IEC 60794-1-22:2012

IEC 60794-1-22 ®
Edition 1.0 2012-06
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 1.0 2012-06
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Optical fibre cables –
Part 1-22: Generic specification – Basic optical cable test procedures –

Environmental test methods
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
PRICE CODE
U
ICS 33.180.10 ISBN 978-2-83220-131-2

– 2 – 60794-1-22 © IEC:2012(E)

CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 5
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Method F1 – Temperature cycling . 8
3.1 Object . 8
3.2 Sample . 8
3.3 Apparatus . 9
3.4 Procedure . 9
3.4.1 Initial measurement . 9
3.4.2 Pre-conditioning . 9
3.4.3 Conditioning . 9
3.4.4 Recovery . 11
3.5 Requirements . 12
3.6 Details to be specified . 12
3.7 Details to be reported . 12
4 Method F2 – Contamination (test deleted) . 12
5 Method F3 – Sheath integrity (test deleted) . 12
6 Method F4 External static pressure (test deleted) . 12
7 Method F5 – Water penetration . 12
7.1 Object . 12
7.2 Sample . 13
7.2.1 Method F5A . 13
7.2.2 Method F5B . 13
7.2.3 Method F5C (for cables with swellable water blocking material) . 13
7.3 Apparatus . 13
7.3.1 Test fixtures and set-up . 13
7.3.2 Water . 14
7.3.3 Orifice . 14
7.4 Procedure . 14
7.4.1 Method F5A and F5B . 14
7.4.2 Method F5C . 14
7.5 Requirements . 14
7.6 Details to be specified . 14
7.7 Details to be reported . 15
8 Method F6 – Unknown (test deleted) . 17
9 Method F7 – Nuclear radiation . 17
9.1 Object . 17
9.2 Sample . 18
9.3 Apparatus . 18
9.4 Procedure . 18
9.4.1 Fibres . 18
9.4.2 Materials . 18
9.5 Requirements . 18
9.6 Details to be specified . 18

60794-1-22 © IEC:2012(E) – 3 –
10 Method F8 – Pneumatic resistance . 18
10.1 Object . 18
10.2 Sample . 18
10.3 Apparatus . 18
10.4 Procedure . 18
10.5 Requirement . 19
10.6 Details to be specified . 19
11 Method F9 – Ageing . 19
11.1 Object . 19
11.2 Sample . 19
11.3 Apparatus . 19
11.4 Procedure . 20
11.5 Requirement . 20
11.6 Details to be specified . 20
12 Method F10 – Underwater cable resistance to hydrostatic pressure . 20
12.1 Object . 20
12.2 Sample . 20
12.3 Apparatus . 20
12.4 Procedure . 20
12.5 Requirements . 21
12.6 Details to be specified . 21
13 Method F11 – Sheath shrinkage (cables intended for patch cords) . 21
13.1 Object . 21
13.2 General . 21
13.3 Apparatus . 21
13.4 Conditioning . 21
13.5 Sampling . 21
13.6 Procedure . 22
13.7 Requirements . 22
13.8 Details to be specified . 22
13.9 Details to be reported . 23
14 Method F12 – Temperature cycling of cables used for patch cords . 23
14.1 Object . 23
14.2 Apparatus . 23
14.3 Sample . 23
14.4 Procedure . 23
14.5 Requirements . 23
14.6 Details to be specified . 24
15 Method F13 – Microduct pressure-withstand . 24
15.1 Object . 24
15.2 General . 24
15.3 Samples . 24
15.4 Test equipment . 24
15.5 Procedure . 24
15.6 Requirements . 25
15.7 Details to be specified . 25
16 Method F14 – Cable UV resistance test . 25
16.1 Object . 25

– 4 – 60794-1-22 © IEC:2012(E)
16.2 Sample . 25
16.3 Apparatus . 25
16.4 Procedure . 25
16.5 Conditioning . 25
16.6 Requirements . 26
16.7 Details to be specified . 26
17 Method F15 – Cable external freezing test . 26
17.1 Object . 26
17.2 Sample . 26
17.3 Apparatus . 27
17.4 Procedure . 27
17.5 Requirements . 27
17.6 Details to be specified . 27
Annex A (normative) Colour permanence . 28

Figure 1 – First cycle(s) procedure . 11
Figure 2 – Last cycle procedure . 11
Figure 3 – Method F5-A . 15
Figure 4 – Method F5-B . 15
Figure 5 – Method F5C pre-soaked sample . 16
Figure 6 – Method F5C Alternative pre-soak procedure . 16
Figure 7 – Method F5C Orifice . 17
Figure 8 – Method F5C Longer sample . 17

Table 1 – Minimum soak time t . 10
60794-1-22 © IEC:2012(E) – 5 –
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
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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 edition of IEC 60794-1-22 cancels and replaces the environmental tests part of the
second edition of IEC 60794-1-2 published in 2003. It constitutes a technical revision.
It has been decided to split the second edition of IEC 60794-1-2 into six new documents:
– IEC 60794-1-2, Optical fibre cables – Part 1-2: Generic specification – Basic optical cable
test procedures
– IEC 60794-1-20, Optical fibre cables – Part 1-20: Generic specification – Basic optical
cable test procedures – General and definitions
– IEC 60794-1-21, Optical fibre cables – Part 1-21: Generic specification – Basic optical
cable test procedures – Mechanical tests methods

– 6 – 60794-1-22 © IEC:2012(E)
– 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
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
CDV Report on voting
86A/1424/CDV 86A/1445/RVC
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.
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 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.
60794-1-22 © IEC:2012(E) – 7 –
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.
The object of this standard is to define test procedures to be used in establishing uniform
requirements for the environmental performance.
Throughout the standard the wording “optical cable” may also include optical fibre units,
microduct fibre units, etc.
See IEC 60794-1-2 for general requirements and definitions and reference guide to test
methods of all types.
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 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

– 8 – 60794-1-22 © IEC:2012(E)
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 Method F1 – Temperature cycling
3.1 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.
Changes in the attenuation of optical fibre cables which may occur with changing
temperatures 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 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 patchcords.
NOTE 2 The ageing test, F9, uses Method F1 as its pre- and post-test temperature cycle. Often these tests are
done together.
3.2 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.
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, the diameter of the sample coil or reel.

60794-1-22 © IEC:2012(E) – 9 –
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 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.
3.3 Apparatus
The apparatus consists of:
a) an appropriate attenuation measuring apparatus for the determination of attenuation
change (see the test methods of IEC 60793-1-40);
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 require measurement to verify temperature
stability rather than utilizing a specified exposure period, t .
3.4 Procedure
3.4.1 Initial measurement
The sample shall be visually inspected and a basic value for attenuation at the initial
temperature shall be determined.
3.4.2 Pre-conditioning
Pre-conditioning conditions shall be agreed between customer and supplier.
3.4.3 Conditioning
Figures 1 and 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 is specified, use
Figure 1.
(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 rate of cooling.
A2
(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 .
– 10 – 60794-1-22 © IEC:2012(E)
(4) A minimum soak time is given in Table 1; however the soak time must 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 rate of heating.
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 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, per Figure
1. The last cycle shall comprise one or more low temperatures and one or more high
temperatures, per Figure 2, as required by the relevant detail specification. On the last
cycle, if multiple temperatures are specified, the sample shall be held at each
intermediate temperature (T or T ) for the appropriate time t . At the end of the
A1 B1 1
cycling sequence, 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 ,
1 A1 A2 B1
T ) in the last cycle, and at ambient temperature at the end of the last cycle.
B2
(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.

60794-1-22 © IEC:2012(E) – 11 –

T
B2
A
Time t
t
T
A2
t
1 cycle
IEC  1089/12
Figure 1 – First cycle(s) procedure
T
B2
T
B1
A
Temperature
in the chamber
Time t
t
t
T
A1
T
A2
t t
1 1
1 cycle
IEC  1090/12
Figure 2 – Last cycle procedure
3.4.4 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 call for a specific recovery period for a given type of
sample.
– 12 – 60794-1-22 © IEC:2012(E)
3.5 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.
3.6 Details to be specified
The detail specification shall include the following:
a) cable sample length;
b) number of fibres tested if different from 3.2;
c) length of the fibre under test typically 1 km minimum, unless otherwise specified;
d) type of connection between concatenated fibres (if any);
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);
h) change of attenuation at a specified wavelength as a function of temperature cycling.
3.7 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).
4 Method F2 – Contamination (test deleted)
5 Method F3 – Sheath integrity (test deleted)
6 Method F4 – External static pressure (test deleted)
7 Method F5 – Water penetration
7.1 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

60794-1-22 © IEC:2012(E) – 13 –
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, e.g. armoured cables, are not necessarily designed to be water blocked. If so,
then remove the outer layers before application of the seals.
7.2 Sample
7.2.1 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.
7.2.2 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 in armoured cables is not designed to be water-blocked, the armour may be removed at the
end before the application of the seal.
NOTE 2 Water pressure may force the fibre and filling compound out of the core tubes of filled cables. Such an
occurrence would be a “test void” result. Therefore, the core may require that the fibres be restrained at the exit
end – as with a screen or cloth covering. Since the filled tubes exhibit robust water blocking ability, testing may
focus on the water penetration characteristics of the rest of the cable. In this case, it is recommended that the core
tube(s) be plugged at either end to avoid this problem.
7.2.3 Method F5C (for cables with swellable water blocking material)
A cable sample which shall not exceed 3 m is used for pre-soak or orifice procedure. Unless
one of these procedures is selected, a longer cable sample, which shall not exceed 40 m, can
be 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 in armoured cables is not designed to be water-blocked, the armour may be removed at the
end before the application of the seal.
NOTE 2 Water pressure may force the fibre and water-blocking material out of the core tubes of filled cables.
Such an occurrence would be a “test void” result. Therefore, the core may require that the fibres be restrained at
the exit end – as with a screen or cloth covering.
7.3 Apparatus
7.3.1 Test fixtures and set-up
Suitable test arrangements are shown in Figures 3 to 8 for methods F5A, F5B, and F5C,
respectively. Unless otherwise specified in the detail specification, the sample shall be
supported horizontally.
– 14 – 60794-1-22 © IEC:2012(E)
7.3.2 Water
Water shall be potable water, either common tap water or deionized or distilled water, at the
option of the cable manufacturer.
A water soluble fluorescent dye or other suitable colouring agent may be used to aid in the
detection of water seepage at the option of the cable manufacturer. Care should be taken in
choosing a fluorescent dye that does not react with any of the cable components.
NOTE Fluorescent dyes inhibit the action of many swellable water blocking materials to some degree, which may
bias test results.
If required by the detail specification, water simulating sea water (or other) may be used for
the test. Note that special design considerations and test limits should apply to cables
designed for salt water or brackish water exposure.
7.3.3 Orifice
An orifice may be placed in the tube connecting the water source to the sample to limit the
water flow rate.
The orifice, if used, shall be 1,50 mm ± 0,25 mm diameter, and a maximum length of 30 mm
(see Figure 7).
7.4 Procedure
7.4.1 Method F5A and F5B
1 m height of water shall be applied for 24 h.
7.4.2 Method F5C
7.4.2.1 Pre-soak
One end of the sample shall be pre-soaked in a bucket of water to a depth of
100 mm ± 10 mm for 10 min. At the same end, a watertight seal shall be applied to allow a
1 m height of water to be applied.
After the pre-soak procedure, 1 m height of water shall be applied for 24 h.
7.4.2.2 Orifice
The orifice, if used, may be placed in any part of the tube connecting the water head source
to the sample.
7.4.2.3 Longer sample
1 m height of water shall be applied for 24 h (see Figure 8).
7.5 Requirements
For methods F5A, F5B and F5C, no water shall be detected at the unsealed end of the
sample. If a fluorescent dye is used, an ultraviolet light may be used for the examination.
NOTE The test procedure mentioned above is a basic compliance requirement. For process evaluation tests
samples of shorter lengths may be tested for a shorter time.
7.6 Details to be specified
The detail specification shall include the following:
a) method used – F5A, F5B, or F5C (see Figures 3 to 8);

60794-1-22 © IEC:2012(E) – 15 –
b) any alternative test length, water head, water type, or test duration;
c) alternative test lengths, preconditioning or leakage requirements if salt water is to be
used.
7.7 Details to be reported
Orifice if used:
– details of dye, if used;
– test length, if different;
– duration of test, if different.

25 mm
1 m height
of water
Cap
Sample Sample
3 m
IEC  1091/12
Figure 3 – Method F5-A
Water
Water seal
1 m Sample (3 m max.)
IEC  1092/12
Figure 4 – Method F5-B
– 16 – 60794-1-22 © IEC:2012(E)

Water
Water seal
Sample (3 m max.)
1 m
Pre-soaked portion
100 mm ± 10 mm
IEC  1093/12
Figure 5 – Method F5C pre-soaked sample
Cable-sample
Water
IEC  1094/12
Figure 6 – Method F5C Alternative pre-soak procedure
100 ± 10 mm
60794-1-22 © IEC:2012(E) – 17 –
Water
Water seal
1 m
Sample
Orifice (1,5 mm ID × 30 mm max. length)
IEC  1095/12
Figure 7 – Method F5C orifice
Water
Water seal
1 m Sample (40 m max.)
IEC  1096/12
Figure 8 – Method F5C longer sample
8 Method F6 – Unknown (test deleted)
9 Method F7 – Nuclear radiation
9.1 Object
Exposure of optical fibre cables to nuclear radiation can cause a change in the attenuation of
the fibres and a change in the physical characteristics of the materials used in the cable
construction.
The attenuation of cabled and uncabled optical fibres generally increases when exposed to
radiation, due mainly to the trapping of radiolytic electrons and holes at defect sites in the
glass. Exposure of polymeric materials to radiation generally produces degradation in
properties such as tensile strength, elongation at break and impact performance as the
material becomes brittle (although some materials can show an initial improvement at
relatively low levels of exposure due to crosslinking).
In special cases where the cable operational environment includes exposure to nu
...