IEC 61300-2-38-2023 PDF

Full title and description

Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components - Basic test and measurement procedures - Part 2-38: Tests - Sealing for fibre optic sealed closures and hardened connectors using air pressure. This international standard specifies air‑pressure based test methods to evaluate the sealing performance of sealed fibre‑optic closures and hardened (weatherproof/robust) connectors and adaptors.

Abstract

IEC 61300-2-38:2023 (Edition 3.0) defines two air‑pressure test methods to assess the sealing integrity of fibre‑optic sealed closures and hardened connectors. The 2023 edition replaces the 2006 edition and extends the scope to include sealed hardened connectors and adaptors, recommends test severities aligned with IEC 61753-1, and provides updated test configurations and procedures for both closures and hardened connector assemblies.

General information

• Status: Current (active international standard)
• Publication date: 28 July 2023
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
• ICS / categories: 33.180.20 (Fibre optic interconnecting devices)
• Edition / version: 3.0
• Number of pages: 25

Scope

This part of IEC 61300 specifies procedures using air pressure to test the sealing performance of fibre optic sealed closures and hardened connectors (including adaptors where applicable). It gives two practical test methods and associated test configurations for applying pressurization, measuring leakage or pressure decay, and evaluating sealing integrity under specified severities. The standard is intended for use where sealing performance is required by the relevant product specification or procurement requirement.

Key topics and requirements

• Two air‑pressure based test methods for sealing assessment of sealed closures and hardened connectors.
• Test configurations and fixtures for closures, hardened connectors and adaptors.
• Reference to recommended test severities and environmental conditioning aligned with IEC 61753-1.
• Measurement principles: pressurization, pressure hold/decay and leakage evaluation (qualitative and/or quantitative as specified by the product specification).
• Acceptance/assessment criteria and procedural notes for interpreting test results and identifying sealing failures (e.g., unacceptable pressure loss, infiltration, visible ingress).
• Guidance on sample preparation, sealing interfaces, and test adaptation for different product geometries.

Typical use and users

Used by manufacturers of fibre‑optic sealed closures, hardened connectors and adaptors, independent test laboratories, quality and R&D engineers, telecom network operators and procurement/specification teams to verify sealing performance, confirm product compliance with sealing requirements, and support design validation and production testing.

Related standards

Other parts of the IEC 61300 series (basic test and measurement procedures) and related product/qualification standards for fibre‑optic devices; IEC 61753-1 for recommended test severities; regional/adopted versions (EN/ national adoptions) where applicable. Users often consult complementary standards on environmental testing and ingress protection when defining overall qualification criteria.

Keywords

sealing; air pressure test; fibre optic closure; hardened connector; leakage; pressure decay; IEC 61300; IEC 61753; adaptor; sealed closure; test method; telecom outside plant.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 61300-2-38:2023 is an international standard that specifies air‑pressure based test methods to evaluate the sealing performance of fibre‑optic sealed closures and hardened connectors.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers two test methods using air pressure, associated test configurations and procedures, and guidance for assessing sealing integrity (leakage/pressure decay and visible ingress) for sealed closures, hardened connectors and adaptors. It also aligns test severities with IEC 61753-1.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers, independent test laboratories, R&D and quality engineers, telecom operators, and specification/procurement teams who need to verify or require defined sealing performance for fibre‑optic outdoor closures and robust connectors.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current. The 2023 third edition (published 28 July 2023, Edition 3.0) cancels and replaces the previous 2006 edition.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. It is part of the IEC 61300 series (Basic test and measurement procedures for fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components) and is related to IEC 61753-1 for recommended test severities.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Sealing, air pressure test, fibre optic closure, hardened connector, leakage, pressure decay, IEC 61300, IEC 61753, adaptor.