IEC 60874-14-2:1997

Overview

IEC 60874-14-2:1997 is an IEC detail specification for the SC/PC tuned fibre optic connector terminated to single‑mode fibre type B1. It defines mechanical dimensions, ferrule endface geometry, materials, performance limits and qualification/inspection schedules for an SC plug used in patchcord and datacom applications (referencing ISO/IEC 11801). The standard supports consistent manufacturing, testing and quality control of SC‑PC connectors intended for single‑mode installations.

Key topics and requirements

• Connector type and configuration: SC plug - push‑pull coupling, plug‑adaptor‑plug configuration, patchcord arrangement with resilient sleeve alignment.
• Fibre type: Terminated to single‑mode fibre type B1 (references IEC 60793‑2 for mode field and cladding details).
• Ferrule and materials: Zirconia ferrule variants specified; ferrule endface geometry, allowable undercut/protrusion and eccentricity limits (spherical polished endface eccentricity < 50 µm).
• Critical dimensions: Detailed plug mating face and plug dimensions with minimum/maximum tolerances (figures and tables included in the standard). Example: ferrule compression force 7.8 N to 11.8 N when compressed to specified dimension.
• Optical performance: Attenuation targets given (random connection: < 0.60 dB at 99% probability; average < 0.15 dB). Return loss requirements and measurement references are included.
• Cable/fiber handling: Buffer diameters (250 ±15, 500 ±30, 900 ±50 µm), applicable jacket diameters per variant, and fibre cut‑off wavelength (1 100 – 1 280 nm).
• Environmental & mechanical categories: Climatic category 10/60/4, environmental category 4, assessment level A.
• Qualification and inspection: Fixed sample qualification and lot/periodic inspection schedules with test groups covering visual, dimensions, attenuation, return loss, temperature, damp heat, mechanical endurance, vibration, drop, coupling strength and cable strain (tests reference IEC 60874‑1 and IEC 61300 series).

Applications and users

Who uses IEC 60874-14-2:

• Connector and component manufacturers (design, production and QC).
• Test laboratories and quality assurance teams for qualification and lot acceptance testing.
• Systems integrators and network designers specifying single‑mode patchcords and equipment interconnects for datacom and customer‑premises cabling.
• Procurement/specification authors who require standardised SC‑PC performance and interchangeability.

Practical benefits:

• Ensures mechanical interchangeability and predictable optical performance of SC/PC connectors.
• Reduces field problems from mis‑matched tolerances or poor endface geometry.
• Provides traceable test schedules and acceptance criteria for manufacturing control.

Related standards

• IEC 60874‑1 (generic specification / QC 910000)
• IEC 60874‑14‑3 (adaptor dimensions)
• IEC 60793‑2 (single‑mode fibre characteristics)
• IEC 61300 series (connector test methods)
• ISO/IEC 11801 (generic cabling for customer premises)

Keywords: IEC 60874-14-2, SC‑PC connector, SC/PC tuned, single‑mode fibre, fibre optic connector, zirconia ferrule, attenuation, return loss, connector qualification, patchcord.