IEC 60794-1-133:2025

IEC 60794-1-133 ®
Edition 1.0 2025-06
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Optical fibre cables -
Part 1-133: Generic specifications - Basic optical cable test procedures -
Mechanical test methods - Multiple cable coiling and uncoiling performance,
Method E33
Câbles à fibres optiques -
Partie 1-133 : Spécifications génériques - Procédures fondamentales d'essais
des câbles optiques - Méthodes d'essais mécaniques - Performances
d'enroulement et de déroulement multiples des câbles, Méthode E33
ICS 33.180.10 ISBN 978-2-8327-0523-0
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CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 2
INTRODUCTION . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Method E33 – Multiple cable coiling and uncoiling performance . 5
4.1 Objective . 5
4.2 Sample . 6
4.3 Apparatus . 6
4.4 Procedure . 6
4.5 Requirements . 7
4.6 Details to be specified . 7
4.7 Details to be reported . 7
Annex A (informative) Examples of practical test set-ups . 8
A.1 Example of a test set-up with a sample length uncoiled from a transport
cable reel . 8
A.2 Example of a test set-up with a cut sample length . 9
Bibliography . 11

Figure A.1 – Example of a test set-up with uncoiled sample length from a transport
cable reel . 8
Figure A.2 – Example of a test set-up with sample length from transport cable reel

coiled on test cable reel . 9
Figure A.3 – Example of a test set-up with cut and uncoiled sample length . 9
Figure A.4 – Example of a test set-up with cut and coiled sample length on test
cable reel . 10

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
Optical fibre cables -
Part 1-133: Generic specifications - Basic optical cable test procedures -
Mechanical test methods - Multiple cable coiling and uncoiling
performance, Method E33
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international
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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
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IEC 60794-1-133 has been prepared by subcommittee 86A: Fibres and cables, of IEC technical
committee 86: Fibre optics. It is an International Standard.
This first edition of IEC 60794-1-133 cancels and replaces Method E33 of the second edition of
the IEC 60794-1-21:2015/AMD1:2020, which will be withdrawn. It includes an editorial revision,
based on the new structure and numbering system for optical fibre test methods.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
86A/2568/FDIS 86A/2590/RVD
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
A list of all parts in the IEC 60794 series, published under the general title Optical fibre cables,
can be found on the IEC website.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/publications.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
– reconfirmed,
– withdrawn, or
– revised.
INTRODUCTION
This document defines the test Method E33, to demonstrate the ability of an optical fibre cable
to withstand multiple coiling and uncoiling on a specified diameter of cable reel.
The used cable reels for cables for mobile rapid or multiple deployment have often a core
diameter significant smaller than those of the transport cable reels after manufacturing. This
test method determines the performance of such cables when they are coiled and uncoiled
multiple times on a cable reel.
The mechanical tests contained in IEC 60794-1-21:2015 and IEC 60794-1-21:2015/AMD1:2020
will be individually numbered in the IEC 60794-1-1xx 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.
The numbering of this test method continues the E-series numbering sequence of
IEC 60794-1-21:2015 and IEC 60794-1-21:2015/AMD1:2020. This document cancels and
replaces Method E33 of IEC 60794-1-21:2015/AMD1:2020, which will be withdrawn. It includes
an editorial revision, based on the new structure and numbering system for optical fibre cable
test methods. Additionally, editorial changes were implemented to improve the content, for
example inclusion of a new subclause 4.7 for details to be reported and an informative Annex A
with examples of practical test set-ups.

1 Scope
This part of IEC 60794 defines the test procedure to demonstrate the ability of an optical fibre
cable to withstand multiple coiling and uncoiling on a specified diameter of cable reel.
This test is primarily intended to evaluate the performance of cables for mobile rapid or multiple
deployment.
See IEC 60794-1-2 for a reference guide to test methods of all types and for general
requirements.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies.
For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 60793-1-46, Optical fibres - Part 1-46: Measurement methods and test procedures -
Monitoring of changes in attenuation
IEC 60794-1-1, Optical fibre cables - Part 1-1: Generic specification - General
IEC 60794-1-2, Optical fibre cables - Part 1-2: Generic specification - Basic optical cable test
procedures - General guidance
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 60794-1-1 apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
– IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
– ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
4 Method E33 – Multiple cable coiling and uncoiling performance
4.1 Objective
The purpose of this test is to demonstrate the ability of an optical fibre cable to withstand
multiple coiling and uncoiling on a specified diameter of cable reel. This test is primarily
intended to evaluate the performance of cables for mobile rapid or multiple deployment.
The intention of the test is to examine the attenuation change and the physical damage of the
cable as a function of the multiple coiling and uncoiling which can occur during operation. This
method is intended to be non-destructive.
4.2 Sample
The sample length coiled on the reel shall be specified in the relevant specification in
accordance with the specified number of coils per layer, the specified test cable reel core
diameter and the specified number of cycles. Total sample length shall be longer than the coiled
length on the test cable reel to allow for connection to optical measurement equipment and, if
necessary, to have sufficient length to permit optical measurements. Fibres may be spliced at
the cable ends. The connected fibres at the cable ends, for example by splices, shall not be
mechanically loaded during the test so that the optical measurements are not affected.
If the cable is used as a terminated cable assembly, the test sample shall be terminated at both
ends or all cable elements shall be fixed together in appropriate manner prior to testing.
4.3 Apparatus
The apparatus consists of the following.
a) Optical measurement equipment necessary to measure the changes in optical performance
as required in the relevant specification, and as described in IEC 60793-1-46.
b) Test cable reel on which the cable can be coiled and uncoiled over the specified cylindrical
core diameter. The core diameter of the test cable reel shall be in accordance with the
minimum specified bend diameter of the cable. The width of the test cable reel shall be able
to accommodate the specified number of coils per layer. If a defined width of a test cable
reel is to be filled, the number of coils per layer can be calculated using the outer diameter
of the cable to be tested.
c) A clamping device to secure all cable elements at the ends of the length under test, if the
cable is used as a terminated cable assembly. Ensure that the specific method of capturing
the cable elements does not affect the results.
4.4 Procedure
a) Unless otherwise specified, the conditions for testing shall be in accordance with the
standard atmospheric conditions, as defined in IEC 60794-1-2.
b) A representative number of fibres shall be selected and used for optical measurement
according to IEC 60794-1-1, unless otherwise specified.
c) Uncoil the required cable sample length from the transport cable reel and connect the
specified fibres of the other cable end to the measurement apparatus (for examples see
Figure A.1 and Figure A.3 in Annex A). All uncoiling and coiling operations shall be
performed without inducing torsion into the sample (i.e. do not pull the cable over the flange
of the reel). The cable should be laid on the floor with as few changes in direction as
possible. The arc radius shall be at least two times the specified minimum bending radius
of the cable sample in operation.
NOTE The cable could exhibit a relaxation effect when lying on the floor after uncoiling. Ensure that such
effects do not occur and produce unreliable measurement results.
d) Take initial measurement of the uncoiled cable sample length.
e) Coil the specified cable length tightly on the test cable reel at a uniform rate, so that cable
coils are adjacent to each other but do not squeeze themselves laterally (for examples see
Figure A.2 and Figure A.4). Sufficient tension shall be applied to ensure that the sample
contours the cylindrical core of the reel and that the sample coils do not slip laterally.
f) Take measurement of the coiled sample. The change of attenuation shall be recorded.
g) Uncoil the sample from the test cable reel and lay it on the floor as described in step c (for
examples see Figure A.1 and Figure A.3). Measure and record the change of attenuation.
h) The cycle consists of the coiling and uncoiling of the sample.
i) Repeat the cycle according to the specified number of cycles. The number of cycles can
vary from 1 to 100 or more and should be specified in the relevant specification (see 4.6).
4.5 Requirements
The acceptance criteria for the test shall be stated in the relevant specification. Typical
requirements include change in attenuation and physical damage to the cable.
4.6 Details to be specified
The relevant specification shall include the following information:
a) test cable reel core diameter;
b) sample length to be coiled on test cable reel;
c) number of coils per layer (see 4.3, b));
d) speed and tensile force for the uncoiling and coiling operations;
e) number of cycles;
f) maximum allowable change in attenuation at specified wavelength(s):
1) during the test;
2) after the test (uncoiled sample).
4.7 Details to be reported
The test report shall include all the information given in 4.6 and, where applicable, the following:
a) detailed description of the sample (cable type);
b) method of sample termination at each end, if any;
c) number of samples;
d) description of the test set-up;
e) description of the optical measurement equipment;
f) preconditioning procedure, if any;
g) change in attenuation at the specified wavelength(s) of the coiled and uncoiled sample
during and uncoiled sample after test;
h) observations during and after test;
i) any deviations from the test procedure.
Annex A
(informative)
Examples of practical test set-ups
A.1 Example of a test set-up with a sample length uncoiled from a transport
cable reel
Figure A.1 illustrates an example test set-up with the specified sample length uncoiled from the
transport cable reel. The fibres are connected at the uncoiled cable end to form one or more
circuits for optical performance measurement. The cable inner end on the transport cable reel
is guided to the optical measurement equipment and the fibres are connected to it. During the
coiling and uncoiling of the sample length, the transport cable reel with the stored cable remains
stationary. Only the test cable reel is rotated to coil and uncoil the sample length. Figure A.2
illustrates the example test set-up with the sample length coiled on the test cable reel.

Key
1 optical measurement equipment
2 transport cable reel
3 test cable reel
4 uncoiled sample length, for example 100 m
5 connected fibres, for example by splices
NOTE The cable is laid on the floor with as few changes in direction as possible. The arc radius was drawn smaller
than necessary for better visualisation (not to scale). See 4.4, c).
Figure A.1 – Example of a test set-up with uncoiled
sample length from a transport cable reel
Key
1 optical measurement equipment
2 transport cable reel
3 test cable reel
4 coiled sample length, for example 100 m
5 connected fibres, for example by splices
Figure A.2 – Example of a test set-up with sample length
from transport cable reel coiled on test cable reel
A.2 Example of a test set-up with a cut sample length
Figure A.3 illustrates an example test set-up with the specified sample length cut previously
from a transport cable reel. The fibres are connected at one cable end to form a circuit for
optical performance measurement. The other cable end is guided to the optical measurement
equipment and the fibres are connected to it. During the coiling and uncoiling of the sample
length, the cable end connected to the measurement equipment remains stationary. Figure A.4
illustrates the example test set-up with the sample len
...