IEC 61196-1-200:2014

Overview

IEC 61196-1-200:2014 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) focused on environmental test methods for coaxial communication cables. This standard provides the general requirements and conditions for environmental testing, ensuring consistent assessment of coaxial cables’ performance and durability under varying environmental conditions. It applies specifically to the IEC 61196-1-2xx series, which encompasses detailed environmental test methods for such cables.

This edition introduces enhanced specifications on ambient testing conditions and consolidates references to related standards within Annex A. It is essential to consult IEC 61196-1:2005 in conjunction with this standard for a comprehensive understanding.

Key Topics

• General Requirements for Environmental Testing
  • Outlines baseline procedures and conditions for environmental tests on coaxial communication cables.
• Test Sample Preparation
  • Defines how cable under test (CUT) should be sampled and pre-conditioned to ensure reliable measurement.
• Testing Conditions
  • Establishes ambient temperature (15°C to 35°C), relative humidity (25% to 75%, without condensation), and air pressure (86 kPa to 106 kPa) as default testing parameters.
  • Specifies a tolerance on temperature values (±2°C) unless otherwise detailed in supplemental specifications.
• Equipment Calibration
  • Stipulates that calibration of testing equipment is a core component of quality assurance for environmental testing.
• Test Reporting
  • Requires test reports to clearly present measurement results and actual testing conditions, including maximum deviations from specified conditions.

Applications

IEC 61196-1-200:2014 is invaluable for organizations involved in the manufacturing, quality control, and specification of coaxial communication cables. Practical applications include:

• Cable Manufacturers: Assure product reliability by meeting globally recognized environmental test methods during design and production phases.
• Telecommunications and Broadcast Operators: Evaluate and select coaxial cables that meet rigorous international environmental and durability standards, enhancing network reliability.
• Test Laboratories and Certification Bodies: Conduct standardized testing procedures to certify cable compliance with environmental requirements, supporting product quality and market acceptance.
• Procurement and Specification: Enable technical buyers to confidently source coaxial cables that adhere to uniform environmental performance benchmarks.

Complying with IEC 61196-1-200 is critical for any organization aiming to demonstrate the environmental robustness of coaxial communication cables in international markets.

Related Standards

The IEC 61196-1-200:2014 standard is part of a broader series, providing a framework for standardized environmental testing methods. Key related standards include:

• IEC 61196-1:2005
  Coaxial communication cables - Part 1: Generic specification – General, definitions and requirements. The companion standard provides essential definitions applicable to IEC 61196-1-200.
• IEC 61196-1-2xx Series:
  • IEC 61196-1-201: Test for cold bend performance
  • IEC 61196-1-202: Resistance to environmental stress cracking
  • IEC 61196-1-203: Water penetration test
  • IEC 61196-1-205: Resistance to solvents and contaminating fluids
  • IEC 61196-1-206: Climatic sequence
  • IEC 61196-1-208: Longitudinal pneumatic resistance
  • IEC 61196-1-209: Thermal cycling

Regular reference to corresponding detail or sectional specifications is necessary for test parameters not fully defined in IEC 61196-1-200.

Keywords: IEC 61196, coaxial cable testing, environmental test methods, cable performance, durability, international standard, cable certification, ambient testing conditions, quality assurance.