CLC/TC 86A - Optical fibres and optical fibre cables

IEC 60794-1-209:2024 defines test procedures to be used in establishing uniform requirements for the environmental performance of: - optical fibre cables for use with telecommunication equipment and devices employing similar techniques; and - cables having a combination of both optical fibres and electrical conductors. Throughout this document, the wording "optical cable" can also include optical fibre units, microduct fibre units, etc. This document defines a test standard to determine cable aging performance by high temperature exposure and temperature cycling in order to simulate lifetime behaviour of the attenuation of cables, or physical attributes. See IEC 60794‑1‑2 for a reference guide to test methods of all types and for general requirements and definitions. This document partially cancels and replaces IEC 60794‑1‑22:2017. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to IEC 60794‑1‑22:2017: a) the ambient temperature test condition has been defined as per IEC 60794‑1‑2; b) all the maximum allowable attenuation increase values for single-mode and multimode fibres have been deleted, and have been included in the list of details to be specified.

IEC 60794-1-201: 2024 defines test procedures to be used in establishing uniform requirements for the environmental performance of: - optical fibre cables for use with telecommunication equipment and devices employing similar techniques; and - cables having a combination of both optical fibres and electrical conductors. Throughout this document, the wording "optical cable" can also include optical fibre units, microduct fibre units, etc. This document defines a test standard to determine the ability of a cable to withstand the effects of temperature cycling by observing changes in attenuation. See IEC 60794-1-2 for a reference guide to test methods of all types and for general requirements and definitions. This document partially replaces IEC 60794-1-22:2017. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to IEC 60794-1-22:2017: a) all references to the temperature sensing device have been removed and replaced with a note "for further study"; b) the conditioning procedure has been separated into Procedure 1 and Procedure 2 to avoid confusion; c) the ambient temperature test condition has been defined as per IEC 60794-1-2; d) the minimum soak time has been decreased for sample mass >16 kg in Table 1.

IEC 60794-1-101:2024 applies to optical fibre cables for use with telecommunication equipment and devices employing similar techniques, and to cables having a combination of both optical fibres and electrical conductors. This document defines test procedures to be used in establishing uniform requirements for tensile performance. Throughout this document the wording "optical cable" includes optical fibre units, microduct fibre units, etc. See IEC 60794-1-2 for general requirements and definitions and for a complete reference guide to test methods of all types.

IEC 60794-1-104:2024 applies to optical fibre cables for use with telecommunication equipment and devices employing similar techniques, and to cables having a combination of both optical fibres and electrical conductors. This document defines test procedures to be used in establishing uniform requirements for impact performance. Throughout this document the wording “optical cable” includes optical fibre units, microduct fibre units, etc. See IEC 60794-1-2 for general requirements and definitions and for a complete reference guide to test methods of all types. This document partially cancels and replaces IEC 60794-1-21:2015, which will be withdrawn. In the context of the revision of IEC 60794-1-21:2015, its contents were split into separate test methods. It includes an editorial revision, based on the new structure and numbering system for optical fibre cable test methods.

IEC 60794-1-213:2024 defines test procedures to be used in establishing uniform requirements for the environmental performance of microduct. The test determines the capability of the microduct to withstand internal pressure without leakage and visible damage. This document applies to microduct used for installation of microduct cable or fibre unit by blowing. Throughout this document, the wording "microduct" can also include protected microduct(s). See IEC 60794-1-2 for a reference guide to test methods of all types and for general requirements and definitions.This document partially cancels and replaces IEC 60794-1-22:2017. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to IEC 60794-1-22:2017: a) pressure gauge used to monitor internal pressure of microduct added as part of the test apparatus; b) "test temperature" added to the details to be specified; c) added a new subclause “4.7 Details to be reported”.

IEC 60793-1-41:2024 is available as IEC 60793-1-41:2024 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.IEC 60793-1-41:2024 describes three methods for determining and measuring the modal bandwidth of multimode optical fibres (see IEC 60793-2-10, IEC 60793-2-30, and the IEC 60793‑2‑40 series). The baseband frequency response is directly measured in the frequency domain by determining the fibre response to a sinusoidaly modulated light source. The baseband response can also be measured by observing the broadening of a narrow pulse of light. The calculated response is determined using differential mode delay (DMD) data. The three methods are: Method A – Time domain (pulse distortion) measurement Method B – Frequency-domain measurement Method C – Overfilled launch modal bandwidth calculated from differential mode delay (OMBc) Method A and method B can be performed using one of two launches: an overfilled launch (OFL) condition or a restricted mode launch (RML) condition. Method C is only defined for A1-OM3 to A1-OM5 multimode fibres and uses a weighted summation of DMD launch responses with the weights corresponding to an overfilled launch condition. The relevant test method and launch condition is chosen according to the type of fibre. NOTE 1 These test methods are commonly used in production and research facilities and are not easily accomplished in the field. NOTE 2 OFL has been used for the modal bandwidth value for LED-based applications for many years. However, no single launch condition is representative of the laser (e.g. VCSEL) sources that are used for gigabit and higher rate transmission. This fact drove the development of IEC 60793-1-49 for determining the effective modal bandwidth of laser optimized 50 µm fibres. See IEC 60793-2-10 and IEC 61280-4-1 for more information. This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 2010. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a) the addition of a direct reference for method A and method B.

IEC 60793-1-45:2024 is available as IEC 60793-1-45:2024 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.IEC 60793-1-45:2024 establishes uniform requirements for measuring the mode field diameter (MFD) of single-mode optical fibre, thereby assisting in the inspection of fibres and cables for commercial purposes. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2017. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a) modification of the minimum distance between the fibre end and the detector for the direct far field scan (Annex A). b) generalization of the requirement for the minimum dynamic range for all fibre types (Annex A).

IEC 60794-1-217:2024 series defines the test procedure to measure the permanent fibre protrusion compared to the cable elements and cable sheath due to thermal exposure of a cable. This document partially replaces IEC 60794‑1‑22:2017. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to IEC 60794‑1‑22:2017: a) added clarification in the objective that the purpose of this test procedure is to measure the permanent fibre protrusion of cables without rigid strength members; b) replaced the reference to method F1 for the apparatus with a detailed description for the temperature chamber and temperature sensing device as done in IEC 60794-1-211; c) added a measuring device in the subclause for apparatus; d) added conditioning before cutting the cable sample as done in IEC 60794-1-211 e) added all required steps in the subclause for temperature cycling as well as the table for the minimum soak time and the figure for the cycle procedure, and removed the reference to IEC 60794-1-22, method F1; f) improved the figures and added a figure for preparation of the cable sample; g) added the informative Annex A for the test procedure recommended for cables with rigid strength members.

IEC 60794-1-212:2024 defines the test procedure to examine the attenuation behaviour (change in attenuation) when an optical fibre cable with cable elements fixed at both ends is subjected to temperature cycling. This test assesses the attenuation behaviour of a cable under a no-end movement condition intended for termination with, for example, interconnecting devices or passive components. This document partially cancels and replaces IEC 60794-1-22:2017. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to IEC 60794-1-22:2017: a) the description of the test method has been changed to “with cable elements fixed at both ends”; b) subclauses have been added to the procedure clause; c) the preparation of cable sample and test set-up has been arranged in a logical way; d) Figure 1 has been added for illustration of the preparation of cable sample, DUT and test set-up; e) the temperature chamber temperature tolerance has been changed to ± 3 °C as done in IEC 60794‑1‑22, method F1; f) all required steps have been added to the subclause for temperature cycling as well as the table for the minimum soak time and the figure for the cycle procedure, and removed the reference to IEC 60794-1-22, method F1; g) the maximum change in attenuation has been added to the details to be specified; h) a new subclause 4.5 has been added for details to be reported.

IEC 60794-1-311:2024 describes test procedures to be used in establishing uniform requirements of optical fibre cable elements for the mechanical property – tensile strength and elongation at break. This document applies to optical fibre cables for use with telecommunication equipment and devices employing similar techniques, and to cables having a combination of both optical fibres and electrical conductors. Throughout the document, the wording "optical cable" can also include optical fibre units, microduct fibre units, etc. This document partially cancels and replaces IEC 60794-1-23:2019. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to IEC 60794‑1‑23:2019: a) The information about dumb-bells is removed because this is not used for testing cable elements; b) the parameters strain at yield and E modulus are added in 5.7.

IEC 60794-1-312: 2024 describes test procedures to be used in establishing uniform requirements of optical fibre cable elements for the mechanical property – tensile strength and elongation at low temperature. This document applies to optical fibre cables for use with telecommunication equipment and devices employing similar techniques, and to cables having a combination of both optical fibres and electrical conductors. Throughout the document, the wording "optical cable" can also include optical fibre units, microduct fibre units, etc. This document partially cancels and replaces method G11B of IEC 60794-1-23:2019. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to IEC 60794‑1‑23:2019: a) alignment of the title with the content of the method.

IEC 60794-2-23: 2024 is a detail specification and specifies indoor multi-fibre cables for use in MPO (multi-fibre push on) connector terminated cable assemblies.

IEC 60794-2-24:2024 is a detail specification and specifies indoor multiple multi-fibre unit cables for use in MPO (multi-fibre push on) connector terminated breakout cable assemblies.

IEC 60794-1-111: 2023 defines the test procedure to determine the ability of an optical fibre cable to withstand bending around a test mandrel. The primary purpose of this procedure is to measure the change in attenuation when the cable is bent around a test mandrel. A secondary purpose is to assess whether the cable has been physically damaged by bending. NOTE 1 This test can be utilized at any specified temperature, including the low or high temperature limits for the cable. NOTE 2 The bend test procedure for cable elements is specified in IEC 60794-1-301, method G1. This document partially cancels and replaces IEC 60794-1-21:2015. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to IEC 60794‑1‑21:2015: a) the nominal sample length was newly specified as 10 m between the cable element fixing points at both ends, unless otherwise specified; b) the number of turns on the mandrel in Figure 1 for the single-helix configuration were corrected to match the number of turns shown in the figure for the two-helix configuration; c) requirements on the turnaround loop were added for method E11A, two-helix configuration; d) the turnaround loop with the same diameter as the mandrel was taken into account for calculation of the number of turns of each helix for method E11A, two-helix configuration; e) added a formula for calculation of the number of revolutions in each helix for method E11A, two-helix configuration; f) added a description for the procedure when the turnaround loop diameter is larger than the mandrel diameter for method E11A, two-helix configuration; g) all the figures were updated and the different components labelled; h) added the attenuation monitoring equipment in 4.2 for the apparatus and the description to measure the change in attenuation in the test methods E11A and E11B; i) added Clause 9 for details to be reported; j) added Annex A showing an example of a special mandrel to perform the bend test according to method E11A, two-helix configuration; k) added Annex B providing the rationale for the options of method E11A, two-helix configuration.

IEC 60794-1-306: 2023 describes test procedures to verify the mechanical and functional integrity of the fibre ribbon structure. The test determines the capability of the ribbon to withstand torsion without delamination between optical fibre and ribbon bonding agent. This document applies to optical fibre ribbons in optical cables for use with telecommunication equipment and devices employing similar techniques, and to optical fibre ribbons in cables having a combination of both optical fibres and electrical conductors. This document is not applicable to partially-bonded ribbons. The method for partially-bonded ribbons is under consideration. Throughout the document, the wording "optical cable" can also include optical fibre units, microduct fibre units, etc. NOTE The environmental testing of optical fibre ribbon would be valuable for some applications. Useful information about suitable test methods can be found in the optical fibre standards IEC 60793-1-50, IEC 60793-1-51, IEC 60793‑1‑52, and IEC 60793-1-53. This document partially cancels and replaces IEC 60794‑1‑23:2019. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to IEC 60794‑1‑23:2019: a) change the scope, not include partially-bonded ribbon; b) add some details to the procedure.

IEC 60793-1-44:2023 establishes uniform requirements for measuring the cut-off wavelength of single-mode optical fibre, thereby assisting in the inspection of fibres and cables for commercial purposes. This document gives methods for measuring the cut-off wavelength for uncabled or cabled single mode telecom fibre. These procedures apply to all category B and C fibre types. There are three methods of deployment for measuring the cut-off wavelength: - method A: cable cut-off using uncabled fibre 22 m long sample, lcc; - method B: cable cut-off using cabled fibre 22 m long sample, lcc; - method C: fibre cut-off using uncabled fibre 2 m long sample, lc. All methods require a reference measurement. There are two reference-scan techniques, either or both of which can be used with all methods: - bend-reference technique; - multimode-reference technique using category A1(OM1-OM5) multimode fibre. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2011. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a) used the diameter of the fibre loops to describe deployment; b) added Annex D related to cut-off curve artifacts; c) reorganized information and added more figures to clarify concepts.

IEC 60794-1-1:2023 applies to optical fibre cables for use with communication equipment and devices employing similar techniques. Electrical properties are specified for optical ground wire (OPGW) and optical phase conductor (OPPC) cables. Hybrid communication cables are specified in the IEC 62807 series. The object of this document is to establish uniform generic requirements for the geometrical, transmission, material, mechanical, ageing (environmental exposure), climatic and electrical properties of optical fibre cables and cable elements, where appropriate. This fifth edition cancels and replaces the fourth edition published in 2015. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a) reorganization of the document to a more logical flow making it easier for the reader: b) expansion of the tables to include names and definitions of all documents in the IEC 60794‑x series; c) expansion of the definitions, graphical symbols, terminology and abbreviations content, with the aim of making this document the default and reference for all others in the IEC 60794‑x series; d) inclusion of updated, reorganized and expanded optical fibre, attenuation and bandwidth subclauses, with the aim of making this document the default and reference for all others in the IEC 60794-x series.

IEC 60794-1-309:2023 describes the test procedures to be used in establishing uniform requirements for optical fibre cable elements, filling compounds or flooding compounds, for the environmental property-bleeding and evaporation. This document applies to optical fibre cables for use with telecommunication equipment and devices employing similar techniques, and to cables having a combination of both optical fibres and electrical conductors. NOTE Throughout the document, the wording "optical cable" can also include optical fibre units, microduct fibre units, etc. This first edition of IEC 60794-1-309 cancels and replaces method G9 of the second edition of IEC 60794-1-23 published in 2019. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a) the optical cable element test methods contained in IEC 60794-1-23:2019 will now be individually numbered in the IEC 60794-1-3xx series. Each test method is now considered to be an individual document rather than part of a multi-test method compendium. Full cross-reference details are given in IEC 60794-1-2; b) the scope is broadened so that the test method is also applicable for flooding compounds; c) the cover of the test set-up is cancelled.

IEC 60794-1-303: 2023 describes test procedures to be used in establishing uniform requirements for the geometrical properties of optical fibre ribbons. This document applies to optical fibre ribbons for use with telecommunication equipment and devices employing similar techniques, and to optical fibre ribbons for cables having a combination of both optical fibres and electrical conductors. This document partially cancels and replaces IEC 60794-1-23:2019. In the context of the revision of IEC 60794-1-23:2019, its contents were split into separate test methods.

IEC 60794-2-22:2023 is available as IEC 60794-2-22:2023 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.IEC 60794-2-22: 2023 specifies breakout optical cables with multiple simplex optical fibre cables for use in terminated breakout cable assemblies. This second edition cancels and replaces the first 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) changed partly the wording in the title and the scope to align with IEC 60794-2-50, IEC 60794-2-23 and IEC 60794-2-24; b) added IEC 60793-1-40, IEC 60793-1-46 and IEC 60794-1-2 to the normative references; c) deleted reference to IEC 60794-2-51; d) added the definition of terminated breakout cable assembly; e) changed the number of bend cycles from 10 to 3 to harmonise with IEC 60794-2-50; f) changed test parameters for temperature cycling to harmonise with IEC 60794-2-50; g) added maximum attenuation requirements after temperature cycling; h) replaced the text for the fire performance with an improved description.

IEC 60794-301:2023 describes test procedures to be used in establishing uniform requirements of optical fibre cable elements for the mechanical property – bending. This document applies to optical fibre cables for use with telecommunication equipment and devices employing similar techniques, and to cables having a combination of both optical fibres and electrical conductors. Throughout the document, the wording "optical cable" can also include optical fibre units, microduct fibre units, etc. This document partially cancels and replaces IEC 60794-1-23:2019. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to IEC 60794-1-23:2019: a) reference test method IEC 60793-1-40 removed regarding the apparatus; b) information added regarding the temperature to be specified in the detail specification; c) new subclause added containing the details to be reported.

IEC 60794-2-50:2023 is available as IEC 60794-2-50:2023 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.IEC 60794-2-50:2023 specifies requirements for simplex and duplex optical fibre cables for use in terminated cable assemblies or as used for termination of passive components. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2020. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a) added IEC 60793-1-46 and IEC 60794-1-211 to the normative references; b) changed the load duration for the tensile test from 5 min to 10 min; c) clarified the distance between the clamps for torsion test to 125 times cable diameter, but not less than 0,3 m; d) recommended the temperatures –10 °C and +60 °C for indoor simplex and duplex cables and included the low and high temperatures for category C, CHD, OP and OPHD according to the operating service environments in IEC 61753-1 for temperature cycling and shrinkage testing; e) updated the shrinkage test standard to IEC 60794-1-211, F11A, and changed the requirement to maximum 20 mm; f) replaced the text for the fire performance with an improved description.

IEC 60794-2-10:2023 is available as IEC 60794-2-10:2023 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.IEC 60794-2-10:2023 covers simplex and duplex optical fibre cables for indoor use. The requirements of IEC 60794-2 are applicable to cables covered by this document. For cables intended for installation in industrial applications specified in ISO/IEC 11801-1, MICE specifications can be additionally required (see Clause B.2). This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2011. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: - updating of normative references; - updating of all relevant A1 and B1 fibre category and sub-category designations.

IEC 60794-1-308: 2023 describes test procedures to evaluates the degree of permanent twist in an uncabled ribbon or in a cabled optical fibre ribbon. This document applies to optical fibre ribbons in optical cables for use with telecommunication equipment and devices employing similar techniques, and to optical fibre ribbons in cables having a combination of both optical fibres and electrical conductors. This document is not applicable to partially-bonded ribbons. The method for partially-bonded ribbons is under consideration. Throughout the document, the wording "optical cable" can also include optical fibre units, microduct fibre units, etc. NOTE The environmental testing of optical fibre ribbon would be valuable for some applications. Useful information about suitable test methods can be found in the optical fibre standards IEC 60793-1-50, IEC 60793‑1‑51, IEC 60793‑1‑52, and IEC 60793-1-53.

IEC 60794-2-50: 2020 specifies requirements for simplex and duplex optical fibre cables for use in terminated cable assemblies or for termination with optical fibre passive components. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2008. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
update of the normative references;
review and update of parameters and requirements for mechanical tests and environmental tests;
Annex B has been removed and test method for sheath pull-off force evaluation refers to IEC 60794-1-21, method E21;
Annex C has been removed and test method for sheath shrinkage evaluation refers to IEC 60794-1-22, method F11;
Annex D has been removed and test method for buffered fibre movement under compression refers to IEC 60794-1-21, method E22;
Annex E has been removed and test method for temperature cycling evaluation refers to IEC 60794-1-22, method F12;
fibre type designations have been updated and the new wideband MM fibre is included as an option.  Keywords: requirements for simplex and duplex optical fibre cables

IEC 60794-1-305:2023 describes test procedures to be used in establishing uniform requirements for optical fibre ribbons as optical fibre cable elements for the mechanical property-tear (separability). This document applies to optical fibre cables for use with telecommunication equipment and devices employing similar techniques, and to cables having a combination of both optical fibres and electrical conductors. NOTE Throughout the document, the wording "optical cable" can also include optical fibre units, microduct fibre units, etc. This test is applicable for edge-bonded ribbons and encapsulated ribbons specified in IEC 60794-1-31, and not intended to be used for partially-bonded ribbons.

IEC 60793-2:2019 is available as IEC 60793-2:2019 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.IEC 60793-2:2019 contains the general specifications for both multimode and single-mode optical fibres. Sectional specifications for each of the four categories of multimode fibres: A1, A2, A3, and A4 (part of the multimode fibre class A) contain requirements specific to each category. Sectional specifications for each of the three single-mode fibre classes, B, C and D contain requirements common to each class. Each sectional specification includes family specifications (in normative annexes) that contain requirements for the applicable category or sub-categories. These sub-categories are distinguished on the basis of different fibre types or applications. The requirements of this document apply to all classes. Each sectional specification contains the requirements that are common to all the family specifications that are within it. These common requirements are copied to the family specification for ease of reference. Tests or measurement methods are defined for each specified attribute. Where possible, these definitions are by reference to an IEC International Standard (see IEC 60793-1 series) – otherwise the test or measurement method is outlined in the relevant sectional specification. This ninth edition cancels and replaces the eighth edition published in 2015. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: - introduction of the revised fibre designations for most A1 sub-category fibres and all class B single-mode fibres; - addition of the new fibre model (A1-OM5) defined for A1 category; - addition of class D polarization maintaining fibres. Keywords: specifications for both multimode and single-mode optical fibres

IEC 60794-1-23:2019 is available as IEC 60794-1-23:2019 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition. IEC 60794-1-23:2019 describes test procedures to be used in establishing uniform requirements for the geometrical, material, mechanical, environmental properties of optical fibre cable elements. This document applies to optical fibre cables for use with telecommunication equipment and devices employing similar techniques, and to cables having a combination of both optical fibres and electrical conductors. Throughout the document, the wording "optical cable" can also include optical fibre units, microduct fibre units, etc. See IEC 60794-1-2 for a reference guide to test methods of all types and for general requirements and definitions. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2012. It constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: - addition of a new test Method G9: Bleeding and evaporation (formerly known as Method E15 in IEC 60794-1-21:2015); - addition of a new test Method G10A: Stripping force stability of cabled optical fibres (formerly known as Method E5A in IEC 60794-1-21:2015); - addition of a new test Method G10B: Strippability of optical fibre ribbons (formerly known as Method E5B in IEC 60794-1-21:2015); - addition of a new test Method G10C: Strippability of buffered optical fibres (formerly known as Method E5C in IEC 60794-1-21:2015); - addition of a new test Method G11: Tensile strength and elongation of buffer tubes (included in IEC 60811-501); - addition of a new test Method G12: Elongation of buffer tubes at low temperature (included in IEC 60811-505); - clarification of the sample preparation procedure in Method G5: Ribbon tear (separability); Keywords: optical fibre cable, optical cable test procedures

IEC 60793-1-1:2022 is available as IEC 60793-1-1:2022 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition. IEC 60793-1-1:2022 lists and gives guidance on the use of documents giving uniform requirements for measuring and testing optical fibres, thereby assisting in the inspection of fibres and cables for commercial (mostly telecommunications) purposes. The individual measurement and test methods are contained in the different parts of the IEC 60793 series. They are identified as IEC 60793-1-X, where "X" is an assigned sub-part number, indicating its affiliation to the IEC 60793-1 series. In general, measurements and tests methods apply to all class A multimode fibres and class B and class C single-mode optical fibres covered by the IEC 60793-2 series relating to product specifications, although there can be exceptions. Clause 1 of each part of the IEC 60793 series contains the scope for each particular attribute. This fifth edition cancels and replaces the fourth edition published in 2017. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: - changes in normative references; - renamed Clause 10 and added documentation-related requirements in a new subclause 10.2.

IEC 60793-2-10:2017 is applicable to optical fibre sub-categories A1a, A1b, and A1d. These fibres are used or can be incorporated in information transmission equipment and optical fibre cables. Sub-category A1a applies to 50/125 mm graded index fibre. Four bandwidth grades are defined as models A1a.1, A1a.2, A1a.3 and A1a.4. Each of these bandwidth grades is defined for two levels of macrobend loss performance that are distinguished by "a" or "b" suffix. Those models with suffix "a" are specified to meet traditional macrobend loss performance levels. Those models with suffix "b" are specified to meet enhanced macrobend loss (i.e. lower loss) performance levels. Model A1a.4 supports single wavelength or multi-wavelength transmission systems in the vicinity of 850 nm to 950 nm. Sub-category A1b applies to 62,5/125 mm graded index fibre and sub-category A1d applies to 100/140 mm graded index fibre. Other applications include, but are not restricted to, the following: - short reach, high bit-rate systems in telephony, distribution and local networks carrying data, voice and/or video services; - on-premises intra-building and inter-building fibre installations including data centres, local area networks (LANs), storage area networks (SANs), private branch exchanges (PBXs), video, various multiplexing uses, outside telephone cable plant use, and miscellaneous related uses. Three types of requirements apply to these fibres: - general requirements, as defined in IEC 60793-2; - specific requirements common to the category A1 multimode fibres covered in this document and which are given in Clause 5; - particular requirements applicable to individual fibre sub-categories and models, or specific applications, which are defined in the normative specification annexes. This sixth edition cancels and replaces the fifth edition published in 2015. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: addition of model A1a.4 fibre which supports single wavelength or multi-wavelength transmission systems in the vicinity of 850 nm to 950 nm. Keywords: optical fibre sub-categories A1a, A1b, and A1d

This part of IEC 60794 describes test procedures to be used in establishing uniform requirements of optical fibre cable elements for the mechanical property- strippability. This document applies to optical fibre cables for use with telecommunication equipment and devices employing similar techniques, and to cables having a combination of both optical fibres and electrical conductors. Throughout the document, the wording "optical cable" can also include optical fibre units, microduct fibre units, etc.

This part of IEC 60794 is a family specification that covers sewer cables and conduits for installation by blowing and/ or pulling in man accessible and non-man accessible storm and sanitary sewers. Systems built with components covered by this standard are subject to the requirements of sectional specification IEC 60794-3. Sewer cable and conduit constructions have to meet the different requirements of the sewer operating companies and/or associations regarding chemical, environmental, operational, cleaning and in general maintenance conditions. Preferential applications, describing sewer cable characteristics versus methods of installation is reported in Annex A and Annex B for non-man accessible sewers. Clause 5 describes characteristics of sewer cables and conduits for installation by blowing, pulling or other means in storm and sanitary sewers. Detail specifications may be prepared on the basis of this family specification. The parameters specified in this standard may be affected by measurement uncertainty arising either from measurement errors or calibration errors due to lack of suitable standards. Acceptance criteria should be interpreted with respect to this consideration. The number of fibres tested is representative of the sewer cable and should be agreed between the customer and the supplier.

IEC 60794-2-11:2019 is available as IEC 60794-2-11:2019 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition. IEC 60794-2-11:2019 presents the detailed requirements specific to this type of cable to ensure compatibility with the series of International Standards ISO/IEC 11801, Information technology – Generic cabling for customer premises (Parts 1 to 6). The requirements of family specification IEC 60794-2-10 are applicable to cables covered by this document. Particular requirements detailed in Clause 4 define either a specific option in relation to the requirements of IEC 60794-2-10 or additional requirements. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2012. It constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a) incorporation of the OM5 cabled fibre performance category; b) incorporation of the OS1a cabled fibre performance category; c) cabled fibre performance categories OM1, OM2 and OS1 are no longer normative, and are retained for information. Keywords: simplex and duplex cables

IEC 60794-2-21:2019 is available as IEC 60794-2-21:2019 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.IEC 60794-2-21:2019 presents the detailed requirements specific to this type of cable to ensure compatibility with the series of International Standards ISO/IEC 11801, Information technology – Generic cabling for customer premises (Parts 1 to 6). The requirements of family specification IEC 60794-2-20 are applicable to cables covered by this document. Particular requirements detailed in Clause 4 define either a specific option in relation to the requirements of IEC 60794-2-20 or additional requirements. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2012. It constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a) incorporation of the OM5 cabled fibre performance category; b) incorporation of the OS1a cabled fibre performance category; c) cabled fibre performance categories OM1, OM2 and OS1 are no longer normative, and are retained for information. Keywords: multi-fibre distribution cables

IEC 60794-2-31:2019 is available as IEC 60794-2-31:2019 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.IEC 60794-2-31:2019 presents the detailed requirements specific to this type of cable to ensure compatibility with the series of International Standards ISO/IEC 11801, Information technology – Generic cabling for customer premises (Parts 1 to 6). The requirements of family specification IEC 60794-2-30 are applicable to cables covered by this document. The particular requirements detailed in Clause 4 define either a specific option in relation to the requirements of IEC 60794-2-30 or additional requirements. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2012. It constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a) incorporation of the OM5 cabled fibre performance category; b) incorporation of the OS1a cabled fibre performance category; c) cabled fibre performance categories OM1, OM2 and OS1 are no longer normative, and are retained for information. Keywords: optical fibre ribbon cables

This part of IEC 60793 establishes uniform requirements for measuring the attenuation of optical fibre, thereby assisting in the inspection of fibres and cables for commercial purposes. Four methods are described for measuring attenuation, one being that for modelling spectral attenuation: - method A: cut-back; - method B: insertion loss; - method C: backscattering; - method D: modelling spectral attenuation. Methods A to C apply to the measurement of attenuation for all categories of the following fibres: - class A multimode fibres; - class B single-mode fibres. Method C, backscattering, also covers the location, losses and characterization of point discontinuities. Method D is applicable only to class B fibres. Information common to all four methods appears in Clauses 1 to 11, and information pertaining to each individual method appears in Annexes A, B, C, and D, respectively.

IEC 60794-2-30:2019 is available as IEC 60794-2-30:2019 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition. IEC 60794-2-30:2019 is a family specification which covers indoor optical fibre ribbon cables for use in terminated cable assemblies. The requirements of the sectional specification IEC 60794-2 are applicable to cables covered by this document. The requirements of this document are written to define flat ribbon cables. This document can be applicable to other cable constructions. Parts of IEC 60794-3 which are applicable for ribbon tests are the subject of IEC 60794-1-31. Annex B contains requirements that supersede the normal requirements in case the cables are intended to be used in installation governed by the MICE table of ISO 11801-3.This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2008. This edition constitutes a technical revision.This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a) removal of Annex C; b) reference to the most recent fibre standards; c) reference to IEC 60794-1-21, IEC 60794-1-22, IEC 60794-1-23 and IEC 60794-1-24. This standard is to be used in conjunction with IEC 60794-1-1, IEC 60794-1-2 and IEC 60794-2. Keywords: indoor optical fibre ribbon cables, flat ribbon cables

This part of IEC 60794 defines a test standard to determine the ability of an optical fibre cable to withstand the effects of a controlled salt atmosphere. This document applies to optical ground wire (OPGW) and optical phase conductor (OPPC). An optical ground wire and optical phase conductor are made of multiple metallic wires that are exposed to the environment without any insulating or protective sheath and contain optical fibres.

IEC 60794-3:2022 is available as IEC 60794-3:2022 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.IEC 60794-3: 2022 specifies the requirements for optical fibre cables and cable elements which are intended to be used externally in communications networks. Other types of applications requiring similar types of cables can be considered. Requirements for cables to be used in ducts, for directly buried applications, aerial cables and cables for lake and river crossings are included in this document. Also included are cables for specialized use in sewers and in water and gas pipes. For aerial application, this document does not cover all functional aspects of cables installed in the vicinity of overhead power lines. For such applications, additional requirements and test methods can be necessary. Moreover, this document excludes optical ground wires and cables attached to the phase or earth conductors of overhead power lines. For cables for lake and river crossings, this document does not cover methods of cable repair, nor repair capability, nor does it cover cables for use with underwater line amplifiers. This fifth edition cancels and replaces the fourth edition published in 2014. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical change with respect to the previous edition: the ribbon specification has been removed, because it is covered in IEC 60794-1-31.

This part of IEC 60794 applies to optical phase conductor (OPPC). An optical phase conductor is made of multiple metallic wires that are exposed to the environment without any insulating or protective sheath and contain optical fibres. This part defines a test standard to determine the optical performance and temperature characteristics of a hybrid cable under the maximum current.

This part of IEC 60793 provides values of the tensile strength under dynamic loading of optical fibre samples. The method tests individual lengths of uncabled and unbundled glass optical fibre. Sections of fibre are broken with controlled increasing stress or strain that is uniform over the entire fibre length and cross section. The stress or strain is increased at a nominally constant rate until breakage occurs. The distribution of the tensile strength values of a given fibre strongly depends on the sample length, loading velocity and environmental conditions. The test can be used for inspection where statistical data on fibre strength is required. Results are reported by means of statistical quality control distribution. Normally, the test is carried out after temperature and humidity conditioning of the sample. However, in some cases, it can be sufficient to measure the values at ambient temperature and humidity conditions. This method is applicable to categories A1, A2, and A3, and classes B and C optical fibres. The object of this document is to establish uniform requirements for the mechanical characteristic: tensile strength.

This part of IEC 60793 is applicable to optical fibre categories B-652, B-653, B-654, B-655, B-656 and B-657. A map illustrating the connection of IEC designations to ITU-T designations is shown in Table 1. These fibres are used or can be incorporated in information transmission equipment and optical fibre cables. Three types of requirements apply to these fibres: - general requirements, as defined in IEC 60793-2; - specific requirements common to the class B single-mode fibres covered in this document and which are given in Clause 5; - particular requirements applicable to individual fibre categories or specific applications, which are defined in Annexes A to F. For some fibre categories (shown in the relevant family specifications), there are subcategories that are distinguished on the basis of difference in transmission attribute specifications. The designations for these sub-categories are documented in the individual family specifications. Table 1 shows a map from the IEC designations to the ITU-T recommendations. The table also provides the normative annex in this document that contains the detailed specification as well as the name used to describe this fibre type in IEC 60793-2-50:2015. The ITU-T recommendations as well as the IEC categories/sub-categories within each recommendation are given. In some cases, as for Recommendation G.652, a given IEC designation maps to multiple categories in the ITU-T because the ITU-T categories are distinguished by cabled fibre attribute (PMDQ) performance which are not distinguished in the IEC fibre specifications.

This part of IEC 60794 applies to optical fibre cables for use with telecommunication equipment and devices employing similar techniques, as well as hybrid telecommunication cables having a combination of both optical fibres and electrical conductors. The object of this standard is to define test procedures to be used in establishing uniform requirements for the material compatibility performance of cables, cable components, and cable subassemblies. Compatibility of materials within a cable has the potential to involve a range of material pairs. However, experience has shown that the most pertinent evaluations are of the cable filling and flooding materials interactions with other materials in the cable. Throughout the standard the wording “optical cable” may also include optical fibre units, microduct fibre units, etc. See IEC 60794-1-2 for general requirements and definitions and reference guide to test methods of all types.

This part of IEC 60793 is intended primarily for testing either fibres as produced by a fibre manufacturer or subsequently overcoated (tight buffered) using various polymers. The test can be performed either on fibres as produced, or after exposure to various environments. This test applies to A1, A2, A3, B and C fibres with a nominal glass dimension of 125 µm. The object of this document is to establish uniform requirements for the mechanical characteristic - coating strippability. This test quantifies the force required to mechanically remove the protective coating from optical fibres along their longitudinal axis. This test is not intended as a means to maximize fibre strength after the coating is removed nor is it intended to specify the best conditions for field stripping of optical fibres. This test is designed for optical fibres having polymeric coatings with nominal outer diameters in the range of 200 µm to 900 µm.

NEW!IEC 60794-4-20:2018 is available as IEC 60794-4-20:2018 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.IEC 60794-4-20:2018 covers optical telecommunication cables, commonly with single-mode fibres used primarily in overhead power lines applications. The cables can also be used in other overhead utility networks, such as for telephony or TV services. Requirements of the sectional specification IEC 60794-4 for aerial optical cables along electrical power lines are applicable to cables covered by this document. This document covers the construction, mechanical, electrical, and optical performance, installation guidelines, acceptance criteria, test requirements, environmental considerations, and accessories compatibility for an all dielectric, self-supporting fibre optic (ADSS) cable. This document provides construction and performance requirements that ensure, within the guidelines of this document, that the required mechanical integrity of the cable components as well as optical fibre mechanical reliability and transmission parameters are maintained. The ADSS cable consists of single mode optical fibres contained in one or more protective dielectric fibre optic units surrounded by or attached to suitable dielectric strength members and sheaths. The cable does not contain metallic components. An ADSS cable is designed to meet the optical and mechanical requirements under different installation, operating and environmental conditions and loadings, as described in Annex B. This document excludes any "lashed" or "wrapped" OPAC cables included in IEC 60794-4. Figure 8 aerial cables are also excluded; they are specified in IEC 60794-3-20. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2012 and constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: - this document has been streamlined by cross-referencing IEC 60794-1-1, - IEC 60794-4 (all parts) and IEC 60794-1-2; - reference to the MICE table has been deleted; - the example of test method for particular environment in Annex C has been deleted; - creep test method has been updated in Annex E. Keywords: optical telecommunication cables, single-mode fibres used primarily in overhead power lines

The purpose of this report is to be a guideline for those considering to install a high bandwidth (high bit-rate) FttX-network. After studying the report, operators, communities, energy companies, installers and others will understand the necessary steps to take to plan and install networks with high quality and cost effectiveness, and to secure a uniform structure and a high quality level on such networks.

IEC 60793-49:2018 applies only to multimode, graded-index glass-core (category A1) fibres. The test method is commonly used in production and research facilities, but is not easily accomplished in the field. This document describes a method for characterizing the modal structure of a graded-index multimode fibre. This information is useful for assessing the bandwidth performance of a fibre especially when the fibre is intended to support a range of launch conditions, for example, those produced by standardized laser transmitters. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2006. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a) better alignment with original intent by filling some omissions and therefore improving measurement rigor; b) the measurement of fibres with smaller differential mode delay (and higher modal bandwidth) such as type A1a.3 fibres of IEC 60793-2-10 that are used in constructing OM4 performance category cables; new requirements on specifying detector amplitude and temporal response, specimen deployment conditions, four-quadrant scanning, and uniformity of radial locations for calculating bandwidth. Keywords: modal structure of a graded-index multimode fibre, bandwidth performance

This test is intended to evaluate the impact of a lightning strike on an OPGW, OPPC or OPAC.

The short-circuit test is intended to assess the performance of the OPGW (optical ground wire) or OPPC (optical phase conductor) under typical short-circuit, or the impact on the performance of OPAC (optical attached cable) under short-circuit current on the messenger wire.