Overview
IEC 60794-2-22:2016 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that defines detailed specifications for multi-simplex breakout optical fibre cables intended for indoor use and designed to be terminated with connectors. As a part of the broader IEC 60794 series on optical fibre cables, this standard focuses specifically on breakout cables comprising multiple simplex fibre cables grouped under a common sheath. It establishes construction, performance, testing, and marking requirements tailored to ensure reliable connectivity and durability in indoor optical fibre installations requiring connectorized terminations.
This standard complements the requirements laid out in the sectional specification IEC 60794-2 for indoor cables and aligns with the family specification IEC 60794-2-20 applicable to breakout cables without terminated connectors. Notably, IEC 60794-2-22 excludes fan-out kits, which are typically used to prepare cable systems for connectorization but are covered under separate documents.
Key Topics
- Scope: Specifies multi-simplex breakout optical cables designed for direct termination with connectors, under a common sheath, without internal fibre splicing.
- Construction Requirements:
- Multi-simplex breakout cables consist of several simplex fibre cables bundled stripped of splices.
- Simplex cables include secondary coated fibres surrounded by strength members within a protective sheath.
- Strength and anti-buckling members ensure mechanical stability and durability.
- Cable sheath composition and marking comply with defined standards to facilitate identification and durability.
- Test Procedures:
- Mechanical testing includes dimensional verification, bending endurance, and anti-buckling performance.
- Environmental conditioning involves temperature cycling tests to validate cable performance under varying indoor conditions.
- Transmission Characteristics:
- The optical performance criteria ensure minimal signal attenuation and high transmission fidelity compatible with indoor data communications.
- Fire Performance:
- Specifies fire resistance and smoke emission requirements aligned with safety standards for indoor optical fibre cables.
- Applicable Normative References:
- Includes IEC standards on test methods for materials (IEC 60811 series), optical fibre specifications (IEC 60793 series), and optical fibre cable generic and sectional specifications (IEC 60794 series).
Applications
IEC 60794-2-22:2016 breakout cables are optimized for indoor telecommunication and data network installations requiring multiple fibre terminations. Their design enables efficient deployment in:
- Enterprise and office cabling infrastructure where high reliability and easy connector termination are essential.
- Data centers and server rooms requiring robust indoor fibre optic connectivity.
- Indoor optical distribution frames and patch panels facilitating modular network expansion.
- Environments demanding certified compliance for fire safety and mechanical stability under typical indoor conditions.
The multi-simplex breakout cable structure simplifies connector termination by enabling direct access to individual simplex fibres, minimizing installation time and reducing the risk of damage during connectorization.
Related Standards
- IEC 60794-2: Sectional specification for indoor optical fibre cables, providing overarching requirements applicable to breakout cables.
- IEC 60794-2-20: Family specification for multi-fibre breakout cables not terminated with connectors.
- IEC 60794-2-50 & 2-51: Detail specifications for simplex and duplex cables used in terminated cable assemblies and cords for controlled environments.
- IEC 60793 Series: Product specifications and test methods for optical fibres.
- IEC 60811 Series: Test methods for non-metallic materials used in cable construction.
- Additional relevant safety and fire performance standards governing indoor electrical and optical cable installations.
Summary
IEC 60794-2-22:2016 provides comprehensive technical guidance and requirements critical to manufacturers, network designers, and installers of indoor multi-simplex breakout optical fibre cables with connectors. This standard ensures that cables meet robust mechanical, environmental, transmission, and fire safety performance criteria, promoting consistent quality and interoperability in indoor fibre optic communication systems. Adherence to IEC 60794-2-22 facilitates efficient, reliable, and safe installation of indoor fibre optic networks.
Open preview (PDF)Optical fibre cables - Part 2-22: Indoor cables - Detail specification for multi-simplex breakout optical cables to be terminated with connectors
