SIST EN IEC 60794-1-125:2026

Optical fibre cables - Part 1-125: Generic specification - Basic optical cable test procedures - Mechanical tests methods - Ripcord functional test, Method E25 (IEC 60794-1-125:2026)

IEC 60794-1-125:2026 specifies the ripcord functional test procedure used to measure the functionality of the cable ripcord.
This first edition cancels and replaces cancels and replaces Method E25 of the first edition of the IEC 60794-1-21:2015.

Lichtwellenleiterkabel - Teil 1-125: Fachgrundspezifikation - Grundlegende Prüfverfahren für Lichtwellenleiterkabel - Mechanische Prüfverfahren - Funktionsprüfung der Reißleine, Verfahren E25 (IEC 60794-1-125:2026)

Câbles à fibres optiques - Partie 1-125: Spécification générique - Procédures fondamentales d’essais des câbles optiques - Méthodes d’essais mécaniques - Essai de fonctionnement du fil de déchirement, méthode e25 (IEC 60794-1-125:2026)

L’IEC 60794-1-125:2026 spécifie la procédure d’essai de fonctionnement du fil de déchirement utilisée pour mesurer la fonctionnalité du fil de déchirement du câble.
Cette première édition annule et remplace la Méthode E25 donnée dans la première édition de l’IEC 60794-1-21:2015.

Optični kabli - 1-125. del: Splošna specifikacija - Osnovni preskusni postopki za optične kable - Mehanske preskusne metode - Funkcionalni preskus Ripcord, metoda E25 (IEC 60794-1-125:2026)

General Information

• Status: Not Published
• Public Enquiry End Date: 30-Apr-2025
• ICS: 33.180.10 - Fibres and cables
• Technical Committee: MOC - Mobile Communications
• Current Stage: 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 07-Jul-2026
• Due Date: 11-Sep-2026
• Ref Project: EN IEC 60794-1-125:2026 - Optical fibre cables - Part 1-125: Generic specification - Basic optical cable test procedures - Mechanical tests methods - Ripcord functional test, Method E25

Relations

• Replaces: SIST EN 60794-1-21:2015/A1:2020 - Optical fibre cables - Part 1-21: Generic specification - Basic optical cable test procedures - Mechanical tests methods (IEC 60794-1-21:2015/A1:2020)
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2026
• Replaces: SIST EN 60794-1-21:2015 - Optical fibre cables -- Part 1-21: Generic specification - Basic optical cable test procedures - Mechanical tests methods (IEC 60794-1-21:2015)
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2026
• Refers: SIST EN IEC 60794-1-1:2023 - Optical fibre cables - Part 1-1: Generic specification - General (IEC 60794-1-1:2023)
• Effective Date: 09-Jun-2026
• Referred By: SIST-TS CLC/TS 50621:2016 - Guideline for the repair of damaged installed optical fibre cables and microducts
• Effective Date: 07-Jul-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN IEC 62148-1:2018 - Fibre optic active components and devices - Package and interface standards - Part 1: General and guidance (IEC 62148-1:2017)
• Effective Date: 07-Jul-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN 3745-505:2018 - Aerospace series - Fibres and cables, optical, aircraft use - Test methods - Part 505: Cable tensile strength
• Effective Date: 07-Jul-2026

Overview

SIST EN IEC 60794-1-125:2026 is an international standard dedicated to the evaluation of optical fibre cable performance through mechanical testing of ripcord functionality. Specifically, it describes Method E25, which details the ripcord functional test procedure used to assess the effectiveness and durability of ripcords in optical fibre cables. This standard ensures consistent and reliable testing across the industry, supporting quality, safety, and performance objectives for fibre optic infrastructure.

This first edition of IEC 60794-1-125 cancels and replaces Method E25 as previously found in IEC 60794-1-21:2017. By creating a standalone standard, IEC continues to streamline and clarify its suite of optical cable test procedures.

Key Topics

• Ripcord Functional Test Procedure: The standard defines a clear method to assess whether a ripcord can facilitate the proper opening of a cable sheath without breaking, which is essential for safe and effective cable preparation during installation and maintenance.
• Testing Conditions: Recommendations include testing at the lowest expected installation temperature (as per IEC TR 62691) to simulate real-world conditions, ensuring the ripcord’s functionality even in challenging environments.
• Sample Requirements: Specifies minimum sample lengths and preparation criteria to ensure test validity and repeatability.
• Test Apparatus: Details the equipment needed, such as climate chambers for temperature control and suitable tools for cable preparation and securing.
• Acceptance Criteria: Establishes clear pass/fail requirements based on the ripcord’s ability to slit the sheath consistently along a specified length without breaking.
• Reporting and Specification: Lists the essential parameters and results that must be documented following the test, such as temperatures, the number of samples, sheath material, and outcomes.

Applications

• Cable Manufacturing: Manufacturers use IEC 60794-1-125 to qualify and control ripcord performance in optical fibre cables before leaving the factory, contributing to robust product quality and compliance with international requirements.
• Product Development: Design engineers reference this test procedure when specifying materials and construction methods that optimize the usability and mechanic strength of ripcords in new cable products.
• Quality Assurance and Auditing: Third-party labs and quality auditors apply the standard to verify conformity in both sample and production batches, supporting due diligence, contractual compliance, and long-term reliability in telecom network deployments.
• Installation and Maintenance: By ensuring cable ripcords function reliably at low temperatures and under practical installation conditions, the standard supports efficient, damage-free sheath removal by field technicians, reducing installation times and minimizing risk to core optical fibres.

Related Standards

SIST EN IEC 60794-1-125:2026 aligns with several other key standards from the IEC 60794 series for optical fibre cables:

• IEC 60794-1-1: General specifications for optical fibre cables, providing foundational definitions and overall structure.
• IEC TR 61931: Terminology for fibre optic technology, offering standardized language for all technical documentation.
• IEC TR 62691: Guidelines for the installation of optical fibre cables, which include recommendations for test temperatures and handling procedures.
• IEC 60794-1-2: Guidance on basic optical cable test procedures, offering general methodology applicable to a wide range of mechanical and environmental tests.
• IEC 60794-1-21: Formerly included Method E25; now serves as a reference for other mechanical test methods applicable to optical fibre cables.

By following IEC 60794-1-125:2026, stakeholders across the telecommunications, industrial, and infrastructure sectors can ensure their optical fibre cables are equipped with reliable and effective ripcords, maintaining high standards for safety, performance, and ease of installation.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST prEN IEC 60794-1-125:2025
01-april-2025
Optični kabli - 1-125. del: Splošna specifikacija - Osnovni preskusni postopki za
optične kable - Mehanske preskusne metode - Funkcionalni preskus Ripcord,
metoda e25
Optical fibre cables - Part 1-125: Generic specification - Basic optical cable test
procedures - Mechanical tests methods - Ripcord functional test, method e25
Câbles à fibres optiques - Partie 1-125: Spécification générique - Procédures
fondamentales d’essais des câbles optiques - Méthodes d’essais mécaniques - Essai de
fonctionnement du fil de déchirement, méthode e25
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN IEC 60794-1-125:2025
ICS:
33.180.10 (Optična) vlakna in kabli Fibres and cables
oSIST prEN IEC 60794-1-125:2025 en
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

oSIST prEN IEC 60794-1-125:2025

oSIST prEN IEC 60794-1-125:2025

86A/2534/CDV
COMMITTEE DRAFT FOR VOTE (CDV)
PROJECT NUMBER:
IEC 60794-1-125 ED1
DATE OF CIRCULATION: CLOSING DATE FOR VOTING:
2025-02-07 2025-05-02
SUPERSEDES DOCUMENTS:
86A/2448/CD, 86A/2530/CC
IEC SC 86A : FIBRES AND CABLES
SECRETARIAT: SECRETARY:
France Mr Laurent Gasca
OF INTEREST TO THE FOLLOWING COMMITTEES: HORIZONTAL FUNCTION(S):

ASPECTS CONCERNED:
SUBMITTED FOR CENELEC PARALLEL VOTING NOT SUBMITTED FOR CENELEC PARALLEL VOTING
Attention IEC-CENELEC parallel voting
The attention of IEC National Committees, members of
CENELEC, is drawn to the fact that this Committee Draft
for Vote (CDV) is submitted for parallel voting.
The CENELEC members are invited to vote through the
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This document is still under study and subject to change. It should not be used for reference purposes.
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Recipients of this document are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant “In Some
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the final stage for submitting ISC clauses. (SEE AC/22/2007 OR NEW GUIDANCE DOC).

TITLE:
Optical fibre cables - Part 1-125: Generic specification - Basic optical cable test procedures -
Mechanical tests methods - Ripcord functional test, Method E25

PROPOSED STABILITY DATE: 2028
NOTE FROM TC/SC OFFICERS:
electronic file, to make a copy and to print out the content for the sole purpose of preparing National Committee positions.
You may not copy or "mirror" the file or printed version of the document, or any part of it, for any other purpose without
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oSIST prEN IEC 60794-1-125:2025
IEC CDV 60794-1-125/Ed1 © IEC 2025 – 2 – 86A/2534/CDV
1 CONTENTS
3 FOREWORD . 3
4 1 Scope . 5
5 2 Normative references . 5
6 3 Terms and definitions . 5
7 4 Graphical symbols and abbreviated terms . 5
8 5 Method 25 – Rip cord functional test . 6
9 5.1 Object . 6
10 5.2 Sample . 6
11 5.3 Apparatus . 6
12 5.4 Procedure . 6
13 5.5 Requirements . 6
14 5.6 Details to be specified . 7
15 5.7 Details to be reported . 7
16 Bibliography . 8

oSIST prEN IEC 60794-1-125:2025
IEC CDV 60794-1-125/Ed1 © IEC 2025 – 3 – 86A/2534/CDV
17 FOREWORD
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