[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 203 (Friday, October 21, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-25758]


  Federal Register / Vol. 59, No. 203 / Friday, October 21, 1994 /
  
[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: October 21, 1994]


                                                   VOL. 59, NO. 203

                                           Friday, October 21, 1994

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Electrification Administration

7 CFR Part 1755

 

Specification for Outside Plant Housings and Serving Area 
Interface Systems

AGENCY: Rural Electrification Administration, USDA.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Rural Electrification Administration (REA) is amending its 
regulations on telecommunications standards and specification for 
materials, equipment and construction by codifying REA's specification 
for outside plant housings and serving area interface systems. The new 
specification informs manufacturers and users of outside plant housings 
and serving area interface systems of the engineering and technical 
requirements that are considered necessary for satisfactory performance 
in outside plant environments. A significant requirement of the 
specification involves the changing of the bonding and grounding system 
associated with outside plant housings from a 14 gauge system to a 6 
gauge system. The change to the 6 gauge bonding and grounding system 
will help to assure that REA housings will be manufactured in 
compliance with recognized industry safety standards which will result 
in improved electrical protection of outside plant telephone equipment, 
craft personnel, and the public to hazardous voltages.

DATES: Effective date: November 21, 1994.
    Compliance date: Manufacturers of outside plant housings and 
serving area interface systems will be allowed until July 21, 1995, to 
supply borrowers with products already produced or currently in the 
process of manufacturing.
    Incorporation by reference: Incorporation by reference of certain 
publications listed in this final rule is approved by the Director of 
the Federal Register as of November 21, 1994.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Garnett G. Adams, Chief, Outside Plant 
Branch, Telecommunications Standards Division, Rural Electrification 
Administration, room 2844, South Building, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250-1500, telephone number (202) 720-
0667.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Executive Order 12866

    This final rule has been determined to be not significant for the 
purposes of Executive Order 12866 and therefore has not been reviewed 
by the Office of Management and Budget.

Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification

    The Administrator of REA has determined that this final rule will 
not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small 
entities, as defined by the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et 
seq.). This final rule involves standards and specifications, which may 
increase the direct short term costs to REA borrowers. However, the 
long-term direct economic costs are reduced through greater durability 
and lower maintenance over time.

Information Collection and Recordkeeping Requirements

    In compliance with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
regulations (5 CFR part 1320) which implements the Paperwork Reduction 
Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 96-511) and section 3504 of that Act, the 
information collection and recordkeeping requirements contained in this 
final rule have been approved by OMB under control number 0572-0059. 
Comments concerning these requirements should be directed to the Office 
of Information and Regulatory Affairs of OMB, Attention: Desk Officer 
for USDA, room 10102, NEOB, Washington, DC, 20503.

National Environmental Policy Act Certification

    The Administrator of REA, has determined that this final rule will 
not significantly affect the quality of the human environment as 
defined by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 
4321 et seq.). Therefore, this action does not require an environmental 
impact statement or assessment.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

    The program described by this final rule is listed in the Catalog 
of Federal Domestic Assistance Programs under No. 10.851, Rural 
Telephone Loans and Loan Guarantees, and No. 10.852, Rural Telephone 
Bank Loans. This catalog is available on a subscription basis from the 
Superintendent of Documents, the United States Government Printing 
Office, Washington, DC 20402.

Executive Order 12372

    This final rule is excluded from the scope of Executive Order 
12372, Intergovernmental Consultation that requires intergovernmental 
consultation with state and local officials. A Notice of Final rule 
titled Department Programs and Activities Excluded From Executive Order 
12372 (50 FR 47034) exempts REA and RTB loans and loan guarantees, and 
RTB bank loans, to governmental and nongovernmental entities from 
coverage under this Order.

Executive Order 12778

    This final rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12778, 
Civil Justice Reform. If adopted, this final rule will not: (1) Preempt 
any State or local laws, regulations, or policies; (2) Have any 
retroactive effect; and (3) Require administrative proceedings before 
parties may file suit challenging the provisions of this rule.

Background

    REA issues publications titled ``Bulletin'' which serve to guide 
borrowers regarding already codified policy, procedures, and 
requirements needed to manage loans, loan guarantee programs, and the 
security instruments which provide for and secure REA financing. REA 
issues standards and specifications for the construction of telephone 
facilities financed with REA loan funds.
    REA has rescinded REA Bulletin 345-26, REA Specification for Buried 
Plant Housings, PE-35, dated July 23, 1976, and REA Bulletin 345-77, 
REA Specification for Serving Area Interface Housings, PE-79, dated 
January 24, 1978. REA is incorporating and updating the information 
previously contained in those bulletins in 7 CFR 1755.910, REA 
Specification for Outside Plant Housings and Serving Area Interface 
Systems.
    The specification contains mechanical, electrical, and 
environmental requirements, desired design features, and test methods 
for evaluation of outside plant housings and serving area interface 
systems.
    The test procedures described in the specification are required to 
demonstrate the functional reliability of outside plant housings and 
serving area interface systems. The test procedures satisfy the 
requirements of housings as well as the requirements of terminals that 
may be installed within housings.
    Outside plant housings are fabricated of either metallic or 
nonmetallic materials in different sizes and configurations to suit a 
variety of applications. The purpose of a housing is to protect its 
contents from environmental elements, rodents, insects, or vandalism 
and unauthorized access. Outside plant housings accommodate cable 
splices, bonding and grounding connections, cable terminals, cross-
connect facilities, load coils, and optical and electronic equipment.
    Serving area interface systems serve as the connecting terminal 
between feeder cable and distribution cables.
    A significant requirement of 7 CFR 1755.910 involves the changing 
of the bonding and grounding system of outside plant housings from a 14 
gauge system to a 6 gauge system. The change to the 6 gauge bonding and 
grounding system in the housings will help to assure that REA housings 
will be manufactured in compliance with recognized industry safety 
standards that are considered critical to the protection of outside 
plant telephone equipment, craft personnel, and the public.

Comments

    On September 1, 1993, REA published a proposed rule at 58 FR 46110 
on 7 CFR 1755.910, REA Specification for Outside Plant Housings and 
Serving Area Interface Systems. Comments on this proposed rule were due 
October 1, 1993. Comments and recommendations were received from 
several companies by this date. The comments, recommendations and 
responses are summarized as follows:
    One respondent recommended that paragraph (d)(3)(xxx) of this 
section be changed to allow the use of locknuts as well as nuts with 
captive lock washers.
    Response: REA has reviewed the recommendation. The requirement for 
the captive studs and nuts with captive lock washers was initiated in a 
letter to all Telephone Borrowers by Mr. Michael M.F. Liu, Acting 
Administrator, dated April 24, 1992. Captive studs and nuts with 
captive lock washers replaced the spade clip and terminal as the means 
for grounding and have proven to be very efficient. Because of concern 
that the locknut will become loose after repeated lifting of ground 
connections on cables that require frequent locating, REA will not 
change the requirement in this paragraph.
    One respondent recommended that paragraph (d)(6)(v) be modified to 
add color 4.4GY 6.74/1.5 under the gray-green color.
    Response: REA has reviewed the recommendation and as a result of 
the review will add color 4.4GY 6.74/1.5 under the gray-green color as 
proposed by the commenter.
    Several clarifying and editorial changes in paragraphs (d)(3)(v), 
(d)(3)(vii), and (d)(3)(xiii) were made in response to comments from 
two respondents. These changes did not alter the intent or technical 
requirements of the affected paragraphs.

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 1755

    Incorporation by reference, Loan programs--communications, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Rural areas, Telephone.

    For reasons set out in the preamble, REA is amending chapter XVII 
of title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows:

PART 1755--TELECOMMUNICATIONS STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR 
MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION

    1. The authority citation for part 1755 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 901 et seq., 1921 et seq.

    2. Section 1755.98 is amended by adding a new entry to the table in 
numerical order to read as follows:


Sec. 1755.98  List of telephone standards and specifications included 
in other 7 CFR parts.

* * * * * 

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Section       Issue date                        Title                  
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        
                                  *****                                 
1755.910.  November 21, 1994..  REA Specification for Outside Plant     
                                 Housings and Serving Area Interface    
                                 Systems.                               
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    3. Section 1755.910 is added to read as follows:


Sec. 1755.910  REA specification for outside plant housings and serving 
area interface systems.

    (a) Scope. (1) The purpose of this specification is to inform 
manufacturers and users of outside plant housings and serving area 
interface (SAI) systems of the engineering and technical requirements 
that are considered necessary for satisfactory performance in outside 
plant environments. Included are the mechanical, electrical, and 
environmental requirements, desired design features, and test methods 
for evaluation of the product.
    (2) The housing and terminal requirements reflect the best 
engineering judgment available at the present time and may be subject 
to change due to advances in technology, economic conditions, or other 
factors.
    (3) The test procedures described in this section are required by 
REA to demonstrate the functional reliability of the product. However, 
other standard or unique test procedures may serve the same function. 
In such cases, REA shall evaluate the test procedures and results on an 
individual basis.
    (4) The test procedures specified herein satisfy the requirements 
of housings as well as the requirements of terminals that may be 
installed within housings. Some of the requirements are interrelated to 
several tests designed to determine the performance aspects of 
terminals and are directly affected by testing required for housings. 
Therefore, the manufacturer should carefully review all the test 
requirements in order to develop a testing schedule that is 
comprehensive, efficient in terms of the number of test specimens 
required and can be accomplished in an orderly and logical sequence.
    (5) The specified tests may require special facilities to comply 
with Federal, State, or local regulatory requirements. Some test 
procedures are potentially hazardous to personnel because of the high 
voltages and mechanical forces involved. Safety precautions are 
necessary to prevent injury.
    (6) Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) 94, Tests for Flammability 
of Plastic Materials for Parts in Devices and Appliances, fourth 
edition, dated June 18, 1991, referenced in this section is 
incorporated by reference by REA. This incorporation by reference was 
approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. A copy of the UL standard is available 
for inspection during normal business hours at REA, room 2845-S, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250-1500 or at the Office 
of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, 
Washington, DC. Copies are available from UL Inc., 333 Pfingsten Road, 
Northbrook, Illinois 60062-2096, telephone number (708) 272-8800.
    (7) The American Society for Testing and Materials Specifications 
(ASTM) A 109-91, Standard Specification for Steel, Strip, Carbon, Cold-
Rolled; ASTM A 153-82 (Reapproved 1987), Standard Specification for 
Zinc Coating (Hot-Dip) on Iron and Steel Hardware; ASTM A 366/A 366M-
91, Standard Specification for Steel, Sheet, Carbon, Cold-Rolled, 
Commercial Quality; ASTM A 525-91b, Standard Specification for General 
Requirements for Steel Sheet, Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) by the Hot-Dip 
Process; ASTM A 526/A 526M-90, Standard Specification for Steel Sheet, 
Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) by the Hot-Dip Process, Commercial Quality; 
ASTM A 569/A 569M-91a, Standard Specification for Steel, Carbon (0.15 
Maximum, Percent), Hot-Rolled Sheet and Strip Commercial Quality; ASTM 
A 621/A 621M-92, Standard Specification for Steel, Sheet and Strip, 
Carbon, Hot-Rolled, Drawing Quality; ASTM B 117-90, Standard Test 
Method of Salt Spray (Fog) Testing; ASTM B 539-90, Standard Test 
Methods for Measuring Contact Resistance of Electrical Connections 
(Static Contacts); ASTM B 633-85, Standard Specification for 
Electrodeposited Coatings of Zinc on Iron and Steel; ASTM D 523-89, 
Standard Test Method for Specular Gloss; ASTM D 610-85 (Reapproved 
1989), Standard Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Rusting on Painted 
Steel Surfaces; ASTM D 822-89, Standard Practice for Conducting Tests 
on Paint and Related Coatings and Materials using Filtered Open-Flame 
Carbon-Arc Light and Water Exposure Apparatus; ASTM D 1535-89, Standard 
Test Method for Specifying Color by the Munsell System; ASTM D 1654-92, 
Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Painted or Coated Specimens 
Subjected to Corrosive Environments; ASTM D 1693-70 (Reapproved 1988), 
Standard Test Method for Environmental Stress-Cracking of Ethylene 
Plastics; ASTM D 2197-86 (Reapproved 1991), Standard Test Method for 
Adhesion of Organic Coatings by Scrape Adhesion; ASTM D 2247-92, 
Standard Practice for Testing Water Resistance of Coatings in 100% 
Relative Humidity; ASTM D 2565-92, Standard Practice for Operating 
Xenon Arc-Type Light-Exposure Apparatus With and Without Water for 
Exposure of Plastics; ASTM D 2794-92, Standard Test Method for 
Resistance of Organic Coatings to the Effects of Rapid Deformation 
(Impact); ASTM D 3928-89, Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Gloss 
or Sheen Uniformity; ASTM D 4568-86, Standard Test Methods for 
Evaluating Compatibility Between Cable Filling and Flooding Compounds 
and Polyolefin Cable Materials; ASTM G 21-90, Standard Practice for 
Determining Resistance of Synthetic Polymeric Materials to Fungi; and 
ASTM G 23-90, Standard Practice for Operating Light-Exposure Apparatus 
(Carbon-Arc Type) With and Without Water for Exposure of Nonmetallic 
Materials, referenced in this section are incorporated by reference by 
REA. These incorporations by references were approved by the Director 
of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 7 CFR 
part 51. Copies of the ASTM standards are available for inspection 
during normal business hours at REA, room 2845-S, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250-1500 or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. 
Copies are available from ASTM, 1916 Race Street, Philadelphia, 
Pennsylvania 19103-1187, telephone number (215) 299-5585.
    (b) General information. (1) Outside plant housings are fabricated 
of either metallic or nonmetallic materials in different sizes and 
configurations to suit a variety of applications. The purpose of a 
housing is to protect its contents from environmental elements, 
rodents, insects, or vandalism and unauthorized access. Housings are 
designed with internal brackets for accommodating splicing, bonding and 
grounding connections, cable terminals, cross-connect facilities, load 
coils, and optical and electronic equipment.
    (2) Pedestals are housings primarily intended to house, organize, 
and protect cable terminations incorporating terminal blocks, splice 
connectors and modules, ground lugs and load coils. Activities 
typically performed in a pedestal are cable splicing, shield bonding 
and grounding, inductive loading, and connection of subscriber drops.
    (3) Serving area interface (SAI) cabinets are housings intended to 
perform some of the same functions as pedestals but are primarily 
intended to serve as the connecting terminal between feeder cable and 
distribution cables.
    (4) Outside plant housings shall be manufactured in accordance with 
National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements, Underwriters' Laboratories 
(UL) requirements, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration Standards (OSHA), and all other applicable Federal, 
State, and local requirements including, but not limited to, statutes, 
rules, regulations, orders, or ordinances otherwise imposed by law.
    (c) General documentation requirements--(1) Installation and 
maintenance instructions. (i) Each product shall have available a set 
of instructions designed to provide sufficient information for the 
successful installation of the housing, cables, auxiliary equipment, 
and the associated splice preparation. The instructions shall be of 
sufficient size to be easily read and shall be printed using waterproof 
ink. Pedestal instruction sheets shall include a list of miscellaneous 
replacement parts that may be purchased locally. SAI systems shall be 
supplied with complete instructions for installation and use.
    (ii) When requested by REA, or an REA borrower, the manufacturer 
shall prepare a training package for the purpose of training 
technicians in the use and installation of the product and its 
auxiliary equipment.
    (iii) The manufacturer shall provide ordering information for 
repair parts. Repair parts shall be obtainable through a local 
distributor or shall be easily obtainable. Information describing 
equivalent parts and their sources should be provided for those parts 
that may also be obtained from other sources.
    (2) Quality assurance. The manufacturer shall demonstrate the 
existence of an ongoing quality assurance program that includes 
controls, procedures, and standards used for vendor certification, 
source inspection, incoming inspection, manufacture, in process 
testing, calibration and maintenance of tools and test equipment, final 
product inspection and testing, periodic qualification testing and 
control of nonconforming materials and products. The manufacturer shall 
maintain quality assurance records for five years.
    (3) REA acceptance applications. (i) The tests described in this 
specification are required for acceptance of product designs and major 
modifications of accepted designs. All modifications shall be 
considered major unless otherwise declared by REA. The tests are 
intended to show the inherent capability of the manufacturer to produce 
products which have an expected service life of 30 years.
    (ii) For initial acceptance the manufacturer shall:
    (A) Submit an original signature certification that the product 
complies with each section of the specification;
    (B) Provide qualification test data;
    (C) Provide OSHA Material Safety Data Sheets for the product;
    (D) Provide a detailed explanation concerning the intended use and 
capacity of the product;
    (E) Provide a complete set of instructions, recommendations for 
equipment organization and splicing;
    (F) Agree to periodic plant inspections;
    (G) Provide a certification that the product does or does not 
comply with the domestic origin manufacturing provisions of the ``Buy 
American'' requirements of the Rural Electrification Act of 1938 (52 
Stat. 818);
    (H) Provide user testimonials concerning field performance of the 
product;
    (I) Provide product samples if requested by REA; and
    (J) Provide any other data required by the Chief, Outside Plant 
Branch (Telephone).
    (iii) Each requirement of this section must be addressed in 
submissions for acceptance. The designation N/A may be entered when the 
requirements do not apply.
    (iv) Acceptance requests should be addressed to: Chairman, 
Technical Standards, Committee ``A'' (Telephone), Telecommunications 
Standards Division, Rural Electrification Administration, Washington, 
DC 20250-1500.
    (d) Functional design criteria for housings--(1) General 
requirements. (i) The functional requirements for housings concern 
materials, finishes, environmental factors, and design features that 
are applicable to most above ground housings used in the outside plant.
    (ii) Housings shall be of sufficient size to permit easily managed 
installation, operational, testing, and maintenance operations. The 
general shape of outside plant housings is usually comparable to that 
of a rectangular column or cylinder, with the shape of any particular 
housing being left to the manufacturer's discretion. Each design is 
subject to acceptance by REA.
    (2) Housing types and capacities. (i) Housings used in outside 
plant are either the smaller housings generally known as pedestals or 
larger housings known as equipment or splice cabinets. Both categories 
may have designs intended for stake mounting, pole mounting, or pad 
mounting.
    (ii) The classifications of pedestals are the general purpose 
channel Type (H) and the dome Type (M). The Type H pedestal has either 
front only access or back and front access while the Type M pedestal 
has top only access. Pedestals are further designated as follows: 

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Pole mounted  
  Stake mounted          Type           Pole mounted      (extra high)  
------------------------------------------------------------------------
BD3                H                  BD3A                              
BD4                H                  BD4A                              
BD5                H                  BD5A                              
BD7                H                  BD7A                              
BD14               M                  BD14A             BD14AG          
BD15               M                  BD15A             BD15AG          
BD16               M                  BD16A             BD16AG          
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (iii) The minimum volume associated with the pedestal designations 
shall be as shown in the following table: 

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Minimum volume    
                                                 -----------------------
         Pedestal\1\ housing designation             Cubic       (Cubic 
                                                  centimeters   Inches) 
                                                     cm\3\      (in.\3\)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
BD3, BD3A \2\...................................       9,000       (550)
BD4, BD4A\2\....................................      15,000       (900)
BD5, BD5A\2\....................................      35,000     (2,100)
BD7(\2\)........................................      72,000     (4,400)
BD14, BD14A, BD14AG\3\..........................       9,000       (550)
BD15, BD15A, BD15AG\3\..........................      27,000     (1,600)
BD16, BD16A, BD16AG\3\..........................      38,000    (2,300) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note 1: Housings designed for unique purposes will be evaluated on a    
  case-by-case basis.                                                   
Note 2: For Type H pedestals, the minimum volume is that space as       
  measured 5 centimeters (cm) (2 inches (in.)) below the top of the     
  housing to a point 40 cm (16 in.) above the bottom of the lower cover 
  plate.                                                                
Note 3: The minimum volume of the Type M pedestals shall be the space   
  within the dome measured from the lower edge of the dome to a point 5 
  cm (2 in.) from the top.                                              

    (iv) Equipment cabinets intended for use as SAI housings shall be 
assigned size designations according to their maximum pair termination 
capacities. The capacity will vary depending on the type of terminating 
equipment used. SAI cabinets shall be suffix designated with an ``A'' 
for pole mounting, ``X'' for pad mounting, and ``S'' for stake 
mounting.
    (v) Large pair count splice cabinets are classified according to 
their splice capacity. Approximately 48 cm\3\ (3.0 in.\3\) of splice 
area per pair straight spliced shall be permitted.
    (vi) The minimum volume associated with large pair count splice 
cabinets shall be as shown in the following table:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Minimum volume      Maximum
                                        -----------------------  splice 
     Splice cabinet\1\ designation                              capacity
                                          (cm.\3\)   (in.\3\)    (pairs)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
BD6000                                     295,000    (18,000)     6,000
BD8000                                     393,000    (24,000)     8,000
BD10000                                    491,000    (30,000)    10,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note 1: Additional sizes of splice cabinets shall be considered by REA  
  on a case-by-case basis.                                              

    (3) Design and fabrication requirements for housings. (i) Type H 
pedestal housings may consist of an enclosed channel incorporating an 
integrally mounted stake that serves as a backplate, or they may be 
designed for universal mounting on stakes or poles. The body of the 
housing shall have two major components; an upper cover and a base 
cover. The upper cover shall have a top, front and back plate with the 
front cover removable to permit entry and provide increased work space. 
The base cover shall consist of a front plate and back plate. The base 
cover back plate may be an extension of the upper back plate cover.
    (ii) Type M pedestal housings shall consist of a one piece upper 
sleeve designed to fit over the base cover trapping air to prohibit 
water from entering the splice area when installed in locations prone 
to temporary flooding. Pedestals designed to be mounted extra high on 
poles for locations susceptible to deep snow shall have a bottom close-
off option available to prohibit the ingress of birds, rodents and 
insects.
    (iii) The external housing components on all outside plant housings 
shall provide reasonable protection against accidental removal or 
vandalism. Housings shall be equipped with a cover plate retaining bolt 
and cup washer that may be opened only with an industry accepted socket 
type can wrench. Housings may be equipped with provisions to allow the 
purchaser to install a padlock.
    (iv) Installed housings shall resist the disassembling force of 
frost heaving applied to the bottom of ground line cover plates. The 
base cover must remain stationary to stabilize the contents of the 
housing cavity.
    (v) In an effort to provide protection against dust penetration, 
blowing snow, rain, and ultraviolet light degradation of internal 
components, all mechanical gaps shall be restricted. The use of seals, 
overlaps, gaskets, and/or dovetailing is required to assure 
satisfactory protection of housed equipment.
    (vi) Knockouts, cutouts, or notches designed to accommodate aerial 
service drops shall not be permitted. A design option for housings 
intended to accommodate service drops shall include a separate channel 
or equivalent in the base cover to allow future additions of service 
drops without the removal of gravel or the moisture barrier in the base 
of the housing. Service wire channels must be designed to prevent the 
entry of birds, reptiles, rodents and insects.
    (vii) Minimal venting of SAI housings may be necessary to relieve 
internal pressure and condensation.
    (viii) There shall be no aluminum housing components that will 
become buried in the soil when the housing is properly installed.
    (ix) Housing components may be assembled using rivets, welds, glue, 
bolts and nuts, or other techniques suitable for the materials 
involved.
    (x) Housings and their components that require field assembly must 
be capable of being assembled with tools normally available to outside 
plant technicians.
    (xi) Hinged doors on SAI housings and large pair count splice 
housings shall be equipped with a device that restrains the doors in 
the open position.
    (xii) Outside plant housings shall be free of sharp edges, burrs, 
etc., that could present a safety hazard to personnel involved in 
installation and use of the product or to the general public. Surfaces 
inside housings must not allow pinching of conductors during 
installation of cover plates or the opening and closing of doors.
    (xiii) A ground line mark shall be provided, approximately 15 cm (6 
in.) below the top edge of the housing base cover plate on housings 
intended for ground level mounting. Base cover plates shall have a 
minimum height of 31 cm (12 in.).
    (xiv) Any housing, which weighs in excess of 91 kilograms (kg) (200 
pounds (lb)), including its contents, shall be equipped with lifting 
brackets for attaching hoisting cables or chains.
    (xv) Housing stakes shall be a minimum of 107 cm (42 in.) in 
length. If fabricated from steel, they shall have a minimum thickness 
of No. 13 gauge as measured according to American Society for Testing 
and Materials (ASTM) A 525-91b. Stakes shall be formed into a ``U'' 
channel with a minimum depth of 2 cm (0.75 in.). The stake shall be a 
single part of suitable design strength for driving 91 cm (36 in.) into 
the soil with hand tools without damage such as bending or warping. The 
stake shall have adequate mounting holes having a minimum separation of 
15 cm (6 in.) for mounting the housing baseplate. The stake material 
must resist corrosion and deterioration when exposed to soil and 
atmospheric conditions.
    (xvi) The housing design must permit a logical progression of 
installation steps that would normally be encountered in typical field 
installations.
    (xvii) Provisions for attaching housings to stakes, poles, walls, 
other housings, or pads shall be provided for each design intended for 
those purposes. Locations of holes for mounting attachments may be 
provided by knockouts on above ground components. Mounting hole 
locations for below ground components may be predrilled.
    (xviii) Pole mounting hardware shall provide at least 1.3 cm (0.5 
in.) clearance from the pole to the housing. Pole mounting brackets 
shall accommodate the wide range of pole sizes used in the telephone 
industry.
    (xix) Pad-mounted housings shall have hardware available for 
anchoring the housing base to the pad. A template may be provided to 
assist in the location of mounting attachment details for pad 
preparation.
    (xx) Housings equipped with stub cables shall have strain relief 
devices to permit shipping and handling of the housing without damage 
to the housing or stub cables. Only REA accepted cable shall be used 
for stub cables. The cable manufacturer's recommendations concerning 
minimum bend radius shall be observed. The minimum bend radius for most 
copper cables is 10 times the cable diameter.
    (xxi) Cable supports shall be provided near the top of the ground 
line cover and other appropriate locations within the housing to 
provide cable stability consistent with the intended use and capacity 
of the housing. Cable supports shall be capable of holding a minimum 
load of 23 kg (50 lb).
    (xxii) An adequate supply of nonmetallic retainer clips or tie 
wraps capable of supporting a minimum load of 23 kg (50 lb) shall be 
provided with the housing. Adequate spaces for installation of the 
clips or tie wraps must be provided on the housing backplate and cable 
supports.
    (xxiii) Housing chambers designed for splicing operations shall be 
equipped with insulated supporting straps or rods suitable for 
supporting splice bundles. The insulation on the straps or rods shall 
extend for the entire length of the device and shall have a dielectric 
strength of 15 kilovolts (kv) direct current (dc) minimum. Housings 
having an ``H'' frame design where both front and rear covers may be 
removed may incorporate insulated tie bars to be used as cable 
supports.
    (xxiv) Housings designed to contain equipment in addition to 
splices shall be equipped with a device for physically separating the 
splice area from the service area of the housing.
    (xxv) A dielectric shield rated at 15 kv dc shall be provided to 
enclose the cable splice area. The shield shall extend from the lower 
cable supports to within 2.5 cm (1 in.) of the top of the housing. The 
shield shall be equipped with Velcro or equivalent fastening devices 
designed to hold the shield in both the open or closed positions. The 
fastening devices shall extend along the entire vertical edge of the 
dielectric shield.
    (xxvi) Mounting arrangements for a variety of terminal blocks and 
other equipment shall be provided by means of good housekeeping panels 
or other devices that may enhance the service aspect of the housing.
    (xxvii) Housings designed for SAI cabinets may be shipped with 
terminal blocks installed and stub cables attached. If this option is 
exercised, the stub cables and terminal blocks must be REA accepted. In 
all cases, SAI cabinets must be equipped with appropriate mounting 
devices for installing the peripheral equipment required for a serving 
area interface.
    (xxviii) SAI cabinets shall be designed to provide physical 
separation between the splicing area and the area provided for running 
cross-connect jumpers.
    (xxix) SAI cabinets and large splice housings must have an external 
feature for attaching a padlock to prevent unauthorized entry.
    (xxx) Each housing shall have a tinned or zinc electroplated copper 
alloy or equivalent connector plate or bar to be used for terminating 
ground and cable shield bond connections. The device shall be equipped 
with captive studs and nuts with captive lock washers designed for 
attaching 6 American Wire Gauge (AWG) copper bonding harness wire or 
braid and a 6 AWG copper ground wire. Connector plates shall be 
equipped with enough studs and nuts to provide individual connections 
equivalent to the maximum number of cable sheaths recommended for the 
housing. Housings shall incorporate design features that enable the 
field installation of at least one additional connector plate for 
service conditions that require numerous connections. A bonding and 
grounding system capable of providing support and strain relief for 
service wires shall be provided for housings intended for use as 
distribution points. The bonding system shall be designed to provide 
sheath continuity as cable and service wires are installed, and prior 
to any other operation being performed. The bonding arrangement shall 
provide electrical continuity between all bonds and the ground 
connector plate. The bonding and grounding arrangement shall permit the 
lifting of individual cable ground connections for testing and cable 
locating activities without jeopardizing the grounding potential of 
other cables that may enter the housing. The bonding and grounding 
system shall be capable of conducting a current of 1000 amperes for at 
least 20 seconds.
    (4) Warning sign. (i) A buried cable warning sign shall be securely 
attached to the outside of each housing. The lettering information on 
the sign shall be permanent.
    (ii) For pedestals, the sign shall be centered horizontally on the 
front cover and the top of the sign shall be not more than 10 cm (4 
in.) from the top of the housing.
    (iii) For SAI cabinets, the sign shall be centered horizontally and 
vertically on the door. If there are two doors, the sign shall be 
mounted on the left door.
    (iv) Deviations from warning sign location requirements are 
permitted only for housing design constraints. Alternate sign locations 
will be considered by REA.
    (v) The REA standard sign design is shown in Figure 1.
    (5) Housing materials. (i) Materials used in housings shall present 
no environmental or safety hazard as defined by industry standards or 
Federal, State, or local laws and regulations. Figure 1 is as follows:

BILLING CODE 3410-15-P

TR21OC94.000

BILLING CODE 3410-15-C
    (ii) All materials are required to have fire resistance ratings 
consistent with recognized industry standards. External materials must 
be flame resistant.
    (iii) All materials used in the manufacture of housings or 
component parts must achieve the required strength properties, resist 
deterioration when exposed to outdoor conditions, and be acceptable to 
REA for the specific application. New materials or materials not 
familiar to the REA staff shall be supported by test and performance 
data which demonstrates their suitability for the intended use.
    (iv) Nonmetallic housing materials shall have a fungus growth 
rating no greater than one according to ASTM G 21-90.
    (v) Metallic components shall be either corrosion resistant or 
protected against corrosion and must not produce galvanic corrosion in 
wet or humid conditions on other metals that may be present in the 
housing environment.
    (vi) Mill galvanized steel used in the manufacture of housings 
shall comply with the appropriate requirements of one of the following 
standards:
    (A) ASTM A 109-91;
    (B) ASTM A 366/A 366M-91;
    (C) ASTM A 525-91b; or
    (D) ASTM A 526/A 526M-90.
    (vii) Hot rolled steel shall comply with the appropriate 
requirements of one of the following standards:
    (A) ASTM A 569/A 569M-91a; or
    (B) ASTM A 621/A 621M-92.
    (viii) Cold rolled steel shall comply with the appropriate 
requirements of one of the following standards:
    (A) ASTM A l09-91; or
    (B) ASTM A 366/A 366M-91.
    (ix) Steel parts used for internal housing brackets shall be 
hexavalent chromate coated or zinc plated in accordance with ASTM B 
633-85.
    (x) Hardware items used for assembling or fastening housing 
components shall be 300 series or passivated 400 series stainless steel 
or hot dip galvanized in accordance with ASTM A l53-82 (1987). Other 
materials will be considered by REA on an individual basis.
    (xi) Aluminum components shall be fabricated from alloy types 5052 
or 6061 or other types that have been recognized as having acceptable 
corrosion resistance and formability and weldability features.
    (xii) Nonmetallic parts must be resistant to solvents and stress 
cracking and shall be compatible with metals and other materials such 
as conductor insulations and filling compounds used in the manufacture 
of cable. Plastic materials must be noncorrosive to metals and resist 
deterioration when exposed to industrial chemical pollutants, ultra-
violet rays, road salts, cleaning agents, insecticides, fertilizers, or 
other detrimental elements normally encountered in the outdoor 
environment.
    (xiii) Housing door seals and gaskets may be manufactured from 
rubber or synthetic rubber-like elastomer materials. Seals and gaskets 
shall exhibit a high degree of weatherability with an effective life of 
at least 30 years in the outdoor environment. The material shall be 
tear resistant and have a low compression set.
    (6) Housing finish requirements. (i) All interior and exterior 
surfaces of housings shall be free from blisters, wrinkles, cracks, 
scratches, dents, heat marks, and other defects.
    (ii) There shall be inherent design provisions to prevent 
objectionable deterioration of the housing such as rusting, exposure of 
fiber or delamination. Secondary protection, such as galvanizing over 
steel per ASTM A 526/A 526M-90 or anodizing over aluminum, shall be 
provided to ensure reliability over the projected 30 year design life 
of the housing.
    (iii) Painted metal housings shall have a minimum gloss of 60 
(60 deg. specular) in accordance with ASTM D 523-89.
    (iv) All painted surfaces shall have a uniform color and texture in 
accordance with ASTM D 3928-89. Nonmetallic housings shall meet 
recognized industry standards concerning optical appearance for gloss 
and haze as applicable for the material.
    (v) The colors of housings that REA will consider for acceptance 
shall be as follows: 

------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Color                               Standard                       
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gray-Green......  Munsell 6.5 GY 6.03/1.6                               
                  Munsell 4.4 GY 6.74/1.5                               
Green...........  Munsell 8.8 G 2.65/5.3                                
Orange..........  Federal Standard 595A                                 
                  Color Number l2246                                    
                  Munsell 0.15YR 5.26/13.15                             
Chocolate.......  Munsell 5.27YR 2.40/2.60                              
                  Color Number 835                                      
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (7) Installation requirements. (i) The design of the housing must 
provide for a logical and normal installation sequence, i.e., 
excavation, installation of a foundation or base and anchoring devices, 
addition of hardware, installation and bonding of cables, splicing, 
addition of service, and final closing.
    (ii) No special tools or equipment other than that usually carried 
by outside plant technicians and construction crews must be required 
for installation of the housing. Security devices are the exception to 
this requirement.
    (iii) Installation hardware shall maintain housings in an erect and 
stable position when subjected to normal storm loads. Pad-mounted 
designs must accommodate precast or cast-in-place reinforced concrete 
or other suitable prefabricated material. Brackets, inserts for 
fastening, conduit openings, or other items necessary for a pad-mounted 
installation must be provided. The manufacturer shall provide detailed 
drawings or a template for locating inserts, conduit openings, or slots 
for cast-in-place pad construction.
    (e) Performance criteria and test procedures for housings--(1) 
General information. (i) The housing manufacturer shall perform 
adequate inspections and tests to demonstrate that housings and housing 
components comply with REA requirements.
    (ii) Testing shall be performed at a room temperature of 
243  deg.C (755  deg.C). Temperatures for 
testing performed at other than room temperature shall be determined as 
near the center of the product under test as practical.
    (2) Description of test housing. (i) Each distinctly designed and 
configured family of housings intended to perform a particular function 
shall be tested.
    (ii) The typical test sample shall consist of the exterior housing 
components such as covers, backplates, good housekeeping panels, cap 
assembly, anchor posts, decals, etc. Interior components must include 
the bonding and grounding hardware for cables and service wires and the 
dielectric shield. The housing may include terminal blocks or cross-
connect modules, cable splices, or the typical outside plant equipment 
the housing is designed to contain and protect.
    (3) Environmental requirement for housings--(i) Thermal shock. The 
test housing shall be placed in a test chamber and exposed to the 
temperature cycle of Figure 2 for five complete cycles. The step 
function nature of the temperature changes may be achieved by insertion 
and removal of the test housing from the chamber. The soak time at each 
temperature shall be four hours. The housing shall be removed from the 
test chamber at the conclusion of the five-cycle period. After the test 
housing temperature has stabilized to room temperature, the housing 
must be inspected for deterioration of materials and satisfactory 
operation of mechanical functions. Figure 2 is as follows:

BILLING CODE 3410-15-P

TR21OC94.001

BILLING CODE 3410-15-C
    (ii) Thermal shock and humidity. The test housing shall be placed 
in an environmental test chamber at 95  3 percent (%) 
relative humidity (RH) and temperature cycled per Figure 3 for a period 
of 30 days. At the end of the test there shall be no rust or corrosion 
of any closure components. Minor corrosion due to surface scratches, 
nicks, etc. is permitted. If the closure is made of a nonmetallic 
material, there shall be no signs of degradation. Figure 3 is as 
follows:

BILLING CODE 3410-15-P
      

TR21OC94.002

BILLING CODE 3410-15-C
    (iii) Humidity and condensation. Test panels shall be placed in an 
environmental chamber and subjected to 1,008 hours (42 cycles) of 
exposure per ASTM D 2247-92. One cycle consists of 24 hours of 100% 
humidity (with condensation on the panels) at a cabinet temperature of 
381  deg.C (1002  deg.F) and an ambient 
temperature of 251  deg.C (772  deg.F) without 
heat input. Upon completion of cycling, the test panels shall be 
subjected to an 11 newton-meter (N-m) (100 pound-inches (lb-in.)) 
impact test using the Gardner-Impact Tester or equivalent. Test panels 
shall show no substrate or coating cracking or loss of coating adhesion 
on either side.
    (iv) Weatherability. Three test panels shall be tested for 
weatherability in accordance with the appropriate procedures of either 
ASTM D 822-89 or ASTM G 23-90. Total exposure time shall be a minimum 
of 800 hours. Failure is defined as fading, cracking, blistering, or 
delamination on any of the three test panels.
    (v) Low temperature durability. Low temperature durability shall be 
proven by exposing the three test panels from (e)(3)(iv) of this 
section to at least 25 continuous cycles of the following test 
sequence:
    (A) To insure complete saturation of the three test panels, soak 
them for 96 hours in a container of distilled water 222 
deg.C (71.64  deg.F);
    (B) Lower the temperature of the water and the immersed test panels 
to -282  deg.C (-18.44  deg.F) and stabilize 
for 24 hours;
    (C) Thaw the water with the samples to 222  deg.C 
(71.64  deg.F) and stabilize for 24 hours;
    (D) Repeat the procedure 24 times. Any cracking, crazing, 
deforming, or delaminating on any of the three test panels shall be 
considered a failure; and
    (E) Remove the samples from the water and impact test the three 
panels by delivering a force of 11.3 N-m (100 lb-in.) using a Gardner-
Impact Tester to each specimen at 71, 22, and -282  deg.C 
(159.8, 71.6, and -18.44  deg.F), after stabilizing them at 
those temperatures for at least two hours. Visual inspection shall 
reveal no deformation or perforations on any of the test panels.
    (vi) Corrosion resistance. Corrosivity shall be tested in 
accordance with the requirements of ASTM B 117-90. Both scribed and 
unscribed panels shall be evaluated following the procedures of ASTM D 
1654-92. Scribed panels shall have a rating of at least six, following 
500 hours of exposure to salt fog, and the unscribed panels shall have 
a rating no lower than 10, after 1,000 hours exposure. Visual rust 
inspection shall confirm no more than 0.03% rusting (rust grade 9) of 
the surface area of the test sample when evaluated in accordance with 
ASTM D 610-85(1989). The unscribed samples shall be impacted with an 
11.3 N-m (100 lb-in.) force, using a Gardner-Impact Tester or 
equivalent. Visual inspection of the impacted samples shall reveal no 
loss of adhesion between the base material and the coating or cracking 
at the finish on the test panels.
    (vii) Fungi resistance. Fungi resistance of nonmetallic housing 
materials shall be tested according to the procedures of ASTM G 21-90. 
Any rating greater than one shall be considered a failure.
    (viii) Stress crack resistance. The stress cracking characteristics 
of nonmetallic housing components shall be tested in accordance with 
ASTM D 1693-70 (Reapproved 1988). The tests shall be performed at 
492\1/2\ C (1204\1/2\ F) for 14 days and 
exposed to the following materials:
    (A) Industry recognized filling compounds;
    (B) Isopar M;
    (C) Industry recognized solvents;
    (D) Industry recognized encapsulants; and
    (E) Commonly used insect, pest, and weed control products and 
agricultural fertilizers.
    (ix) Chemical resistance. (A) Chemical resistance shall be 
determined by immersing representative nonmetallic material samples in 
each of the following solutions for 72 hours at 222  deg.C 
(71.64  deg.F):
    (1) 3% sulfuric acid;
    (2) 100 parts per million (ppm) trichloroethane in water;
    (3) 0.2 N sodium hydroxide; and
    (4) Unleaded high octane gasoline.
    (B) There shall be no swelling, deformation, or softening of the 
material samples or any discoloration of the solution.
    (x) Ultraviolet resistance. Test panels of metallic and nonmetallic 
outer housing materials shall be subjected to 700 hours exposure per 
ASTM D 2565-92 using the type BH apparatus. The panels shall not 
exhibit fading, blistering, checking, or delamination.
    (xi) Weathertightness. The housing shall be mounted in its typical 
field installation position and sprayed with water. The temperature of 
the water shall be adjusted to be equal to or warmer than the 
temperature of the cabinet interior to avoid the possibility of 
condensation. A water spray head shall be used to direct water at the 
housing so that the water stream will strike the assembly at a downward 
angle of 45 degrees. The flow of the water shall be 3.8 liters per 
minute (one gallon per minute), with 276 kilopascals (40 pounds per 
square inch) head of pressure. The spray head shall be held 1.8 meters 
(m) (6 feet (ft)) from the test cabinet. The spray head shall be 
adjusted so that water impinges uniformly over the housing surface. The 
duration of the test shall be five minutes. All vertical cabinet 
surfaces shall be tested by this procedure. The exterior of the cabinet 
shall be thoroughly dried with towels (no heat drying) prior to 
examination of the housing interior. The interior of the housing shall 
be checked for presence of water. Wetting of over-lapping surfaces is 
permitted. There shall be no presence of water inside the housing.
    (xii) Wind Resistance. (A)(1) Stub pole or wall mounted SAI and 
large pair count splice housings shall be subjected to a load (F) as 
shown in Figure 4 and the following table to simulate the turning 
moment equivalent to a uniform wind load of 161 kilometers per hour 
(km/h) (100 miles per hour (mi/h)) perpendicular to the largest surface 
area.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Load       
 Maximum area of largest surface square centimeters  -------------------
             cm2 (Square inches) (in.2)                  kg       (lb)  
------------------------------------------------------------------------
5,200 (800) or less.................................        18      (40)
5,201 to 9,100 (801 to 1,400).......................        32      (70)
9,101 to 13,000 (1,401 to 2,000)....................        45     (100)
13,001 to 16,200 (2,001 to 2,500)...................        57    (125) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: The procedures for housings with larger surface area will be      
  evaluated by REA on a case-by-case basis.                             

    (2) The housing shall remain in its original mounting position 
throughout the test and exhibit no mechanical deformation.
    (3) Figure 4 is as follows:

BILLING CODE 3410-15-P

TR21OC94.003

BILLING CODE 3410-15-C
    (B)(1) Pad or ground mounted SAI or splice housings shall be 
subjected to a load (F) as shown in Figure 5 and the following table to 
simulate the overturning moment equivalent to a uniform wind load of 
161 km/h (100 mi/h) perpendicular to the largest surface area. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Load        
          Height cm (in.)                 Maximum area of largest surface cm2 (in.2)       ---------------------
                                                                                               kg        (lb)   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
122 (48) or less..................  11,000 (1,700) or less................................         91      (200)
                                    11,001-13,000 (1,701-2,000)...........................        104      (230)
                                    13,001-14,900 (2,001-2,300)...........................        118      (260)
123-152 (49-60)...................  11,700 (1,800) or less................................         91      (200)
                                    11,701-14,300 (1,801-2,200)...........................        109      (240)
                                    14,301-16,200 (2,201-2,500)...........................        127      (280)
                                    16,201-18,800 (2,501-2,900)...........................        145      (320)
                                    18,801-20,800 (2,901-3,200)...........................        163      (360)
                                    20,801-23,400 (3,201-3,600)...........................        181      (400)
153-183 (61-72)...................  14,300 (2,200) or less................................        109      (240)
                                    14,301-16,900 (2,201-2,600)...........................        127      (280)
                                    16,901-19,500 (2,601-3,000)...........................        150      (330)
                                    19,501-22,700 (3,001-3,500)...........................        172      (380)
                                    22,701-25,300 (3,501-3,900)...........................        190      (420)
                                    25,301-27,900 (3,901-4,300)...........................        213     (470) 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: The procedures for housings with larger surface areas will be evaluated by REA on a case-by-case basis    

    (2) The housing shall remain in its original mounting position 
throughout the test and exhibit no mechanical deformation.
    (3) Figure 5 is as follows:

BILLING CODE 3410-15-P

TR21OC94.004

BILLING CODE 3410-15-C
    (xiii) Fire resistance. (A) The test housing shall be installed in 
a manner typical of field installation. U.S. No. 1 wheat straw shall be 
placed on the ground around the housing base in an one meter (3 ft) 
radius at an approximate depth of 10 cm (4 in.). The straw shall be 
ignited and permitted to burn fully. After the housing has cooled, its 
contents shall be inspected for evidence of ignition, melting, burning, 
or structural damage. Damage sufficient to impair service constitutes 
failure.
    (B) Polymeric materials shall be tested in accordance with the 
Underwriters Laboratories Publication (UL) 94, dated June 18, 1991. 
Materials used in housing components shall have a rating of P94V-0 or 
94V-1 and shall not sustain combustion when an open flame source is 
removed.
    (4) Mechanical requirements for housings--(i) Impact resistance. 
The test housing shall be subjected to the following impacts according 
to its minimum volume or minimum width and depth as shown in the 
following table: 

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Impact force  
 Minimum volume cm3 (in.3)    Minimum width or depth cm ----------------
                                       (in.)              N-m    (lb-ft)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than 35,000 (2,100)...  Less than 13 (5)..........      68     (50)
35,000 (2,100) or greater..  13 (5) or greater.........     136   (100) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (A) The impact force shall be delivered to the front, back, and top 
surfaces. Circular housings shall be impacted on side surfaces 180 deg. 
apart and on the top. The device used to deliver the force shall be 
spherical and approximately 25 to 31 cm (10 to 12 in.) in diameter. A 
typical test procedure may include the use of a hard rubber bowling 
ball, weighing 6 to 7 kg (13 to 16 lb), enclosed in a mesh bag, 
attached to a rope with a metal ring. The load shall be dropped 
vertically on the top surface and applied to the sides with a pendulum 
motion using the appropriate height and extension arm to achieve the 
required impact force. The housing must be impacted at the approximate 
mid-point of the surface area.
    (B) Housings shall be conditioned for a minimum of eight hours at 
-40 deg.C (-40 deg.F) in an environmental chamber prior to testing. If 
the chamber is insufficient in size to conduct tests within the 
chamber, the housing may be removed and shall be tested within 10 
minutes after removal.
    (C) After impact testing, the housing shall not exhibit fractured 
or ruptured surfaces sufficient to allow the ingress of moisture or 
dust. The housing shall not exhibit mechanical damage that would impair 
the functioning of hinges, latches, locks, etc.
    (ii) Load deflection. Free standing buried plant housings shall be 
tested for load deflection in accordance with Figure 6. The assembled 
housing shall be rigidly held in place by a mechanical means to 
simulate a normal field installation. A length of wire or cable, or 
other suitable material, shall be placed around the top section of the 
housing and deadended. The wire or cable shall be initially tensioned 
to 23 kg (50 lb). A measurement shall then be taken of the deflection 
of the housing at the top as shown in Figure 6. The deflection shall be 
recorded at incremental loads of 23 kg (50 lb) until destruction of the 
housing occurs. The average load for the three directions shall not be 
less than 136 kg (300 lb) and the minimum load in any direction shall 
be 113 kg (250 lb). Failure is defined as housing component fracture or 
crazing of the housing's surface finish. Figure 6 is as follows:

BILLING CODE 3410-15-P

TR21OC94.005

BILLING CODE 3410-15-C
    (iii) Vibration requirements. The test housing and its contents 
shall be subjected to acceleration at a sine wave frequency sweep rate 
as shown in Figure 7 for a housing packaged for shipment and Figure 8 
for an unpackaged housing. The frequency sweep may be performed 
continually or sequentially. The test shall be conducted once along 
each of three mutually perpendicular axes of the housing. There shall 
be no mechanical or electrical degradation of the housing or its 
contents. Noticeable damage to the housing constitutes failure. Figure 
7 and Figure 8 are as follows:

BILLING CODE 3410-15-P
      

TR21OC94.006


TR21OC94.007

BILLING CODE 3410-15-C
    (iv) Drop test requirements. Housings shall be subjected to 
appropriate drop tests according to their weight. The drop tests shall 
be performed on housings and their contents as normally packaged as 
well as on unpackaged housings. The tests shall be conducted on a 
smooth level concrete floor or similar unyielding surface. For corner 
drops, the packaged housing and its contents shall be oriented at 
impact such that a straight line drawn through the struck corner and 
package geometric center is approximately perpendicular to the impact 
surface.
    (A) Packaged housings and their contents weighing 91 kg (200 lb) or 
less shall be capable of enduring a single drop on each face or corner 
without damage from a height specified as follows: 

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  Drop  
     Packaged housing including contents weight kg (lb)        height cm
                                                                 (in.)  
------------------------------------------------------------------------
0 to 9 (0 to 20).............................................    76 (30)
10 to 23 (21 to 50)..........................................    61 (24)
24 to 45 (51 to 100).........................................    53 (21)
46 to 91 (101 to 200)........................................   46 (18) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (B) Packaged housings and their contents weighing more than 91 kg 
(200 lb) shall be capable of enduring a single drop on each of two 
diagonally opposite corners of the package without significant damage 
from a height specified as follows: 

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  Drop  
     Packaged housing including contents weight kg (lb)        height cm
                                                                 (in.)  
------------------------------------------------------------------------
92 to 453 (201 to 1000)......................................    30 (12)
Over to 453 (1000)...........................................    15 (6) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) The packaged housing and contents shall be placed on its normal 
shipping base with one corner supported 15 cm (6 in.) above the floor 
and the other corner of the same end supported 30 cm (12 in.) above the 
floor as shown in Figure 9. The unsupported end of the package shall be 
raised so that the lowest corner reaches the height listed above and 
then allowed to fall freely. Figure 9 is as follows:

BILLING CODE 3410-15-P

TR21OC94.008

BILLING CODE 3410-15-C
    (2) The procedure of paragraph (e)(4)(iv)(B)(1) of this section 
shall be repeated for the diagonally opposite corner.
    (3) The packaged housing and contents shall be capable of enduring 
a single drop on each edge of the base of its normal shipping position 
from the required height without damage and shall remain operational 
without function impairment. The packaged housing and contents shall be 
placed on its base with one edge supported on a sill 15 cm (6 in.) high 
and the unsupported edge raised to the required height as shown in 
Figure 10 and allowed to fall freely. Figure 10 is as follows:

BILLING CODE 3410-15-P
      

TR21OC94.009

BILLING CODE 3410-15-C
    (4) The procedure of (e)(4)(iv)(B)(3) of this section shall be 
repeated for all edges of the base.
    (C) Unpackaged housings and their contents weighing 23 kg (50 lb) 
or less shall be capable of enduring a single drop on each face and 
adjacent corners without significant damage from a height specified as 
follows: 

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  Drop  
      Packaged housing including contents weight kg (lb)       height cm
                                                                 (in.)  
------------------------------------------------------------------------
0 to 9 (0 to 20).............................................     10 (4)
10 to 23 (21 to 50)..........................................     8 (3) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (D) (1) Unpackaged housings and their contents weighing more than 
23 kg (50 lb) shall be capable of enduring a single drop without 
significant damage when lifted by its normal hoisting supports as shown 
in Figure 11 and with its lowest point at a height specified as 
follows: 

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  Drop  
      Packaged housing including contents weight kg (lb)       height cm
                                                                 (in.)  
------------------------------------------------------------------------
23 to 45 (51 to 100).........................................      5 (2)
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Figure 11 is as follows:

BILLING CODE 3410-15-P
      

TR21OC94.010

BILLING CODE 3410-15-C
    (v) Firearms resistance. All housings shall be tested for 
resistance to penetration by direct impact from a 12 gauge shotgun 
equipped with a modified choke and the use of a 3\3/4\ dram equivalent 
powder charge and 35 grams #6 lead shot fired from a distance of 15 m 
(50 ft). The 12 gauge shotgun shall be fired from a normal standing 
position at the front side of the housing. Penetration through the 
housing wall by the lead shot shall constitute failure.
    (vi) Lifting hardware requirements. The lifting hardware on 
housings and their contents that weigh more than 91 kg (200 lb) shall 
be tested. The housing shall be fastened to a restraining device such 
as a concrete slab and subjected to loading through the lifting 
attachments to simulate the lifting load. For the first test a lifting 
line equipped with a dynamometer shall be attached to the housing 
lifting hardware and a load applied equal to three times the weight of 
a fully equipped housing. Deformation or damage to the housing or 
lifting hardware constitutes failure. A second test shall be conducted 
with the same arrangements as for the first except that a load shall be 
applied equal to six times the weight of a fully equipped housing. 
There shall be no catastrophic failure of the lifting hardware or 
housing.
    (vii) Stub cable strain relief tests. Housings equipped with cable 
stubs and cable shipping retainer shall be tested by lifting a test 
housing, with the maximum length and weight of cable orderable, in a 
manner causing the full weight of the cable to be supported by the 
cabinet. Examination of the cable sheath after lifting shall reveal no 
tearing, rupturing, or other damage. The cable conductors and shield 
shall be tested for shorts and opens. Electrical defects to the stub 
cable or damage to the housing constitutes failure.
    (viii) Door restrainer evaluation. (A) The housing shall be 
positioned with the door held in the open position by the door 
restraining device. A load, determined in accordance with the following 
table, shall be applied to the center of the door, perpendicular to the 
door and in each of the opening and closing directions. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Load kg  
          Maximum area of door surface cm2 (in.2)               (lb)    
------------------------------------------------------------------------
5,200 (800) or less........................................     72 (160)
5,201 to 9,100 (801 to 1,400)..............................    127 (280)
9,101 to 13,000 (1,401 to 2,000)...........................   181 (400) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Test procedures for housings with larger doors will be evaluated  
  by REA on a case-by-case basis.                                       

    (B) There shall be no functional failure of the restraining device 
nor mechanical damage to the housing.
    (ix) Security evaluation. The security locking device shall be 
capable of withstanding a maximum torque of 2.8 N-m (25 lb-in.) without 
incurring physical damage to the closure, thereby resulting in a 
condition where the closure cannot be either accessed or locked.
    (5) Electrical requirements for housings. Each bonding stud and nut 
location shall be evaluated by attaching one lead from a dc or 
alternating current (ac) power source to a bonding stud with the nut 
torqued as specified by its manufacturer and the other power source 
lead connected to the closure grounding conductor connector. The 
current path thus established must be capable of sustaining a current 
of 1,000 amperes root-mean-square for at least 20 seconds without 
fusing or causing any damage to the closure or its contents.
    (6) Finish requirements--(i) Impact resistance. The finish on 
painted metal surfaces shall not exhibit radial cracking on the impact 
surface (intrusion) when indented at 18 N-m (160 lb-in.) with a 1.6 cm 
(0.6 in.) diameter spherical indentor. This test shall be performed in 
accordance with ASTM D 2794-92 with the exception that the test panel 
shall be of the same material, thickness, and finish as the pedestal 
housing being evaluated.
    (ii) Finish adhesion. Painted finishes shall be tested for adhesion 
of finish in accordance with ASTM D 2197-86 (Reapproved 1991), Method 
A. There shall be no gouging in the top coat when tested with an 8 kg 
(17.7 lb) load. Gouging is defined as removal or separation of paint 
particles or breaking of the finish by the scraping loop to the extent 
of exposing base metal.
    (iii) Color evaluation. The color of the housing finish should be 
compared against the Munsell system of color notation, as described in 
ASTM D 1535-89 to determine color consistency with that desired.
    (iv) Gloss evaluation. The finish on painted housings shall be 
tested on two approximately 20 cm  x  20 cm (8 in.  x  8 in.) samples 
for each color used in accordance with the procedures of ASTM D 523-89. 
The finish shall have a minimum gloss of 60 (60 deg. Specular).
    (v) Secondary finish evaluation. Evidence of secondary protection 
shall be required for REA acceptance. Typical secondary protection is 
galvanizing per ASTM A 526/A 526M-90 for steel surfaces.
    (f) Functional design criteria for binding post terminal blocks 
used in SAI cabinets--(1) General description. A conventional binding 
post terminal consists of a metallic element or post, one end of which 
is configured for the permanent connection of 22, 24, or 26 AWG solid 
copper conductors and the opposite end is configured for recurring 
connections and disconnections of solid copper cross-connect wire using 
a threaded screw or stud and nut combination for gripping the wire. The 
terminal is usually housed in a SAI cabinet. However, the terminal may 
receive limited use in smaller pedestal-type housings and pole mounted 
cabinets in the outside plant environment.
    (2) Design and fabrication requirements. (i) Terminal blocks used 
in outside plant housings are expected to perform satisfactorily for a 
nominal design life of 30 years.
    (ii) All individual terminals or terminal fields must be enclosed 
and the terminal enclosure must be totally filled with an encapsulating 
grease or gel which prevents connection degradation caused by moisture 
and corrosion. The encapsulant must provide complete encapsulation of 
terminal metallic connections and surfaces and totally fill all voids 
and cavities within individual terminal enclosures or terminal field 
enclosures to prevent ingress of moisture. The encapsulant must not 
restrict access to the terminal or restrict craft personnel from making 
connections. The encapsulant must be compatible with the standard 
materials used in cross-connect hardware and wiring.
    (iii) Binding post terminals shall not be susceptible to damage 
under normal use of standard tools used by outside plant technicians 
such as screwdrivers and test set clips. In addition, use of other 
tools such as scissors, diagonal cutters and long nose pliers for 
tightening and loosening screws shall not result in damage to the 
terminal.
    (iv) Terminals shall be designed so that a typical technician using 
customary tools shall be able to terminate cross-connect wire on a pair 
of terminals, or to remove it, without causing an electrical short 
between any two terminals or any other adjacent terminals.
    (v) The terminal count sequence shall be indicated using numerals 
of at least 0.25 cm (0.10 in.) in height.
    (vi) A means shall be provided to distinguish feeder terminals from 
distribution terminals.
    (vii) A means shall be provided to identify tip terminals and ring 
terminals in a terminal field. The identification convention shall 
indicate tip on the left with ring on the right for horizontal spacing 
and tip on the top with ring on the bottom for vertical spacing.
    (viii) The preferred height of the highest terminal in the 
connector field in a ground mounted SAI unit shall be 168 cm (66 in.) 
or less as measured from the top surface of the mounting pad. The 
bottom or lowest terminals in the connector field shall be at least 46 
cm (18 in.) from the top surface of the pad.
    (ix) Pole mounted aerial units shall be 84 cm (33 in.) or less in 
width. The maximum allowable height of the highest terminals in a pole 
mounted aerial unit is 168 cm (66 in.) as measured from the top surface 
of the standard balcony seat used with the interface. For computation 
purposes, 15 cm (6 in.) shall be allowed for the distance between the 
bottom of the interface and the top of the balcony seat.
    (3) Auxiliary features. (i) SAI cabinets with terminal designs 
which do not permit direct attachment of common test instrument clips 
to terminal pairs without the occurrence of shorts shall be equipped 
with single pair auxiliary test contacts. The auxiliary test contacts 
shall attach to a terminal pair and provide a set of secondary 
terminals which will accept typical test instrument clips without the 
occurrence of shorts. Wire used to connect the auxiliary test contacts 
to the secondary terminals shall be 20 gauge minimum stranded conductor 
copper wire with a minimum dielectric strength between conductors of 15 
kv. The test connector shall be functional on all terminal pairs.
    (ii) A 25 or 50 pair test connector shall be available which can be 
used to make reliable electrical contact to terminals associated with 
discrete 25 pair binder groups. The multi-pair test connector shall be 
provided with a minimum of 1.8 m (6 ft) of suitable cabling terminated 
to a connector, for interfacing with test sets common to the industry. 
The multi-pair test connector shall be functional on all terminal 
groups.
    (iii) A special service marker shall be available which must attach 
to a binding post terminal to identify special circuits and insulate 
exposed metal parts from accidental shorts from tools and wires. A 
supply of 25 special service markers shall be provided with each SAI 
cabinet. The color of special service markers shall be red.
    (iv)(A) A supply of twisted pair cross-connect wire shall be 
supplied with housings that are equipped with cross-connect terminals 
or that have provisions for mounting cross-connect terminals. The 
minimum length of cross-connect wire supplied is dependent on the SAI 
cabinet terminal capacity as follows: 

------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Cabinet termination capacity (pairs)              Wire length   
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 to 600.............................................      60 m (200 ft)
601 to 1200..........................................     120 m (400 ft)
Over 1200............................................    180 m (600 ft) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (B) The cabinet shall be equipped to store the length of wire in a 
manner designed for convenient dispensing. The cross-connect wire 
supply shall be easily replaceable.
    (g) Performance criteria and test procedures for binding post 
terminal blocks used in SAI cabinets--(1) General. Many of the tests 
described in this section require that the terminal block be installed 
in an appropriate housing in its typical field configuration.
    (2) Environmental requirements--(i) Insulation resistance/high 
humidity and salt fog exposure. A test specimen shall consist of a 
standard ground or pole mounted housing equipped with a full complement 
of binding post terminals equipped with 25 special service markers. The 
minimum number of terminals to be tested shall be 100 pair (100 tips 
and 100 associated rings). The test terminals shall be selected to form 
a terminal array of approximate square dimensions. A 1 cm (36 in.) 
length of cross-connect wire shall be installed on each test terminal. 
All tips shall be joined together and all rings shall be joined 
together with a 48 volt dc potential applied as shown in Figure 12 
during the high humidity/salt fog and simulated rain exposures. The 48 
volt dc may be temporarily removed from the test samples during the 
measurement process and the ring terminal being measured shall be 
isolated from the remaining ring terminals. The terminal insulation 
resistance shall be measured at a potential of 100 volts dc using 
suitable instrumentation with a minimum measurement range of 10\4\ to 
10\12\ ohms. Figure 12 is as follows:

BILLING CODE 3410-15-P

TR21OC94.011

BILLING CODE 3410-15-C
    (A) High humidity. The test housing shall be placed in an 
environmental test chamber at 953% RH and the temperature 
cycled as shown in Figure 3 in paragraph (e)(3)(ii) of this section for 
a period of 30 days. The cabinet doors shall remain in the fully open 
position. The insulation resistance between the ring terminal of each 
sample and all the common tip terminals shall be measured each 24 hours 
when the temperature is between 38 and 57  deg.C (100 and 135  deg.F) 
and increasing. The minimum insulation resistance when measured in 
accordance with paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this section shall not be less 
than 1 x 106 ohms.
    (B) Salt fog. A test housing with its doors closed shall be placed 
in a salt fog 35  deg.C (95  deg.F) test chamber and exposed to a salt 
fog spray per ASTM B 117-90 for a period of 30 days. The insulation 
resistance should be measured every 24 hours as indicated in paragraph 
(g)(2)(i) of the section and shall not be less than 1 x 106 ohms. 
The special service markers shall exhibit no sign of fading, corrosion, 
swelling, warping, running color, or other signs of deterioration.
    (ii) Insulation resistance/simulated rain exposure. (A) A test 
housing as described in paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this section shall be 
tested for water infiltration. The test shall be conducted using the 
method described in paragraph (e)(3)(xi) of this section. The cabinet 
doors shall remain closed for the duration of the test. The insulation 
resistance between the ring terminals and the common tip terminals 
shall be measured during and immediately following the spray 
application as indicated in paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this section and 
shall not be less than 1 x 10\6\ ohms.
    (B) With the cabinet doors open, a spray of tap water at a rate of 
3.8 liters per minute (1 gallon per minute) at 276 kilo-pascals (40 
pounds per square inch) shall be directed on the terminal array for a 
period of 1 minute saturating all of the terminals. Following the spray 
application the doors shall be closed. The cabinet shall be maintained 
in a temperature environment of 26 to 28  deg.C (78 to 82  deg.F) at 
953% RH for 6 hours. The insulation resistance shall then 
be measured as specified in paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this section. The 
minimum insulation resistance shall not be less than 1 x 106 ohms.
    (iii) Contact resistance. A minimum of 100 terminals equipped with 
cross-connect wire that has been installed in a manner typical of that 
used in the industry shall be temperature cycled.
    (A) The test shall consist of eight-hour temperature cycles with 
one-hour dwells at extreme temperatures of
-40  deg.C to +60  deg.C (-40  deg.F to +140  deg.F), and temperature 
changes at an average rate of 16  deg.C (60  deg.F) per hour between 
the extremes. The relative humidity shall be maintained at 
953%. The eight-hour test shall be conducted for 512 
cycles. Millivolt drop measurements shall be made initially and after 
2, 8, 16, 32, 64, 256, and 512 cycles with the samples at room 
temperature. The resistance measurement technique must conform to ASTM 
B 539-90. The measurement method must have an accuracy of at least 
30 microohms for resistances less than 50 milliohms. The 
change in contact resistance shall not exceed 2 milliohms.
    (B) A minimum of 100 terminals equipped with cross-connect wire 
installed in a manner typical of the industry shall be maintained at 
118  deg.C (245  deg.F) during the test period, except during 
disturbance measurement periods where each wire connection to the 
terminals shall have a 0.23 kg (0.5 lb) force momentarily applied in a 
manner to stress the connection. Initial millivolt measurements shall 
be made without disturbing the joints in accordance with paragraph 
(g)(2)(iii)(A) of this section with the samples at room temperature. 
After initial measurement each sample shall be disturbed followed by a 
millivolt drop measurement after 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 33 days. The 
change in contact resistance should be less than 2 milliohms when 
compared to the initial measurement.
    (iv) Fire resistance. A fully equipped cabinet including a full 
complement of cross-connect jumpers shall be installed in the standard 
field arrangement and tested for fire resistance in accordance with 
paragraphs (e)(3)(xiii) introductory text through (e)(3)(xiii)(B) of 
this section. After cooling, the cabinet, terminals, and associated 
wiring shall be inspected for signs of ignition, melting, burning, or 
structural damage of sufficient consequences such that the results are 
service affecting.
    (v) Encapsulant material compatibility. The terminal connection 
encapsulant compound must be compatible with the standard materials 
used in cross-connect hardware and wiring when aged in accordance with 
ASTM D 4568-86 at a temperature of 801  deg.C 
(176 2  deg.F). The conductor insulation shall retain a 
minimum of 85% of its unaged tensile strength and elongation values. 
The cross-connect hardware shall exhibit no visible material 
degradation.
    (vi) Encapsulant flow test. Terminal connection encapsulant must 
remain stable at 801  deg.C (1762  deg.F) when 
tested in an environmental chamber. Test specimens shall be suspended 
in a preheated oven over a glass dish or other drip-catching medium for 
a period of 24 hours. At the end of the test period, the glass dish 
shall be examined for evidence of flowing or dripping of encapsulant 
from the cross-connect terminal. More than 0.5 gram of encapsulant in 
the dish at the end of the test constitutes failure.
    (3) Mechanical requirements--(i) Vibration. A test housing equipped 
with a full complement of cross-connect terminals and jumper wiring 
shall be subjected to vibration testing in accordance with paragraph 
(e)(4)(iii) of this section.
    (ii) Torsional capacity of binding posts. The test specimens shall 
consist of the complete binding post terminal consisting of the screw 
or nut, washers if required, and threaded post or stud respectively.
    (A) Test specimens shall include the terminals along the matrix 
edge at mid-span locations as well as centrally located terminals. 
Tests shall be conducted using a torque indicating screwdriver, or 
wrench, with an accuracy of 0.17 N-m (1.5 lb-
in.) or better. The torque indicating device shall be used to tighten a 
screw or nut until failure of the screw or nut is achieved. Tests shall 
be conducted while the test specimen is stabilized at temperatures of 
-40  deg.C, 20  deg.C, and
71  deg.C (-40  deg.F, +68  deg.F, and at +160  deg.F). Record the 
torques at terminal failure. At least 10 test specimens shall be tested 
at each temperature. The failure torque shall not be less than 2.8 N-m 
(25.0 lb-in.) for each temperature.
    (B) The post or stud of the binding post terminal shall not fail 
before the screw or nut when increasing torque. The faceplate or 
receptacle restraining the post or stud shall not fail before the screw 
or nut when increasing torque.
    (iii) Lateral loading capacity of binding posts. A minimum of three 
sets of 25 terminals shall be tested with the test specimens stabilized 
at temperatures of -40  deg.C, 20  deg.C and 71  deg.C (-40  deg.F, +68 
 deg.F, and 100  deg.F). The test arrangement shall include the 
terminals along the matrix edge at mid-span locations as well as 
centrally located terminals. A force measuring device, such as a 
dynamometer, shall be attached to the end of a binding post terminal 
and a 16 kg (35 lb) force applied orthogonally to the terminal axis in 
4 perpendicular directions as shown in Figure 13. Permanent deformation 
in excess of 0.08 cm (0.03 in.) or any structural damage in either the 
terminal or faceplate constitutes a failure. Figure 13 is as follows:

BILLING CODE 3410-15-P
      

TR21OC94.012

BILLING CODE 3410-15-C
    (iv) Axial pullout resistance. A minimum of three sets of 25 
terminals shall be tested with the test specimens stabilized at 
temperatures of -40  deg.C,
20  deg.C, and 71  deg.C (-40  deg.F, +68  deg.F, and 100  deg.
F). The test arrangement shall include the terminals along the matrix 
edge at mid-span locations as well as centrally located terminals. A 
force measuring device, such as a dynamometer, shall be attached to a 
terminal and a force of 16 kg (35 lb) applied on axis as shown in 
Figure 14. There shall be no permanent deformation in excess of 0.08 cm 
(0.03 in.), any structural damage, or terminal pull-out in either the 
terminal or the faceplate. Figure 14 is as follows:

BILLING CODE 3410-15-P
      

TR21OC94.013

BILLING CODE 3510-15-C
    (v) Test connector reliability. (A) A single pair connector shall 
be capable of making a minimum of 100 successive connections to binding 
post terminals without the occurrence of an open circuit. The test 
shall include terminals along the matrix edge, center, top, and bottom.
    (B) A multi-pair test connector shall be attached to the binding 
post terminal field and tests for opens between the binding post 
terminals and the test connector shall be conducted. All circuits must 
prove good. The test shall be repeated along the terminal matrix edges, 
center, top, and bottom.
    (vi) Service cycle reliability. A torque indicating device or 
wrench with an accuracy of 0.17 N-m (1.5 lb-
in.) or better shall be used to tighten the terminal screw or nut as 
appropriate to 1.7 N-m (15.0 lb-in.). The terminal nut or screw is then 
loosened and retightened to 1.7 N-m (15 lb-in.). After 50 repeated 
connections and disconnections, the terminal shall be placed in an 
environmental chamber at 95% RH where the temperature shall be cycled 
as indicated in Figure 3 in paragraph (e)(3)(ii) of this section for a 
duration of 72 hours. The terminal shall then be momentarily removed 
from the chamber and the test procedure repeated. After a total of 250 
loosening and retightening cycles have accumulated, the terminal must 
be capable of withstanding a torque of 1.7 N-m (15 lb-in.).
    (4) Dielectric strength. All housing components in the vicinity of 
unsheathed field cable conductors, unsheathed housing stub cable or 
harness conductors, terminals, or cross-connect wire paths shall have a 
minimum dielectric strength of 500 volts ac to the cabinet grounding 
and bonding bracket. Dielectric strength is tested by connecting one 
lead from a 500-volt ac at 0.5 ampere source to the cabinet ground 
connector and the other lead is passed along the surfaces of all 
cabinet components in the vicinity of unsheathed cable or harness 
conductors, cross-connect wire paths, and in the splice area where 
unsheathed field cable conductors may be located. Sparkover constitutes 
failure.
    (5) Operational requirements--(i) Durability. In order to verify 
the durability requirements while minimizing the number of test 
housings required to complete the test program, the binding posts 
selected for tests shall be separately identified and then checked to 
establish compliance after the various tests have been conducted.
    (ii) Twenty-five jumper connections shall be made on each of two 
binding post connectors chosen at random from a representative sample 
in an assembled interface unit. After exposure to this test, these and 
adjacent connectors shall be inspected for damage such as cracks or 
chips in metal or plastic parts. Failure consists of structural damage, 
open circuits through the connector, or inability to pass the 
torsional, lateral loading, or axial pullout tests described in 
paragraphs (g)(3)(ii) through (g)(3)(iv) of this section.
    (iii) Select six binding posts at random in a representative 
interface. On each connector, attach any test cord included with the 
unit and then remove the test cord as follows. On binding post sample 
1, remove the cord normally ten times. On binding post sample 2, remove 
the cord ten times by jerking the test leads straight out. In these and 
the remaining tests, do this without releasing any manual attachment 
mechanisms. On sample 3, remove ten times by jerking downward at 
45 deg. from horizontal; sample 4, upward at 45 deg. ten times; sample 
5, left 45 deg. ten times; sample 6, right 45 deg. ten times. Check for 
opens and damage in the test cord, clips, and connectors. Failure 
consists of structural damage, open circuits through the connector, or 
inability of the terminal blocks to pass the torsional, lateral 
loading, axial pullout, test connector reliability, or dielectric 
strength tests described in paragraphs (g)(3)(ii) through (g)(3)(v)(B), 
and paragraph (g)(4) of this section.
    (iv) Use craft tools such as scissors, diagonal cutters, and long 
nose pliers to loosen and tighten screws where the binding post design 
does not prohibit the possibility. Failure consists of severe 
structural damage.
    (h) Functional design criteria for insulation displacement type 
cross-connect modules used in SAI cabinets--(1) General description. 
Cross-connect modules normally consist of multiple metallic contact 
elements that are retained by nonmetallic fixtures. The contact 
elements are spliced with permanent wire leads compatible for splicing 
to 22, 24, or 26 gauge cable on one side and configured for the 
acceptance of recurring connections and disconnections of plastic 
insulated cross-connect wire on the other side. Cross-connect modules 
are usually housed in a SAI cabinet. However, modules may receive 
limited usage in smaller pedestal-type housings and cabinets in the 
outside plant environment.
    (2) Design and fabrication requirements. (i) All individual 
terminals or terminal fields must be enclosed and the terminal 
enclosures must be totally filled with an encapsulating grease or gel 
which prevents connection degradation caused by moisture and corrosion. 
The encapsulant must provide complete encapsulation of terminal 
metallic connections and surfaces and totally fill all voids and 
cavities within individual terminal enclosures or terminal field 
enclosures to prevent ingress of moisture. The encapsulant must not 
restrict access to the terminal or restrict craft personnel from making 
connections. The encapsulant must be compatible with the standard 
materials used in cross-connect hardware and wiring.
    (ii) The cross-connect module manufacturer shall make available any 
nonstandard tools and test apparatus which are required for splicing, 
placing of jumpers, and the performance of maintenance operations.
    (iii) The module shall be designed so that a typical outside plant 
technician using tools shall be able to terminate cross-connect wire on 
terminals, or to remove them without causing electrical shorts between 
any other terminals.
    (iv) The pair count sequence terminated on a module shall be easily 
visible and shall have numerals of at least 0.25 cm (0.10 in.) in 
height.
    (v) Feeder terminations shall be easily distinguished from 
distribution terminations.
    (vi) Tip and ring terminations shall be easily visible and shall be 
identifiable as described in paragraph (f)(2)(vi) of this section.
    (vii) The preferred locations for cross-connect modules to be 
mounted inside a housing is the same as those for terminals and are 
described in paragraphs (f)(2)(vii) and (f)(2)(viii) of this section.
    (3) Auxiliary features. (i) Housings equipped with cross-connect 
modules shall be equipped with auxiliary test contacts as described in 
paragraphs (f)(3)(i) and (f)(3)(ii) of this section.
    (ii) Special service markers shall be available for cross-connect 
modules as described in paragraph (f)(3)(iii) of this section.
    (iii) Housings equipped with, or designed for, cross-connect 
modules shall contain a supply of cross-connect wire as described in 
paragraph (f)(3)(iv) of this section.
    (i) Performance criteria and test procedures for insulation 
displacement type cross-connect modules--(1) General. Many of the tests 
described in this section require that the cross-connect module be 
installed in an appropriate housing in its typical field configuration 
for testing. Resistance measurements should be made with an electrical 
device which measures changes in resistance for each test parameter 
measured. The tests specified provide an indication of the stability of 
the electrical connections under the test conditions encountered.
    (2) Environmental requirements. (i) A fully equipped arrangement of 
cross-connect modules having approximately 25 special service markers 
shall successfully complete environmental testing in accordance with 
paragraphs (e)(3) introductory text through (e)(3)(xiii)(B) of this 
section.
    (ii) Insulation resistance/high humidity and salt fog exposure. 
Insulation resistance measurements shall not be less than 1 x 10\6\ 
ohms when cross-connect modules are tested by a procedure similar to 
that described in paragraphs (g)(2)(i) introductory text through 
(g)(2)(i)(B) of this section.
    (iii) Insulation resistance/simulated rain exposure. Insulation 
resistance measurements shall not be less than 1 x 10\6\ ohms when 
cross-connect modules are tested by a procedure similar to that 
described in and paragraphs (g)(2)(ii) introductory text through 
(g)(2)(ii)(B) of this section.
    (iv) Contact resistance. The change in contact resistance should 
not exceed 2 milliohms when cross-connect modules are tested by a 
procedure similar to that described in paragraphs (g)(2)(iii) 
introductory text through (g)(2)(iii)(B) of this section.
    (v) Fire resistance. A housing fully equipped with cross-connect 
modules and jumper wiring shall be tested for fire resistance by a 
procedure similar to that described in paragraph (g)(2)(iv) of this 
section.
    (vi) Encapsulant material compatibility. Cross-connect wire 
insulation and cross-connect hardware shall exhibit no visible material 
degradation when tested by the procedure described in paragraph 
(g)(2)(v) of this section.
    (vii) Encapsulant flow test. The cross-connect contact encapsulant 
shall drip no more than 0.5 gram when tested by the procedure described 
in paragraph (g)(2)(vi) of this section.
    (3) Mechanical requirements--(i) Vibration. A housing fully 
equipped with cross-connect modules shall be vibration tested in 
accordance with paragraph (g)(3)(i) of this section.
    (ii) Test connector reliability. The test connectors supplied with 
housings intended for cross-connect modules shall successfully complete 
100 successive connections as described in paragraphs (g)(3)(v) 
introductory text through (g)(3)(v)(B) of this section.
    (iii) Service cycle reliability. A combination of multiple 
insertions of jumper wires, vibration, and temperature cycling shall be 
performed on cross-connect modules. The multiple insertions on 
approximately 100 connections shall be accomplished by 300 operations 
consisting of insertion, removal and reinsertion of new jumper wire. 
Contact resistance shall be measured and the final insertion of jumper 
wire shall not be removed from the connectors but must be subjected to 
vibration testing in accordance with paragraph (g)(3)(i) of this 
section and temperature cycled as indicated in Figure 3 in paragraph 
(e)(3)(ii) of this section for a duration of 72 hours. After vibration 
and temperature cycling, the average change in contact resistance shall 
be no greater than 2 milliohms.
    (iv) Jumper wire pull-out resistance. Test modules that have 
received no prior conditioning shall be equipped with 100 38 cm (15 
in.) jumper connections of the gauges recommended for use with the 
module using the insertion tool recommended by the cross-connect module 
manufacturer. With the test samples suitably supported, wires from each 
sample shall be pulled, one at a time, by a tensile machine at a cross-
head speed of 6 centimeters per minute (cm/min) (2.4 inches per minute 
(in./min)). Wires shall be pulled both perpendicular and parallel to 
the plane of the cross-connect field and shall withstand a load of at 
least 1.1 kg (2.5 lb) before pulling out.
    (v) Cable conductor pull-out resistance. Test modules that have 
received no prior conditioning shall be equipped with 100 26, 24, and 
22 AWG 38 cm (15 in.) cable conductors using the insertion tool 
recommended by the cross-connect module manufacturer. With the test 
samples suitably supported, conductors from each sample shall be 
pulled, one at a time, by a tensile machine at a cross-head speed of 6 
cm/min (2.4 in./min). Wires shall be pulled both perpendicular and 
parallel to the plane of the face of the splice module and shall 
withstand a load of at least 1.1 kg (2.5 lb) before pulling out.
    (4) Electrical requirements--(i) Dielectric strength. A housing 
fully equipped with cross-connect modules shall be tested for 
dielectric strength in accordance with (g)(4) of this section.
    (ii) The dielectric strength of a contact within the cross-connect 
module to contacts on either side shall be tested. The module shall be 
tested in a dry environment with an ac power source capable of 
supplying 8 kv at a rate of increase of 500 volts per second, a circuit 
breaker to open at breakdown, and a voltmeter to record the breakdown 
potential. Cross-connect modules shall be prepared in accordance with 
industry accepted splicing techniques with leads trimmed to 
approximately 38 cm (15 in.). The dielectric strength of each contact 
to the contacts on either side shall have an average dielectric 
strength of approximately 5.0 kv.
    (5) Operational requirements--(i) Durability. In order to verify 
the durability requirements while minimizing the number of test 
housings required to complete the test program, the contacts selected 
for tests shall be separately identified and then checked to establish 
compliance after the various tests have been conducted.
    (ii) Twenty-five jumper connections shall be made on each of two 
contacts chosen at random from a representative sample in an assembled 
interface unit. After this test, these and surrounding contacts shall 
be inspected for damage such as cracks or chips in metal or plastic 
parts. Failure consists of structural damage, open circuits through the 
connector, or inability to pass the jumper wire pullout tests described 
in paragraph (i)(3)(iv) of this section.
    (iii) Select six contacts at random in a representative interface. 
On each of these contacts attach any test cord included with the unit 
as specified under normal use of that cord and then remove the test 
cord as follows. On sample 1, remove the cord normally ten times. On 
sample 2, remove the clip ten times by jerking the test leads straight 
out. In these and the remaining tests, do this without releasing any 
manual attachment mechanisms. On sample 3, remove ten times by jerking 
downward at 45 deg. from horizontal; sample 4, upward 45 deg. ten 
times; sample 5, left 45 deg. ten times; sample 6, right 45 deg. ten 
times. Check for opens and damage in the test cord, clips, and cross-
connect modules. Failure consists of structural damage, open circuits 
through the connector, or inability of module to pass the test 
connector reliability, jumper wire pullout, and dielectric strength 
tests described in paragraphs (i)(3)(ii), (i)(3)(iv), and (i)(4)(ii) of 
this section.
    (j) Packaging and identification requirements--(1) Product 
identification. (i) Each housing, terminal block, or cross-connect 
module shall be permanently marked with the manufacturer's name or 
trade mark.
    (ii) The date of manufacture, model number, serial number and REA 
assigned designations shall be placed on a decal inside housings. The 
product identification nomenclature must correspond with the 
nomenclature used in the manufacturer's quality assurance program.
    (2) Packaging requirements. (i) Buried plant housings shall be 
packaged securely in an environmentally safe container to prevent 
either deterioration or physical damage to the unit during shipment, 
handling and storage.
    (ii) The product with all the necessary parts shall be shipped in 
one container unless significant advantages to the user can be obtained 
otherwise. Packaging of parts in the carton shall be such that the 
parts become available in the order in which they are needed. The 
package should be clearly marked as to which end to open. Packages 
shall be clearly labeled, and correspond to the names given in the 
instructions.
    (iii) Products packed in shipping containers shall be cushioned, 
blocked, braced, and anchored to prevent movement and damage.
    (iv) All products shall be secured to pallets with non-metallic 
strapping. The strapping and the manner employed shall be of sufficient 
quantity, width, and thickness to preclude failure during transit and 
handling.
    (v) The use of shrink or stretch film to secure the load to the 
pallet is permitted. However, such film must be applied over the 
required strapping.
    (vi) Containers that are too large or heavy to be palletized, such 
as crates, shall be shipped in their own containers. When practical, 
these containers shall be provided with skids to facilitate fork-lift 
handling.
    (vii) When packaged, the outer cartons shall meet the requirements 
of the Uniform Freight Classification and the National Motor Freight 
Classification.
    (3) Container marking requirements. (i) The package shall be 
readily identifiable as to the manufacturer, model number, date of 
manufacture, and serial number.
    (ii) The REA assigned housing designation shall be stamped or 
marked on the outside of the package container with letter and number 
sizes large enough for easy identification.
    (iii) Each package shall be marked with its approximate gross 
weight.
    (iv) All containers carrying delicate or fragile items shall be 
marked to clearly identify this condition.
    (v) All marking shall be clear, legible, and as large as space 
permits.

(The information and recordkeeping requirements of this section have 
been approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control 
number 0572-0059.)

    Dated: October 12, 1994.
Bob J. Nash,
Under Secretary, Small Community and Rural Development.
[FR Doc. 94-25758 Filed 10-20-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-15-P