Overview
IEC 61300-2-23:2010 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). It specifies basic test and measurement procedures for assessing the sealing effectiveness of non-pressurized closures used in fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components. The testing focuses on evaluating the durability of these closures when subjected to immersion in water, ensuring they maintain their integrity and performance in wet environments. This version revises the original 1995 edition by updating test procedures and severity requirements to align with current industry needs.
Key Topics
- Scope: The standard applies specifically to non-pressurized closures of fibre optic devices, assessing their resistance to water intrusion through immersion testing.
- Test Procedure: Conducted in accordance with IEC 60068-2-17, test Qf (immersion), specimens are submerged under specified water pressure or depth for seven days, simulating field conditions.
- Pre-conditioning and Recovery: Specimens undergo 2 hours of pre-conditioning under standard atmospheric conditions and 24 hours of drying post-test to evaluate sealing performance realistically.
- Measurements and Inspection: Initial and final inspections include visual, optical (attenuation and return loss), and mechanical checks to detect water penetration or sealing failure.
- Apparatus: Equipment entails either a water tank with a defined head of water or a pressurized water chamber calibrated to maintain an equivalent water pressure of 48.9 kPa (approximately 5 meters water column).
- Severity Levels: The test severity is defined by water height and duration, with immersion lasting 7 days under a water head of 5 meters or equivalent pressure, stressing the closure seals under controlled temperature conditions between 15 °C and 35 °C.
Applications
- Quality Assurance: Manufacturers of fibre optic interconnecting devices use IEC 61300-2-23 to verify the reliability of closure seals before product release, minimizing risks of water-induced failures in field deployments.
- Product Development: Engineering teams apply this standard during design validation phases to ensure sealing solutions meet durability expectations for outdoor or moist environments.
- Compliance and Certification: Adhering to this international standard helps companies demonstrate compliance with industry best practices, facilitating market acceptance and reducing liability.
- Maintenance and Testing: Service providers may utilize the standard’s procedures to assess the condition of installed closures and determine the need for replacement or repair.
Related Standards
- IEC 60068-2-17: Provides the foundational environmental testing method for water immersion (test Qf), directly referenced in IEC 61300-2-23 for apparatus and procedure alignment.
- IEC 61300-1: Covers the general and guidance aspects of basic test and measurement procedures for fibre optic devices, serving as a supporting reference.
- IEC 61300-3-3: Details methods for active monitoring of changes in attenuation and return loss, employed in conjunction with this standard for optical measurements pre- and post-testing.
- IEC 61300-2-38: Specifies sealing tests for pressurized fibre optic closures, complementing the focus on non-pressurized closures in IEC 61300-2-23.
Keywords: IEC 61300-2-23, fibre optic closures, sealing tests, non-pressurized closures, water immersion test, optical device testing, IEC standards, fibre optic components, test procedures, environmental durability, water sealing effectiveness, attenuation measurement.
Open preview (PDF)Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components - Basic test and measurement procedures - Part 2-23: Tests - Sealing for non-pressurized closures of fibre optic devices
