NET.Fit: performed tests and achieved results
Tierre Group development of the NET.Fit range couldn’t disregard the reference specifications issued by the FTTH Council and coming from the studies about the installation of the “blowing fibers” in the area of FTTH networks (Fiber to the Homes). The present panoramic related to the tests executed according to the above specifications
proves how much attention Tierre Group pays to the fulfillment not only of the norms requirements but above all to the warranty of supplying a product with remarkable performances and with characteristics in line with the highest expectations of the optical fibers market.
1 · Vibration test
Test of resistance to sinusoidal vibrations according to EN 61300-2-1
The test was executed in Milan TUV labs. The NET.Fit fittings samples were submitted to vibration according to the norm on the three axes. At the end of the test all fittings underwent a check including 100 cycles of use with 10 bar pressure and they pointed out a perfect functioning.
The NET.Fit fittings samples were submitted to vibration according to the norm on the three axes.
2 · Retention test
Retention test, traction resistance test according to EN 61300-2-4
The test was executed in Tierre Group test labs and it is periodically repeated. NET.Fit fittings proved their capacity to hold Microducts of different sizes and to stand traction forces bigger than those provided for by the norm. All destruction tests were carried out after having submitted every single fitting to a traction force equal to 55 N for an hour time
Test di resistenza alla trazione.
3 · Crush resistance
Crush resistance according to EN 61300-2-10
The test was executed in Milan TUV labs. It’s a test which mostly shows NET.Fit capacity to stand the extreme use “direct burried”. When installing, Microducts are connected to fittings and buried.
Often the digs (or better the Slot Cutting) into the ground are covered and paved and they subject what is underlying to pressures coming from the crushing of the above ground. NET.Fit fittings pre-conditioned in climatic chamber at -15°C and at + 45°C were submitted to compression test with the application of a progressive force until 50kN, equal to 5098 kg. The fittings resist until a force of 4000 kg. and also after yielding, they keep their capacity to hold the tube, protecting the optical fiber cable inside and maintaining the impermeability.
Fitting submitted to a pressure of 4000 kg.
Fitting after crushing at 5000 kg. with the tube still inserted and the gaskets perfectly functioning.
Another picture of a fitting of smaller dimensions submitted to crushing.
4 · Impact resistance
Impact resistance according to EN 60794-1-2 method E4
The test was executed in Milan TUV labs. The fittings were pre-conditioned in climatic chamber at 15°C and at + 45°C. In order to simulate the impact steel spheres with a diameter of 50 mm. and a weight of 0,5 kg. and with a diameter of 75 mm. and a weight of 1,7 kg. have been used.
The spheres were dropped vertically on the fittings from an height of 1 meter and they impacted on them in different positions with forces of 4,9J and 16,7J. After this test, the fittings proved to be completely intact and kept their functionality.
5 · Re-entries
Reuse test according to EN 61300-2-33
Test was carried out in Tierre Group test labs and it’s repeated for every single production batch. In addition to what is provided for by the norm the fittings were submitted to a tension of 55N for an hour.
After this periods they were verified again and they showed their complete entirety.
6 · Temperature changes resistance
Temperature changes resistance tests according to EN 61300-2-222
The test was executed in Milan TUV labs and it was also used as other tests pre-conditioning, as previously described. All the following tests, including the tests which required the fittings´ pre-conditioning gave positive results.
7 · Immersion test.
Executed according to EN 61300-2-23 specifications
The test was performed in Tierre Group test labs. The fittings, placed in circuits united with the related microducts, were immersed in water inside a container in pressure and they were submitted to an external pressure of 50 kpa. The pressure was periodically checked (every 8 hours for 7 total days of continuous tests). The fittings later checked proved to be watertight.
8 · Salt mist.
Ageing test according to EN 61300-2-26
The test was executed in Milan TUV labs. The fittings were put in a salt mist chamber and connected to the related microducts, simulating the actual use. The chamber was set up at a temperature of 35°C and the environment was saturated with 5% sodium chloride solution. The PH value of the solution was kept between 6,5 and 7,2.
The total duration of the test was of 168 hours and the fittings were checked after 16 hours, 24 hours and 96 hours. Later the entirety and the functionality of the fittings were verified. Even though they showed some little points of corrosions, the fittings proved to be perfectly functioning.
Fittings put in salt mist chamber.
Points of corrosion after 168 hours.
9 · Resistance to solvents and contaminating fluid
Test carried out according to EN 61300-2-24
The test was performed in Milan TUV labs. The fittings, one for each kind of solution, were submitted to a check and they were immersed for 5 days at a monitored temperature of 23°C in solutions created on purpose and made of 70% distilled water and 30% of the following chemical agents/fluids:
- HCl with pH 2
- NaOH with pH 12
- Kerosene ISO 1998-1
- Vaseline
- Diesel fuel for traction
- NaCl at 5%
- White spirit
- Isopropyl alcohol
They were also immersed for 5 days at a monitored temperature of 50°C in a solution at 10% with cleaner. All the fittings verified later proved to be perfectly intact and able to function without any difficulty.
10 · High pressure resistance
Safety test according to EN 50411-2-8, attachment C
The test was executed in Tierre Group test labs and it is periodically repeated. The circuit made with NET.Fit fittings and microducts was led up to a pressure of 25 bar in 30”. The pressure was kept for a time not less than 3 hours. During the tests no losses, disconnections or damages were found and the fittings proved to be perfectly intact and functioning.
11 · Tube insertion force
Verified according to EN 50411-2-8, attachment E
The test was carried out in Tierre Group labs. This test is part of the random tests which are executed both in production and in Tierre Group building for every production batch. The insertion force necessary to connect the microducts to NET.Fit fittings was verified and it proved to be complying with the reference norm.
Besides the above mentioned tests, Tierre Group executed in its own test lab the tests related to TELECOM ITALIA specifications for the fittings with diameter 12 mm. and 14 mm. Specifically the NET.Fit range is complying with TELECOM ITALIA STOAGV01237 specification.