वर्गीय आवश्यकताओं के लिए मानक

टीईसी ८५१७०:२०२४
(सं: टीईसी/जीआर/टीएक्स/ओएफसी-२०/०१/मार्च-२०११ को अधिक्रममत करता है )

STANDARD FOR GENERIC REQUIREMENTS

TEC 85170:2024
(Supersedes No. TEC/GR/TX/OFC-20/01/MAR-2011)

भूलमर्गत डक्ट अनुप्रयोर्ग के लिए आर्मर्म ऑप्टटकि फाइबर केबि

ARMOURED OPTICAL FIBRE CABLE FOR UNDERGROUND

DUCT APPLICATION

ISO 9001:2015

दरू संचार अलभयांत्रिकी केंद्र

खुर्शीदिाि भवन, जनपथ, नई ददल्िी–110001, भारत
TELECOMMUNICATION ENGINEERING CENTRE
KHURSHIDLAL BHAWAN, JANPATH, NEW DELHI–110001, INDIA
www.tec.gov.in
 © टीईसी, २०२४
© TEC, 2024

इस सर्ाचधिकार सरु क्षित प्रकाशन का कोई भी हहस्सा, दरू संर्ार अमभयांत्रिकी केंद्र, नई हदल्ली की मलखित स्र्ीकृतत के त्रिना,
ककसी भी रूप में या ककसी भी प्रकार से जैसे -इलेक्रॉतनक, मैकेतनकल, फोटोकॉपी, ररकॉर्डिंग, स्कैतनंग आहद रूप में 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: April, 2024

2
TEC 85170:2024
 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 Generic Requirements of Armoured Optical

Fibre Cables for underground duct application.

3
TEC 85170:2024
 CONTENTS

Clause Particulars Page No.

History Sheet 5
References 6-7
Chapter -1
1.0 Introduction 9
2.0 Functional Requirements 9
3.0 Technical Requirements 10
4.0 Mechanical Characteristics and Tests on Optical Fibre 16
Cable
5.0 Engineering Requirements 31
6.0 Quality Requirements 36
7.0 Safety Requirements 38
Chapter-2
8.0 Documentation 39
9.0 Information for the Procurer/User 39
10.0 Procedure for issue of Approval certificate 39
Abbreviations 41
Annexure – I 42-43

4
TEC 85170:2024
 HISTORY SHEET

Sl. No. Standard / Title Remarks

Document No.

1. TEC/GR/TX/OFC- Armoured Optical fibre cable Release 1

20/01/MAR-2011 for Underground Duct
application(Type-I & Type-II)

2. Standard No. TEC Standard for Generic Release 2

85170:2024 Requirements of Armoured
Optical Fibre Cable for
underground duct application

5
TEC 85170:2024
 REFERENCES

S.No. 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 & Operating
the Optical Fibre Cable and for
assembly of the Optical Fibre Splice
Closures
3. G/CBD-01/02 NOV 94 Generic Requirements for Wooden
Cable Drum for Telecom Cables
4. TEC 87080:2010 Standard for Generic Requirements
for Splice Closure for Optical Fibre
Cables
5. ITU-T Rec. G.652 , G.657 ITU-T Recommendations

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

Fibre cable (Telcordia document)
7. IEC 60811-202 , IEC 60794-1-21-E1 Test Methods
IEC 60794-1-21-E2, IEC 60794-1-21-
E3, IEC 60794-1-21-E4, IEC 60794-
1-21-E6, IEC 60794-1-21-E7,IEC
60794-1-21-E10, IEC 60794-1-21-
E11, IEC 60794-1-22-F1, IEC 60794-
1-22-F5, , IEC 60794-1-22-F9, IEC
60794-1-23-G7, IEC 60794-1-403,
IEC 60794-1-22-F16, IEC 60794-1-
219, IEC 62230

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TEC 85170:2024
 8. IEC 304(4) Colour Standard
EIA 598-D
9. ISO 9001:2015 or latest issue International Quality Management
System
10. FOTP-89 Test Methods
11. ASTM D-566, ASTM D-790 Test Methods
ASTM-1248, ASTM D-4565

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TEC 85170:2024
 8
TEC 85170:2024
 CHAPTER-1

1.0 Introduction:

This document describes the Standard for generic requirements of Armoured

Optical Fibre Cables for underground installation for duct applications. Semi-Dry
Core Cable type has been mentioned in this Standard for GR. The optical fibre
cables shall be suitably protected for the ingress of moisture by suitable water
blocking materials. The raw material used in the cable shall meet the
requirements of the Standard for GR for raw materials(Standard No.TEC
89010:2021 (or latest release) and subsequent amendments, if any).

2.0 Functional Requirements:

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

2.2 The Armoured optical fibre cable shall be able to work in a 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. The cable shall meet the cable aging test
requirement.

2.4 The Armoured optical fibre cable shall be manufactured so as to protect the
cable from rodent and termite.

2.5 It shall be possible to operate and handle the Armoured optical fibre cable with
tools as per Standard No. TEC 89060:2006 (latest release) and subsequent

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TEC 85170:2024
 amendments, 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 The Amoured optical fibre cable supplied shall be suitable and compatible to
match with the dimensions, fixing, terminating & splicing arrangement of the
splice closure. The cable supplied shall also meet other requirement of splice
closure as per Standard No. TEC 87080:2010(latest release) and subsequent
amendments, if any.

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

3.0 Technical Requirements:

Single Mode Optical Fibre used in manufacturing optical fibre cables shall be as
per ITU-T Rec. G.652 D or G.657 A1. The specifications of optical fibres are
mentioned below:

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

Single mode as per Section-I of the Standard No. TEC 89010:2021(or latest
release) and subsequent amendments, if any

3.2 Geometrical Characteristics of fibre:

As per Section-I of the Standard No. TEC 89010:2021(or latest release) and
subsequent amendments, if any. All the parametric values shall be as per the
Standard for GR for raw materials (Standard No. TEC 89010:2021(or latest

10
TEC 85170:2024
 release) and subsequent amendments, if any)

3.3 Transmission Characteristics of fibre:

As per Section-I of the Standard No. TEC 89010:2021(or latest release) and
subsequent amendments, if any. All the parametric values shall be as per the
Standard for GR for raw materials (Standard No. TEC 89010:2021(or latest
release) and subsequent amendments, if any)

3.4 Mechanical Characteristics of fibre:

As per Section-I of the Standard No. TEC 89010:2021(or latest release) and
subsequent amendments, if any. All the parametric values shall be as per the
Standard for GR for raw materials (Standard No. TEC 89010:2021(or latest
release) and subsequent amendments, if any)

3.5 Material Properties of Fibre:

As per Section-I of the Standard No. TEC 89010:2021(or latest release) and
subsequent amendments, if any. All the parametric values shall be as per the
Standard for GR for raw materials (Standard No. TEC 89010:2021(or latest
release) and subsequent amendments, if any)

3.6 Environmental Characteristic of Fibre:

As per Section-I of the Standard No. TEC 89010:2021(or latest release) and
subsequent amendments, if any. All the parametric values shall be as per the
Standard for GR for raw materials (Standard No. TEC 89010:2021(or latest
release) and subsequent amendments, if any)

3.7 Colour Qualification and Primary coating Test:

As per Section-I of the Standard No. TEC 89010:2021(or latest release) and
subsequent amendments, if any. All the parametric values shall be as per the
Standard for GR for raw materials (Standard No. TEC 89010:2021(or latest

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TEC 85170:2024
 release) and subsequent amendments, if any)

3.8 Optical Fibre Cable Construction Specifications for Semi Dry core:

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

manufacturer shall submit designed calculations and the same shall be studied
and checked.

TYPICAL STRUCTURAL DRAWING FOR 48 FIBRE OF SEMI DRY CORE CABLE

3.8.1 Secondary Protection: The coated fibres may be protected by loose packaging
within tube, which shall be filled with thixotropic jelly. The dimensions of tube
shall be as per Annexure – I.

3.8.2 Number of fibres in cable: 6, 12, 24, 48, 96

(Type approval for a cable shall be issued depending on the no. of fibres in the
cable)

3.8.3 Strength Member: Solid FRP non - metallic strength member shall be used in
the center of the cable core. The strength member in the cable shall be for

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TEC 85170:2024
 strength and flexibility of the cable and shall have anti buckling properties. The
FRP shall keep the fibre strain within permissible values. The strength
member(FRP) shall be as per the Standard No. TEC 89010:2021(or latest
release) and the subsequent amendments, if any. The size of FRP shall be as
per Annexure – I.

3.8.4 Moisture barrier (protection) over FRP: The water swellable yarn shall be binded
over FRP. The specification of WS yarn shall be as per section XIX of Standard
No. TEC 89010:2021(or latest release) and the subsequent amendments, if
any.

3.8.5 Cable Core Assembly: The coated fibres in loose tubes stranded together around
a central strength member using helical or reverse lay techniques shall form the
cable core. The dimensions of FRP and stranding pitch shall be as per
Annexure – I. The nylon/polyester binder thread shall be used to hold the cable
core, if required.

3.8.6 Core Wrapping: The main cable core containing fibres shall be wrapped by a
layer / layers of water swellable tape. The water swellable(blocking) tape shall
be as per Section-XIV of Standard No. TEC 89010:2021(or latest release) and
the subsequent amendments, if any. The nylon/polyester binder thread shall be
used to hold the tape, if required. The nylon/polyester binder thread shall be as
per Section-IX of Standard No. TEC 89010:2021(or latest release) and the
subsequent amendments, if any. The core wrapping shall not leave any kink
marks over the loose tube.

3.8.7 Filling compound: The filling compound used in the loose tube shall be
compatible to fibre and secondary protection of fibre of the cable. The drip point
shall not be lower than +70°C. The fibre movement shall not be constrained by
stickiness & shall be removable easily for splicing. Reference test method to

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TEC 85170:2024
 measure drop point shall be as per ASTM D 566. The thixotropic filling
compound (jelly) shall be as per the Standard No. TEC 89010:2021(or latest
release) and the subsequent amendments, if any.

3.8.8 Glass Reinforcement: Impregnated Glass Fibre Reinforcement are used to

achieve the required tensile strength of the optic fibre cables over the cable
core wrapping to provide peripheral reinforcement along with Solid Rigid FRP
Rod in the centre at cable core. The use of Solid Rigid FRP Rod(s) is
mandatory in Optical Fibre cable design. Impregnated Glass Fibre
Reinforcement used shall be equally distributed over the periphery of the cable
core wrapping. The quantity of the Impregnated Glass fibre Reinforcement used
per km length of the cable along with its dimensions shall be as per Annexure –
I. The specification of the glass roving shall be as per Section-XII of Standard
No. TEC 89010:2021(or latest release) and subsequent amendments issued, if
any and as per other details given in the Annexure – I.

3.8.9 Armouring:

3.8.9.1 Armouring shall be provided by corrugated ECCS Tape (Electrolytically Chrome

Coated Steel) to make the cable protected from rodent and termite. The armour
shall also provide the sufficient radial as well as compressive strength and the
armour shall be electrically continuous and bonded to the outer sheath. The
force of adhesion shall be minimum 14 Newton and shall be tested as per
ASTM D- 4565 test method.

3.8.9.2 The ECCS Tape armouring corrugated transversely for lateral strength and
bending flexibility shall be applied longitudinally with an overlap of 10% (MIN)
over the main cable core. The corrugation over the entire length of the tape
shall be uniform.

3.8.9.3 The height of corrugation shall be 0.6 mm (min) & the pitch of corrugated tape

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TEC 85170:2024
 shall be 2.5 mm (max). Height and pitch of corrugation shall be measured
between crest and trough base line.

3.8.9.4 The corrugated armouring of ECCS Tape shall offer excellent corrosive
resistance. The specifications of ECCS tape shall be as per Section-XV of the
Standard No. TEC 89010:2021(or latest release) and the subsequent
amendments, if any.

3.8.10 Continuity of Metallic members: All metallic elements used in the cable (i.e.
longitudinally applied tape) shall be electrically continuous.

3.8.11 Outer Sheath: A non-metallic moisture barrier sheath (black in colour) shall be
applied over the armour, which shall consist of tough weather resistant made
High Density Polyethylene compound (HDPE), UV stabilized. The colour shall
confirm to Munsell colour standards. The thickness of the outer sheath shall not
be less than 1.8mm. The outer sheath shall be uniform, circular, smooth, free
from pin holes, joints mended pieces and other defects. The reference test
method to measure thickness shall be as per IEC 60811-202.

Note 1: HDPE material from finished product shall be subjected to following

tests (on sample basis) and shall confirm to the requirement of the material as
per the Section-III of Standard No. TEC 89010:2021(or latest release) and the
subsequent amendments, if any:

i) Density
ii) Melt flow index
iii) Oxidative Induction time
iv) Carbon black content
v) Carbon black dispersion
vi) ESCR
vii) Moisture content
viii) Tensile strength and elongation at break

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TEC 85170:2024
 ix) Absorption Coefficient
x) Brittleness Temperature

Note 2: The outer jacket of HDPE shall be as to protect the sheath from attack
by termites. Manufacturer shall ensure that doping material/additives used if
any, are non-toxic and non-hazardous. The surface of the sheath shall be
smooth and free of defects such as cracks, blisters, etc.

3.8.12 Cable diameter: The finished cable diameter shall be as per Annexure – I.

3.8.13 Cable Weight: The nominal Cable weight shall be as per Annexure – I.

3.8.14 RIP Cord:

a) The minimum two suitable ripcords, diametrically opposite to each other,

shall be provided in the cable, which shall be used to open the HDPE sheath
and armour of the cable. It shall be capable of consistently slitting the sheath
without breaking for a length of 1 meter at the installation temperature. The
ripcords (3 ply & twisted) shall be non-wicking type and shall not work as a
water carrier.

b) The ripcords used in the cable shall be readily distinguishable from any other
components utilized in the cable construction.

4.0 Mechanical Characteristics and Tests on Optical Fibre Cable:

4.1 Tensile strength Test:

Objective: This measuring method applies to optical fibre cables which are
tested at a particular tensile strength in order to examine the

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TEC 85170:2024
 behaviour of the attenuation as a function of the load on a cable
which may occur during installation.

Method: IEC 60794-1-21-E1

Test Specs.: The cable shall have sufficient strength to withstand a load of
value T(N) = 2700 N. The load shall be sustained for 10 minutes
and the strain of the fibre monitored.

Requirement: The load shall not produce a strain exceeding 0.25% in the fibre
and shall not cause any permanent physical and optical damage
to any component of the cable. The attenuation shall be noted
before and after the release of load. The change in attenuation of
each fibre after the test shall be ≤ 0.05 dB both for 1310 nm and
1550 nm wavelengths.

4.2 Abrasion Test:

Objective: To test the abrasion resistance of the sheath and the marking
printed on the surface of the cable.

Method: IEC 60794-1-21-E2

Test Specs.: The cable surface shall be abraded with needle (wt. 150 gm)
having diameter of 1 mm with 500 grams weight (Total weight more
than equal 650 gms.)
No. of cycles : 100
Duration : One minute (Nominal)

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TEC 85170:2024
 Requirement: There shall be no perforation & loss of legibility of the marking on
the sheath.

4.3 Crush Test (Compressive Test):

Objective: The purpose of this test is to determine the ability of an optical fibre
cable to withstand crushing.

Method: IEC 60794-1-21-E3

Test Specs.: The fibres and component parts of the cable shall not suffer
permanent damage when subjected to a compressive load of 2000
Newton applied between the plates of dimension 100 mm x 100
mm. The load shall be applied for 60 seconds. The attenuation
shall be noted before and after the completion of the test.

Requirement: The change in attenuation of the fibre after the test shall be ≤ 0.05
dB both for 1310 nm and 1550 nm wavelengths.

4.4 Impact Test:

Objective: The purpose of this test is to determine the ability of an optical fibre
cable to withstand impact.

Method: IEC 60794-1-21-E4

Test Specs: The cable shall have sufficient strength to withstand an impact
caused by a mass weight of 50 Newton, when falls freely from a
height of 0.5 meters. The radius R of the surface causing impact
shall be 300 mm. 10 such impacts shall be applied on the cable at

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TEC 85170:2024
 different places typically spaced not less than 500mm apart. The
attenuation shall be noted before and after the completion of the
test.

Requirement: The change in attenuation of the fibre after the test shall be ≤ 0.05
dB both for 1310 nm and 1550 nm wavelengths.

4.5 Repeated Bending:

Objective: The purpose of this test is to determine the ability of an optical fibre
cable to withstand repeated bending.

Method: IEC 60794-1-21-E6

Test Specs.: The cable sample shall be of sufficient length (5 m minimum) to

permit radiant power measurements as required by this test.
Longer lengths may be used if required.

Parameters:
Length of Cable sample : 5m (minimum)
Load : 5 Kg or as per FOTP-104,
whichever is higher
Minimum distance from Pulley : 216mm
centre to holding device
Minimum distance from Wt. to : 457mm
Pulley centre
Pulley Diameter : 20 D
(D - cable diameter)
Angle of Turning : 90o
No. of cycles : 30

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TEC 85170:2024
 Time Required for 30 cycles : 1 minute to 2 minute

Requirement: During the test no fibre shall break and the attenuation shall be
noted before and after the completion of the test. The change in
attenuation of the fibre after the test shall be ≤ 0.05 dB both for
1310 nm and 1550 nm wavelengths.

4.6 Torsion Test:

Objective: The purpose of this test is to determine the ability of an optical fibre
cable to withstand torsion.

Method: IEC 60794-1-21-E7

Test Specs.: The length of the specimen under test shall be 2 meters and the
load shall be 100 N. The sample shall be mounted in the test
apparatus with cable clamped in the fixed clamp sufficiently tight
to prevent the movement of cable sheath during the test. One
end of the cable shall be fixed to the rotating clamp which shall
be rotated in a clock wise direction for one turn. The sample shall
then be returned to the starting position and then rotated in an
anti-clock wise direction for one turn and returned to the starting
position. This complete movement constitutes one cycle. The
cable shall withstand 10 such complete cycles. The attenuation
shall be noted before and after the completion of the test.

Requirement: The cable shall be examined physically for any cracks tearing on
the outer sheath and for the damage to other component parts of
the cable. The twist mark shall not be taken as damage. The

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TEC 85170:2024
 change in attenuation of the fibre after the test shall be ≤ 0.05 dB
both for 1310 nm and 1550 nm wavelengths.

4.7 Kink Test:

Objective: The purpose of this test is to verity whether kinking of an optical

fibre cable results in breakage of any fibre, when a loop is formed
of dimension small enough to induce a kink on the sheath.

Method: IEC 60794-1-21-E10

Test Specs.: The sample length shall be 10 times the minimum bending radius
of the cable. The sample is held in both hands, a loop is made of
a bigger diameter and by stretching both the ends of the cable in
opposite direction, the loop is made to the minimum bend radius
so that no kink shall form. After the cable comes in normal
condition, the attenuation reading is taken.

Requirement: The kink should disappear after the cable comes in normal
condition. The change in attenuation of the fibre after test shall
be ≤ 0.05 dB both for 1310 nm & 1550 nm wavelengths.

4.8 Cable Bend Test:

Objective: The purpose of this test is to determine the ability of an optical fibre
cable to withstand repeated flexing. The procedure is designed to
measure optical transmittance changes and requires an
assessment of any damage occurring to other cable components.

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

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TEC 85170:2024
 Test Specs.: The fibre and the component parts of the cable shall not suffer
permanent damage when the cable is repeatedly wrapped and
unwrapped 4 complete turns of 10 complete cycles around a
mandrel of 20 D, where D is the diameter of the cable. The
attenuation shall be noted before and after the completion of the
test.

Requirement: The change in attenuation of the fibre after the test shall be ≤ 0.05
dB both for 1310 nm and 1550 nm wavelengths. Sheath shall not
show any cracks visible to the naked eye when examined whilst
still wrapped on the mandrel.

4.9 Temperature Cycling (Type Test):

Objective: To determine the stability behaviour of the attenuation of a cable

subjected to temperature changes which may occur during storage,
transportation and usage.

Method: IEC 60794-1-22-F1 (To be tested on Standard cable length & drum
i.e 2Km ± 5%)

Test Specs.: The permissible temperature range for storage and operation will
be from -20°C to +70°C. The rate of change of temperature
during the test shall be 1°C per minute approx. The cable shall
be subjected to temperature cycling for 12 Hrs. at each
temperature as given below:

TA2 temp. : - 20°C

TAt temp. : - 10°C
TB1 temp. : + 60°C
TB2 temp. : + 70°C

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TEC 85170:2024
 The test shall be conducted for 2 cycles at the above temperatures.

Requirement: The change in attenuation of the fibre under test shall be ≤ 0.05
dB, both for 1310 nm and 1550 nm wavelengths for the entire
range of temperature.

4.10 Cable aging Test (Type Test):

Objective: To check the cable material change dimensionally as the cable

ages.

Method: IEC 60794-1-22-F9

Test Specs: At the completion of temperature cycle test, the test cable shall be
exposed to 85 ± 2 degree C for 168 hours. The attenuation
measurement at 1310 & 1550 nm wavelength to be made after
stabilization of the test cable at ambient temperature for 24 hours.

Requirement: The increase in attenuation allowed: ≤ 0.05 dB at 1310 and 1550

nm.

Note: The attenuation changes are to be calculated with respect to the base line
attenuation values measured at room temperature before temperature
cycling.

4.11 Water Penetration Test (Type Test):

Objective: The aim of this test is to ensure that installed Optical Fibre cable
will not allow water passage along its length.

Method: IEC 60794-1-22-F5

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TEC 85170:2024
 Test Specs.: A circumferential portion of the cable end shall face the water
head. The water tight sleeve shall be applied over the cable. The
cable shall be supported horizontally and two meter head of
water, containing a sufficient quantity of water soluble fluorescent
dye for the detection of seepage, shall be applied on the HDPE
sheath for a period of 7 days at ambient temperature. No other
coloured dye is permitted.

Requirement: No dye shall be detected when the end of the 3m length cable
sample is examined with ultraviolet light detector.

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

Objective: Check of easiness in formation of figure of 8 of the cable during

installation in the field.

Test Method: 1000 meter of the cable shall be uncoiled from the cable reel and
shall be arranged in figure of 8 (eight) shape. The dimensions of
each loop of the figure of 8 shall be maximum 2 meters.

Requirement: It shall be possible to make figure of 8 of minimum 1000 meters

of the cable uncoiled from the cable reel without any difficulty. No
visible damage shall occur.

4.13 Flexural Rigidity Test on the optical fibre cable (Type Test):

Objective: To check the Flexural Rigidity of the optical fibre cable.

Method: To be tested as per ASTM D –790

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TEC 85170:2024
 Test Specs: The fibre and the component parts of the cable shall not suffer
permanent damage in the cable subjected to Flexural Rigidity Test
as per the above method. The attenuation shall be noted after and
before the completion of the test.

Requirement: The change in attenuation of the fibre after the test shall be ≤ 0.05
dB at both 1310 nm and 1550 nm wavelengths. The sheath shall
not show any cracks visible to the naked eye.

4.14 Static Bend test (Type Test):

Objective: To check the cable under Static bend.

Method: As per the clause no 4.8 of the GR alternatively as per ASTM D 790.

Test Specs: The cable shall be subjected to static bend test. The optical fibre
cable shall be bend on a mandrel having a Diameter of 10 D (D is
diameter of the cable).

Requirement: The change in attenuation of the fibre after the test shall be ≤ 0.05
dB for both 1310 nm and 1550 nm wavelengths. Sheath shall not
show any cracks visible to the naked eye when examined whilst
still wrapped on the mandrel.

4.15 Spark test:

Objective: To confirm that the cable sheath is continuous and free from pin
holes.

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TEC 85170:2024
 Test Specs.: The dielectric strength shall be 8KV RMS or 12 KV DC when spark
tested.

Method: IEC 62230

Requirement: The cable shall pass the test.

4.16 Cable Jacket Yield Strength And Ultimate Elongation:

Objective: To determine the yield strength and elongation of the polyethylene

(HDPE) cable sheath (jacket).

Test Method: FOTP-89 or ASTM 1248 Type III class

Test Condition:
1) Sample shall be taken from a completed cable. The aged sample shall be
conditioned at 100 ± 2°C for 120 hours before testing.
2) The cross-head speed shall be 50 mm per minute.

Requirement:

Minimum Yield Strength

Minimum
Jacket Material
Elongation (%)
(MPa) (psi)

HDPE un-aged 16.5 2400 400

HDPE aged 12.4 1800 375

26
TEC 85170:2024
4.17 To Check of the quality of the loose tube (containing optical fibre) (Type Test):

a. Embrittlement Test

This test method is based on bending by compression and reflects embrittlement

much better than the other tensile tests. This test is independent of wall thickness
of the loose tube.

Sample: The minimum length of the test sample depends on the outside
diameter of the loose tube and should 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 )]1/2 where

4
Lo = Length of tube under test.
D = Outside dia of loose tube.
d = Inside dia of loose tube.

Procedure: Both the ends of a buffer tube test sample may be mounted in a
tool, which is clamped in jaws of a tensile machine which exerts a
constant rate of movement. The movable jaw may move at a rate of
50 mm per minute toward the fixed jaw. Under load, the tube will
bend so that it is subjected to tensile and compressive stresses.
The fixture for holding the tube should be designed in a manner
that the tube might bend in all directions without further loading.

Requirement: The tube should not get embrittled. No kink should appear on the
tube up to the safe bend diameter of tube (15 D), where D is the

27
TEC 85170:2024
 outside diameter of the loose tube. There should also not be any
physical damage or mark on the tube surface.

b. Kink Resistance Test on the Loose Tube

Objective: To safeguard the delicate optical fibers, the quality of the loose tube
material should be such that no kink or damage to the tube occur
while it is being handled during installation and in splicing
operations.

Method: IEC 60794-1-23-G7

Procedure: To check the kink resistance of the loose tube, a longer length of
the loose tube is taken (with fiber and gel), a loop is made and loop
is reduced to the minimum bend radius of loose tube i.e. 15 D
(where D is the outside diameter of the loose tube). This test is to
be repeated 4 times on the same sample length of the loose tube.

Requirement: No damage or kink should appear on the surface of the tube.

4.18 Drainage Test for Loose Tube and Drip test on the cable (Type Test):

a. Drainage Test for loose Tube

Sample Size: 30 cm tube length.

Test procedure:
1. Cut the tube length to 40 cm.
2. Fill the tube with the tube filling gel ensuring that there are no air
bubbles and the tube is completely full.

28
TEC 85170:2024
 3. Place the filled tube in a horizontal position on a clean worktop and cut
5 cm from either end so that the finished length of the sample is 30 cm.
4. Leave the filled tube in a horizontal position at an ambient temperature
for 24 hrs. (This is necessary because the gel has been sheared and
the viscosity has been reduced during the filling process).
5. The sample tube is then suspended vertically in an environment heat
oven over a weighed beaker. It is left in the oven at a temperature of 70°
C for a period of 24 Hrs.
6. At the end of the 24 hrs period the beaker is checked and weighed to
see if there is any gel in the beaker.

Results:
1. If there is no gel or oil in the beaker the tube has PASSED the drainage
test.
2. If there is gel or oil in the beaker the tube has FAILED the drainage test.

b. Drip test on the cable

Objective: The purpose of this test is to determine the ability of jelly in the
Optical Fibre cable to withstand a temperature of 70°C.

Method: IEC 60794-1-22-F16

Test Specs: Take a sample of 30 cm length of the cable with one end
sealed by end cap. Remove outer black sheath, binder tapes
for 5 cm from open end of the sample. Then the sample is
kept vertically with open end downwards in the oven for 24
hours at 70°C with a paper under the sample.

29
TEC 85170:2024
 Requirement: Examine the paper placed below the cable inside the oven
for dripping of the jelly after 24 hours. There should be no
jelly drip or oily impression on the paper.

4.19 Check of easy removal of sheath:

Objective: Check of the easy removal of sheath of the optical fibre cable.

Procedure: To check easy removal, about 300 mm length of the sheath should
be removed by use of rip cords. It should be observed during
sheath removal process that the cable core should not be damaged
during the operation. One should be able to remove the sheath
easily.

4.20 Check of the effect of aggressive media on the cable (Acidic and Alkaline
Behaviour) (Type Test):

Procedure: To check the effect of aggressive media, solution of PH4 and PH10
shall be made. The two test samples of the finished cable, each of
600 mm in length, are taken and the ends of the samples are
sealed. These test samples are put in the PH4 and PH10 solutions
separately. After 30 days these samples are taken out from the
solutions and examined for any corrosion etc on the sheath and
other markings of the cables. (Test method no. ISO175).

Requirement: The sample should not show any effect of these solution on the
sheath and other marking of the cable.

30
TEC 85170:2024
4.21 Electrical Continuity Test

Objective: The aim of this test is to ensure that all the metallic elements used in
the cable are electrically continuous throughout the cable.

Method: IEC 60794-1-403

Procedure: Strip and open both the ends of the cable (for a short distance
sufficient enough to access the inner metallic elements) and
connect the test apparatus to the metallic members to complete the
test circuit.

Requirement: All the metallic elements used in the cable shall be electrically
continuous.

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 in contrast colour over the black HDPE Sheath (jacket) and
shall be done by hot foil indentation method. The colour used must withstand the

31
TEC 85170:2024
 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 Fibre– G.652 D / G.657 A1
d) Number of Fibres
e) Type of cable
f) Year of manufacture
g) Sequential length marking
h) User’s Identification
i) Cable ID

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
(confirming to GR No. G/CBD-O1/02 Nov 94 (latest release) 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.

5.2.2 An anti twist device (Free head hook) shall be provided, attached to the both the
ends of the cable pulling arrangement. The arrangement of the pulling eye and

32
TEC 85170:2024
 its coupling system along with the anti twist system shall withstand the prescribed
tensile load applicable to the cable.

5.3 The nominal drum length:

5.3.1 Length of OF Cable in each drum shall be 2 Km / 4Km / 8Km / 10Km and shall
be supplied as per the order. The variation in length of optical fibre cable in each
drum shall be ± 5% to ±10%, as decided by the purchaser. Purchaser may at
their discretion procure shorter length cable drum as per their requirement.

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.

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) Users / Consignee’s Name
i) Manufacturers Name, Month, Year and Batch No.
j) Group refractive index of fibre.
j) Purchase Order No.
k) Cable ID

33
TEC 85170:2024
5.4 Colour coding in O.F. Cables:

5.4.1 The colorant applied to individual fibres shall be readily identifiable throughout
the lifetime of the cable and shall match and conform to the Munsell Colour
Standards (EIA-598D) and also IEC Publication 304 (4).

5.4.2 Colour Coding Scheme:

When the loose tubes are placed in circular format, the marking to indicate the
loose tube no. "1" shall be in blue colour followed by loose tube no.2 of orange
and so on for other tubes as per the colour scheme given below at Table-1 and
complete the circular format by placing the dummy /fillers at the end.

Table -1 : Colour Coding scheme of Loose tube

Loose tube No./Sequence Loose tube identification

1 Blue
2 Orange
3 Green
4 Brown
5 Slate
6 White
7 Red
8 Black
9 Yellow
10 Violet
11 Rose/Pink
12 Aqua

Depending upon the number of fibres in a loose tube (which depends on the
cable capacity), the fibres within each loose tube are serially chosen starting from

34
TEC 85170:2024
 blue colour as per the colour scheme given below at Table-2. Last fibre in a tube
shall be of natural color, while the rest of fibres are colored.

Table -2 : Colour Coding scheme of the Optical Fibre within Loose tube

Fiber No./Sequence within loose tube Fiber identification

1 Blue
2 Orange
3 Green
4 Brown
5 Slate
6 White
7 Red
8 Black
9 Yellow
10 Violet
11 Rose/Pink
12 Natural

Color coding of Loose Tubes for 24 fibres (Refer Table - 1)

(Loose Tube Colour: Blue, Orange, Green, Brown, Slate, White)

35
TEC 85170:2024
 Color coding of 24 Fibres within Loose Tubes (Refer Table - 2)

(Fiber Colour : Blue , Orange, Green, Natural)

6.0 Quality Requirements:

6.1 The cable shall be manufactured in accordance with the international quality
standards ISO 9001-2015 (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 amendments issued, if any.
The list and details of the Raw Materials used, the make and grade of the raw
material and valid certificate of source approval issued by CACT or any
Conformity Assessment Body(CAB) recognized by TEC, shall be submitted by
the manufacturer.

36
TEC 85170:2024
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 material 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
approval/certification. The clauses 10.2 and 10.3 of this Standard for GR shall
facilitate the clause 6.2.4 of this Standard for GR, in order to simplify the
certification process and to avoid repetitive testing.

6.2.5 The raw material used (HDPE black in colour) for outer sheath shall protect the
cable from attack by termite. The manufacturer shall specify anti-termite additives
used if any, and submit the detail characteristics of the material and additives
used to make it termite proof. The cable shall be tested for the presence of Anti-
termites additives by recognised laboratory or institute. The additives/dopants
used if any, shall be non-toxic and non-hazardous. The non-toxicity, thermal
stability, half-life, efficacy etc. of additives/dopants shall be tested by recognized
laboratory or institute. The cable shall be tested for its termite proof-ness by
recognised laboratory or institute.

6.2.6 The HDPE black in colour used for sheath shall be UV stabilised.

Note: A test certificate from CACT or any Conformity Assessment Body(CAB)

recognized by TEC may be acceptable for the UV stability of the HDPE sheath
material. Source Approval Certificate(SAC) issued by CACT against Standard

37
TEC 85170:2024
 No. TEC 89010:2021(or latest release) for the HDPE raw material used,
indicating UV stabilized grade, may also be acceptable in this respect.

6.2.7 The material used in optical fibre cable must not evolve hydrogen that will affect
the characteristics of optical fibres.

Note: A test certificate from a recognised 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
Telecordia 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 at any Conformity Assessment Body(CAB) recognized by TEC. 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 Amoured 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.

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

38
TEC 85170:2024
 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/User:

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

9.2 User shall check for compatibility issues that may arise because of different fibre
types and MFD mismatch.

10.0 Procedure for issue of Approval Certificate

10.1 The approval certificate against this Standard for GR shall be issued subsequent
to successful testing against the clauses of this Standard.

10.2 Single Mode Optical Fibre used in manufacturing optical fibre cables shall be as
per ITU-T Rec. G.652 D or G.657 A1. The manufacturer having a valid approval
certificate against this Standard for GR for cable of specific fibre count and

39
TEC 85170:2024
 specific fibre type, may also seek approval certificate for cable having same fibre
count but different fibre type, provided the manufacturer gets testing done for all
corresponding and concerned parameters. This will be applicable when there is
change only in the fibre type while all other cable design parameters and fibre
count remain the same.

10.3 The manufacturer having valid approval certificate against this Standard for GR
for cable with higher fibre count and specific fibre type, may seek approval
certificate for cable with lower fibre count without conducting actual tests,
provided that all cable design parameters including the fibre type being same.

10.4 The clauses 10.2 and 10.3 shall be read in conjunction with the clause 6.2.4.

40
TEC 85170:2024
 ABBREVIATIONS

ASTM - American Society for Testing and Materials

BIS - Bureau of Indian Standards
CAB - Conformity Assessment Body
CACT - Component Approval Centre for Telecommunications
dB - decibel
EIA - Electronic Industries Association
ESCR - Environmental Stress Crack Resistance
FRP - Fibre Reinforced Plastic
FOTP - Fibre Optic Test Procedure
HDPE - High Density Polyethylene
IEC - International Electro-TechnicaI Commission
ISO - International Organization for Standardization
ITU-T - International Telecommunication Union – Telecommunication
Standardization Sector
KV - Kilo Volt
MFD - Mode Field Diameter
MSDS - Material Safety Data Sheet
OF - Optical Fibre
QA - Quality Assurance
SM - Single Mode
TEC - Telecommunication Engineering Centre
UV - Ultra Violet
µm - Micrometer
ºC - Degree Celsius

41
TEC 85170:2024
 Annexure – I
(Semi Dry Core Design)

The following parameters of the component of the cable are to be taken in to 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:

Parameter Unit 6 Fibre 12 Fibre 24 Fibre 48 Fibre 96 Fibre

OF cable OF cable OF cable OF cable OF cable
S
N
1 FRP Rod EAA mm 2.0+0.1/ 2.0+0.1/ 2.0+0.1/ 2.0+0.1/- 3.5+0.1/-
Coated -0.05 -0.05 -0.05 0.05 0.05
2 Tube ID( min) mm 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.4
3 Tube OD mm 1.9 ± 0.1 1.9 ± 0.1 1.9 ± 0.1 1.9 ± 0.1 2.0 ± 0.1
4 No. of fibre /tube No 2 4 4 8 12
5 Color of fibre BL, Nat BL, OR, BL, OR, BL, OR, BL,OR,GR,
GR, NAT GR, NAT GR, BR, BR,SL,WH,
SL, WH, RD, BK, YL,
RD, NAT VI, PK, NAT
No. of loose No 3 3 6 6 8
6
tubes
Colour of loose BL, OR, BL, OR, BL, OR, BL, OR, BL, OR,GR,
7 tubes GR GR, GR, BR, GR ,BR, BR,SL,WH,
SL, WH SL, WH RD,BK
No. of dummy No 3 3 0 0 0
8
cord
Tube stranding mm 90-110 90-110 90-110 90-110 100-120
9
lay over length

42
TEC 85170:2024
 Glass flex Kg 5.4 5.4 5.4 5.4 0
(Impregnated
10
glass roving) Qty
(min)
ECCS tape % 10% 10% 10% 10% 10%
11
overlap
Cable diameter mm 11.5 ± 11.5 ± 11.5 ± 11.5 ± 0.5 13.0 ± 0.5
12 0.5 0.5 0.5

Nominal cable Kg/k 125 ± 125 ± 125 ± 125 ± 10% 160 ± 10%
13
weight m 10% 10% 10%
Cable to be % 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1
designed to
14
Fibre strain
value of
Excess fibre % 0.65 0.65 0.65 0.70 0.70
15
length
Cable to be % 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
tested at defined
16
load for fibre
strain value of

Note: The manufacturer shall submit the design calculations which shall be cross
checked.

43
TEC 85170:2024