IEC 60794-4-20:2012

IEC 60794-4-20 ®
Edition 1.0 2012-10
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Optical fibre cables –
Part 4-20: Aerial optical cables along electrical power lines – Family
specification for ADSS (All Dielectric Self Supported) optical cables

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IEC 60794-4-20 ®
Edition 1.0 2012-10
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Optical fibre cables –
Part 4-20: Aerial optical cables along electrical power lines – Family

specification for ADSS (All Dielectric Self Supported) optical cables

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
PRICE CODE
V
ICS 33.180.10 ISBN 978-2-83220-434-4

– 2 – 60794-4-20 © IEC:2012(E)

CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4

1 Scope . 6

2 Normative references . 6

3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations . 7

4 Optical fibres . 9
4.1 General . 9
4.2 Attenuation . 9
4.2.1 Attenuation coefficient . 9
4.2.2 Attenuation discontinuities . 9
4.3 Cut-off wavelength of cabled fibre . 9
4.4 Fibre colouring . 9
4.5 Polarisation mode dispersion (PMD) . 9
5 Cable elements . 9
6 Optical fibre cable constructions . 10
6.1 General . 10
6.2 Optical unit . 10
6.3 Cable protection elements . 10
7 Main requirements for installation and operating conditions . 11
8 Cable design considerations . 11
9 Cable tests . 12
9.1 General . 12
9.2 Classification of tests . 12
9.2.1 Type tests . 12
9.2.2 Factory acceptance tests . 13
9.2.3 Routine tests . 13
9.3 Tensile performance . 13
9.3.1 General . 13
9.3.2 Maximum allowed tension (MAT) . 13

9.4 Installation capability . 13
9.4.1 General . 13
9.4.2 Sheave test . 13
9.4.3 Repeated bending . 14
9.4.4 Impact . 14
9.4.5 Crush . 15
9.4.6 Kink . 15
9.4.7 Torsion . 15
9.5 Vibration testing . 16
9.5.1 Aeolian vibration test . 16
9.5.2 Low frequency vibration test (galloping test) . 16
9.6 Temperature cycling . 17
9.7 Water penetration . 18
9.8 Weathering resistance . 18

60794-4-20 © IEC:2012(E) – 3 –

9.9 Tracking and erosion resistance test . 18

9.10 Creep behaviour . 19

9.11 Fitting compatibility . 19

10 Factory acceptance tests . 19

11 Routine tests . 19

12 Quality assurance . 20

Annex A (informative) Packaging and marking . 21

Annex B (informative) Installation considerations for ADSS cables. 22

Annex C (informative) Electrical test (TRACKING) . 23

Annex D (informative) All Dielectric Self-Supported (ADSS) cables to be used in
overhead power lines (Blank detail specification) . 31
Bibliography . 33

Figure C.1 – Draft of test equipment . 25
Figure C.2 – Test chamber . 25
Figure C.3 – Electric scheme for the test . 27
Figure C.4 – Details of the sample . 27
Figure C.5 – Nozzle . 28
Figure C.6 – Details for the spraying . 29
Figure C.7 – Pollution model . 30
Figure C.8 – Basic circuit for arcing test. 30

Table 1 – Cable design characteristics . 11
Table 2 – Optional parameters (if required by customer) . 12
Table C.1 – R and C values for different pollution index values . 29
eq eq
Table D.1 – Blank detail specification . 31

– 4 – 60794-4-20 © IEC:2012(E)

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION

____________
OPTICAL FIBRE CABLES –
Part 4-20: Aerial optical cables along electrical power lines –

Family specification for ADSS (All Dielectric Self Supported)

optical cables
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 co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
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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 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 IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
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5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
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6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of

patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 60794-4-20 has been prepared by subcommittee 86A: Fibres and
cables, of IEC technical committee 86: Fibre optics.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
86A/1467/FDIS 86A/1482/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 2.

60794-4-20 © IEC:2012(E) – 5 –

A list of all the parts in the IEC 60794 series, published under the general title Optical fibre

cables, can be found on the IEC website.

The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until

the stability date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data

related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be

• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or

• amended.
A bilingual version of this standard may be published at a later date.
IMPORTANT – The 'colour inside' logo on the cover page of this publication indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct
understanding of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a
colour printer.
– 6 – 60794-4-20 © IEC:2012(E)

OPTICAL FIBRE CABLES –
Part 4-20: Aerial optical cables along electrical power lines –

Family specification for ADSS (All Dielectric Self Supported)

optical cables
1 Scope
This part of IEC 60794, which is a family specification, covers optical telecommunication
cables, commonly with single-mode fibres to be used primarily in overhead power lines
applications. The cable may also be used in other overhead utility networks, such as for
telephony or TV services. Requirements of the sectional specification IEC 60794-4 for aerial
optical cables along electrical power lines are applicable to cables covered by this standard.
NOTE In some particular situations in the electrical industry, short overhead links can be also designed with
multimode fibres.
The ADSS cable consists of single-mode optical fibres contained in one or more protective
dielectric fibre optic units surrounded by or attached to suitable dielectric strength members
and sheaths. The cable does not contain metallic components. An ADSS cable is designed to
meet the optical and mechanical requirements under different types of installation, operating
and environmental conditions and loading, as described in Annex B.
This standard covers the construction, mechanical, electrical, and optical performance,
installation guidelines, acceptance criteria, test requirements, environmental considerations,
and accessories compatibility for an all dielectric, self-supporting fibre optic (ADSS) cable.
The standard provides both construction and performance requirements that ensure, within
the guidelines of this standard, that the mechanical capabilities of the cable components and
maintenance of optical fibre integrity and optical transmissions are proper.
This standard excludes any “lashed” or “wrapped” OPAC cables.
Cables intended for installation in conformity with ISO/IEC 24702 and related standards may
require the specification of additional tests to ensure their suitability in the applicable
environments defined by the mechanical, ingress, climatic and chemical, and electromagnetic
(MICE) classification. These tests are outside of the scope of IEC 60794 cable specifications,
and MICE criteria are not part of the requirements for IEC 60794 specifications. The MICE
tests may be the same as, similar to, or substantially different from, the tests required by
IEC 60794 specifications. Cables manufactured per IEC 60794 specifications may or may not
meet the MICE criteria. For supplemental discussion, see IEC/TR 62362.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and
are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 60304, Standard colours for insulation for low-frequency cables and wires
IEC 60793-1-40, Optical fibres – Part 1-40: Measurement methods and test procedures –
Attenuation
60794-4-20 © IEC:2012(E) – 7 –

IEC 60793-1-44, Optical fibres – Part 1-44: Measurement methods and test procedures – Cut-

off wavelength
IEC 60793-1-48, Optical fibres – Part 1-48: Measurement methods and test procedures –

Polarization mode dispersion
IEC 60793-2-50, Optical fibres – Part 2-50: Product specifications – Sectional specification for

class B single-mode fibres
IEC 60794-1-1, Optical fibre cables – Part 1: Generic specification – General

IEC 60794-1-2, Optical fibre cables – Part 1-2: Generic specification – Basic optical cable test
1 2
procedures ,
IEC 60794-1-22, Optical fibre cables – Part 1-22: Generic specification – Basic optical cable
test procedures – Environmental test methods
IEC 60794-1-23, Optical fibre cables – Part 1-23: Generic specification – Basic optical cable
test procedures – Cable element test methods
IEC 60794-4, Optical fibre cables – Part 4: Sectional Specification – Aerial optical cables
along electrical power lines
IEC 61395, Overhead electrical conductors – Creep test procedures for stranded conductors
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 60794-1-1 and
IEC 60794-4, as well as the following, apply.
3.1
maximum allowable tension
MAT
maximum tensile load that may be applied to the cable without detriment to the performance
requirements (optical performance, fibre durability) due to fibre strain
Note 1 to entry: Due to installation codes the MAT value is sometimes restricted to be less than 60 % of the
breaking tension of the cable.
3.2
maximum operation tension
MOT
tensile load that can be applied to the cable either permanently or for a long term without
producing any strain to the fibres
Note 1 to entry: This condition should correspond to the tension with no ice and no gale wind at average mean
temperatures throughout the year, assumed to be between 16 ºC and 20 ºC.
3.3
zero strain margin
tensile load that the cable can sustain without strain on fibres due to cable elongation
___________
This document has been withdrawn, but can still be purchased, if necessary. Until IEC 60794-1-21 will be
available, the tests stated in Clause 9 have to be taken from IEC 60794-1-2.
This standard will be replaced by IEC 60794-1-21, Optical fibre cables – Part 1-21: Generic specification –
Basic optical cable test procedures – Mechanical test methods (see also Bibliography), as soon as it will be
available.
– 8 – 60794-4-20 © IEC:2012(E)

3.4
breaking tension
tensile load that will produce physical rupture of the cable

Note 1 to entry: There is no optical consideration related to this parameter.

Note 2 to entry: The breaking tension should be calculated. The design model shall be validated; the cables do not

need to be tested.
3.5
maximum installation tension
MIT
maximum load that should be applied during the installation procedure
Note 1 to entry: The maximum installation tension refers mainly to the final adjust of sag (also called sagging
load), and the same tension limit can be used for the deployment of the cable (also called stringing load).
Note 2 to entry: This is a recommended value aimed at avoiding tension values higher than MAT during
operational life due to wind, ice or temperature changes.
3.6
ADSS
all dielectric self supported cable
dielectric cable that is capable of enduring aerial installation and providing long term service,
without any external tensile support
3.7
OPAC
optical attached cable
dielectric, not self-supported, optical attached cable
Note 1 to entry: OPACs can be used with one of the following attachment methods:
• wrapped, known as an all-dielectric (wrap): using special machinery, a lightweight flexible non-metallic cable is
wrapped helically around either the earth wire or the phase conductor;
• lashed: non-metallic cables are installed longitudinally alongside the earth wire, the phase conductor or on a
separate support cable (on a pole route) and are held in position with a binder or adhesive cord;
• spiral attached: similar to the lashed cables except that the method of attachment involves the use of special
preformed spiral attachment clips.
Note 2 to entry: OPAC cable designs are not covered by this specification.
3.8
cable fittings and dampers
3.8.1
suspension cable fitting
device to hold up the cable in intermediate support points along an aerial line, where the
cable is under tension at both sides of the fitting
3.8.2
dead end cable fitting
device designed to terminate an installation run, isolate a splice location or maintenance coil,
provide slack span locations, or provide for extreme angle turns, where the cable is under
tensional load on one side of the fitting and tension free on the other
3.8.2
damper
device attached to a cable in order to suppress or minimize vibrations due to wind

60794-4-20 © IEC:2012(E) – 9 –

4 Optical fibres
4.1 General
Single mode optical fibres shall be used which meet the requirements of IEC 60793-2-50. In

this clause only the main characteristics are mentioned.

Fibres other than those specified above can be used, if mutually agreed between the

customer and supplier. In this case, fibre characteristics and attenuation criteria for

mechanical tests shall be specified in the detail specification.

4.2 Attenuation
4.2.1 Attenuation coefficient
The requirements for the uncabled fibres shall be according to IEC 60793-2-50.
Unless other values are agreed between supplier and customer, the maximum attenuation
coefficient of the cabled fibres shall be 0,35 dB/km when measured at 1 310 nm and/or
0,25 dB/km at 1 550 nm.
Different values from those stated above can be agreed between customer and supplier.
The attenuation coefficient shall be measured in accordance with IEC 60793-1-40.
4.2.2 Attenuation discontinuities
The local attenuation shall not have point discontinuities in excess of 0,10 dB.
The test method used to verify the functional requirements shall be in accordance with
IEC 60793-1-40.
4.3 Cut-off wavelength of cabled fibre
The cabled fibre cut-off wavelength λ shall be lower than the operational wavelength when
CC
measured in accordance with IEC 60793-1-44.
4.4 Fibre colouring
The primary coated fibres shall be coloured for identification. The coloured coating shall be
readily identifiable throughout the lifetime of the cable and shall be at a reasonable match to
the requirements stated on IEC 60304. If required, the colouring shall permit sufficient light to

be transmitted through the primary coating to allow local light injection and detection.
4.5 Polarisation mode dispersion (PMD)
PMD shall meet the values indicated in IEC 60793-2-50. The measurement procedure shall be
in accordance with IEC 60793-1-48.
5 Cable elements
Refer to the relevant parts of the sectional specification IEC 60794-4; the following
requirements apply specifically to ADSS cables:
The material(s) used for a cable element shall be selected to be compatible with the other
elements in contact with it.
– 10 – 60794-4-20 © IEC:2012(E)

Optical elements (cable elements containing optical fibres) and each fibre within a cable

element shall be uniquely identified, for example, by colours, by a positional scheme, by

markings or as agreed between customer and manufacturer.

For loose tube construction, one or more primary coated fibres or optical elements are

packaged, loosely in a tube construction, with a suitable water-blocking system. The plastic

tube may be reinforced with a composite wall.

If required by the customer, the suitability of the tube shall be determined by an evaluation of

its kink resistance in accordance with IEC 60794-1-23, Method G7.

When used, optical fibre ribbons should comply with the requirements stated in IEC 60794-3.
6 Optical fibre cable constructions
6.1 General
The cable shall not contain any metallic material.
6.2 Optical unit
Optical unit elements as described in Clause 5 may be laid up as follows:
Single optical unit in the cable centre, which may contain one or more optical elements:
a) number of loose tubes using helical or SZ stranding configurations around a central
element of reinforced plastic, epoxy-glass, or other dielectric material. Ribbon elements
may be laid up by stacking two or more elements inside the loose tubes;
b) configuration based on a channelled dielectric rod, containing units such as ribbons or
plastic tubes, which may contain one or more optical elements.
6.3 Cable protection elements
In addition to optical unit, the cable construction may consist of the following.
a) The outer sheath shall be a weather-resistant type material. In certain conditions it shall
be necessary to consider the use of a tracking-resistant sheath.
b) ADSS cable shall contain self-supported systems that are integral to the cable. The
purpose of the support system is to ensure that the cable meets the optical requirements
under specified installation conditions, temperatures, and environmental loading for its
whole operating design life. This standard excludes any “lashed” or “wrapped” OPAC
cables.
c) The basic annular construction may have strength yarns (e.g. aramid yarns) or other
dielectric strands or a channelled dielectric rod as a support structure. In addition, other
cable elements, such as central members, may be load bearing.
d) Fibre strain allowance
e) The cable shall be designed such that fibre strain does not exceed the limit allowed by the
cable manufacturer under design tension limits of the cable (MAT). Maximum allowable
fibre strain under MAT condition will generally be a function of the proof test level and
strength and fatigue parameters of the optical fibre, 0,33 % is specified for fibre proof
tested to 1 %.
f) A water blocking material shall be used to prevent water penetration to the optical units
and to the cable core. The material shall be easily removed without the use of materials
considered to be hazardous or dangerous. Water swell able blocking materials can also be
used.
When used in the cable construction, the filling compound shall not flow at temperatures
lower than the maximum specified operation temperature of cable.

60794-4-20 © IEC:2012(E) – 11 –

NOTE In some countries, a special requirement of shotgun resistance can be specified for aerial cables.

ADSS covered by this standard are not designed for this condition.

Cables with reinforced textile protection, could still meet the dielectric condition, but the

increase in diameter and weight would require a significant enhancement of the tensile

performance of the cable.
7 Main requirements for installation and operating conditions

Operating conditions are particularly important for ADSS cables.

Installation and operating conditions shall be agreed between customer and supplier. For
ADSS a detailed study of the field conditions and an important amount of technical support by
the supplier or third party expert should precede the agreement. Annex B provides a general
view of such considerations.
The type of fittings and hardware used to attach the ADSS to the structures shall be approved
between the customer and the supplier. Their compatibility has to be checked according to
9.11 and the supplier or the customer fittings' specification.
8 Cable design considerations
Table 1 is a summary of cable characteristics which may be of importance as specifications to
both the customer and the supplier. Table 2 includes optional engineering parameters
relevant for the design and installation of the overhead line with ADSS cable. Other
characteristics may be mutually agreed upon by both customer and supplier. A complete
blank specification is shown in Annex D.
Table 1 – Cable design characteristics
Reference Characteristics Units
4 Number and type of fibres NA
– Modularity of cable core (fibres per tube) NA
6 Detailed description of cable design NA
– Overall cable diameter mm
Cable weight kg/km
3.1 MAT maximum allowable tension kN
9.6 Allowable temperature for storage, installation and operation °C
9.4.2 Minimum bending diameter during installation mm
9.4.3 Minimum bending radius installed mm

– 12 – 60794-4-20 © IEC:2012(E)

Table 2 – Optional parameters (if required by customer)

Reference Characteristics Units

3.5 MIT maximum installation (or sagging) load kN

– Modulus of elasticity MPa
-6
– Coefficient of thermal expansion 10 /°C

3.1 Fibre strain at MAT load %

3.2 Zero strain margin kN
9.9 Creep behaviour mm
Maximum Sag at MOT and MAT m
Environmental loading conditions – reference to local or NA

regional installation code
9 Cable tests
9.1 General
The parameters specified in this standard may be affected by measurement uncertainty
arising either from measurement errors or calibration errors due to the lack of suitable
standards. Acceptance criteria shall be interpreted with respect to this consideration. For
some of the parameters specified in this standard, the objective is no change in attenuation.
These parameters may be affected by measurement uncertainty arising either from
measurement errors or calibration errors due to a lack of suitable standards. Acceptance
criteria shall be interpreted with respect to this consideration. The total uncertainty of
measurement for this standard shall be ≤0,05 dB for attenuation or 0,05 dB/km for attenuation
coefficient.
Any measured value within this range, either positive or negative, shall be considered as “no
change in attenuation”. By agreement between customer and supplier, minor deviation from
this limit may be accepted at some low frequency, e.g. less than 10 % of the fibres. However,
for mechanical tests no deviation in excess of 0,15 dB shall be accepted.
In some environmental and installation tests, some increase is accepted.
The number of fibres tested shall be representative of the cable design according to fibre
sampling indicated IEC 60794-1-1. Different sampling can be agreed between customer and
supplier.
The tests applicable for aerial cables are listed below. The minimum acceptance criteria for
the different designs of cables shall be indicated in the product specification.
The specimens for the tests shall be taken from the supplier in advance to the tests.
9.2 Classification of tests
9.2.1 Type tests
Tests required to be carried out before supplying a cable covered by this standard on a
general commercial basis in order to demonstrate satisfactory performance characteristics to
meet the intended application. These tests shall be carried out on a cable length which meets
the requirements of the relevant routine tests. These tests are of such a nature that, after they
have been made, they need not to be repeated unless significant changes are made in the
cable material, design or type of manufacturing process which might change the performance
characteristics.
60794-4-20 © IEC:2012(E) – 13 –

A full type verification of a cable design includes all tests and characteristics specified in this

standard. Tests to be repeated shall be agreed between the customer and the supplier.

9.2.2 Factory acceptance tests

Tests made on samples of completed cable, or components taken from a completed cable to

verify that the finished product meets the design specifications. Scope and incidence of

sample tests, if required, shall be agreed between the customer and the supplier.

Failure of a test specimen to comply with any one of the requirements of this standard shall

constitute grounds for rejection of the lot represented by the specimen. If any lot is so

rejected, the supplier shall have the right to test, only once, all individual drums of cables in
the lot and submit those which meet the requirements for acceptance.
9.2.3 Routine tests
Tests made on all production cable lengths to demonstrate their integrity.
Failure of a test specimen to comply with any one of the requirements of this standard shall
constitute grounds for rejection of the lot represented by the specimen. If any lot is so
rejected, the supplier shall have the right to test, only once, all individual drums of cables in
the lot and submit those which meet the requirements for acceptance.
9.3 Tensile performance
9.3.1 General
The tensile performance of the cable is verified with the test methods in 9.2.1 and 9.2.2. The
cable manufacturer shall specify the MOT and the MAT for the ADSS design. Both tests shall
be evaluated on the same cable sample, subjecting in a first step, the sample to the MOT test,
releasing the load to zero tension and then applying the MAT test.
9.3.2 Maximum allowed tension (MAT)
The cable shall be terminated with suitable dead end fittings adequate to the type of cable
and tested following Methods E1A and E1B, indicated in IEC 60794-1-2.
A minimum length of 50 m of cable shall be loaded until the specified MAT is applied and
sustain this load level for 1 h. Under this load, the strain in the fibre should not be higher than
0,33 % for fibres proof tested at 1 % strain. The attenuation increase shall not exceed 0,15 dB
at 1 550 nm.
9.4 Installation capability
9.4.1 General
Compatibility of ADSS design and hardware with common installation conditions and practices
shall be demonstrated by evaluation of the following tests.
9.4.2 Sheave test
The test shall be performed to verify that the installation of the cables will not damage or
degrade their performance. The cable shall be tested in accordance with Method E18,
procedure 3 or 4 of IEC 60794-1-2.
The sheave test shall be performed on a sample cable of a minimum length of 9 m. Dead-end
fittings shall be clamped a minimum of 3 m apart. The optical fibres shall be connected to
each other by means of fusion or equally reliable splices. The test length of optical fibre shall
be a minimum of 100 m long.
– 14 – 60794-4-20 © IEC:2012(E)

The cable shall be pulled at one dead-end at the maximum stringing tension (MIT) specified

by the ADSS cable manufacturer. The method of attachment, although not rigid, shall limit the

amount of twist that could occur at the lead end. A dynamometer and a swivel shall be

installed between the yoke and the other dead-end.

A 2 m minimum length of the ADSS test sample shall be pulled 40 times forward and

backward through the sheave (20 times in each direction).

The diameter of the sheave for the angle of pull shall be no smaller than the manufacturer’s

minimum bend diameter for the ADSS cable under test. A minimum diameter of 40 × the

outside diameter of the cable is recommended. Before the first pull, the beginning, midpoint,

and end of the length shall be marked. After the test is completed, the attenuation shall be
measured and the ADSS cable shall be removed in the tested section, and the cable shall be
visually examined for any damage. The ADSS cable may be dissected to observe for any
signs of damage to the inner structure.
• Family requirement
Maximum permanent increase in attenuation; 0,1 dB at 1 550 nm.
• Test conditions
– Procedure 3 or 4 of E18 of IEC 60794-1-2
– Tension level applied during test; maximum stringing load (or MIT)
– Length of the cable: 9 m minimum. Length bent under tension; 2 m
– Diameter (D) of roller / cylinders; ≤manufacturer’s minimum bend diameter
(approximately ≤40 times cable outside diameter is recommended)
– Bending angle; 45° ± 15°
– Moving speed 1 m/s ≤ speed ≤ 10 m/s
– Number of complete moving cycles: 20
– The cable should be terminated with the recommended dead end fittings
9.4.3 Repeated bending
The cable shall be tested in accordance with the method specified in IEC 60794-1-2, Method
E6.
• Family requirements:
Under visual examination without magnification there shall be no damage to the sheath or
cable elements. There shall no attenuation increase greater to 0,05 dB at 1 550 nm after the

completion of the test.
• Test conditions
– Bending radius: 20 d
– Load: Adequate to assure uniform contact with the mandrel
– Number of cycles: 25
– Duration of cycle: Approximately 2 s
Particular conditions may be agreed between manufacturer and supplier.
9.4.4 Impact
The cable construction shall be tested in accordance with the method specified in
IEC 60794-1-2, Method E4, without physical damage on the cable elements or attenuation
increase greater to 0,05 dB after the completion of the test.

60794-4-20 © IEC:2012(E) – 15 –

• Family requirements:
Under visual examination without magnification there shall be no damage to the sheath or to

the cable elements. The imprint of the striking surface on the sheath is not considered

mechanical damage.
The increase in attenuation shall be ≤0,05 dB at 1 550 nm.

• Test conditions
– Striking surface radius: 10 mm or 300 mm

– Impact energy: 10 J with striking surface radius of 300 mm or 3J with surface radius of

10 mm
– Number of impacts: Three, each in a different place spaced not less than 500 mm
apart
9.4.5 Crush
The cable shall be tested in accordance with the method specified in IEC 60794-1-2, Method
E3, without physical damage or attenuation increase greater than 0,05 dB.
Under visual examination, there shall be no damage to the sheath or to the cable elements.
The imprint of the plate or mandrel on the sheath is not considered mechanical damage.
• Family requirements
– Long term ≥10 min. Attenuation increase ≤0,05 dB; (prior to release of load)
– Short term ≥1 min. Attenuation increase ≤0,05 dB; (after test)
• Test conditions
– Load (plate/plate): 2,2 kN for short term load, 1,1 kN for long term load
– Duration of load: 1 min of short term load, followed by 10 min of long term load
– Number of tests: 3
– Spacing between test places: 500 mm
9.4.6 Kink
The cable shall be tested in accordance with the method specified in IEC 60794-1-2, Method
E10, without physical damage on the cable elements.

The minimum diameter shall be agreed between the customer and the supplier.
9.4.7 Torsion
The cable shall be tested in accordance with the method specified in IEC 60794-1-2, Method
E7.
• Family requirements
Under visual examination without magnification there shall be no damage to the sheath or to
the cable elements.
The variation on attenuation after the test shall be no greater than 0,05 dB at 1 550 nm.
• Test conditions
– Length under test: 2 m
– Number of turns: One half turn (through 180°) over the length of 2 m in each direction

– 16 – 60794-4-20 © IEC:2012(E)

– Number of cycles: 10
9.5 Vibration testing
9.5.1 Aeolian vibration test
The resistance of the cable to Aeolian vibration shall be tested in accordance with Method
E19 of IEC 60794-1-2.
• Family requirement
Under visual examination without magnification there shall be no damage to the sheath or to

the cable elements. The variation on attenuation after the test shall be no greater than 0,1 dB
at 1 550 nm
• Test conditions
– Number of cycles; 100 000 000
– Frequency of vibration; 60 Hz ± 10 Hz, or the calculated values for specific operation
conditions, requested by the customer
– Tension applied: 40 % of MAT
– The cable should be terminated with the recommended dead end and suspension
fittings.
9.5.2 Low frequency vibration test (galloping test)
The resistance of the cable to low frequency vibration will be tested in accordance with
Method E26 as soon as this test method will be available .
• Family requirement
– The attenuation at 1 550 nm shall be less than or equal to 1,0 dB/km
– The sheath shall have no cracks or splits
• Test conditions
– Number of cycles: 100 000
– Peak-to-peak antinode amplitude/loop length ratio: 1/25
– Tension: The cable should be tensioned to a level that permits induced galloping in the
defined amplitude; 5 % to 10 % of MAT is an adequate tension level.
– The overall span between dead-end assemblies should be a minimum of 35 m. The
end abutments are used to load and maintain tension in the fibre optic cable. The test
section is contained between the two intermediate abutments. End and intermediate
abutments need not be separate units if the combined unit affords sufficient space for

the apparatus specified below. The fibre optic cable to be tested should be a su
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