SIST EN 50289-4-5:2008

Overview

SIST EN 50289-4-5:2008 is a European standard published by CLC that defines environmental test methods specifically for communication cables under varying climatic conditions. This part of the EN 50289 series focuses on the climatic sequence test method, which evaluates the stability of transmission performance in finished cables used in analogue and digital communication systems. The test simulates realistic temperature variations encountered during cable use, storage, or transportation.

It is essential for manufacturers, testers, and certifiers involved in communication cable production and maintenance to understand this standard to ensure reliable cable performance under different environmental conditions. SIST EN 50289-4-5:2008 is designed to be used in conjunction with EN 50289-4-1, which covers general environmental test requirements.

Key Topics

• Scope of Test: Determines cable transmission stability against temperature variations, impacting attenuation, electrical length, and other transmission parameters.
• Test Equipment:
  • Transmission measuring apparatus to detect performance changes.
  • Climatic chamber able to control temperature within ±3 K and generate water vapor for humidity control (>95% RH).
• Test Samples:
  • Samples must be long enough as specified to ensure test accuracy.
  • Cable samples should be coiled or reeled loosely to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction, avoiding tension or tight windings which may affect results.
• Test Procedure:
  • Initial measurement and visual inspection of the cable.
  • Thermal cycling through one complete cycle comprising:
    • Cooling to low temperature (T_A)
    • Holding at T_A for a defined period (t_1)
    • Heating to high temperature (T_B) with high humidity (>95%) maintained.
    • Holding at T_B for a defined period (t_1)
    • Cooling back to ambient temperature.
  • Typically, ten complete cycles are performed unless specified otherwise.
  • Optional recovery period to reassess cable stability at standard atmospheric conditions.
• Performance Requirements: Acceptance criteria such as permitted changes in transmission parameters, as defined in the relevant cable specification.
• Reporting: Detailed test report requirements including winding type, sample length, temperature cycles, measurement equipment, parameter changes, and pass/fail results.

Applications

The climatic sequence test procedure detailed in SIST EN 50289-4-5:2008 is critical for:

• Communication Cable Manufacturers: To certify product performance complies with European environmental standards.
• Quality Assurance Labs: To verify cable resilience to temperature variations encountered during real-world handling and deployment.
• Network Operators and Installers: To select cables proven to maintain signal integrity when subjected to climate-induced temperature fluctuations.
• Research and Development: To improve cable designs for harsher environments by understanding aging effects induced by thermal cycling and humidity exposure.
• Certification Bodies: For harmonized testing and validation aligned with international and European regulatory requirements.

By ensuring cables meet the climatic sequence requirements, the overall reliability and durability of communication infrastructure is enhanced, minimizing signal loss and network interruptions.

Related Standards

• EN 50289-4-1 – Part 4-1 of EN 50289 series, covering general environmental test methods for communication cables; provides essential test provisions to be used alongside Part 4-5.
• EN 50290-1-2:2004 – Defines terms and definitions related to communication cables ensuring uniform understanding of terminology.
• EN 60068-2-14 – International standard for environmental testing - specifically Test N: Change of Temperature, which outlines temperature variation procedures referenced within EN 50289-4-5.
• Other Parts of EN 50289 Series – Cover specifications for electrical, mechanical, and other environmental test methods tailored for communication cables.

Compliance with these interconnected standards provides a comprehensive framework to assess the environmental robustness of communication cables within European and global markets.

Keywords: EN 50289-4-5, climatic sequence test, communication cables, transmission performance, environmental test methods, temperature cycling, cable stability, digital communication, analogue communication, humidity test, CENELEC standard, cable testing methods, European standards, quality assurance.