SC 86A - Fibres and cables

IEC TR 62285:2023 is available as IEC TR 62285:2023 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.IEC TR 62285:2023 which is a Technical Report, provides guidelines for uniform measurements of the nonlinear coefficient of class B single-mode fibres (see IEC 60793-2-50) in the 1 550 nm region. Measurements of the nonlinear coefficient are used to characterise specific single-mode fibre designs for the purpose of system design relative to power levels and distortion or noise effects derived from the nonlinear optical behaviour. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2005. It constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following signification technical changes with respect to the previous revision:
a) change fibre type of pigtail to B-652.D fibre or fibre of same type with the fibre under test;
b) modifications on Figure A.1 and Formulas (A.3), (A.4);
c) add example values and recommended method A test conditions for B-G.654.E fibre, update Table C.1.

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 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 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 60794-301:2023 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 60794-2-22:2023 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 60794-2-10:2023 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 60794-1-305:2023 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 60793-1-1:2022 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 60794-3-40: 2022 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 document are subject to the requirements of sectional specification IEC 60794-3. Sewer cable and conduit constructions need 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 can be prepared on the basis of this family specification. It is important that acceptance criteria are interpreted with respect to this consideration. The number of fibres tested is representative of the sewer cable and is agreed between the customer and the supplier. 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:  
this document follows the new structure for family specifications: symbols and abbreviations were included in Clause 3, and Clause 4 became the General requirements with 4.1 Optical fibres, 4.2 Cable element and 4.3 Optical fibre cable construction;
Annex D has been removed as it is part of IEC TR 62691;
this document has been streamlined by cross-referencing IEC 60794-1-1, IEC 60793-2, IEC 60794-3 and the IEC 60794-1-2x series;
the fibre strain allowance for tensile tests was updated;
characteristics Table 5, Table 6, Table 7 were moved to the Annex A (informative).

IEC 60794-1-310:2022 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 document partially cancels and replaces IEC 60794-1-23:2019. This edition includes the following significant technical change with respect to IEC 60794-1-23:2019: inclusion of semi-tight buffer fibres in method G10C.

IEC 60794-1-220:2022 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.

IEC 60794-1-404:2022 defines a test standard to determine the optical performance and temperature characteristics of a hybrid cable under the maximum current. This document 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.

IEC 60794-1-219:2021 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 document 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. NOTE Throughout the document the wording “optical cable” can also include optical fibre units, microduct fibre units, etc. See IEC 60794-1-2 for general requirements and definitions, as well as for a reference guide to test methods of all types.

IEC TR 62000:2021 is available as IEC TR 62000:2021 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.
IEC TR 62000:2021 provides guidelines concerning single-mode fibre inter-compatibility. A given category of single-mode fibre, for example B-655, can have different implementations by suitably optimising several of the following parameters: mode field diameter (hence effective area), chromatic dispersion coefficient, slope of the chromatic dispersion curve, cable cut-off wavelength. These guidelines indicate the items that are taken into account when planning to connect
- different implementations of single-mode fibres of the same category, for example different implementations of Class B single-mode fibres, and
- single-mode fibres of different sub-categories, for example B-652.B with B-655.C.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2010. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
- global uniformity of terminology concerning fibre classes, categories and sub-categories throughout the document;
- updating and aligning to the new naming convention of IEC 60793-2-50 for class B fibre categories and sub-categories;
- updating and aligning with IEC 60793-2-50 as per supported fibre sub-categories;
- additional guidelines concerning combination of fibre parameters: chromatic dispersion and slope, polarization mode dispersion;
- additional guidelines concerning non-linear affects;
- updating of bibliographical references.

IEC 60794-1-402:2021 applies to the test intended to evaluate the impact of a lightning strike on an optical ground wire (OPGW), optical phase conductor (OPPC) or optical attached cable (OPAC). This first edition cancels and replaces the first edition of IEC 60794-1-24 published in 2014. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) OPPC cables are included.

IEC 60794-1-401:2021 applies to the short-circuit test intended to assess the performance of an optical ground wire (OPGW) or optical phase conductor (OPPC) under typical short-circuit, or the impact on the performance of optical attached cable (OPAC) under short-circuit current on the messenger wire. This first edition cancels and replaces the first edition of IEC 60794-1-24 published in 2014. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) OPPC is included;
b) the test methods have been updated.

IEC 60794-1-31:2021 is available as IEC 60794-1-31:2021 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.IEC 60794-1-31:2021 which is a generic specification, covers optical fibre ribbons. Requirements which are described in this part apply to optical fibre ribbon cables for use with telecommunication equipment and devices employing similar techniques, in particular optical fibre cables in IEC 60794-2 for indoor use, in IEC 60794-3 for outdoor use, in IEC 60794-4 for self-supporting overhead use, in IEC 60794-5 for air blown use and in IEC 60794-6 for indoor/outdoor use. The detailed specification can be verified in specifications for each application such as IEC 60794-2 and IEC 60794-3. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2018. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
- The geometrical requirements for optical fibre ribbon with typically 250 µm coating diameter have been modified and those for the optical fibre ribbon with typically 200 µm coating diameter have been added.
- "Identification by positional identification" and "Identification by ribbon coding and fibre colouring" are moved to a new informative Annex A.

IEC 60794-1-403:2021 specifies a method of verifying that cable metallic elements are electrically continuous throughout the cable. Electrical continuity is important for bonding and grounding, toning for location, and other related system issues, and may represent a "goodness of manufacture" criterion. Typically, the test is one of continuity and carries no resistance or conductivity requirement. The metallic elements can be tested individually or can be tested as a total group. Since this latter criterion is frequently the case, all elements are measured as a group unless specified otherwise.
NOTE It is possible detail specifications allow such elements as strength members to be non-continuous throughout the cable. This is a special case, and attention is directed to the detail specification.

IEC 60794-3-70:2021 is available as IEC 60794-3-70:2021 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.
IEC 60794-3-70:2021 covers outdoor optical fibre cables intended for rugged terrestrial rapid/multiple deployment. These cables, with enhanced mechanical, environmental and ingress performance can be used wherever a rapid or multiple deployment is relevant (e.g. mobile broadcast units, emergency rescue services, tactical ground-forces, outdoor motion-robotics, mining machinery, temporary repair cables for damaged links, etc.). This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2016. It constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
- incorporation of the new classification system for optical fibre categories, sub-categories in IEC 60793-2-10;
- incorporation of the new classification system for optical fibre categories, sub-categories and models in IEC 60793-2-50;
- updating of cabled fibre performance categories in alignment with ISO/IEC 11801-1;
- updating of bibliographical references.

IEC 60794-4-30:2021 specifies the optical fibre, cable elements, cable construction requirements, main requirements for installation and operating conditions, cable design characteristics and test for OPPC (optical phase conductor), used for carrying current as well as communication and data transmission. The corresponding environmental declaration can be built according to IEC TR 62839-1. The OPPC is a substitute for a conventional phase bare conductor containing optical fibres. Usually, the fibres are embedded loosely in protective buffer tubes. To fulfil mechanical and electrical requirements, an armouring of one or more layers with aluminium, aluminium alloy, and aluminium clad steel, galvanized steel or a mixture of them is helically stranded.

IEC 60793-2-40:2021 is available as IEC 60793-2-40:2021 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.IEC 60793-2-40:2021 is applicable to category A4 optical multimode fibres and the related subcategories A4a, A4b, A4c, A4d, A4e, A4g, A4h and A4i. These fibres have a plastic core and plastic cladding and may have step-index, multi-step index or graded-index profiles. The fibres are used in information transmission equipment and other applications employing similar light transmitting techniques, and in fibre optic cables. Table 1 summarizes some of the salient characteristics and applications of these fibres. 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:
- revision of NA range of A4a.2;
- addition of a new subcategory A4i;
- deletion of the subcategory A4f and of Annex F.

IEC 60794-1-211:2021 defines test procedures to measure the shrinkage of the sheath due to thermal exposure of cables. A first test method, F11A, is included for cables where the fibre or buffered fibre and the sheath of the cable are intended to be fully terminated into a connector at one or both cable ends. A second test method, F11B, is included in this document for sheath shrinkage testing for general purpose. See IEC 60794-1-2 for a reference guide to test methods of all types and for general requirements.

IEC TR 62959:2021 which is a Technical Report, provides information on cable shrinkage characterisation of optical fibre cables that consist of standard glass optical fibres for telecommunication application. The characterisation is directed to the effects of cable shrinkage or cable element shrinkage on the termination of cables. Shrinkage can or cannot be a concern depending on the method of termination. Examples of different cable termination cases are included and described. Tests for the evaluation of cable shrinkage are recommended that can be used as indicators, and shrinkage classification by several grades are given.

IEC 60793-1-34:2021 is available as IEC 60793-1-34:2021 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.IEC 60793-1-34:2021 establishes uniform requirements for the mechanical characteristic: fibre curl or latent curvature in uncoated optical fibres, i.e. a specified length of the fibre has been stripped from coating. Fibre curl has been identified as an important parameter for minimizing the splice loss of optical fibres when using passive alignment fusion splicers or active alignment mass fusion splicers.Two methods are recognized for the measurement of fibre curl, in uncoated optical fibres:
- method A: side view microscopy;
- method B: laser beam scattering.
Both methods measure the radius of curvature of an uncoated fibre by determining the amount of deflection that occurs as an unsupported fibre end is rotated about the fibre's axis. Method A uses visual or digital video methods to determine the deflection of the fibre while method B uses a line sensor to measure the maximum deflection of one laser beam relative to a reference laser beam. By measuring the deflection behaviour of the fibre as it is rotated about its axis and understanding the geometry of the measuring device, the fibre's radius of curvature can be calculated from simple circular models, the derivation of which are given in Annex C. Both methods are applicable to type B optical fibres as described in IEC 60793 (all parts). Method A is the reference test method, used to resolve disputes. 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:
- modification of several derivation equations for laser scattering;
- change of angular increment from 10° to 30° to 10° to 45°;
- change of Annex B from informative to normative.

IEC 60794-3-12:2021 is available as IEC 60794-3-12:2021 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.
IEC 60794-3-12:2021 is a detailed specification for duct and directly buried optical telecommunication cables for use in premises cabling to ensure compatibility with ISO/IEC 11801-1. This document's requirements ensure that the ISO/IEC 11801-1 models work for generic cabling and system performances. Values in this document support these models. The requirements of the family specification IEC 60794-3-10 are applicable to cables covered by this document. Particular requirements detailed in Clause 5 either define a specific option relative to the requirements of IEC 60794-3-10 or define additional requirements. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2012. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
- addition of references to ISO/IEC 11801-1;
- removal of references to ISO/IEC 24702;
- incorporation of the OM5 cabled fibre performance category;
- incorporation of the OS1a cabled fibre performance category;
- cabled fibre performance categories OM1, OM2 and OS1 are no longer normative, and are retained for information.

IEC 60794-1-2:2021 is available as IEC 60794-1-2:2021 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.
IEC 60794-1-2:2021 applies to optical fibre cables for use with telecommunications equipment and devices employing similar techniques, and to cables having a combination of both optical fibres and electrical conductors. An objective of this document is to define general requirements and methodology guidance applicable to all of the cable test methods of IEC 60794-1 (all parts). A second objective of this document is to provide the end user with an overview of the different test methods contained in the different parts of the IEC 60794-1 series. 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 change with respect to the previous edition:
- addition of cross-reference tables listing the new test method numbers and the previous test method numbers.

IEC 60794-6-20:2020 is a family specification covering optical fibre outdoor cables which are flame retardant and thus also applicable to indoor environments. These cables generally possess the characteristics associated with outdoor cable designs having similar thermal and mechanical robustness that makes them suitable for use in the outside plant, while simultaneously exhibiting the fire performance required in indoor premises. A typical application is for example the extension of a "shorter length" of an outdoor cable into the building.

IEC 60794-6-10:2020 is a family specification covering features of optical fibre cables applicable to outdoor as well as indoor environments, called "universal indoor-outdoor cables". These cables generally possess the characteristics associated with outdoor cable designs (according to IEC 60794-3, however typically less stringent, and typically "non armoured") having the thermal and mechanical robustness that makes them suitable for use in the outside plant, while simultaneously being flexible enough, compact and lightweight and exhibiting the fire performance required in indoor premises. A typical application is for example the centralized cabling in central office and the premises or local area network where the same cable design is used for the entire length of the cabling link including both the indoor as well as the outdoor portions.

IEC 60794-6:2020 is a sectional specification covering general features of optical fibre cables applicable to outdoor as well as indoor environments, called "indoor-outdoor cables". Indoor-outdoor cables are deployed in outside plant environments as well as in premises thus fulfilling outdoor as well as indoor requirements. Typical application spaces are, for example, extension of a duct cable into a building or using this design for centralized cabling in the central office, the premises or local area network where the same cable is used for the entire length of the cabling link including both the indoor as well as the outdoor portions. Cables which generally possess the characteristics associated with outdoor cable designs having the thermal and mechanical robustness that makes them suitable for use in the outside plant, while simultaneously being relatively flexible, compact and lightweight and exhibiting the fire performance required in indoor premises are specified in IEC 60794-6-10. Flame retardant outdoor cables as specified in IEC 60794-6-20 are used when most of the cable length is deployed as an outdoor cable with a part of its length deployed indoors. The cable design can be derived from a typical outdoor cable design according to the product specifications described in IEC 60794-3. The specific performance related to bend radii according to the installation situation and fire performance according to the regional legislation mainly requires the appropriate selection of the jacket material in combination with other material and/or design considerations. Because of the use in buildings with tighter space restrictions, higher flexibility of the cable is often required for the installation. Often, smaller diameter cables are preferred. Indoor cables which are weatherised as specified in (IEC 60794-6-30) are used when an indoor cable is used outdoors over a short distance (few meters), for example when the network access point (NAP) is very close to the building. The indoor-outdoor fibre optical cable design can be derived from an indoor design (see IEC 60794-2 and IEC TR 62901 for typical applications) with specific outdoor performance features added. Critical parameters are UV stability, and resistance against exposure to humidity.

IEC 60794-6-30:2020 is a family specification covering optical fibre indoor cables that are deployed in short length (≤ 10 m) outdoor environments. These cables generally possess the characteristics associated with indoor cable designs having the appropriate fire performance and flexibility that makes them suitable for use in premises. Because of its predicted use outdoors, stability against environmental attack, for example UV radiation and humidity (see IEC 60794-6:2020, Table 1), is important. Typical application spaces include the extension of a short length of indoor cable outside the building such as to a NAP mounted outside the building at the house wall.

IEC TR 62362:2020 is available as IEC TR 62362:2020 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.
IEC/TR 62362: 2020 which is a technical report, provides information on the specification of optical fibre cables with respect to the mechanical, ingress, climatic and chemical or electromagnetic characteristics (MICE) as classified in ISO/IEC 11801-1. In this classification system, each letter of the four initials of the acronym are subscripted with a value from one to three to indicate different severities. The current attributes and severities are found in Annex A. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2010. It constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
- replacement of references and information from ISO/IEC 24702 and ISO/IEC 11801 with ISO/IEC 11801-1;
- update of the MICE table;
- update of the current optical fibre designations of IEC 60793-2-10 and IEC 60793-2-50.

IEC 60794-1-215:2020 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 freezing water that can immediately surround the optical fibre cable sheath by observing any changes in the physical appearance of the sheath, or in the measured cable optical attenuation. Method F15A is a test standard to simulate freezing of the medium surrounding a buried cable, as in wet earth or water. Method F15A is moved from method F15 in IEC 60794-1-22:2017 without any technical changes. Method F15B is a test standard to simulate freezing of the medium surrounding an outside cable in a rigid conduit (duct) which is made of rigid material, for example steel. Method F15B includes the solution to prevent the cable from being crushed when experiencing freezing conditions in a rigid conduit (duct) which are pressure absorber pads and any other suggested means of cable protection. A reference guide to test methods of all types as well as general requirements can be found in IEC 60794-1-2.

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 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 60793-2-10:2019 is available as IEC 60793-2-10:2019 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.
IEC 60793-2-10:2019 is applicable to optical fibre sub-categories A1-OM1, A1-OM2, A1-OM3, A1-OM4, A1-OM5, and A1d. These fibres are used or can be incorporated in information transmission equipment and optical fibre cables. Sub-categories A1-OM2, A1-OM3, A1-OM4 and A1-OM5 apply to 50/125 µm graded index fibre in four bandwidth grades. Each of these bandwidth grades is defined for two levels of macrobend loss performance that are distinguished by "a" or "b" suffix. Those sub-categories with suffix "a" are specified to meet traditional macrobend loss performance levels. Those sub-categories with suffix "b" are specified to meet enhanced macrobend loss (i.e. lower loss) performance levels. Sub-category A1-OM5 is specified to support single wavelength or multi-wavelength transmission systems in the vicinity of 850 nm to 950 nm. Although not normatively specified, bandwidth information covering this wavelength range is also included for A1-OM3 and A1-OM4. Sub-category A1-OM1 applies to 62,5/125 µm graded index fibre and sub-category A1d applies to 100/140 µm 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 A to D.
This seventh edition cancels and replaces the sixth edition published in 2017. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant change with respect to the previous edition: revision of the naming convention for A1 multimode fibres, which better matches with those found in ISO/IEC standards. These changes are outlined in the scope of this document along with a cross reference table for the new names.
Keywords: optical fibre sub-categories A1-OM1, A1-OM2, A1-OM3, A1-OM4, A1-OM5, and A1d

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

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