This procedure provides a method to determine the ability of optical fiber cables to withstand impact loads.

The following parameters may be measured or observed:

(a) The number of broken fibers caused by impacting the cable.

(b) Damage to the outer sheath.

(c) Changes in optical transmittance.

This test method may be too stringent for some product designs and applications, and the recommended criteria may be quite moderate for other applications. When specifying product test requirements, Detail Specification writers should keep in mind the applicability of this test relative to their needs. Detail Specification writers should also recognize that there may be little or no justification for increasing or decreasing impact forces solely on the basis of an increase in cable diameter.

NOTE – The redefinition of the impact hammer for non-Military applications in this revision is significantly different from that of revision C and earlier (see Annex A). It harmonizes with the test method used in IEC 60794-1-21, Method E4 (see Annex B).