For outdoor leaky waveguides, UV stability tests shall be passed in accordance with
IEC 61196-1-212.
5 Type designation
5.1 Type name
The type name of the leaky waveguides covered by this specification shall comprise the following:
a) letter "L" indicating the leaky waveguides;
b) a letter indicating the shape of the inside cross-section of the leaky waveguides:
1) R rigid rectangular leaky waveguides.
2) E elliptical leaky waveguides.
NOTE For other types of waveguides, the letter can be in accordance with the relevant specification sheets.
5.2 Variant
The variant of the leaky waveguides covered by this specification shall comprise the following:
a) a number characterizing a particular size of waveguide. This number indicates the centre
frequency characteristic of the leaky waveguide, approximated in multiples of 100 MHz;
b) a dash symbol;
c) two numbers indicating the lowest operating frequency and the highest operating frequency of
the leaky waveguide and a symbol "/" between them. The two numbers are approximated in
multiples of 100 MHz;
d) a dash symbol;
e) waveguide tube material and its structure;
f) material and structure shall be as specified in the relevant specifications;
g) a dash symbol;
h) sheath material.
The material for sheath shall be as specified in the relevant specifications.
IEC 63466-1:2025 © IEC 2025
5.3 Leaky waveguide marking
The leaky waveguide marking consists of type, variants and IEC standard number, expressed as
follows:
EXAMPLE 1 LR 58-57/59 IEC 63466-3 means a rigid rectangular leaky waveguide with its centre frequency
approximately 5,8 GHz in the dominant mode and operating frequency range from 5,7 GHz to 5,9 GHz. It complies with
IEC 63466-3 .
EXAMPLE 2 LE 58-57/59 IEC 63466-2 means an elliptical leaky waveguides with its centre frequency approximately
5,8 GHz in the dominant mode and operating frequency range from 5,7 GHz to 5,9 GHz. It complies with IEC 63466-2 .
6 Ratings and characteristics
6.1 Rated temperature range
The operating, storage and installation temperature range shall be as specified in the relevant
specifications.
6.2 Operating frequency
Operating frequency range shall be as specified in the relevant specifications.
7 Identification, marking and labelling
7.1 Identification
Waveguides shall be identified in accordance with 5.3.
When applicable, the outer sheath of the waveguide shall be marked with installation and radiation
direction.
7.2 Marking
The manufacturer's mark shall be specified in the relevant specifications.
The marking abrasion resistance shall be as specified in the relevant specifications.
___________
Under consideration.
Under preparation. Stage at the time of publication: IEC CC 63466-2:2025.
IEC 63466-1:2025 © IEC 2025
7.3 Labelling
Unless otherwise specified in the relevant specification, each leaky waveguide or its package shall
be provided with a label with durable print and give the following minimum information:
a) type designation;
b) length, in meters;
c) name or code of manufacturer or supplier.
8 Requirements and test methods
8.1 General
Unless otherwise specified, all tests shall be carried out in accordance with IEC 60068-1.
Before the measurements are made, the leaky waveguides shall be stored at the measuring
temperature for a period of time to keep the entire leaky waveguides stable at this temperature.
When measurements are made at a temperature other than the specified temperature, the
measurement results shall, when necessary, be corrected at the specified temperature. The
temperature at which the measurements are made shall be stated in the test report.
8.2 Visual inspection
8.2.1 Requirements
8.2.1.1 Workmanship
The leaky waveguides should be precisely manufactured to ensure that its processing accuracy
meets the design and standard requirements.
The hollow metallic tube of the leaky waveguide shall be uniform with its inner face smooth and its
wall thickness uniform. There shall be no burrs, cracks, die marks, chatter marks, dirt, grease or
other irregularities at the slots of hollow metallic tube and its outer face.
The sheath surface of the leaky waveguides shall be smooth, integrated, with no crazing and
cracks.
The finished leaky waveguides should be uniform without kink.
The rigid rectangular leakage waveguides should be straight and free visible bowing or twisting.
8.2.1.2 Deterioration after electrical and mechanical tests
Unless otherwise specified, there shall be no visible deterioration likely to influence the
performance.
8.2.1.3 Marking
It shall be correct in accordance with 7.2 and be legible after any of the specified tests.
8.2.2 Inspection procedure
The inspection will be performed visually or under a magnification as specified in the relevant
specification.
IEC 63466-1:2025 © IEC 2025
8.3 Electrical tests
8.3.1 Withstand voltage or spark test of sheath (for elliptical leaky waveguide)
8.3.1.1 Requirements
Withstand voltage or spark test of sheath shall be specified in the relevant specifications.
8.3.1.2 Test procedure
Test procedure shall be in accordance with IEC 61196-1-106 (or IEC 62230).
8.3.2 Attenuation constant
8.3.2.1 Requirements
The attenuation constant shall be as specified in the relevant specifications.
8.3.2.2 Test procedure
The attenuation constant shall be measured in accordance with Annex A.
8.3.3 Coupling loss
8.3.3.1 Requirements
Coupling loss shall be as specified in the relevant specifications.
8.3.3.2 Test procedure
Coupling loss shall be measured in accordance with Annex B.
8.3.4 Return loss
8.3.4.1 Requirements
Return loss shall be as specified in the relevant specifications.
8.3.4.2 Test procedure
Return loss shall be measured in accordance with Annex C.
8.4 Mechanical tests
8.4.1 Eccentricity of sheath (for elliptical leaky waveguides)
8.4.1.1 Requirements
Eccentricity of sheath shall be as specified in the relevant specifications.
8.4.1.2 Test procedure
Test procedure shall be in accordance with IEC 61196-1-302.
8.4.2 Mechanical dimensions
8.4.2.1 Requirements
The mechanical dimensions of the leaky waveguides shall comply with 4.2 or 4.3.
IEC 63466-1:2025 © IEC 2025
8.4.2.2 Test procedure
Dimensions shall be measured by using applicable measuring tools with adequate accuracy. The
test procedure shall be in accordance with IEC 61196-1:2005, 4.3.
8.4.3 Eccentricity (for rigid rectangular leaky waveguides)
8.4.3.1 Requirements
The eccentricity shall be as specified in the relevant specifications.
8.4.3.2 Test procedure
The maximum and minimum thicknesses of opposite walls of the rigid rectangular leaky waveguide
shall be measured by using an applicable tool with adequate accuracy separately.
Calculate the maximum difference between the maximum thickness of one wall and the minimum
thicknesses of the opposite wall.
Then the eccentricity is the half of the maximum difference which can be calculated by Formula (2):
TT−
E= (2)
where
E is the eccentricity of rigid rectangular leaky waveguide;
T is the maximum wall thickness of the rigid rectangular leaky waveguide, in mm;
T is the minimum wall thickness opposite maximum wall thickness of the rigid rectangular leaky
waveguide, in mm.
8.4.4 Bow (for rigid rectangular leaky waveguides)
8.4.4.1 Requirements
For a length of 10 times the internal width, the external bow shall not exceed 10 times the specified
tolerance on the internal width.
For a length of 50 times the internal width, the external bow shall not exceed 40 times the specified
tolerance on the internal width.
8.4.4.2 Test procedure
The test procedure shall be done as follows:
a) take a leaky waveguide with its length of 10 times or 50 times the internal width;
b) measure its axis length with an applicable tool with adequate accuracy. Measurement shall be
done on the external surface of the leaky waveguide;
c) measure the straight distance between two ends of the leaky waveguide;
d) calculate the maximum deviation of the actual axis length from the straight distance between
two ends of the leaky waveguide;
e) for the determination of the external bow, the waveguide shall be so positioned that gravity
does not tend to affect the value of bow.
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