EN 50289-4-7:2008

Overview

EN 50289-4-7:2008 is a key European standard that specifies test methods for communication cables, focusing on environmental testing under damp heat, steady state conditions. Issued by CLC, this standard outlines procedures to evaluate the stability of transmission performance for finished cables used in analog and digital communication systems when exposed to sustained humid heat environments. This test method ensures reliable cable performance despite environmental stressors that may be encountered during typical use.

The standard complements Part 4-1 of EN 50289, which covers general environmental testing requirements, and is integral for manufacturers and testers aiming to validate cable durability and performance under challenging climate conditions.

Key Topics

• Scope and Purpose
  The test verifies the transmission stability of communication cables subjected to steady-state damp heat, typically at 60 °C and over 95% relative humidity for an extended period (commonly 96 hours), reflecting real-world environmental stresses.

• Test Equipment and Conditions
  Testing requires a climatic chamber capable of controlling temperature within ±3 K and maintaining high humidity by admitting or generating water vapor. Transmission measuring equipment suitable for detecting changes in cable performance is essential.

• Sample Preparation
  Cable samples must have adequate length per cable specifications and are typically tested as loose coils or on cushioned reels to prevent tension that could impact results. The winding diameter should allow for differential thermal expansion without restriction to mimic actual cable deployment conditions.

• Testing Procedure
  The testing method involves:

  • Initial visual inspection and baseline transmission measurement at ambient temperature
  • Gradual heating of the climatic chamber to test temperature
  • Steady exposure to high humidity and temperature for a specified duration
  • Controlled cooling back to ambient temperature and ensuring temperature stability before removal
  • Optional recovery phase at standard atmospheric conditions to assess permanent effects

• Measurement and Acceptance
  Transmission parameters such as attenuation or electrical length are monitored before, during, and after testing. Acceptance criteria depend on relevant cable specifications to determine pass/fail status.

• Reporting Requirements
  Test reports must detail inspection schedules, sample configuration (winding type, diameter, tension), equipment used, temperature cycling protocols, transmission parameter variations, and compliance results.

Applications

EN 50289-4-7:2008 is essential for cable manufacturers, testing laboratories, and quality assurance teams involved in analogue and digital communication infrastructure. Its implementation ensures that communication cables maintain reliable transmission quality despite prolonged exposure to damp heat environments commonly found in indoor, outdoor, and industrial settings.

Typical applications include:

• Telecommunications networks with cables exposed to humid climates
• Data centers requiring environmental robustness testing of internal cabling
• Industrial automation systems where cables face fluctuating temperature and moisture
• Outdoor communication installations subject to steady high humidity and heat cycles

Using this standard helps reduce failure risks, increase network uptime, and comply with regulatory requirements for cable environmental performance.

Related Standards

• EN 50289-4-1 - Environmental test methods – General requirements
• EN 50290-1-2 - Communication cables – Definitions and terminology
• EN 60068-2-14 - Environmental testing – Change of temperature test methods
• IEC 60068 Series - International standards covering various environmental testing procedures

These standards collectively provide a comprehensive framework for testing communication cables against environmental stresses, ensuring consistent and reliable performance across diverse applications.

Keywords: EN 50289-4-7, communication cables, damp heat test, environmental test methods, transmission performance, cable testing, climatic chamber, humidity testing, cable standards, digital communication cables, analogue cables, steady-state heat, CLC standard, cable durability, communication infrastructure testing.