[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 102 (Friday, May 24, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 26073-26078]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-12834]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Utilities Service
7 CFR Part 1755
RUS Specification for Aerial Service Wires
AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) amends its regulations on
Telecommunications Standards and Specifications for Materials,
Equipment and Construction, by codifying the RUS Specification for
Aerial Service Wires. The new specification sets forth the engineering
and technical standards that are required by RUS in outside plant
environments.
DATES: Effective date: June 24, 1996.
Compliance date: Borrowers may purchase aerial wire service
products already produced or currently in the process of manufacturing
under previous Bulletin 345-36 until February 24, 1997.
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 June 24, 1996.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Charlie I. Harper, Jr., Chief, Outside
Plant Branch, Telecommunications Standards Division, Rural Utilities
Service, room 2844, AG Box 1598, South Building, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250-1598, telephone number (202) 720-
0667.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Executive Order 12866
This final rule has been determined to be not significant and
therefore has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget.
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.
Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification
The Administrator of RUS has determined that this final rule will
not have a significant economic 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 RUS borrowers. However, the
long-term direct economic costs are reduced through greater durability
and lower maintenance cost over time.
Information Collection and Recordkeeping Requirements
The reporting and recordkeeping requirements contained in the final
rule were approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35,
as amended) under control number of 0572-0059.
Send questions or comments regarding this burden or any other
aspect of these collections of information, including suggestions for
reducing the burden, to F. Lamont Heppe, Jr., Deputy Director, Program
Support Staff, Rural Utilities Service, Ag Box 1522, Washington, DC
20250-1522.
[[Page 26074]]
National Environmental Policy Act Certification
The Administrator of RUS 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, which may require 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 RUS and RTB loans and loan guarantees, and RTB
bank loans, to governmental and nongovernmental entities from coverage
under this Order.
Background
RUS 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 RUS financing. RUS
issues standards and specifications for the construction of telephone
facilities financed with RUS loan funds. RUS Bulletin 345-36, ``RUS
Specification for Parallel Conductor Drop Wire,'' PE-7, dated January
25, 1983, presently contains the engineering and technical requirements
for aerial service wires that are considered necessary for satisfactory
performance in outside plant environments. Because of the technological
advancements made in aerial service wire designs over the past eleven
years, RUS is rescinding Bulletin 345-36 and codifying these standards
in 7 CFR part 1755.700 through 7 CFR part 1755.704, RUS Specification
for Aerial Service Wires.
The specification allows aerial service wire designs consisting of
one pair through six pairs. The specification also allows aerial
service wire designs containing copper coated steel and nonmetallic
reinforcing members.
The specification contains mechanical, electrical, and
environmental requirements, and test methods for evaluation of these
aerial service wire designs.
This action establishes RUS requirements for a wider range of
aerial service wires without affecting current designs or manufacturing
techniques. This wider selection of aerial service wires will afford
RUS telephone borrowers the opportunity to increase subscriber services
in an economical and efficient manner through enhanced wire designs
brought about by technological advancements made during the past eleven
years.
On December 29, 1995, RUS published a proposed rule (60 FR 67340)
to codify the RUS Specification for Aerial Service Wires. Comments on
this proposed rule were due January 29, 1996. No comments were received
by this due date.
List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 1755
Incorporation by reference, Loan programs--communications,
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Rural areas, Telephone.
For the reasons set out in the preamble, RUS amends 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., 6941 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.
* * * * *
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Section Issue date Title
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* * * * * * *
1755.700 through 1755.704............ June 24, 1996............................. RUS Specification for Aerial Service Wires.
* * * * * * *
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3. Sections 1755.700 through 1755.704 are added to read as follows:
Sec. 1755.700 RUS specification for aerial service wires.
Secs. 1755.701 through 1755.704 cover the requirements for aerial
service wires.
Sec. 1755.701 Scope.
(a) This section covers the requirements for aerial service wires
intended for aerial subscriber drops.
(b) The aerial service wires can be either copper coated steel
reinforced or nonmetallic reinforced designs.
(c) For the copper coated steel reinforced design, the reinforcing
members are the conductors.
(1) The conductors are solid copper-covered steel wires.
(2) The wire structure is completed by insulating the conductors
with an overall extruded plastic insulating compound.
(d) For the nonmetallic reinforced design, the conductors are solid
copper individually insulated with an extruded solid insulating
compound.
(1) The insulated conductors are either laid parallel (two
conductor design only) or twisted into pairs (a star-quad configuration
is permitted for two pair wires).
(2) The wire structure is completed by the application of
nonmetallic reinforcing members and an overall plastic jacket.
(e) All wires sold to RUS borrowers for projects involving RUS loan
funds under Secs. 1755.700 through 1755.704 must be accepted by RUS
Technical Standards Committee ``A'' (Telecommunications). For wires
manufactured to the specification of Secs. 1755.700 through 1755.704,
all design changes to an accepted design must be submitted for
acceptance. RUS will be the sole authority on what constitutes a design
change.
(f) Materials, manufacturing techniques, or wire designs not
[[Page 26075]]
specifically addressed by Secs. 1755.700 through 1755.704 may be
allowed if accepted by RUS. Justification for acceptance of modified
materials, manufacturing techniques, or wire designs must be provided
to substantiate product utility and long term stability and endurance.
Sec. 1755.702 Copper coated steel reinforced (CCSR) aerial service
wire.
(a) Conductors. (1) Each conductor shall comply with the
requirements specified in the American National Standard Institute/
Insulated Cable Engineers Association, Inc. (ANSI/ICEA) S-89-648-1993,
paragraphs 2.1 through 2.1.5. The ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993 Standard For
Telecommunications Aerial Service Wire, Technical Requirements
(approved by ANSI July 11, 1994) is incorporated by reference in
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies of ANSI/ICEA
S-89-648-1993 are available for inspection during normal business hours
at RUS, room 2845, 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 ICEA,
P. O. Box 440, South Yarmouth, MA 02664, telephone number (508) 394-
4424.
(2) Factory joints in conductors shall comply with the requirement
specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 2.1.6.
(b) Conductor insulation. (1) The raw materials used for the
conductor insulation shall comply with the requirements specified in
ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 3.1.1.
(2) The raw materials shall be accepted by RUS prior to their use.
(3) The finished conductor insulation shall be free from holes,
splits, blisters, or other imperfections and shall be as smooth as is
consistent with best commercial practice.
(4) The finished conductor insulation shall comply with the
requirements specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraphs 3.1.5
through 3.1.5.4.
(5) The insulation shall have a minimum spot thickness of not less
than 0.9 millimeters (mm) (0.03 inches (in.)) at any point.
(c) Wire assembly. (1) The two conductors shall be insulated in
parallel to form an integral configuration.
(2) The finished wire assembly shall be either a flat or a notched
oval. Other finished wire assemblies may be used provided that they are
accepted by RUS prior to their use.
(3) The overall dimensions of the finished wire assembly shall be
in accordance with the following requirements:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dimensions
-------------------------------
Diameter Minimum mm Maximum mm
(in.) (in.)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Major................................... 5.5 (0.22) 8.0 (0.31)
Minor................................... 3.0 (0.12) 5.0 (0.19)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(d) Conductor marking. The insulated conductors of a finished wire
shall be marked in accordance with the requirements specified in ANSI/
ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 3.1.4.
(e) Electrical requirements. (1) Conductor resistance. The direct
current (dc) resistance of each conductor in a completed CCSR aerial
service wire shall comply with the requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA
S-89-648-1993, paragraph 7.1.2.
(2) Wet mutual capacitance. The wet mutual capacitance of the
completed CCSR aerial service wire shall comply with the requirement
specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 7.1.3.
(3) Wet attenuation. The wet attenuation of the completed CCSR
aerial service wire shall comply with the requirement specified in
ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 7.1.4.
(4) Wet insulation resistance. The wet insulation resistance of the
completed CCSR aerial service wire shall comply with the requirement
specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 7.1.5.
(5) Dielectric strength. (i) The wet dielectric strength between
conductors and between each conductor of the completed CCSR aerial
service wire and the surrounding water shall comply with the
requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 7.1.6.
(ii) The dry dielectric strength between conductors of the
completed CCSR aerial service wire shall comply with the requirement
specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 7.1.7.
(6) Fusing coordination. The completed CCSR aerial service wire
shall comply with the fusing coordination requirement specified in
ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 7.1.8.
(7) Insulation imperfections. Each length of completed CCSR aerial
service wire shall comply with the requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA
S-89-648-1993, paragraph 7.1.9.
(f) Mechanical requirements. (1) Impact test. (i) All CCSR aerial
service wires manufactured in accordance with this section shall comply
with the unaged impact test specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993,
paragraph 8.1.2.
(ii) All CCSR aerial service wires manufactured in accordance with
this section shall comply with the aged impact test specified in ANSI/
ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 8.1.3.
(2) Abrasion resistance test. All CCSR aerial service wires
manufactured in accordance with this section shall comply with the
abrasion resistance test specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993,
paragraph 8.1.4.
(3) Static load test. All CCSR aerial service wires manufactured in
accordance with this section shall comply with the static load test
specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 8.1.5.
(4) Plasticizer compatibility test. All CCSR aerial service wires
manufactured in accordance with this section shall comply with the
plasticizer compatibility test specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993,
paragraph 8.1.8.
(g) Environmental requirements. (1) Cold temperature handling test.
(i) All CCSR aerial service wires manufactured in accordance with this
section shall comply with the unaged cold temperature handling test
specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 8.2.1.
(ii) All CCSR aerial service wires manufactured in accordance with
this section shall comply with the aged cold temperature handling test
specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 8.2.2.
(2) Light absorption test. All CCSR aerial service wires
manufactured in accordance with this section shall comply with the
light absorption test specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph
8.2.3.
(3) Low temperature separation test. All CCSR aerial service wires
manufactured in accordance with this section shall comply with the low
temperature separation test specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993,
paragraph 8.2.4.
(4) Flammability test. All CCSR aerial service wires manufactured
in accordance with this section shall comply with the flammability test
specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 8.3.
(5) Wire listing. All CCSR aerial service wires manufactured in
accordance with this section shall comply with the listing requirements
specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 8.4.
(h) Identification marker. Each length of CCSR aerial service wire
shall be identified in accordance with ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993,
paragraph 9.1.4. When surface marking is employed, the color of the
initial marking shall be either white or silver.
(i) Length marking (optional). (1) Sequentially numbered length
marking of the completed CCSR aerial service
[[Page 26076]]
wire may be used at the option of the manufacturer unless specified by
the end user.
(2) When sequentially numbered length markings are used, the length
markings shall be in accordance with ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph
9.1.5. The color of the initial marking shall be either white or
silver.
(j) Durability of marking. The durability of the marking of the
CCSR aerial service wire shall comply with the requirements specified
in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 9.1.6.
Sec. 1755.703 Nonmetallic reinforced (NMR) aerial service wire.
(a) Conductors. (1) Each conductor shall comply with the
requirements specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraphs 2.2 and
2.2.1. The ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993 Standard For Telecommunications
Aerial Service Wire, Technical Requirements (approved by ANSI July 11,
1994) is incorporated by reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a)
and 1 CFR part 51. Copies of ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993 are available for
inspection during normal business hours at RUS, room 2845, 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 ICEA, P. O. Box 440, South
Yarmouth, MA 02664, telephone number (508) 394-4424.
(2) Factory joints made in the conductors during the manufacturing
process shall comply with the requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-
648-1993, paragraph 2.2.2.
(b) Conductor insulation. (1) The raw materials used for the
conductor insulation shall comply with the requirements specified in
ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraphs 3.2 through 3.2.2.
(2) The finished conductor insulation shall comply with the
requirements specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 3.2.3.
(3) The dimensions of the insulated conductors shall comply with
the requirements specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph
3.2.3.1.
(4) The colors of the insulation shall comply with the requirements
specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 3.2.3.2.
(5) A permissible overall performance level of faults in conductor
insulation shall comply with the requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA S-
89-648-1993, paragraph 3.2.4.6. The length count and number of faults
shall be recorded. The information shall be retained for a period of 6
months and be available for review by RUS when requested.
(6) Repairs to the conductor insulation during manufacture are
permissible. The method of repair shall be accepted by RUS prior to its
use. The repaired insulation shall comply with the requirement
specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 3.2.3.3.
(7) All repaired sections of insulation shall be retested in the
same manner as originally tested for compliance with paragraph (b)(5)
of this section.
(8) The colored insulating material removed from or tested on the
conductor, from a finished wire shall comply with the requirements
specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraphs 3.2.4 through 3.2.4.5.
(c) Identification of pairs and layup of pairs. (1) The insulation
shall be colored coded to identify:
(i) The tip and ring conductor of each pair; and
(ii) Each pair in the completed wire.
(2) The colors to be used in the pairs together with the pair
numbers shall be in accordance with the table specified in ANSI/ICEA S-
89-648-1993, paragraph 4.1.1.
(3) The insulated conductors shall be either layed parallel (two
conductor design only) or twisted into pairs.
(4) When using parallel conductors for the two conductor design,
the parallel conductors shall be designed to enable the wire to meet
the electrical requirements specified in paragraph (g) of this section.
(5) When twisted pairs are used, the following requirements shall
be met:
(i) The pair twists shall be designed to enable the wire to meet
the electrical requirements specified in paragraph (g) of this section;
and
(ii) The average length of pair twists in any pair in the finished
wire, when measured on any 3 meter (10 foot) length, shall not exceed
the requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 4.1.
(6) An alternative method of forming the two-pair wire is the use
of a star-quad configuration.
(i) The assembly of the star-quad shall be such as to enable the
wire to meet the electrical requirements specified in paragraph (g) of
this section.
(ii) The star-quad configuration shall be assembled in accordance
with ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 4.1.2.
(iii) The average length of twist for the star-quad in the finished
wire, when measured on any 3 meter (10 foot) length, shall not exceed
the requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 4.1.
(iv) The color scheme used to provide identification of the tip and
ring conductors of each pair in the star-quad shall comply with the
table specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 4.1.2.
(d) Strength members. The strength members shall comply with the
requirements specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraphs 6.1 and
6.1.1.
(e) Wire jacket. (1) The jacket shall comply with the requirements
specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraphs 5.1 and 5.1.1.
(2) The jacket raw materials shall be accepted by RUS prior to
their use.
(f) Wire assembly. The finished wire assembly shall be in
accordance with ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 5.1.3 and Figure 5-
1.
(g) Electrical requirements. (1) Conductor resistance. The dc
resistance of each conductor in a completed NMR aerial service wire
shall comply with the requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993,
paragraph 7.2.2.
(2) Resistance unbalance. (i) The dc resistance unbalance between
the two conductors of any pair in a completed NMR aerial service wire
and the average resistance unbalance of all pairs in a Quality Control
Lot shall comply with the requirements specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-
1993, paragraph 7.2.3.
(ii) The resistance unbalance between tip and ring conductors shall
be random with respect to the direction of unbalance. That is, the
resistance of the tip conductors shall not be consistently higher with
respect to the ring conductors and vice versa.
(3) Dry mutual capacitance. The dry mutual capacitance of the
completed NMR aerial service wire shall comply with the requirements
specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 7.2.4, Type 1.
(4) Pair-to-pair capacitance unbalance. The pair-to-pair
capacitance unbalance as measured on the completed NMR aerial service
wire shall comply with the requirements specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-
648-1993, paragraph 7.2.5.
(5) Attenuation. (i) The dry attenuation of the completed NMR
aerial service wire shall comply with the requirement specified in
ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 7.2.7.
(ii) The wet attenuation of the completed NMR aerial service wire
shall comply with the requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993,
paragraph 7.2.8.
(6) Insulation resistance. (i) The dry insulation resistance of the
completed NMR aerial service wire shall comply with the requirement
specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 7.2.9.
[[Page 26077]]
(ii) The wet insulation resistance of the completed NMR aerial
service wire shall comply with the requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA
S-89-648-1993, paragraph 7.2.10.
(7) Wet Dielectric strength. The wet dielectric strength between
conductors and between each conductor of the completed NMR aerial
service wire and the surrounding water shall comply with the
requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 7.2.11.
(8) Fusing coordination. The completed NMR aerial service wire
shall comply with the fusing coordination requirement specified in
ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 7.2.13.
(9) Crosstalk loss. (i) The output-to-output far-end crosstalk loss
(FEXT) for any pair of completed NMR aerial service wire shall comply
with the requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph
7.2.14.
(ii) The input-to-input near-end crosstalk loss (NEXT) for any pair
of completed NMR aerial service wire shall comply with the requirement
specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 7.2.14.
(h) Mechanical requirements--(1) Impact test. (i) All NMR aerial
service wires manufactured in accordance with this section shall comply
with the unaged impact test specified in Sec. 1755.702(f)(1)(i).
(ii) All NMR aerial service wires manufactured in accordance with
this section shall comply with the aged impact test specified in
Sec. 1755.702(f)(1)(ii).
(2) Abrasion resistance test. All NMR aerial service wires
manufactured in accordance with this section shall comply with the
abrasion resistance test specified in Sec. 1755.702(f)(2).
(3) Static load test. All NMR aerial service wires manufactured in
accordance with this section shall comply with the static load test
specified in Sec. 1755.702(f)(3).
(4) Elongation test. All NMR aerial service wires manufactured in
accordance with this section shall comply with the elongation test
specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 8.1.7.
(5) Plasticizer compatibility test. All NMR aerial service wires
manufactured in accordance with this section shall comply with the
plasticizer compatibility test specified in Sec. 1755.702(f)(4).
(i) Environmental requirements. (1) Cold temperature handling test.
(i) All NMR aerial service wires manufactured in accordance with this
section shall comply with the unaged cold temperature handling test
specified in Sec. 1755.702(g)(1)(i).
(ii) All NMR aerial service wires manufactured in accordance with
this section shall comply with the aged cold temperature handling test
specified in Sec. 1755.702(g)(1)(ii).
(2) Light absorption test. All NMR aerial service wires
manufactured in accordance with this section shall comply with the
light absorption test specified in Sec. 1755.702(g)(2).
(3) Flammability test. All NMR aerial service wires manufactured in
accordance with this section shall comply with the flammability test
specified in Sec. 1755.702(g)(4).
(4) Wire listing. All NMR aerial service wires manufactured in
accordance with this section shall comply with the listing requirements
specified in Sec. 1755.702(g)(5).
(j) Ripcord (optional). (1) A ripcord may be used in the NMR aerial
service wire structure at the option of the manufacturer unless
specified by the end user.
(2) When a ripcord is used it shall comply with the requirements
specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraphs 4.2 through 4.2.3.
(k) Identification marker. Each length of NMR aerial service wire
shall be identified in accordance with ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993,
paragraphs 9.1 through 9.1.4. When surface marking is employed, the
color of the initial marking shall be either white or silver.
(l) Length marking (optional). (1) Sequentially numbered length
marking of the completed NMR aerial service wire may be used at the
option of the manufacturer unless specified by the end user.
(2) When sequentially numbered length markings are used, the length
markings shall be in accordance with in accordance with
Sec. 1755.702(i)(2).
(m) Durability of marking. The durability of the marking of the NMR
aerial service wire shall comply with the requirements specified in
Sec. 1755.702(j).
Sec. 1755.704 Requirements applicable to both CCSR and NMR aerial
service wires.
(a) Acceptance testing. (1) The tests described in Secs. 1755.700
through 1755.704 are intended for acceptance of wire designs and major
modifications of accepted designs. What constitutes a major
modification is at the discretion of RUS. These tests are intended to
show the inherent capability of the manufacturer to produce wire
products having long life and stability.
(2) For initial acceptance, the manufacturer shall:
(i) Certify that the product fully complies with each paragraph in
Secs. 1755.700 through 1755.704;
(ii) Agree to periodic plant inspections by RUS;
(iii) Certify whether the product complies with the domestic origin
manufacturing provisions of the ``Buy American'' requirements of the
Rural Electrification Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C. 903 note), as amended (the
``REA Buy-American provision'');
(iv) Submit at least three written user testimonials concerning
field performance of the product; and
(v) Provide any other nonpropriety data deemed necessary by the
Chief, Outside Plant Branch (Telecommunications).
(3) In order for RUS to consider a manufacturer's request that a
product be requalified, the manufacturer shall certify not later than
June 30 of the year in which requalification is required, that the
product:
(i) Fully complies with each paragraph in Secs. 1755.700 through
1755.704; and
(ii) Does or does not comply with the domestic origin manufacturing
provisions of the REA Buy American provisions.The required
certifications shall be dated within 90 days of the submission.
(4) Initial and requalification acceptance requests should be
addresses to: Chairman, Technical Standards Committee ``A''
(Telecommunications), Telecommunications Standards Division, Rural
Utilities Service, AG Box 1598, Washington, DC 20250-1598.
(b) Extent of testing--(1) Tests on 100 percent of completed wire.
(i) Each conductor in the completed CCSR and NMR aerial service wire
shall be tested for continuity in accordance with ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-
1993, paragraphs 7.1.1 and 7.2.1, respectively. The ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-
1993 Standard For Telecommunications Aerial Service Wire, Technical
Requirements (approved by ANSI July 11, 1994) is incorporated by
reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies
of ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993 are available for inspection during normal
business hours at RUS, room 2845, 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 ICEA, P. O. Box 440, South Yarmouth, MA 02664, telephone
number (508) 394-4424.
(ii) Each conductor in the completed CCSR and NMR aerial service
wire shall be tested for shorts in accordance with ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-
1993, paragraphs 7.1.1 and 7.2.1, respectively.
(iii) Each length of completed CCSR and NMR aerial service wire
shall be
[[Page 26078]]
tested for insulation imperfections in accordance with
Sec. 1755.702(e)(7) and Sec. 1755.703(b)(5), respectively.
(2) Capability tests. Tests on a quality assurance basis shall be
made as frequently as is required for each manufacturer to determine
and maintain compliance with:
(i) Performance of the conductors;
(ii) Performance of the conductor insulation and jacket material;
(iii) Sequential marking and lettering;
(iv) Mutual capacitance, capacitance unbalance, attenuation, and
crosstalk;
(v) Conductor resistance, resistance unbalance, and insulation
resistance;
(vi) Dielectric strength and fusing coordination;
(vii) Impact, abrasion, static load, elongation, and plasticizer
compatibility tests; and
(viii) Cold temperature handling, light absorption, low temperature
separation, and flammability tests.
(c) Summary of records of electrical and physical tests. (1) Each
manufacturer shall maintain suitable summary records for a period of at
least 3 years of all electrical and physical tests required on
completed wire as set forth in paragraph (b) of this section. The test
data for a particular lot of aerial service wire shall be in a form
such that it may be readily available to the purchaser or to RUS upon
request.
(2) Measurements and computed values shall be rounded off to the
number of places or figures specified for the requirement according to
ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 1.3.
(d) Manufacturing irregularities. (1) Repairs to the insulation of
CCSR aerial service wires are not permitted in wires supplied to end
users under Secs. 1755.700 through 1755.704.
(2) Repairs to the jacket of NMR aerial service wires are not
permitted in wires supplied to end users under Secs. 1755.700 through
1755.704.
(e) Splicing. Splicing of completed CCSR and NMR aerial service
wires shall comply with the requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-
648-1993, paragraph 8.1.1.
(f) Preparation for shipment. (1) CCSR and NMR aerial service wire
shall be shipped either in coils or on reels.
(2) When CCSR and NMR aerial service wires are shipped on reels the
following provisions shall apply:
(i) The diameter of the drum shall be large enough to prevent
damage to the wire from reeling or unreeling. The reels shall be
substantial and so constructed as to prevent damage to the wire during
shipment and handling;
(ii) A waterproof corrugated board or other suitable means of
protection accepted by RUS prior to its use may be applied to the reel.
If the waterproof corrugated board or other suitable material is used
for protection, it shall be suitably secured in place to prevent damage
to the wire during storage and handling. The use of the waterproof
corrugated board or other suitable means of protection shall be at the
option of the manufacturer unless specified by the end user;
(iii) The outer end of the wire shall be securely fastened to the
reel head so as to prevent the wire from becoming loose in transit. The
inner end of the wire shall be securely fastened in such a way as to
make it readily available if required for electrical testing. Spikes,
staples, or other fastening devices which penetrate the conductor
insulation of the CCSR aerial service wire and the jacket of the NMR
aerial service wire shall not be used. The method of fastening the wire
ends shall be accepted by RUS prior to their use;
(iv) Each length of wire shall be wound on a separate reel;
(v) Each reel shall be plainly marked to indicate the direction in
which it should be rolled to prevent loosening of the wire on the reel;
and
(vi) Each reel shall be stenciled or labeled on either one or both
sides with the following information:
(A) Customer order number;
(B) Manufacturer's name and product code;
(C) Factory reel number and year of manufacture;
(D) Gauge of conductors and pair size of wire;
(E) Length of wire; and
(F) RUS designation letter ``K.''
(3) When CCSR and NMR aerial service wires are shipped in coils the
following provisions shall apply:
(i) The diameter of the coil shall be large enough to prevent
damage to the wire from coiling or uncoiling;
(ii) The nominal length of the wire in a coil shall be 305 meters
(1,000 feet). No coil shall be less than 290 meters (950 feet) long or
more than 460 meters (1,500 feet) long; however, 25 percent of the
total number of coils may be less than 305 meters (1,000 feet);
(iii) The coils of wire shall be wound securely with strong tape in
four separate evenly spaced places;
(iv) The coils may be protected from damage by wrapping the coil
with heavy paper, burlap, or other suitable material accepted by RUS
prior to its use. The use of the heavy paper, burlap, or other suitable
means of protection shall be at the option of the manufacturer unless
specified by the end user; and
(v) Each coil shall be tagged with the following information:
(A) Customer order number;
(B) Manufacturer's name and product code;
(C) Year of manufacture;
(D) Gauge of conductors and pair size of wire;
(E) Length of wire; and
(F) RUS designation letter ``K.''
(4) In lieu of wrapping the coil with heavy paper, burlap, or other
suitable material, the coil may be packaged in a moisture resistant
carton.
(5) When the coils are shipped in moisture resistant cartons, each
carton shall be marked with the information specified in paragraphs
(f)(3)(v)(A) through (f)(3)(v)(F) of this section.
(6) Other methods of shipment may be used if accepted by RUS prior
to their use.
(7) When NMR aerial service wire is shipped, the ends of the wire
shall be sealed in accordance with ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph
9.2.
Dated: May 10, 1996.
Jill Long Thompson,
Under Secretary, Rural Development.
[FR Doc. 96-12834 Filed 5-23-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-15-P