This Recommendation:

– refers to optical fibre cables to be mainly used for connecting a household customer and an optical access network;

– deals with the mechanical and environmental characteristics of optical fibre cables for drop applications. The optical fibre dimensional and transmission characteristics, together with their test methods, should comply with [ITU-T G.652] or [ITU-T G.657], which deal with single-mode optical fibres. When using multi-mode or plastic fibres, [IEC 60793-2-10] and [IEC 60793-2-40] are suitable standards, respectively;

– deals with fundamental considerations related to optical fibre cables from mechanical and environmental standpoints;

– acknowledges that some optical fibre cables may contain metallic elements, for which reference should be made to other L-series Recommendations;

– recommends that an optical fibre cable should be provided with cable end-sealing and protection during cable delivery and storage, as used for metallic cables. If splicing components have been factory installed they should be adequately protected.