What is PD IEC TR 63194 - Guidance on colour coding of optical fibre cables about?
PD IEC TR 63194 discusses guidance on colour coding of optical fibre cables. A fibre-optic cable, also known as an optical-fibre cable, is an assembly similar to an electrical cable, but containing one or more optical fibres that are used to carry light. PD IEC TR 63194 examines the need for and intent of colour coding of optical fibre cables. Further, PD IEC TR 63194 lists the major colour codes in various regions throughout the world. Noting that decades of discussion of a universal recommended colour coding scheme has failed to bring about an agreement, this document does not intend to promote any listed colour code above any other.
PD IEC TR 63194 includes regional information on the colour coding of units when different from the fibre code, and of jackets to convey information about the types of fibres within, or the types of performance expected. PD IEC TR 63194 also includes information on colours beyond the basic 12 set out in IEC 60304.
Note: PD IEC TR 63194 is not a normative document, but, rather, a guide to the subject of colour coding of cables.
Who is PD IEC TR 63194 - Guidance on colour coding of optical fibre cables for?
PD IEC TR 63194 on guidance on colour coding of optical fibre cables is useful for:
- Telecommunication component manufacturers
- Telecommunication equipment manufacturers
- Electrical cable manufacturers
- Design engineers
- Quality control personnel
Why should you use PD IEC TR 63194 - Guidance on colour coding of optical fibre cables?
The optical fibre elements are typically individually coated with plastic layers and contained in a protective tube suitable for the environment where the cable is used. Colour coding of fibres is a useful method to uniquely identify fibres within a cable. For most fibre system architectures, such identification is considered essential. A number of schemes for fibre identification have evolved in various regions. Attempts to unify the schemes have not yet been successful, as they are embedded in the system architecture. Jacket colour coding is frequently used for a variety of reasons – most commonly in indoor cables. The intent of PD IEC TR 63194 is to collect that and other relevant information for application to all cable types defined by IEC 60794 (all parts).
IEC 60304 [1] defines the 12 colours currently identified for fibre identification but does not specify which colour is for which fibre number. IEC 60794-2:2002 [5] does define a colour code, but this has been determined to have been construed as not representing any existing major colour code; furthermore, it was never adopted by any region. IEC 60794-1-1 [4] contains specific language on the intent of colour coding, and notes that it is "as agreed". PD IEC TR 63194 expands on that intent, offering several specific examples that exist in the various regions. Where the information is available, PD IEC TR 63194 notes the regional specifications from which these examples are taken. Using PD IEC TR 63194 you can examine the need for and intent of colour coding of optical fibre cables and list the major colour codes in various regions throughout the world.
