Overview
EN IEC 60794-1-136:2026 is a key international standard developed by CLC and IEC for the optical fibre cable industry. Titled “Optical fibre cables - Part 1-136: Generic specification - Basic optical cable test procedures - Determination of the maximum applicable push force during cable installation by blowing,” this standard specifies procedures to determine the maximum allowable push force applied to optical fibre cables, particularly during installation by blowing into microducts. It focuses on low-diameter microduct cables without rigid strength elements, in line with IEC 60794-5 specifications.
Determining the push force is critical for successful and damage-free installation of optical fibre cables, ensuring both performance and durability in high-speed communications infrastructure.
Key Topics
- Test Methodologies: EN IEC 60794-1-136:2026 details both theoretical (Method E36A) and experimental (Method E36B) procedures for evaluating maximum push force.
- E36A calculates the permissible push force using cable bend stiffness and minimum allowable bend radius.
- E36B uses a physical test setup where a cable is pushed into a microduct until buckling, measuring force responses.
- Applicability: Primarily targets microduct cables without rigid elements, as commonly used in modern fibre-optic networks.
- Sample and Apparatus: Defines the requirements for sample preparation and necessary testing equipment, aligning with existing standards such as IEC 60794-1-21 for mechanical test methods.
- Test Conditions: Describes environmental controls including temperature, humidity, and pressure to ensure reliable and reproducible results.
- Documentation: Specifies the information to report, such as test graphs and calculated maximum push force, for quality management and compliance tracking.
- Impact Factors: Notes that duct and cable lubrication, material types, and environmental conditions can affect test results.
Applications
- Fibre Network Deployment: Used by manufacturers and installers to verify that optical cables can withstand required mechanical forces during blowing installation, minimizing risk of cable buckling and subsequent signal loss or fiber breakage.
- Quality Assurance: Essential for quality control in the production of microduct cables, ensuring compliance with international standards and reliable performance in the field.
- System Design: Supports engineering decisions regarding duct and cable selection for telecommunications infrastructure, promoting longer cable life and optimal deployment efficiency.
- Regulatory Compliance: Assists organizations in meeting requirements for certification, tenders, and network implementation projects, underlining adherence to recognized testing protocols.
Related Standards
- IEC 60794-1-21: Basic optical cable test procedures - Mechanical tests methods, a companion standard referenced for sample preparation and stiffness measurement methodology.
- IEC 60794-5: Sectional specification for microduct cabling intended for installation by blowing, defining relevant cable types and installation techniques.
- Additional References: The standard also references broader terminology databases (IEC Electropedia, ISO OBP) and other foundational documents for optical fibres and cables.
By standardizing the methods to determine the maximum applicable push force during cable installation, EN IEC 60794-1-136:2026 enhances the reliability and safety of fibre-optic deployments, supporting the expansion of high-capacity communication networks worldwide. This standard is essential for manufacturers, network designers, and installation contractors focused on microduct technologies and fibre-optic infrastructure.