FIA guide to fibre testing using LSPM equipment Released 9 August 2002 The Fibreoptic Industry Association has published a new Technical Support Guide, 2000-4-2-1, covering the correct methods, equipment and cords to be used during testing of both singlemode and multimode cables when measuring link and channel attenuation in installed cabling systems using Light Source and Power Meter equipment. When the original standards such as BS 7718, IEC 61280-4-2 and, in the US, ANSI/TIA/EIA-526-7-A, were originally published, it was implicitly assumed that the links under test would be long haul interconnects. Since then, link lengths have reduced as multimode optical fibre cable is increasingly used in LANs; consequently, the inevitable measurement uncertainty can now be of sufficient magnitude to introduce spurious fail results in short links of less than 300m. While there is considerable agreement between the various published International, European and British test procedure Standards, these are all relevant for testing in one direction only; this document extends the application of these standards to small form factor connectors, some of which are asymmetrical in construction. The new FIA guide is easy to use, with comprehensive diagrams showing the relevant type of test equipment, test cords and the cabling configuration, together with the appropriate test regimes for component acceptance, legacy cabling acceptance, partial completion tests, installed cable acceptance and fault diagnosis. The guide is available by download from the FIA website, www.fibreoptic.org.uk, on CD or as hard copy. It is free to FIA members; it costs £150 to non-members who can order online or by contacting the Secretariat on 01763 273039 or by email jane@fiasec.demon.co.uk. *** Ends: body copy 253 words *** Notes to Editors. For further information: FIA commercial contact: Andrew Watson Commercial Director c/o Molex Premise Networks tel: 01489 572111 fax: 01489 559130 arwatson@molex.com FIA administrative contact: Jane Morrison Fibreoptic Industry Association The Manor House Buntingford SG9 9AB tel: 01763 273039 fax: 01763 273255 jane@fiasec.demon.co.uk www.fibreoptic.org.uk Agency contact: Nigel May Parkfield Parkfield House Damerham SP6 3HQ tel: 01725 518321 fax: 01725 518378 Nigel_May@parkfield.co.uk www.parkfield.co.uk The Fibreoptic Industry Association represents more than 80% of UK companies involved in the manufacture or installation of fibre optic components and systems for voice and data communications. The Association provides advice to end-users, runs training and qualification services for its members, contributes to the development of national and international standards and generally represents the interests of the fibre industry. Its web site, www.fibreoptic.org.uk provides a free online reference service to all visitors.