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Recommendation L.10
OPTICAL FIBRE CABLES FOR DUCT, TUNNEL, AERIAL AND BURIED APPLICATION
Introduction
With the recent progress in optical fibre cable technology, optical
fibres for telecommunication use have been applied to trunk and subscriber
networks, indoor wiring and submarine sections. There are various kinds of
installation, such as aerial, duct, cable tunnel, buried, on-premises and
underwater. Thus, optical fibre cables are exposed to natural and man-made external
factors.
There is a need to establish the mechanical and environmental
characteristics of optical fibres which will satisfy operational requirements, and
to advise on suitable testing methods.
This Recommendation advices on optical cables to be used in certain
installation conditions. Cables for underwater and in-building applications
require further study.
1. Scope
This Recommendation:
- refers to multi-mode graded index and single-mode optical fibre
cables to be used for telecommunications networks, in duct,
tunnel, buried and aerial installations;
- deals with mechanical and environmental characteristics of the
optical fibre cables concerned. The optical fibre dimensional and
transmission characteristics, together with their test methods,
should comply with Recommendations G.651 and G.652, which deal
with multi-mode graded index and single-mode optical fibres
respectively;
- deals with fundamental considerations related to optical fibre
cable from the mechanical and environmental points of view;
- acknowledges that some optical fibre cables may contain metallic
elements, for which reference should be made to the Handbook
"Outside plant technologies for public networks", and other
L-Series Recommendations;
- advises that an optical fibre cable should be provided with cable
end-sealing and protection during cable delivery and storage, as is
common to metallic cables. If splicing components have been factory
installed they should be adequately protected;
- advises that pulling-devices can be fitted to the end of the cable
if required.
2. Characteristics of the optical fibres and cables
2.1 Mechanical characteristics
2.1.1 Fibre microbending
Severe bending of an optical fibre involving local axial displacement of
a few micrometres over short distances caused by localized lateral forces along
its length is called microbending. This may be caused by manufacturing and
installation strains and also dimensional variations of cable materials due to
temperature changes during operation.
Microbending can cause an increase in optical loss. In order to reduce
microbending loss, stress randomly applied to a fibre along its axis should be
eliminated during incorporation into the cable, as well as during and after cable
installation.
2.1.2 Fibre macrobending
Macrobending is the resulting curvature of an optical fibre after cable
manufacture and installation.
Macrobending can cause an increase in optical loss. The optical loss
increases if the bending radius is too small.
2.1.3 Cable bending
Under dynamic conditions encountered during installation, the fibre is
subjected to strain from both cable tension and bending. The strength elements in
the cable and the installation bend radius must be selected to limit this
combined dynamic strain. Any fibre bend radius remaining after cable installation
shall be large enough to limit the macrobending loss or long-term strain limiting
the lifetime of the fibre.
2.1.4 Tensile strength
Optical fibre cable is subjected to short-term loading during
manufacture and installation, and may be affected by continuous static loading and/or
cyclic loading during operation (e.g. temperature variation). Especially in the case
of aerial application, continuous loading during the full lifetime of the cable
may be present. Fibre strain may be caused by tension, torsion and bending
occurring in connection with cable installation and/or type of installation (e.g.,
aerial) and/or environmental conditions (e.g., wind, ice).
Excessive cable tensile loading increases the optical loss and may cause
increased residual strain in the fibre if the cable cannot relax. To avoid this,
the maximum tensile strength determined by the cable construction, especially
the design of the strength member, should not be exceeded.
Note 1 - Where a cable is subjected to permanent loading during its operational
life the fibre should preferably not experience additional strain.
Note 2 - Aerial cable may be attached to a suspension wire. In this case, the
strength member of the cable need only be designed to support the load during
manufacture and installation.
2.1.5 Crush and impact
The cable may be subjected to crush and impact both during installation
and operational life.
The crush and impact may increase the optical loss (permanently or for
the time of application of the stress) and excessive stress may lead to fibre
fracture.
In the case of self-supporting cylindrical aerial cables, the cable
structure should be able to withstand the compression effects to prevent additional
optical loss.
2.1.6 Cable torsion
Under dynamic conditions encountered during installation and operation,
the cable may be subjected to torsion, resulting in the residual strain of the
fibres and/or damage of the sheath. If this is the case the design of cable
should allow a specified number of cable twists per unit length without an increase
in fibre loss and/or damage to the sheath.
2.2 Environmental conditions
2.2.1 Hydrogen gas
In the presence of moisture and metallic elements, hydrogen gas may be
generated. Hydrogen gas may diffuse into silica glass and increase optical loss.
It is recommended that the hydrogen concentration in the cable, as a result of
its component parts, should be low enough to ensure that the long-term effects on
the increase of optical loss are acceptable.
By the use of dynamic gas pressurization, hydrogen absorbing materials,
or careful selection and construction (moisture barrier sheath) or elimination
of metallic components, the increase in optical loss can be maintained within
acceptable limits.
2.2.2 Moisture permeation
When moisture permeates the cable sheath and is present in the cable
core, deterioration of the tensile strength of the fibre occurs and the time to
static failure will be reduced. To ensure a satisfactory lifetime of the cable the
long term strain level of the fibre must be limited.
Various materials can be used as barriers to reduce the rate of moisture
permeation. Alternatively, filled metal-free cable constructions can be used.
Note - If required, minimum permeation is achieved by a longitudinal overlapped
metallic foil. A continuous metallic barrier is effective to prevent moisture
permeation.
2.2.3 Water penetration
In the event of damage to the cable sheath or to a splice closure,
longitudinal penetration of water in a cable core or between sheaths can occur. The
penetration of water causes an effect similar to that of moisture. The
longitudinal penetration of water should be minimized or, if possible, prevented.
Techniques such as filling the cable core with a compound, providing discrete water
blocks or water swellable tapes, or providing unfilled cable with dry-air
pressurization, may be applied to prevent water penetration.
Water in the cable may freeze and, under some conditions, can cause
fibre crushing with a resultant increase in optical loss and possible fibre
breakage.
2.2.4 Lightning
Fibre cables containing metallic elements such as conventional copper
pairs or a metal sheath, are susceptible to lightning strikes.
To prevent or minimize lightning damage, consideration should be given
to Recommendation K.21 "Lightning protection of optical fibre cables".
When a non-metallic cable is used, the cable should be filled and it
should be protected against mechanical and thermal damage.
2.2.5 Biotic damage
The small size of an optical fibre cable makes it more vulnerable to
rodent attack. Where rodents cannot be excluded, metallic protection should be
provided. For further information reference should be made to Part IV-B, Chapter II
of the Handbook "Outside plant technologies for public networks".
2.2.6 Vibration
When optical fibre cables are installed on bridges they will be subject
to relatively high amplitude vibrations of various low frequencies, depending on
bridge construction and on the type of density of traffic. Cables should
withstand these vibrations without failure or signal degradation. Care should be
exercised, however, in the choice of installation method.
Underground optical fibre cable may be subject to vibrations from
traffic, railways, pile-driving and blasting operations. Here again cables should
withstand vibrations generated by these activities without degradation.
A well established surveillance routine will identify activity in order
to make a careful choice of route to minimize this type of problem.
2.2.7 Temperature variations
During their operational lifetime cables may be subjected to severe
temperature variations. In these conditions the increase of attenuation of the
fibres shall not exceed the specified limits.
2.2.8 Wind
For optical fibre aerial cable, fibre strain may be caused by tension,
torsion and vibration occurring in connection with wind pressure. Induced dynamic
and residual strain in the fibre and may cause fibre breakage if the specified
long-term strain limit of the fibre is exceeded.
To suppress any fibre strain induced by wind pressure, the strength
member should be selected to limit this strain to safe levels, and the cable
construction may mechanically decouple the fibre from the sheath to minimize the
strain. Alternatively, to suppress fibre strain the cable may be lashed to a high
strength support strand.
In aerial installations winds will cause vibrations and, in figure-of-
eight and suspension wire installations, severe oscillations of the entire span
of the cable may occur. Cables should be designed and/or installed to provide
stability of the transmission characteristics in these situations.
2.2.9 Snow and ice
For optical fibre aerial cable, fibre strain may be caused by tension
occurring in connection with snow loading and/or ice formation around the cable.
Induced fibre strain may cause excess optical loss and may cause fibre breakage
if the specified long-term strain limit of the fibre is exceeded.
Dynamic strain in the fibre may be induced by vibration caused by the
action of snow and/or ice falling from the cable. This may cause fibre breakage.
Under the load of snow and/or ice, excessive fibre strain may easily be
induced by wind pressure.
To suppress the fibre strain by snow loading and/or ice formation, the
strength member should be selected to limit this strain to safe levels, and the
cable profile may be selected to minimize snow loading. Alternatively, to
suppress fibre strain the cable may be lashed to a high strength support strand.
2.2.10 Strong electric fields
Metal-free aerial cables installed on high voltage power lines are
susceptible to the influence of the electric field of these power lines which may
lead to phenomena such as corona, arcing and tracking of the cable sheath.
To prevent damage, special cable sheath materials may have to be used
depending on the level of electric field.
3. Cable construction
3.1 Fibre coatings
3.1.1 Primary coating
Silica fibre itself has an intrinsically high strength, but its strength
is reduced by surface flaws. A primary coating must therefore be applied
immediately after drawing the fibre to size.
The optical fibre should be proof-tested. In order to guarantee long-
term reliability under service conditions, the proof-test strain may be specified,
taking into account the permissible strain and required lifetime.
In order to prepare for splicing, it should be possible to remove the
primary coating without damage to the fibre, and without the use of materials or
methods considered to be hazardous or dangerous.
The composition of the primary coating, coloured if required, should be
considered in relation to any requirements of local light-injection and
detection equipment used in conjunction with fibre jointing methods.
Note 1 - The coating should have a nominal diameter of 250 µm.
Note 2 - The primary coated fibres should be proof tested with a strain
equivalent to at least 0.5% for a duration of one second. The test method should be in
accordance with IEC Publication 793-1. For aerial cable applications, taking
into account large thermal changes and strong winds, a larger proof test strain may
be necessary.
Note 3 - Further study is required to advise on suitable testing methods for
local light-injection and detection.
3.1.2 Secondary protection
Secondary protection of the fibre within the cable should be provided.
Note 1 - Methods of secondary protection are described in the Handbook on the
construction, installation, jointing and protection of optical fibre cables.
Note 2 - When a tight secondary coating is used it may be difficult to use local
light-injection and detection equipment associated with fibre jointing methods.
Note 3 - To limit axial fibre stress, the mechanical coupling between fibre and
cable should be minimized.
3.1.3 Fibre identification
Fibre should be easily identified by colour or position within the cable
core. If a colouring method is used, the colours should be clearly distinguishable
and have good colour-fast properties also in the presence of other materials, during
the lifetime of the cable.
3.1.4 Splicing properties
Further study is required to advise on suitable testing methods for local
light-injection and detection.
3.2 Cable core
The make-up of the cable core, in particular the number of fibres, their
method of protection and identification, the location of strength members and
metallic wires or pairs, if required, should be clearly defined.
3.3 Strength member
The cable should be designed with sufficient strength members to meet
installation and service conditions so that the fibres are not subjected to excessive
strain.
The strength member may be either metallic or non-metallic and may be
located either in the cable core and/or in the sheath.
For example in the metal-free self supporting aerial cable the strength
member may consist of a layer of aramid yarns located between the inner sheath and the
outer sheath, or as a single glass fibre reinforced strand in a figure- of-eight
construction. A knowledge of span, sag, wind and ice-loading is necessary to design
such a cable.
3.4 Water-blocking materials
Filling a cable with water-blocking material is one means of protecting the
fibres from water ingress. Any materials used should not be harmful to personnel.
The materials in the cable should be compatible, one with the other, and in
particular should not adversely affect the fibre performance, or any identification colours
of the fibres.
In addition the material should be non-nutritive to fungus, electrically
non-conductive, homogeneous and free from contamination.
3.5 Pneumatic Resistance
If the cable requires dry air pressurization during operation, the
pneumatic resistance should be specified.
Note - It is intended that a cable can be pressurized only if it allows a flux of
air which is in accordance with the criteria defined in Part III of the Handbook
"Outside plant technologies for public networks".
3.6 Sheath
The cable core should be covered with a sheath suitable for the relevant
environmental and mechanical conditions associated with storage, installation and
operation. The sheath may be of a composite construction and may include strength
members.
Sheath considerations of optical fibre cables are mostly those applied
metallic conductor cables. Consideration should also be given to the amount of hydrogen
generated from a metallic moisture barrier. The minimum acceptable thickness of the
sheath should be stated, together with any maximum and minimum allowable overall
diameter of the cable.
Note 1 - One of the most common sheath materials is polyethylene. There may be
however, some environmental conditions where it is necessary to minimize the
flammability of a cable and limit the emission of fumes, smoke and corrosive products.
Special materials should be used for the cable sheath in these situations.
Note 2 - For directly buried cables installed in areas with chemically
contaminated soils (acids, hydrocarbons, etc.) specially designed cable sheath combinations
may be used.
Note 3 - In the case of aerial cables the outer sheath should be resistant to the
degradation due to ultraviolet radiation.
3.7 Armour
Where additional tensile strength or protection from external damage is
required, armouring should be provided over the cable sheath.
Armouring considerations of optical fibre cables are mostly those applied
to metallic conductor cables. However, hydrogen generation due to corrosion must be
considered. It should be remembered that the advantages of optical fibre cables,
such as lightness and flexibility, will be reduced when armour is provided.
Armouring for metal-free cables may consist of aramid yarns, glass fibre
reinforced strands or strapping tape etc.
3.8 Identification of cable
If a visual indentification is required to distinguish an optical fibre
cable from a metallic cable, this can be done by visibly marking the sheath of the
optical fibre cable.
4. Test methods
4.1 Test methods for mechanical characteristics
This section advises appropriate tests and test methods for verifying the
mechanical characteristics of optical fibre cables.
Note - The second edition (1987) of IEC Publication 794-1 is referred to
throughout this section.
4.1.1 Tensile strength
This test method applies to optical fibre cables installed under all
environmental conditions.
Measurements are made to examine the behaviour of the fibre attenuation as
a function of the load on a cable during installation.
The test should be carried out in accordance with IEC
Publication 794-1-E1.
The amount of mechanical decoupling of the fibre and cable can be
determined by measuring the fibre elongation, with optical phase shift test equipment,
together with the cable elongation.
This method may be non-destructive if the tension applied is within the
operational values.
4.1.2 Bending
This test method applies to optical fibre cables installed under all
environmental conditions.
The purpose of this test is to determine the ability of optical fibre
cables to withstand bending around a pulley, simulated by a test mandrel.
This test should be carried out in accordance with IEC
Publication 794-1-E11.
4.1.3 Bending under tension (flexing)
This test method applies to optical fibre cables installed under all
environmental conditions.
This subject needs further study.
4.1.4 Crush
This test method applies to optical fibre cables installed under all
environmental conditions.
This test should be carried out in accordance with IEC
Publication 794-1-E3.
4.1.5 Squeezing (abrasion)
This test method applies to optical fibre cables installed under all
environmental conditions.
This subject needs further study, and is currently under consideration in
IEC Publication 794-1-E2.
4.1.6 Torsion
This test method applies to optical fibre cables installed under all
environmental conditions.
This test should be carried out in accordance with IEC
Publication 794-1-E7.
4.1.7 Impact
This test method applies to optical fibre cables installed under all
environmental conditions.
This test should be carried out in accordance with IEC
Publication 794-1-E4.
4.2 Test methods for environmental characteristics
This section advises the appropriate tests and test methods for verifying
the environmental characteristics of optical fibre cables.
4.2.1 Temperature cycling
This test method applies to optical fibre cables installed under all
environmental conditions.
Testing is by temperature cycling to determine stability of attenuation of
a cable at ambient temperature changes which may occur during storage,
transportation and operation.
This test should be carried out in accordance with IEC
Publication 794-1-F1.
Note - For aerial self-supporting cables the stability of the attenuation may be
measured with a specified tension applied to the cable sample.
4.2.2 Longitudinal water penetration
This test method applies to completely filled outdoor cables installed
under all environmental conditions.
The intention is to check that all the interstices of a cable are
continuously filled with compound to prevent water penetration within the cable.
This test should be carried out in accordance with IEC
Publication 794-1-F5.
4.2.3 Moisture barrier
This test method applies to optical fibre cables installed under all
environmental conditions.
This test applies to cables supplied with a longitudinal overlapped
metallic foil. The moisture penetration can be tested according to the test method as
described in Part I, Chapter III of the Handbook "Outside plant technologies in public
networks".
4.2.4 Freezing
This test method applies to optical fibre cables installed under all
environmental conditions.
This subject needs further study and is currently under consideration in
IEC Publication 794-1-F6.
4.2.5 Hydrogen
This test method applies to optical fibre cables installed under all
environmental conditions.
A suitable short-duration test procedure needs to be determined for
completed cable, so that the results of factory tests enable the long-term increase in
fibre loss to be predicted.
4.2.6 Nuclear radiation
This test method assesses the suitability of optical fibre cables to be
exposed to nuclear radiation.
This subject needs further study and is currently under consideration in
IEC Publication 794-1-F7.
4.2.7 Vibration (bridge and underground cables)
This test method assesses the suitability of optical fibre cables for
bridge and underground application.
This subject needs further study.
4.2.8 Vibration (aerial cables)
This test method assesses the suitability of optical fibre cables for
aerial application.
The subject needs further study.
4.2.9 Ultraviolet resistance
This text method applies to aerial optical fibre cable and assess the
suitability of the cable sheath to withstand ultraviolet radiation.
This subject needs further study.
4.2.10 Sheath tracking
This test applies to aerial optical fibre cables used on high voltage power
lines.
This subject needs further study.