This document, together with its addenda, provides uniform test procedures for testing fiber optic components intended for, or forming a part of, optical communications and data transmission systems.

Neither this document, nor its addenda, provide procedures designed for testing fiber optic systems. For test procedures for fiber optic systems or subsystems, refer to the TIA/EIA-526 series of documents.

The test procedures included in the addenda to this document are designed to satisfy the broadest possible industry requirements; in general, special test methods are not included. In order to adequately cover these broad industry needs, many of the addenda require that some "option designator," some test parameter definition, and/or some pass/fail criteria to be specified whenever the addendum is called out. Only in special cases (such as specified DoD requirements) are special test details listed in the addendum in addition to the general requirements. Specific test requirements (including DoD requirements) can, of course, be modified by direction of the Detail Specification so that the particular test can accurately reflect the special test needs (more or less severe than standard) of the component in question. In the event of conflict between the provisions of these test procedures and those of the Detail Specification, the requirements of the Detail Specification shall govern.

In the terminology of IEC Guide 102 and of EIA EP-11, this document, together with its addenda, is considered to be a Basic Specification.