IEC 61196-1-314:2015

Overview - IEC 61196-1-314:2015 (Coaxial communication cables - Test for bending)

IEC 61196-1-314:2015 is an international standard that specifies mechanical test methods for bending of coaxial communication cables. Part of the IEC 61196 series, this 2015 edition (Edition 2.0) applies to coaxial cables and defines controlled laboratory procedures to assess how cables behave under bending, flexing and installation-related stresses. A notable technical change in this edition is the complete revision of Clause 4 (single bending test).

Key topics and technical requirements

The standard covers a comprehensive set of bending tests and associated measurement and reporting requirements:

• Bending around a test mandrel - procedures for wrapping a cable around a mandrel to evaluate single-bend performance.
• Repeated bending - cyclic bend testing to assess fatigue under repeated curvature.
• Repeated flexing in service and flexing endurance - tests that simulate long-term in-service movement.
• Flexing in service - procedures to evaluate performance under operational flexing conditions.
• Bending around rollers or bows during installation (dynamic tests) - simulating installation stresses such as passage over rollers or bows.
• Stiffness measurement - three alternative methods (illustrated as three-point bending, cantilever and compression arrangements) to quantify cable stiffness.
• Kink test - procedure to detect susceptibility to permanent deformation (kinking).
• Test reporting - requirements for documenting sample preparation, test conditions, procedures used (e.g., Procedure 1 or 2 for mandrel tests), and results.

Practical applications and who uses this standard

IEC 61196-1-314 is intended for:

• Cable manufacturers - for product development, QA/QC and type approval.
• Independent test laboratories - to perform standardized mechanical qualification and produce comparable test reports.
• OEMs and system integrators - to specify cable mechanical robustness for installations with tight bends or repeated movement.
• Procurement/specification engineers - for writing conformance requirements in tenders and contracts.
• Installers and field engineers - to understand installation limits related to bending radii, rollers and dynamic handling.

Practical uses include product qualification, failure analysis, comparative evaluation of cable constructions, and ensuring reliable performance under installation and service conditions.

Related standards and references

• IEC 61196-1:2005 - Coaxial communication cables - Generic specification (general definitions and requirements)
• IEC 60050 - International Electrotechnical Vocabulary
• EN 50289-3-1 - Communication cables - Test method general requirements

This standard should be read alongside IEC 61196-1 and other parts of the IEC 61196 series when specifying or testing coaxial communication cables.