EN 61300-2-29:1997

Overview

EN 61300-2-29:1997 is a European standard developed by CLC based on IEC 61300-2-29:1995, focusing on fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components. This standard defines basic test and measurement procedures specifically for evaluating the effects of low air pressure environments, such as those encountered at high altitudes, on fibre optic devices. The standard ensures these components maintain performance and reliability under reduced atmospheric pressure conditions.

Key Topics

• Scope and Objective
  Determines the impact of reduced air pressure on fibre optic components to ensure optimal functionality in high-altitude and other low-pressure environments.

• Test Procedure
  Tests are conducted following IEC 68-2-13, test M. Specimens start at standard atmospheric pressure and temperature, then air pressure is gradually reduced to specified levels, maintained for a set duration, followed by re-pressurization to normal conditions.

• Severity Levels
  Predefined test severities combine air pressure kPa levels and exposure durations, for example:

  • 25 kPa for 5 minutes
  • 30 kPa for 30 minutes
  • 40 kPa for 2 hours
  • 55 kPa for 8 hours
  • 70 kPa for 4 hours
  • 84 kPa for 16 hours
    These allow tailored testing based on application requirements.

• Test Details to Specify
  Critical parameters to be indicated in the detailed specimen specification include:

  • Air pressure level and test duration
  • Specimen condition (optically functioning or non-functioning)
  • Connection state (mated or unmated)
  • Pre-conditioning and recovery procedures
  • Performance criteria and pass/fail thresholds

• Normative References
  The test procedure references IEC 68-2-13:1983, an environmental testing standard governing low air pressure testing.

Applications

EN 61300-2-29:1997 is essential for manufacturers and quality assurance teams in the fibre optic communications industry to verify device robustness under environmental stress. Typical applications include:

• Testing fibre optic connectors, adaptors, and passive components installed in aeronautical, aerospace, and high-altitude telecommunications systems.
• Assessing reliability for fiber optic devices used in mountainous or elevated terrain installations where air pressure deviates from sea level.
• Verifying quality and durability for components deployed in military or space-grade optical communication systems.
• Ensuring components used in international transport and altitudinally variable environments meet stringent international standards for performance under low pressure.

This standard supports product acceptance, compliance verification, and risk mitigation related to atmospheric pressure-induced failures.

Related Standards

EN 61300-2-29:1997 is part of the IEC 61300 series on fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components, including:

• IEC 61300-1: General and guidance on basic test and measurement procedures for fibre optic devices.
• IEC 61300-2: Comprehensive tests covering various environmental and mechanical conditions beyond low air pressure.
• IEC 61300-3: Examinations and measurements related to fibre optic interconnection performance.

Additionally, it refers directly to:

• IEC 68-2-13 (1983): Environmental testing - Part 2: Tests - Test M: Low air pressure, which establishes the environmental chamber requirements and testing methodology.

Together, these international standards provide a complete framework for standardized testing and validation of fibre optic components to ensure global interoperability and reliable performance in diverse and challenging environments.

Keywords: fibre optic testing, low air pressure test, fibre optic components standard, high altitude testing, IEC 61300-2-29, environmental testing for fibre optics, fibre optic connectors durability, CLC fibre optic standards, passive optical component testing