IEC 60794-1-22:2017

IEC 60794-1-22 ®
Edition 2.0 2017-10
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Optical fibre cables –
Part 1-22: Generic specification – Basic optical cable test procedures –
Environmental test methods
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IEC 60794-1-22 ®
Edition 2.0 2017-10
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Optical fibre cables –
Part 1-22: Generic specification – Basic optical cable test procedures –

Environmental test methods
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 33.180.10 ISBN 978-2-8322-4926-0

– 2 – IEC 60794-1-22:2017 RLV © IEC 2017
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 6
1 Scope . 8
2 Normative references . 8
3 Terms and definitions . 9
4 Method F1 – Temperature cycling . 9
4.1 Object . 9
4.2 Sample . 9
4.3 Apparatus . 10
4.4 Procedure . 11
4.4.1 Initial measurement . 11
4.4.2 Pre-conditioning . 11
4.4.3 Conditioning . 11
4.4.4 Recovery . 13
4.5 Requirements . 13
4.6 Details to be specified . 13
4.7 Details to be reported . 14
4 Method F2 – Contamination (test deleted) .
5 Method F3 – Sheath integrity (test deleted) .
6 Method F4 External static pressure (test deleted) .
5 Method F5 – Water penetration . 14
5.1 Object . 14
5.2 Sample . 14
5.2.1 Method F5A . 14
5.2.2 Method F5B . 15
5.2.3 Method F5C (for cables with swellable water blocking material) . 15
5.3 Apparatus . 15
5.3.1 Test fixtures and set-up . 15
5.3.2 Water . 15
5.3.3 Orifice (method F5C) . 15
5.4 Procedure . 16
5.4.1 Method F5A and F5B . 16
5.4.2 Method F5C . 16
5.5 Requirements . 16
5.6 Details to be specified . 16
5.7 Details to be reported . 16
8 Method F6 – Unknown (test deleted) .
6 Method F7 – Nuclear radiation . 19
6.1 Object . 19
6.2 Sample . 19
6.3 Apparatus . 19
6.4 Procedure . 19
6.4.1 Fibres . 19
6.4.2 Materials . 19
6.5 Requirements . 19
6.6 Details to be specified . 19

7 Method F8 – Pneumatic resistance . 20
7.1 Object . 20
7.2 Sample . 20
7.3 Apparatus . 20
7.4 Procedure . 20
7.5 Requirement . 21
7.6 Details to be specified . 21
8 Method F9 – Ageing . 21
8.1 Object . 21
8.2 Sample . 21
8.3 Apparatus . 21
8.4 Procedure . 21
8.5 Requirement . 22
8.6 Details to be specified . 22
9 Method F10 – Underwater cable resistance to hydrostatic pressure . 22
9.1 Object . 22
9.2 Sample . 22
9.3 Apparatus . 22
9.4 Procedure . 22
9.5 Requirements . 23
9.6 Details to be specified . 23
10 Method F11 – Sheath shrinkage (cables intended for patch cords) . 23
10.1 Object . 23
10.2 Sample . 23
10.3 Apparatus . 23
10.4 Procedure . 23
10.5 Requirements . 24
10.6 Details to be specified . 24
10.7 Details to be reported . 25
11 Method F12 – Temperature cycling of cables used for patch cords to be
terminated with connectors . 25
11.1 Object . 25
11.2 Sample . 25
11.3 Apparatus . 25
11.4 Procedure . 25
11.5 Requirements . 26
11.6 Details to be specified . 26
12 Method F13 – Microduct pressure withstand . 26
12.1 Object . 26
12.2 Sample . 26
12.3 Test equipment Apparatus . 26
12.4 Procedure . 27
12.5 Requirements . 27
12.6 Details to be specified . 27
13 Method F14 – Cable UV resistance test . 27
13.1 Object . 27
13.2 Sample . 27
13.3 Apparatus . 27

– 4 – IEC 60794-1-22:2017 RLV © IEC 2017
13.4 Procedure . 28
13.4.1 General . 28
13.4.2 Conditioning for outdoor cables (weatherometer test) . 28
13.4.3 Conditioning for indoor cables (QUV test) . 28
13.5 Requirements . 28
13.6 Details to be specified . 28
14 Method F15 – Cable external freezing test . 29
14.1 Object . 29
14.2 Sample . 29
14.3 Apparatus . 29
14.4 Procedure . 29
14.5 Requirements . 30
14.6 Details to be specified . 30
15 Method F16 – Compound flow (drip) . 30
15.1 Object . 30
15.2 Sample . 30
15.3 Apparatus . 31
15.4 Procedure . 31
15.5 Requirements . 31
15.6 Details to be specified . 32
16 Method F17 – Cable shrinkage test (fibre protrusion) . 32
16.1 Object . 32
16.2 Sample . 32
16.3 Apparatus . 32
16.4 Conditioning . 32
16.5 Requirements . 34
16.6 Details to be specified . 34
16.7 Details to be reported . 34
17 Method F18 – Mid-span temperature cycling test for exposed buffer tubes . 34
17.1 Object . 34
17.2 Sample . 35
17.3 Apparatus . 35
17.4 Procedure . 35
17.5 Requirements . 36
17.6 Details to be specified . 36
Annex A (normative) Colour permanence . 37
Bibliography . 38

Figure 1 – First Initial cycle(s) procedure . 12
Figure 2 – Last Final cycle procedure . 13
Figure 3 – Test arrangement for method F5A . 17
Figure 4 – Test arrangement for method F5B . 17
Figure 5 – Test arrangement for method F5C Alternative: pre-soaked sample . 17
Figure 6 – Test arrangement for method F5C: pre-soak procedure . 18
Figure 7 – Test arrangement for method F5C: orifice . 18
Figure 8 – Test arrangement for method F5C: longer sample . 18
Figure 9 – Preparation of the cable ends. 33

Figure 10 – Fibre protrusion measurement . 34

Table 1 – Minimum soak time t . 12
– 6 – IEC 60794-1-22:2017 RLV © IEC 2017
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
OPTICAL FIBRE CABLES –
Part 1-22: Generic specification –
Basic optical cable test procedures –
Environmental test methods
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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Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
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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
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3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
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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.
This redline version of the official IEC Standard allows the user to identify the changes
made to the previous edition. A vertical bar appears in the margin wherever a change
has been made. Additions are in green text, deletions are in strikethrough red text.

International Standard IEC 60794-1-22 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 2012. It constitutes a
technical revision.
This second edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the
previous edition:
a) new test method designation F16 – Compound flow (drip) [E14 in IEC 60794-1-21];
b) new test method F17 – Cable shrinkage test (fibre protrusion);
c) new test method F18 – Mid-span temperature cycling test.
NOTE Missing numbers in the test methods sequence are intentional. They can suggest a deleted test method or
a test method that was never published.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
86A/1813/FDIS 86A/1827/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this International Standard can be found in
the report on voting indicated in the above table.
This document has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
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.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related to
the specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
A bilingual version of this publication may be issued 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.
– 8 – IEC 60794-1-22:2017 RLV © IEC 2017
OPTICAL FIBRE CABLES –
Part 1-22: Generic specification –
Basic optical cable test procedures –
Environmental test methods
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.
This part of IEC 60794 defines test procedures to be used in establishing uniform
requirements for the environmental performance of
• optical fibre cables for use with telecommunication equipment and devices employing
similar techniques, and
• cables having a combination of both optical fibres and electrical conductors.
Throughout this document, the wording "optical cable” may can also include optical fibre units,
microduct fibre units, etc.
See IEC 60794-1-2 for a reference guide to test methods of all types and for general
requirements and definitions.
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 60068-2-14:2009, Environmental testing – Part 2-14: Tests – Test N: Change of
temperature
IEC 60304, Standard colours for insulation for low-frequency cables and wires
IEC 60544-1, Electrical insulating materials – Determination of the effects of ionizing radiation
– Part 1: Radiation interaction and dosimetry
IEC 60793-1-40, Optical fibres – Part 1-40: Measurement methods and test procedures –
Attenuation
IEC 60793-1-46, Optical fibres – Part 1-46: Measurement methods and test procedures –
Monitoring of changes in optical transmittance
IEC 60793-1-54, Optical fibres – Part 1-54: Measurement methods and test procedures –
Gamma irradiation
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
IEC 60811-502, Electric and optical fibre cables – Test methods for non-metallic materials –
Part 502: Mechanical tests – Shrinkage test for insulations
IEC 60811-503, Electric and optical fibre cables – Test methods for non-metallic materials –
Part 503: Mechanical tests – Shrinkage test for sheaths
ISO 4892-2, Plastics – Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources – Part 2: Xenon-arc
lamps
ISO 4892-3, Plastics – Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources – Part 3: Fluorescent
UV lamps
3 Terms and definitions
No terms and definitions are listed in this document.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
4 Method F1 – Temperature cycling
4.1 Object
This measuring method applies to optical fibre cables, which are tested by temperature
cycling in order to determine the stability behaviour of the attenuation of cables submitted to
temperature changes. This method can also be used for evaluation of buffer tubes or other
elements independent of a cable construction, as defined by a detail specification.
Changes in the attenuation of optical fibre cables, which may can occur with changing
temperature, are generally the result of buckling or tensioning of the fibres resulting from
differences between their thermal expansion coefficient and the coefficients of the cable
strength and sheath members. Test conditions for temperature-dependent measurements
shall simulate the worst conditions.
This test can be used either for monitoring cable behaviour in the temperature range, which
may can occur during storage, transportation and usage, or to check, in a selected
temperature range (usually wider than that required for the above-mentioned case), the
stability behaviour of the attenuation connected to a substantially microbend-free situation of
the fibre within the cable structure.
NOTE 1 Method F12 is a specialized subset of this method, specifically addressing cables for use in patch cords.
NOTE 2 The ageing test, F9, uses method F1 as its pre- and post-test temperature cycle. Often these tests are
done together.
NOTE 3 The cable shrinkage test, F17, uses method F1 as temperature cycling. These tests can be done
together.
4.2 Sample
The sample shall be a factory length or a sample of sufficient length as indicated in the detail
specification but, nevertheless, of length appropriate to achieve the desired accuracy of

– 10 – IEC 60794-1-22:2017 RLV © IEC 2017
attenuation measurements. The sample is additionally defined as the cable sample as
deployed for testing.
In order to gain reproducible values, the cable sample shall be brought into the climatic
chamber in a manner such that the deployment does not affect the measurement. Such
methods could be a loose coil or on a reel with large diameter coils, cushioned reels with a
soft layer or a zero tension facility device.
The ability of the fibre(s) to accommodate differential expansion and contraction (e.g. by
slipping within the cable) could be influenced by the bending radius of the cable. Sample
conditioning should, therefore, be realized as close as possible to normal usage conditions.
The bend diameter of the cable sample shall not violate the minimum bend diameter of the
cable, tube or other unit as specified by the detail specification.
Potential problems are due to an actual difference between the expansion coefficients of the
test sample and of the holder (e.g. reel, basket, plate) which can induce, during thermal
cycles, a significant effect on the test result if "no effect" conditions are not completely
fulfilled. The intent is to simulate the installed condition, in which the cable is generally
straight for the majority of its length.
Parameters of influence are mainly the details of conditioning, the type and materials of the
holder, and the diameter of the sample coil or reel.
General recommendations include the following.
a) The winding diameter shall be large enough to keep the ability of the fibre to
accommodate differential expansion and contraction. A winding diameter substantially
greater than the value selected for cable delivery may can be necessary.
b) Any risk of cable expansion (or contraction) limitation created by conditioning shall be
suppressed. In particular, special care should be taken to avoid residual tension on the
cable during the test. For example, a tight winding on a drum is not recommended as it
can limit cable contraction at low temperature. On the other hand, a tight multilayer
winding can limit expansion at high temperature.
c) The use of loose winding is recommended with large diameter coils and cushioned reels
with a soft layer or zero tension facility device.
d) The number of fibres tested shall conform to IEC 60794-1-1:2011, Annex B.
e) The fixed cable ends as well as connection to the equipment shall be outside of the
temperature chamber to avoid negative influences.
When necessary, in order to limit the length of the cable under test, it is permissible to
concatenate several fibres of the cable and to measure the concatenated fibres. The number
of connections shall be limited and they should be located outside the climatic chamber.
4.3 Apparatus
The apparatus shall consists of the following.
a) An appropriate attenuation measuring apparatus for the determination of attenuation
change (see the test methods of IEC 60793-1-40 and 60793-1-46).
b) a climatic chamber of a suitable size to accommodate the sample and whose temperature
shall be controllable to remain within ±3 °C of the specified testing temperature. One
example of a suitable chamber is given in Clause 8 of IEC 60068-2-14:2009: Test Nb:
Change of temperature with specified rate of change.
c) A temperature sensing device to measure the temperature of the sample, when applicable.
Samples with a large thermal mass may can require measurement to verify temperature
stability rather than utilizing a specified exposure period, t (see Table 1).
4.4 Procedure
4.4.1 Initial measurement
The sample shall be visually inspected and a basic value for attenuation at the initial
temperature shall be determined.
4.4.2 Pre-conditioning
Pre-conditioning conditions shall be agreed between customer and supplier.
4.4.3 Conditioning
Figure 1 and Figure 2 show graphically the initial cycle(s) and the final cycle. Together, they
illustrate the temperature cycle sequence to be used. If only one cycle high and low
temperature is specified, use Figure 1; for cycles with multiple high and/or low temperature
steps, use Figure 2.
NOTE The language of the conditioning procedure is written in reference to Figure 1, for clarity. If Figure 2, with
multiple low and/or high temperatures, is used, the appropriate steps are repeated for each temperature. That is,
steps (2) to (4) would be repeated for each additional low temperature and/or steps (5) to (7) would be repeated for
each high temperature.
1) The sample at ambient temperature shall be introduced into the climatic chamber which is
also at that temperature.
2) The temperature in the chamber shall then be lowered to the appropriate low temperature
T at the appropriate a rate of cooling not to exceed 60 ºC per hour, unless otherwise
A2
specified.
NOTE The initial cycles use the temperature extremes, T and T , regardless of whether the cycle
A2 B2
Figure 1 or Figure 2 is being used.
3) After temperature stability in the chamber has been reached, the sample shall be exposed
to the low temperature conditions for the appropriate period t (see (4), below).
4) A minimum soak time is given in Table 1; however, the soak time, t , must shall be
sufficient to bring the complete cable to equilibrium with the specified temperature.
5) The temperature in the chamber shall then be raised to the appropriate high temperature
T at the appropriate a rate of heating not to exceed 60 ºC per hour, unless otherwise
B2
specified.
6) After temperature stability in the chamber has been reached, the sample shall be exposed
to the high temperature conditions for the appropriate period t .
7) The temperature in the chamber shall then be lowered to the value of the ambient
temperature at the appropriate rate of cooling. This procedure constitutes one cycle (see
Figure 1 or Figure 2). If this is the intermediate step in a series of cycles, no soak is
required, but no measurements shall be taken.
8) Continue to the next cycle, using steps 2) through 7). The sample shall be subjected to at
least two cycles unless otherwise required by the relevant detail specification. The initial
cycle(s) shall comprise one low temperature and one high temperature, as per Figure 1.
The last final cycle shall comprise one or more low temperatures and one or more high
temperatures, as per Figure 2 1, as required by the relevant detail specification. If multiple
low or high temperature steps are required, the final cycle shall comprise two or more low
temperatures and two or more high temperatures, as per Figure 2. On the last cycle, if
multiple temperatures are specified, the sample shall be held at each intermediate
or T ) for the appropriate time t . At the end of the cycling sequence,
temperature (T
A1 B1 1
hold the sample at ambient temperature for the appropriate period t .
9) The attenuation shall be measured at ambient temperature at the start of the first cycle, at
the end of the soak time t at each of the specified temperature steps (T , T , T , T )
1 A1 A2 B1 B2
in the last final cycle, and at ambient temperature at the end of the last final cycle. If
measurement at intermediate cycles is required by the detail specification, the
measurements shall be performed in the same manner.

– 12 – IEC 60794-1-22:2017 RLV © IEC 2017
10) Before removal from the chamber, the sample under test shall have reached temperature
stability at ambient temperature.
Table 1 – Minimum soak time t
Minimum soak times for a given sample mass
Sample mass Minimum soak time, t
kg h
Under 0,35 0,5
0,36 to 0,7 1
0,8 to 1,5 2
1,6 to 15 4
16 to 100 8
101 to 250 12
251 to 500 14
Over 501 16
NOTE It is the responsibility of the tester to assure that the soak time is long enough to bring the cable to
equilibrium with the specified temperature.

T
B2
Time (t)
t
T
A2
t
1 cycle
IEC
Figure 1 – First Initial cycle(s) procedure
Temperature in the chamber
T
B2
T
B1
Time (t)
T
A1
t t
1 1
T
A2
t t
1 1
1 cycle
IEC
Figure 2 – Last Final cycle procedure
4.4.4 Recovery
If the ambient temperature is not the standard atmospheric condition to be used for testing
after removal from the chamber, the sample shall be allowed to attain temperature stability at
this latter condition.
The relevant detail specification may can call for a specific recovery period for a given type of
sample.
4.5 Requirements
The acceptance criteria for the test shall be as stated in the detail specification. Typical failure
modes include loss of optical continuity, degradation of optical transmittance or physical
damage to the cable. Unless otherwise specified, the change in attenuation shall be
calculated with respect to the attenuation value attained at ambient conditions prior to the
start of the temperature cycling test (4.4.1).
4.6 Details to be specified
The detail specification shall include the following:
a) cable sample length;
b) number of fibres tested if different from 4.2;
c) length of the fibre under test typically 1 km minimum, unless otherwise specified;
d) type of connection between concatenated fibres (if any optional);
e) temperature limits:
i) T and T (Figure 1), or
A2 B2
ii) T , T , T and T (Figure 2);
A1 A2 B1 B2
f) number of cycles;
g) humidity levels at each temperature extreme (if any specified);
Temperature in the chamber
– 14 – IEC 60794-1-22:2017 RLV © IEC 2017
h) maximum change of attenuation (see 4.5) at a specified wavelength as a function of
temperature cycling.
4.7 Details to be reported
Type of winding:
a) coil, reel, other (to be stated, in case of a cushioned reel, the type of cushioning and
material used);
b) winding diameter;
c) single or multilayer;
d) winding tension and zero tension facility device (if any).
Soaking time, t , if different, as specified in Table 1.
4 Method F2 – Contamination (test deleted)
5 Method F3 – Sheath integrity (test deleted)
6 Method F4 – External static pressure (test deleted)
5 Method F5 – Water penetration
5.1 Object
This test applies to continuously water-blocked cables. The purpose is to determine the ability
of a cable to block water migration along a specified length.
• F5A evaluates radial ingress of water due to sheath damage.
• F5B evaluates longitudinal ingress of water down the entire cable cross-section designed
to be water-blocked, from an undefined water exposure at a cable end.
• F5C also evaluates longitudinal ingress of water from cable end and is applicable for
cables with swellable water blocking material.
Compliance shall be checked on samples of cable using one of the three following methods
(F5A, F5B or F5C), as stated in the detail specification. Method F5A tests for water migration
between the outer interstices of the optical core and the outer sheath, whereas methods F5B
and F5C test for water migration over the entire cross-section designed to be water-blocked.
Method F5C includes a precondition step, a restricted-flow apparatus, or longer sample to
simulate gradual water exposure at a location along the length of a cable or at a cable end.
NOTE Multiple sheath designs, for example armoured cables, are not necessarily designed to
be water blocked. If so, then remove the outer layers before application of the seals.
5.2 Sample
5.2.1 Method F5A
A circumferential portion of sheath and wrapping 25 mm wide shall be removed 3 m from one
end of a sample length of cable and a watertight sleeve shall be applied over the exposed
core so as to bridge the gap in the sheath and allow a 1 m height of water to be applied.
The opposite end of the sample shall be capped to block any water leakage in that direction.
The sample shall be long enough to include the test end length, the length of removed sheath,
and length sufficient to cap the opposite end. Generally, 3,1 m should be sufficient.

5.2.2 Method F5B
A cable sample that shall not exceed 3 m is used.
A watertight seal shall be applied to one end of the sample to allow a 1 m height of water to
be applied.
NOTE 1 If the armour i
...

IEC 60794-1-22 ®
Edition 2.0 2017-10
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Optical fibre cables –
Part 1-22: Generic specification – Basic optical cable test procedures –
Environmental test methods
Câbles à fibres optiques –
Partie 1-22: Spécification générique – Modes opératoires de base applicables
aux essais des câbles optiques – Méthodes d’essais d’environnement
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IEC 60794-1-22 ®
Edition 2.0 2017-10
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Optical fibre cables –
Part 1-22: Generic specification – Basic optical cable test procedures –

Environmental test methods
Câbles à fibres optiques –
Partie 1-22: Spécification générique – Modes opératoires de base applicables

aux essais des câbles optiques – Méthodes d’essais d’environnement

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 33.180.10 ISBN 978-2-8322-5553-7

– 2 – IEC 60794-1-22:2017 © IEC 2017
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 5
INTRODUCTION . 7
1 Scope . 8
2 Normative references . 8
3 Terms and definitions . 9
4 Method F1 – Temperature cycling . 9
4.1 Object . 9
4.2 Sample . 9
4.3 Apparatus . 10
4.4 Procedure . 10
4.4.1 Initial measurement . 10
4.4.2 Pre-conditioning . 10
4.4.3 Conditioning . 11
4.4.4 Recovery . 13
4.5 Requirements . 13
4.6 Details to be specified . 13
4.7 Details to be reported . 14
5 Method F5 – Water penetration . 14
5.1 Object . 14
5.2 Sample . 14
5.2.1 Method F5A . 14
5.2.2 Method F5B . 14
5.2.3 Method F5C (for cables with swellable water blocking material) . 15
5.3 Apparatus . 15
5.3.1 Test fixtures and set-up . 15
5.3.2 Water . 15
5.3.3 Orifice (method F5C) . 15
5.4 Procedure . 15
5.4.1 Method F5A and F5B . 15
5.4.2 Method F5C . 16
5.5 Requirements . 16
5.6 Details to be specified . 16
5.7 Details to be reported . 16
6 Method F7 – Nuclear radiation . 19
6.1 Object . 19
6.2 Sample . 19
6.3 Apparatus . 19
6.4 Procedure . 19
6.4.1 Fibres . 19
6.4.2 Materials . 19
6.5 Requirements . 19
6.6 Details to be specified . 19
7 Method F8 – Pneumatic resistance . 19
7.1 Object . 19
7.2 Sample . 20

7.3 Apparatus . 20
7.4 Procedure . 20
7.5 Requirement . 20
7.6 Details to be specified . 20
8 Method F9 – Ageing . 21
8.1 Object . 21
8.2 Sample . 21
8.3 Apparatus . 21
8.4 Procedure . 21
8.5 Requirement . 21
8.6 Details to be specified . 21
9 Method F10 – Underwater cable resistance to hydrostatic pressure . 22
9.1 Object . 22
9.2 Sample . 22
9.3 Apparatus . 22
9.4 Procedure . 22
9.5 Requirements . 22
9.6 Details to be specified . 22
10 Method F11 – Sheath shrinkage (cables intended for patch cords) . 22
10.1 Object . 22
10.2 Sample . 23
10.3 Apparatus . 23
10.4 Procedure . 23
10.5 Requirements . 24
10.6 Details to be specified . 24
10.7 Details to be reported . 24
11 Method F12 – Temperature cycling of cables to be terminated with connectors . 24
11.1 Object . 24
11.2 Sample . 24
11.3 Apparatus . 24
11.4 Procedure . 25
11.5 Requirements . 25
11.6 Details to be specified . 25
12 Method F13 – Microduct pressure withstand . 25
12.1 Object . 25
12.2 Sample . 26
12.3 Apparatus . 26
12.4 Procedure . 26
12.5 Requirements . 26
12.6 Details to be specified . 26
13 Method F14 – Cable UV resistance test . 26
13.1 Object . 26
13.2 Sample . 27
13.3 Apparatus . 27
13.4 Procedure . 27
13.4.1 General . 27
13.4.2 Conditioning for outdoor cables (weatherometer test) . 27
13.4.3 Conditioning for indoor cables (QUV test) . 28

– 4 – IEC 60794-1-22:2017 © IEC 2017
13.5 Requirements . 28
13.6 Details to be specified . 28
14 Method F15 – Cable external freezing test . 28
14.1 Object . 28
14.2 Sample . 28
14.3 Apparatus . 28
14.4 Procedure . 28
14.5 Requirements . 29
14.6 Details to be specified . 29
15 Method F16 – Compound flow (drip) . 29
15.1 Object . 29
15.2 Sample . 29
15.3 Apparatus . 30
15.4 Procedure . 30
15.5 Requirements . 31
15.6 Details to be specified . 31
16 Method F17 – Cable shrinkage test (fibre protrusion) . 31
16.1 Object . 31
16.2 Sample . 31
16.3 Apparatus . 31
16.4 Conditioning . 31
16.5 Requirements . 33
16.6 Details to be specified . 33
16.7 Details to be reported . 33
17 Method F18 – Mid-span temperature cycling test for exposed buffer tubes . 34
17.1 Object . 34
17.2 Sample . 34
17.3 Apparatus . 34
17.4 Procedure . 34
17.5 Requirements . 35
17.6 Details to be specified . 35
Annex A (normative) Colour permanence . 36
Bibliography . 37

Figure 1 – Initial cycle(s) procedure . 12
Figure 2 – Final cycle procedure . 13
Figure 3 – Test arrangement for method F5A . 17
Figure 4 – Test arrangement for method F5B . 17
Figure 5 – Test arrangement for method F5C: pre-soaked sample . 17
Figure 6 – Test arrangement for method F5C: pre-soak procedure . 18
Figure 7 – Test arrangement for method F5C: orifice . 18
Figure 8 – Test arrangement for method F5C: longer sample . 18
Figure 9 – Preparation of the cable ends. 32
Figure 10 – Fibre protrusion measurement . 33

Table 1 – Minimum soak time t . 12
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
OPTICAL FIBRE CABLES –
Part 1-22: Generic specification –
Basic optical cable test procedures –
Environmental test methods
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,
Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC
Publication(s)”). 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. 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 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
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence
between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
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 60794-1-22 has been prepared by subcommittee 86A: Fibres and
cables, of IEC technical committee 86: Fibre optics.
This bilingual version (2018-04) corresponds to the monolingual English version, published in
2017-10.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2012. It constitutes a
technical revision.
This second edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the
previous edition:
a) new test method designation F16 – Compound flow (drip) [E14 in IEC 60794-1-21];
b) new test method F17 – Cable shrinkage test (fibre protrusion);

– 6 – IEC 60794-1-22:2017 © IEC 2017
c) new test method F18 – Mid-span temperature cycling test.
NOTE Missing numbers in the test methods sequence are intentional. They can suggest a deleted test method or
a test method that was never published.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
86A/1813/FDIS 86A/1827/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this International Standard can be found in
the report on voting indicated in the above table.
The French version of this standard has not been voted upon.
This document has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
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.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related to
the specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
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.
INTRODUCTION
IEC 60794-1-2:2003 has been split into five new documents:
• IEC 60794-1-2, Optical fibre cables – Part 1-2: Generic specification – Basic optical cable
test procedures – General guidance
• IEC 60794-1-21, Optical fibre cables – Part 1-21: Generic specification – Basic optical
cable test procedures – Mechanical tests methods
• IEC 60794-1-22, Optical fibre cables – Part 1-22: Generic specification – Basic optical
cable test procedures – Environmental tests methods
• IEC 60794-1-23, Optical fibre cables – Part 1-23: Generic specification – Basic optical
cable test procedures – Cable elements tests methods
• IEC 60794-1-24, Optical fibre cables – Part 1-24: Generic specification – Basic optical
cable test procedures – Electrical tests methods

– 8 – IEC 60794-1-22:2017 © IEC 2017
OPTICAL FIBRE CABLES –
Part 1-22: Generic specification –
Basic optical cable test procedures –
Environmental test methods
1 Scope
This part of IEC 60794 defines test procedures to be used in establishing uniform
requirements for the environmental performance of
• optical fibre cables for use with telecommunication equipment and devices employing
similar techniques, and
• cables having a combination of both optical fibres and electrical conductors.
Throughout this document, the wording "optical cable" can also include optical fibre units,
microduct fibre units, etc.
See IEC 60794-1-2 for a reference guide to test methods of all types and for general
requirements and definitions.
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 60068-2-14:2009, Environmental testing – Part 2-14: Tests – Test N: Change of
temperature
IEC 60304, Standard colours for insulation for low-frequency cables and wires
IEC 60544-1, Electrical insulating materials – Determination of the effects of ionizing radiation
– Part 1: Radiation interaction and dosimetry
IEC 60793-1-40, Optical fibres – Part 1-40: Measurement methods and test procedures –
Attenuation
IEC 60793-1-46, Optical fibres – Part 1-46: Measurement methods and test procedures –
Monitoring of changes in optical transmittance
IEC 60793-1-54, Optical fibres – Part 1-54: Measurement methods and test procedures –
Gamma irradiation
IEC 60794-1-1, Optical fibre cables – Part 1-1: Generic specification – General
IEC 60811-503, Electric and optical fibre cables – Test methods for non-metallic materials –
Part 503: Mechanical tests – Shrinkage test for sheaths
ISO 4892-2, Plastics – Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources – Part 2: Xenon-arc
lamps
ISO 4892-3, Plastics – Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources – Part 3: Fluorescent
UV lamps
3 Terms and definitions
No terms and definitions are listed in this document.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
4 Method F1 – Temperature cycling
4.1 Object
This measuring method applies to optical fibre cables, which are tested by temperature
cycling in order to determine the stability behaviour of the attenuation of cables submitted to
temperature changes. This method can also be used for evaluation of buffer tubes or other
elements independent of a cable construction, as defined by a detail specification.
Changes in the attenuation of optical fibre cables, which can occur with changing
temperature, are generally the result of buckling or tensioning of the fibres resulting from
differences between their thermal expansion coefficient and the coefficients of the cable
strength and sheath members. Test conditions for temperature-dependent measurements
shall simulate the worst conditions.
This test can be used either for monitoring cable behaviour in the temperature range, which
can occur during storage, transportation and usage, or to check, in a selected temperature
range (usually wider than that required for the above-mentioned case), the stability behaviour
of the attenuation connected to a substantially microbend-free situation of the fibre within the
cable structure.
NOTE 1 Method F12 is a specialized subset of this method, specifically addressing cables for use in patch cords.
NOTE 2 The ageing test, F9, uses method F1 as its pre- and post-test temperature cycle. Often these tests are
done together.
NOTE 3 The cable shrinkage test, F17, uses method F1 as temperature cycling. These tests can be done
together.
4.2 Sample
The sample shall be a factory length or a sample of sufficient length as indicated in the detail
specification but, nevertheless, of length appropriate to achieve the desired accuracy of
attenuation measurements. The sample is additionally defined as the cable sample as
deployed for testing.
In order to gain reproducible values, the cable sample shall be brought into the climatic
chamber in a manner such that the deployment does not affect the measurement. Such
methods could be a loose coil or on a reel with large diameter coils, cushioned reels with a
soft layer or a zero tension facility device.
The ability of the fibre(s) to accommodate differential expansion and contraction (e.g. by
slipping within the cable) could be influenced by the bending radius of the cable. Sample
conditioning should, therefore, be realized as close as possible to normal usage conditions.
The bend diameter of the cable sample shall not violate the minimum bend diameter of the
cable, tube or other unit as specified by the detail specification.

– 10 – IEC 60794-1-22:2017 © IEC 2017
Potential problems are due to an actual difference between the expansion coefficients of the
test sample and of the holder (e.g. reel, basket, plate) which can induce, during thermal
cycles, a significant effect on the test result if "no effect" conditions are not completely
fulfilled. The intent is to simulate the installed condition, in which the cable is generally
straight for the majority of its length.
Parameters of influence are mainly the details of conditioning, the type and materials of the
holder, and the diameter of the sample coil or reel.
General recommendations include the following.
a) The winding diameter shall be large enough to keep the ability of the fibre to
accommodate differential expansion and contraction. A winding diameter substantially
greater than the value selected for cable delivery can be necessary.
b) Any risk of cable expansion (or contraction) limitation created by conditioning shall be
suppressed. In particular, special care should be taken to avoid residual tension on the
cable during the test. For example, a tight winding on a drum is not recommended as it
can limit cable contraction at low temperature. On the other hand, a tight multilayer
winding can limit expansion at high temperature.
c) The use of loose winding is recommended with large diameter coils and cushioned reels
with a soft layer or zero tension facility device.
d) The number of fibres tested shall conform to IEC 60794-1-1.
e) The fixed cable ends as well as connection to the equipment shall be outside of the
temperature chamber to avoid negative influences.
When necessary, in order to limit the length of the cable under test, it is permissible to
concatenate several fibres of the cable and to measure the concatenated fibres. The number
of connections shall be limited and they should be located outside the climatic chamber.
4.3 Apparatus
The apparatus shall consist of the following.
a) An appropriate attenuation measuring apparatus for the determination of attenuation
change (see the test methods of IEC 60793-1-40 and 60793-1-46).
b) a climatic chamber of a suitable size to accommodate the sample and whose temperature
shall be controllable to remain within ±3 °C of the specified testing temperature. One
example of a suitable chamber is given in Clause 8 of IEC 60068-2-14:2009.
c) A temperature sensing device to measure the temperature of the sample, when applicable.
Samples with a large thermal mass can require measurement to verify temperature
stability rather than utilizing a specified exposure period, t (see Table 1).
4.4 Procedure
4.4.1 Initial measurement
The sample shall be visually inspected and a basic value for attenuation at the initial
temperature shall be determined.
4.4.2 Pre-conditioning
Pre-conditioning conditions shall be agreed between customer and supplier.

4.4.3 Conditioning
Figure 1 and Figure 2 show graphically the initial cycle(s) and the final cycle. Together, they
illustrate the temperature cycle sequence to be used. If only one high and low temperature is
specified, use Figure 1; for cycles with multiple high and/or low temperature steps,
use Figure 2.
NOTE The language of the conditioning procedure is written in reference to Figure 1, for clarity. If Figure 2, with
multiple low and/or high temperatures, is used, the appropriate steps are repeated for each temperature. That is,
steps (2) to (4) would be repeated for each additional low temperature and/or steps (5) to (7) would be repeated for
each high temperature.
1) The sample at ambient temperature shall be introduced into the climatic chamber which is
also at that temperature.
2) The temperature in the chamber shall then be lowered to the appropriate low temperature
T at a rate of cooling not to exceed 60 ºC per hour, unless otherwise specified.
A2
NOTE The initial cycles use the temperature extremes, T and T , regardless of whether the cycle
A2 B2
Figure 1 or Figure 2 is being used.
3) After temperature stability in the chamber has been reached, the sample shall be exposed
to the low temperature conditions for the appropriate period t (see (4), below).
4) A minimum soak time is given in Table 1; however, the soak time, t , shall be sufficient to
bring the complete cable to equilibrium with the specified temperature.
5) The temperature in the chamber shall then be raised to the appropriate high temperature
T at a rate of heating not to exceed 60 ºC per hour, unless otherwise specified.
B2
6) After temperature stability in the chamber has been reached, the sample shall be exposed
to the high temperature conditions for the appropriate period t .
7) The temperature in the chamber shall then be lowered to the value of the ambient
temperature at the appropriate rate of cooling. This procedure constitutes one cycle (see
Figure 1 or Figure 2). If this is the intermediate step in a series of cycles, no soak is
required, but no measurements shall be taken.
8) Continue to the next cycle, using steps 2) through 7). The sample shall be subjected to at
least two cycles unless otherwise required by the relevant detail specification. The initial
cycle(s) shall comprise one low temperature and one high temperature, as per Figure 1.
The final cycle shall comprise one low temperature and one high temperature, as per
Figure 1, as required by the relevant detail specification. If multiple low or high
temperature steps are required, the final cycle shall comprise two or more low
temperatures and two or more high temperatures, as per Figure 2. On the last cycle, if
multiple temperatures are specified, the sample shall be held at each intermediate
or T ) for the appropriate time t . At the end of the cycling sequence,
temperature (T
A1 B1 1
hold the sample at ambient temperature for the appropriate period t .
9) The attenuation shall be measured at ambient temperature at the start of the first cycle, at
the end of the soak time t at each of the specified temperature steps (T , T , T , T )
1 A1 A2 B1 B2
in the final cycle, and at ambient temperature at the end of the final cycle. If measurement
at intermediate cycles is required by the detail specification, the measurements shall be
performed in the same manner.
10) Before removal from the chamber, the sample under test shall have reached temperature
stability at ambient temperature.

– 12 – IEC 60794-1-22:2017 © IEC 2017
Table 1 – Minimum soak time t
Minimum soak times for a given sample mass
Sample mass Minimum soak time, t
kg h
Under 0,35 0,5
0,36 to 0,7 1
0,8 to 1,5 2
1,6 to 15 4
16 to 100 8
101 to 250 12
251 to 500 14
Over 501 16
NOTE It is the responsibility of the tester to assure that the soak time is long enough to bring the cable to
equilibrium with the specified temperature.

T
B2
Time (t)
t
T
A2
t
1 cycle
IEC
Figure 1 – Initial cycle(s) procedure
Temperature in the chamber
T
B2
T
B1
Time (t)
T
A1
t t
1 1
T
A2
t t
1 1
1 cycle
IEC
Figure 2 – Final cycle procedure
4.4.4 Recovery
If the ambient temperature is not the standard atmospheric condition to be used for testing
after removal from the chamber, the sample shall be allowed to attain temperature stability at
this latter condition.
The relevant detail specification can call for a specific recovery period for a given type of
sample.
4.5 Requirements
The acceptance criteria for the test shall be as stated in the detail specification. Typical failure
modes include loss of optical continuity, degradation of optical transmittance or physical
damage to the cable. Unless otherwise specified, the change in attenuation shall be
calculated with respect to the attenuation value attained at ambient conditions prior to the
start of the temperature cycling test (4.4.1).
4.6 Details to be specified
The detail specification shall include the following:
a) cable sample length;
b) number of fibres tested if different from 4.2;
c) length of the fibre under test;
d) type of connection between concatenated fibres (optional);
e) temperature limits:
i) T and T (Figure 1), or
A2 B2
ii) T , T , T and T (Figure 2);
A1 A2 B1 B2
f) number of cycles;
g) humidity levels at each temperature extreme (if specified);
Temperature in the chamber
– 14 – IEC 60794-1-22:2017 © IEC 2017
h) maximum change of attenuation (see 4.5) at a specified wavelength as a function of
temperature cycling.
4.7 Details to be reported
Type of winding:
a) coil, reel, other (to be
...