IEC 61196-1-100:2022

Overview - IEC 61196-1-100:2022 (Coaxial communication cables)

IEC 61196-1-100:2022 sets the general requirements and conditions for electrical test methods applied to coaxial communication cables. It is the Part 1-100 document of the IEC 61196-1-1xx series and applies to all daughter documents that specify individual electrical tests for coaxial cables. This third edition (2022) cancels and replaces the 2015 edition and includes an updated Annex A listing the series’ electrical test methods.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and applicability: Defines general rules that apply to IEC 61196-1-1xx test procedures rather than prescribing specific test values - those are given in the relevant sectional or detail specifications.
• Sample preparation:
  • Selection of the cable under test (CUT) to match measuring equipment dynamic range.
  • Length measurement accuracy requirement (better than 1 % unless otherwise stated).
  • Pre-conditioning at a constant ambient temperature until specimen stabilizes.
• Test conditions:
  • Ambient temperature: 15 °C to 35 °C.
  • Relative humidity: 25 % to 75 % (no condensation).
  • Air pressure: 86 kPa to 106 kPa.
  • Temperature tolerance: ±2 °C unless otherwise specified.
• Frequency-related measurements:
  • Specifies linear or logarithmic sweep requirements and stability for frequency sweeps.
  • Minimum resolution: 200 frequency points per decade, unless otherwise specified.
• Test reporting: Test reports must include measurement results and the actual measuring conditions with their maximum deviations.
• Annex A: Informative table of electrical test methods in the IEC 61196-1-1xx series (e.g., tests for DC resistance, insulation resistance, capacitance, return loss, attenuation, characteristic impedance, TDR, RF power rating, cross-talk).

Applications - who uses this standard

• Cable manufacturers: for establishing factory test procedures and quality control of coaxial communication cables.
• Independent test laboratories: to ensure consistent, reproducible electrical testing and reporting.
• Procurement and specification writers: to reference a harmonized framework when writing sectional or product specifications.
• Design and R&D engineers: to validate cable electrical characteristics across specified environments and frequency ranges.
• Regulatory and conformity bodies: as a baseline for conformity assessment and harmonized testing practices.

Related standards

• IEC 61196-1 (generic specification - general, definitions and requirements)
• Selected parts of the IEC 61196-1-1xx series referenced in Annex A (examples): IEC 61196-1-101, -1-102, -1-103, -1-108, -1-113, -1-116, -1-119, etc.

This standard is essential for anyone involved in electrical testing, quality assurance, and specification of coaxial communication cables, providing a consistent baseline of environmental and measurement requirements that support repeatable, comparable test results.