IEC 61300-2-22:2024

Overview

IEC 61300-2-22:2024 specifies a standardized change of temperature test procedure for verifying that fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components can withstand single or repeated temperature changes. Published as part of the IEC 61300 series, this 2024 edition (Edition 3.0) expands the scope to explicitly include passive components, patch cords, splices, fibre management systems and protective housings, and aligns severity categories with IEC 61753‑1.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Test basis: Procedure is conducted in accordance with IEC 60068‑2‑14 (Test Nb) - change of temperature with a specified rate of change.
• Temperature profile: Start from standard atmospheric conditions, ramp to the low extreme, dwell, ramp to the high extreme, dwell, then repeat cycles. Ramp rate specified as (1 ± 0.2) °C/min.
• Dwell times: Each extreme is maintained for a minimum dwell period (minimum 1 hour as stated for typical tests).
• Preconditioning: Maintain the Device Under Test (DUT) under standard atmospheric conditions per IEC 61300‑1 for at least 2 h (or ≥4 h for large devices such as protective housings).
• Test setup: Use a suitable environmental test chamber compliant with IEC 60068‑2‑14. Include 1.5 m of cable in the chamber for each monitored port unless otherwise specified.
• Measurements and monitoring: Optical and physical examinations (e.g., attenuation, return loss, visual inspection) are performed per relevant IEC 61300‑3 parts. At minimum, measurements are taken at the end of each dwell at each temperature extreme and a maximum measurement period of 10 minutes is recommended between optical measurements during performance testing.
• Apparatus and instruments: Use environmental chambers and optical test equipment referenced in IEC 60529 and IEC 61300‑3‑x series, consistent with IEC 61753 performance or IEC 62005 reliability requirements.
• Severity and reporting: Severity categories, cycle counts and extreme durations have been updated to align with IEC 61753‑1. Test details and results must be specified and reported per the standard.

Applications and who uses it

• Manufacturers of optical connectors, patch cords, splices, modules and fibre management systems use this standard to validate product performance under thermal cycling.
• Test laboratories and qualification teams apply IEC 61300‑2‑22 for environmental qualification and reliability testing.
• System integrators and specifiers reference this test when defining environmental requirements for telecom, datacom, industrial and outdoor fibre deployments.
• Certification bodies and OEMs use the procedure to demonstrate compliance with industry performance classes.

Related standards

• IEC 60068‑2‑14 (Test Nb) - Change of temperature
• IEC 61300‑1 - General guidance for fibre optic test procedures
• IEC 61300‑3‑1 / 3‑3 / 3‑4 / 3‑6 - Visual and optical measurement methods (attenuation, return loss, monitoring)
• IEC 61753 (all parts) - Performance standard (severity alignment)
• IEC 62005 (all parts) - Reliability of fibre optic interconnecting devices

Keywords: IEC 61300‑2‑22:2024, change of temperature test, fibre optic interconnecting devices, passive components, environmental testing, temperature cycling, IEC 60068‑2‑14, attenuation, return loss.