वर्गीय आवश्यकताओं के लिए मानक

टीईसी ८५२२०:२०२२
(सं: टीईसी/जीआर/टीएक्स/ओएफ़सी-०२६/०१/अप्रैल-१८ को अधिक्रमित करता है )

STANDARD FOR GENERIC REQUIREMENTS

TEC 85220:2022
(Supersedes No.: TEC/GR/TX/OFC-026/01/APR-18)

िास्ट माइि एप्लिकेशन हे तु एरियि ड्रॉप ऑप्लटकि फाइबि

केबि (शॉटट स्पैन)

Aerial Drop Optical Fibre Cable for Last Mile Applications

(Short Span)

ISO 9001:2015

दिू संचाि अलियांत्रिकी केंद्र

खश
ु ीदिाि िवन, जनपथ, नई ददल्िी–110001, िाित
TELECOMMUNICATION ENGINEERING CENTRE
KHURSHIDLAL BHAWAN, JANPATH, NEW DELHI–110001, INDIA
www.tec.gov.in
 © टीईसी, २०२२
© TEC, 2022

इस सर्ााधिकार सुरक्षित प्रकाशन का कोई भी हहस्सा, दरू संचार अमभयांत्रिकी केंद्र, नई हदल्ली की मलखित स्र्ीकृतत के त्रिना,
ककसी भी रूप िें या ककसी भी प्रकार से जैसे -इलेक्रॉतनक, िैकेतनकल, फोटोकॉपी, ररकॉर्डिंग, स्कैतनंग आहद रूप िें प्रेषित,
संग्रहीत या पन
ु रुत्पाहदत न ककया जाए ।
All rights reserved and no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or
transmitted, in any form and by any means - electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning
or otherwise, without written permission from the Telecommunication Engineering Centre, New Delhi.

Release 2: SEP 2022

No. TEC 85220:2022 2

 FOREWORD

Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) is the technical arm of Department of

Telecommunications (DOT), Government of India. Its activities include:

 Framing of TEC Standards for Generic Requirements for a Product/Equipment,

Standards for Interface Requirements for a Product/Equipment, Standards for
Service Requirements & Standard document of TEC for Telecom Products and
Services
 Formulation of Essential Requirements (ERs) under Mandatory Testing and
Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE)
 Field evaluation of Telecom Products and Systems
 Designation of Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs)/Testing facilities
 Testing & Certification of Telecom products
 Adoption of Standards
 Support to DoT on technical/technology issues

For the purpose of testing, four Regional Telecom Engineering Centers (RTECs)
have been established which are located at New Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, and
Kolkata.

ABSTRACT

This document pertains to Standard for GR Aerial Drop Optical Fibre Cable for Last
Mile Applications (Short Span). This cable is envisaged to be utilized for extending
last mile connectivity to FTTH customers on the Aerial route up to 30 meters of span
length.

No. TEC 85220:2022 3

 CONTENTS

Clause Particulars Page No.

History Sheet 5
References 6
Chapter -1
1.0 Introduction 8
2.0 Functional Requirements 8
3.0 Technical Requirements 9
4.0 Mechanical Characteristics and Tests on Optical Fibre 21
Cable
5.0 Engineering Requirements 31
6.0 Quality Requirements 34
7.0 Safety Requirements 35
Chapter -2
8.0 Documentation 37
9.0 Information for the Procurer of product 37
10.0 Procedure for Issue of Approval certificate 38
Abbreviations 40
Annexure-A 41
Table A1: Cable design parameters for Aerial Drop Optical Fibre
Cable

No. TEC 85220:2022 4

 HISTORY SHEET

S. No. GR No. Title Remarks

1. TEC/GR/TX/OFC- Generic Requirement for Release 1
026/01/APR-18 Aerial Optical Fibre Drop
Cable for FTTH
Applications (For Short
Span)

2. Standard No. TEC Standard for Generic Release 2

85220:2022 Requirement of Aerial  Renamed as Standard
Drop Optical Fibre Cable for GR
for Last mile  GR format modified as
Applications (Short per latest format for
Span) Standard for GR
 Renamed as Aerial
Drop Optical Fibre
Cable for Last Mile
Applications (Short
Span)
 G. 657 A2 fibre added

No. TEC 85220:2022 5

 REFERENCES

SN Document No. Title/Document Name

1. TEC 89010:2021 Standard for Generic
Requirements for Raw
Material for manufacturing
of Optical Fibre Cable.
2. TEC 89060:2006 Standard for Generic
Requirements for Tools
For Installation &
Operation of OFC & for
Assembly of Optical Fibre
Splice Closures
3. TEC 87060:2017 Standard for Generic
Requirements for
Installation Accessories &
Fixtures for Self-
Supporting Metal Free
Optical Fibre Cable
4. TEC 69370:2004 Standard for Generic
Requirements for Wooden
Cable Drum for Telecom
Cables
5. SD: QM 333 {March 2010} Standard for
Environmental testing of
Telecommunication
equipment
7. ITU-T Rec. G. 657 ITU-T Recommandations
for Optical Fibre and Cable

8. GR-20 Core Issue-4 July’13 Generic Requirements for

Optical Fibre cable
(Telcordia document)

No. TEC 85220:2022 6

 8. IEC 60793-1, IEC 60793-2-50 Measurement and Test
methods for Optical Fibres
9. ISO 9001:2015 or latest issue International Quality
Management System
10. EIA 598-C & IEC Publication 304(4) Color Standards
11. EIA 455-104/ FOTP-104, EIA RS-455-37/ Test Methods
FOTP-37
12. IEC 60794-1-21-E1, IEC 60794-1-21-E2, IEC Test Methods
IEC 60794-1-21-E3, IEC 60794-1-21-E4,
IEC 60794-1-21-E7, IEC 60794-1-21-E10,
IEC 60794-1-21-E11, IEC 60794-1-22-F1,
IEC 60794-1-22-F3, IEC 60794-1-22-F5,
IEC 60794-1-219, IEC 60794-1-22, IEC
60794-1-23, IEC 189
13. ASTM D 1693,ASTM D 790, ASTM G-53- ASTM Test Methods
96 (ASTM G 154)

No. TEC 85220:2022 7

 CHAPTER-1

1.0 Introduction:
This document describes the Standard for GR of Aerial Drop Optical Fibre
Cable for Last Mile Applications (Short Span). This cable is envisaged to
be utilized for extending last mile connectivity to FTTH customers on the
Aerial route up to 30 meters of span length. The Raw material used in the
cable shall meet the requirements of the Standard for GR for Raw
materials (No. TEC 89010:2021 (or latest release) and subsequent
amendments, if any.

2.0 Functional Requirements:

2.1 The design and construction of the cable shall be inherently robust and
rigid under all conditions of installation, operation, adjustment,
replacement, storage and transport.

2.2 The cable shall be able to work in saline atmosphere in coastal areas and
should be protected against corrosion.

2.3 Life of cable shall be at least 25 years. Necessary statistical calculations

shall be submitted by the manufacturer, based upon life of the fibre and
other component parts of the cable. The cable shall meet the cable aging
test requirement.

Note: Manufacturer shall define the cable life based on the lifetime
calculation of the raw material used.

2.4 The cable shall be suitable and compatible with the dimensions, fixing,
terminating & splicing arrangement of the all applicable optical
accessories i.e. FDMS, Splice closure, Termination box, splitters etc.

No. TEC 85220:2022 8

2.5 It shall be possible to operate and handle the cable with tools as per the
Standard for GR No. TEC 89060:2006 and subsequent amendment, if
any. If any special tool is required for operating and handling this optical
fibre cable, the same shall be provided along with the cable.

2.6 It shall be possible to install the Aerial optical fibre cable with accessories
and fixtures as per the Standard for GR No. TEC 87060:2017 and
subsequent amendments, if any. If any special Accessories and Fixtures
are required for installation of the cable, the same shall be provided along
with the cable.

2.7 The manufacturer shall submit an undertaking that the optical and
mechanical fibre characteristics shall not change during the lifetime of the
cable against the manufacturing defects.

2.8 The cable shall be designed and manufactured to meet the following
conditions of operation, installation and storage:

a) Maximum Span length : 30m

b) Maximum ice loading : Nil

c) Operational wind velocity : 75 Kms per hour

d) Sag of the span length:

i) Maximum Installation sag allowed: 1% of span length
ii) Maximum Operational sag allowed: 2 % of span length

e) Temperature range: -
i) Operation : - 20 to + 70 C
ii) Installation : - 15 to + 50 C
iii) Storage : - 20 to + 70 C

No. TEC 85220:2022 9

 f) Tensile force design parameter : 500N

g) Minimum bending Radius : 10 D (D-dia of the

cable)
3.0 Technical Requirements:

Single Mode Optical Fibre is used in manufacturing optical Fibre Cables

shall be as per ITU-T Rec. G. 657 A1 or G. 657 A2. The specification of
optical fibre shall be as per Section-1 (Type-IV) of Standard No. TEC
89010:2021 (or latest release) and subsequent amendments, if any.

3.1 Type of fibre (Wavelength band optimized nominal 1310 nm):

Single Mode (Section-1(Type-IV) of Standard No. TEC 89010:2021(or

latest release) and subsequent amendments, if any)

3.2 Geometrical Characteristics

3.2.1 Nominal MFD for matched clad (at 1310 nm) :

Table-I: Mode field diameter at 1310nm

S.N. Parameter A1 Fibre A2 Fibre
1 MFD at 1310nm [8.8 - 9.2] ± 0.4 µm 8.6 ± 0.4 µm

3.2.2 Nominal Cladding Dia. : 125 µm ± 0.7µm

3.2.3 Cladding Non-circularity : ≤ 0.8 %

3.2.4 Core Clad concentricity error :  0.5 µm

3.2.5 Diameter over primary coated with : 242 µm ± 5 µm

double UV cured acrylate.
(Shall be measured on un-colored fibre)

No. TEC 85220:2022 10

 Note: The thickness of colour coating may be over and above the
values specified above, if the manufacturer adopts separate UV cured
colouring process (to colour the un-coloured fibres) other than the on line
integrated colouring process (of secondary layer of primary coating) of
the fibres, during fibre manufacturing.

3.2.6 Colored fibre coating diameter : 252 ± 10µm

3.2.7 Coating/Cladding Concentricity : ≤ 12 µm

3.3 Transmission Characteristics:

All the parametric values shall be as per latest Standard for GR of Raw
Material for manufacturing Optical fibre cable

3.3.1 Attenuation:

a) Fibre attenuation before Cabling

Table-II: Fibre attenuation before cabling

S.No Parameter A1 Fibre A2 Fibre

i At 1270 nm <0.40 dB/Km <0.40 dB/Km
ii Between 1285 to 1360 nm <0.37 dB/Km <0.38 dB/Km
iii At 1310 nm <0.34 dB/Km <0.35 dB/Km
iv Between 1360-1480 nm <0.34 dB/Km <0.35 dB/Km
v At 1490 nm <0.24 dB/Km <0.24 dB/Km
vi Between 1480 to 1525 nm <0.34 dB/Km <0.34 dB/Km
vii At 1550 nm <0.20 dB/Km <0.21 dB/Km
viii Between 1525 to 1625 nm <0.24 dB/Km <0.24 dB/Km
ix At 1625 nm <0.23 dB/Km <0.23 dB/Km

No. TEC 85220:2022 11

 b) Fibre attenuation after Cabling

Table III: Fibre attenuation after cabling

SN Parameter A1 Fibre A2 Fibre

i At 1310 nm <0.36 dB/Km <0.37 dB/Km
ii At 1383 ± 3 nm < attenuation at < attenuation at
1310 nm 1310 nm
iii At 1490nm <0.26 dB/Km <0.26 dB/Km
iv At 1550nm <0.22 dB/Km <0.23 dB/Km
v At 1625 nm <0.25 dB/Km <0.25 dB/Km

Note:
1. Attenuation in the band 1380-1390nm shall be checked at every 2nm
2. after Hydrogen ageing as per IEC 60793-2-50. Hydrogen ageing test
is to be carried out by CACT, Bangalore or any other recognized
laboratory for type test.
3. Sudden irregularity in attenuation shall be less than 0.1 dB
4. The Spectral attenuation shall be measured on un-cabled fibre in the
1250nm –1625 nm band at an interval of 10nm and the test results
shall be submitted.

3.3.2 Dispersion:

a) Total Dispersion
i) In 1285-1330 nm band :  3.5 ps/nm.km
ii) In 1270-1340 nm band :  5.3 ps/nm. Km
iii) At 1550 nm. :  18.0 ps/nm. Km
iv) At 1625 nm. :  22.0 ps/nm.Km

Note: The dispersion in the 1250 nm–1625 nm band shall be measured at

an interval of 10nm and the test results shall be submitted.

No. TEC 85220:2022 12

 b) Polarization mode dispersion
i) Un-cabled Fibre :  0.15 ps/ km (A1)
:  0.2 ps/ km (A2)
ii) Cabled Fibre :  0.3 ps/ 'km
iii) Link design value for un-cabled fibre : ≤ 0.06ps/√km
iv) Link design value for cabled fibre :  0.2 ps/km

Note: Measurement on un-cabled fibre may be used to generate cabled

fiber statistics and correlation is established.

c) Zero Dispersion Slope :  0.092 ps/(nm 2 Km)

d) Zero dispersion wave length range : 1300 -1324 nm

3.3.3 Cable cut off wavelength : 1260 nm Max.

Note: The above cut off wavelengths is w.r.t. 22M sample length of fibre

3.4 Mechanical Characteristics:

All the parametric values shall be as per latest Standard for GR of Raw
Material for manufacturing Optical fibre cable.

3.4.1 Proof test for minimum strain level : 1%

(Test method IEC-60793-1-30)

3.4.2 Peak Stripability force to remove primary : 1.3  F  8.9 N

coating of the fibre. (Test method IEC-60793-1-32)

Note: The force required to remove 30 mm ± 3 mm of the fibre coating shall not
exceed 8.9 N and shall not be less than 1 N.

3.4.3 Dynamic Tensile Strength (Test method IEC- 60793-1-31)

a) Un-aged :  550 KPSI (3.80 Gpa)
b) Aged (Damp heat aged) : 440 KPSI (3.00 Gpa)

No. TEC 85220:2022 13

3.4.4 Dynamic Fatigue (Test method IEC- 60793 –1-33)
a) Un-aged :  20
b) Aged(Damp heat aged) :  20

3.4.5 Fibre Macro bend

(Test method FOTP–62/ IEC- 60793-1–47)
a) Change in attenuation when fiber is coiled:  0.25 dB at 1550nm(A1)
with 10 turns on 15 mm radius mandrel  1.0 dB at 1625nm(A1)
 0.03dB at 1550 nm(A2)
 0.1dB at 1625nm(A2)

b) Change in attenuation when fiber is coiled:  0.75 dB at 1550nm(A1)

1 turn around 10 mm radius mandrel  1.5 dB at 1625nm(A1)
 0.1 dB at 1550 nm(A2)
 0.2 dB at 1625nm(A2)

c) Change in attenuation when fiber is coiled:  0.5 dB at 1550nm(A2)

1 turn around 7.5 mm radius mandrel  1.0 dB at 1625nm(A2)

3.4.6 Fibre Curl (Test method IEC- 60793 – 1- 34) :  4 Meter radius of
Curvature

3.5 Material Properties:

(As per latest Standard for GR of Raw Material for manufacturing Optical
fibre cable)

3.5.1 Fibre Materials:

a) The substances of which the fibres are made: To be indicated by

the manufacturer
b) Protective material requirement:
i) The physical and chemical properties: It shall meet

No. TEC 85220:2022 14

 of the material used for the fibre primary requirement of
coating and for single jacket fibre. fibre stripping
force as per
clause No. 4.4.2
ii) The best way of removing protective : To be indicated by
coating material the manufacturer

c) Group refractive index of fibre : To be indicated by

the manufacturer
Note: The manufacturer shall indicate the variation in group
refractive index of fibre during bulk production.

d) Fibre materials shall be RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substance)

complied.

3.6 Environmental Characteristic of Fibre:

(As per latest Standard for GR of Raw Material for manufacturing optical
fibre cable)

3.6.1 Operating Temperature

(Test Method IEC-60793-1-52)
Temperature Dependence of Attenuation: -60oC to +85oC
Induced Attenuation at 1550 nm & 1625nm at -60oC
to +85oC :  0.05 dB/km

3.6.2 Temperature-Humidity Cycling

(Test Method IEC-60793-1) EIA/TIA-455-73

Induced Attenuation at 1550 nm & 1625nm at -10oC  0.05 dB/km

to +85oC and 95% relative humidity :

3.6.3 Water Immersion 23oC

(Test Method IEC-60793-1-53)

No. TEC 85220:2022 15

 Induced Attenuation at 1550 nm & 1625nm due to
Water Immersion at 23 ± 2oC :  0.05 dB/km

3.6.4 Accelerated Aging(Temperature) 85oC

(Test Method IEC-60793-1-51)
Induced Attenuation at 1550 nm & 1625nm due to
Temperature Aging at 85 ± 2oC :  0.05 dB/km

3.6.5 Retention of Coating Color

(Test Method IEC-60793-1-51)
Coated Fiber shall show no discernible with change : 30 days at 85oC
in color, when aged for relative humidity 95% Humidity &
then 20 days in
85oC dry

3.6.6 High Temperature and High Humidity (Damp Heat)

(Test Method IEC-60793-2) IEC 60793-1-50
Induced Attenuation at 1550 nm & 1625nm 85oC and
85% Relative Humidity for 30 days :  0.05 dB/km

3.7 Colour Qualification and Primary coating Test :

(As per latest Standard for GR of Raw Material for manufacturing Optical
fibre cable)

3.7.1 Colour Qualification Test:

a. MEK Rub Test (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) (Test Method IEC-60794-219)

To be tested by using soaked tissue paper for ten strokes unidirectional

on 10 cm length of fibre. No colour traces shall be observed on the
tissue paper after testing.

No. TEC 85220:2022 16

 b. Water immersion Test (Type Test):

To be tested for coloured fiber for 30 days. After the test Colour
qualification, Attenuation measurement & Strippability test are to be
taken.

3.7.2 Primary coating Test (Type Test):

a) Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) Test:

To be tested to check the curing level of coating on the surface of

natural fibre. The curing level shall be better than 90%.

b) Adhesion Test:

To be tested by using soaked(Solvent) tissue paper for ten strokes

unidirectional on 10 cm length of fibre. No coating shall be observed on
the tissue paper after testing.

No. TEC 85220:2022 17

3.8 Aerial Drop Optical Fibre Cable Construction Specifications:

The cable shall be designed to the parameters mentioned in Annexure–A.

The manufacturer shall submit designed calculation and the same shall be
studied and checked.

Figure 1: Typical Structure Drawing for 4 Fibre Cable

3.8.1 Secondary Protection (Buffer tube):

The primary coloured fibres shall be protected by loose packaging within a

tube which shall be filled with thixotropic jelly. The tubing material shall be
as per Standard no. TEC 89010:2021 and subsequent amendments, if
any. Various design parameters of the cable shall be as per Annexure –
A.

3.8.2 Number of fibres : 2, 4,6,12 Fibre

Note: Approval for a cable shall be issued depending upon the no. of fibres in the
cable)

3.8.3 Strength Member:

a. The cable shall be helically reinforced with Glass Yarn in the periphery over
the loose tube. The Glass Yarn shall be uniformly and equally distributed on
the entire periphery (circumference) of the buffer tube. The quantity of the

No. TEC 85220:2022 18

 Glass Yarn used per kilometre length of the cable shall be as per requirement
in Annexure A. The Glass Yarn shall be as per Section XII of Standard for
GR No. TEC 89010:2021 (or latest release) and the subsequent
amendments, if any.

3.8.4 Filling compound:

The filling compound used in the buffer tube shall be compatible to fibre,
secondary protection of fibre etc. The drip point shall not be lower than
+70º C. The fibre movement shall not be constrained by stickiness and
shall be easily removable for splicing. The test method to measure drop
point shall be as per ASTM D 566. The filling jelly compound shall be as
per Section-VII of TEC Standard for GR No. TEC 89010:2021 (or latest
issue)and the subsequent amendments, if any.

3.8.5 Outer Jacket:

A circular and uniform tough weather resistant UV Stabilized polyethylene

compound HDPE material sheath/Jacket, black in colour, shall be
provided over and above the reinforcement of Glass Yarn. The thickness
of the outer sheath/Jacket shall be uniform & shall not be less than
2.0mm. The sheath shall be circular, smooth, free from pin holes, joints,
scratches, mended pieces and other defects etc. Reference test method
to measure thickness shall be as per IEC 189 para 2.2.1 and para 2.2.2.

Note: HDPE material (in black colour) from the finished cable, shall be
subjected to following tests (on sample basis) and shall conform to the
requirement of the material as per Standard for GR No TEC 89010:2021:

i) Density
ii) Melt flow index
iii) Oxidative Induction time
iv) Carbon black content

No. TEC 85220:2022 19

 v) Carbon black dispersion
vi) ESCR
vii) Moisture content
viii) Tensile strength and elongation at break

3.8.6 Strength Member (Embedded):

Solid FRP/ARP non-metallic strength member embedded in the outer

jacket. The strength member in the cable shall be for strength and
flexibility of the cable and shall have anti buckling properties. This shall
also keep the fibre strain within permissible values. The size of FRP/ARP
shall be as per Annexure – A.

3.8.7 Rip Cord (Optional):

a. Two suitable ripcords shall be provided in the cable which shall be

used to open the outer sheath of the cable. The ripcords shall be
placed diametrically opposite to each other. It shall be capable of
consistently slitting the sheath without breaking for a length of 1 meter
at the installation temperature.

b. The rip cord used in the cable shall be readily distinguishable from any
other components (e.g. Aramid Yarn, Glass Yarns etc.) utilized in the
cable construction.

Note: The requirement of Rip cords (Single ply) may be decided by

purchaser.

3.8.8 Cable parameters:

The manufacturer shall define all the cable design parameters. The
parameters of finished cable shall be as per Annexure- A.

No. TEC 85220:2022 20

4.0 Mechanical Characteristics and Tests on Optical Fibre Cable:

4.1 Tensile strength:

A load of value T(N) = 500N on cable sustained for 10 minutes shall not
produce a strain exceeding 0.25 % in the fibre and shall not cause any
permanent physical or optical damage to the cable. The change in
attenuation of each fibre after the test shall be ≤ 0.05 dB, both for 1310 nm
and 1550 nm wavelength.

Test Method: IEC 60794-1-21-E1.

4.2 Abrasion Test:

The cable surface abraded for 100 cycles with needle (wt. 150 gm) having
diameter of 1 mm with 500 grams weight (Total weight more than or equal
to 650gms) for 1 minute shall not cause any perforation and loss of
legibility of the marking on the sheath.

Test Method: IEC-60794-1-21-E2

4.3 Crush Test (Compressive Test):

A compressive load of 1000 Newton applied, between the plates of

dimension 100 x 100 mm for 60 seconds shall not damage the cable. The
change in attenuation of each fibre after the test shall be ≤ 0.05 dB, both
for 1310 nm and 1550 nm wavelength.

Test Method: IEC 60794-1-21-E3

No. TEC 85220:2022 21

4.4 Impact Test:

The impact caused by a weight of 20 Newton, dropped 3 times (one in 3

different places spaced not less than 500 mm apart) from a height of 0.5
meters on a surface of radius 300 mm shall be withstood by cable. The
change in attenuation of each fibre after the test shall be ≤ 0.05 dB, both
for 1310 nm and 1550 nm wavelength.

Test Method : IEC 60794-1-21-E4.

4.5 Repeated Bending Test:

Parameters:
Length of Cable sample : 5 M (minimum)
Weight : 5 Kg
Minimum distance from Pulley centre to holding : 216 mm
device
Minimum distance from Wt. to Pulley centre : 457 mm
Pulley Diameter : 20 D
(D–cable diameter)
Angle of Turning : 90°
No. of cycles : 30
Time required for 30 cycles : 2 min

The fibre shall not break during repeated bending of cable. The change in
attenuation of each fibre after the test shall be ≤ 0.05 dB, both for 1310 nm
and 1550 nm wavelength.

Test Method: EIA-455-104/IEC 60794-1-2-E6

No. TEC 85220:2022 22

4.6 Torsion Test:

Parameters:
Length of sample : 2M
Load : 100 N
No. of cycles : 10

The cable shall withstand the 100N load for 10 cycles and there shall be
no cracks and tearing on the outer sheath of the cable. The fibres and
other component parts of the cable shall not be damaged. The change in
attenuation of each fibre after the test shall be ≤ 0.05 dB, both for 1310
nm and 1550 nm wavelength.

Test Method: IEC 60794-1-21-E7.

4.7 Kink Test:

Parameters:
Length of sample : 10 R (R – Minimum bending radius)
Minimum Bend radius : 20D (D- Diameter of cable)

The loop to the minimum bend radius shall not form any kink on the cable.
The change in attenuation of each fibre after the test shall be ≤ 0.05 dB,
both for 1310 nm and 1550 nm wavelength.

Test Method: IEC 60794-1-21-E10.

4.8 Cable Bend Test:

The cable shall withstand repeated flexing when wrapped and unwrapped
10 times with 4 complete turns around a mandrel having diameter of 20 D,
where D is the diameter of the cable and there shall be no cracks on the

No. TEC 85220:2022 23

 outer sheath of the cable. The change in attenuation of each fibre after the
test shall be ≤ 0.05 dB, both for 1310 nm and 1550 nm wavelength.

Test Method: IEC 60794-1-21-E11 (Procedure-I).

4.9 Cable bend Test at High & Low Temp.:

Parameters:
Test Temperature : - 20 and + 70 C
Mandrel Diameter : 20D (D- Diameter of cable).
No. of turns : 4
Conditioning Time Duration : 24 hours at each temperature.

There shall be no permanent physical damage to the cable. The change in

attenuation of each fibre after the test shall be ≤ 0.05 dB, both for 1310 nm
and 1550 nm wavelength.

Test Method: EIA RS-455-37/FOTP 37 /IEC 60794-1-22-F1.

4.10 Temperature Cycling:

Parameters:
Standard cable length of drum : 4Km/2 Km/1Km + 5 %
Temperature Range for Storage : 20°C
Temperature Range for Operation : -20°C to +70°C.
Rate of change of temperature : 1° per minute
Temperature Cycling : 12 hrs. each at temp. given
below:
TA2 temp. : - 20°C
TA1 temp. : - 10°C.
TB1 temp. : + 60°C.
TB2 temp. : + 70°C.

No. TEC 85220:2022 24

 Nos. of temperatures cycle : 2

The change in attenuation of each fibre after the test shall be ≤ 0.05 dB,
both for 1310 nm and 1550 nm wavelength for the entire range of
temperature.

Test Method: IEC 60794-1-22-F1.

4.11 Cable Aging test (Type Test):

After Temperature cycle test, the cable shall be exposed to 85 + 2 degree

C for 168 hours. The change in attenuation of each fibre after the test shall
be ≤ 0.05 dB, both for 1310 nm and 1550 nm wavelength.

Test Method: IEC 60794-1-2-F9

Note: The attenuation measurement to be made after stabilization of the

test cable at ambient temperature for 24 hours. The attenuation changes
are to be calculated with respect to the base line attenuation values
measured at room temperature before temperature cycling.

4.12 Water Penetration Test (Type Test):

A circumferential portion of the cable end (loose tube) shall be supported

horizontally facing the one meter water head, containing sufficient quantity
of water soluble fluorescent dye, for seven days at ambient temperature.
No dye shall be detected at the end of 3m cable length when examined
with ultraviolet light detector.

Test Method: IEC 60794-1-22-F5 (Fig. B) 1999.

Note: For bulk testing, WPT test may be conducted for 24 hours.

No. TEC 85220:2022 25

4.13 Test of Figure of 8 (Eight) on the cable (Type Test):

It shall be possible to make figure of 8 (Eight) of minimum 1000 meter

length of the cable uncoiled from the cable reel, without any difficulty. The
diameter of each loop of the figure of 8 shall be maximum 2 meters. There
shall be no visible damage.

4.14 Flexural Rigidity Test (Type Test):

The cable shall withstand the Flexural Rigidity test as per the method
and no cracks shall be visible on sheath of cable. The change in
attenuation of the each fibre after the test shall be ≤ 0.05 dB at both
1310 nm and 1550 nm wavelengths

Test Method: ASTM D 790

4.15 Cable Jacket Yield Strength and Ultimate Elongation:

Parameters:

Jacket Material Minimum Yield Strength Minimum Elongation

(Mpa) (psi) (%)
HDPE unaged 16.5 2400 400
HDPE aged 12.4 1800 375

The aged sample taken from a completed cable conditioned at 100 + 2 ○C

for 120 hours before testing at cross-head speed of 50 mm per minute.

Test Method: FOTP-89 or ASTM D1248 Type III Class.

No. TEC 85220:2022 26

4.16 Drip Test:

Parameters:
Length of cable sample : 30 cm
Length of open end of cable sample : 5 cm
Temperature : 70° C
Period : 24 hours

The cable sample shall be 30 cm with one end sealed. Outer sheath,
Aramid yarn and FRP shall be removed for 5 cm from open end of
sample. The paper placed below the cable sample, kept vertically inside
the oven for 24 hours at 70° C, shall be examined for dripping of the jelly
after 24 hours and there shall be no jelly drip or oil impression on the
paper

Test Method: TIA/EIA-455-81-A-1992 [B9] or IEC 60794-1-22-F16 or IEC

60794-1-21-E14

4.17 ESCR (Environmental Stress Cracking Resistance) Test:

The Outer sheath of the optical fibre cable shall be checked and tested for
ECSR. There shall not be any visible cracks on the surface of the outer
sheath, when examined with the help of a magnifying glass at the end of
48 hours in a 10% Igepal solution.

Test Method: ASTM D 1693

4.18 UV radiation Test (Type Test):

The effect of UV radiation shall be checked on the following:
i) On the Outer Sheath material (HDPE).
ii) On the meter and other legend markings.

No. TEC 85220:2022 27

 Parameters:
Type of Lamp : 40 Watt UV-B lamp with a peak emission at 313nm.
Duration : 500 hours

There shall be no fading or change in the colour of the Markings and that
of Outer sheath.

Test Method: ASTM G-53 – 96 (ASTM G 154)

4.19 Check of the quality of the loose tube (containing optical fibre)

a) Embrittlement Test of loose Tube

Parameters:
Minimum length of sample : 85 mm
Outside diameter of Tube : ≤2.5 mm
Speed of movable jaw : 50 mm per minute
Safe bend diameter of tube : 15 D (D -Outside dia. of the loose
tube.

The minimum length of the test sample depends on the outside

diameter of the loose tube and shall be 85 mm for tubes up to 2.5
mm outside dia. The length of the bigger tubes should be calculated
by using the following equation:

Lo > 100 x  (D2 + d2) / 4

Where Lo = Length of tube under test.
D = Outside dia. of loose tube.
d = Inside dia. of loose tube.
Example :-
Fibre optic tube, D = 5mm, d = 3mm
Lo > 100 x (52 + 32) / 4 = 100 x 5.83/4 = 145.8

No. TEC 85220:2022 28

 The tube shall not get embrittled. No ink shall be appeared on the
tube up to 15 D. There shall also not be any physical damage or
mark on the tube surface.

b) Kink resistance Test on the loose Tube

Parameters:
Tube sample : Long loose tube with fibre & gel
Min. bend radius of tube : 15 D (D -Outside diameter of the loose
tube.
No. of times : 4

No damage or kink shall be appeared on the surface of the tube.

4.20 Drainage Test for loose Tube:

Parameters:
Sample Size : 30 cm tube length
Tube in horizontal position : 24 hrs. at ambient temperature
Tube in vertical position : 24 hrs. at 70° C

There shall be no gel or oil in the beaker.

4.21 Check of easy removal of sheath:

300mm sheath with embedded elements shall be removed easily by using

normal sheath removal tool and no undue extra force shall be applied to
remove the sheath. No component part of loose tube shall be damaged.

No. TEC 85220:2022 29

4.22 Check of the effect of aggressive media on the cable (Type Test):

Parameters:
Aggressive media solution : PH - 4 & PH-10
Length of sample of finished cable: 600 mm
Duration of test: 30 days

Effect of aggressive media shall be checked by solution of PH4 and PH10

on test samples of the finished cable, each of 600mm in length with sealed
ends for 30 days. There shall be no corrosion on the sheath and other
markings of the cables.

Test Method : ISO175

No. TEC 85220:2022 30

5.0 Engineering Requirements:

5.1 Cable Marking :

5.1.1 A long lasting suitable marking shall be applied in order to identify this
cable from other cables. The cable marking shall be imprinted (indented).
The marking on the cable shall be indelible of durable quality and at regular
intervals of one meter length. The accuracy of the sequential marking must
be within -0.25% to +0.5% of the actual measured length. The sequential
length markings must not rub off during normal installation and in life time
of optical fibre cable. The total length of the cable supplied shall not be in
negative tolerance.

5.1.2 The marking shall be of clearly contrast colour (White) on the black HDPE
sheath and shall be done by hot foil indentation method. The colour used
must withstand the environmental influences experienced in the field. The
marking on the cable shall be permanent, insoluble in water and shall be
legible for duration of cable life.

5.1.3 The type of legend marking on O.F. cable shall be as follows:

a) Company Legend
b) Legend containing telephone mark & international acceptable Laser
symbol
c) Type of cable i.e. Loose Tube
d) Type of Fibre G. 657 A1/A2 (Optional)
e) Number of Fibres
f) Year of manufacture
g) Sequential length marking
h) User’s Identification
i) Cable ID

No. TEC 85220:2022 31

5.2 Cable Ends:

5.2.1 Both cable ends (the beginning end and end of the cable reel) shall be
sealed and readily accessible. Minimum 5 meter of the cable of the
beginning end of the reel shall accessible for testing. Both ends of the
cable shall be kept inside the drums and shall be located so as to be
easily accessible for the test. The drum (conforming to Standard for GR
No. TEC 69370:2004 and subsequent amendments, if any) should be
marked to identify the direction of rotation of the drum. Both ends of cable
shall be provided with cable pulling (grip) stocking and the anti twist
device (free head hook). The wooden drums shall be properly treated
against termites and other insects during transportation and storage. The
manufacturer shall submit the methodology used for the same. The
diameter of the cable shall also be marked on the cable drum.

5.2.2 An Anti-twist device (Free head hook) shall be provided attached to the
both end of the cable pulling arrangement. The arrangement of the pulling
eye and its coupling system, along with the anti-twist system, shall
withstand the prescribed tensile load applicable to the cable (Optional).

Note: The requirement of Pulling eyes may be decided by purchaser.

5.3 The nominal drum length:

5.3.1 Length of OF Cable in each drum shall be 1 Km  5 % / 2 Km  5 % / 4Km

 5% and shall be supplied as per the order. The variation in length of
optical fibre cable, as specified above (in each drum), shall be acceptable.

5.3.2 The fibres in cable length shall not have any joint.

5.3.3 The drum shall be marked with arrows to indicate the direction of rotation.

No. TEC 85220:2022 32

5.3.4 Packing list supplied with each drum shall have at least the following
information:
a) Drum No.
b) Type of cables
c) Physical Cable length
d) No. of fibres
e) Length of each fibre as measured by OTDR
f) The Cable factor - ratio of fibre / cable length
g) Attenuation per Km. of each fibre at 1310 & 1550 nm
h) User's / Consignee's Name
i) Manufacturer's Name, Month, Year and Batch No.
j) Group refractive index of fibres
k) Purchase Order No.
l) Cable ID

5.4 Colour coding in the OF Cable:

5.4.1 The colorant applied to individual fibres shall be readily identifiable

throughout the life time of the cable and shall match and conform to the
MUNSELL color standards (For EIA standard EIA-598C) and also IEC
Publication 304 (4).

5.4.2 Colour Coding Scheme: The individual Optical Fibre shall be colour coded
as per Table-IV below:

Table –IV: Colour codng scheme

Fiber No. Fibre Colour

1 Blue
2 Orange
3 Green
4 Brown
5 Slate

No. TEC 85220:2022 33

 6 White
7 Red
8 Black
9 Yellow
10 Violet
11 Rose/Pink
12 Aqua

6.0 Quality Requirements:

6.1 The cable shall be manufactured in accordance with the international

quality standards ISO 9001-2015 or latest issue for which the
manufacturer should be duly accredited. The Quality Manual shall be
submitted by the manufacturer.

6.2 Raw Material:

6.2.1 The cable shall use the Raw Materials approved against the Standard No.
TEC 89010:2021(or latest release) and the subsequent amendment
issued, if any.

6.2.2 Any other material used shall be clearly indicated by the manufacturer.
The detailed technical specifications of such Raw Materials used shall be
furnished by the manufacturer at the time of evaluation/testing

6.2.3 The Raw Materials used from multiple sources is permitted and the
source / sources of Raw Materials (Type and grade) from where these
have been procured shall be submitted by the manufacturer.

6.2.4 The manufacturer can change the Raw Materials from one approved
source to other approved source with the approval of QA wing of
purchaser. The change of source/grade of SM Optical Fibre and/or design
of cable shall call for fresh type approval.

No. TEC 85220:2022 34

6.2.5 The HDPE Black in colour used for outer sheath shall be UV
stabilized and shall withstand UV test for 2000 hrs. (minimum).

Note: A test certificate from a recognised laboratory or institute or CACT

may be acceptable for the UV stability of the sheath material

6.2.6 The material used in optical fibre cable must not evolve hydrogen that will
affect the fibre loss.
Note: Test certificate from a recognized laboratory or institute may be
acceptable

6.3 Cable Material Compatibility:

Optical fibre, buffers/core tubes, and other core components shall meet
the requirements of the compatibility with buffer/core tube filling
material(s) and/or water-blocking materials that are in direct contact with
identified components within the cable structure (This shall be tested as
per clause no. 6.3.3 of Telcordia document GR-20-CORE issue 4, July
2013 or as per IEC 60794-1-219)

Note: The tests may be conducted in house (if facility exist) or may be
conducted at CACT or any other recognized laboratory. The test
certificate may be accepted and the tests may not be repeated
subsequently, in next type approvals, if the raw material used is of same
make and grade.

7.0 Safety Requirements:

The material used in the manufacturing of the optical fibre cables shall be
non-toxic and dermatologically safe in its life time and shall not be
hazardous to health. The manufacturer shall submit MSDS (Material
safety Data Sheet) for all the material used in manufacturing of OF Cable
to substantiate the statement.

No. TEC 85220:2022 35

Note:

1. Manufacturers having approval certificate against existing TEC GR No.

TEC/GR/TX/OFC-026/01/APR-18 can apply for approval certificate against revised
Standard for GR No. TEC 85220:2022 but the period of validity shall remain the
same as applicable for the earlier certificate. In case there is no change of
source/grade of SM Optical Fibre and/or design of cable then all the tests may not be
repeated in next approvals and tests will be conducted only for the modified/inserted
clauses. However, if the Manufacturer has made any changes in source/grade of Raw
material then the case will be considered for fresh Approval against the new Standard
for GR.

2. Latest issue of the Standards mentioned in the GR, may be referred.

No. TEC 85220:2022 36

 CHAPTER – 2

8.0 Documentation:

8.1 Complete technical literature in English with detailed cable construction

diagram of various sub-components with dimensions, weight & test data
and other details of the cable shall be provided.

8.2 All aspects of installation, operation, maintenance and fibre splicing shall
also be covered in the handbook. The pictorial diagrams of the
accessories (with model no. and manufacturer name) supplied along with
the cable as package shall be also be submitted. A hard as well as soft
copy of the manuals shall be provided.

9.0 Information for the Procurer of product:

9.1 Purchaser may ask for Aerial drop cable with G.657.A1 fibre or G.657.A2
fibre as per their requirements. Technical comparison of G.657.A1 fibre
and G.657.A2 fibre as per TEC standard, is given as below:

Technical Comparison between G.657 A1 Fibre & G.657 A2 Fibre

Attribute G.657.A1 G.657.A2

Mode field diameter at 8.8-9.2 (± 0.4) μm 8.6 ± 0.4 µm
1310nm
Attenuation at 1310nm ≤ 0.34 dB/km ≤ 0.35 dB/km
Attenuation at 1550nm ≤ 0.20 dB/km ≤ 0.21 dB/km
Attenuation at 1490nm ≤ 0.24 dB/km ≤ 0.24 dB/km
Attenuation at 1625nm ≤ 0.23 dB/km ≤ 0.23 dB/km
Attenuation at 1383 nm ± 3nm ≤ 0.34 dB/km ≤ 0.35 dB/km
Macrobend loss, 10 turns, 15 ≤0.25 dB ≤0.03 dB
mm radius, 1550 nm

No. TEC 85220:2022 37

 Macrobend loss, 10 turns, 15 ≤1.0dB ≤0.1 dB
mm radius, 1625 nm

Macrobend loss, 1 turn, 10 ≤0.75 dB ≤0.1 dB

mm radius,1550 nm
Macrobend loss, 1 turn, 10 ≤1.5 dB ≤0.2 dB
mm radius,1625 nm
Macrobend loss, 1 turn, 7.5 Not specified ≤0.5 dB
mm radius, 1550 nm
Macrobend loss, 1 turn, 7.5 Not specified ≤1.0 dB
mm radius, 1625 nm
PMD ≤ 0.15 ps/√km ≤ 0.2 ps/√km

9.2 Presently, few manufacturers have started manufacturing G.657 A2 fibre

with following specification:
Mode file diameter (MFD) at 1310nm for G.657 A2 fibre: 9.1 ± 0.4 µm
(Optional)
The purchaser may ask for the G.657 A2 fibre as per their requirement
with above specifications.

9.3 It is suggested that the Optical fibre cable supplied in a particular route
may be manufactured from a single source of optical fibres.

9.4 The requirement for Rip cord may be decided by purchaser.

9.5 The requirement of Pulling eyes may be decided by purchaser.

10.0 Procedures for the issue of Approval certificate for Lower Fibre Count
Cables

The manufacturer may seek approval certificate for Lower Fibre Count
Cables against this GR without conducting the actual tests on the cables

No. TEC 85220:2022 38

 only when he is having valid approval certificate for higher fibre count of
cable against this GR.

The manufacturer seeking approval certificate for the Lower Fibre Count
cable shall apply afresh and submit the documents as per the prescribed
approval procedure along with
 List of Raw Materials used, the make and grade of the raw material
and the certificate of source approval issued by CACT or any other
recognized laboratory along with the details of the raw materials used
in the manufacturing of the higher fibre count cable for which he is
holding valid approval certificate. Both the raw materials shall be
compared and are required to be of same make and grade.
 Samples of at least 5 cable reels (2 Kms each approx.) for each lower
fibre count cable.

Any additional information as required may be sought from the

manufacturer and the manufactured cable may be inspected at the
manufacturer’s premises. After all the above requirements are met, the
approval certificate may be issued to the lower fibre count of the cable
based upon the test results and other details submitted by the
manufacturer. The tariff in each case shall be as applicable for category–II.

The following shall be mentioned in the remarks column of the Approval

Certificate to be issued for the lower fibre count of the cable:
“This certificate is issued on the basis of certificate No.
__________________ dated _____________ for ________ fibre count cable”.

The validity of the certificate for lower fibre count cables shall be
coterminous to the validity of approval certificate of higher fibre count
cable.

The above procedure shall be applicable only for the approval of Aerial Drop
Optical Fibre Cable against this GR and subsequent amendments, if any.

No. TEC 85220:2022 39

 ABBREVIATIONS

ASTM - American Society for Testing and Materials

BIS - Bureau of Indian Standards
CACT - Component Approval Centre for Telecommunications
dB - Decibel
EIA - Electronic Industry Association
ESCR - Environmental Stree Cracking Resistance
FRP - Fibre Reinforced Plastic
FOTP - Fibre Optic Test Procedure
Gpa - Gega Pascal
HDPE - High Density Polyethylene
IEC - International Electro –Technical Commission
IS - Indian Standards
ISO - International Standard Organizations
ITU-T - International Telecommunication Union – Transmission
KM - Kilo meter
KPSI - Kilogram per sq. inch
MFD - Mode Field Diameter
MSDS - Materail Safety Data Sheet
Nm - Nanometer
N - Newton
OF - Optical Fibre
OTDR - Optical Time Domain Reflectometer
Ps/nm - Pico second/ Nano meter
Ps - Pico second
QA - Quality Assurance
QM - Quality Manual
RMS - Route Mean Square
SMOF - Single Mode Optical Fibre
UV - Ultra Violet
µm - micrometer
C - Degree Celsius

No. TEC 85220:2022 40

 ANNEXURE –A

The following parameters of the component parts of the cable are to be taken into
account while designing and manufacturing the optical fibre cables of the required
fibre count. These parameters shall be checked during evaluation of the OF Cables.

Table A 1: Cable Design parameters for Aerial Drop Optical Fibre Cable
SN Parameter Unit Design Type
1 Fiber Count No. 2F 4F 6F 12F

2 Fiber Per Tube No. 2 4 6 12

3 Fiber Color Blue, Blue, Blue, Blue,
Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange,
Green, Green, Green,
Brown Brown, Brown,
Slate, Slate, White,
White, Red, Black,
Yellow,
Violet, Pink,
Aqua.
4 Tube Internal mm 1.4 +/- 0.1 1.4 +/- 0.1 1.7+/- 0.1 1.7+/- 0.1
Diameter
5 Tube Outer mm 2.0 +/- 0.1 2.0 +/- 0.1 2.5 +/- 0.1 2.5 +/- 0.1
Diameter
6 Loose Tube Natural Natural Natural Natural
Color
7 Loose Tube PBT PBT PBT PBT
Material
8 Embedded FRP/ARP FRP/ARP FRP/ARP FRP/ARP
Strength Member
Material
9 Diameter of mm 1.0+0.1 1.0+0.1 1.0+0.1 1.0+0.1

No. TEC 85220:2022 41

 FRP/ARP
(Embedded
Strength
Member)
10 Glass Yarns Kg/ 5.0 + 0.5 5.0 + 0.5 5.0+ 0.5 5.0+ 0.5
(Peripheral Km
Strength
Member)
11 Sheath Material UV Proof UV Proof UV Proof UV Proof
HDPE HDPE HDPE HDPE
12 Colour of Sheath Black Black Black Black
Material
13 Thickness of mm 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Sheath Material
(Minimum)
14 Cable Weight Kg/ 45 + 10% 45 + 10% 50 + 10% 50 + 10%
Km
15 Cable Diameter mm 7.0 + 0.5 7.0 + 0.5 7.5+ 0.5 7.5 + 0.5

No. TEC 85220:2022 42