ITU-T K.21 by the International Telecommunication Union is part of series K which is based on protection against interference (EMI). This Telecommunications Standard puts forth immunity requirements and test procedures for equipment attached to or installed on customer's premises. Overvoltages and overcurrents can occur from a variety electrical occurrences including surges, electrostatic discharge ESD, and many others. This most recent 2017 version of ITU-T K.21 has several major changes from the previous 2008 and 2011 versions. This telecom standard can be downloaded from the International Telecommuncations Union Website. This standard often references other ITU-T standard including ITU-T K.11, ITU-T K.39, ITU-T K.44, and ITU-T K.66.
Testing for lightning tests are based on a 10x700µs and an 8x20µs waveform. The testing criteria for this section of the telecom standard are separated based internal cables and external ports. This will determine a number of factors required for ITU-T K.21 testing including test circuit and waveform, basic test level, enhanced test level, number of tests, and others. ITU-T K.21 also includes an electrostatic discharge or ESD component to testing. Table six within this standard specifies the test circuit and test levels to those of EN IEC 61000-4-2.
We offer EMI Immunity test equipment rentals from EMC Partner, EM Test, Teseq, and Thermo-Keytek. For the surge lightening component of the standardwe offer rentals of the ECAT E502B providing the required 10x700µs. This ECAT module can be rented individually or as a combination with E103 as a telecom surge test system. These reliable ECAT modules allow for easy upgrades and can be added to a preexisting ECAT system. For the ESD component of it we offer rentals of several different ESD simulators to meet any customer requirements or preferences. All of our ESD simulator products come with an A2LA accredited calibration and technical support included with the rental.