EN IEC 60794-1-117:2026
(Main)Optical fibre cables - Part 1-117: Generic specification - Basic optical cable test procedures - Mechanical test methods - Bending stiffness, method E17
General Information
- Abstract
This part of IEC 60794 defines the test procedures used to establish uniform requirements for bending stiffness performance. It applies to optical fibre cables for use with telecommunication equipment and devices employing similar techniques, and to cables having a combination of both optical fibres and electrical conductors.
NOTE Throughout the document, the wording "optical cable" can also include optical fibre units, microduct fibre units, etc.
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 02-Jul-2026
- Technical Committee
- CLC/TC 86A - Optical fibres and optical fibre cables
- Current Stage
- 6060 - Document made available - Publishing
- Start Date
- 03-Jul-2026
- Due Date
- 06-Mar-2026
- Completion Date
- 03-Jul-2026
Overview
EN IEC 60794-1-117:2026 is an international standard developed by CLC and IEC, specifying basic mechanical test methods for optical fibre cables, with a focus on determining cable bending stiffness (Method E17). As a part of the EN IEC 60794 series, this document is essential for manufacturers, testing laboratories, and network operators who require reliable and consistent cable performance data. The standard provides three principal test methods-three-point bend, cantilever bend, and buckling bend-to assess the flexibility and ruggedness of optical fibre cables used in telecommunications and related fields.
By following these standardized mechanical test procedures, stakeholders can ensure optical fibre cables meet stringent quality, durability, and performance expectations critical for modern optical networks.
Key Topics
- Bending Stiffness Measurement: The core topic of EN IEC 60794-1-117:2026 is the objective measurement of optical fibre cable bending stiffness using three alternative test methods, each suitable for different cable types and installation scenarios.
- Testing Methods Overview:
- Method E17A: Three-Point Bend - Designed primarily for large cables, this method measures how a cable resists bending between two support points.
- Method E17B: Cantilever Bend - Applicable to both large and small cables, including lightly armoured and indoor cables, this method assesses stiffness by applying a force at the end of a clamped cable.
- Method E17C: Buckling Bend - Targeted at small, reinforced single-fibre cables, this method evaluates stiffness during tight U-bend scenarios.
- Reproducibility and Limitations: The standard notes that due to apparatus design and cable complexity, there can be significant variation in results. As such, these tests are primarily investigative rather than for strict performance conformance.
- Reporting and Specification: Each method outlines necessary test parameters (sample length, forces, distances, number of tests) and reporting requirements to ensure consistency and traceability.
Applications
EN IEC 60794-1-117:2026 finds practical use in the following areas:
- Product Development and Quality Assurance: Cable manufacturers use these procedures to verify that new or existing optical fibre cables possess appropriate mechanical properties for intended deployment scenarios.
- Network Design and Installation: Telecom network planners depend on bending stiffness values to ensure cables can withstand installation processes such as pulling, blowing, or routing without excessive risk of damage.
- Compliance Testing: Independent testing laboratories employ these standardized methods for third-party verifications, tender qualifications, and technical documentation.
- Cable Selection for Specific Environments: Decision-makers choose suitable cable types for environments with demanding mechanical stresses, such as underground ducting, indoor wiring, or aerial installations.
- Failure Analysis and Troubleshooting: Understanding stiffness characteristics helps in diagnosing mechanical failures or cable performance issues in deployed networks.
Related Standards
The following international standards are referenced for use in conjunction or as a basis for EN IEC 60794-1-117:2026:
IEC 60794-1-1:Optical fibre cables - Part 1-1: Generic specification - General
Provides terminology, general requirements, and fundamental guidance for optical fibre cable standards.IEC 60794-1-2:Optical fibre cables - Part 1-2: Generic specification - Basic optical cable test procedures – General guidance
Serves as a comprehensive reference for a wide range of cable testing methods beyond mechanical tests.IEC 60794-1-21: Includes earlier test methods, with certain procedures now replaced by EN IEC 60794-1-117.
These standards work collectively to offer a robust framework for the design, testing, and deployment of optical fibre cables in global telecommunication networks, supporting enhanced cable quality, reliability, and performance.
Keywords: optical fibre cables, bending stiffness, mechanical test methods, EN IEC 60794-1-117, cable testing, telecommunications standards, Method E17, fibre optics, cable performance, CLC standard
Relations
- Effective Date
- 09-Sep-2025
- Effective Date
- 09-Sep-2025
- Effective Date
- 16-Jun-2026
- Effective Date
- 07-Jul-2026
- Effective Date
- 07-Jul-2026
- Effective Date
- 07-Jul-2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
EN IEC 60794-1-117:2026 is a standard published by CLC. Its full title is "Optical fibre cables - Part 1-117: Generic specification - Basic optical cable test procedures - Mechanical test methods - Bending stiffness, method E17". This standard covers: This part of IEC 60794 defines the test procedures used to establish uniform requirements for bending stiffness performance. It applies to optical fibre cables for use with telecommunication equipment and devices employing similar techniques, and to cables having a combination of both optical fibres and electrical conductors. NOTE Throughout the document, the wording "optical cable" can also include optical fibre units, microduct fibre units, etc.
This part of IEC 60794 defines the test procedures used to establish uniform requirements for bending stiffness performance. It applies to optical fibre cables for use with telecommunication equipment and devices employing similar techniques, and to cables having a combination of both optical fibres and electrical conductors. NOTE Throughout the document, the wording "optical cable" can also include optical fibre units, microduct fibre units, etc.
EN IEC 60794-1-117:2026 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 33.180.10 - Fibres and cables. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN IEC 60794-1-117:2026 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 60794-1-21:2015, EN 60794-1-21:2015/A1:2020, EN IEC 60794-1-1:2023, EN IEC 62148-1:2018, EN 3745-505:2018, CLC/TS 50621:2016. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
EN IEC 60794-1-117:2026 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-september-2026
Nadomešča:
SIST EN 60794-1-21:2015
SIST EN 60794-1-21:2015/A1:2020
Optični kabli - 1-117. del: Splošna specifikacija - Osnovni preskusni postopki za
optične kable - Mehanske preskusne metode - Upogibna togost, metoda E17 (IEC
60794-1-117:2026)
Optical fibre cables - Part 1-117: Generic specification - Basic optical cable test
procedures - Mechanical tests methods - Bending stiffness, Method E17 (IEC 60794-1-
117:2026)
Lichtwellenleiterkabel – Teil 1-117: Fachgrundspezifikation - Grundlegende
Prüfverfahren für Lichtwellenleiterkabel - Mechanische Prüfverfahren - Biegesteifigkeit,
Verfahren E17 (IEC 60794-1-117:2026)
Câbles à fibres optiques - Partie 1-117: Spécification générique - Procédures
fondamentales d’essais des câbles optiques - Méthodes d’essais mécaniques - Raideur,
méthode E17 (IEC 60794-1-117:2026)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN IEC 60794-1-117:2026
ICS:
33.180.10 (Optična) vlakna in kabli Fibres and cables
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
EUROPEAN STANDARD EN IEC 60794-1-117
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM July 2026
ICS 33.180.10 Supersedes EN 60794-1-21:2015 (partially); EN 60794-1-
21:2015/A1:2020 (partially)
English Version
Optical fibre cables - Part 1-117: Generic specification - Basic
optical cable test procedures - Mechanical test methods -
Bending stiffness, method E17
(IEC 60794-1-117:2026)
Câbles à fibres optiques - Partie 1-117: Spécification Lichtwellenleiterkabel - Teil 1-117: Fachgrundspezifikation -
générique - Procédures fondamentales d'essais des câbles Grundlegende Prüfverfahren für Lichtwellenleiterkabel -
optiques - Méthodes d'essais mécaniques - Raideur, Mechanische Prüfverfahren - Biegesteifigkeit, Verfahren
méthode E17 E17
(IEC 60794-1-117:2026) (IEC 60794-1-117:2026)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2026-06-24. CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC
Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the
same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Türkiye and the United Kingdom.
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2026 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN IEC 60794-1-117:2026 E
European foreword
The text of document 86A/2685/FDIS, future edition 1 of IEC 60794-1-117, prepared by SC 86A
"Fibres and cables" of IEC/TC 86 "Fibre optics" was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote and
approved by CENELEC as EN IEC 60794-1-117:2026.
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which the document has to be implemented at national (dop) 2027-07-31
level by publication of an identical national standard or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards conflicting with the (dow) 2029-07-31
document have to be withdrawn
This document partially supersedes EN 60794-1-21:2015 and all of its amendments and corrigenda (if
any).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CENELEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national committee. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CENELEC website.
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 60794-1-117:2026 was approved by CENELEC as a
European Standard without any modification.
In the official version, for Bibliography, the following note has to be added for the standard indicated:
IEC 60794-1-2 NOTE Approved as EN IEC 60794-1-2
Annex ZA
(normative)
Normative references to international publications
with their corresponding European publications
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments)
applies.
NOTE 1 Where an International Publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod),
the relevant EN/HD applies.
NOTE 2 Up-to-date information on the latest versions of the European Standards listed in this annex is available
here: www.cencenelec.eu.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 60794-1-1 - Optical fibre cables - Part 1-1: Generic EN IEC 60794-1-1 -
specification - General
IEC 60794-1-117 ®
Edition 1.0 2026-05
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Optical fibre cables -
Part 1-117: Generic specification - Basic optical cable test procedures -
Mechanical tests methods - Bending stiffness, method E17
ICS 33.180.10 ISBN 978-2-8327-1249-8
IEC 60794-1-117:2026-05(en)
IEC 60794-1-117:2026 © IEC 2026
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 2
INTRODUCTION . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 General requirements. 5
5 Object . 5
6 Method E17A: Three-point bend . 6
6.1 Sample . 6
6.2 Apparatus . 6
6.3 Procedure . 6
6.4 Requirement . 7
6.5 Details to be specified . 7
6.6 Details to be reported . 7
7 Method E17B: Cantilever bend . 7
7.1 Sample . 7
7.2 Apparatus . 7
7.3 Procedure . 8
7.4 Requirements . 8
7.5 Details to be specified . 8
7.6 Details to be reported . 8
8 Method E17C: Buckling bend . 8
8.1 Sample . 8
8.2 Apparatus . 8
8.3 Procedure . 9
8.4 Requirements . 9
8.5 Details to be specified . 9
8.6 Details to be reported . 9
Bibliography . 12
Figure 1 – Method E17A – Test set-up . 10
Figure 2 – Example of results of applied force and displacement . 10
Figure 3 – Method E17B – Test set-up . 10
Figure 4 – Method E17C – Test set-up. 11
IEC 60794-1-117:2026 © IEC 2026
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
Optical fibre cables -
Part 1-117: Generic specification - Basic optical cable test procedures -
Mechanical test methods - Bending stiffness, method E17
FOREWORD
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