Overview
IEC 60874-14-10:1999 is an IEC detail specification for the SC-APC (angled physical contact) connector family - specifically an untuned 8° SC‑APC connector terminated on single‑mode fibre type B1 for use in pigtails or patch cords. It defines mechanical dimensions, endface geometry, optical performance limits and qualification / inspection tests for manufacture and quality control of SC‑APC patch cord and pigtail components.
Keywords: IEC 60874-14-10, SC-APC, fibre optic pigtail, patch cord connector, single mode fibre, detail specification.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Connector type & configuration: SC/APC 8° angle (untuned), plug-adapter-plug, push-pull coupling, resilient sleeve alignment.
- Ferrule and endface geometry:
- Angled PC reference plane 8°; ferrule endface radius rEP specified 5.00 mm to 12.00 mm.
- Dome eccentricity (EO) tolerance 0 – 0.05 mm; tight concentricity/geometry tolerances down to micrometre scale (e.g., ferrule diameter A ≈ 2.4985–2.4995 mm).
- Ferrule compression force: 7.8 N to 11.8 N under specified compression.
- Optical performance:
- Allowable attenuation: < 0.5 dB against a reference plug (measured per IEC 61300 methods, source LD at 1.3 µm, 5 measurements averaged).
- Typical random‑connection attenuation: < 0.80 dB (95% probability); < 0.40 dB (average).
- Return‑loss guidance: unmated return loss > 55 dB with 1300 nm zero‑dispersion single‑mode fibre (note: dispersion‑shifted fibres may differ).
- Variants & materials: multiple plug variants for different jacket diameters and ferrule materials (zirconia or metal). Component colors specified (de‑latch housing RAL 6029; coupling boot RAL 6018).
- Testing and quality:
- Qualification: fixed sample test schedule covering visual, dimensional, attenuation, return loss, climatic, mechanical endurance, vibration, cable pull/torsion, etc.
- Lot‑by‑lot and periodic quality conformance inspection plans specified (references to IEC 60874‑1 and IEC 61300 series for test methods).
Applications and users
- Manufacturers of fibre‑optic pigtails, patch cords and connector assemblies who need to ensure interchangeability and performance of SC‑APC components.
- Test laboratories and QA teams performing product qualification, production inspection and supplier audits.
- System integrators, procurers and network operators specifying patch cord / pigtail components for single‑mode telecom, CATV, FTTH and data center links where low return loss and defined mechanical interfaces are critical.
Related standards
This standard is essential when specifying or producing SC‑APC 8° patch cords/pigtails to ensure mechanical interchangeability and reliable optical performance in single‑mode networks.
Open preview (PDF)Connectors for optical fibres and cables - Part 14-10: Fibre optic pigtail or patch cord connector type SC-APC untuned 8° terminated on single mode fibre type B1 - Detail specification
