What is BS EN IEC 61757 - Fibre optic sensors about?
BS EN IEC 61757 is a series on fibre optic sensors. A fibre-optic sensor is a sensor that uses fibre either as the sensing element or as a means of relaying signals from a remote sensor to the electronics that process the signals. BS EN IEC 61757 is a generic specification covering optical fibres, components, and subassemblies about fibre optic sensing applications.
BS EN IEC 61757 has been designed to be used as a common working and discussion tool by the vendors of components and subassemblies intended to be integrated into fibre optic sensors, as well as by designers, manufacturers and users of fibre optic sensors independent of any application or installation.
The objective of BS EN IEC 61757 is to define, classify and provide the framework for specifying fibre optic sensors, and their specific components and subassemblies. The requirements of BS EN IEC 61757 apply to all related fibre optic sensor standards which belong to IEC 61757 (all parts). Standards of IEC 61757 (all parts) contain requirements specific to sensors for quantities subject to measurement, and for a particular style or variant of such a fibre optic sensor.
Who is BS EN IEC 61757 - Fibre optic sensors for?
BS EN IEC 61757 on fibre optic sensors is useful for:
- Telecommunication equipment manufacturers
- Design engineers
- Quality control personnel
- Research and development facilities
Why should you use BS EN IEC 61757 - Fibre optic sensors?
A fibre optic sensor contains an optical or optically powered sensing element in which the information is created by the reaction of light to a measurand. The sensing element can be the fibre itself or an optically powered element inserted along the optical path. In a fibre optic sensor, one or more light parameters are directly or indirectly modified by the measurand somewhere in the optical path, contrary to an optical data link where the information is merely transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver.
Generic tests or measurement methods for fibre optic sensors are defined in BS EN IEC 61757. Where possible, these definitions are by reference to an IEC standard – otherwise, the test or measurement method is outlined in the relevant standard of the fibre optic sensor standard series. BS EN IEC 61757 gives examples of fibre optic sensors to better illustrate the classification scheme. The examples given are illustrative only and are not limitative, nor do they constitute a recommendation or endorsement of a particular transduction principle. Using BS EN IEC 61757 you can define, classify, and provide the framework for specifying fibre optic sensors.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN IEC 61757:2018 supersedes BS EN 61757‑1:2012. BS EN IEC 61757:2018 includes some technical changes with respect to BS EN 61757‑1:2012. These include:
- Change of the document number due to a new structure of the fibre optic standard series
- Update of the normative references and bibliography
- Revision of annexe a.

