Aspects of Accelerated Aging Tests Used on Connectors and Terminals for the U.K. External Telephone Network

Accelerated aging tests are used universally by telecommunications organizations to test connectors for their external telephone networks. However, the tests are sometimes based on empirical rather than fundamental parameters. The factors which should be considered when designing an aging test are discussed, and the tests that British Telecom Research Laboratories have developed are described. Test results are subsequently presented for a variety of external connector types. These results suggest that the environmental test correctly simulates and accelerates service conditions. That is, it is possible to differentiate clearly between good and failed connectors. The tests are suggested to be a good compromise between producing quick and realistic results.