Testing Parameters

Test Method Description

EIA/TIA-455 FOTP Number

IEC-794-1

Tensile Load & Bending

Cable installed outside will be exposed to tensile load during installation and service. The cable should be able to withstand this force without fi ber strain and attenuation change over its limit.

33

E1

Low & High Temperature Bend

This test measures the ability of the cable to retain its mechanical and optical properties in spite of wide and rapid changes in temperature.

37

E11

Compression loading (Crush)

The purpose of this test is to test the ability of the fi ber to withstand transverse pressure.

41

E3

Cyclic Impact

The fall of a heavy device is simulated in this test. The weight is allowed to fall vertically onto an intermediate steel piece that transmits the force to the cable sample. No damage to the cable sheath may occur.

25

E4

Twist (Torsion)

During feeding, the fi ber must withstand torsion forces in addition to tension, transverse pressure and bending load. Thus a cable sample is turned around its own axis and attenuation is measured during the test. Nether fi ber or sheath material may be damaged during the test.

85

E7

Cyclic Flexing (Repeated Bending)

The resistance of a fi ber optic cable to repeated bending is determined by a cable sample bent forwards and backward 180 degree over a specifi c radius.

104

E6

External freezing

This freezing test evaluates the ability of the fi ber cable to withstand the freezing of the water that may immediately surround the cable. The test evaluates the physical appearance and mechanical properties of the jacket after test, monitoring the attenuation change during/after freezing.

98

F6

Temperature Cycling

This test measures the effect of wide swing in temperature and humidity on the optical and mechanical performance of the cables.. Since the thermal coeffi cient of expansion of the plastic coating and buffer are different from the fibers themselves, microbending may occur with the temperature changes, and which may bring changes in attenuation.

3

F1

Fiber Stripability

This test measures the forces required to remove the fi ber coating.

178

B6

Cable Aging

This test measures the effect of prolonged heat aging on the fi ber. The accelerated oxygen test simulates the result of long term aging on the cable jacket. After test, the cable is examined for color changes, embrittlement, softening and surface damages etc.

82

F5

Water Penetration

This test is to determine whether the interstices within the cable is continuously fi lled with jelly compound or water blocking to prevent water to enter the cable

82

F5

Compound Flow (Drip)

This test is to determine whether the fl ooding compound will remain stable for ambient temperature up to 70deg and will not drip, flow or leak with age or at the change of temperature. No drip of the jelly compound may be observed during and after the test

.81

E14