IEC 61753-021-02:2023 defines the minimum initial test and measurement requirements and severities which single-mode fibre optic connectors terminated as a pigtail or a patchcord satisfy in order to be categorized as meeting the IEC standard category C (controlled environment), as defined in IEC 61753-1. If tests were performed on the connectors terminated as pigtails or patchcords for categories OP+HD, OP+, OP, OPHD, or CHD and the product passed, the product will be automatically qualified or categorized as meeting the IEC standard for category C. This first edition cancels and replaces the second edition of IEC 61753-021-2 published in 2007. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to IEC 61753-021-2:2007:
a) changed scope to remove restrictions on attenuation and return loss grades;
b) included provisions for rectangular ferrule connectors;
c) changed the terms and definitions of the different types of test samples (pigtail test samples and patchcord test samples) used in the various tests to avoid confusion;
d) updated fibre naming conventions according to IEC 60793-2-50 and added provisions for B-657 fibres;
e) added all the attenuation and return loss grades defined in IEC 61753-1;
f) test severities updated according to IEC 61753-1;
g) reduced flexing of strain relief cycles from 100 cycles to 50 cycles;
h) added the torsion test;
i) reduced the duration of the fibre/cable retention test on reinforced cables from 120 s to 60 s minimum;
j) removed the static side load test;
k) reduced the number of mating durability cycles from 500 cycles to 200 cycles and added provisions for rectangular ferrule connectors;
l) added Annex B for visual examination of the outer cable sheath movement of reinforced cables as an additional requirement for change of temperature, cable retention and flexing of the strain relief tests.