IEC TR 63194-2019 PDF

Full title and description

IEC TR 63194:2019 — Guidance on colour coding of optical fibre cables. This Technical Report examines the need for and intent of colour coding for optical fibre cables, lists major regional colour codes, and provides guidance on unit, buffer‑tube and jacket colour practices including colours beyond the basic 12 set out in IEC 60304. The document is intended as non‑normative guidance rather than a mandatory specification.

Abstract

This technical report explains the rationale for colour coding of optical fibres and cables, summarises the principal colour schemes used in different regions of the world, and discusses related marking and jacket‑colour practices used to convey fibre type or performance. It clarifies the relationship between basic colour sequences (the 12 standard colours) and additional colours or striping methods used when there are more than 12 fibres or when regional conventions differ. The report does not prescribe a single mandatory global scheme but provides guidance for manufacturers, users and standards developers.

General information

• Status: Published — Technical Report (non‑normative guidance).
• Publication date: 30 January 2019 (published edition 2019). Some national/adoption listings show 6 February 2019 for PD/BSI publication.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), TC 86 / SC 86A (Fibres and cables).
• ICS / categories: 33.180.10 (Fibres and cables).
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (2019).
• Number of pages: 34 pages (IEC webstore listing); some national/adoption catalogues and PD copies list 38 pages (format/covering differences).

Scope

IEC TR 63194:2019 covers guidance on the colour coding of optical fibre cables: why colour coding is used, the intent behind different schemes, and the practical colour sequences and jacket colouring practices used internationally. It summarises regional variants, explains how unit/buffer‑tube and jacket colours can be used to convey fibre counts and fibre-type information, and discusses extension of the basic 12‑colour set (IEC 60304) where required. The report is intended for reference and guidance rather than as a normative prescription.

Key topics and requirements

• Overview of the purpose and benefits of colour coding for identification, installation and maintenance of optical fibre cables.
• Summary and comparison of major regional colour schemes for individual fibres, buffer tubes/units and jackets (including differences between outside‑plant and premises cables).
• Guidance on the basic 12‑colour sequence (as referenced to IEC 60304) and methods to extend the sequence for >12 fibres (striping, additional colours, numbering).
• Recommendations for using jacket colour and printed legends to indicate fibre type (single‑mode, multimode variants) and performance class, and when printed legends are preferred.
• Notes on regional and national departures from a single global scheme and the importance of customer/manufacturer agreement where local practice differs.

Typical use and users

This Technical Report is used as guidance by cable manufacturers, network designers, installers, procurement/specification engineers, testing and commissioning teams, and standards committees. It is useful for anyone who needs to interpret or specify fibre and cable identification schemes across different regions or in multi‑supplier environments (for example, operators, system integrators and training organisations).

Related standards

Relevant and commonly referenced documents include: IEC 60304 (basic colour set referenced by IEC TR 63194), the IEC 60794 series (optical fibre cable family of product and test standards), and national/regional colour‑coding standards such as TIA‑598 (ANSI/TIA‑598) used in North America. Users should consult these documents alongside IEC TR 63194 when preparing specifications.

Keywords

colour coding, colour code, optical fibre cables, fibre identification, jacket colour, buffer tube, IEC TR 63194, TIA‑598, IEC 60304, optical fibres, fibre colour sequence

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC TR 63194:2019 is a Technical Report titled "Guidance on colour coding of optical fibre cables" published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). It is a non‑normative guidance document produced by TC 86/SC 86A.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It explains the rationale for colour coding, lists and compares commonly used regional colour schemes for fibres, units and jackets, and provides guidance on extending the standard 12‑colour sequence and on jacket‑colour/legend practices. It does not mandate a single global colour code.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Cable manufacturers, network designers and installers, procurement/specification engineers, test/commissioning teams, and standards developers refer to this report to understand and harmonise colour coding practices across products and regions.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: IEC TR 63194:2019 is the published Technical Report (first edition, 2019). The IEC listing shows a stability date through 2029; users should check for any later amendments or newer IEC documents if long‑term applicability is critical.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is a standalone Technical Report but is closely related to other IEC work on optical fibres and cables (notably the IEC 60794 series for cable specifications and IEC 60304 for basic colour sets) and is intended to be read in the context of those normative standards.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Colour coding, optical fibre, fibre identification, jacket colour, buffer tube, IEC TR 63194, TIA‑598, IEC 60304.