This part of IEC 61300 contains a series of environmental test and measurement procedures and, in some cases, preferred severities designed to assess the ability of fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components to perform under expected service conditions. Although the severities are primarily intended for land-based communications, the procedures may be used for other applications. The object of this standard is to provide uniform and reproducible environmental test procedures and measurement procedures, for those preparing specifications for fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components. These test and measurement procedures are designed to provide information on the following properties of components and equipment, such as connectors, splices, switches, attenuators, etc.: a) ability to operate within specified limits of temperature, pressure, humidity, mechanical stress or other environmental conditions and certain combinations of these conditions; b) ability to withstand storage and transport; c) ability to meet the specified levels of optical performance. This standard should be used in combination with the relevant specification which will define the tests to be used, the required degree of severity for each of them, their sequence, if relevant, and the permissible performance limits. In the event of conflict between this basic standard and the relevant specification, the latter will take precedence.