12 Aug 2025

⚛️New Regulatory Guide for Fiber-Optic Cables in Nuclear Safety

Regulatory Guide: Qualification of Fiber-Optic Cables, Connections, and Optical Fiber Splices for Use in Safety Systems for Production and Utilization Facilities

Summary

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is issuing a new Regulatory Guide (RG) 1.257, "Qualification of Fiber-Optic Cables, Connections, and Optical Fiber Splices for Use in Safety Systems for Production and Utilization Facilities." This RG describes an approach that is acceptable to the staff of the NRC for use in complying with the NRC's regulations that address the environmental qualification of fiber-optic cables, connections, and optical fiber splices in safety systems in production and utilization facilities. This RG endorses, subject to the conditions described in Section C of the RG, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standard 1682- 2023, "IEEE Standard for Qualifying Fiber Optic Cables, Connections, and Optical Fiber Splices for Use in Safety Systems in Nuclear Power Generating Stations."

Agencies

  • Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Business Impact ?

$$$ - High

The regulatory guide (RG 1.257) details compliance and qualification standards for fiber-optic cables in nuclear safety systems. Businesses dealing with nuclear production and utilization facilities must comply with these regulations, impacting operations and technology procurement.

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