Optical Fibre Testing

OPTICAL FIBRE TESTING FOR COMPLIANCE TO ISO/IEC 11801

1

All Optical Fibres, including Pre-Terminated Optical Fibres shall be CLEANED after
installation and tested as a LINK for:
1) Visual inspection of all ends
Recommended
2) Continuity and Maintenance of Polarity
Required
3) Length
Required
4) Propagation Delay
Required
5) Optical Attenuation of Link: 2 x wavelengths
Required (See Item 16)
[OF LINKS and CHANNELS both include the 2 x end connectors when testing.]

Visual inspection is not mandatory but if done, use a minimum x100

magnification for MMF, x200 for SMF, both conducted to protect the viewers
eyes. The core is a PASS if it is round, clear & featureless. The inner 1/2 of
cladding is a PASS if it is free of chips & cracks but it may have some polishing
marks <5m long. The outer 1/2 of cladding may contain some marks and chips
but any chips must be less than 25% of the cladding circumference.

Continuity and Maintenance of Polarity of each optical fibre termination is

checked ensuring that A at the Near-End is B at the Far-End, and visa-versa.
This can be done by;
1. visible light (eg a red light source) and inspecting opposite ends at the same
time, or
2. using an LSPM that has been connected to the fibre at the far end, or
3. using an OTDR with a tail cord connected to the correct fibre at the far end.

Length is verified by recording the cable length markings at each end and
subtracting one from the other, or by reading the length off a tester.

Propagation Delay PD, is a calculation based on;

PD = 5.0 nano-seconds/metre.
PD (in nS) = 5 x length (m).
Some testers are capable of measuring and recording PD; otherwise it must be
calculated and written on the Test Result Sheet for each fibre cable.

Wavelengths and Test Direction for Power Loss (Insertion Loss) tests must be
both wavelengths and in both directions for 1/10GBE applications (See Item 16).
This will check for any connector or splice defects, any cracked connectors, any
accidental splicing or connecting of 50 m onto 62.5 m fibres.

Power Loss (or Insertion Loss or Optical Attenuation) tests can be done using
either,
Light Source & Power Meter
(LSPM), or
Optical Time Domain Reflectometer
(OTDR)
See Item 16.
If conflict exists, testing using LSPM shall be taken as correct.
Where LSPM results exceed the Power Loss Budget, the link should be
investigated with an OTDR to determine the faulty component.

Reference Setting (Zeroing) Methods for LSPM Testers on MMF and SMF
Are the connectors on the LSPM tester the same as the connectors on the Link to
be tested?

YES Use the 1-Test Cord Method of Reference Setting (Method -B)
(Eg. SC on tester and SC on both ends of Link)
NO

Use the 3-Test Cord Method of Reference Setting (Method C)

(Eg. SC on Tester and LC on Link)
The test results shall show the LSPM reference setting method used. Where
possible , record the manufacturer and type of all test cords and mandrel
diameter used.
9

Use of Mandrels or Coils (for both 1 & 3-Test Cord Methods)

For MMF, the LSPM Tester must have the correct Coupling Power Ratio for the
cable under test. Alternatively, this can be achieved by using a Mandrel Wrap on
the Launch Cord for mode stripping during Reference Setting and Testing.
For a 3 mm Launch Cord, 5 turns on 17 mm for 62.5 m (OM1)
5 turns on 22 mm for 50 m
(OM2 and OM3)
For SMF, the LSPM launch cord shall have at least 2 x turns of 405 mm
diameter, air-coiled or on a mandrel, for stripping light out of the cladding and
more consistent readings.

10

Test Cord Qualification (for both 1 & 3-Test Cord Methods)

All Test Cords & Field Calibration cords shall be Qualified. (See Item 17)
Launch and Tail Cords for MMF & SMF LSPM testing shall be 1m to 5m each
and shall have a Reference Connector at one end.
Field Calibration Cord shall not exceed 2m in length and shall have Reference
Connectors at both ends [used only with 3-Test Cord
Method].
Reference Connectors are high precision connector terminations that ensure
the core is central to the connector. They shall be the
same type of connectors as the cabling under test. Mated
Reference Connectors shall have an attenuation of 0.10
dB for MMF, and 0.20 dB for SMF.

11

Field Calibration Cord Removal (for 3-Test Cord Method)

For both MMF and SMF cabling, after the 3-Test Cord Reference Setting has been
done, the central Field Calibration Cord shall be removed and the cabling under
test connected.

12

Compliance criteria for an ADC KRONE Warranty is;

1. Continuity & Polarity shall be correct, and
2. Length shall be recorded, and
3. Propogation Delay shall be recorded, and
4. Optical Attenuation (Power Loss) test result shall be less than the Power Loss
Budget at both the nominated wavelengths, in both directions for 1/10GBE
installations. (Item 16)

13

Power Loss Budget (PLB) in dB is the sum of the maximum component

insertion loss allowed under ISO/IEC 11801 Table 4, AS/NZS 3080, Cl 9.4 Table
26, and Cl 10.3 Table 46.
PLB = Loss from (Connectors + Splices + Cable). Values are set out in Item
14.

14
Component Power Loss
Component and
ISO/IEC 11801
Wavelength
Insertion Loss Maximum
See Note 1
Mated RC to NC
MMF
0.30
dB
Connector
SMF 0.50 dB
at 850 & 1300 nm

1/2

1/2

at 1310 & 1550 nm

Splice
at 850 & 1300 nm
and at 1310 & 1550 nm

MMF
at 850 nm
at 1300 nm

SMF
at 1310 & 1550 nm
Note 1. Insertion Loss
Mated RC to RC is
Mated RC to NC is
Mated NC to NC is
Where RC = Reference connector

0.30 dB

1 x Mated Connection
i.e. one Ref/Non-Ref Connection

3.50 dB/km
1.50 dB/km

RC Reference Connector

1.00 dB/km

Connector device (general)

NC Connector on cabling

{Ref ISO/IEC 14763-3 Tables 3 & 4}

0.10 dB MMF and 0.20 dB SMF
0.30 dB MMF and 0.50 dB SMF
0.75 dB MMF and SMF
Termination
and NC = Non-reference connector Termination

FD
1
1m Splice

15

Example A fibre link consists of 198m

OM3, 50/125 m cable. In addition, there
is a 1m pigtail splice inside the FOBOT at
each end. What is the Power Loss
Budget?

198m

1m Splice

ER

Item 15 Example
At Launch Cord & Tail Cord

PLB850
PLB850
PLB850

= 2 x RC/NC connectors + 2 x splices

+ 0.2 km x MMF
= 2 x 0.30
+ 2 x 0.30
+ 0.2 x 3.50
= 1.90 dB maximum @ 850 nm

PLB1300
PLB1300
PLB1300

= 2 x RC/NC connectors + 2 x splices + 0.2km x MMF

= 2 x 0.30
+ 2 x 0.30 + 0.2 x 1.50
= 1.50 dB maximum @ 1300 nm

Therefore, the tester readings must be less than the maximum Power Loss
Budget of;
PLB850
PLB1300
16

= 1.90 dB
= 1.50 dB

There must always be a power loss. If

there is a power gain, the testers need a
new Reference Setting. See Item 19.

Test Wavelength and Direction

Horizontal & Backbone Cabling, Within The Same Building
Where the MMF and SMF Link is to be used for 1/10GBE or is a channel or has
unknown connectors, the test shall be done at:
Both wavelengths, in 2 x direction
using LSPM with Launch & Tail
Cords.
The single reported Test Result at each wavelength shall be the single highest
reading from either direction, recorded to 2 decimal places.
{ Ref
ISO/IEC 14763-3 Cl 9.1.1.3}

(Not the lowest reading, and not an average reading of both directions for LSPM
testing)
Some installers choose to use only OTDR testing and not do LSPM testing. If this
is done, ADC KRONE will only accept the results if the average highest OTDR
reading from both directions is calculated and written into an electronic record of
results along with the PLB.
For MMF and SMF Links that have known connectors and are not for 1/10GBE, test
at;
Both wavelengths, in just 1 x direction using LSPM with Launch & Tail Cords.
Inter-building Campus Cabling
Use LSPM
2 x wavelengths, both in 2 x directions, AND ALSO
Use OTDR
For Links less than 300m,
Its not an ADC KRONE
requirement.
For Links over 300m long,
It is an ADC KRONE
requirement.
2 x wavelengths, both in 2 x directions, using OTDR with launch and
tail cords.
For OTDR tests, the single reported Test Result at each wavelength shall be the
average of the highest readings from both directions.
{Ref ISO/IEC
14763-3 Cl 9.1.2.4}
[Because the scattering coefficients are usually different between launch cord, cable under test, and
tail cord, the test results will be different when tested in different directions. So the readings are to
be averaged for OTDR testing.]

17

OTDR Testing, General Requirements

1. Use a Launch Cord and a Tail Cord for OTDR testing.
This stabilises the trace and allows the first and last connectors to be easily
seen.
2. These Launch and tail Cords are different from those used in LSPM Testing.
2. oth Launch Cord and Tail Cord must be longer than the Dead Zone of the
OTDR.
3. The Launch Cord should be at least 20% greater in length than the Tail Cord.
4. ADC KRONE preferences are Launch Cord 100m min, Tail Cord 50m min.
5. On short installed lengths (<300m), use the lowest OTDR Pulse Width for best
results.
6. Clean all connector ends on Launch & Tail Cords and on the Link before each
test.

18

OTDR Testing, Expected Results

A good OTDR Trace can be used to measure the Insertion Loss of the cable, the
connector interfaces and any splices. Follow the tester manufacturers instructions.
Most OTDR testers allow the operator to set distance markers at points of interest
for length and attenuation/insertion loss measurement.

OTDR Result showing a good trace capable of measuring length and component insertion losses.
Reading OTDR Results for Length and Power Loss
Length of cabling under test = {1} {3} metres (This applies to both Link or
Channel)
For a Link, the 2 x end connectors are included in the Link Loss, so
Link Power Loss
= {1} {4} dB
For a Channel, the 2 x end connectors are also included in the Channel Loss, so
Channel Power Loss
= {1} {4} dB

19

OTDR Testing, Unacceptable Results Due To Ghosting

Ghosting is the presence of multiple peaks in an OTDR trace due to repeated
reflections. Ghosts do not add or subtract optical power from trace
characterisation, but they do make it very difficult to effectively interpret the OTDR
trace. The OTDR and the test set up should be managed in such a way that ghosts
are not present in the main part of the OTDR trace.
Using long Launch and Tail Cords of different lengths helps manage ghosts. See
Item 25.

OTDR Result showing Ghosting that could make it difficult to obtain accurate test
results.

20

Quality Planning in ISO/IEC 14763-3

Annex E (Informative) of ISO/IEC 14763-3 sets out the Stages available for OF
testing.
For an ADC KRONE Warranty, the following are required;
Stage 1
On-site Component Testing

Not Required

Stage 2
Basic Test Group
Required
[To determine conformance to ISO/IEC 11801] (See Items 1 and 16 of this
document)
Stage 2
Extended Test Group
[Used to investigate failures]

Use OTDR to find failure location

Appendix A
(Informative)

Set Up for Fluke DTX and DSP Series with Fibre Test Head as an LSPM
Tester
The Fluke DTX and DSP 4xxx with FTA 410 or 420 Fibre Test Heads is a Light
Source and Power Meter (LSPM) tester and is set up as follows for an ADC KRONE
Warranted site.
For SC connectors, set the Zero Reference Setting using the appropriate method
B as set out on pages B-1 to B-3.
Tester Parameter
Test Standard
DTX
Testers
DSP Testers

Value
ISO / IEC 14763-3
ISO 11801 Link FTA410/420

Cable Type

62.5 for OM1

50
for OM2 and OM3

Remote End
Configuration

Smart Remote
(for 2 fibre testing)

Length Units

Metres

Bi-Directional Autotest

Enabled

Adaptor Type

SC or LC or ST .
(to suit connectors)

Number of Adaptors

2 for 1- Test Cord, Method B, or

Number of Splices

Any more Adaptor than these may be

assessed as a FAIL.
0 (or 2, if 2 spliced pigtail were used)

Index of Refraction

0 for 3- Test Cord , Method C( see Note 1)

OM1
OM2
OM3

OS1

850 nm
1.496
1.483
1.481
1310 nm
1.4672

1330 nm
1.487
1.479
1.476
1550 nm
1.4683

Note 1

When setting up the LSPM tester, the Number of Adaptors is the number of
(extra) adaptors ADDED AFTER REFERENCE SETTING regardless of which reference
method is used.
The 1-test cord Method B uses 0 adaptors during reference settings and 2
adaptors when testing; therefore set the (extra) number of adaptors 2.
The 3-test cord Method C uses 2 adaptors during reference settings and 2
adaptors when testing; therefore set the (extra) number of adaptors 0.
The latest software for Test Standard ISO/IEC 14763-3 already has correct adaptor
loss values included for the 1-Test cord and 3-Test Cord methods. So set DTX
tester to ISO/IEC 14763-3.
When Bi-Directional testing, the test stops way through and prompts to swap
the fiber connections.