BS EN 50377-17-1:2013

This standard BS EN 50377-17-1:2013 Connector sets and interconnect components to be used in optical fibre communication systems. Product specifications is classified in these ICS categories:

• 33.180.20 Fibre optic interconnecting devices

1.1 Product definition

This European Standard contains the initial, start of life dimensional, optical, mechanical and environmental performance requirements that a Factory Polished Field Terminated (FPFT) single mode simplex connector set (plug adaptor plug), adaptor will meet in order for it to be categorised as an EN standard product.

The FPFT is designed for either fusion or mechanical splice methods. The performance is specified for the mated combination between a FPFT plug and an EN standardised plug from the EN 50377 series (configuration 1) or between two FTFP plugs (configuration 2). The fibre specified inside the FPFT plug in this European Standard is standard single mode fibre with low water peak as specified as B1.3, which is field, mated to B1.3 fibre or bend insensitive single mode fibre specified as B6_a1 or B6_a2 in EN 60793-2-50. Mixing standard and bend insensitive fibres in a connection causes a considerable intrinsic attenuation due to mode field diameter mismatch.

These connectors are intended to be installed inside wall outlets or other fibre organisers, and are therefore considered as being in a “protected environment” and are terminated onto either 250 μm primary coated or up to 900 μm buffered fibres.

Since different variants and grades of performance are permitted, product marking details are given in 3.5.

1.2 Intermateability

1.2.1 Mechanical intermateability

In order to meet mechanical performance requirements, the FPFT plug will meet the optical, environmental and mechanical requirements as stated in this European Standard and the mated plug will meet the all requirements of the relevant EN 50377 series for category C. Intermateability between the FPFT plug and its standard EN 50377 counterpart can only be guaranteed when both plugs meet the same EN 50377 product specification mechanical connector interface dimensions and endface geometry requirements.

1.2.2 Optical intermateability

In EN 50377 product specifications, the random mated performance is calculated when the two connector plugs have been terminated with single-mode fibres using a worst case MFD. The specified MFD range in fibre standards (e.g. B1.3 fibres) is 8,0 μm to 10,1 μm at 1 310 nm, which causes 0,22 dB worst case intrinsic attenuation. However, in EN 50377 product specification series, the MFD is limited to 8,9 μm to 9,5 μm at 1 310 nm. In this European Standard, in order to achieve the random mate performance values, the total MFD range of bend insensitive fibres, e.g. B6a fibres, is limited to 8,5 μm to 9,5 μm at 1 310 nm. This causes a worst case intrinsic attenuation of 0,05 dB.

1.3 Operating environment

The tests selected, combined with the severities and durations, are representative of a category C environment as defined in EN 61753-1. The FPFT plugs are terminated on to 250 µm primary coated or up to 900 µm buffered fibres and are specified to be located in a protected environment.

1.4 Reliability

Whilst the anticipated service life expectancy of the product in this environment is 20 years, compliance with this European Standard does not guarantee the reliability of the product. This should be predicted using a recognised reliability assessment programme.

1.5 Quality assurancenment.

Compliance with this European Standard does not guarantee the manufacturing consistency of the product. This should be maintained using a recognised quality assurance programme.