1.1Product definitionThis specification contains the dimensional, optical, mechanical and environmental performance requirements of a fully installed splice closure for use in optical distribution networks at ground level (category G) in order for it to be categorised as an EN standard product. This type of sealed closure is intended for easy and/or frequent opening and closing in FTTH distribution and drop cable networks.NOTE The sealing performance requirements and test severities of these closures are selected to obtain an IP 67 intrusion protection performance as defined in EN 60529.1.2Operating environmentThe tests selected combined with the severity and duration are representative of an outside plant for ground level environment defined by EN 61753-1, category G: ground level. This corresponds with:-operating temperature range: -40 °C to +65 °C;-direct exposure to non weather protected outside plant conditions;-deployment at ground level up to 3 metres above ground level;-additionally to the category G environment, a deployment till 1 metre below ground level is added. Direct buried applications are allowed, however additional protection will be required when the locations are intended for passage of cars or other heavy vehicles.1.3ReliabilityWhilst the anticipated service life expectancy of the product in this environment is 20 years, compliance with this specification does not guarantee the reliability of the product. This should be predicted using a recognised reliability assessment programme.1.4Quality assuranceCompliance with this specification does not guarantee the manufacturing consistency of the product. This should be maintained using a recognised quality assurance programme.1.5Allowed fibre and cable typesAlthough the performance tests are carried out on test samples containing dispersion unshifted single mode fibre (see Annex A), the closure, once tested according to this product specification, will be also suited for other fibre types like dispersion shifted, non-zero dispersion shifted and multimode fibres. This closure standard allows both single mode and multimode fibre to be used and covers IEC standard optical fibre cables with their various fibre capacities, types and designs. This includes, but is not limited to, optical fibre cable standards EN 60794-2 (indoor), EN 60794-3 (outdoor).