GR-20-CORE

Specific Requirements for Optical Cables (Informative) Issue 3, May 2008

fiber units and bundles by simply peeling the sheath away from the cable core into
two pieces. An angular separation of at least 120 degrees is considered adequate to
meet this requirement.
Sheath designs that utilize armor/jacket combinations generally require two
ripcords as discussed above. Armored sheath designs wherein the jacket must be
removed prior to the armor being removed may only require one ripcord under the
armor, since longitudinal armor overlap provides one of the two needed openings,
and the armor is easier to open with no jacket attached. Sheaths with inner jackets
may allow use of only one ripcord under the armor/jacket combination, since the
inner jacket will protect the core when pulling it through a single slit.

C.2 Cable Marking, Packaging, and Shipping

C.2.1 Cable Marking

NOTE: For the purpose of cable marking permanence, length marking can
be considered part of this section.

C.2.1.1 Requirements

R6-15 [98v2] The cable markings shall be capable of consistently meeting the
cable marking criterion described in ICEA 640, Section 6.1.1.

R6-16 [99v2] Cable markings shall be resistant to water.

R6-17 [100v2] The character height and spacing shall be in accordance with
standard commercial practice. An occasional illegible marking is
permitted if the remainder of the marking meets ICEA 640, Sections
6.1.1 and 6.3.2.

R6-18 [101] No longer included as a separate item, this requirement is now

included as part of R6-15 [98v2].

C.2.1.2 Sample Size

Each cable sample shall be examined. Specimens shall include a length of cable
from each reel long enough to include a marked section of cable.

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Generic Requirements Specific Requirements for Optical Cables (Informative)

C.2.1.3 Test Procedure

R6-17 [100v2] and the visual requirements of R6-15 [98v2] shall be evaluated based
upon a close inspection of the jacket marking of each cable sample. An occasional
missing marker is permissible if there is a legible marking located not more than 2
meters for cables marked in meters or 4 feet for cables marked in feet, from the
illegible mark.
Determine conformance to R6-16 [99v2] by submerging a marked cable segment in
tap water for 24 hours at 23°C ± 5°C and standard atmospheric conditions. Wipe the
specimen and follow ICEA 640, Section 7.5.2. Subject the sample to the marking
durability test (see Section C.6.6 of this GR) for conformance to R6-78 [172v2] and the
marking durability requirements of R6-15 [98v2].

C.2.1.4 Discussion

Identification and date marks shall be indented, embossed, or surface printed in

white on the outer jacket.
The marking characters shall be dimensioned and spaced to produce good legibility.
The marking method used shall produce a clear, durable, distinguishable, and
contrasting marking.
The characters shall be spaced at intervals not exceeding 24 in (610 mm) for
products marked in feet, or not exceeding 1 m (40 in) for products marked in metric
units.
Cable markings applied on the jacket surface have a tendency to rub or wear off the
cable jacket during handling and placing, particularly in the underground plant
environment.

C.2.2 Cable Re-Marking

C.2.2.1 Requirement

R6-19 [102v2] When re-marked, cables shall meet the requirements of ICEA 640,
Section 6.4.

C.2.2.2 Sample Size

Not applicable.

C.2.2.3 Test Procedure

A statement from the manufacturer concerning cable remarking will be used to

determine compliance to this criterion.

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Specific Requirements for Optical Cables (Informative) Issue 3, May 2008

C.2.3 Identification Marking

C.2.3.1 Requirements

R6-20 [103v2] Each length of cable shall be marked as described in ICEA 640,
Sections 6.2.1 and 6.2.3, with the following additional items included
on the jacket or as agreed upon between the manufacturer and the
customer:
• Name of the manufacturer
• Month/year (e.g., 03/08) of manufacture
• “OPTICAL CABLE”.

R6-21 [104v2] Cables designed for direct burial or underground duct applications
shall be marked as required by ICEA 640, Section 6.2.2.

C.2.3.2 Sample Size

Each cable sample shall be examined.

C.2.3.3 Test Procedure

Each requirement shall be evaluated based upon a close inspection of the jacket
marking of each cable sample.

C.2.3.4 Discussion

Telcordia has developed a cable code described in SR-2014, Suggested Optical Cable
Code (SOCC). This code may be used to identify cables in the field in case a
replacement is needed for restoration or for route continuity of the same cable
structure.

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Generic Requirements Specific Requirements for Optical Cables (Informative)

C.2.4 Cable Length and Length Markings

C.2.4.1 Requirements

R6-22 [106v2] The cable length and length markings shall meet all criteria specified
in ICEA 640, Section 6.3.
• The marking shall be indented, embossed, or surface printed
on the outer jacket. The characters shall be spaced at
intervals of not more than 2 feet for cables marked in feet, and
not more than 1 meter for cables marked in meters. Marking
shall be clear, distinguishable, and contrasting.
• The numbers shall be legible and durable. An occasional
illegible marking is permitted if there is a legible marking
located not more than 2 meters for cables marked in meters,
or 4 feet for cables marked in feet, from the illegible mark.
• The length markings shall not be reset to zero at any point
along the cable length.
• The marking shall be insoluble in water and meet the print
durability requirements of ICEA 640, Section 7.5.2.

R6-23 [107v2] The cable length markings shall meet the accuracy requirement of
ICEA 640, Section 7.12.2. The actual length of the cable shall be
within + 1, - 0% of the indicated length provided by the length
marking.

C.2.4.2 Sample Size

Each cable sample shall be examined and measured. Alternatively, a statement from
the manufacturer concerning cable length marking shall be provided.

C.2.4.3 Test Procedure

Each requirement shall be evaluated based upon a close inspection of the jacket
marking of each cable sample.
The marking shall meet print durability requirements in accordance with ICEA 640,
Section 7.5.2.
Unless otherwise specified by agreement between the manufacturer and the
customer, the accuracy of the length markings will be determined using ICEA 640,
Section 7.12.1.

C.2.4.4 Discussion

Not applicable.

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