IEC 61753-021-06:2023 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 categorised as meeting the IEC standard category OP+ (extended outdoor protected environment), as defined in IEC 61753-1. If tests were performed on the connectors terminated as pigtails or patchcords for category OP+HD and the product passed, the product will be automatically qualified or categorized as meeting the IEC standard for category OP+. If tests are performed on the connectors terminated as pigtails or patchcords for category OP+, and the product passes, the product will be automatically qualified or categorized as meeting the IEC standard for categories OP and C. This first edition cancels and replaces the first edition of IEC 61753-021-6 published in 2007. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to IEC 61753-021-6:2007:
a) updated environmental category (from O to OP+), tests and their severities according to IEC 61753-1:2018;
b) removed the copyright notice as it is no longer needed;
c) changed title and scope to remove restrictions on attenuation and return loss grades;
d) changed the term and definitions of the different types of test samples (pigtail test samples and patchcord test samples) used in the various tests to avoid confusion;
e) removed the term and definition for small form factor (SFF) connectors as it is no longer used in the document;
f) updated fibre naming conventions according to IEC 60793-2-50: and added provisions for B-657 fibres;
g) added all the attenuation and return loss grades defined in IEC 61753-1;
h) removed the static side load test;
i) removed the need to perform all tests sequentially to align with other performance standards;
j) added provisions for rectangular ferrule connectors;
k) 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.