EN 60794-1-1:2002

SLOVENSKI SIST EN 60794-1-1:2002
prva izdaja
STANDARD
september 2002
Optical fibre cables - Part 1-1: Generic specification - General (IEC 60794-1-1:2001)
ICS 33.180.10 Referenčna številka
©  Standard je založil in izdal Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje ali kopiranje celote ali delov tega dokumenta ni dovoljeno

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 60794-1-1
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM February 2002
ICS 33.180.10 Supersedes EN 60794-1-1:1999 + A1:2001
Partly supersedes EN 187000:1992
English version
Optical fibre cables
Part 1-1: Generic specification –
General
(IEC 60794-1-1:2001)
Câbles à fibres optiques Lichtwellenleiterkabel
Partie 1-1: Spécification générique - Teil 1-1: Fachgrundspezifikation -
Généralités Allgemeines
(CEI 60794-1-1:2001) (IEC 60794-1-1:2001)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2001-12-04. CENELEC members are bound to
comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on
application to the Central Secretariat or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and
notified to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands,
Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
CENELEC
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart 35, B - 1050 Brussels
© 2002 CENELEC - All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members.
Ref. No. EN 60794-1-1:2002 E
Foreword
The text of document 86A/683/FDIS, future edition 2 of IEC 60794-1-1, prepared by SC 86A, Fibres
and cables, of IEC TC 86, Fibre optics, was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote and was
approved by CENELEC as EN 60794-1-1 on 2001-12-04.
This European Standard supersedes EN 60794-1-1:1999 + A1:2001.
This European Standard, together with EN 60794-1-2:1999, supersedes EN 187000:1992.
The following dates were fixed:
– latest date by which the EN has to be implemented
at national level by publication of an identical
national standard or by endorsement (dop) 2002-09-01
– latest date by which the national standards conflicting
with the EN have to be withdrawn (dow) 2004-12-01
Annexes designated "normative" are part of the body of the standard.
Annexes designated "informative" are given for information only.
In this standard, annex ZA is normative and annexes A, B and C are informative.
Annex ZA has been added by CENELEC.
__________
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 60794-1-1:2001 was approved by CENELEC as a
European Standard without any modification.
__________
- 3 - EN 60794-1-1:2002
Annex ZA
(normative)
Normative references to international publications
with their corresponding European publications
This European Standard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other
publications. These normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text and the
publications are listed hereafter. For dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any
of these publications apply to this European Standard only when incorporated in it by amendment or
revision. For undated references the latest edition of the publication referred to applies (including
amendments).
NOTE When an international publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod), the relevant
EN/HD applies.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 60189-1 1986 Low-frequency cables and wires with--
PVC insulation and PVC sheath
Part 1: General test and measuring
methods
IEC 60331-11 1999 Tests for electric cables under fire--
conditions - Circuit integrity
Part 11: Apparatus - Fire alone at a
flame temperature of at least 750 °C
IEC 60331-21 1999 Part 21: Procedures and requirements ---
Cables of rated voltage up to and
including 0,6/1,0 kV
IEC 60332-1 1993 Tests on electric cables under fire--
conditions
Part 1: Test on a single vertical
insulated wire or cable
IEC 60332-3 1992 Part 3: Tests on bunched wires or HD 405.3 S1 1993
cables
IEC 60754-1 1994 Test on gases evolved during --
combustion of materials from cables
Part 1: Determination of the amount of
halogen acid gas
1)
IEC 60754-2 1991 Test on gases evolved during HD 602 S1 1992
(mod) combustion of materials from cables -
Determination of degree of acidity
(corrosivity) of gases by measuring pH
and conductivity
IEC 60793-1-1 1995 Optical fibres --
Part 1: Generic specification --
Section 1: General
1)
HD 602 S1 is superseded by EN 50267-1:1998 and EN 50267-2-3:1998.

Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 60793-1-4 1995 Optical fibres --
Part 1: Generic specification --
Section 4: Measuring methods for
transmission and optical characteristics
IEC 60793-1-20 2001 Optical fibres EN 60793-1-20 2002
Part 1-20: Measurement methods and
test procedures - Fibre geometry
IEC 60793-1-21 2001 Optical fibres EN 60793-1-21 2002
Part 1-21: Measurement methods and
test procedures - Coating geometry
IEC 60793-1-22 2001 Optical fibres EN 60793-1-22 2002
Part 1-22: Measurement methods and
test procedures - Length measurement
2)
IEC 60793-1-40 2001 Optical fibres EN 60793-1-40 -
Part 1-40: Measurement methods and
test procedures – Attenuation
IEC 60793-1-41 2001 Optical fibres EN 60793-1-41 2002
Part 1-41: Measurement methods and
test procedures – Bandwidth
IEC 60793-1-42 2001 Optical fibres EN 60793-1-42 2002
Part 1-42: Measurement methods and
test procedures - Chromatic dispersion
IEC 60793-1-43 2001 Optical fibres EN 60793-1-43 2002
Part 1-43: Measurement methods and
test procedures - Numerical aperture
IEC 60793-1-44 2001 Optical fibres EN 60793-1-44 2002
Part 1-44: Measurement methods and
test procedures - Cut-off wavelength
2)
IEC 60793-1-45 2001 Optical fibres EN 60793-1-45 -
Part 1-45: Measurement methods and
test procedures - Mode field diameter
IEC 60793-1-46 2001 Optical fibres EN 60973-1-46 2002
Part 1-46: Measurement methods and
test procedures - Monitoring of changes
in optical transmittance
IEC 60793-2 1998 Part 2: Product specifications - -
IEC 60794-1-2 1999 Optical fibre cables EN 60794-1-2 1999
Part 1-2: Generic specification - Basic
optical cable test procedures
2)
To be published.
- 5 - EN 60794-1-1:2002
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 60811-1-1 1993 Insulating and sheathing materials of EN 60811-1-1 1995
electric and optical cables - Common
test methods
Part 1-1: General application -
Measurement of thickness and overall
dimensions - Tests for determining the
mechanical properties
IEC 60885-1 1987 Electrical test methods for electric--
cables
Part 1 : Electrical tests for cables, cords
and wires for voltages up to and
including 450/750 V
3)
IEC 61034-1 1997 Measurement of smoke density of--
cables burning under defined conditions
Part 1: Test apparatus
4)
IEC 61034-2 1997 Part 2: Test procedure and --
requirements
3)
EN 50268-1:1999, which is related to IEC 61034-1:1997, applies.
4)
EN 50268-2:1999, which is related to IEC 61034-2:1997, applies.

NORME
CEI
INTERNATIONALE IEC
60794-1-1
INTERNATIONAL
Deuxième édition
STANDARD
Second edition
2001-07
Câbles à fibres optiques –
Partie 1-1:
Spécification générique – Généralités
Optical fibre cables –
Part 1-1:
Generic specification – General
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60794-1-1 © IEC:2001 – 3 –
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 5
1 Scope . 9
2 Normative references. 9
3 Definitions. 11
4 Optical fibre cables . 13
5 Materials. 13
5.1 Optical fibre material. 13
5.2 Electrical conductors. 15
5.3 Other materials . 15
5.4 Environmental requirements . 15
6 Cable construction . 15
7 Measuring methods – General . 15
8 Measuring methods for dimensions . 15
9 Measuring methods for mechanical characteristics. 17
10 Measuring methods for electrical characteristics . 19
11 Measuring methods for transmission and optical characteristics. 21
12 Measuring methods for environmental characteristics . 23
13 Measuring methods for cable element characterisation . 23
Annex A (informative) Guide to the installation of optical fibre cables . 25
A.1 General. 25
A.2 Installation planning . 25
A.3 Cable installation methods . 33
A.4 Lightning protection. 55
Annex B (informative) Guide to hydrogen effects in optical fibre cables . 57
B.1 General. 57
B.2 Evaluation of hydrogen induced effects . 57
B.3 Hydrogen effects in optical fibre cables . 59
Annex C (informative) Guide to specific defined applications of cabled fibre attenuation . 63
Bibliography . 65

60794-1-1 © IEC:2001 – 5 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
OPTICAL FIBRE CABLES –
Part 1-1: Generic specification – General
FOREWORD
1) The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of the IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, the IEC publishes International Standards. Their preparation is
entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with may
participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising
with the IEC also participate in this preparation. The IEC collaborates closely with the International
Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the
two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of the IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an
international consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation
from all interested National Committees.
3) The documents produced have the form of recommendations for international use and are published in the form
of standards, technical specifications, technical reports or guides and they are accepted by the National
Committees in that sense.
4) In order to promote international unification, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC International
Standards transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional standards. Any
divergence between the IEC Standard and the corresponding national or regional standard shall be clearly
indicated in the latter.
5) The IEC provides no marking procedure to indicate its approval and cannot be rendered responsible for any
equipment declared to be in conformity with one of its standards.
6) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this International Standard may be the subject
of patent rights. The IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 60794-1-1 has been prepared by subcommittee 86A: Fibres and
cables, of IEC technical committee 86: Fibre optics.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition, published in 1999, and constitutes
a technical revision.
This standard shall be used in conjunction with IEC 60794-1-2.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
86A/683/FDIS 86A/715/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 3.
Informative annexes A “Guide for optical fibre cables for short distance links” and B “Guide to
the procurement of optical fibre cables” existing in Edition 1 are deleted in Edition 2. In
accordance with IEC status, informative annexes C “Guide to the installation of optical fibre
cables”, D “Guide to hydrogen effects in optical fibre cables” are renamed A and B, then
informative annex E “Guide to specific defined application of cabled fibre attenuation” is
named C.
60794-1-1 © IEC:2001 – 7 –
Annexes A, B and C are for information only.
IEC 60794 consists of the following parts, under the general title: Optical fibre cables:
Part 1-1: Generic specification – General
Part 1-2: Generic specification – Basic optical cable test procedures
Part 2: Product specification (internal cable)
Part 3: Sectional specification – External cables
1)
Part 4: Overhead cables
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
2005. At this date, the publication will be
 reconfirmed;
 withdrawn;
 replaced by a revised edition, or
 amended.
_________
1)
Under consideration.
60794-1-1 © IEC:2001 – 9 –
OPTICAL FIBRE CABLES –
Part 1-1: Generic specification – General
1 Scope
This part of IEC 60794 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.
The object of this standard is to establish uniform generic requirements for the geometrical,
transmission, material, mechanical, ageing (environmental exposure) and climatic properties
of optical fibre cables, and electrical requirements, where appropriate.
2 Normative references
The following normative documents contain provisions which, through reference in this text,
constitute provisions of this part of IEC 60794. For dated references, subsequent
amendments to, or revisions of, any of these publications do not apply. However, parties to
agreements based on this part of IEC 60794 are encouraged to investigate the possibility of
applying the most recent editions of the normative documents indicated below. For undated
references, the latest edition of the normative document referred to applies. Members of IEC
and ISO maintain registers of currently valid International Standards.
IEC 60189-1:1986, Low-frequency cables and wires with PVC insulation and PVC sheath –
Part 1: General test and measuring methods
IEC 60331-11:1999, Tests for electric cables under fire conditions – Circuit integrity – Part 11:
Apparatus – Fire alone at a flame temperature of at least 750 °C
IEC 60331-21:1999, Tests for electric cables under fire conditions – Circuit integrity – Part 21:
Procedures and requirements – Cables of rated voltage up to and including 0,6/1,0 kV
IEC 60332-1:1993, Tests on electric cables under fire conditions – Part 1: Test on a single
vertical insulated wire or cable
IEC 60332-3:1992, Tests on electric cables under fire conditions – Part 3: Tests on bunched
wires or cables
IEC 60754-1:1994, Test on gases evolved during combustion of materials from cables –
Part 1: Determination of the amount of halogen acid gas
IEC 60754-2:1991, Test on gases evolved during combustion of electric cables – Part 2:
Determination of degree of acidity of gases evolved during the combustion of materials taken
from electric cables by measuring pH and conductivity
IEC 60793-1-1:1995, Optical fibres – Part 1: Generic specification – Section 1: General
IEC 60793-1-4:1995, Optical fibres – Part 1: Generic specification – Section 4: Measuring
methods for transmission and optical characteristics

60794-1-1 © IEC:2001 – 11 –
IEC 60793-1-20:2001, Optical Fibres – Part 1-20: Measurement and test procedures – Fibre
geometry measurement methods
IEC 60793-1-21:2001, Optical Fibres – Part 1-21: Measurement and test procedures –
Coating geometry measurement methods
IEC 60793-1-22:2001, Optical Fibres – Part 1-22: Measurement and test procedures – Length
measurement methods
IEC 60793-1-40:2001, Optical fibres – Part 1-40: Measurement methods and test procedures
– Attenuation
IEC 60793-1-41:2001, Optical fibres – Part 1-41: Measurement methods and test procedures
– Bandwidth
IEC 60793-1-42:2001, Optical fibres – Part 1-42: Measurement methods and test procedures
– Chromatic dispersion
IEC 60793-1-43:2001, Optical fibres – Part 1-43: Measurement methods and test procedures
– Numerical aperture
IEC 60793-1-44:2001, Optical fibres – Part 1-44: Measurement methods and test procedures
– Cut-off wavelength
IEC 60793-1-45:2001, Optical fibres – Part 1-45: Measurement methods and test procedures
– Mode field diameter
IEC 60793-1-46:—, Optical fibres – Part 1-46: Measurement and test procedures – Monitoring
of changes in optical transmittance
IEC 60793-2:1998, Optical fibres – Part 2: Product specifications
IEC 60794-1-2:1999, Optical fibre cables – Part 1-2: Generic specification – Basic optical
cable test procedures
IEC 60811-1-1:1993, Common test methods for insulating and sheathing materials of electric
cables – Part 1: Methods for general application – Section 1: Measurement of thickness and
overall dimensions – Tests for determining the mechanical properties
IEC 60885-1:1987, Electrical test methods for electric cables. Part 1: Electrical tests for
cables, cords and wires for voltages up to and including 450/750 V
IEC 61034-1:1997, Measurement of smoke density of cables burning under defined conditions
– Part 1: Test apparatus
IEC 61034-2:1997, Measurement of smoke density of cables burning under defined conditions
– Part 2: Test procedure and requirement
3 Definitions
Under consideration.
60794-1-1 © IEC:2001 – 13 –
4 Optical fibre cables
Optical fibre cables, containing optical fibres and possibly electrical conductors, consist of the
following types:
– cables for direct burial;
– cables for installation in ducts;
– cables for installation in tunnels;
– overhead cables;
– underwater cables for lakes and river crossings;
– indoor cables;
– portable cables;
– equipment cables;
– special purpose cables.
5 Materials
5.1 Optical fibre material
Optical fibres shall meet the requirements of IEC 60793-1-1 and 60793-2.
The maximum room temperature cabled fibre attenuation for each of the fibre types, unless
otherwise specified, shall be as follows:
Table 1 – Maximum cabled fibre attenuation (dB/km)
Wavelength
nm
Fibre type
850 1 300 1 310 1 550 1 625
3,5 1,5 – – –
A1a (50/125 µm)
A1b (62,5/125 µm) 3,5 1,5 – – –
A1d (100/140 µm) 7,0 4,5 – – –
A2, A3, A4 (all categories) UC* UC – – –
B1.1 (dispersion unshifted) – – 0,40 0,35 0,40
B1.2 (loss minimized unshifted) – – NA* 0,30 UC
B2 (dispersion shifted) – – 0,50 0,35 UC
B3 (dispersion flattened) – – 1,00 0,50 NA
B4 (non-zero dispersion) – – NA 0,35 0,40
* UC: Under consideration
* NA: Not applicable
60794-1-1 © IEC:2001 – 15 –
Single-mode attenuation values are harmonised with the applicable ITU Recommendations.
Annex C gives information for specific defined applications of cabled fibre attenuation.
The cabled modal bandwidth of type A fibres is considered to be the same as the "as
manufactured" modal bandwidth as measured by the fibre supplier. The cabled modal
bandwidth of type B fibres is not defined.
5.2 Electrical conductors
The characteristics of any electrical conductors shall be in accordance with the relevant IEC
standards, as stated in the detail specification.
5.3 Other materials
Material used in the construction of optical fibre cables shall be compatible with the physical
and optical properties of the fibres and shall be in accordance with the relevant IEC
standards, as stated in the detail specification.
5.4 Environmental requirements
When requested, information shall be provided on the overall environmental impact of the
cable and cable material. This information should include manufacturing, cable handling and
environmental impact during the lifetime of the cable. The manufacturer shall demonstrate
compliance with applicable end-of-life regulations.
6 Cable construction
The construction, dimensions, weight, mechanical, optical, electrical and climatic properties of
each type of optical fibre cable shall be as stated in the detail specification.
7 Measuring methods – General
Not all tests are applicable to all cables.
Intrinsic characteristics of optical fibres are normally not measured by cable manufacturers.
The relevant values are provided by optical fibre manufacturers, available as unitary or
statistical values.
If required, and as specified in the detail specification, tests may be carried out on aged
samples.
8 Measuring methods for dimensions
The dimensions of the optical fibres, electrical conductors and cables shall be determined by
subjecting samples to tests selected from table 2. The tests applied, acceptance criteria and
number of samples shall be as specified in the detail specification.

60794-1-1 © IEC:2001 – 17 –
Table 2 – Measuring methods for dimensions
Characteristics covered by test
Test method Test
method
IEC 60793-1-20 method A Refracted near field (see note 1) Diameter of core (see notes 3, 4 and 5)
Diameter of cladding
Non-circularities
IEC 60793-1-20 method B Transverse interference Concentricity errors
IEC 60793-1-20 method C Near-field light distribution (see note 2) Diameter of core (see notes 3, 4 and 5)
Diameter of cladding
Non-circularities
Concentricity errors
IEC 60793-1-21 method A Side view light distribution for primary Diameter of primary coating
coating
Non-circularity of primary coating
Concentricity error of primary coating
IEC 60793-1-20 method D Mechanical diameter measurement Diameter of cladding
Diameter of primary coating
Diameter of buffer
Non-circularities
IEC 60793-1-22 method A Delay of transmitted and/or reflected Length of fibre
pulse
IEC 60793-1-22 method B Backscattering technique Length of fibre
IEC 60189-1 Mechanical Diameter of electrical conductor
IEC 60811-1-1 Mechanical
Thickness of insulation – electrical
conductors
IEC 60189-1
Thickness of sheaths
Overall dimensions
NOTE 1 The refracted near field technique is a direct application of core definition based on the refractive index
profile. This method gives the refractive index profile from which the dimensions and numerical aperture can be
calculated.
NOTE 2 With the near field light distribution, the dimensions obtained are correlated to the refractive index profile,
but are not strictly in accordance with the definition of core diameter.
NOTE 3 For dimensions linked to the transmission part of single-mode fibres (i.e. diameter of mode field,
concentricity of mode field), see IEC 60793-1-4.
NOTE 4 For practical reasons, the core diameter of single-mode fibres is not normally specified.
NOTE 5 A definition of the core diameter of single-mode fibres is under consideration.
9 Measuring methods for mechanical characteristics
The mechanical characteristics of optical fibre cables shall be verified by subjecting samples
to tests selected from table 3. The tests applied, acceptance criteria and number of samples
shall be as specified in the detail specification.

60794-1-1 © IEC:2001 – 19 –
Table 3 – Measuring methods for mechanical characteristics
Characteristics covered by
Test method Test
test method
IEC 60794-1-2-E1 Tensile performance
IEC 60794-1-2E2 Abrasion
IEC 60794-1-2E3 Crush Mechanical strength
IEC 60794-1-2E4 Impact
IEC 60794-1-2E13 Shot-gun damage
IEC 60794-1-2E18 Bending under tension
IEC 60794-1-2E19 Aeolian vibration and galloping *
IEC 60794-1-2E6 Repeated bending
IEC 60794-1-2E7 Torsion
IEC 60794-1-2E8 Flexing Ease of handling
IEC 60794-1-2E10 Kink
IEC 60794-1-2E11 Bend
IEC 60794-1-2E12 Cut-through resistance
IEC 60794-1-2E14 Compound flow (drip)
IEC 60794-1-2E15 Bleeding and evaporation
IEC 60794-1-2E17 Stiffness
IEC 60794-1-2E18 Bending under tension
IEC 60794-1-2E20* Cable coiling performance
* Under consideration.
10 Measuring methods for electrical characteristics
When electrical conductors are incorporated in an optical fibre cable, verification of various
electrical characteristics may be necessary. Typical tests are shown in table 4. The tests
applied and the acceptance criteria shall be as laid down in the detail specification.
Table 4 – Measuring methods for electrical characteristics
Characteristics covered by
Test method Test
test method
IEC 60189-1 Conductor resistance Characteristics of insulated
electrical conductors
IEC 60885-1 Dielectric strength of insulation
Insulation resistance
60794-1-1 © IEC:2001 – 21 –
11 Measuring methods for transmission and optical characteristics
The transmission and optical characteristics of optical fibre in cables shall be verified by
carrying out selected tests from those shown in table 5. The tests applied and acceptance
criteria shall be as specified in the detail specification.
Table 5 – Transmission and optical characteristics of optical fibres
Test method Test Characteristics covered by
the test method
Test methods of multimode and single-mode fibres
IEC 60793-1-40 method A Cut-back technique Attenuation
IEC 60793-1-40 method B Insertion loss technique
IEC 60793-1-40 method C Backscattering technique
IEC 60793-1-20 method A Refracted near field method Refractive index profile
IEC 60793-1-20 method B Transverse interference method
IEC 60793-1-20 method C Near field light distribution
IEC 60793-1-40 method C Backscattering technique Point defects
IEC 60793-1-C4 Transmitted or radiated light power Optical continuity
IEC 60793-1-40 method C Backscattering technique
IEC 60793-1-42 method A Phase-shift method Chromatic dispersion
IEC 60793-1-42 method B Spectral group delay measurement in the time
domain
IEC 60793-1-46 method A Transmitted power monitoring Change of optical
transmittance during
IEC 60793-1-46 method B Backscattering monitoring
mechanical and environmental
tests
Test methods of multimode fibres
IEC 60793-1-41 method A Impulse response Bandwidth
IEC 60793-1-41 method B Frequency response
IEC 60793-1-43 Far-field light distribution Numerical aperture
Test methods of single-mode fibres
IEC 60793-1-C3A** Expandable drum Microbending sensitivity
IEC 60793-1-C3B** Fixed diameter drum
IEC 60793-1-47 Macrobending sensitivity Macrobending sensitivity
IEC 60793-1-42 method C Differential phase shift Chromatic dispersion
IEC 60793-1-42 method D Interferometry *
IEC 60793-1-44 method A Cut-off wavelength Fibre cut-off wavelength
IEC 60793-1-44 method B Cable cut-off wavelength (jumper cable cut-off Cabled fibre cut-off
wavelength) * wavelength
IEC 60793-1-45 method A Direct far-field scan Mode field diameter
IEC 60793-1-45 method B Variable aperture in the far field
IEC 60793-1-45 method C Near field scan
* Under consideration.
2)
** To be supplemented by IEC TR 62221[1]
_________
2)
Figures in square brackets refer to the bibliography.

60794-1-1 © IEC:2001 – 23 –
12 Measuring methods for environmental characteristics
The ability of optical fibre cables to meet environmental requirements without deterioration of
their mechanical or optical properties shall be verified by subjecting samples to tests selected
from table 6. The tests applied, the relevant temperatures and conditions, the number of
samples and acceptance criteria shall be as stated in the detail specification.
Table 6 – Measuring methods for environmental characteristics
Characteristics covered by
Test method Test
test method
IEC 60331-11 and IEC 60331-21 Fire performance Cable performance under fire
conditions
IEC 60332-1 and IEC 60332-3
IEC 60754-1 and IEC 60754-2
IEC 61034-1 and IEC 61034-2
IEC 60794-1-2F1 Temperature cycling Climatic characteristics
IEC 60794-1-2F3 * Sheath integrity Sheath defects
IEC 60794-1-2F5 Water penetration Resistance to water penetration
IEC 60794-1-2F7 Nuclear radiation Resistance to nuclear radiation
IEC 60794-1-2F8 Pneumatic resistance Gas pressurisation
IEC 60794-1-2F9 * Ageing Environmental exposure
IEC 60794-1-2F10 Hydrostatic pressure Underwater cable resistance to
hydrostatic pressure
IEC 60794-1-2E5 Stripping force stability of cabled fibres Fibre stripping
* Under consideration.
13 Measuring methods for cable element characterisation
The tests shown in table 7 are intended to characterise the different types of cable elements
for splicing purposes.
Table 7 –Measuring methods for cable element characterisation
Characteristics covered by
Test method Test
the test method
IEC 60794-1-2G1 Bend test for cable element
IEC 60794-1-2G2 Ribbon dimensions and geometry – visual
method
IEC 60794-1-2G3 Ribbon dimensions – aperture gauge
Splicing
IEC 60794-1-2G4 Ribbon dimensions – dial gauge
IEC 60794-1-2G5 Ribbon tear (separability)
IEC 60794-1-2G6 Ribbon torsion
IEC 60794-1-2G7 Tube kinking
60794-1-1 © IEC:2001 – 25 –
Annex A
(informative)
Guide to the installation of optical fibre cables
A.1 General
Optical fibre cabling provides a high performance communications pathway whose
characteristics can be degraded by inadequate installation. This annex provides guidance to
assist the user and installer with regard to the general aspects of the installation of optical
fibre cables covered by the IEC 60794 series of specifications, and the particular aspects of
the 'blowing' technique.
Optical fibre cables are designed so that normal installation practices and equipment can be
used wherever possible. They do, however, generally have a strain limit rather lower than
metallic conductor cables and, in some circumstances, special care and arrangements may be
needed to ensure successful installation.
It is important to pay particular attention to the cable manufacturer's recommendations and
stated physical limitations and not exceed the given cable tensile load rating for a particular
cable. Damage caused by overloading during installation may not be immediately apparent
but can lead to failure later in its service life.
This guide does not supersede the additional relevant standards and requirements applicable
to certain hazardous environments, e.g. electricity supply and railways.
A.2 Installation planning
A.2.1 Installation specification
The successful installation of an optical fibre cable can be influenced significantly by careful
planning and assisted by the preparation of an installation specification by the user. The
installation specification should address the cabling infrastructure, cable routes, potential
hazards and installation environment and provide a bill of materials and technical requirements
for cables, connectors and closures.
The installation specification should also detail any civil works, route preparation (including
drawpits, ductwork, traywork and trunking) and surveying that are necessary, together with a
clear indication of responsibilities and contractual interfaces, especially if there are any site or
access limitations.
Post installation requirements for reinstatement, spares, ancillary services and regulatory
issues should also be addressed.
A.2.2 Route considerations
Whilst optical fibre cables are lighter and installed in longer lengths than conventional metallic
cables, the same basic route considerations apply.

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Route planning and cable handling methods must carefully take into account the specified
minimum bending radius and maximum tensile loading of the particular optical fibre cable
being installed so that fibre damage, giving rise to latent faults, can be avoided.
Some of the most difficult situations for the installation of optical fibre cables are in
underground ducts and the condition and geometry of duct routes is of great importance.
Where the infrastructure includes ducts in poor condition, excessive curvature, or ducts
already containing cables or access points with abrupt changes of direction, the maximum pull
distance will be reduced accordingly.
Provision of long cable lengths in underground duct or aerial situations may involve
installation methods that require access to the cable at intermediate points for additional
winching effort, or “figure 8” techniques, these sites should be chosen with care.
Consideration should also be given to factors of time and disturbance. Installation equipment
may be required to run for long periods of time and the time of day, noise levels, and
vehicular traffic disruption should be taken into account.
Because the condition of underground ducts intended for optical fibre cable is of particular
importance, care should always be taken to ensure that ducts are in sound condition and as
clean and clear as possible. Consideration can also be given to the provision of a sub-duct
system, either in single or multiple form, to provide a good environment for installation,
segregation of cables, extra mechanical protection and improved maintenance procedures.
Sub-ducts can be more difficult to rope and cable than normal size ducts, particularly over
long lengths, and the diameter ratio between the cable and subduct should be considered.
For overhead route sections, a very important consideration is the need to minimise in-service
cable movement. Movement of the cable produced by thermal changes, cable weight, ice
loading, wind, etc. may have a detrimental effect. A stable pole route, with all poles set as
rigidly as possible, is therefore an important element in reducing possible movement and
consideration should be given to purpose-designed, optical fibre-compatible, pole top fittings
and attachments.
Although optical fibre cables are generally light in weight, their addition to an existing
suspension member can take the optical fibre beyond its recommended strain limit and the
added dip and extension should be calculated before installation.
Where it is planned for long lengths of optical fibre cable to be directly buried or ploughed,
those sections involving ploughing can, with advantage, be pre-prepared using specialised
slitting or trenching equipment.
A.2.3 Cable installation tension predictions
The potential for providing very long lengths of optical fibre cable can lead to the need for
confidence that a particular installation operation will be successfully achieved, particularly in
underground ducts, and a good indication can be provided, in some cases, by calculating the
maximum cable tension. This maximum tension can be compared with the stated mechanical
performance of the cable and, where these values are close, consideration can be given to
methods for providing a greater margin of safety such as an alternative cable design,
shortening the route, changing the route or direction of cabling, provision of intermediate
winches, or by taking special precautions at particular locations. Calculation considerations
are indicated in figure A.1.
60794-1-1 © IEC:2001 – 29 –
A.2.3.1 Maximum cabling tension
The following main contributory functions need to be considered when calculating cable
tensions:
– the mass per unit length of cable;
– the coefficient of friction between cable sheath and surfaces with which it will come in
contact;
– deviations and inclinations.
Using the routes and common tension formulae in figure A.1 as an example:
Feed end
A
Pulling end
30°
200 m
G
45°
1 in 8 down
1 in 10 up
250 m
F
60 m
Level
90°
20 m
E
100 m
160 m
B
Level
1 in 6 up Level
C D
IEC  1086/01
Equation 1 (for straight sections)  T = T + µlwg
i
Equation 2 (for inclined sections)  T = T + lwg (µ cosθ + sinθ)
i
µθ
Equation 3 (for deviated sections and bends)  T = T e
i
where
T is the tension at end of section (N);
T is the tension at beginning of section (N);
i
µ is the coefficient of friction (between cable and duct or guide);
l is the length of section (m);
w is the cable specific mass (kg/m);
θ is the inclination (radians, + up, – down) or deviation (radians, horizontal plane);
g is the acceleration due to gravity (9,81 m/s²).
Figure A.1 – Cable tension calculations
A.2.3.2 Total tension
Total tension can be calculated on a cumulative basis working through each section, from one
end of the route to the other, as indicated in table A.1 (for this example, µ = 0,55 and w =
0,92 kg/m).
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Table A.1 – Calculation for total tension
Tension at Tension at end
Section Length beginning of Inclination Deviation Equation of section
section T (cumulative) T
i
mN rad rad N
A– 0 – – – 0
A – B 250 0 0,100 – 2 1 460
B – 1 460 – 1,571 3 3 464
B – C 160 3 464 0,165 – 2 4 484
C – 4 484 – – – 4 484
C – D 100 4 484 – – 1 4 980
D – 4 980 – – – 4 980
D – E 20 4 980 0,785 3 7 669
E – 7 669 – – – 7 669
E – F 60 7 669 – – 1 7 967
F – 7 967 0,524 3 10 628
F – G 200 10 628 –0,124 – 2 11 390
NOTE Where more than one cable per duct is installed, tension can be greatly raised and it is necessary to take
account of this by applying a factor before the deviation calculation. Factors vary with the number of cables,
sheath/cable materials, cable/duct sizes, cable flexibility, etc. Values can be in the order of 1,5 to 2 for two
cables, 2 to 4 for three cables and 4 to 9 for four cables.
A.2.4 Ambient conditions
Ambient conditions may affect installation procedures and it is good practice to install optical
fibre cables, particularly in long lengths only when the temperature is within the limits set by
the particular cable manufacturer.
The mechanical properties of optical cables are also dependent on the temperature and the
materials used in their construction. Typically, cables containing PVC in their construction
should not be installed when their temperature is below 0 °C whilst cables incorporating
polyethylene can be installed when their temperature is down to –15 °C. For most cables the
upper installation temperature limit is 50 °C. Unless special measures are taken, cables
should not have been exposed to temperatures outside the specified installation temperature
range for a period of 12 h prior to installation.
A.2.5 Information and training
Methods and practices used in the handling of optical fibre cables during installation can,
without producing any immediately obvious physical damage or transmission loss, affect their
long-term transmission characteristics.
Technicians involved in installation procedures should be made fully aware of the correct
methods to employ, the possible consequences of employing incorrect methods, and have
sufficient information and training to enable cables to be installed without damage to fibres.

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In particular, installation crews should be made aware of minimum bending criteria, and how
easy it is to contravene these when installing by hand.
A.3 Cable installation methods
A.3.1 General considerations
Optical fibre cable can be installed using the same or similar general methods employed for
metallic cables but with more attention required to certain aspects such as long lengths, cable
bending and cable strain and it may be necessary to employ particular methods and
equipment in some circumstances. Optical fibre must be protected from excessive strains,
produced axially or in bending, during installation and various methods are available to do
this. The aim of all optical fibre, cable-placing methods and systems should be to install the
cable with the fibre in an as near as possible strain-free condition, ready for splicing.
Other general precautions:
– delivery of cable to site should be monitored to ensure that no mechanical damage occurs
during off-loading from vehicles;
– storage conditions should be suitable, taking into account mechanical and environmental
considerations;
– documentation should be checked to ensure that cable delivered is in accordance with the
procurement specification;
– suitable protective caps should be fitted to the exposed ends of the optical cable. End
caps should be handled carefully to avoid damage during installation, and any damage
caps should be repaired or replaced.
A.3.2 Safety in confined spaces
During the installation of optical fibre cables, it may be necessary to work in confined spaces
such as manholes, underground passageways, tunnels and cable ways and areas where air
circulation is poor or where entry and exit is difficult.
Where the possibility of working in confined spaces exists, it is necessary to consider any
health and safety hazards that may be present, such as explosive, asphyxiating or
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