1.1 Product identificationThis specification contains the initial, start of life dimensional, optical, mechanical and environmental performance requirements of a fully installed blown fibre 'microduct' connector in order for it to be categorised as an EN standard product.This product specification covers the following 'microduct connectors' to suit a wide range of blown fibre applications, for floating or fixed:- joining the same size microduct, or different sizes of microduct;- joining same size protected microduct, to same or different size of microduct or protected microduct;- disconnection of the connector to gain access, for example, to insert blowing equipment;- a means to seal the fibre inside the connector to prevent the flow of liquids;- close off open-ended microducts.This product specification covers blown fibre microduct connectors for use in 'sub-ducts or protected micro-duct cable closures' as specified in EN 50411-2-5 for use in outside environments, and for both sealed and non-sealed closures. The outside environment includes both subterranean (underground) and/or aerial applications.This document includes reducer/enlarger products. It may not be possible to blow through these devices. Manual feeding may be required because of the pressure gradient step. This product specification does not apply to microduct connectors for use in direct sunlight.1.2 Operating environmentThe tests selected, combined with the severity and duration, are representative of an outside plant environment for both subterranean and aerial environments defined by- ETSI EN 300 019 series: class 8.1: underground locations,- EN 61753-1: all categories.1.3 ReliabilityWhilst the anticipated service life expectancy of the product in these environments 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.1.4 Quality assuranceCompliance with this specification does not guarantee the manufacturing consistency of the product. This should be maintained using a recognised quality assurance programme.1.5 Safety labelling - Warning: need for an 'over pressure device' in sealed closures All air blown fibre connectors, supplied to this standard, must have a warning on the product or packaging to read as follows:Where the air blown fibre connector is installed inside a sealed airtight closure or housing, the closure must be able to be fitted with an over pressure safety system that is able to exhaust air to atmospheric pressure.