BS EN IEC 60793-2:2019

What is BS EN IEC 60793‑2 - Optical fibres about?

BS EN IEC 60793 is a series on optical fibres. Optical fibres are used most often to transmit light. BS EN IEC 60793‑2 contains the general specifications for both multimode and single-mode optical fibres. Sectional specifications for each of the four categories of multimode fibres: A1, A2, A3, and A4 (part of the multimode fibre class A) contain requirements specific to each category. Sectional specifications for each of the three single-mode fibre classes, B, C and D contain requirements common to each class.

Each sectional specification includes family specifications (in normative annexes) that contain requirements for the applicable category or sub-categories. These sub-categories are distinguished based on different fibre types or applications. The requirements of this document apply to all classes.

Who is BS EN IEC 60793‑2 - Optical fibres for?

BS EN IEC 60793‑2 on optical fibres is useful for:

• Optical equipment manufacturers
• Optical component manufacturers
• Quality control personnel
• Research and development facilities

Why should you use BS EN IEC 60793‑2 - Optical fibres?

Optical fibres are used most often as a means to transmit light between the two ends of the fibre and find wide usage in fibre optic communication, where they permit transmission over longer distances and at higher bandwidth (data transfer rates) than electrical cables. BS EN IEC 60793‑2 provides sectional specifications for each of the three single-mode fibre classes, B, C and D. Each sectional specification contains the requirements that are common to all the family specifications that are within it. These common requirements are copied to the family specification for ease of reference.

Tests or measurement methods are defined for each specified attribute. Where possible, these definitions are by reference to an IEC International Standard (see IEC 60793-1 series) – otherwise, the test or measurement method is outlined in the relevant sectional specification. Using BS EN IEC 60793‑2 you can understand the general specifications for both multimode and single-mode optical fibres.

What’s changed since the last update?

BS EN IEC 60793‑2:2019 supersedes BS EN 60793‑2:2016. BS EN IEC 60793‑2:2019 includes some technical changes with respect to BS EN 60793‑2:2016. These include:

• Introduction of the revised fibre designations for most A1 sub-category fibres and all class B single-mode fibres
• Addition of the new fibre model (A1-OM5) defined for the A1 category
• Addition of class D polarization-maintaining fibres