IEC 60874-14-10:1999

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

• IEC 60874‑1 (generic connector requirements)
• IEC 60874‑14‑3 (adapter dimensions for SC‑APC)
• IEC 61300 series (optical connector test methods)
• IEC 60793‑2 (single‑mode fibre parameters)
• IEC 60050 / IEC 60027 (terminology and symbols references)

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.