SIST EN IEC 60794-1-129:2026
(Main)Optical fibre cables - Part 1-129: Generic specification - Basic optical cable test procedures - Mechanical tests methods - Straight midspan access to optical elements, Method E29 (IEC 60794-1-129:2025)
Optical fibre cables - Part 1-129: Generic specification - Basic optical cable test procedures - Mechanical tests methods - Straight midspan access to optical elements, Method E29 (IEC 60794-1-129:2025)
IEC 60794-1-129:2025 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 document defines test procedures used in establishing uniform requirements for mechanical performance-straight midspan access to optical elements. Throughout this document, the wording "optical cable" also includes optical fibre units, microduct fibre units, etc.
NOTE See IEC 60794‑1‑2 for a reference guide to test methods of all types and for general requirements and definitions.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to IEC 60794‑1‑21:2015 and IEC 60794-1-21:2015/AMD 1:2020:
a) this document cancels and replaces method E29 of IEC 60794-1-21:2015 and IEC 60794‑1‑21:2015/AMD 1:2020;
b) addition of the description for applicable cable types;
c) update of Figure 2a), Figure 2b) and Figure 3;
d) addition of the displacement measure description;
e) addition of the details to be reported.
Lichtwellenleiterkabel – Teil 1-129: Fachgrundspezifikation - Grundlegende Prüfverfahren für Lichtwellenleiterkabel - Mechanische Prüfverfahren - Gerader Zugang zu optischen Elementen in der Mitte des Kabelstrangs, Verfahren E29 (IEC 60794-1-129:2025)
Câbles à fibres optiques - Partie 1-129: Spécification générique - Procédures fondamentales d’essais des câbles optiques - Méthodes d’essais mécaniques - Accès à mi-portée rectiligne vers les éléments optiques, méthode E29 (IEC 60794-1-129:2025)
IEC 60794-1-129:2025 s’applique aux câbles à fibres optiques destinés à être utilisés dans les équipements de télécommunications et les dispositifs utilisant des techniques analogues, ainsi qu'aux câbles constitués de fibres optiques d'une part et de conducteurs électriques d'autre part. Le présent document définit les procédures d’essai utilisées en vue d’établir des exigences uniformes pour les performances mécaniques-accès à mi-portée rectiligne vers les éléments optiques. Dans le présent document, l'expression "câble optique" englobe également des assemblages de fibres optiques, des assemblages de fibres en microconduits, etc.
NOTE Voir l'IEC 60794‑1‑2 à titre de guide de référence pour tous les types de méthodes d'essai et concernant les exigences générales et les définitions.
Cette première édition annule et remplace partiellement la première édition de l'IEC 60794‑1‑21 publiée en 2015 et l'Amendement 1:2020 et elle constitue une révision technique.
Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l'IEC 60794‑1‑21:2015 et l'IEC 60794-1-21:2015/AMD 1:2020:
a) le présent document annule et remplace la méthode E29 de l'IEC 60794-1-21:2015 et l'IEC 60794‑1‑21:2015/AMD 1:2020;
b) ajout de la description des types de câbles applicables;
c) mise à jour des Figure 2a), Figure 2b) et Figure 3;
d) ajout de la description du mesurage du déplacement;
e) ajout des informations détaillées à consigner.
Optični kabli - 1-129. del: Splošna specifikacija - Osnovni preskusni postopki za optične kable - Mehanske preskusne metode - Neposreden dostop do optičnih elementov na sredini razpona, metoda E29 (IEC 60794-1-129:2025)
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Public Enquiry End Date
- 13-Mar-2025
- Publication Date
- 13-Jan-2026
- Technical Committee
- MOC - Mobile Communications
- Current Stage
- 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
- Start Date
- 24-Dec-2025
- Due Date
- 28-Feb-2026
- Completion Date
- 14-Jan-2026
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2026
Overview
The SIST EN IEC 60794-1-129:2026 standard specifies basic test procedures for mechanical performance of optical fibre cables, with a focus on the straight midspan access to optical elements, known as Method E29. This European and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard addresses optical fibre cables used in telecommunications and other related technologies, including cables that combine optical fibres and electrical conductors. It establishes uniform requirements and test procedures to evaluate how effectively an optical element can be accessed and removed midspan without damaging the cable or optical fibres.
This 2025 edition replaces the previous method E29 from IEC 60794-1-21:2015 and its amendments, adding updated descriptions of cable types, improved test figures, displacement measurement descriptions, and detailed reporting requirements.
Key Topics
Scope and Application:
Applies to all optical fibre cables and associated units (e.g., microduct fibre units) used in telecom equipment and similar devices. It covers test procedures for mechanical performance in accessing optical elements along a straight midspan section of cable.Test Objective:
To determine if core optical elements (fibres, cords, ribbons, micro-modules) can be effectively accessed and removed midspan, without damage, using two controlled bending procedures.Test Setup:
- Cable samples are prepared with two "windows" opened in the sheath approximately 6 m apart.
- Elements are cut at one window and removed at the other.
- The cable is subjected to either two minor controlled bends (Procedure 1) or two right-angle bends immediately adjacent (Procedure 2).
- Samples are monitored for fibre attenuation during the test to ensure performance integrity.
Test Procedures:
- Procedure 1: Involves laying the cable with two controlled bends spaced apart, cutting and removing adjacent elements between windows, and measuring tensile forces and displacement.
- Procedure 2: Involves two immediate right-angle bends at specified minimum bend radius, cutting and removing elements, with the same measurements as Procedure 1.
Measurement and Evaluation:
- Tensile force measurements using a dynamometer.
- Displacement of non-removed elements indicated by color-marked lines.
- Visual inspection for fibre abrasion, perforation, and breakage in both removed and intact elements.
- Attenuation monitoring in accordance with IEC 60793-1-46 to ensure cable performance is maintained.
Reporting Requirements:
The standard requires comprehensive reporting of measurement details, results of visual examinations, and any deviations from acceptance criteria to support quality assessment.
Applications
Telecommunications Industry:
Enables manufacturers and service providers to validate the mechanical reliability of optical fibre cables during installation, repair, and midspan element access, ensuring minimal disruption and damage.Cable Manufacturing:
Assists designers and engineers in assessing cable construction and access methods to optimize cable design for easier maintenance and element extraction while maintaining performance integrity.Network Maintenance and Repair:
Clarifies test methodologies for technicians performing midspan access operations, reducing risks of fibre damage during component replacement or cable reconfiguration.Quality Assurance and Compliance:
Provides a standardized evaluation to comply with international quality standards, enabling consistent product assessments and facilitating global market acceptance.
Related Standards
IEC 60794-1-1: Generic specifications and general terms and definitions for optical fibre cables, providing foundational definitions supporting this test method.
IEC 60793-1-46: Test methods for monitoring changes in attenuation of optical fibres, referenced for measuring and monitoring fibre performance during mechanical testing.
IEC 60794-1-2: Reference guide for various test methods applicable to optical fibre cables, offering a broader context for selection and application of testing procedures including mechanical tests.
Summary
SIST EN IEC 60794-1-129:2026 sets an internationally harmonized framework for testing the mechanical feasibility of midspan access in optical fibre cables, focusing on straight access to optical elements. By prescribing precise procedures for controlled bending and fibre element removal, it helps ensure cable durability and performance reliability. This standard is essential for manufacturers, network operators, and technicians to maintain high-quality optical network infrastructure, simplify midspan repairs, and reduce outages due to fibre damage during cable handling and maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
SIST EN IEC 60794-1-129:2026 is a standard published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Optical fibre cables - Part 1-129: Generic specification - Basic optical cable test procedures - Mechanical tests methods - Straight midspan access to optical elements, Method E29 (IEC 60794-1-129:2025)". This standard covers: IEC 60794-1-129:2025 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 document defines test procedures used in establishing uniform requirements for mechanical performance-straight midspan access to optical elements. Throughout this document, the wording "optical cable" also includes optical fibre units, microduct fibre units, etc. NOTE See IEC 60794‑1‑2 for a reference guide to test methods of all types and for general requirements and definitions. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to IEC 60794‑1‑21:2015 and IEC 60794-1-21:2015/AMD 1:2020: a) this document cancels and replaces method E29 of IEC 60794-1-21:2015 and IEC 60794‑1‑21:2015/AMD 1:2020; b) addition of the description for applicable cable types; c) update of Figure 2a), Figure 2b) and Figure 3; d) addition of the displacement measure description; e) addition of the details to be reported.
IEC 60794-1-129:2025 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 document defines test procedures used in establishing uniform requirements for mechanical performance-straight midspan access to optical elements. Throughout this document, the wording "optical cable" also includes optical fibre units, microduct fibre units, etc. NOTE See IEC 60794‑1‑2 for a reference guide to test methods of all types and for general requirements and definitions. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to IEC 60794‑1‑21:2015 and IEC 60794-1-21:2015/AMD 1:2020: a) this document cancels and replaces method E29 of IEC 60794-1-21:2015 and IEC 60794‑1‑21:2015/AMD 1:2020; b) addition of the description for applicable cable types; c) update of Figure 2a), Figure 2b) and Figure 3; d) addition of the displacement measure description; e) addition of the details to be reported.
SIST EN IEC 60794-1-129:2026 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 19.060 - Mechanical testing; 33.180.10 - Fibres and cables. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
SIST EN IEC 60794-1-129:2026 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to SIST EN 60794-1-21:2015, SIST EN 60794-1-21:2015/A1:2020. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
SIST EN IEC 60794-1-129:2026 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-februar-2026
Nadomešča:
SIST EN 60794-1-21:2015
SIST EN 60794-1-21:2015/A1:2020
Optični kabli - 1-129. del: Splošna specifikacija - Osnovni preskusni postopki za
optične kable - Mehanske preskusne metode - Neposreden dostop do optičnih
elementov na sredini razpona, metoda E29 (IEC 60794-1-129:2025)
Optical fibre cables - Part 1-129: Generic specification - Basic optical cable test
procedures - Mechanical tests methods - Straight midspan access to optical elements,
Method E29 (IEC 60794-1-129:2025)
Lichtwellenleiterkabel – Teil 1-129: Fachgrundspezifikation - Grundlegende
Prüfverfahren für Lichtwellenleiterkabel - Mechanische Prüfverfahren - Gerader Zugang
zu optischen Elementen in der Mitte des Kabelstrangs, Verfahren E29 (IEC 60794-1-
129:2025)
Câbles à fibres optiques - Partie 1-129: Spécification générique - Procédures
fondamentales d’essais des câbles optiques - Méthodes d’essais mécaniques - Accès à
mi-portée rectiligne vers les éléments optiques, méthode E29 (IEC 60794-1-129:2025)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN IEC 60794-1-129:2025
ICS:
19.060 Mehansko preskušanje Mechanical testing
33.180.10 (Optična) vlakna in kabli Fibres and cables
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
EUROPEAN STANDARD EN IEC 60794-1-129
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM December 2025
ICS 33.180.10 Supersedes EN 60794-1-21:2015 (partially); EN 60794-1-
21:2015/A1:2020 (partially)
English Version
Optical fibre cables - Part 1-129: Generic specification - Basic
optical cable test procedures - Mechanical tests methods -
Straight midspan access to optical elements, Method E29
(IEC 60794-1-129:2025)
Câbles à fibres optiques - Partie 1-129: Spécification Lichtwellenleiterkabel - Teil 1-129: Fachgrundspezifikation -
générique - Procédures fondamentales d'essais des câbles Grundlegende Prüfverfahren für Lichtwellenleiterkabel -
optiques - Méthodes d'essais mécaniques - Accès à mi- Mechanische Prüfverfahren - Gerader Zugang zu optischen
portée rectiligne vers les éléments optiques, Méthode E29 Elementen in der Mitte des Kabelstrangs, Verfahren E29
(IEC 60794-1-129:2025) (IEC 60794-1-129:2025)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2025-12-05. CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC
Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the
same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Türkiye and the United Kingdom.
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2025 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN IEC 60794-1-129:2025 E
European foreword
The text of document 86A/2613/FDIS, future edition 1 of IEC 60794-1-129, prepared by SC 86A
"Fibres and cables" of IEC/TC 86 "Fibre optics" was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote and
approved by CENELEC as EN IEC 60794-1-129:2025.
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which the document has to be implemented at national (dop) 2026-12-31
level by publication of an identical national standard or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards conflicting with the (dow) 2028-12-31
document have to be withdrawn
This document partially supersedes EN IEC 60794-1-21:2015 and all of its amendments and
corrigenda (if any).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CENELEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national committee. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CENELEC website.
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 60794-1-129:2025 was approved by CENELEC as a
European Standard without any modification.
In the official version, for Bibliography, the following note has to be added for the standard indicated:
IEC 60794-1-2 NOTE Approved as EN IEC 60794-1-2
Annex ZA
(normative)
Normative references to international publications
with their corresponding European publications
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.
NOTE 1 Where an International Publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod),
the relevant EN/HD applies.
NOTE 2 Up-to-date information on the latest versions of the European Standards listed in this annex is available
here: www.cencenelec.eu.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 60793-1-46 - Optical fibres - Part 1-46: Measurement EN IEC 60793-1-46 -
methods and test procedures - Monitoring
of changes in attenuation
IEC 60794-1-1 - Optical fibre cables - Part 1-1: Generic EN IEC 60794-1-1 -
specification - General
IEC 60794-1-129 ®
Edition 1.0 2025-10
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Optical fibre cables -
Part 1-129: Generic specification - Basic optical cable test procedures -
Mechanical tests methods - Straight midspan access to optical elements,
Method E29
ICS 33.180.10 ISBN 978-2-8327-0801-9
IEC 60794-1-129:2025-10(en)
IEC 60794-1-129:2025 © IEC 2025
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 2
1 Scope . 4
2 Normative references . 4
3 Terms and definitions . 4
4 Method E29 – Straight midspan access to optical elements. 4
4.1 Object . 4
4.2 Sample . 4
4.3 Apparatus . 5
4.4 Procedure . 5
4.4.1 General. 5
4.4.2 Procedure 1 . 6
4.4.3 Procedure 2 . 7
4.4.4 Visual examination . 7
4.5 Requirements . 7
4.6 Details to be specified . 8
4.7 Details to be reported . 8
Bibliography . 9
Figure 1 – Concept of straight midspan access . 5
Figure 2 – Straight midspan access – Procedure 1 . 6
Figure 3 – Straight midspan access – Procedure 2 . 7
IEC 60794-1-129:2025 © IEC 2025
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
Optical fibre cables -
Part 1-129: Generic specification - Basic optical cable test procedures -
Mechanical test methods - Straight midspan access
to optical elements, Method E29
FOREWORD
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