1.1Product definitionThis European Standard contains the initial, start of life dimensional, optical, mechanical and environmental performance requirements which a terminated and assembled singlemode resilient alignment sleeve LC-PC duplex connector set (plug / adaptor / plug) must meet in order for it to be categorised as an European Standard product.Since different variants and grades of performance are permitted, product marking details are given in 3.5.1.2IntermateabilityAlthough all products conforming to the requirements of this European Standard will intermate, the resulting level of random attenuation performance will only be ensured in accordance with Table 1. The intention is that this will be true irrespective of the manufacturing source(s) of the product.In all cases, the intermating of plug variants having different attenuation or return loss grades will result in an uncertain level of random attenuation performance. When intermating plug variants having different return loss grades, the resulting level of return loss can not be assured to be any better than the worst return loss grade. Similarly, the intermating of a grade P plug with a grade Q plug will result in an uncertain level of random attenuation performance.A simplex plug can be connected in a duplex adaptor without degrading the level of performance.1.3Operating environmentThe tests selected combined with the severities and durations are representative of an external weather protected environment defined by:•ES 200 671External weather protected environment defined by ES 300 019 classes 3.3, 3.4 and 3.5;•EN 61753-2-1Category U: uncontrolled environment1.4ReliabilityWhilst the anticipated service life expectancy of the product in this environment is 20 years, compliance with this European Standard does not guarantee the reliability of the product. This should be predicted using a recognised reliability assessment programme.1.5Quality assuranceCompliance with this European Standard does not guarantee the manufacturing consistency of the product. This should be maintained using a recognised quality assurance programme.