IEC 61300-2-46:2019

IEC 61300-2-46 ®
Edition 2.0 2019-03
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures –
Part 2-46: Tests – Damp heat, cyclic

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IEC 61300-2-46 ®
Edition 2.0 2019-03
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and

measurement procedures –
Part 2-46: Tests – Damp heat, cyclic

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 33.180.20 ISBN 978-2-8322-6682-3

– 2 – IEC 61300-2-46:2019 RLV  IEC 2019
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 General description . 6
5 Apparatus . 6
5.1 Chamber . 6
5.2 Others apparatus . 7
6 Procedure . 7
6.1 Preparation of specimens DUT . 7
6.2 Initial examinations and measurements . 8
6.3 Conditioning . 8
6.3.1 Placing the DUT . 8
6.3.2 Stabilizing . 8
6.3.3 24 h cycle . 9
6.4 Intermediate measurement. 10
6.5 Recovery . 10
6.6 Final examinations and measurements . 10
7 Severities . 11
8 Details to be specified . 12
Bibliography . 13

Figure – Test Db– Test cycle .
Figure 1 – Test – Test cycle . 7
Figure 2 – Test – Stabilizing period . 9
Figure 3 – Test – Recovery at controlled conditions . 10

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
FIBRE OPTIC INTERCONNECTING
DEVICES AND PASSIVE COMPONENTS –
BASIC TEST AND MEASUREMENT PROCEDURES –

Part 2-46: Tests – Damp heat, cyclic

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.
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.

– 4 – IEC 61300-2-46:2019 RLV  IEC 2019
International Standard IEC 61300-2-46 has been prepared by subcommittee 86B: Fibre optic
interconnecting devices and passive components, of IEC technical committee 86: Fibre optics.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2006. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) complete revision to harmonize with IEC 60068-2-30;
b) addition of detail description Clause 4, General description;
c) addition of detail description Clause 5, Apparatus;
d) addition of detail description Clause 6, Procedure.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
86B/4167/FDIS 86B/4182/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 61300 series, published under the general title Fibre optic
interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and measurement procedures,
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.
The contents of the corrigendum 1 (2022-02) have been included in the English part of this
copy.
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 publication using a colour printer.

FIBRE OPTIC INTERCONNECTING
DEVICES AND PASSIVE COMPONENTS –
BASIC TEST AND MEASUREMENT PROCEDURES –

Part 2-46: Tests – Damp heat, cyclic

1 Scope
The purpose of this part of IEC 61300 is to describe a test to determine the suitability of a fibre
optic device to withstand the environmental condition of high humidity and change of
temperature which may can occur in actual use, storage and/or transport.
The test is primarily intended to determine the suitability of fibre optic components under
conditions of high humidity – combined with cyclic temperature changes and, in general,
producing condensation on the surface of the specimen device under test (DUT). Absorption of
moisture may can result in swelling that would destroy functional utility, cause loss of physical
strength, and cause changes in other important mechanical properties. Degradation of optical
properties may can also occur.
Although not necessarily intended as a simulated tropical test, this test can, nevertheless, be
useful in determining moisture absorption of insulating or covering materials.
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 60068-1:2013, Environmental testing – Part 1: General and guidance
IEC 60068-2-30, Environmental testing - Part 2-30: Tests – Test Db: Damp heat, cyclic (12 h
+ 12 h cycle)
IEC 60068-3-6, Environmental testing – Part 3-6: Supporting documentation and guidance –
Confirmation of the performance of temperature/humidity chambers
IEC 61300-1, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures – Part 1: General and guidance
IEC 61300-3-1, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures – Part 3-1: Examinations and measurements – Visual examination
IEC 61300-3-3, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures – Part 3-3: Examinations and measurements – Active monitoring of
changes in attenuation and return loss
3 Terms and definitions
No terms and definitions are listed in this document.

– 6 – IEC 61300-2-46:2019 RLV  IEC 2019
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 General description
The test described in this document comprises one or more temperature cycles in which the
relative humidity is maintained at a high level.
The upper temperature of the cycle and the number of cycles (see Clause 7) determine the test
severity.
Test profiles illustrating the procedure are shown in Figure 1, Figure 2, and Figure 3.
The tolerances stated in this document do not take measurement uncertainty into consideration.
5 Apparatus
5.1 Chamber
The apparatus consists of an environmental chamber in accordance with IEC 60068-2-30, test
Db. The chamber shall be capable of housing the specimen and of allowing access for
measurement during conditioning. It shall also be capable of maintaining the specified
temperatures and humidity within the specified tolerances. Forced air circulation may be used
to maintain homogeneous conditions. The chamber and accessories shall be constructed and
arranged in such a manner as to avoid condensation on the specimens.
Water: use distilled, demineralized or deionized water to obtain the specified humidity. No rust
or corrosion contaminants shall be imposed on the specimen by the test facility.
a) The temperature can be varied cyclically between 25 °C ± 3 °C and the appropriate upper
temperature specified with the tolerance and rate of change specified in 6.3.3 and
Figure 1, as applicable.
b) The relative humidity in the working space can be maintained within the limits given in 6.3.3
and in Figure 1 as applicable.
c) Care shall be taken to ensure that the conditions prevailing at any point in the working space
are uniform and are as similar as possible to those prevailing in the immediate vicinity of
suitably located temperature and humidity sensing devices. The chamber shall meet the
performance criteria as detailed in IEC 60068-3-6.
d) The DUTs shall not be subjected to radiant heat from the chamber conditioning processes.
e) Condensed water shall be continuously drained from the chamber and not used again until
it has been re-purified.
f) Precautions shall be taken to ensure that no condensed water is allowed to fall on the DUTs.
g) The dimensions, properties and/or electrical loading of the DUTs shall not appreciably
influence conditions within the chamber.

End of temperature rise
Start of temperature fall
96 %
95 %
95 %
90 %
80 %
15 min 15 min
15 min
Time
57 °C
+55
53 °C
+28 °C
+25
1 h +22 °C
30 min 30 min
3 h 3 h
12 h ± 30 min 6 h
24 h
IEC
Figure 1 – Test – Test cycle
5.2 Others apparatus
Additional apparatus may be necessary to perform the examinations and measurements
specified by the relevant specification.
6 Procedure
6.1 Preparation of specimens DUT
Prepare the specimen DUT according to the manufacturer’s instructions or as specified in the
relevant specification. The specimen DUT shall be terminated with a sufficient length of fibre
cable to facilitate connection with the optical source and detector.
Ambient temperature  °C
Relative humidity  %
– 8 – IEC 61300-2-46:2019 RLV  IEC 2019
Maintain the specimen DUT under standard atmospheric conditions (room temperature
condition) per IEC 61300-1 for 2 h minimum.
Clean the mechanical and optical alignment parts of the specimen DUT according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.
6.2 Initial examinations and measurements
If specified, perform initial examinations and measurements as required by the relevant
specification.
6.3 Conditioning
5.3.1 Stabilize the chamber and the specimen to standard atmospheric conditions. Place the
specimen in the chamber in its normal operating position, including hook-ups to peripheral
equipment (when required).
5.3.2 Adjust the chamber temperature and humidity to the specified severity. The rate of
change of temperature shall not exceed 1 °C/min, averaged over a maximum period of 5 min.
In any case the rising temperature should stay within the limits indicated in Figure 1.
5.3.3 At the completion of the test, allow the specimen to remain in the chamber while the
temperature is gradually reduced to standard atmospheric conditions. The rate of change of
temperature shall not exceed 1 °C/min, averaged over a maximum period of 5 min. In any case
the decreasing temperature should stay within the limits indicated in Figure 1.
5.3.4 Where optical measurements are required during the test, measurements shall be made
at a maximum interval of 1 h. Do not remove the specimen(s) from the chamber when taking
these measurements. Measurements shall be made in accordance with IEC 61300-3-3.
6.3.1 Placing the DUT
The DUT shall be introduced into the chamber either in the unpacked, ready-for-use state, or
as otherwise specified in the relevant specification.
Where no specific mounting is required, the thermal conduction of the mounting shall be low,
so that for all practical purposes the DUT is thermally isolated.
6.3.2 Stabilizing
6.3.2.1 Temperature tolerance
The total temperature tolerances of ±2 °C and ±3 °C given in this document are intended to
take account of absolute errors in the measurement, slow changes of temperature, and
temperature variations of the working space. However, in order to maintain the relative humidity
within the required tolerances, it is necessary to keep the temperature difference between any
two points in the working space at any moment within narrower limits. The required humidity
conditions will not be achieved if such temperature differences exceed 1 °C. It may also be
necessary to keep short-term fluctuations within ±0,5 °C to maintain the required humidity.
6.3.2.2 Stabilization period
The temperature of the DUT shall be stabilized at 25 °C ± 3 °C (the definition of temperature
stability is given in IEC 60068-1 and IEC 60068-5-2) – see Figure 2. This shall be achieved by
either
a) placing the DUT in a separate chamber before introducing it into the test chamber, or
a) adjusting the temperature of the test chamber to 25 °C ± 3 °C after the introduction of the
DUT and maintaining it at this level until the DUT attains temperature stability.

Figure 2 – Test – Stabilizing period
During the stabilization of temperature by either method, the relative humidity shall be within
the limits specified for standard atmospheric conditions for testing.
Following stabilization, with the DUT in the test chamber, the relative humidity shall not be less
than 95 % RH at an ambient temperature of 25 °C ± 3 °C.
6.3.3 24 h cycle
a) The temperature of the chamber shall be raised to the appropriate upper temperature
specified by the relevant specification. The upper temperature shall be achieved in a period
of 3 h ± 30 min and at a rate within the limits defined by the shaded areas in
Figure 1.
During this period, the relative humidity shall not be less than 95 % RH. During the last
15 min it shall not be less than 90 % RH.
Condensation may occur on the DUT during this temperature-rise period.
NOTE The condensation condition implies that the surface temperature of the DUT is below the dew point of
the air in the chamber.
b) The temperature shall then be maintained within the specified limits for the upper
temperature (±2 °C) until 12 h ± 30 min from the start of the cycle.
During this period, the relative humidity shall be 93 % RH ± 3 % RH. During the first and
last 15 min it shall be between 90 % RH and 100 % RH.
c) The temperature shall be lowered to 25 °C ± 3 °C within 3 h to 6 h. The relative humidity
shall be not less than 80 % RH.

– 10 – IEC 61300-2-46:2019 RLV  IEC 2019
d) The temperature shall then be maintained at 25 °C ± 3 °C with a relative humidity of not less
than 95 % RH until the 24 h cycle is completed.
6.4 Intermediate measurement
Where optical measurements are required during the test, measurements shall be made at a
maximum interval of 1 h. The DUT(s) shall not be removed from the chamber when taking these
measurements. Measurements shall be made in accordance with IEC 61300-3-3.
6.5 Recovery
Allow the specimen to remain under standard atmospheric conditions for a period of 2 h.
The relevant specification shall specify whether recovery shall be made at standard
atmospheric conditions for testing (see 4.3 of IEC 60068-1:2013), or at controlled recovery
conditions (see 4.4.2 of IEC 60068-1:2013).
When controlled recovery conditions are required (see Figure 3), the DUT may be transferred
to another chamber for this recovery period or may remain in the damp heat chamber.

Figure 3 – Test – Recovery at controlled conditions
Where the DUT is transferred to another chamber, the change-over time shall be as short as
possible and not more than 10 min.

In case the DUT remains in the damp heat chamber, the relative humidity shall be reduced to
75 % RH ± 2 % RH in not more than 1 h. The temperature shall then be adjusted to ambient
temperature within ±1 °C in not more than 1 h. For large DUTs, the relevant specification may
allow longer change over times.
The recovery time of 1 h to 2 h is counted from the moment when the specified recovery
conditions have been obtained.
DUTs having a large thermal time constant may be submitted to recovery for a period sufficient
to attain temperature stability (see Clause 4 of IEC 60068-1:2013).
The relevant specification shall state whether any special precautions shall be taken regarding
the removal of surface moisture.
6.6 Final examinations and measurements
Perform final examinations and measurements as required by the relevant specification. Unless
otherwise specified, final visual examination shall be in accordance with
IEC 61300-3-1.
The measurements shall be commenced immediately after the recovery period, and the
parameters most sensitive to changes of relative humidity shall be measured first. Unless
otherwise specified, the measurement of these parameters shall be completed within 30 min.
7 Severities
Details:
– Test cycle: See Figure 1, Figure 2, and Figure 3
– High temperature: +55 °C ± 2 °C
– Low temperature: +25 °C ±2 3 °C
– Humidity: >90 % ≥ 80 %RH
– Duration of each cycle: 24 h
– Number of cycles: 6
– 12 – IEC 61300-2-46:2019 RLV  IEC 2019

End of the temperature rise
Start of the temperature fall
96 %
90 95 %
95 %
90 %
80 %
15 min 15 min 15 min
Time
Upper
temperature +2
+55
Upper
temperature –2
+27 °C
+25
+23 °C
±½ h 3 h
3 h
12 ± ½ h
6 h
24 h
IEC  1212/06
Figure 1 – Test Db – Test cycle

8 Details to be specified
The following details, as applicable, shall be specified in the relevant specification:
– specimen DUT optically functioning or non-functioning;
– specimen DUT mated or unmated (for connectors);
– initial examinations and measurements and performance requirements;
– examinations and measurements during test and performance requirements;
– final examinations and measurements and performance requirements;
– deviations from test procedure;
– additional pass/fail criteria.

Relative humidity  %
Ambiant temperature  °C
Bibliography
IEC 61300-3-1, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures – Part 3-1: Examinations and measurements - Visual examination
IEC 60068-2-30, Environmental testing – Part 2-30: Tests – Test Db: Damp heat, cyclic (12 h +
12 h cycle)
IEC 60068-5-2, Environmental testing – Part 5: Guide to drafting of test methods – Terms and
definitions
___________
IEC 61300-2-46 ®
Edition 2.0 2019-03
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures –
Part 2-46: Tests – Damp heat, cyclic

Dispositifs d’interconnexion et composants passifs fibroniques – Méthodes
fondamentales d’essais et de mesures –
Partie 2-46: Essais – Chaleur humide, essai cyclique

– 2 – IEC 61300-2-46:2019  IEC 2019
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 General description . 6
5 Apparatus . 6
5.1 Chamber . 6
5.2 Others. 7
6 Procedure . 7
6.1 Preparation of DUT . 7
6.2 Initial examinations and measurements . 8
6.3 Conditioning . 8
6.3.1 Placing the DUT . 8
6.3.2 Stabilizing . 8
6.3.3 24 h cycle . 9
6.4 Intermediate measurement. 10
6.5 Recovery . 10
6.6 Final examinations and measurements . 11
7 Severities . 11
8 Details to be specified . 11
Bibliography . 12

Figure 1 – Test – Test cycle . 7
Figure 2 – Test – Stabilizing period . 9
Figure 3 – Test – Recovery at controlled conditions . 10

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
FIBRE OPTIC INTERCONNECTING
DEVICES AND PASSIVE COMPONENTS –
BASIC TEST AND MEASUREMENT PROCEDURES –

Part 2-46: Tests – Damp heat, cyclic

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 61300-2-46 has been prepared by subcommittee 86B: Fibre optic
interconnecting devices and passive components, of IEC technical committee 86: Fibre optics.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2006. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) complete revision to harmonize with IEC 60068-2-30;
b) addition of detail description Clause 4, General description;
c) addition of detail description Clause 5, Apparatus;
d) addition of detail description Clause 6, Procedure.

– 4 – IEC 61300-2-46:2019  IEC 2019
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
86B/4167/FDIS 86B/4182/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 61300 series, published under the general title Fibre optic
interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and measurement procedures,
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.
The contents of the corrigendum 1 (2022-02) have been included in the English part of this
copy.
FIBRE OPTIC INTERCONNECTING
DEVICES AND PASSIVE COMPONENTS –
BASIC TEST AND MEASUREMENT PROCEDURES –

Part 2-46: Tests – Damp heat, cyclic

1 Scope
The purpose of this part of IEC 61300 is to describe a test to determine the suitability of a fibre
optic device to withstand the environmental condition of high humidity and change of
temperature which can occur in actual use, storage and/or transport.
The test is primarily intended to determine the suitability of fibre optic components under
conditions of high humidity – combined with cyclic temperature changes and, in general,
producing condensation on the surface of the device under test (DUT). Absorption of moisture
can result in swelling that would destroy functional utility, cause loss of physical strength, and
cause changes in other important mechanical properties. Degradation of optical properties can
also occur.
Although not necessarily intended as a simulated tropical test, this test can, nevertheless, be
useful in determining moisture absorption of insulating or covering materials.
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 60068-1:2013, Environmental testing – Part 1: General and guidance
IEC 60068-3-6, Environmental testing – Part 3-6: Supporting documentation and guidance –
Confirmation of the performance of temperature/humidity chambers
IEC 61300-1, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures – Part 1: General and guidance
IEC 61300-3-1, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures – Part 3-1: Examinations and measurements – Visual examination
IEC 61300-3-3, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures – Part 3-3: Examinations and measurements – Active monitoring of
changes in attenuation and return loss
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:
– 6 – IEC 61300-2-46:2019  IEC 2019
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
4 General description
The test described in this document comprises one or more temperature cycles in which the
relative humidity is maintained at a high level.
The upper temperature of the cycle and the number of cycles (see Clause 7) determine the test
severity.
Test profiles illustrating the procedure are shown in Figure 1, Figure 2, and Figure 3.
The tolerances stated in this document do not take measurement uncertainty into consideration.
5 Apparatus
5.1 Chamber
a) The temperature can be varied cyclically between 25 °C ± 3 °C and the appropriate upper
temperature specified with the tolerance and rate of change specified in 6.3.3 and
Figure 1, as applicable.
b) The relative humidity in the working space can be maintained within the limits given in 6.3.3
and in Figure 1 as applicable.
c) Care shall be taken to ensure that the conditions prevailing at any point in the working space
are uniform and are as similar as possible to those prevailing in the immediate vicinity of
suitably located temperature and humidity sensing devices. The chamber shall meet the
performance criteria as detailed in IEC 60068-3-6.
d) The DUTs shall not be subjected to radiant heat from the chamber conditioning processes.
e) Condensed water shall be continuously drained from the chamber and not used again until
it has been re-purified.
f) Precautions shall be taken to ensure that no condensed water is allowed to fall on the DUTs.
g) The dimensions, properties and/or electrical loading of the DUTs shall not appreciably
influence conditions within the chamber.

End of temperature rise
Start of temperature fall
96 %
95 %
95 %
90 %
80 %
15 min 15 min
15 min
Time
57 °C
+55
53 °C
+28 °C
+25
1 h +22 °C
30 min 30 min
3 h 3 h
12 h ± 30 min 6 h
24 h
IEC
Figure 1 – Test – Test cycle
5.2 Others
Additional apparatus may be necessary to perform the examinations and measurements
specified by the relevant specification.
6 Procedure
6.1 Preparation of DUT
Prepare the DUT according to the manufacturer’s instructions or as specified in the relevant
specification. The DUT shall be terminated with a sufficient length of fibre cable to facilitate
connection with the optical source and detector.
Maintain the DUT under standard atmospheric conditions per IEC 61300-1 for 2 h minimum.
Ambient temperature  °C
Relative humidity  %
– 8 – IEC 61300-2-46:2019  IEC 2019
Clean the mechanical and optical alignment parts of the DUT according to the manufacturer’s
instructions.
6.2 Initial examinations and measurements
If specified, perform initial examinations and measurements as required by the relevant
specification.
6.3 Conditioning
6.3.1 Placing the DUT
The DUT shall be introduced into the chamber either in the unpacked, ready-for-use state, or
as otherwise specified in the relevant specification.
Where no specific mounting is required, the thermal conduction of the mounting shall be low,
so that for all practical purposes the DUT is thermally isolated.
6.3.2 Stabilizing
6.3.2.1 Temperature tolerance
The total temperature tolerances of ±2 °C and ±3 °C given in this document are intended to
take account of absolute errors in the measurement, slow changes of temperature, and
temperature variations of the working space. However, in order to maintain the relative humidity
within the required tolerances, it is necessary to keep the temperature difference between any
two points in the working space at any moment within narrower limits. The required humidity
conditions will not be achieved if such temperature differences exceed 1 °C. It may also be
necessary to keep short-term fluctuations within ±0,5 °C to maintain the required humidity.
6.3.2.2 Stabilization period
The temperature of the DUT shall be stabilized at 25 °C ± 3 °C (the definition of temperature
stability is given in IEC 60068-1 and IEC 60068-5-2) – see Figure 2. This shall be achieved by
either
a) placing the DUT in a separate chamber before introducing it into the test chamber, or
b) adjusting the temperature of the test chamber to 25 °C ± 3 °C after the introduction of the
DUT and maintaining it at this level until the DUT attains temperature stability.

Figure 2 – Test – Stabilizing period
During the stabilization of temperature by either method, the relative humidity shall be within
the limits specified for standard atmospheric conditions for testing.
Following stabilization, with the DUT in the test chamber, the relative humidity shall not be less
than 95 % RH at an ambient temperature of 25 °C ± 3 °C.
6.3.3 24 h cycle
a) The temperature of the chamber shall be raised to the appropriate upper temperature
specified by the relevant specification. The upper temperature shall be achieved in a period
of 3 h ± 30 min and at a rate within the limits defined by the shaded areas in
Figure 1.
During this period, the relative humidity shall not be less than 95 % RH. During the last
15 min it shall not be less than 90 % RH.
Condensation may occur on the DUT during this temperature-rise period.
NOTE The condensation condition implies that the surface temperature of the DUT is below the dew point of
the air in the chamber.
b) The temperature shall then be maintained within the specified limits for the upper
temperature (±2 °C) until 12 h ± 30 min from the start of the cycle.
During this period, the relative humidity shall be 93 % RH ± 3 % RH. During the first and
last 15 min it shall be between 90 % RH and 100 % RH.
...