SC 86A - Fibres and cables

IEC TR 62284:2025 which is a Technical Report, applies to single-mode optical fibres. Its object is to document the methods for measuring the effective area (Aeff) of these fibres. It defines three methods of measuring Aeff. Information common to all the methods is found in the body of this document. Information specific to each method is found in the annexes. The three methods are:
a) direct far-field (DFF);
b) variable aperture in the far-field (VAMFF);
c) near-field (NF).
The reference method, used to resolve disputes, is method A, direct far-field.
Effective area is an optical attribute that is specified for single-mode fibres and used in system designs probably affected by the non-linear refractive index coefficient, n2. There is agreement in both national and international standards bodies concerning the definition used in this document. Methods A, B, and C have been recognised as providing equivalent results, provided that good engineering is used in implementation.
The direct far-field is the reference method because it is the most direct method and is named as the reference method for mode field diameter in IEC 60793-1-45 and ITU-T Recommendation G.650.1.
A mapping function is a formula by which the measured results of one attribute are used to predict the value of another attribute on a given fibre. For a given fibre type and design, the mode field diameter (MFD) (IEC 60793-1-45) can be used to predict the effective area with a mapping function. A mapping function is specific to a particular fibre type and design. Mapping functions are generated by doing an experiment in which a sample of fibre is chosen to represent the spectrum of values of MFD and in which the fibres in the sample are measured for both MFD and Aeff. Linear regression can be used to determine the fitting coefficient, k, as defined by the following:
NOTE 1 Other mathematical models can be used if they are generally more accurate.
NOTE 2 See Annex E for more information.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2003. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) improvement of the description of measurement details for B-657 fibre;
b) modification of the minimum distance between the fibre end and the detector for the direct far field scan (Annex A);
c) deletion of Annex H.

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 60794-1-207:2025 describes test procedures to be used in establishing uniform requirements for optical fibre cables for the environmental property: performance degradation when exposed to nuclear radiation. This document 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. Method F7A evaluates performance degradation of optical fibre cable in environmental background radiation; Method F7B evaluates performance degradation of optical fibre cable in adverse nuclear environments.
NOTE Throughout the document, the wording "optical cable" can also include optical fibre units, microduct fibre units, etc.
This first edition cancels and replaces the method F7 of the second edition of IEC 60794-1-22 published in 2017. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) detailed content of sample, apparatus, procedure, requirements and details of the method to be specified and reported are added.

IEC 60794-1-107:2025 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. This document defines test procedures used in establishing uniform requirements for torsion performance. Refer to IEC 60794-1-2 for a reference guide to test methods and for general requirements and definitions.
NOTE Throughout this document, the wording "optical cable" also includes optical fibre units, microduct fibre units, etc.
This first edition partially cancels and replaces IEC 60794-1-21:2015. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to IEC 60794-1-21:2015:
a) Update of the typical test length according to the different types of cables;
b) Update of Figure 2 by loading weights to cable gripping fixture.

IEC 60794-1-130:2025 describes test procedures to evaluate the coefficient of dynamic friction of the sheathing material of a cable when pulled over or between other cables. Methods E30A and E30B evaluate the coefficient of friction between cables for when either a cable is pulled over the top of other cables (drum test) or when pulling a cable between other cables of the same shape (flat plate test). This document 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. Throughout the document, wording "optical cable" can also include optical fibre units and microduct fibre units.
This first edition cancels and replaces Method E24 of the first edition of IEC 60794‑1‑21 published in 2015, Amendment 1:2020. This edition constitutes a technical revision.

IEC 60793-2-60:2025 is applicable to optical fibre types C1, C2, C3, and C4, as described in Table 1. These fibres are used for the interconnections within or between optical components systems and are optimized to support dense optical connectivity. While the fibres can be overcoated or buffered for the purpose of making protected pigtails, they can be used without overcoating. They can, however, be colour coded. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2008. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) replacement of "intraconnection" with "interconnection" and addition of the definition of "interconnection fibres";
b) modification of the nominal MFD limit of C1 fibres;
c) addition of "Primary coating diameter-coloured" limits for class C fibres and change of "Primary coating diameter-uncoloured" limits for class C_80 fibres;
d) change of coating strip force limits for class C1, class C2, and class C3 fibres;
e) replacement of "Fibre cut-off wavelength" with "Cable cut-off wavelength" and revision of "Note b" in Table 6;
f) replacement of "Fibre cut-off wavelength" with "Cable cut-off wavelength" and deletion of the "Note" in Table 8;
g) addition of 200 μm coating diameter requirements for C1_125 fibres and change of coating diameters limits for C1_80 fibres in Table A.1;
h) addition of 200 µm coating diameter requirements for C1_125 fibres and change of coating strip force limits in Table A.2 and in Table A.5;
i) replacement of "Fibre cut-off wavelength" with "Cable cut-off wavelength", modification of the "Cable cut-off wavelength" limit and addition of a new "Note" in Table A.3;
j) addition of a transmission requirements at 1 625 nm and deletion of 1 310 nm for C1 fibres in Table A.4;
k) modification of "Fibre cut-off wavelength" limits of C3 fibres in Table C.3;
l) replacement of "Fibre cut-off wavelength" with "Cable cut-off wavelength" for C4 fibres in Table D.3.

IEC TR 63431:2025 which is a Technical report, document identifies issues which can be considered when adopting microduct technology for the provision of optical communications networks. It supplements the microduct sections of IEC 60794‑5 series of publications and refers to products and practices in current use. This documents also describes design types, colour codes, repairs, and environmental expectations, including guidance to standards and methods of installation.

IEC 60794-1-110:2025 defines test procedures used to establishing uniform requirements for mechanical performance - kink. It 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. IEC 60794-1-2 gives general requirements, definitions and a complete reference guide to test methods of all types.
This first edition cancels and replaces Method E10 of the first edition of IEC 60794-1-21:2015, which will be withdrawn. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
addition of "4.7";
addition of "Annex A".

IEC 60794-1-214:2025 defines the test procedure used to measure the ability of cable sheath materials to maintain their integrity when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation due to sunlight or fluorescent light.
This first edition cancels and replaces Method F14 of the second edition of IEC 60794‑1‑22 published in 2017. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to IEC 60794‑1‑22:2017:
a) addition of subclause as regards conditioning according to ISO 4892-2 or ISO 4892-3 for indoor-outdoor cables.

IEC 60794-1-218:2025 defines test procedures to establish uniform requirements for the environmental performance of:
- optical fibre cables for 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.
This document defines a test standard to determine the ability of optical cable elements from a cable exposed in a mid-span entry (expressed) and stored in a pedestal, closure or similar to withstand the effects of temperature cycling by observing changes in attenuation. The optical cable element bundles up single or multiple optical fibres, e.g. loose tube, tight buffer tube, or optical fibre ribbon.
See IEC 60794-1-2 for a reference guide to test methods of all types and for general requirements and definitions.
This first edition partially cancels and replaces the second edition of IEC 60794-1-22 published in 2017. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to IEC 60794‑1‑22:2017:
a) extension of the test method scope to apply to any optical cables with optical cable elements including loose tubes, tight buffer tubes, and ribbons, exposed in a mid-span entry (expressed) and stored in a pedestal, closure, or similar;
b) modification of the test method title according to item a);
c) deletion of the tube diameter requirement for the test object;
d) modification of the default temperature range according to IEC 60794-1-1;
e) addition of the default coiled turns in the assembly during the test.

IEC 60794-1-119:2025 applies to aerial optical fibre cables such as all-dielectric self-supporting (ADSS) cables, optical ground wire (OPGW) cables, and optical phase conductor (OPPC) cables that can be exposed to aeolian vibrations. This document defines the test procedures to establish uniform mechanical performance requirements relating to aeolian vibrations.
See IEC 60794‑1‑2 for general requirements and definitions and for a complete reference guide to test methods of all types.
This first edition cancels and replaces test method E19 of the first edition of IEC 60794‑1‑21 published in 2015. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to IEC 60794‑1‑21:
a) addition of a system to maintain a constant cable tension during the test as well as means to measure the free loop antinode amplitude;
b) definition of the cable load which is now fixed to 25 % of the rated tensile strength for OPGW/OPPC, or to the maximum installation tension (MIT) for ADSS cables;
c) addition of the target free loop peak-to-peak antinode amplitude to the procedure. The quality of the aeolian vibration motion is done through the average antinode
d) addition of fatigue damage and ovality changes of the optical core to 4.5.

IEC 60794-1-124:2025 contains test procedures, referred to as Method E24, for evaluating the behaviour of microduct cabling (microduct optical cable, fibre unit or hybrid cable etc.) when blown into a microduct or protected microduct. This document describes two blowing track layouts: Method A consists of two mandrels and two long straight sections in between (same curvature). Method B consists of 3 mandrels. The middle mandrel forces the cable to experience both left- and right-hand bending, which is a feature of any realistic blowing route. In addition, this document describes an optional procedure to check the capability of blowing out an installed cable. This first edition cancels and replaces Method E24 of the first edition of IEC 60794‑1‑21 published in 2015 and Amendment 1:2020. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) addition of a blowing route (see Figure 2) which includes a change in the direction of curvature. This was achieved by introducing a third mandrel;
b) addition of Annex A (Figure A.1 which shows a practical implementation of the blowing route;
c) addition of Annex B which describes the so-called Crash Test;
d) addition of Annex C which describes a cable blowing out procedure.

IEC TR 63309: 2025, which is a Technical Report, provides an introduction of active fibres describing key characteristics and measurement methods. For the purpose of this document, an active fibre is a silica-based optical fibre doped in the core with rare-earth ions to allow optical gain, named rare-earth doped fibre. Other fibres enabling optical gain by means of different effects (e.g. Raman effect) are not included in the scope of this document.

IEC 60793-2-50:2025 is applicable to optical fibre categories B-652, B-653, B-654, B-655, B‑656 and B-657. A map illustrating the connection of IEC designations to ITU-T designations is shown in Table 1. These fibres are used or can be incorporated in information transmission equipment and optical fibre cables. Three types of requirements apply to these fibres:
- general requirements, as defined in IEC 60793-2;
- specific requirements common to the class B single-mode fibres covered in this document and which are given in Clause 4;
- particular requirements applicable to individual fibre categories or specific applications, which are defined in Annex A to Annex F.
For some fibre categories (shown in the relevant family specifications), there are sub-categories that are distinguished on the basis of difference in transmission attribute specifications. The designations for these sub-categories are documented in the individual family specifications. Table 1 shows a map from the IEC designations to the ITU-T recommendations.
This seventh edition cancels and replaces the sixth edition published in 2018. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition.
a) The addition of a 200 µm coating nominal outer diameter option for B-654A, B, C fibres in Annex C

IEC 60794-208:2025 describes test procedures to be used in establishing uniform requirements for optical fibre cables for the pneumatic resistance environmental property, for unfilled cables which are protected by gas pressurization. This document 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. NOTE Throughout the document, the wording "optical cable" can also include optical fibre units, microduct fibre units, etc.
This first edition of IEC 60794‑1‑208 cancels and replaces method F8 of the second edition of IEC 60794‑1‑22 published in 2017. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) the form of the formula for pneumatic resistance is modified for ease of calculation with test pressures other than 62 kPa;
b) details to be reported are added.
The content of the corrigendum 1 (2025-12) has been included in this copy.

IEC 60794-1-216:2025 defines test procedures to ensure the filling and flooding compounds will not flow from a filled or flooded fibre optic cable, at stated temperatures. NOTE The environmental testing of optical cable would be valuable for some applications. Useful information about suitable test methods can be found in the optical fibre standards IEC 60794-1-2.
This document partially cancels and replaces the second edition of IEC 60794-1-22:2017. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to IEC 60794-1-22:2017:
a) Addition of new Clause 10.

IEC 60794-1-307:2025 describes test procedures used in establishing uniform requirements of tubes for the mechanical property kinking. This document 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. Throughout the document, the wording "optical cable" can also include optical fibre units, microduct fibre units, etc. This first edition partially cancels and replaces the second edition of IEC 60794‑1-23 published in 2019. This edition constitutes a technical revision.This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to IEC 60794‑1‑23:2019:
a) renumbering of the existing test method G7 as G7A;
b) addition of test parameter L and calculated loop diameter D in Table 1 for method G7A;
c) addition of a new test procedure for tubes routed within installation devices and numbering it as G7B.

IEC 60794-2-20:2024 is part of a family specification covering multi-fibre optical cables for indoor use. The requirements of the sectional specification IEC 60794-2 are applicable to cables covered by this document. Annex B contains a blank detail specification and general guidance in case the cables are intended to be used in installations governed by the MICE table of ISO/IEC 11801-1. This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 2013. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) update of the normative references;
b) review update of parameters and requirements for mechanical tests and environmental tests, maintaining alignment with additional relevant standards in the IEC 60794-2 series;
c) addition of cabled fibre attenuation requirements;
d) addition of cable design examples.
This document is to be used in conjunction with IEC 60794-1-1:2023, IEC 60794-1-2:2021, IEC 60794‑1‑21:2015 and IEC 60794‑1‑21:2015/AMD:2020, IEC 60794-1-22:2017, IEC 60794‑1-23:2019 and IEC 60794‑2:2017.

IEC 60793-1-40:2024 establishes uniform requirements for measuring the attenuation of optical fibre, thereby assisting in the inspection of fibres and cables for commercial purposes. Four methods are described for measuring attenuation, one being that for modelling spectral attenuation:
-method A: cut-back;
-method B: insertion loss;
-method C: backscattering;
-method D: modelling spectral attenuation.
Methods A to C apply to the measurement of attenuation for all categories of the following fibres:
-class A multimode fibres;
-class B single-mode fibres.
Method C, backscattering, also covers the location, losses and characterization of point discontinuities.
Method D is applicable only to class B fibres.
Information common to all four methods appears in Clause 1 to Clause 11, and information pertaining to each individual method appears in Annex A, Annex B, Annex C, and Annex D, respectively.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2019. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) modifying the definition of attenuation to be compatible with the definition in electropedia.org

IEC TR 63484:2024 information about fungal growth on the outer sheath of optical fibre cables and on the inner components of the cable. It also provides guidance for specifying fungus resistance performance of optical cable outer sheath and internal cable components, including recommendations for fungus resistance test method as well as evaluation after test.
This document applies to optical fibre cables for use with telecommunication equipment and devices employing similar techniques, and to hybrid telecommunication cables having a combination of both optical fibres and electrical conductors.
Since conditions suitable for fungal growth include high relative humidity and a warm atmosphere, the document is applicable to optical cables intended for transportation, storage and use under such environment over certain period, for instance, some days at least.

IEC 60793-1-46:2024 establishes uniform requirements for the monitoring of changes in attenuation, thereby assisting in the inspection of fibres and cables for commercial purposes. This document gives two methods for monitoring the changes in attenuation of optical fibres and cables that occur during mechanical or environmental testing, or both. It provides a monitor in the change of attenuation characteristics arising from optical discontinuity, physical defects and modifications of the attenuation slope:
- method A: change in attenuation by transmitted power;
- method B: change in attenuation by backscattering.
Methods A and B apply to the monitoring of all categories of the following fibres:
- class A: multimode fibres;
- class B: single-mode fibres;
- class C: single-mode intraconnection fibres.
Information common to both measurements is contained in Clause 1 to Clause 10, and information pertaining to each individual method appears in Annex A, and Annex B respectively.

IEC 60793-1-22:2024 establishes uniform requirements for measuring the length and elongation of optical fibre (typically within cable). The length of an optical fibre is a fundamental value for the evaluation of transmission characteristics such as losses and bandwidths.

IEC 60794-1-209:2024 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. This document defines a test standard to determine cable aging performance by high temperature exposure and temperature cycling in order to simulate lifetime behaviour of the attenuation of cables, or physical attributes. See IEC 60794‑1‑2 for a reference guide to test methods of all types and for general requirements and definitions.
This document partially cancels and replaces IEC 60794‑1‑22:2017. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to IEC 60794‑1‑22:2017:
a) the ambient temperature test condition has been defined as per IEC 60794‑1‑2;
b) all the maximum allowable attenuation increase values for single-mode and multimode fibres have been deleted, and have been included in the list of details to be specified.

IEC 60794-1-201: 2024 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. This document defines a test standard to determine the ability of a cable to withstand the effects of temperature cycling by observing changes in attenuation. See IEC 60794-1-2 for a reference guide to test methods of all types and for general requirements and definitions.
This document partially replaces IEC 60794-1-22:2017. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to IEC 60794-1-22:2017:
a) all references to the temperature sensing device have been removed and replaced with a note "for further study";
b) the conditioning procedure has been separated into Procedure 1 and Procedure 2 to avoid confusion;
c) the ambient temperature test condition has been defined as per IEC 60794-1-2;
d) the minimum soak time has been decreased for sample mass >16 kg in Table 1.

IEC 60794-1-101:2024 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 document defines test procedures to be used in establishing uniform requirements for tensile performance.
Throughout this document the wording "optical cable" includes optical fibre units, microduct fibre units, etc.
See IEC 60794-1-2 for general requirements and definitions and for a complete reference guide to test methods of all types.

IEC 60794-1-213:2024 defines test procedures to be used in establishing uniform requirements for the environmental performance of microduct. The test determines the capability of the microduct to withstand internal pressure without leakage and visible damage. This document applies to microduct used for installation of microduct cable or fibre unit by blowing. Throughout this document, the wording "microduct" can also include protected microduct(s). See IEC 60794-1-2 for a reference guide to test methods of all types and for general requirements and definitions.This document partially cancels and replaces IEC 60794-1-22:2017. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to IEC 60794-1-22:2017:
a) pressure gauge used to monitor internal pressure of microduct added as part of the test apparatus;
b) "test temperature" added to the details to be specified;
c) added a new subclause “4.7 Details to be reported”.

IEC 60794-1-104:2024 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 document defines test procedures to be used in establishing uniform requirements for impact performance. Throughout this document the wording “optical cable” includes optical fibre units, microduct fibre units, etc. See IEC 60794-1-2 for general requirements and definitions and for a complete reference guide to test methods of all types.
This document partially cancels and replaces IEC 60794-1-21:2015, which will be withdrawn. In the context of the revision of IEC 60794-1-21:2015, its contents were split into separate test methods. It includes an editorial revision, based on the new structure and numbering system for optical fibre cable test methods.

IEC 60793-1-45:2024 establishes uniform requirements for measuring the mode field diameter (MFD) of single-mode optical fibre, thereby assisting in the inspection of fibres and cables for commercial purposes. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2017. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) modification of the minimum distance between the fibre end and the detector for the direct far field scan (Annex A).
b) generalization of the requirement for the minimum dynamic range for all fibre types (Annex A).

IEC 60793-1-41:2024 describes three methods for determining and measuring the modal bandwidth of multimode optical fibres (see IEC 60793-2-10, IEC 60793-2-30, and the IEC 60793‑2‑40 series). The baseband frequency response is directly measured in the frequency domain by determining the fibre response to a sinusoidaly modulated light source. The baseband response can also be measured by observing the broadening of a narrow pulse of light. The calculated response is determined using differential mode delay (DMD) data. The three methods are:
Method A – Time domain (pulse distortion) measurement
Method B – Frequency-domain measurement
Method C – Overfilled launch modal bandwidth calculated from differential mode delay (OMBc)
Method A and method B can be performed using one of two launches: an overfilled launch (OFL) condition or a restricted mode launch (RML) condition. Method C is only defined for A1-OM3 to A1-OM5 multimode fibres and uses a weighted summation of DMD launch responses with the weights corresponding to an overfilled launch condition. The relevant test method and launch condition is chosen according to the type of fibre.
NOTE 1 These test methods are commonly used in production and research facilities and are not easily accomplished in the field.
NOTE 2 OFL has been used for the modal bandwidth value for LED-based applications for many years. However, no single launch condition is representative of the laser (e.g. VCSEL) sources that are used for gigabit and higher rate transmission. This fact drove the development of IEC 60793-1-49 for determining the effective modal bandwidth of laser optimized 50 µm fibres. See IEC 60793-2-10 and IEC 61280-4-1 for more information.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 2010. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) the addition of a direct reference for method A and method B.

IEC 60794-1-212:2024 defines the test procedure to examine the attenuation behaviour (change in attenuation) when an optical fibre cable with cable elements fixed at both ends is subjected to temperature cycling. This test assesses the attenuation behaviour of a cable under a no-end movement condition intended for termination with, for example, interconnecting devices or passive components. This document partially cancels and replaces IEC 60794-1-22:2017. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to IEC 60794-1-22:2017:
a) the description of the test method has been changed to “with cable elements fixed at both ends”;
b) subclauses have been added to the procedure clause;
c) the preparation of cable sample and test set-up has been arranged in a logical way;
d) Figure 1 has been added for illustration of the preparation of cable sample, DUT and test set-up;
e) the temperature chamber temperature tolerance has been changed to ± 3 °C as done in IEC 60794‑1‑22, method F1;
f) all required steps have been added to the subclause for temperature cycling as well as the table for the minimum soak time and the figure for the cycle procedure, and removed the reference to IEC 60794-1-22, method F1;
g) the maximum change in attenuation has been added to the details to be specified;
h) a new subclause 4.5 has been added for details to be reported.

IEC 60794-1-217:2024 series defines the test procedure to measure the permanent fibre protrusion compared to the cable elements and cable sheath due to thermal exposure of a cable. This document partially replaces IEC 60794‑1‑22:2017. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to IEC 60794‑1‑22:2017:
a) added clarification in the objective that the purpose of this test procedure is to measure the permanent fibre protrusion of cables without rigid strength members;
b) replaced the reference to method F1 for the apparatus with a detailed description for the temperature chamber and temperature sensing device as done in IEC 60794-1-211;
c) added a measuring device in the subclause for apparatus;
d) added conditioning before cutting the cable sample as done in IEC 60794-1-211
e) added all required steps in the subclause for temperature cycling as well as the table for the minimum soak time and the figure for the cycle procedure, and removed the reference to IEC 60794-1-22, method F1;
f) improved the figures and added a figure for preparation of the cable sample;
g) added the informative Annex A for the test procedure recommended for cables with rigid strength members.

IEC 60794-1-312: 2024 describes test procedures to be used in establishing uniform requirements of optical fibre cable elements for the mechanical property – tensile strength and elongation at low temperature. This document 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. Throughout the document, the wording "optical cable" can also include optical fibre units, microduct fibre units, etc.
This document partially cancels and replaces method G11B of IEC 60794-1-23:2019. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to IEC 60794‑1‑23:2019:
a) alignment of the title with the content of the method.

IEC 60794-2-23: 2024 is a detail specification and specifies indoor multi-fibre cables for use in MPO (multi-fibre push on) connector terminated cable assemblies.

IEC 60794-1-311:2024 describes test procedures to be used in establishing uniform requirements of optical fibre cable elements for the mechanical property – tensile strength and elongation at break. This document 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. Throughout the document, the wording "optical cable" can also include optical fibre units, microduct fibre units, etc.
This document partially cancels and replaces IEC 60794-1-23:2019. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to IEC 60794‑1‑23:2019:
a) The information about dumb-bells is removed because this is not used for testing cable elements;
b) the parameters strain at yield and E modulus are added in 5.7.

IEC 60794-2-24:2024 is a detail specification and specifies indoor multiple multi-fibre unit cables for use in MPO (multi-fibre push on) connector terminated breakout cable assemblies.

IEC TR 62285:2023 which is a Technical Report, provides guidelines for uniform measurements of the nonlinear coefficient of class B single-mode fibres (see IEC 60793-2-50) in the 1 550 nm region. Measurements of the nonlinear coefficient are used to characterise specific single-mode fibre designs for the purpose of system design relative to power levels and distortion or noise effects derived from the nonlinear optical behaviour. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2005. It constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following signification technical changes with respect to the previous revision:
a) change fibre type of pigtail to B-652.D fibre or fibre of same type with the fibre under test;
b) modifications on Figure A.1 and Formulas (A.3), (A.4);
c) add example values and recommended method A test conditions for B-G.654.E fibre, update Table C.1.

IEC 60794-1-306: 2023 describes test procedures to verify the mechanical and functional integrity of the fibre ribbon structure. The test determines the capability of the ribbon to withstand torsion without delamination between optical fibre and ribbon bonding agent. This document applies to optical fibre ribbons in optical cables for use with telecommunication equipment and devices employing similar techniques, and to optical fibre ribbons in cables having a combination of both optical fibres and electrical conductors. This document is not applicable to partially-bonded ribbons. The method for partially-bonded ribbons is under consideration. Throughout the document, the wording "optical cable" can also include optical fibre units, microduct fibre units, etc. NOTE The environmental testing of optical fibre ribbon would be valuable for some applications. Useful information about suitable test methods can be found in the optical fibre standards IEC 60793-1-50, IEC 60793-1-51, IEC 60793‑1‑52, and IEC 60793-1-53. This document partially cancels and replaces IEC 60794‑1‑23:2019. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to IEC 60794‑1‑23:2019:
a) change the scope, not include partially-bonded ribbon;
b) add some details to the procedure.

IEC 60794-1-111: 2023 defines the test procedure to determine the ability of an optical fibre cable to withstand bending around a test mandrel. The primary purpose of this procedure is to measure the change in attenuation when the cable is bent around a test mandrel. A secondary purpose is to assess whether the cable has been physically damaged by bending. NOTE 1 This test can be utilized at any specified temperature, including the low or high temperature limits for the cable. NOTE 2 The bend test procedure for cable elements is specified in IEC 60794-1-301, method G1. This document partially cancels and replaces IEC 60794-1-21:2015. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to IEC 60794‑1‑21:2015:
a) the nominal sample length was newly specified as 10 m between the cable element fixing points at both ends, unless otherwise specified;
b) the number of turns on the mandrel in Figure 1 for the single-helix configuration were corrected to match the number of turns shown in the figure for the two-helix configuration;
c) requirements on the turnaround loop were added for method E11A, two-helix configuration;
d) the turnaround loop with the same diameter as the mandrel was taken into account for calculation of the number of turns of each helix for method E11A, two-helix configuration;
e) added a formula for calculation of the number of revolutions in each helix for method E11A, two-helix configuration;
f) added a description for the procedure when the turnaround loop diameter is larger than the mandrel diameter for method E11A, two-helix configuration;
g) all the figures were updated and the different components labelled;
h) added the attenuation monitoring equipment in 4.2 for the apparatus and the description to measure the change in attenuation in the test methods E11A and E11B;
i) added Clause 9 for details to be reported;
j) added Annex A showing an example of a special mandrel to perform the bend test according to method E11A, two-helix configuration;
k) added Annex B providing the rationale for the options of method E11A, two-helix configuration.

IEC 60793-1-44:2023 establishes uniform requirements for measuring the cut-off wavelength of single-mode optical fibre, thereby assisting in the inspection of fibres and cables for commercial purposes. This document gives methods for measuring the cut-off wavelength for uncabled or cabled single mode telecom fibre. These procedures apply to all category B and C fibre types. There are three methods of deployment for measuring the cut-off wavelength:
- method A: cable cut-off using uncabled fibre 22 m long sample, lcc;
- method B: cable cut-off using cabled fibre 22 m long sample, lcc;
- method C: fibre cut-off using uncabled fibre 2 m long sample, lc.
All methods require a reference measurement. There are two reference-scan techniques, either or both of which can be used with all methods:
- bend-reference technique;
- multimode-reference technique using category A1(OM1-OM5) multimode fibre.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2011. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) used the diameter of the fibre loops to describe deployment;
b) added Annex D related to cut-off curve artifacts;
c) reorganized information and added more figures to clarify concepts.

IEC 60794-1-1:2023 applies to optical fibre cables for use with communication equipment and devices employing similar techniques. Electrical properties are specified for optical ground wire (OPGW) and optical phase conductor (OPPC) cables. Hybrid communication cables are specified in the IEC 62807 series. The object of this document is to establish uniform generic requirements for the geometrical, transmission, material, mechanical, ageing (environmental exposure), climatic and electrical properties of optical fibre cables and cable elements, where appropriate. This fifth edition cancels and replaces the fourth edition published in 2015. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) reorganization of the document to a more logical flow making it easier for the reader:
b) expansion of the tables to include names and definitions of all documents in the IEC 60794‑x series;
c) expansion of the definitions, graphical symbols, terminology and abbreviations content, with the aim of making this document the default and reference for all others in the IEC 60794‑x series;
d) inclusion of updated, reorganized and expanded optical fibre, attenuation and bandwidth subclauses, with the aim of making this document the default and reference for all others in the IEC 60794-x series.

IEC 60794-1-309:2023 describes the test procedures to be used in establishing uniform requirements for optical fibre cable elements, filling compounds or flooding compounds, for the environmental property-bleeding and evaporation. This document 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.
NOTE Throughout the document, the wording "optical cable" can also include optical fibre units, microduct fibre units, etc. This first edition of IEC 60794-1-309 cancels and replaces method G9 of the second edition of IEC 60794-1-23 published in 2019. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) the optical cable element test methods contained in IEC 60794-1-23:2019 will now be individually numbered in the IEC 60794-1-3xx series. Each test method is now considered to be an individual document rather than part of a multi-test method compendium. Full cross-reference details are given in IEC 60794-1-2;
b) the scope is broadened so that the test method is also applicable for flooding compounds;
c) the cover of the test set-up is cancelled.

IEC 60794-301:2023 describes test procedures to be used in establishing uniform requirements of optical fibre cable elements for the mechanical property – bending. This document 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. Throughout the document, the wording "optical cable" can also include optical fibre units, microduct fibre units, etc. This document partially cancels and replaces IEC 60794-1-23:2019. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to IEC 60794-1-23:2019:
a) reference test method IEC 60793-1-40 removed regarding the apparatus;
b) information added regarding the temperature to be specified in the detail specification;
c) new subclause added containing the details to be reported.

IEC 60794-1-303: 2023 describes test procedures to be used in establishing uniform requirements for the geometrical properties of optical fibre ribbons. This document applies to optical fibre ribbons for use with telecommunication equipment and devices employing similar techniques, and to optical fibre ribbons for cables having a combination of both optical fibres and electrical conductors. This document partially cancels and replaces IEC 60794-1-23:2019. In the context of the revision of IEC 60794-1-23:2019, its contents were split into separate test methods.

IEC 60794-2-50:2023 specifies requirements for simplex and duplex optical fibre cables for use in terminated cable assemblies or as used for termination of passive components. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2020. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) added IEC 60793-1-46 and IEC 60794-1-211 to the normative references;
b) changed the load duration for the tensile test from 5 min to 10 min;
c) clarified the distance between the clamps for torsion test to 125 times cable diameter, but not less than 0,3 m;
d) recommended the temperatures –10 °C and +60 °C for indoor simplex and duplex cables and included the low and high temperatures for category C, CHD, OP and OPHD according to the operating service environments in IEC 61753-1 for temperature cycling and shrinkage testing;
e) updated the shrinkage test standard to IEC 60794-1-211, F11A, and changed the requirement to maximum 20 mm;
f) replaced the text for the fire performance with an improved description.

IEC 60794-2-22: 2023 specifies breakout optical cables with multiple simplex optical fibre cables for use in terminated breakout cable assemblies. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2016. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) changed partly the wording in the title and the scope to align with IEC 60794-2-50, IEC 60794-2-23 and IEC 60794-2-24;
b) added IEC 60793-1-40, IEC 60793-1-46 and IEC 60794-1-2 to the normative references;
c) deleted reference to IEC 60794-2-51;
d) added the definition of terminated breakout cable assembly;
e) changed the number of bend cycles from 10 to 3 to harmonise with IEC 60794-2-50;
f) changed test parameters for temperature cycling to harmonise with IEC 60794-2-50;
g) added maximum attenuation requirements after temperature cycling;
h) replaced the text for the fire performance with an improved description.

IEC 60794-2-10:2023 covers simplex and duplex optical fibre cables for indoor use. The requirements of IEC 60794-2 are applicable to cables covered by this document. For cables intended for installation in industrial applications specified in ISO/IEC 11801-1, MICE specifications can be additionally required (see Clause B.2). This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2011. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
- updating of normative references;
- updating of all relevant A1 and B1 fibre category and sub-category designations.

IEC 60794-1-308: 2023 describes test procedures to evaluates the degree of permanent twist in an uncabled ribbon or in a cabled optical fibre ribbon. This document applies to optical fibre ribbons in optical cables for use with telecommunication equipment and devices employing similar techniques, and to optical fibre ribbons in cables having a combination of both optical fibres and electrical conductors. This document is not applicable to partially-bonded ribbons. The method for partially-bonded ribbons is under consideration. Throughout the document, the wording "optical cable" can also include optical fibre units, microduct fibre units, etc. NOTE The environmental testing of optical fibre ribbon would be valuable for some applications. Useful information about suitable test methods can be found in the optical fibre standards IEC 60793-1-50, IEC 60793‑1‑51, IEC 60793‑1‑52, and IEC 60793-1-53.

IEC 60794-1-305:2023 describes test procedures to be used in establishing uniform requirements for optical fibre ribbons as optical fibre cable elements for the mechanical property-tear (separability). This document 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. NOTE Throughout the document, the wording "optical cable" can also include optical fibre units, microduct fibre units, etc.
This test is applicable for edge-bonded ribbons and encapsulated ribbons specified in IEC 60794-1-31, and not intended to be used for partially-bonded ribbons.

IEC 60793-1-1:2022 lists and gives guidance on the use of documents giving uniform requirements for measuring and testing optical fibres, thereby assisting in the inspection of fibres and cables for commercial (mostly telecommunications) purposes. The individual measurement and test methods are contained in the different parts of the IEC 60793 series. They are identified as IEC 60793-1-X, where "X" is an assigned sub-part number, indicating its affiliation to the IEC 60793-1 series. In general, measurements and tests methods apply to all class A multimode fibres and class B and class C single-mode optical fibres covered by the IEC 60793-2 series relating to product specifications, although there can be exceptions. Clause 1 of each part of the IEC 60793 series contains the scope for each particular attribute. This fifth edition cancels and replaces the fourth edition published in 2017. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
- changes in normative references;
- renamed Clause 10 and added documentation-related requirements in a new subclause 10.2.