IEC 61753-031-2:2014

Overview

IEC 61753-031-2:2014 is an International Electrotechnical Commission performance standard for non-connectorized single‑mode non‑wavelength‑selective branching devices (NWBD) intended for an IEC Category C (Controlled) environment. It defines the minimum initial tests, measurement requirements and severities that 1 × N and 2 × N balanced bidirectional NWBD (and common 1 × 2 / 2 × 2 unbalanced devices) must meet to be classified under this standard. The document is especially relevant to passive optical network (PON) deployments where non-wavelength‑selective passive splitting/branching is used.

Key technical topics and requirements

• Device scope: Non‑connectorized single‑mode 1×N and 2×N balanced bidirectional NWBDs; unbalanced bidirectional devices limited to 1×2 and 2×2.
• Performance classes: Two attenuation/uniformity classes:
  • Class A (premium) - stricter limits for extended‑reach PON.
  • Class B (standard) - for typical reach PON.
• Optical performance: Detailed requirements for attenuation (insertion loss) and uniformity with numerical limits provided by formulas (examples in the standard include expressions such as ≤ 0.5 + 3.3·log N dB, varying by spectral band and class).
• Spectral bands: Tests cover standard single‑mode bands, e.g. 1260–1360 nm and 1480–1625/1660 nm combinations as specified.
• Test methods: All test methods are taken from the IEC 61300 series (vibration, shock, cold, dry heat, damp heat, change of temperature, high optical power, return loss, directivity, etc.).
• Sample preparation: Samples are to be terminated on single‑mode fibres per IEC 60793‑2‑50 categories (B1.1, B1.3 or B1.6) in coated or reinforced cable format.
• Reporting & sample size: Requires fully documented test reports and defines sample sizes (Annex B) and tabulated attenuation/uniformity examples (Annex A).

Practical applications and users

Who uses IEC 61753‑031‑2:

• NWBD manufacturers - to design and verify products for controlled‑environment deployment and to classify devices as Class A or B.
• Test laboratories and QA teams - to perform standardized environmental and optical measurements per IEC 61300 methods.
• Network engineers and specifiers - when selecting splitters/branching devices for PON and other passive optical architectures.
• Procurement and certification bodies - to evaluate compliance and acceptance criteria for controlled‑environment passive components.

Related standards

• IEC 61300 series (basic test and measurement procedures)
• IEC 61300‑3‑6, ‑3‑7, ‑3‑20, etc. (return loss, wavelength dependence, directivity)
• IEC 60793‑2‑50 (single‑mode fibre product specifications)

Keywords: IEC 61753‑031‑2:2014, non‑wavelength selective branching device, NWBD, IEC Category C environment, 1×N 2×N, non‑connectorized single‑mode, PON.