[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 185 (Thursday, September 24, 1998)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 51018-51031]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-25575]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 185 / Thursday, September 24, 1998 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 51018]]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service

7 CFR Part 1755


RUS Specification for Telecommunications Cable Splicing 
Connectors

AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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

SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) proposes to amend its 
regulations on Telecommunications Standards and Specifications for 
Materials, Equipment, and Construction, by rescinding RUS Bulletin 345-
54, RUS Specification for Telephone Cable Splicing Connectors, PE-52, 
and codifying the revised specification, RUS Specification for 
Telecommunications Cable Splicing Connectors. The revised specification 
will update the relevant engineering and technical requirements for 
telecommunications splicing connectors including provisions for 
mechanical fiber optic splicing connectors.

DATES: Comments concerning this proposed rule must be received by RUS 
or be postmarked no later November 23, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Comments should be mailed to Orren E. Cameron III, Director, 
Telecommunications Standards Division, Rural Utilities Service, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, STOP 1598, 
Washington, DC 20250-1598. RUS requests an original and three copies of 
all comments (7 CFR part 1700). All comments received will be made 
available for public inspection at room 2835, South Building, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, STOP 1598 
Washington, DC 20250-1598 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except holidays, (7 CFR 1.27(b)).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Charlie I. Harper, Jr., Chief, Outside 
Plant Branch, Telecommunications Standards Division, Rural Utilities 
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, 
STOP 1598, Washington, DC 20250-1598, telephone (202) 720-0667.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Executive Order 12866

    This proposed 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 (OMB).

Executive Order 12988

    This proposed rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, 
Civil Justice Reform. RUS has determined that this proposed rule meets 
the applicable standards provided in section 3 of the Executive Order.
    In accordance with the Executive Order and the rule: (1) All state 
and local laws and regulations that are in conflict with this rule will 
be preempted; (2) no retroactive effect will be given to the rule; and, 
(3) administrative proceedings are required to be exhausted prior to 
initiating litigation against the Department. (See 7 U.S.C. 6912).

Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification

    The Administrator of RUS has determined that this proposed 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.), and therefore, the Regulatory Flexibility Act does not apply to 
this rule. This proposed rule involves standards and specifications, 
which may increase the short-term direct costs to the RUS borrower. 
However, the long-term direct economic costs are reduced through 
greater durability and lower maintenance cost over time.

Information Collection and Recordkeeping Requirements

    The information collection and recordkeeping requirements contained 
in this proposed rule were approved by OMB pursuant to the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C Chapter 35, as amended) under control 
number 0572-0059. Comments concerning these requirements should be 
directed to F. Lamont Heppe, Jr., Director, Program Development and 
Regulatory analysis, USDA, RUS, Stop 1522, Washington, DC 20250-1522.

National Environmental Policy Act Certification

    The Administrator of RUS has determined that this proposed 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 proposed 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, United States Government Printing Office, 
Washington, DC 20402.

Executive Order 12372

    This proposed rule is excluded from the scope of Executive Order 
12372, Intergovernmental Consultation, which may require consultation 
with State and local officials. A final rule related notice entitled, 
``Department Programs and Activities Excluded from Executive Order 
12372'' (50 FR 47034) excludes RUS and RTB loans and loan guarantees, 
and RTB bank loans, to governmental and nongovernmental entities from 
coverage under this Order.

Unfunded Mandates

    This proposed rule contains no federal mandates (under the 
regulatory provision of Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act) 
for State, local, and tribal governments or the private sector. Thus 
this proposed rule is not subject to the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.

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 
telecommunications facilities financed with RUS loan funds. RUS is 
proposing to rescind Bulletin 345-54, ``RUS

[[Page 51019]]

Specification for Telephone Cable Splicing Connectors, PE-52,'' and to 
codify the revised standard at 7 CFR 1755.521, ``RUS Specification for 
Telecommunications Cable Splicing Connectors.''
    RUS Bulletin 345-54 (PE-52) contains mechanical and environmental 
requirements, desired design features, and test methods for evaluation 
of copper cable splicing connectors. Because of technological 
advancements made in materials used to fabricate copper cable splicing 
connectors and test methods used to demonstrate the functional 
reliability of copper cable splicing connectors over the past 25 years, 
the current mechanical and environmental performance requirements and 
test methods for evaluating the reliability of copper cable splicing 
connectors specified in the current specification have become outdated. 
To allow RUS borrowers to take advantage of these improved materials 
and test methods, the current specification will be revised to update 
the mechanical and environmental performance requirements and test 
methods used to evaluate the reliability of copper cable splicing 
connectors.
    The current specification does not include a section for evaluating 
the mechanical, electrical, and environmental reliability of mechanical 
fiber optic splicing connectors because at the time the specification 
was written, no such requirements were needed because no such type of 
splicing connectors existed. Since that time, splicing connectors 
designed for use with fiber optic cables have been fabricated. Since 
RUS borrowers are providing telecommunication services over fiber optic 
cables, the current specification will be revised to include end 
product performance requirements and test methods used to evaluate the 
mechanical, electrical, and environmental reliability of splicing 
connectors designed for use with fiber optic cables.

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 1755

    Loan programs-telecommunications, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirement, Rural areas, Telecommunications.

    For reasons set out in the preamble, RUS proposes to amend 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.

Sec. 1755.97  [Amended]

    2. Section 1755.97 is amended by removing the entry RUS Bulletin 
345-54 from the table.
    3. Section 1755.98 is amended by adding the entry 1755.521 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
      *         *         *         *         *         *         *
1755.521......................  [Effective date    RUS Specification for
                                 of final rule].    Telecommunications
                                                    Cable Splicing
                                                    Connectors.
      *         *         *         *         *         *         *
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    4. Section 1755.521 is added to read as follows:


Sec. 1755.521  RUS specification for telecommunications cable splicing 
connectors.

    (a) Scope. (1) The purpose of this specification is to inform 
manufacturers and users of copper cable splicing connectors and 
mechanical fiber optic splicing connectors of the engineering and 
technical requirements that are considered necessary for satisfactory 
performance in rural outside plant environments. Included are the 
relevant electrical, mechanical, optical, and environmental 
requirements, desired design features, and test methods for evaluation 
of copper cable splicing connectors and fiber optic splicing 
connectors.
    (2) All connectors purchased after this specification takes effect, 
for projects involving RUS loan funds subject to this specification, 
must have been accepted by RUS Technical Standards Committee ``A'' 
(Telecommunications).
    (i) Connectors that have been previously accepted by Technical 
Standards Committee ``A'' (Telecommunications) prior to the effective 
date of this specification must qualify to this specification. 
Manufacturers will be given up to nine months to qualify to this 
specification after the effective date.
    (ii) All changes in design of connectors must be submitted to RUS 
for acceptance. RUS will be the sole authority on what constitutes a 
design change.
    (3) American Society for Testing and Materials Specifications 
(ASTM) G 21-90, Practice for Determining Resistance of Synthetic 
Polymeric Materials to Fungi; ASTM A 276-91a, Specification for 
Stainless and Heat-Resisting Steel Bars and Shapes; and ASTM D 4566-94, 
Standard Test Methods for Electrical Performance Properties of 
Insulations and Jackets for Telecommunications Wire and Cable, 
referenced in this section are pending approval of incorporation by 
reference by the Office of the Federal Register. Copies of ASTM 
standards are available for inspection during normal business hours at 
RUS, room 2843, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence 
Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-1598 or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC 
20001. Copies are available from ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, W. 
Conshohocken, Pennsylvania 19428-2959, telephone number (610) 832-9585.
    (4) Electronics Industries Association Standards (EIA)-455-4A, 
Fiber Optic Connector/Component Temperature Life; EIA-455-6A, Cable 
Retention Test Procedure for Fiber Optic Cable Interconnecting Devices; 
EIA-455-21, Mating Durability of Fiber Optic Interconnecting Devices; 
EIA-455-34, Interconnection Device Insertion Loss Test; and EIA-455-
171, Attenuation by Substitution Measurement--for Short-Length 
Multimode Graded-Index and Single-Mode Optical Fiber Cable Assemblies, 
referenced in this section are pending approval of incorporation by 
reference by the Office of the Federal Register. Copies of EIA 
standards are available for inspection during normal business hours at 
RUS, room 2843, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence 
Avenue, SW.,

[[Page 51020]]

Washington, DC 20250-1598 or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 
North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC 20001. Copies are 
available from Global Engineering Documents, 15 Inverness Way East, 
Englewood, CO 80112, telephone number (303) 792-2181.
    (5) Electronic Industries Association/Telecommunications Industries 
Association Standards (EIA/TIA)-455-3A, Procedure to Measure 
Temperature Cycling Effects on Optical Fibers, Optical Cable, and Other 
Passive Fiber Optic Components; EIA/TIA-455-12A, Fluid Immersion Test 
for Fiber Optic Components; and EIA/TIA-455-107, Return Loss for Fiber 
Optic Components, referenced in this section are pending approval of 
incorporation by reference by the Office of the Federal Register. 
Copies of EIA/TIA standards are available for inspection during normal 
business hours at RUS, room 2843, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-1598 or at the Office of 
the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, 
Washington, DC 20001. Copies are available from Global Engineering 
Documents, 15 Inverness Way East, Englewood, CO 80112, telephone number 
(303) 792-2181.
    (6) Telecommunications Industries Association/Electronics 
Industries Association Standards (TIA/EIA)-455-5B, Humidity Test 
Procedure for Fiber Optic Components; and TIA/EIA-455-11B, Vibration 
Test Procedure for Fiber Optic Components and Cables, referenced in 
this section are pending approval of incorporation by reference by the 
Office of the Federal Register. Copies of TIA/EIA standards are 
available for inspection during normal business hours at RUS, room 
2843, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington DC 20250-1598 or at 
the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., 
suite 700, Washington DC. Copies are available from Global Engineering 
Documents, 15 Inverness Way East, Englewood, CO 80112, telephone number 
(303) 792-2181.
    (b) Materials. (1) The plastic components used in splicing 
connectors shall be resistant to chemical attack, fungus growth, and 
growth of contaminating films as specified in ASTM G 21-90. Metallic 
materials used in splicing connectors shall have a corrosion resistance 
equivalent to nickel-chrome stainless steel in accordance with ASTM A 
276-91a.
    (2) All splicing connectors shall be filled.
    (3) The manufacturer shall demonstrate that a quality assurance 
program, satisfactory to RUS, is in place to guarantee all material and 
product specifications are met. The program shall include the 
following:
    (i) Incoming inspection of raw materials;
    (ii) In-process inspection of the splice components;
    (iii) Final inspection of the splice product;
    (iv) Calibration procedures for all test equipment used in the 
qualification of the product; and
    (v) Recall procedures in the event out-of-calibration equipment is 
identified.
    (c) Performance criteria and test procedures for copper cable 
splicing connectors.--(1) General Information. (i) Copper cable 
splicing connectors have the function of splicing one or more 
combinations of No. 19 through No. 26 American Wire Gauge (AWG) copper 
conductors. Cable used for these tests shall be RUS accepted.
    (ii) The manufacturer shall specify the wire gauge range for the 
connector or connectors submitted to RUS for acceptance. The stripping 
of conductor insulation shall not be permitted.
    (iii) The manufacturer shall specify the splicing configuration for 
the connector, i.e., inline, butt, tap, or other.
    (iv) The manufacturer shall perform adequate inspections and tests 
to demonstrate that copper cable splicing connectors and their 
components comply with RUS requirements.
    (v) Unless otherwise specified, all tests shall be performed at a 
temperature of 24  3 deg.C (75  5 deg.F) and a 
relative humidity (RH) of up to 55 percent (%).
    (2) Test samples. (i) Unless otherwise specified, all test samples 
shall be assembled for each connector type as follows:
    (A) Largest specified gauge wire connected with largest specified 
gauge wire;
    (B) Smallest specified gauge wire connected with smallest specified 
gauge wire; and
    (C) Smallest specified gauge wire connected with largest specified 
gauge wire. For connectors which can connect more than 2 wires, 
assemble the greatest number of smallest gauge wires connected with one 
of the largest gauge wires.
    (ii) For each test required, 5 samples from each of the categories 
in paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section shall be tested. A total of 15 
samples will be needed for each test.
    (iii) The test results for each sample shall be submitted in 
tabulated form.
    (3) Connection resistance test. (i) Thirty (30) 4 inch (in.) [102 
millimeter (mm)] pieces shall be cut from appropriate gauged wire and 
assembled in the connectors in accordance with paragraph (c)(2) of this 
section using the connector manufacturer's instructions. For resistance 
measurements, expose the copper conductors of the test leads by 
removing 0.5 in. to 1 in. (12 mm to 25 mm) of insulation from the end 
of the test leads.
    (ii) Fifteen (15) 8 in. (203 mm) pieces shall be cut from the 
appropriate gauged wire for use as control wire samples.
    (iii) The resistance of each test sample and a corresponding 
control wire shall be measured and recorded. The resistance of each 
test sample shall not exceed the resistance of the corresponding 
control wire sample by more than 7 percent.
    (iv) Each test sample shall be held and each connector shall be 
twisted 90 degrees around the wire axis once in each direction. After 
twisting, the resistance of the test sample shall be measured and 
recorded. The resistance of each test sample shall not exceed the 
resistance of the corresponding control wire sample by more than 9 
percent.
    (4) Heat-cold cycling test. (i) After completion of the connection 
resistance test, the test samples shall be subjected to the heat-cold 
cycling test.
    (ii) The test samples shall be placed in an environmental test 
chamber and exposed to the temperature cycle of Figure 1 for five 
complete cycles. The step function nature of the temperature changes 
may be achieved by insertion and removal of the test samples from the 
chamber. The soak time at each temperature shall be four hours. The 
test samples shall be removed from the test chamber at the conclusion 
of the five-cycle period and shall be allowed to return to room 
temperature. Figure 1 is as follows:

BILLING CODE 3410-15-P

[[Page 51021]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24SE98.025



[[Page 51022]]

    (iii) No measurements shall be made at this time.
    (5) Vibration. (i) After the completion of the heat-cold cycling 
test, the test samples shall be subjected to the vibration test.
    (ii) A vibration machine shall be used which produces a simple 
harmonic motion having .06 inch (1.52 mm) maximum total excursion, 
cycling from 10 to 55 to 10 Hertz within 1 minute. A monitoring circuit 
shall be used which is capable of detecting momentary opens of 10 
microseconds or longer.
    (iii) Each test sample shall be supported by a pegboard as 
indicated in Figure 2, which is attached to the vibration machine. The 
test samples and monitoring circuit shall be electrically connected in 
series. Wires shall not be cut short. Figure 2 is as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24SE98.026


[[Page 51023]]


    (iv) The test samples shall be vibrated for a total of 3 hours, 1 
hour in each of the 3 mutually exclusive planes as indicated in Figure 
3. The direct current (dc) through the test samples shall be monitored 
for any fluctuations or momentary opens. Fluctuations or momentary 
opens shall be less than or equal to 10 microseconds. Figure 3 is as 
follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24SE98.027


[[Page 51024]]


    (v) After completion of the vibration test, the test samples shall 
be removed from the vibration machine and the connection resistance of 
each test sample shall be measured. The resistance of each test sample 
shall not exceed the resistance of the corresponding control wire 
sample by more than 13 percent.
    (vi) The test samples may be discarded after completion of the 
vibration test.
    (6) Insulation resistance--humidity cycle. (i) Thirty (30) 15 in. 
(381 mm) pieces shall be cut from the appropriate gauged wire and 
assembled in the connectors in accordance with paragraph (c)(2) of this 
section using the connector manufacturer's instructions. For insulation 
resistance measurements, expose the copper conductors of the test leads 
by removing 0.5 in. to 1 in. (12 mm to 25 mm) of insulation from the 
ends of the test leads. The exposed copper conductors of the test leads 
shall be twisted together as indicated in Figure 4 as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24SE98.028


[[Page 51025]]


    (ii) The test samples shall be placed in an environmental test 
chamber at 95  3% RH and temperature cycled per Figure 5 
for a period of 30 days. Figure 5 is as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24SE98.029


BILLING CODE 3410-15-C

[[Page 51026]]

    (iii) After the test samples have been allowed to stabilize at room 
temperature and humidity, the insulation resistance of the test sample 
leads to ground shall be greater than or equal to 100,000 megohms when 
tested in accordance with ASTM D 4566-94 using a test voltage of 250 
volts dc.
    (7) Insulation resistance--water soak: (i) Thirty (30) 15 in. (381 
mm) pieces shall be cut from the appropriate gauged wire and assembled 
in the connectors in accordance with paragraph (c)(2) of this section 
using the connector manufacturer's instructions. For insulation 
resistance measurements, expose the copper conductors of the test leads 
by removing 0.5 in. to 1 in. (12 mm to 25 mm) of insulation from the 
ends of the test leads. The exposed copper conductors of the test leads 
shall be twisted together as indicated in Figure 4.
    (ii) A solution of distilled or tap water and sodium chloride (5 
percent by weight) shall be prepared and placed in a glass container.
    (iii) The connectors of the test samples shall be immersed in the 
solution except for the twisted test leads of the test samples. A 
copper electrode shall be inserted into the solution.
    (iv) After the system (immersed connectors and solution) has 
stabilized for 2 hours, the first insulation resistance measurement of 
the test sample leads to the copper electrode shall be taken. The 
insulation resistance shall be performed in accordance with ASTM D 
4566-94 using 100 volts dc.
    (v) The test samples shall be removed from the solution after 72 
hours and allowed to stabilize at room temperature and humidity for an 
additional 72 hours. The procedure shall be repeated for a total of 5 
cycles. Insulation resistance measurements of the test sample leads to 
the copper electrode shall be taken for each day that the test samples 
are immersed in solution. Report resistance readings in megohms. The 
insulation resistance shall be performed in accordance with ASTM D 
4566-94 using 100 volts dc.
    (vi) The insulation resistance of the test sample leads to the 
copper electrode shall be greater than or equal to 100 megohms.
    (8) Dielectric breakdown (dry). (i) Thirty (30) 15 in. (381 mm) 
pieces shall be cut from the appropriate gauged wire and assembled in 
the connectors in accordance with paragraph (c)(2) of this section 
using the connector manufacturer's instructions. For dielectric 
breakdown measurements, expose the copper conductors of the test leads 
by removing 0.5 in. to 1 in. (12 mm to 25 mm) of insulation from the 
ends of the test leads. The exposed copper conductors of the test leads 
shall be twisted together.
    (ii) An alternating current (ac) power source capable of applying 
8,000 volts in 500 volt root-mean-squared per second (rms/s) steps 
shall be used. The unit shall be equipped with a circuit breaker to 
disconnect the power source at breakdown and a voltmeter to indicate 
the rms voltages.
    (iii) The high voltage lead of the power source shall be attached 
to the test sample lead and the ground voltage lead of the power source 
shall be attached to ground. The voltage shall be applied to the test 
sample in 500 volt rms/s steps until either breakdown or 8,000 volts 
rms is reached. The dielectric strength shall be recorded in rms 
voltage at the point of breakdown. Breakdown occurring at less than 
2,500 volts rms shall constitute a failure.
    (iv) The dielectric breakdown test shall be repeated for all the 
remaining test samples prepared in accordance with paragraph (c)(8)(i) 
of this section. The test results shall be reported for each test 
sample.
    (9) Dielectric breakdown (wet). (i) Thirty (30) 15 in. (381 mm) 
pieces shall be cut from the appropriate gauged wire and assembled in 
the connectors in accordance with paragraph (c)(2) of this section 
using the connector manufacturer's instructions. For dielectric 
breakdown measurements, expose the copper conductors of the test leads 
by removing 0.5 in. to 1 in. (12 mm to 25 mm) of insulation from the 
ends of the test leads. The exposed copper conductors of the test leads 
shall be twisted together.
    (ii) A solution of distilled or tap water and sodium chloride (5 
percent by weight) shall be prepared and placed in a glass container.
    (iii) An alternating current (ac) power source capable of applying 
8,000 volts in 500 volt root-mean-squared per second (rms/s) steps 
shall be used. The unit shall be equipped with a circuit breaker to 
disconnect the power source at breakdown and a voltmeter to indicate 
the rms voltages.
    (iv) The connectors of the test samples shall be immersed in the 
solution except for the twisted test leads of the test samples. Insert 
a copper ground electrode into the solution. The high voltage lead of 
the power source shall be attached to the test sample lead and the 
ground voltage lead of the power source shall be attached to ground. 
The voltage shall be applied to the test sample in 500 volt rms/s steps 
until either breakdown or 8,000 volts rms is reached. The dielectric 
strength shall be recorded in rms voltage at the point of breakdown. 
Breakdown occurring at less than 2,500 volts rms shall constitute a 
failure.
    (v) The dielectric breakdown test shall be repeated for all the 
remaining test samples prepared in accordance with paragraph (c)(9)(i) 
of this section. The test results shall be reported for each test 
sample.
    (10) Current Cycle: (i) Twenty (20) 4 in. (102 mm) pieces shall be 
cut from the appropriate gauged wire and assembled in the connectors in 
accordance with paragraph (c)(2) of this section using the connector 
manufacturer's instructions. For the current cycling, only the first 
two types of samples specified in paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section 
shall be used for a total of ten (10) samples to be tested. For the 
current cycling test, expose the copper conductors of the test leads by 
removing 0.5 in. to 1 in. (12 mm to 25 mm) of insulation from the ends 
of the test leads.
    (ii) A rack with mounting lugs spaced 5 in. (127 mm) apart shall be 
used for the test. The test leads of the first five (5) test samples 
shall be carefully bent and straightened so that the test samples lie 
approximately midway between the mounting lugs. The test leads between 
the mounting lugs shall be under no tension. The ends of the test leads 
shall be soldered to the mounting lugs. The test setup shall be as 
shown in Figure 6. Figure 6 is as follows:

BILLING CODE 3410-15-P

[[Page 51027]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24SE98.030



BILLING CODE 3410-15-C

[[Page 51028]]

    (iii) The first set of five (5) test samples shall be connected in 
series with an ammeter and a power source. The power source shall be 
adjusted to the ``Initial'' current specified in Table 1. The voltage 
drop across each test sample at the mounting lugs shall be measured. 
The power source shall then be adjusted to the ``Test'' current 
specified in Table 1. The ``Test'' current shall be applied to the test 
samples for 45 minutes and then off for 15 minutes. The application of 
the ``Test'' current for a period of 45 minutes on and a period of 15 
minutes off shall constitute one (1) cycle. Fifty (50) current cycles 
shall be applied to the test samples.

                         Table 1.--Test Currents
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                ``Initial''
                                                    and          Test
               Wire size  (AWG)                  ``Final''     current
                                                  current       (amps)
                                                   (amps)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
19............................................         11           14
22............................................          9           11
24............................................          4.5          5.6
26............................................          3            3.8
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (iv) At the completion of the fifty (50) cycles, the current on the 
test samples shall be reduced to the ``Final'' current indicated in 
Table 1. The voltage drop across each test sample at the lug shall be 
measured and compared with the initial measurements specified in 
paragraph (c)(10)(iii) of this section. An increase in the voltage drop 
greater than 5 percent for each test sample shall constitute failure.
    (v) The second set of five (5) samples shall be tested in 
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraphs (c)(10)(iii) and 
(c)(10)(iv) of this section. The connectors shall be tested using the 
appropriate current for the specific wire size indicated in Table 1.
    (11) Tensile test. (i) Thirty (30) 10 in. (254 mm) pieces shall be 
cut from appropriate gauged wire and assembled in the connectors in 
accordance with paragraph (c)(2) of this section using the connector 
manufacturer's instructions.
    (ii) Three (3) samples of each control wire gauge shall be tested 
using a tensile machine with a jaw separation speed of 2 in. (51 mm) 
per minute, to determine average breaking strength of each control wire 
gauge.
    (iii) Each test sample assembled in accordance with paragraph 
(c)(11)(i) of this section shall be tested for either ``Pull-out'' or 
``Break'' using a tensile machine with a jaw separation speed of 2 in. 
(51 mm) per minute. The test setup for the ``Pull-out'' or ``Break'' 
test shall be in accordance with Figure 7. The ``Pull-out'' or 
``Break'' shall not be less than 60 percent of the average breaking 
strength of each control wire size recorded in paragraph (c)(11)(ii) of 
this section. For the five (5) test samples that include the largest 
and smallest gauge wires, the ``Pull-out'' or ``Break'' measurement 
shall be compared to the smallest control wire gauge breaking strength 
recorded in paragraph (c)(11)(ii) of this section. Figure 7 is as 
follows:

BILLING CODE 3410-15-P

[[Page 51029]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24SE98.031



BILLING CODE 3410-15-C

[[Page 51030]]

    (d) Performance criteria and test procedures for mechanical fiber 
optic splices--(1) Mechanical fiber optic splices shall be classified 
according to their functions listed below. (i) Passive splicing--
mechanically joining two fibers.
    (ii) Tunable splicing--mechanically joining two fibers using an 
active loss measuring system for adjusting splice elements for the 
lowest loss during assembly.
    (iii) Mass splicing--mechanically joining multiple fibers 
simultaneously.
    (2) A mechanical fiber optic splice shall be so constructed that 
when assembled it shall have a resistance to optical decoupling. The 
mechanical splice assembly shall not optically decouple at less than a 
specified value of axial tension.
    (3) Optical requirements for multimode and single mode optical 
splices shall be in accordance with Table 2. Methods of test to 
determine insertion and return loss shall be in accordance with EIA-
455-34, EIA-455-171, or EIA/TIA-455-107.

                         Table 2.--Optical Requirements; Mechanical Fiber Optic Splices
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                      Single mode                  Multimode
                                                        --------------------------------------------------------
                      Splice type                          Insertion loss                        Insertion Loss
                                                          [Decibels (dB)]   Return Loss  (dB)         (dB)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Passive................................................               0.20                -35               0.15
Tunable................................................               0.05                -35               0.15
* Mass.................................................               0.50                -35              0.15
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Loss results for mass splicing techniques must be averaged.

    (4) Mechanical fiber optic splices shall be capable of resisting 
mechanical stresses associated with installation and service without 
impairment of the splice integrity.
    (5) Single mode and multimode mechanical fiber optic splices shall 
be tested for mechanical reliability in accordance with the test 
methods specified in Table 3. After each mechanical test, the single 
mode and multimode mechanical fiber optic splices shall be in 
accordance with the requirements specified in Table 2 of paragraph 
(d)(3) of this section.

                           Table 3.--Mechanical Tests; Mechanical Fiber Optic Splices
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Test                                   Procedure                      Requirement
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Re-coupling durability (if appropriate)..........  EIA-455-21                       25 Cycles.
Fiber Retention..................................  EIA-455-6A                       0.45 Kilograms Force (1.0
                                                                                     Pounds).
Vibration........................................  TIA/EIA-455-11B                  10-55 Hertz, 10 Grams.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (6) Single mode and multimode mechanical fiber optic splices shall 
be tested for environmental reliability in accordance with the test 
methods specified in Table 4. After each environmental test, the single 
mode and multimode mechanical fiber optic splices shall be in 
accordance with the requirements specified in Table 2 of paragraph 
(d)(3) of this section.

                          Table 4.--Environmental Tests; Mechanical Fiber Optic Splices
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Test                                   Procedure                      Requirement
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Humidity.........................................  TIA/EIA-455-5B                   >90% Relative Humidity, 40
                                                                                     deg.C, 240 Hours.
Thermal Cycling..................................  EIA/TIA-455-3A                   -40 deg.C to 80 deg.C, 100
                                                                                     Cycles.
Water Immersion..................................  EIA/TIA-455-12                   40 deg. C, 240 Hours.
Material Aging...................................  EIA-455-4A                       84 deg. C, 2000 Hours.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (e) Packaging, identification, and documentation. (1) The packaging 
shall include identification of the manufacturer, splice model number, 
and date of manufacture. All necessary parts shall be shipped in one 
container unless significant advantages to the user will result 
otherwise.
    (2) Complete documentation shall be included with the packaging to 
provide the following information:
    (i) Use and application;
    (ii) Set-up and assembly;
    (iii) Testing;
    (iv) Repair;
    (v) Field installation;
    (vi) Auxiliary Equipment; and
    (vii) Storage Instructions.
    (f) RUS acceptance procedure. (1) 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 RUS. These tests are 
intended to demonstrate the capability of the manufacturer to produce 
splice components which meet service requirements of RUS 
Telecommunications borrowers.
    (2) For initial acceptance the manufacturer shall:
    (i) Certify that the product fully complies with each paragraph of 
this specification, and submit supporting test data;
    (ii) Submit catalog numbers for the splice;
    (iii) Submit quality assurance data which is representative of at 
least three production lots and which demonstrate the reliability of an 
ongoing quality assurance program;
    (iv) Certify whether the product complies with the domestic origin 
manufacturing provisions of the ``Buy American'' Requirement of the 
Rural Electrification Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C 903 note), as amended (the 
``REA Buy American Provision'');
    (v) Submit at least three user testimonials concerning field 
performance of the product;
    (vi) Submit descriptive information concerning the splice;

[[Page 51031]]

    (vii) Submit assembly and usage instructions for the splice;
    (viii) Submit product identification information;
    (ix) Submit information concerning the packaging and shipment of 
the splice to customers;
    (x) Submit an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 
Material Safety Data Sheet for the appropriate splice components;
    (xi) Submit one production sample of the splice;
    (xii) Submit one sample of a completed splice;
    (xiii) Agree to provide plant inspections by RUS; and
    (xiv) Provide any other nonproprietary data deemed necessary by the 
Chief, Outside Plant Branch (Telecommunications).
    (3) Requalification of a manufacturer's product shall be required 
every 2 years after initial acceptance of that product. In order for 
RUS to consider a manufacture's request that a product be requalified, 
the manufacturer shall certify, that the product:
    (i) Fully complies with each paragraph of this specification; 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 
addressed to: Chairman, Technical Standards Committee ``A'' 
(Telecommunications), Telecommunications Standards Division, Rural 
Utilities Service, 1400 Independence Ave, SW, STOP 1598, Washington, DC 
20250-1598.

    Dated: September 17, 1998.
Jill Long Thompson,
Under Secretary, Rural Development.
[FR Doc. 98-25575 Filed 9-23-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-15-P