1. Scope
Defines the mandatory test regime for accepting installed fiber links: insertion loss (Tier 1), OTDR characterization (Tier 2), and result documentation.
2. Normative requirements
2.1 Every installed link shall receive Tier 1 insertion-loss testing with an OLTS using the one-cord reference method; encircled-flux launch applies to multimode.
2.2 Test wavelengths: 850 and 1300 nm (multimode); 1310 and 1550 nm (single-mode); 1625 nm additionally where the project specifies monitoring or PON service.
2.3 Links shall be tested in both directions and the mean value reported per wavelength.
2.4 Pass criterion: measured loss ≤ calculated budget per FOI-S-005 for that link. Negative loss values invalidate the reference and require re-referencing.
2.5 Tier 2 OTDR testing applies to all outside-plant links >200 m and to any link failing or within 0.5 dB of budget: both wavelengths, both directions, with launch and receive fibers; group index set from cable data.
2.6 Event limits unless the project specifies stricter: fusion splice ≤0.10 dB; mechanical splice ≤0.30 dB; mated connector pair ≤0.75 dB; reflectance ≤−45 dB UPC / ≤−60 dB APC.
2.7 Native instrument result files shall be delivered; retyped values alone are not acceptable.
3. Acceptance criteria
A link is accepted when all pass criteria in 2.4–2.6 are met and results are recorded per FOI-S-006 with instrument identity and calibration date.