[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 160 (Friday, August 17, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 43314-43381]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-20121]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service

7 CFR Part 1755


RUS Standard for Service Installations at Customer Access 
Locations

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 rescinding RUS Bulletin 345-52, RUS 
Standard for Service Entrance and Station Protector Installations, PC-
5A, and codifying the revised standard in the Code of Federal 
Regulations (CFR) as the RUS Standard for Service Installations at 
Customer Access Locations. The revised standard updates the 
installation methods used for installing aerial and buried service 
drops, network interface devices, fused primary station protectors, and 
protected building entrance terminals at customer access locations as a 
result of technological advancements made in installation practices and 
materials over the past 17 years.

DATES: Effective Date: September 17, 2001.
    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 September 17, 2001.

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 final rule is exempt from the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) review for purposes of Executive Order 12866 and, therefore has 
not been reviewed by OMB.

Executive Order 12988

    This final rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, 
Civil Justice Reform. RUS has determined that this final rule meets the 
applicable standards provided in section 3 of that Executive Order. In 
addition, all State and local laws and regulations that are in conflict 
with this rule will be preempted, no retroactive effect will be given 
to this rule, and, in accordance with section 212(e) of the Department 
of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6912(e)), 
administrative appeal procedures, if any, must be exhausted before an 
action against the Department or its agencies may be initiated.

Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification

    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.). The RUS 
telecommunications program provides loans to borrowers at interest 
rates and on terms that are more favorable than those generally 
available from the private sector. RUS borrowers, as result of 
obtaining federal financing, receive economic benefits that exceed any 
direct economic costs associated with complying with RUS regulations 
and requirements.

Information Collection and Recordkeeping Requirements

    This final rule contains no information collection or recordkeeping 
requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 
Chapter 35).

National Environmental Policy Act Certification

    The Administrator of RUS has determined that this final rule will 
not significantly affect the quality of the

[[Page 43315]]

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 20402-9325. Telephone (202) 512-1800.

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 final rule related notice 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, from coverage under this Order.

Unfunded Mandates

    This final 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 final 
rule is not subject to the requirements of sections 202 and 205 of 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 
rescinding Bulletin 345-52, RUS Standard for Service Entrance and 
Station Protector Installations, PC-5A, and codifying the revised 
standard at 7 CFR 1755.500 through 1755.510, RUS Standard for Service 
Installations at Customer Access Locations.
    RUS Bulletin 345-52 is used by borrowers and contractors as an 
outside plant construction standard for the installation of aerial and 
buried service drops and primary station protectors at customer 
residences. Because of technological advancements and national code 
changes made in customer drop and protector installation methods and 
materials over the past 17 years, the installation methods and 
materials specified in the current standard have become outdated. To 
allow borrowers and contractors to observe current codes and take 
advantage of these improved installation methods and materials which 
will reduce installation costs, the current standard has been revised 
to update the customer access location installation methods and 
materials to reflect these improved methods and materials.
    This action will allow borrowers and contractors an economical and 
efficient means of reducing their construction costs through the use of 
improved customer access location installation methods and materials.

Comments

    On December 21, 1998, RUS published a proposed rule (63 FR 70456) 
to rescind Bulletin 345-52, RUS Standard for Service Entrance and 
Station Protector Installations, PC-5A, and to codify the revised 
standard at 7 CFR 1755.500 through 1755.510, RUS Standard for Service 
Installations at Customer Access Locations. Comments on this proposed 
rule were due February 19, 1999. Comments and recommendations were 
received from several companies by this due date. The comments, 
recommendations, and responses are summarized as follows:
    One respondent commented that the 1996 issue of the National 
Electrical Code (NEC) referenced throughout 7 CFR 
1755.500 through 1755.510 be changed to the 1999 issue of the National 
Electrical Code because the 1999 issue of the NEC 
replaced the 1996 issue of the NEC.
    Response: Since 7 CFR 1755.500 through 1755.510 require that RUS 
service installations at customer access locations coordinate with the 
provision of the latest issue of the NEC , RUS will change 
the 1996 issue of the NEC  referenced throughout 7 CFR 
1755.500 through 1755.510 to the 1999 issue of the NEC .
    The same respondent commented that the definition for 
``Manufactured Home'' in Sec. 1755.501 be redefined in accordance with 
the definition stated in the 1999 issue of the NEC .
    Response: A review of the definition for ``Manufactured Home'' in 
Sec. 1755.501 indicates that RUS copied the definition directly from 
the 1996 issue of the NEC  with written permission (letter 
dated August 12, 1997) from the National Fire Protection Association 
(NFPA). Since RUS will be referencing the 1999 issue of the NEC 
 throughout 7 CFR 1755.500 through 1755.510, RUS will change 
the definition for ``Manufactured Home'' in Sec. 1755.501 to the 
definition stated in the 1999 issue of the NEC . In addition 
all other definitions in Sec. 1755.501, which were copied directly from 
the 1996 issue of the NEC , will be changed to reflect the 
definitions stated in the 1999 issue of the NEC . Again RUS 
has obtained written permission (letter dated February 17, 1999) from 
NFPA to copy those definitions directly into the RUS standard.
    The third comment from the same respondent indicated that the 
language in Sec. 1755.507(c)(7) should be changed to clarify the use of 
``substantial backing material'' in the service cable attachment device 
installation procedure.
    Response: A review of Sec. 1755.507(c)(7) indicates that the 
present language does not clearly define the service cable attachment 
device installation procedure intended with respect to sheet surface 
backing materials. Therefore, RUS is changing the language in 
Sec. 1755.507(c)(7) to the following: ``Cable attachment devices shall 
be located on solid masonry or on studs of wood frame buildings. Cable 
attachment devices may be installed on sheet surface materials only 
when such materials are reinforced with backing material which allows 
penetration and firm holding of the attachment devices through the 
backing material.''
    The last comment from the same respondent recommended that the term 
``Manufactured Home'' be included in Sec. 1755.509(a) because the 
definition of a ``Mobile Home'' in Sec. 1755.501 indicates that a 
``Manufactured Home'' is also considered to be a ``Mobile Home.''
    Response: RUS agrees with the respondent's recommendation and is 
changing the proposed language in Sec. 1755.509(a) to indicate that a 
``Manufactured Home'' is also considered to be a ``Mobile Home.''
    One respondent recommended that the burial depth in soil of buried 
service wire or cable specified in Sec. 1755.505(e)(3) be raised to a 
depth of less than the recommended minimum of 24 inches (in.) [610 
millimeters (mm)].
    Response: After much discussion and consideration and a review of 
national codes covering buried subscriber service installations, RUS 
has determined that the burial depth in soil of buried service wire or 
cable at customer access locations can be raised to a depth of less 
than the recommended minimum of 24 in. (610 mm). Therefore, RUS is 
changing the burial depth in soil of buried service wire or cable from 
a

[[Page 43316]]

minimum of 24 in. (610 mm) specified in Sec. 1755.505(e)(3) to a 
minimum of 12 in. (305 mm). The language in Sec. 1755.505(e)(3) will 
now read as follows: ``Buried service wire or cable shall be placed to 
a depth of 12 in. (305 mm) or greater where practicable in soil, 36 in. 
(914 mm) in ditches, or 3 in. (76 mm) in rock. Depths shall be measured 
from the top of the wire or cable to the surface of the ground or 
rock.'' In addition, the BM83 Assembly Unit and 962 Construction 
Drawings in 7 CFR Sec. 1755.510 is being revised to indicate that the 
minimum burial depth of buried service wire or cable at customer access 
locations will now be 12 in. (305 mm) in soil instead of 24 in. (610 
mm). As result of RUS's change in the depth of buried service wire or 
cable in soil, the depth of the buried service guard in soil is being 
changed from 12 in. (305 mm) to 6 in. (152 mm) in the BM83 Assembly 
Unit Drawing.
    The same respondent recommended that Note 2 of the BM83 Assembly 
Unit Drawing in Sec. 1755.510 be modified to allow the optional 
installation of a flexible service guard when an obstruction of greater 
than 2 in. (51 mm) is encountered instead of requiring two service 
guards.
    Response: After much discussion and consideration, RUS agrees with 
the comment and is modifying Note 2 of the BM83 Assembly Unit Drawing 
in Sec. 1755.510 to allow the optional installation of a flexible 
conduit when obstructions of greater than 2 in. (51 mm) are 
encountered. The revised Note 2 of the BM83 Assembly Unit Drawing will 
read as follows: ``Where an obstruction of greater than 2 in. is 
encountered, the buried service guard (item am) shall be divided as 
shown (from the NID, BET, or fused protector to the obstruction, and 
from 3 in. below the obstruction to 6 in. below the ground). In lieu of 
divided service guards (item am), a continuous flexible conduit may be 
used from the NID, BET, or fused protector to 6 in. below the ground.''
    One respondent recommended that the existing language of 
Sec. 1755.508(aa) be modified to include a reference to the ``Cadweld'' 
bonding process.
    Response: Since the ``Cadweld'' bonding process is a RUS accepted 
``pipe type grounding clamp,'' as indicated on Page 7.4.1 (item 
``aj''), of RUS Informational Publication (IP) 344-2, ``List of 
Materials Acceptable for Use on Telecommunications Systems of RUS 
Borrowers,'' RUS believes the existing language of Sec. 1755.508(aa) 
satisfies the intent of the respondent.
    The second comment from the same respondent indicated that the 1999 
issue of the NEC  does not consider the RUS recommended 
minimum distance of 6 ft (2 m) between separate ground rods installed 
at customer access locations as specified in Sec. 1755.508(dd)(2) to be 
a special case.
    Response: RUS's intent of Sec. 1755.508(dd)(2) was to point out to 
RUS borrowers that this requirement was to be considered a ``special 
installation case'' when it was not possible for RUS borrowers to 
observe the RUS preferred grounding installation method. It was not 
RUS's intent to indicate that the requirement was considered to be a 
``special case'' of the 1999 issue of the NEC . In fact the 
1999 issue of the NEC  requires that the minimum distance 
between multiple ground rods be not less than 6 ft (2 m). Since the 
phrase ``special case'' has caused confusion over its intent, RUS is 
modifying it by eliminating the word ``special'' from the proposed 
language.
    The same respondent recommended that the existing language of 
Sec. 1755.508(dd)(3) be modified to include a reference indicating that 
when both a telecommunications ground rod and an electric system ground 
rod are present at the customer's access location, the separate ground 
rods be bonded together using a #6 AWG bonding conductor.
    Response: Since the existing language of Sec. 1755.508(n) addresses 
the respondent's concern and requires the bonding of separate ground 
rods using a #6 AWG bonding conductor at customer access locations, RUS 
believes that it is not necessary to modify the existing language of 
Sec. 1755.508(dd)(3) as requested by the respondent.
    The fourth comment from the same respondent questioned why RUS in 
Sec. 1755.509(c) requires the Network Interface Device (NID) at mobile 
homes to be installed in accordance with requirements specified in 
either Secs. 1755.509(c)(1) or (c)(2) instead of the methods allowed 
under the 1999 issue of the NEC  for mobile homes.
    Response: RUS visited and surveyed a number of mobile home parks to 
evaluate mobile home NID installation methods specified in the NEC 
. RUS determined after these field surveys that in many cases 
installers could not ensure that mobile home power service 
installations were in or would remain in compliance with the 1999 issue 
of the NEC  because of buried, unseen, power circuit 
components and other unforeseen circumstances not under the control of 
the installer. To eliminate these unforeseen circumstances, RUS 
specified that mobile home service installations be in accordance with 
either Sec. 1755.509(c)(1) or (c)(2) which includes measures which are 
under the installer's control and for which NEC  compliance 
is readily evident.
    The final comment from the same respondent questioned the editorial 
and technical correctness of Construction Drawings 312-1, 501-1, 501-2, 
702, 958, and 962 in Sec. 1755.510.
    Response: Based on the respondent's comments, RUS decided to review 
all the figures and construction drawings in Secs. 1755.500 through 
1755.510 for editorial and technical correctness. As a result of RUS's 
review the following actions concerning the figures and construction 
drawings were taken:
    1. All figures and construction drawings have been revised for 
editorial content to ensure consistent formatting, text font, leader 
dimensions, etc. This resulted in changing the issue date from ``August 
1997'' to ``March 2001'' for all assembly unit and construction 
drawings listed in Sec. 1755.510.
    2. Figures 3 and 8 have been revised to reference the 1999 issue of 
the NEC  instead of the 1996 issue of the NEC , 
which is no longer in effect.
    3. Figures 9, 17, and 18 have been revised to indicate generic 
telecommunications service wire installations at customer access 
locations instead of specific telecommunications service wire 
installations at customer access locations because it is impossible for 
RUS to predict the number of telecommunications service circuits 
requested by customers. This was accomplished by replacing the 
references to the ``#12 AWG copper insulated ground wires'' which 
specify only two pair telecommunications services with generic 
references to ``copper insulated ground wires'' and ``associated 
notes'' indicating that Sec. 1755.508(v), Table 5, should be used to 
determine the correct ground wire conductor size suitable for the 
installations based on the number of telecommunications circuits 
installed at customer access locations.
    4. Construction Drawing 312-1 in Sec. 1755.510 is being changed by 
adding the respondent's recommended language of ``only if plant is not 
dedicated'' to the proposed language concerning one of the methods of 
terminating the lead-out wires of terminal blocks to distribution cable 
conductors. This new language will read as follows: ``Make connection 
without cutting circuit conductor only if plant is not dedicated.''
    5. Construction Drawings 501-1 and 501-2 in Sec. 1755.510 require 
the use of ``tape'' as a component in the installation methods 
illustrated in these construction drawings. The commenter

[[Page 43317]]

questioned the reason for the ``tape'' component in each of the 
construction drawings. The ``tape'' component detailed in Construction 
Drawings 501-1 and 501-2 is required for housekeeping purposes to keep 
the service wire trained neatly along the distribution cable. 
Therefore, RUS will not modify Construction Drawings 501-1 and 501-2.
    6. Construction Drawing 702 in Sec. 1755.510 is being eliminated 
from the section because RUS agrees with the respondent's comment that 
the appropriate climbing space is not depicted in the guide drawing. In 
addition, the proposed language in Sec. 1755.506(h) is being changed to 
indicate that horizontal and vertical climbing spaces on poles used 
jointly with power circuits shall be in accordance with the 
requirements specified in Rule 236 of the National Electrical Safety 
Code because RUS again agrees with the respondent's recommendation.
    7. The ``BM50 Assembly Unit Drawing'' is being inserted to replace 
Construction Drawing 912 in Sec. 1755.510. The reason for this change 
is attributed to current installation practices. Aerial service wires 
(from buried cables) are installed in accordance with information 
provided in the BM50 Assembly Unit Drawing not the 912 Construction 
Drawing. The major difference between the BM50 Assembly Unit Drawing 
and the 912 Construction Drawing is that the BM50 drawing eliminates 
the aerial service installation information from the drawing and 
indicates that the buried plant housing is paid under the buried plant 
housing assembly unit (BD).
    8. Note #4 of Construction Drawing 958 was modified to allow the 
use of alternative marking materials as requested by the respondent.
    9. The respondent questioned the wisdom of placing the ground wire 
and service wire under the same attachment device when parallel runs 
are encountered as indicated in Note #2 of Construction Drawing 962 in 
Sec. 1755.510. After much discussion and consideration concerning this 
procedure, RUS is not modifying the proposed Note #2 language of 
Construction Drawing 962 in Sec. 1755.510 because the allowance of this 
installation procedure over the past 15 years has not resulted in any 
service problems at customer access locations.

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 1755

    Incorporation by reference, Loan programs-communications, Rural 
areas, Telephone.

    For 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.


Sec. 1755.97  [Amended]

    2. Section 1755.97 is amended by removing the entry ``RUS Bulletin 
No. 345-52'' from the table.

    3. Section 1755.98 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 1755.98  List of telecommunications specifications included in 
other 7 CFR parts.

    The following specifications are included throughout 7 CFR chapter 
XVII. These specifications are not incorporated by reference elsewhere 
in the chapter. The terms ``RUS form,'' ``RUS standard form,'' ``RUS 
specification,'' and ``RUS bulletin'' have the same meaning as the 
terms ``REA form,'' ``REA standard form,'' ``REA specification,'' and 
``REA bulletin,'' respectively, unless otherwise indicated. The list of 
specifications follows:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Section                  Issue date                               Title
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1728.202                                    09-02-93  RUS Specification for Quality Control and Inspection of
                                                       Timber Products.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    4. Sections 1755.500 through 1755.510 are added to read as follows:


Sec. 1755.500  RUS standard for service installations at customers 
access locations.

    (a) Sections 1755.501 through 1755.510 cover service installations 
at permanent or mobile home customer access locations. Sections 
1755.501 through 1755.510 do not cover service installations at 
customer access locations associated with boat yards or marinas.
    (b) Service installations for customer access locations in boat 
yards or marinas shall be performed in accordance with Article 800, 
Communications Circuits, of the American National Standards Institute/
National Fire Protection Association (ANSI/NFPA) 70-1999, National 
Electrical Code (NEC). The National Electrical 
Code and NEC are registered trademarks of the 
National Fire Protection Association, Inc., Quincy, MA 02269. The ANSI/
NFPA 70-1999, NEC is incorporated by reference in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies are available 
from NFPA, 1 Batterymarch Park, P.O. Box 9101, Quincy, Massachusetts 
02269-9101, telephone number 1 (800) 344-3555. Copies of ANSI/NFPA 70-
1999, NEC, are available for inspection during normal 
business hours at Rural Utilities Service (RUS), room 2905, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., STOP 1598, 
Washington, DC 20250-1598 or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 
North Capitol Street, NW., Suite 700, Washington, DC.


Sec. 1755.501  Definitions applicable to Secs. 1755.501 through 
1755.510.

    For the purpose of this section and Secs. 1755.502 through 
1755.510, the following terms are defined as follows:
    American National Standards Institute (ANSI). A private sector 
standards coordinating body which serves as the United States source 
and information center for all American National Standards.
    Ampacity. As defined in the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC: The 
current, in amperes, that a conductor can carry continuously under the 
conditions of use without exceeding its temperature rating. (Reprinted 
with permission from NFPA 70-1999, the National Electrical 
Code, Copyright 1998, National Fire 
Protection Association, Quincy, MA 02269. This reprinted material is 
not the complete and official position of the National Fire Protection 
Association, on the referenced subject which is represented only by the 
standard in its entirety.) The National Electrical Code and 
NEC are registered trademarks of the National Fire 
Protection Association, Inc., Quincy, MA 02269. The ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, 
NEC, is incorporated by reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies are available from NFPA, 1 
Batterymarch Park, P.O. Box 9101, Quincy, Massachusetts 02269-9101, 
telephone number 1 (800) 344-3555. Copies of ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, 
NEC, are available for inspection during

[[Page 43318]]

normal business hours at RUS, room 2905, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., STOP 1598, Washington, DC 
20250-1598 or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol 
Street, NW., Suite 700, Washington, DC.
    AWG. American Wire Gauge.
    BET. Building entrance terminal.
    Bonding (Bonded). As defined in the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, 
NEC: The permanent joining of metallic parts to form an 
electrically conductive path that will ensure electrical continuity and 
the capacity to conduct safely any current likely to be imposed. 
(Reprinted with permission from NFPA 70-1999, the National Electrical 
Code, Copyright 1998, National Fire 
Protection Association, Quincy, MA 02269. This reprinted material is 
not the complete and official position of the National Fire Protection 
Association, on the referenced subject which is represented only by the 
standard in its entirety.)
    Bonding harness wire. A reliable electrical conductor purposefully 
connected between metal parts which are required to be electrically 
connected (bonded) to one another to ensure the metal parts are at 
similar electrical potential.
    Building entrance terminal (BET). A BET is comprised of a housing 
suitable for indoor and outdoor installation which contains quick-
connect or binding post terminals for terminating both 
telecommunications service cable conductors and inside wiring cable 
conductors. The BET also includes primary station protectors and a 
means of terminating the metallic shields of service entrance cables.
    Demarcation point (DP). As defined in the Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) rules in 47 CFR part 68: The point of demarcation or 
interconnection between telecommunications company communications 
facilities and terminal equipment, protective apparatus, or wiring at a 
subscriber's premises. Carrier-installed facilities at, or 
constituting, the demarcation point shall consist of wire or a jack 
conforming to subpart F of 47 CFR part 68. ``Premises'' as used herein 
generally means a dwelling unit, other building or a legal unit of real 
property such as a lot on which a dwelling unit is located, as 
determined by the telecommunications company's reasonable and 
nondiscriminatory standard operating practices. The ``minimum point of 
entry'' as used herein shall be either the closest practicable point to 
where the wiring crosses a property line or the closest practicable 
point to where the wiring enters a multiunit building or buildings. The 
telecommunications company's reasonable and nondiscriminatory standard 
operating practices shall determine which shall apply. The 
telecommunications company is not precluded from establishing 
reasonable clarifications of multiunit premises for determining which 
shall apply. Multiunit premises include, but are not limited to, 
residential, commercial, shopping center, and campus situations.
    (1) Single unit installations. For single unit installations 
existing as of August 13, 1990, and installations installed after that 
date, the demarcation point shall be a point within 12 inches (in.) 
(305 millimeters (mm)) of the primary protector, where there is no 
protector, within 12 in. (305 mm) of where the telecommunications wire 
enters the customer's premises.
    (2) Multiunit installations. (i) In multiunit premises existing as 
of August 13, 1990, the demarcation point shall be determined in 
accordance with the local carrier's reasonable and nondiscriminatory 
standard operating practices. Provided, however, that where there are 
multiple demarcation points within the multiunit premises, a 
demarcation point for a customer shall not be further inside the 
customer's premises than a point 12 in. (305 mm) from where the wiring 
enters the customer's premises.
    (ii) In multiunit premises in which wiring is installed after 
August 13, 1990, including additions, modifications, and rearrangements 
of wiring existing prior to that date, the telecommunications company 
may establish a reasonable and nondiscriminatory practice of placing 
the demarcation point at the minimum point of entry. If the 
telecommunications company does not elect to establish a practice of 
placing the demarcation point at the minimum point of entry, the 
multiunit premises owner shall determine the location of the 
demarcation point or points. The multiunit premises owner shall 
determine whether there shall be a single demarcation point for all 
customers or separate such locations for each customer. Provided, 
however, that where there are multiple demarcation points within the 
multiunit premises, a demarcation point for a customer shall not be 
further inside the customer's premises than a point 12 in. (305 mm) 
from where the wiring enters the customer's premises.
    DP. Demarcation point.
    Eligible country. Any country that applies with respect to the 
United States an agreement ensuring reciprocal access for United States 
products and services and United States suppliers to the markets of 
that country, as determined by the United States Trade Representative.
    FCC. Federal Communications Commission.
    Fuse link. As defined in the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC: A 
fine gauge section of wire or cable that serves as a fuse (that is, 
open-circuits to interrupt the current should it become excessive) that 
coordinates with the telecommunications cable and wire plant, and 
protective devices. (Reprinted with permission from NFPA 70-1999, the 
National Electrical Code, Copyright 
1998, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA 02269. This 
reprinted material is not the complete and official position of the 
National Fire Protection Association, on the referenced subject which 
is represented only by the standard in its entirety.)
    Grounding conductor. As defined in the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, 
NEC: A conductor used to connect equipment or the grounded 
circuit of a wiring system to a grounding electrode or electrodes. 
(Reprinted with permission from NFPA 70-1999, the National Electrical 
Code, Copyright 1998, National Fire 
Protection Association, Quincy, MA 02269. This reprinted material is 
not the complete and official position of the National Fire Protection 
Association, on the referenced subject which is represented only by the 
standard in its entirety.)
    Listed. As defined in the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC: 
Equipment, materials, or services included in a list published by an 
organization that is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction 
and concerned with evaluation of products or services, that maintains 
periodic inspection of production of listed equipment or materials or 
periodic evaluation of services, and whose listing states that either 
the equipment, material, or services meets identified standards or has 
been tested and found suitable for a specified purpose. (Reprinted with 
permission from NFPA 70-1999, the National Electrical Code, 
Copyright 1998, National Fire Protection 
Association, Quincy, MA 02269. This reprinted material is not the 
complete and official position of the National Fire Protection 
Association, on the referenced subject which is represented only by the 
standard in its entirety.)
    Manufactured home. As defined in the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, 
NEC: A factory-assembled structure or structures that bears 
a label identifying it as a manufactured home that is transportable in 
one or more sections,

[[Page 43319]]

that is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a 
dwelling with or without a permanent foundation where connected to the 
required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air 
conditioning, and electric systems contained therein. Unless otherwise 
indicated, the term ``mobile home'' includes manufactured homes. Fine 
Print Note (FPN) No. 1: See the applicable building code for definition 
of the term permanent foundation. FPN No. 2: See 24 CFR part 3280, 
Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards, of the Federal 
Department of Housing and Urban Development for additional information 
on the definition. (Reprinted with permission from NFPA 70-1999, the 
National Electrical Code, Copyright 
1998, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA 02269. This 
reprinted material is not the complete and official position of the 
National Fire Protection Association, on the referenced subject which 
is represented only by the standard in its entirety.)
    Mobile home. As defined in the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC: 
A factory-assembled structure or structures transportable in one or 
more sections that is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be 
used as a dwelling without a permanent foundation where connected to 
the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air-
conditioning, and electric systems contained therein. Unless otherwise 
indicated, the term ``mobile home'' includes manufactured homes. 
(Reprinted with permission from NFPA 70-1999, the National Electrical 
Code, Copyright 1998, National Fire 
Protection Association, Quincy, MA 02269. This reprinted material is 
not the complete and official position of the National Fire Protection 
Association, on the referenced subject which is represented only by the 
standard in its entirety.)
    Motor home. As defined in the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC: A 
vehicular unit designed to provide temporary living quarters for 
recreational, camping, or travel use built on or permanently attached 
to a self-propelled motor vehicle chassis or on a chassis cab or van 
that is an integral part of the completed vehicle. (Reprinted with 
permission from NFPA 70-1999, the National Electrical Code, 
Copyright 1998, National Fire Protection 
Association, Quincy, MA 02269. This reprinted material is not the 
complete and official position of the National Fire Protection 
Association, on the referenced subject which is represented only by the 
standard in its entirety.)
    Network interface device (NID). A NID is comprised of a housing 
suitable for outdoor installation which contains a compartment 
accessible by only telecommunications employees which includes a 
primary station protector and the means for terminating 
telecommunications service wire conductors and metallic shields, and a 
compartment accessible by customers which includes an RJ-11 plug and 
jack of the type specified in the FCC rules in 47 CFR part 68.
    NID. Network interface device.
    Primary station protector. An assembly which complies with RUS 
Bulletin 345-39, RUS Specification for Telephone Station Protectors. 
Copies of RUS Bulletin 345-39 are available upon request from RUS, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture (USDA), 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., STOP 
1522, Washington, DC 20250-1522, FAX (202) 720-4120.
    Qualified Installer. A person who has extensive installation 
experience, complete knowledge and understanding of RUS Bulletin 1751F-
805, Electrical Protection At Customer Locations; RUS Bulletin 1753F-
153 (RUS Form 515d), Specifications and Drawings for Service 
Installations at Customer Access Locations, and applicable portions of 
the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC, and ANSI/IEEE C2-1997, NESC. 
Copies of RUS Bulletins 1751F-805 and 1753F-153 are available upon 
request from RUS/USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., STOP 1522, 
Washington, DC 20250-1522, FAX (202) 720-4120.
    Recreational vehicle. As defined in the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, 
NEC: A vehicular-type unit primarily designed as temporary 
living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel use, which either 
has its own motive power or is mounted on or drawn by another vehicle. 
The basic entities are: travel trailer, camping trailer, truck camper, 
and motor home. (Reprinted with permission from NFPA 70-1999, the 
National Electrical Code, Copyright 1998, National 
Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA 02269. This reprinted material 
is not the complete and official position of the National Fire 
Protection Association, on the referenced subject which is represented 
only by the standard in its entirety.)
    RUS. Rural Utilities Service.
    RUS accepted (material and equipment). Equipment which RUS has 
reviewed and determined that:
    (1) Final assembly or manufacture of the equipment is completed in 
the United States, its territories and possessions, or in an eligible 
country;
    (2) The cost of components within the material or equipment 
manufactured in the United States, its territories and possessions, or 
in an eligible country is more than 50 percent of the total cost of all 
components used in the material or equipment; and
    (3) The material or equipment is suitable for use on systems of RUS 
telecommunications borrowers.
    RUS technically accepted (material and equipment). Equipment which 
RUS has reviewed and determined that the material or equipment is 
suitable for use on systems of RUS telecommunications borrowers but the 
material or equipment does not satisfy both paragraphs (1) and (2) of 
this definition:
    (1) Final assembly or manufacture of the equipment is not completed 
in the United States, its territories and possessions, or in an 
eligible country; and
    (2) The cost of components within the material or equipment 
manufactured in the United States, its territories and possessions, or 
in an eligible country is 50 percent or less than the total cost of all 
components used in the material or equipment.
    SEA. Service entrance aerial.
    SEB. Service entrance buried.
    Travel trailer. As defined in the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC: 
A vehicular unit, mounted on wheels, designed to provide temporary 
living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel use, of such size 
and weight as not to require special highway movement permits when 
towed by a motorized vehicle, and of gross trailer area less than 320 
square feet (29.7 square meters). (Reprinted with permission from NFPA 
70-1999, the National Electrical Code, Copyright 
1998, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA 02269. This 
reprinted material is not the complete and official position of the 
National Fire Protection Association, on the referenced subject which 
is represented only by the standard in its entirety.)
    Truck camper. As defined in the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC: A 
portable unit constructed to provide temporary living quarters for 
recreational, travel or camping use, consisting of a roof, floor, and 
sides, designed to be loaded onto and unloaded from the bed of a pick-
up truck. (Reprinted with permission from NFPA 70-1999, the National 
Electrical Code, Copyright 1998, National Fire 
Protection Association, Quincy, MA 02269. This reprinted material is 
not the complete and official position of the National Fire Protection 
Association, on the referenced subject which is represented only by the 
standard in its entirety.)

[[Page 43320]]

Sec. 1755.502  Scope.

    (a) Sections 1755.503 through 1755.510 cover approved methods of 
making service installations at customer access locations in 
telecommunications systems of RUS borrowers.
    (b) Requirements in Secs. 1755.503 through 1755.510 cover 
facilities of the type described in the FCC rules in 47 CFR part 68 for 
one and multi-party customer owned premises wiring.


Sec. 1755.503  General.

    (a) For the purposes of this section and Secs. 1755.504 through 
1755.510, a NID shall be as defined in Sec. 1755.501 and shall contain 
both a fuseless primary station protector and a modular plug and jack 
for each conductor pair, up to a maximum of 11 pairs, and shall be 
provided by the telecommunications company and used by customers.
    (b) For the purposes of this section and Secs. 1755.504 through 
1755.510, BET shall be as defined in Sec. 1755.501 and shall contain 
both primary station protectors and connector terminals for each 
conductor pair, of 12 or more pairs, and shall be provided by the 
telecommunications company and used by customers. The primary station 
protectors may be either fuseless or fused.
    (c) The requirements provided in this section and Secs. 1755.504 
through 1755.510 have been designed to coordinate with the provisions 
of the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC, and the American National 
Standards Institute/Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, 
Inc. (ANSI/IEEE) C2-1997, National Electrical Safety Code (NESC). The 
National Electrical Code and NEC are registered 
trademarks of the National Fire Protection Association, Inc., Quincy, 
MA 02269. The ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC, and the ANSI/IEEE C2-
1997, NESC, are incorporated by reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies of ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC, 
are available from NFPA, 1 Batterymarch Park, P.O. Box 9101, Quincy, 
Massachusetts 02269-9101, telephone number 1 (800) 344-3555. Copies of 
ANSI/IEEE C2-1997, NESC, are available from IEEE Service Center, 455 
Hoes Lane, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, telephone number 1 (800) 678-
4333. Copies of the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC, and the ANSI/IEEE 
C2-1997, NESC, are available for inspection during normal business 
hours at RUS, room 2905, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 
Independence Avenue, SW., STOP 1598, Washington, DC 20250-1598 or at 
the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., 
Suite 700, Washington, DC. Most state and local authorities require 
that utility construction comply with either the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, 
NEC, and ANSI/IEEE C2-1997, NESC, or some earlier editions of 
the ANSI/NFPA 70, NEC, and ANSI/IEEE C2, NESC. Some 
authorities have their own more stringent codes which may or may not be 
embellishments of the ANSI/NFPA 70, NEC, and ANSI/IEEE C2, 
NESC.
    (d) RUS borrowers shall make certain that all construction financed 
with RUS loan funds comply with:
    (1) The provisions of this section and Secs. 1755.504 through 
1755.510 and the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC, and ANSI/IEEE C2-
1997, NESC codes, or any more stringent local codes; or
    (2) The provisions of this section and Secs. 1755.504 through 
1755.510 with borrower added adjustments to bring construction into 
compliance with any more stringent local codes.
    (e) This section and Secs. 1755.504 through 1755.510 are intended 
primarily for the installer who will perform the work. It assumes that 
decisions regarding the selection of grounding electrodes, locations, 
and types of equipment have been made by the RUS borrower or the 
engineer delegated by the RUS borrower.
    (f) Only a qualified installer as defined in Sec. 1755.501 shall be 
assigned to make installations without advance planning and without 
direct supervision.
    (g) This section and Secs. 1755.504 through 1755.509 contain 
information which is normally not provided on the construction drawings 
which are included in Sec. 1755.510.
    (h) All work shall be conducted in a careful and professional 
manner. Service wire and cable shall not be trampled on, run over by 
vehicles, pulled over or around abrasive objects or otherwise subjected 
to abuse.
    (i) When situations not covered by this section and Secs. 1755.504 
through 1755.510 arise, the RUS borrower or the engineer delegated by 
the borrower, shall specify the installation procedure to be used. The 
requirements of paragraph (j) of this section shall be complied with in 
every installation.
    (j) NIDs, BETs, and fused primary station protectors shall be 
installed and grounded to meet the requirements of the ANSI/NFPA 70-
1999, NEC, or local laws or ordinances, whichever are more 
stringent.
    (k) Battery polarity and conductor identification shall be 
maintained throughout the system as indicated on construction drawings 
815 and 815-1 contained in Sec. 1755.510. Color codes and other means 
of conductor identification of buried and aerial service wires shall 
conform to the requirements of this section and Secs. 1755.504 through 
1755.510.
    (l) All materials for which RUS makes acceptance determinations, 
such as service wires and cables, ground rods, ground rod clamps, etc., 
used in service entrance installations shall be RUS accepted or RUS 
technically accepted. Borrowers shall require contractors to obtain the 
borrower's approval before RUS technically accepted materials are to be 
used in service entrance installations. Borrower's shall also ensure 
that the cost of the RUS technically accepted materials are at least 6 
percent less than the cost of equivalent RUS accepted materials, as 
specified in ``Buy American'' Requirement of the Rural Electrification 
Act of 1938, as amended (7 U.S.C. 903 note). Materials used in service 
entrance installations which are of the type which RUS does not make 
acceptance determinations shall be of a suitable quality for their 
intended application as determined by the RUS borrower or the engineer 
delegated by the RUS borrower.
    (m) On completion of an installation, borrowers shall require the 
installer to make all applicable tests required by Secs. 1755.400 
through 1755.407, RUS standard for acceptance tests and measurements of 
telecommunications plant.


Sec. 1755.504  Demarcation point.

    (a) The demarcation point (DP) provides the physical and electrical 
interface between the telecommunications company's facilities and the 
customer's premises wiring.
    (b) The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules in 47 CFR 
part 68 require telecommunications providers to establish a ``DP'' 
which marks a separation of the provider's facilities from the 
customer's (owned) premises wiring and equipment.
    (c) RUS borrowers shall observe the FCC DP requirement by 
installing NIDs, BETs, or fused primary station protectors when 
required by section 800-30(a)(2) of ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC , 
at all new or significantly modified customer access locations which 
are financed with RUS loan funds. The National Electrical Code 
 and NEC  are registered trademarks of the National 
Fire Protection Association, Inc., Quincy, MA 02269. The ANSI/NFPA 70-
1999, NEC , is incorporated by reference in accordance with 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies are available from NFPA, 1 
Batterymarch Park, P. O. Box 9101, Quincy, Massachusetts 02269-9101,

[[Page 43321]]

telephone number 1 (800) 344-3555. Copies of ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC 
, are available for inspection during normal business hours 
at RUS, room 2905, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence 
Avenue, SW., STOP 1598, Washington, DC 20250-1598 or at the Office of 
the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., Suite 700, 
Washington, DC.
    (d) For all customer access locations of less than 12 pairs, RUS 
borrowers shall establish DPs by using either NIDs or fused primary 
station protectors when required by section 800-30(a)(2) of ANSI/NFPA 
70-1999, NEC . For customer access locations of 12 pairs or 
greater, RUS borrowers shall establish DPs using either NIDs, BETs, or 
fused primary station protectors when required by section 800-30(a)(2) 
of ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC .


Sec. 1755.505  Buried services.

    (a) Buried services of two or three pairs shall consist of Service 
Entrance Buried (SEB) assembly units, in accordance with RUS Bulletin 
1753F-153 (RUS Form 515d), Specifications and Drawings for Service 
Installations at Customer Access Locations. The wire used for buried 
services shall conform to the requirements of Sec. 1755.860, RUS 
specification for filled buried wires, and shall be RUS accepted or RUS 
technically accepted. The conductor size for two and three pair buried 
service wires shall be 22 American Wire Gauge (AWG). Copies of RUS 
Bulletin 1753F-153 are available upon request from RUS/USDA, 1400 
Independence Avenue, SW., STOP 1522, Washington, DC 20250-1522, FAX 
(202) 690-2268.
    (b) Buried services of six or more pairs shall be RUS accepted or 
RUS technically accepted 22 AWG filled buried cable conforming to the 
requirements of Sec. 1755.390, RUS specification for filled telephone 
cables.
    (c) Buried service wire or cable shall be terminated in buried 
plant housings using either splicing connectors or filled terminal 
blocks in accordance with the applicable paragraphs of Sec. 1755.200, 
RUS standard for splicing copper and fiber optic cables.
    (d) Buried service wire or cable shall be identified at buried 
plant housings in accordance with construction drawing 958 contained in 
Sec. 1755.510.
    (e) Buried service wire or cable shall be installed up to the 
building in the same general manner as buried exchange cable but in 
addition must meet the following requirements:
    (1) Light weight lawn plows or trenchers shall be used;
    (2) The shortest feasible route commensurate with the requirements 
of Sec. 1755.508(i), (j), and (k), and paragraph (f)(1) of this section 
shall be followed;
    (3) Buried service wire or cable shall be plowed or trenched to a 
depth of 12 in. (305 mm) or greater where practicable in soil, 36 in. 
(914 mm) in ditches, or 3 in. (76 mm) in rock. Depths shall be measured 
from the top of the wire or cable to the surface of the ground or rock;
    (4) In the case of a layer of soil over rock either the minimum 
depth in rock measured to the surface of the rock, or the minimum depth 
in soil measured to the surface of the soil may be used; and
    (5) Where adequate advance planning has been done, burial of 
telecommunications services jointly with electric power services may be 
feasible. If a decision has been reached by management to provide joint 
occupancy services, the services may be installed using the 
recommendations in RUS Bulletin 1751F-640, ``Design of Buried Plant--
Physical Considerations.'' Copies of RUS Bulletin 1751F-640 are 
available upon request from RUS/USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., 
STOP 1522, Washington, DC 20250-1522, FAX (202) 720-4120.
    (f) Buried service wire or cable shall be installed on or in 
buildings as follows:
    (1) Each buried service wire or cable shall contact the building as 
close to the NID, BET, or fused primary station protector as 
practicable. Service wire or cable runs on buildings shall normally 
consist of a single vertical run held to the minimum practical length. 
Horizontal and diagonal runs shall not be permitted.
    (2) Buried service wire or cable shall be located so as to avoid 
damage from lawn mowers, animals, gardening operations, etc.
    (3) Buried service wire or cable shall be installed against a 
foundation wall or pillar to provide adequate support and mechanical 
protection.
    (4) Where it is likely that the service wire or cable shall be 
subjected to mechanical damage, the wire or cable shall be enclosed in 
a guard in accordance with assembly unit drawing BM83 contained in 
Sec. 1755.510.
    (5) The first above-ground attachment for a buried service wire or 
cable, unless it is enclosed in a guard, shall not be more than 4 in. 
(100 mm) above final grade.
    (6) Uninsulated attachment devices may be used to attach buried 
service wire and cable to masonry and other types of noncombustible 
buildings and on any type of building if fuseless primary station 
protectors incorporated in NIDs or BETs are used and installations 
fully comply with section 800-30(a)(1) of ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC 
. The National Electrical Code  and NEC  
are registered trademarks of the National Fire Protection Association, 
Inc., Quincy, MA 02269. The ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC , is 
incorporated by reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR 
part 51. Copies are available from NFPA, 1 Batterymarch Park, P.O. Box 
9101, Quincy, Massachusetts 02269-9101, telephone number 1(800)344-
3555. Copies of ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC , are available for 
inspection during normal business hours at RUS, room 2905, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., STOP 1598, 
Washington, DC 20250-1598 or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 
North Capitol Street, NW., Suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (7) Insulated attachments shall be used to separate service wires 
or cables from woodwork where section 800-30(a)(2) of ANSI/NFPA 70-
1999, NEC  requiring the use of fused primary station 
protectors must be observed.
    (8) Minimum separation between buried service wire or cable and 
other facilities shall be as listed in Table 1, as follows:

 Table 1.--Minimum Separation for Telecommunications Wires and Cables on
                             or in Buildings
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Minimum clearance in.
                                                         [mm] 1 2
        Foreign facility or obstruction             telecommunications
                                                    company's wires or
                                                          cables
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Electric supply wire including neutral and
 grounding conductors:
    Open.......................................                  4 [102]
    In conduit.................................                 2 [50.8]
Radio and television antennas, Lead-in and                       4 [102]
 grounding conductors..........................
Lightning rods and lightning conductors........              3 72 [1830]

[[Page 43322]]

 
All foreign grounding conductors except                         2 [50.8]
 lightning rod ground conductors...............
Neon signs and associated wiring...............                  6 [150]
Metallic objects--pipes (gas, cold water, oil,                4 2 [50.8]
 sewer) and structures.........................
Wires or cables of another communications                      2 [50.8]
 system........................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ If minimum separation cannot be obtained, nonshielded wire and cable
  facilities shall be protected with either porcelain tubes or flexible
  tubing as modified by Notes (3) and (4) of this table.
\2\ Separation applies to crossings and parallel runs.
\3\ If this separation cannot be obtained, bond the telecommunications
  grounding conductors or grounding electrode to the lightning rod
  grounding conductor or grounding electrode with at least a Number
  (No.) 6 AWG copper, insulated, ground wire. With this provision a
  minimum separation of 4 in. (100 mm) is acceptable but this provision
  must not be utilized if the separation cited in this table can be
  maintained.
\4\ Increase to a minimum of 3 in. (75 mm) separation from steam or hot
  water pipes, heating ducts, and other heat sources.

    (9) Wire and cable attachments to buildings for outside mounted 
NIDS, BETs, or fused primary station protectors shall be in accordance 
with construction drawing 962 contained in Sec. 1755.510.
    (10) Appropriate devices for attaching service wire or cable on or 
in buildings vary with the type of building construction and the wire 
or cable size. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate various types of anchoring 
devices and their applications. The size and type of fastening device 
for the wire or cable size and type of surface shall be in accordance 
with the manufacturer's recommendation; Figures 1 and 2 are as follows:

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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR17AU01.002

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[[Page 43325]]

    (11) Experience indicates that there are objections from many 
owners of buildings covered with aluminum or vinyl siding to the 
drilling of holes in the siding for the attachment of wires or cables, 
and NIDs, BETs, or fused primary station protectors. It is, therefore, 
important to obtain permission from the owner before drilling holes in 
such siding.
    (12) If the NID, BET, or fused primary station protector must be 
mounted inside (not recommended by RUS), the service entrance into the 
building shall be installed in accordance with section 800-12(c) of 
ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC. After pulling-in the wire or cable, 
the free space around the cable or wire shall be carefully sealed both 
outside and inside with a duct sealer that has RUS acceptance or RUS 
technical acceptance.
    (13) If the customer requests an all buried installation for an 
alarm system or objects to above-ground facilities because of 
appearance and one-party service is involved, the entrance hole shall 
be made below grade as shown in sketch C of construction drawing 510-2 
contained in Sec. 1755.510. Care shall be exercised to prevent damage 
to the building foundation. The hole shall be sealed as specified in 
paragraph (f)(12) of this section. The installation shall comply with 
all the requirements of section 800-12(c) of ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, 
NEC.
    (g) When the NID, BET, or fused primary station protector is to be 
installed inside the building, the installation shall comply with 
section 800-12(c) of ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC, and the outside 
plant wire or cable shall preferably be installed in a rigid metal or 
intermediate metal conduit that is grounded to an electrode in 
accordance with section 800-40(b) of ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC, 
as shown in sketch A of Figure 3 in paragraph (h)(2) of this section. 
The shield of the outside plant wire or cable shall be bonded to the 
grounding terminal of the NID, BET, or fused primary station protector 
which in turn shall be connected to the closest, existing, and 
accessible grounding electrode, of the electrodes cited in section 800-
40(b) of ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC.
    (h) An inside NID, BET, or fused primary station protector 
installation may also be made without use of a rigid metal or 
intermediate metal conduit provided that the ingress of the outside 
plant wire or cable complies with section 800-12(c) of ANSI/NFPA 70-
1999, NEC, and provided either of the following are observed:
    (1) The NID, BET, or fused primary station protector is located as 
close as practicable to the point where the outside plant wire or cable 
emerges through an exterior wall. The length of outside plant wire or 
cable exposed within the building shall be as short as practicable but 
in no case shall it be longer than 50 feet (ft) (15.2 meters (m)) in 
accordance with the allowable exception No. 3 of section 800-50 of 
ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC. See sketch B of Figure 3 in paragraph 
(h)(2) of this section. The shield of the outside plant wire or cable 
shall be bonded to the grounding terminal of the NID, BET, or fused 
primary station protector which in turn shall be connected to the 
closest, existing and accessible grounding electrode, of the electrodes 
cited in section 800-40(b) of ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC (Fine 
print Note No. 2 of ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC, section 800-50, 
warns that the full 50 ft (15.2 m) may not be authorized for outside 
unlisted cable (not in a metal or intermediate metal conduit) within a 
building if it is practicable to place the NID, BET, or fused primary 
station protector closer than 50 ft (15.2 m) to the cable entrance 
point, e.g., if there is an acceptable and accessible grounding 
electrode of the type cited in section 800-40(b) of ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, 
NEC, anywhere along the proposed routing of the outside cable 
within the building); or
    (2) Where the NID, BET, or fused primary station protector must be 
located within the building remote from the entrance point and the 
entrance point of the outside plant wire or cable cannot be designed to 
be closer to the NID, BET, or fused primary station protector location, 
the outside plant wire or cable shall be spliced, as close as 
practicable to the point where the outside plant wire or cable emerges 
through an outside wall, to an inside wiring cable that is ``Listed'' 
as being suitable for the purpose in accordance with part E of article 
800 of ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC. The length of outside plant 
wire or cable exposed within the building shall be as short as 
practicable but in no case shall it be longer than 50 ft (15.2 m) in 
accordance with the allowable exception No. 3 of section 800-50 of 
ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC. See sketch C of Figure 3. The shield 
of the outside plant wire or cable shall be bonded to the grounding 
terminal of the NID, BET, or fused primary station protector which in 
turn shall be connected to the closest, existing, and accessible 
grounding electrode, of the electrodes cited in section 800-40(b) of 
ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC (Fine print Note No. 2 of the ANSI/
NFPA 70-1999, NEC, section 800-50, warns that the full 50 ft 
(15.2 m) may not be authorized for outside unlisted cable (not in a 
metal or intermediate metal conduit) if it is practicable to place the 
NID, BET, or fused primary station protector closer than 50 ft (15.2 m) 
to the cable entrance point, e.g., if there is an acceptable and 
accessible grounding electrode of the type cited in section 800-40(b) 
of ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC, anywhere along the proposed 
routing of the outside cable within the building). Figure 3 is as 
follows:

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[[Page 43327]]

    (i) The polarity of buried wire or cable ``tip'' and ``ring'' 
conductors shall be maintained by making the connections in accordance 
with Table 2, as follows:

                    Table 2.--Color Codes For Tip And Ring Connections of Inside Wiring Cable
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Tip                                    Ring
                                 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Pair                                                                                   Color of
                                  Color of insulation    Color of marking   Color of insulation      marking
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...............................  White..............  Blue...............  Blue...............  White
2...............................  White..............  Orange.............  Orange.............  White
3...............................  White..............  Green..............  Green..............  White
4...............................  White..............  Brown..............  Brown..............  White
5...............................  White..............  Slate..............  Slate..............  White
6...............................  Red................  Blue...............  Blue...............  Red
7...............................  Red................  Orange.............  Orange.............  Red
8...............................  Red................  Green..............  Green..............  Red
9...............................  Red................  Brown..............  Brown..............  Red
10..............................  Red................  Slate..............  Slate..............  Red
11..............................  Black..............  Blue...............  Blue...............  Black
12..............................  Black..............  Orange.............  Orange.............  Black
13..............................  Black..............  Green..............  Green..............  Black
14..............................  Black..............  Brown..............  Brown..............  Black
15..............................  Black..............  Slate..............  Slate..............  Black
16..............................  Yellow.............  Blue...............  Blue...............  Yellow
17..............................  Yellow.............  Orange.............  Orange.............  Yellow
18..............................  Yellow.............  Green..............  Green..............  Yellow
19..............................  Yellow.............  Brown..............  Brown..............  Yellow
20..............................  Yellow.............  Slate..............  Slate..............  Yellow
21..............................  Violet.............  Blue...............  Blue...............  Violet
22..............................  Violet.............  Orange.............  Orange.............  Violet
23..............................  Violet.............  Green..............  Green..............  Violet
24..............................  Violet.............  Brown..............  Brown..............  Violet
25..............................  Violet.............  Slate..............  Slate..............  Violet
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sec. 1755.506  Aerial wire services

    (a) Aerial services of one through six pairs shall consist of 
Service Entrance Aerial (SEA) assembly units, in accordance with RUS 
Bulletin 1753F-153 (RUS Form 515d), Specifications and Drawings for 
Service Installations at Customer Access Locations. The wire used for 
aerial services shall conform to the requirements of Secs. 1755.700 
through 1755.704, RUS specification for aerial service wires, and shall 
be RUS accepted or RUS technically accepted. Copies of RUS Bulletin 
1753F-153 are available upon request from RUS/USDA, 1400 Independence 
Avenue, SW., STOP 1522, Washington, DC 20250-1522, FAX (202) 720-4120.
    (b) If aerial wire services are to be connected to aerial cable 
pairs, the NIDs or fused primary station protectors and grounds shall 
be installed and connected before the aerial service wires are attached 
to the customer's structure.
    (c) Kinks or splices shall not be permitted in aerial service wire 
spans.
    (d) Aerial service wires shall be run in accordance with the 
construction drawings contained in Sec. 1755.510 and shall conform to 
all clearance requirements of the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC, and 
ANSI/IEEE C2-1997, NESC, or local laws or ordinances, whichever are the 
most stringent. The National Electrical Code and 
NEC are registered trademarks of the National Fire Protection 
Association, Inc., Quincy, MA 02269. The ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, 
NEC, and ANSI/IEEE C2-1997, NESC, are incorporated by 
reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies 
of ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC, are available from NFPA, 1 
Batterymarch Park, P.O. Box 9101, Quincy, Massachusetts 02269-9101, 
telephone number 1 (800) 344-3555. Copies of ANSI/IEEE C2-1997, NESC, 
are available from IEEE Service Center, 455 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, New 
Jersey 08854, telephone number 1 (800) 678-4333. Copies of ANSI/NFPA 
70-1999, NEC, and ANSI/IEEE C2-1997, NESC, are available for 
inspection during normal business hours at RUS, room 2905, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., STOP 1598, 
Washington, DC 20250-1598 or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 
North Capitol Street, NW., Suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (e) Aerial service wire shall be installed using the maximum 
practicable sag consistent with the required ground clearance and good 
construction practices. In no event shall the minimum sags be less than 
the values shown on construction drawing 505 contained in Sec. 1755.510 
for various span lengths and loading areas provided. Span lengths shall 
not exceed 250 ft (76 m).
    (f) To reduce vibration and galloping, aerial service wire shall be 
twisted one complete turn for each 10 ft (3 m) of span length at the 
time of installation.
    (g) The methods of attaching aerial service wires at poles shall be 
as illustrated in construction drawings 503-2 and 504 contained in 
Sec. 1755.510.
    (h) Horizontal and vertical climbing spaces on poles used jointly 
with power circuits shall be provided in conformance with the 
requirements of Rule 236 of ANSI/IEEE C2-1997, NESC.
    (i) Not more than four aerial service wires shall be distributed 
from any one 7/16 in. (10 mm) drive hook, or more than two aerial 
service wires from any one 5/16 in. (8 mm) drive hook. Aerial service 
wires and drive hooks shall be arranged so that the load does not pull 
the drive hook out of the pole. When more than one drive hook is 
required, the drive hooks shall be staggered with a minimum separation 
of 1 in. (25.4 mm) horizontally on centers and 1.5 in. (40 mm) 
vertically on centers. If drive hooks are placed within 3 in. (76 mm) 
of the top of the pole and on the opposite side of the pole's 
circumference, a vertical separation of at least 3 in. (76 mm) shall be 
provided. A

[[Page 43328]]

drive hook shall not be placed on the top of a pole or stub pole.
    (j) When connecting aerial service wires to cable pairs at 
terminals, sufficient slack shall be provided so that each aerial 
service wire shall reach any binding post position as shown on 
construction drawing 312-1 contained in Sec. 1755.510.
    (k) Aerial service wire attachments on utility poles and the manner 
of placing bridle rings and entering cable terminals shall be as shown 
on construction drawing 503-2 contained in Sec. 1755.510.
    (l) Not more than two conductors shall be connected to any terminal 
binding post. Where it is necessary to bridge more than two aerial 
service wires at the same closure, the aerial service wires shall be 
terminated in aerial service wire terminals connected in parallel with 
a No. 20 AWG bridle wire which shall be terminated on the binding posts 
of the filled terminal block.
    (m) Where aerial service wire is attached to aerial plastic cable, 
it shall be brought directly into a ready-access closure and shall be 
terminated on the binding posts of the filled terminal block as shown 
on construction drawing 503-2 contained in Sec. 1755.510.
    (n) The conductor of copper coated steel reinforced aerial service 
wires identified by tracer ridges shall be used as the ring (negative 
battery) conductor of the pair, and shall normally be connected to the 
right or lower binding post of a pair on filled terminal blocks and 
NIDs or fused primary station protectors.
    (o) Nonmetallic reinforced aerial service wire pair identification. 
(1) The tip and ring conductors of nonmetallic reinforced aerial 
service wires shall be identified in accordance with Table 3, as 
follows:

     Table 3.--Nonmetallic Reinforced Aerial Service Wire Color Code
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Conductor color
          Pair number           ----------------------------------------
                                           Tip                 Ring
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1..............................  White/Blue or White....  Blue
2..............................  White/Orange or White..  Orange
3..............................  White/Green or White...  Green
4..............................  White/Brown or White...  Brown
5..............................  White/Slate or White...  Slate
6..............................  Red/Blue or Red........  Blue
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) The ring (negative battery) conductor of the pair shall 
normally be connected to the right or lower binding post of a pair on 
filled terminal blocks and NIDs or fused primary station protectors.
    (p) When it is necessary to avoid intervening obstacles between a 
pole and a building, span clamp attachments shall be used to support 
the aerial service wires at points between the poles that are 
supporting the cable on the suspension strand as indicated by 
construction drawings 501-1 and 501-2 contained in Sec. 1755.510.
    (q) Aerial service wire strung from pole to pole shall be placed 
entirely below or entirely above any existing wire or cable. When 
adequate ground clearance can be obtained, preference shall be given to 
placing aerial service wire below wire and cable.
    (r) When more than one aerial service wire is installed from pole 
to pole, the first aerial service wire shall be sagged in accordance 
with construction drawing 505 contained in Sec. 1755.510. Succeeding 
aerial service wires shall be sagged with 2 in. (50.8 mm) more sag for 
each aerial service wire.
    (s) Aerial service wire spans from pole lines to buildings shall 
follow the shortest feasible route commensurate with the requirements 
of paragraph (t) of this section and shall be sagged in accordance with 
construction drawing 505 contained in Sec. 1755.510. The route shall 
avoid trees and other obstructions to the extent practicable. Where 
trees cannot be avoided, tree trimming permission shall be obtained 
from the owner or the owner's representative, and all limbs and foliage 
within 2 ft (600 mm) of the finally sagged wire shall be removed. If 
tree trimming permission cannot be obtained, the matter shall be 
referred to the borrower for resolution before proceeding with the 
installation.
    (t) Aerial service wires shall contact buildings as closely as 
practicable at a point directly above the NID, or fused primary station 
protector. Generally, horizontal drop wire runs on buildings shall not 
exceed 20 ft (6 m). The warning given in Sec. 1755.505(f)(11) regarding 
drilling holes in aluminum and vinyl siding applies also to attaching 
aerial service wires.
    (u) The point of the first building attachment shall be located so 
that the aerial service wire will be clear of roof drainage points.
    (v) Where practicable, aerial service wires shall pass under 
electrical guys, power distribution secondaries and services, tree 
limbs, etc.
    (w) Aerial service wire shall not pass in front of windows or 
immediately above doors.
    (x) Aerial service wires shall be routed so as to have a minimum 
clearance of 2 ft (600 mm) from any part of a short wave, ham radio, 
etc. antenna mast and a television antenna mast in its normal vertical 
position and of the possible region through which it sweeps when being 
lowered to a horizontal position.
    (y) Aerial service wires shall be installed such that all 
clearances and separations comply with either section 237 of ANSI/IEEE 
C2-1997, NESC, or ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC, or local laws or 
ordinances, whichever is the most stringent.
    (z) Aerial service wire attachments to buildings shall be as 
follows:
    (1) First attachments on buildings shall be made in accordance with 
construction drawings 506, 507, or 508-1 contained in Sec. 1755.510, as 
applicable;
    (2) Intermediate attachments on buildings shall be made in 
accordance with construction drawings 510 or 510-1 contained in 
Sec. 1755.510; and
    (3) Uninsulated attachments shall be permitted to be used as 
follows:
    (i) Wherever NIDS are used as permitted by section 800-30(a)(1) of 
the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC; and
    (ii) On masonry and other types of nonflammable buildings.
    (aa) Insulated attachments shall be used on wooden frame, metallic 
siding and other types of combustible buildings where fused primary 
station protectors are used, as required by section 800-30(a)(2) of 
ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC.
    (bb) Aerial service wire runs on buildings shall be attached 
vertically and horizontally in a neat and most inconspicuous possible 
manner. See construction drawing 513 contained in Sec. 1755.510. 
Horizontal runs on

[[Page 43329]]

buildings are undesirable and shall be kept to a minimum. Diagonal runs 
shall not be made.
    (cc) Aerial service wire runs on buildings shall be located so as 
not to be subjected to damage from passing vehicles, pedestrians, or 
livestock.
    (dd) Minimum separation between aerial service wires and other 
facilities on or in buildings shall be in accordance with 
Sec. 1755.505(f)(8), Table 1.
    (ee) Appropriate devices for attaching aerial service wires to 
buildings vary with the type of building construction and with the type 
of customer access location equipment. Table 4 lists various types of 
attachments and their application with respect to construction, 
customer access location equipment, and proper mounting devices. 
Construction drawings 506 through 513 contained in Sec. 1755.510 
illustrate requirements with respect to various angles of service wire 
contacts and uses of various attachments. Table 4 is as follows:

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[[Page 43330]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR17AU01.004



[[Page 43331]]


    Notes: 1. Screw dimensions are minimum. Where appropriate, 
either or both dimensions shall be increased. All wood screws for 
exterior use shall be stainless steel. All other exterior metal 
devices shall be stainless steel, zinc coated steel, silicon bronze, 
or corrosion resistant aluminum alloy.
    2. Toggle bolt dimensions are minimum. Where appropriate, either 
or both dimensions shall be increased.
    3. All devices should be attached to studding.
    4. Screw-type devices shall be secured by means of expansion-
type anchors. Equivalent manual or machine-driven devices may be 
used. Where toggle bolts are specified equivalent devices may be 
used.
    5. Pilot holes shall be provided for screws and bridle rings in 
shingles and dropsiding.
    6. Attachment device not applicable.
    7. Attachment device applicable but no separate fastening device 
required.
    8. To convert English units to Metric units use 1 in. = 25.4 mm.


    (ff) Fastener spacings for vertical and horizontal runs on frame or 
masonry buildings shall not be more than 6 ft (2 m) apart. Fasteners 
should be spaced close enough to prevent the aerial service wire from 
``slapping'' against the building during windy conditions.
    (gg) When it is necessary to pass behind or around obstructions 
such as downspouts and vertical conduits, the aerial service wire shall 
be supported firmly with attachment devices placed not more than 6 in. 
(152 mm) from the obstruction as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 of 
paragraph (hh) of this section. Preferably, the aerial service wire 
should be routed behind obstructions to minimize the possibility of 
mechanical damage to the aerial service wire in the event repair work 
to the obstruction is required.
    (hh) When passing around building projections of masonry or wood or 
around corners, aerial service wires shall be installed as illustrated 
in Figures 5 and 6. Figures 4, 5, and 6 are as follows:

[[Page 43332]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR17AU01.005


[[Page 43333]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR17AU01.006


[[Page 43334]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR17AU01.007

BILLING CODE 3410-15-C

[[Page 43335]]

    (ii) In areas where ice and snow conditions are severe, aerial 
service wires shall be located so that ice and snow falling from the 
roof will not strike the wires. However, where aerial service wires 
must pass under the sloping part of the roof, first attachments shall 
be made as close as practicable to the eaves.
    (jj) If two aerial service wire spans are required to the same 
building, the first attachment shall be such that both aerial service 
wires can be attached at the same attachment device. Refer to 
construction drawing 508-1 contained in Sec. 1755.510. Where more than 
two aerial service wires are required, additional attachment devices in 
the same general location on the building shall be used.
    (kk) When two or more aerial service wire runs are required on the 
same building they shall share the same type of attachment devices.
    (ll) Aerial service wire entrances to buildings shall conform to 
sketch B of construction drawing 510-2 contained in Sec. 1755.510, 
unless the entrance is made through a conduit.
    (mm) When the aerial service wire approaches the entrance hole from 
above, a 1.5 in. (40 mm) minimum drip loop shall be formed in 
accordance with sketch B of construction drawing 510-2 contained in 
Sec. 1755.510.
    (nn) If an entrance conduit which slopes upward from outside to 
inside is available and suitably located, it shall be used for the 
aerial service wire entrance.


Sec. 1755.507  Aerial cable services.

    (a) Where more than six pairs are needed initially, and where an 
aerial service is necessary, the service shall consist of 22 AWG filled 
aerial cable of a pair size adequate for the ultimate anticipated 
service needs of the building. The cable shall comply with the 
requirements of Sec. 1755.390, RUS specification for filled telephone 
cables, and shall be RUS accepted or RUS technically accepted.
    (b) Aerial cable services shall be constructed in accordance with 
specific installation specifications prepared by the RUS borrower or 
the engineer delegated by the borrower.
    (c) Unless otherwise specified in the installation specifications, 
aerial cable service installations shall meet the following 
requirements:
    (1) Strand supported lashed construction shall be used.
    (2) Where practicable a \5/16\ in. (8 mm) utility grade strand and 
automatic clamps shall be used in slack spans to avoid damage to the 
building.
    (3) Construction on poles shall comply with applicable construction 
drawings for regular line construction. Aerial service cable shall be 
spliced to the main cable in accordance with Sec. 1755.200, RUS 
standard for splicing copper and fiber optic cables.
    (4) Where practicable, aerial cable shall pass under electrical 
guys, distribution secondaries, and services.
    (5) The suspension strand shall be attached to the building by wall 
brackets as indicated in Figure 7 as follows:

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[[Page 43336]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR17AU01.008

BILLING CODE 3410-15-C

[[Page 43337]]

    (i) If taut spans are necessary, appropriate size strand may be 
used if the pull is in line with one wall of the building, or within 20 
degrees of being in line as illustrated in sketch A of Figure 7. If the 
angle of pull is greater than 20 degrees from the building, the wall 
bracket shall be reinforced against pullout by an arrangement 
equivalent to sketch B of Figure 7. Taut spans may be strung using the 
recommendations in RUS Bulletin 1751F-630, Design of Aerial Plant. The 
same tension as would be used in normal line construction so as not to 
exceed 60 percent of the breaking strength of the strand under maximum 
loading shall be used. Taut spans shall not exceed 100 ft (30.5 m) in 
length and the cable weight shall not exceed 1 pound/foot (lb/ft) [1.5 
kilogram/meter (kg/m)] except when equivalent combinations of greater 
span lengths with cable weight less than 1 lb/ft (1.5 kg/m) are 
permissible. Copies of RUS Bulletin 1751F-630 are available upon 
request from RUS/USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., STOP 1522, 
Washington, DC 20250-1522, FAX (202) 720-4120.
    (ii) When an attachment must be made to the face of a building wall 
away from a corner, a ``U'' type wall bracket shall be used as 
indicated in sketch C of Figure 7. Only slack span construction with 
\5/16\ in. (8 mm) utility grade strand shall be permitted in this 
situation. The bail of the automatic clamp shall be protected by a wire 
rope thimble.
    (6) Aerial cable shall be located on the rear or side of the 
building and shall be run only in a horizontal or a vertical direction. 
The cable route shall be selected so as to avoid building projections 
and obstructions to the extent practicable.
    (7) Cable attachment devices shall be located on solid masonry or 
on studs of wood frame buildings. Cable attachment devices may be 
installed on sheet surface materials only when such materials are 
reinforced with a backing material which allows penetration and firm 
holding of the attachment devices through the backing material.
    (8) The minimum separation on or in buildings between cable and 
other facilities shall be as indicated in Sec. 1755.505(f)(8), Table 1.
    (9) On horizontal runs, cable clamps shall be placed so that the 
attachment is below the cable. On vertical runs, cable clamps shall be 
placed so that the attachment is on the same side as horizontal runs. 
Cable clamps shall be placed on the inside of cable bends.
    (10) On horizontal runs, cable clamps shall be placed not more than 
16 in. (400 mm) apart for cable diameters equal to or greater than 1 
in. (25.4 mm) and 24 in. (600 mm) apart for cable diameters less than 1 
in. (25.4 mm).
    (11) On vertical runs, cable clamps shall be approximately 24 in. 
(600 mm) apart for all sizes of cable.
    (12) For the cable entrance, holes shall be bored slightly larger 
in diameter than the cable and shall slope upward from outside to 
inside. A duct sealer having RUS acceptance or RUS technical acceptance 
shall be applied to both ends of the hole after the cable is pulled in.
    (13) Section 1755.505(g) and (h) shall also apply to aerial cable 
services.


Sec. 1755.508  Customer access location protection.

    (a) All customer access locations shall be protected.
    (b) Customer access location protection shall consist of installing 
the telecommunications facilities with proper clearances and insulation 
from other facilities, providing primary voltage limiting protection, 
fuse links, NIDs, BETs, or fused primary station protectors, if 
required, and adequate bonding and grounding.
    (c) All NIDs shall be RUS accepted or RUS technically accepted or 
the RUS borrower shall obtain RUS regional office approval on a case by 
case basis as applicable.
    (d) All BETs shall be RUS accepted or RUS technically accepted.
    (e) All fused primary station protectors shall be RUS accepted or 
RUS technically accepted.
    (f) NIDs, BETs, or fused primary station protectors shall be 
mounted outside for all applications except for those described in 
paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(3) of this section.
    (g) NIDs, BETs, or fused primary station protectors may be mounted 
inside when:
    (1) Large buildings are to be served and the customer requests an 
inside installation;
    (2) Buried alarm circuits are requested by the subscriber; or
    (3) The customer requests an all buried installation for appearance 
or to prevent the drilling of holes in aluminum or vinyl siding.
    (h) Outside mounted NIDs, BETs, or fused primary station protectors 
shall be easily accessible and shall be located between 3 to 5 ft (1 to 
1.5 m) above final grade.
    (i) The locations of NIDs, BETs, or fused primary station 
protectors shall be selected with emphasis on utilizing the shortest 
primary station protector grounding conductor practicable and on 
grounding of the telecommunications primary station protector to the 
electric service grounding system established at the building served 
utilizing electrodes (c) through (g) cited in section 800-40(b)(1) of 
ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC. The National Electrical 
Code and NEC are registered trademarks of the 
National Fire Protection Association, Inc., Quincy, MA 02269. The ANSI/
NFPA 70-1999, NEC, is incorporated by reference in accordance 
with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies are available from NFPA, 
1 Batterymarch Park, P. O. Box 9101, Quincy, Massachusetts 02269-9101, 
telephone number 1 (800) 344-3555. Copies of ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, 
NEC, are available for inspection during normal business 
hours at RUS, room 2905, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 
Independence Avenue, SW., STOP 1598, Washington, DC 20250-1598 or at 
the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., 
Suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (j) If access to the building electric service grounding system, as 
referenced in paragraph (i) of this section, is not possible or is not 
reasonable (telecommunications primary station protector grounding 
conductor will be longer than 10 ft (3 m)), the NID, BET, or fused 
primary station protector shall be located as close as practicable to 
electrodes (a) or (b) cited in section 800-40(b)(1) of ANSI/NFPA 70-
1999, NEC.
    (k) In addition, the NID, BET, or fused primary station protector 
shall be located in, on, or immediately adjacent to the structure or 
building to be served as close as practicable to the point at which the 
telecommunications service wire attaches to the building, making sure 
that the telecommunications primary station protector grounding 
conductor is connected to the closest, existing, and accessible 
electrode, of the electrodes cited in paragraph (i) or (j) of this 
section.
    (l) For the preferred customer access location installation, the 
ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC, permits the telecommunications 
grounding conductor to be connected to the metallic conduit, service 
equipment closure, or electric grounding conductor as shown in Figure 8 
of paragraph (l)(2) of this section.
    (1) Connections to metallic conduits shall be made by ground straps 
clamped over a portion of the conduit that has been cleaned by sanding 
down to bare metal.
    (2) Connections to metallic service equipment closures shall be 
made by attaching a connector which is listed for the purpose by some 
organization acceptable to the local authority (State, county, etc.) 
per article 100 of ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC, definition for

[[Page 43338]]

``Listed'' (for example connectors listed for the purpose by 
Underwriters Laboratories (UL)). Figure 8 is as follows:

BILLING CODE 3410-15-P

[[Page 43339]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR17AU01.009

BILLING CODE 3410-15-C

[[Page 43340]]

    (m) Where it is not possible to accomplish the objective of 
paragraphs (i), (j), and (k) of this section, interior metallic pipes 
may be used to the maximum practicable extent to gain access to the 
electric service ground as shown in Figure 9. Note that the water pipe 
in Figure 9 is electrically continuous between electric and 
telecommunications bonds to the cold water pipe and it is used only as 
a portion of a bonding conductor and, therefore, does not have to be 
``acceptable'' as a ground electrode but may be floating (isolated from 
ground by a plastic pipe section). ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC, 
requires that metal piping be used as a bonding conductor in this 
manner only when the connectors to the pipe are within 1.5 m (5 ft) of 
where the pipe enters the premises. This is not the preferred 
installation. The RUS preferred installation has the telecommunications 
primary station protector grounded directly to an accessible location 
near the power grounding system. See paragraph (l) of this section. 
Figure 9 is as follows:

[[Page 43341]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR17AU01.010

BILLING CODE 3410-15-C

[[Page 43342]]

    (n) Where the telecommunications premises system at a customer's 
access location is grounded to a separate electrode (of any type) this 
telecommunications grounding electrode must be bonded to the electric 
grounding system with a No. 6 AWG or larger copper insulated grounding 
conductor. Bonding of separate electrodes is a requirement of the ANSI/
NFPA 70-1999, NEC .
    (o) The NID, BET, or fused primary station protector pair size 
shall be selected for the number of lines anticipated within five 
years.
    (p) When lightning damage is considered probable or customer access 
locations are remote from the borrower's headquarters, use of maximum 
duty gas tube primary station protectors incorporated in NIDs, BETs, or 
fused primary station protectors should be considered. (See RUS TE&CM 
823, Electrical Protection by Use of Gas Tube Arresters). Copies of RUS 
TE&CM 823 are available upon request from RUS/USDA, 1400 Independence 
Avenue, SW., STOP 1522, Washington, DC 20250-1522, FAX (202) 720-4120.
    (q) NIDs or BETs incorporating fuseless station protectors shall 
always be used in preference to fused station protectors or BETs 
incorporating fused protectors, when in the judgment of the RUS 
borrower or the engineer delegated by the RUS borrower, the 
requirements of ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC , for fuseless station 
protectors can be met.
    (r) A fuse link consisting of a copper conductor two gauges (AWG) 
finer (numerically higher) conductivity than the aerial service wire 
shall be provided between the cable and aerial service wire where NIDs 
or BETs incorporating fuseless station protectors are used. Thus for a 
22 AWG drop, a fuse link of No. 24 AWG or finer copper wire shall be 
provided. If the cable circuit is No. 24 gauge or finer, the cable 
conductors serve as the fuse link for the 22 AWG aerial service wire 
and no separate fuse link is necessary. (Note: The fuse link or the 
facilities serving as the fuse link must be located between the 
telecommunications facilities that are exposed to possible power cross 
and the customer drop where there is no exposure to possible power 
cross.)
    (s) RUS's buried plant practices require buried main line plant to 
be protected against power contacts to aerial plant extensions and 
aerial inserts by No. 24 AWG fuse links at every buried-aerial 
junction.
    (t) In aerial cable plant, fuse links are usually provided by No. 
24 AWG leads on filled terminal blocks regardless of the gauge of the 
cable conductors. This practice is acceptable if the ampacity of the 
aerial service wire is sufficiently higher than the fuse link's 
ampacity.
    (u) The grounding and bonding of each NID, BET, or fused primary 
station protector shall be selected by consulting paragraphs (i) 
through (n) of this section. The ``first choice'' assembly unit shall 
be selected whenever the prevailing conditions make its use 
practicable. The NID, BET, or fused primary station protector assembly 
unit selected shall be installed in accordance with the appropriate 
construction drawing specified in RUS Bulletin 1753F-153 (RUS Form 
515d), Specifications and Drawings for Service Installations at 
Customer Access Locations (Incorporated by reference at Sec. 1755.97). 
Copies of RUS Bulletin 1753F-153 are available upon request from RUS/
USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., STOP 1522, Washington, DC 20250-
1522, FAX (202) 720-4120.
    (v) The minimum size grounding conductor that can be used with a 
single NID; a group of NIDs; a multipair NID; fused protector; or BET 
shall be in accordance Table 5, as follows:

      Table 5.--Grounding Conductor Size Versus Number of Circuits
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Number of circuits
  Minimum grounding conductor   ----------------------------------------
              size                Fuseless (carbon
                                    or gas tube)            Fused
------------------------------------------------------------------------
#12 AWG, copper, insulated.....  1 to 2............  1 to 3.
#10 AWG, copper, insulated.....  3 to 5............  4 to 7.
#6 AWG, copper, insulated......  6 or more.........  8 or more.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (w) Grounding conductor runs between the NID, BET, or fused station 
protector and the ground electrode shall conform to the following:
    (1) The shortest, most direct route practicable shall be used;
    (2) Sharp bends in the grounding conductor shall be avoided during 
installation;
    (3) No splices shall be made in the grounding conductor;
    (4) Grounding conductors shall not be fished through walls, under 
floors, or placed in bridle rings or any metal conduit unless the 
grounding conductor is bonded to the conductor at both ends of the 
metallic conduit;
    (5) Grounding conductor runs from an outside mounted NID, BET, or 
fused station protector to an inside ground electrode shall use the 
same entrance as the station wire; and
    (6) Grounding conductor runs from an outside mounted NID, BET, or 
fused station protector to an outside ground electrode at the building 
shall be attached to the exterior surface of the building or buried. If 
buried, the grounding conductor shall be either plowed or trenched to a 
minimum depth of 12 in. (300 mm). When trenched, the trenches shall be 
as close to the side of the building as practicable, backfilled, and 
tamped to restore the earth to its original condition.
    (x) Telecommunications grounding connectors shall be RUS accepted 
or RUS technically accepted. Grounding and bonding conductors shall be 
made of copper. Where the grounding and bonding conductors must be 
connected to aluminum electric service grounding conductors, bimetal 
grounding connectors shall be used.
    (y) Grounding conductor attachments shall conform to the following:
    (1) Galvanized nails or clamps, or nickel-copper alloy staples 
shall be used for grounding conductor attachments in accordance with 
Table 6 in paragraph (y)(3) of this section;
    (2) Grounding conductors, station or buried service wires in 
parallel runs may share the same fastening device when the device is 
specifically designed for two wires. See Table 6 in paragraph (y)(3) of 
this section for station wire and grounding conductor fasteners; and
    (3) Grounding conductor fasteners shall be placed 12 to 18 in. (300 
to 450 mm) apart on straight runs and 2 to 4 in. (50.8 to 100 mm) apart 
at corners and at bends. Table 6 is as follows:

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[[Page 43344]]


    Notes: 1. Screw dimensions are minimum. Where appropriate, 
either or both dimensions shall be increased. All wood screws for 
exterior use shall be stainless steel. All other exterior metal 
devices shall be stainless steel, zinc coated steel, silicon bronze, 
or corrosion resistant aluminum alloy.

    2. Toggle bolt dimensions are minimum. Where appropriate, either 
or both dimensions shall be increased.
    3. Wall screw anchors may be used in wall board, plaster or tile 
walls. Screws and nails in masonry shall be secured by means of 
expansions type anchors. Equivalent manual or machine-driven devices 
may be used. Where toggle bolts are specified, equivalent devices 
may be used.
    4. Lead holes shall be drilled for screws, nails, and bridle 
rings in shingles and dropsiding.
    5. Sheet metal screws shall be used except where toggle bolts 
are required. Where wood sheathing under sheet metal siding is 
encountered, the sheet metal may be drilled or punched and a wood 
screw used.
    6. Machine-driven staples of nickel-copper composition may be 
used for exterior wiring.
    7. Galvanized clamps and wiring nails may be used for exterior 
and interior wiring. Enameled clamps shall be used for interior 
wiring only. Where toggle bolts or equivalent devices require holes 
in the structure larger than the clamp being fastened, a suitable 
washer of sufficient size to cover the hole must be used under the 
clamp.
    8. Double clamp may be used where two #22 AWG station wires, two 
#12 AWG grounding conductors, or one #22 AWG station wire and one 
#12 grounding conductor parallels one another.
    9. For converting English units to Metric units use 1 in. = 25.4 
mm.

    (z) Grounding conductors shall be separated from non-
telecommunications company wires in accordance with section 800-12(b) 
of ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC.
    (aa) Grounding conductors run through metal conduits shall be 
bonded to the conduit at each end. RUS accepted and RUS technically 
accepted pipe type ground clamps and grounding connectors shall be used 
for bonding.
    (bb) Where NID, BET, or fused station protector assembly units 
require grounding conductor connections to pipe systems, the following 
apply:
    (1) The connection shall be made to a cold water pipe of an 
operating water system;
    (2) The connection point shall be preferably inside the building;
    (3) Allow a minimum of 6 in. (152 mm) between the last fastener and 
the point where the grounding conductor first touches the water pipe;
    (4) Leave 2 in. (50.8 mm) of slack in the grounding conductor to 
avoid breaking the conductor at the terminating point. Tape the 
grounding conductor to the pipe where possible to avoid movement. In no 
case, shall the grounding conductor be coiled or wrapped around the 
pipe;
    (5) The pipe shall be cleaned with fine sand paper to make a good 
electrical connection. Care should be taken to avoid damaging the pipe 
while cleaning it;
    (6) Attach the pipe grounding conductor connector to the cleaned 
area of pipe and tighten. Care shall be exercised to avoid deforming, 
crushing, or otherwise damaging the pipe. A simple continuity check 
with an ohmmeter between the connector and the pipe will indicate 
whether or not a good electrical contact has been made. Set the 
ohmmeter to ``Rx1'' scale to ensure that a low resistance contact is 
made;
    (7) A warning tag shall be attached to the ground clamp with the 
following or equivalent statement: ``Call the telecommunications 
company if this connector or grounding conductor is loose or must be 
removed;'' and
    (8) When the water pipe is used, the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, 
NEC, requires that metal piping be used as a bonding 
conductor in this manner only when the connections to the pipe are 
within 5 ft (1.5 m) of where the pipe enters the premises.
    (cc) Bonding conductors shall consist of either copper or tinned 
copper insulated wires of appropriate sizes.
    (1) Bonding conductors shall be run and attached in the same manner 
as grounding conductors.
    (2) Attaching and terminating devices for bonding conductors shall 
be adequate for the size of wire involved. The No. 6 AWG copper 
insulated conductor or larger shall not be terminated by bending it 
around a threaded stud.
    (dd) Where NID, BET, or fused station protector assembly units 
require a driven ground rod the following shall apply to the ground rod 
installation:
    (1) Locate the ground rod at least 1 ft (300 mm) from buildings, 
poles, trees and other obstruction;
    (2) Ground rods shall not be installed within 6 ft (2 m) of 
electric service ground rods (Note: This minimum separation is provided 
to avoid mutual impedance effects of multiple grounding electrodes that 
will deleteriously degrade the effective impedance-to-earth if 
grounding electrodes are installed any closer than 6 ft (2 m) to one 
another. This requirement is included for cases where the 
telecommunications company is not allowed, for some reason, to observe 
the RUS preferred grounding method of attaching the primary protector 
grounding conductor directly to an accessible point on the building 
electric service grounding system. RUS believes that if the primary 
protector location can be sited within 6 ft (2 m) of the electric 
service ground rod then the electric service ground rod could be used 
as the preferred telecommunications grounding electrode and a separate 
telecommunications ground rod is unnecessary);
    (3) A hole, 15 in. (350 mm) deep and 6 in. (150 mm) in diameter, 
shall be dug at the location where the ground rod is to be driven;
    (4) Where ``slip-on'' type ground rod clamps are used instead of 
``clamp-around'' type clamps, the ground rod clamps shall be placed 
onto the rod prior to driving the rod into the ground (Note there 
should be one clamp for the NID, BET, or fused station protector 
grounding conductor and one clamp for the conductor required to bond 
the telecommunications ground rod to the electric grounding system). 
However, the clamp shall not be tightened until the rod is completely 
driven. The end of the rod shall be placed in the bottom of the hole 
and the rod shall be aligned vertically adjacent to one wall of the 
hole prior to driving. The rod shall be driven until its tip is 12 in. 
(300 mm) below final grade. The grounding conductor shall then be 
attached, the clamp shall be tightened, and hole backfilled. Clamps 
employed in this manner shall be suitable for direct burial and shall 
be RUS accepted or RUS technically accepted; and
    (5) Where rods are manually driven, a large number of blows from a 
light hammer (4 lbs (1.8 kg)) shall be used instead of heavy 
sledgehammer type blows. This should keep the rod from bending.
    (ee) Terminations on fuseless primary station protectors 
incorporated in NIDs and on fused primary station protectors shall be 
as shown in Figures 10, 11, 12, and 13 of paragraph (ee)(1) of this 
section, Figure 14 of paragraph (ee)(4) of this section, and Figure 15 
of paragraph (ee)(6) of this section. The inner jackets of buried 
service wires and outer jackets of cables used as service drops shall 
be extended into the NID or the fused primary station protector. A 10 
in. (250 mm) length of each spare wire shall be left in NIDs or fused 
primary station protectors. The spare wires shall be coiled up neatly 
and stored in the NID or fused primary station protector housing.
    (1) The shields of buried service wires may be connected to the 
ground binding post using RUS accepted or RUS technically accepted 
buried service shield bond connectors as shown in Figure 10 for NIDs 
and Figure 11 for

[[Page 43345]]

fused primary station protectors. RUS accepted or RUS technically 
accepted buried service wire harness wires designed for customer access 
location installations may also be used for terminating buried service 
wire shields to the ground binding post of the NID as shown in Figure 
12 and Figure 13 for fused primary station protectors. Figures 10 
through 13 are as follows:

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[[Page 43350]]

    (2) On buried service drops and aerial service drops of more than 6 
pairs using RUS accepted or RUS technically accepted cables, the 
shields shall be terminated with a RUS accepted or RUS technically 
accepted cable shield bonding connector and extended to the ground 
binding post of the NID, BET, or fused primary station protector with 
an RUS accepted or RUS technically accepted bonding harness wire. The 
installation of the shield bond connector and bonding harness wire 
shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
    (3) The shield and other conductors at the fuseless primary station 
protector incorporated in the NID shall be terminated as shown on 
Figure 14 in paragraph (ee)(4) of this section. The pronged or cupped 
washer shall be placed above the shield. The grounding conductor shall 
be placed around the post on top of the pronged or cupped washer. A 
flat washer shall be placed above the grounding conductor.
    (4) The station wire signaling ground conductor, if required, shall 
be placed above the first flat washer and beneath the second flat 
washer as indicated in Figure 14 as follows:
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[[Page 43352]]

    (5) The shield and other conductors at the fused primary station 
protector shall be terminated as shown on Figure 15 in paragraph 
(ee)(6) of this section. The pronged or cupped washer shall be placed 
above the shield. The grounding conductor shall be placed around the 
post on top of the pronged or cupped washer. A flat washer shall be 
placed above the grounding conductor.
    (6) The station wire signaling ground conductor, if required, shall 
be placed above the first flat washer and beneath the second flat 
washer as indicated in Figure 15 as follows:
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BILLING CODE 3410-15-C

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    (7) Indoor NIDs or BETs that are equipped with ``Quick Connect'' 
type terminals shall not have more than one wire connected per clip. 
No. 19 AWG copper and No. 18 AWG copper covered-steel reinforced aerial 
service wire conductors shall not be connected to quick connect 
terminals. Nonmetallic reinforced aerial service wire using No. 22 AWG 
copper conductors may be connected to the quick connect terminals.
    (8) Tip and ring connections and other connections in multipair 
NIDs or BETs shall be as indicated in Figure 16 as follows:
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BILLING CODE 3410-15-C

[[Page 43356]]

    (ff) System polarity and conductor identification shall be 
maintained in NIDs, BETs, or fused primary station protectors in 
accordance with construction drawings 815 and 815-1 contained in 
Sec. 1755.510.


Sec. 1755.509  Mobile homes.

    (a) Customer access location installations at mobile homes shall be 
treated the same whether the homes are mounted on permanent foundations 
or temporary foundations and shall be installed as specified in 
Secs. 1755.500 through 1755.510. For the purpose of this section, 
mobile homes include manufactured homes, motor homes, truck campers, 
travel trailers, and all forms of recreational vehicles. Customer 
access location installations at mobile homes can be considerably 
different than customer access location installations at regular homes 
and borrowers shall be certain that the two types of installations are 
properly applied.
    (b) The method of customer access location installation prescribed 
by the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC for a mobile home depends on 
how the electric power is installed at the mobile home and it can 
involve considerable judgment on the part of the telecommunications 
installer. The National Electrical Code and NEC are 
registered trademarks of the National Fire Protection Association, 
Inc., Quincy, MA 02269. The ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC, is 
incorporated by reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR 
part 51. Copies are available from NFPA, 1 Batterymarch Park, P. O. Box 
9101, Quincy, Massachusetts 02269-9101, telephone number 1 (800) 344-
3555. Copies of ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC, are available for 
inspection during normal business hours at RUS, room 2905, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., STOP 1598, 
Washington, DC 20250-1598 or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 
North Capitol Street, NW., Suite 700, Washington, DC. The ANSI/NFPA 70-
1999, NEC, requires primary station protectors to be located 
where specific acceptable grounding electrodes exist. The ANSI/NFPA 70-
1999, NEC, allows station protector installations to be at 
the location of the power meter or the electric disconnecting means 
apparatus serving the mobile home providing these electric facilities 
are installed in the manner specifically defined by the ANSI/NFPA 70-
1999, NEC. The ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC, requires the 
station protectors to be installed at the nearest of a number of other 
meticulously defined ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC, acceptable 
electrodes where the protector cannot be installed at the power meter 
or the electric disconnecting means apparatus serving the mobile home. 
The provisions can be confusing.
    (c) NIDs shall be installed at mobile homes as follows:
    (1) Where the mobile home electric service equipment (power meter, 
etc.,) or the electric service disconnecting means associated with the 
mobile home is located within 35 ft (10.7 m) of the exterior wall of 
the mobile homes it serves, the NID shall be installed in accordance 
with Figure 17 as follows:

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[[Page 43358]]


    (2) Where the mobile home electric service equipment (power meter, 
etc.,) or the electric service disconnecting means associated with the 
mobile home is located more than 35 ft (10.7 m) from the exterior wall 
of the mobile homes it serves, the NID shall be installed in accordance 
with Figure 18 as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR17AU01.020


[[Page 43359]]


    (d) The service wire and station wire shall be terminated in the 
NID in accordance with Figure 19 in paragraph (e) of this section.
    (e) Installation of the station wire and grounding conductor at the 
mobile home shall be in accordance with Figure 20. Figures 19 and 20 
are as follows:
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Sec. 1755.510  Construction and assembly unit drawings.

    (a) The construction and assembly unit drawings in this section 
shall be used by borrowers to assist the installer in making the 
customer access location installations.
    (b) The asterisks appearing on the construction drawings indicate 
that the items are no longer listed in the RUS Informational 
Publication (IP) 344-2, ``List of Materials Acceptable for Use on 
Telecommunications Systems of RUS Borrowers.'' RUS IP 344-2 can be 
obtained from the Superintendent of Documents, P. O. Box 371954, 
Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954, telephone number (202) 512-1800.
    (c) Drawings BM50, BM83, 312-1, 501-1, 501-2, 503-2, 504, 505, 506, 
507, 508-1, 510, 510-1, 510-2, 513, 815, 815-1, 958, and 962 are as 
follows:

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[[Page 43381]]


    Dated: August 1, 2001.
Blaine D. Stockton,
Acting Administrator, Rural Utilities Service.
[FR Doc. 01-20121 Filed 8-16-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-15-P