Telecommunications Policies on Specifications, Acceptable Materials, and Standard Contract Forms, 20559-20577 [E9-9763]
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20559
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
Vol. 74, No. 85
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains regulatory documents having general
applicability and legal effect, most of which
are keyed to and codified in the Code of
Federal Regulations, which is published under
50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by
the Superintendent of Documents. Prices of
new books are listed in the first FEDERAL
REGISTER issue of each week.
0699; Fax: (202) 205–2924; e-mail:
norberto.esteves@wdc.usda.gov.
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
(44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, as amended).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Executive Order 13132
This regulation will not have
substantial direct effects on the States,
on the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government. Under Executive
Order 13132, this final rule does not
have sufficient federalism implications
requiring the preparation of a
Federalism Assessment.
Executive Order 12866
This 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
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Utilities Service
7 CFR Part 1755
Telecommunications Policies on
Specifications, Acceptable Materials,
and Standard Contract Forms
Rural Utilities Service, USDA.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service, an
agency delivering the United States
Department of Agriculture’s (USDA)
Rural Development Utilities Programs,
hereinafter referred to as USDA Rural
Development or the Agency, is revising
its regulation: on fiber optic cable
specifications used by borrowers, their
consulting engineers, and cable
manufacturers; updates the
specifications to meet current industry
standards; includes additional
requirements in the specifications to
meet the construction requirements of
fiber-to-the-home construction; clarifies
certain existing definitions; separates
the regulation into two distinct
specifications for cables covering
backbone and distribution plant, as well
as for service entrance cables covering
subscribers’ drops; and includes new
definitions.
DATES: Effective Date: This final rule
will become effective May 5, 2009
Incorporation by Reference: The
incorporation by reference of certain
publications listed in this rule is
approved by the Director of the Federal
Register as of May 5, 2009.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Norberto Esteves, Chair, Technical
Standards Committee ‘‘A’’
(Telecommunications), Advanced
Services Division, USDA Rural
Development Telecommunications
Program, STOP 1550, Washington, DC
20250–1550. Telephone: (202) 720–
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This final rule has been reviewed
under Executive Order 12988, Civil
Justice Reform. USDA Rural
Development has determined that this
final rule meets the applicable standards
provided in section 3 of the Executive
Order. In addition, all state and local
laws and regulations that are in conflict
with this proposed rule will be
preempted; no retroactive effect will be
given to the rule, and, per section 212(e)
of the Department of Agriculture
Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C.
6912(e)), administrative appeals
procedures, if any are required, must be
exhausted before an action against the
Department or its agencies may be
initiated.
Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification
USDA Rural Development 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 standard
USDA Rural Development
telecommunications loan documents
contain provisions on procurement of
products and construction of
telecommunications facilities purchased
with loan funds. This ensures that the
telecommunications systems financed
with loan funds are adequate to serve
the purposes for which they are to be
constructed and that loan funds are
adequately secured. USDA Rural
Development borrowers, as a result of
obtaining Federal financing, receive
economic benefits that exceed any
direct cost associated with complying
with USDA Rural Development
regulations and requirements.
Information Collection and
Recordkeeping Requirements
The information collection and
recordkeeping requirements contained
in this final rule are cleared under
control number 0572–0059 pursuant to
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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. 10.857, Rural
Broadband Access Loans and Loan
Guarantees. This catalog is available on
a subscription basis from the
Superintendent of Documents, the
United States Government Printing
Office, Washington, DC 20402 or at
https://www.cfda.gov. 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. See the final rule-related
notice titled ‘‘Department Programs and
Activities Excluded from Executive
Order 12372’’ (50 FR 47034), advising
that USDA Rural Development Utilities
Programs loans and loan guarantees are
excluded from the scope of Executive
Order 12372.
Unfunded Mandates
This final rule contains no Federal
Mandates (under the regulatory
provisions of Title II of the Unfunded
Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C.
Chapter 25)) 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 of
1995.
National Environmental Policy Act
Certification
The Agency has determined that this
final rule will not significantly affect the
quality of the human environment as
defined by the National Environmental
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Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et
seq.). Therefore, this action does not
require an environmental impact
statement or assessment.
Background
On July 17, 2007, the Agency
published a proposed rule [72 FR
39028] revising the current
requirements for fiber optic cables of 7
CFR 1755.900 codified in 1995. The
comment period ended on September
17, 2007. Comments were received from
three companies by the due date. No
changes in the regulations requirements
have been made, except those in
response to comments received.
This final rule revises the current
requirements for fiber optic cables of 7
CFR 1755.900 codified in 1995 as well
as minor editorial changes. The final
rule sets the minimum performance
requirements based on current industry
standards. This revision was initiated to
resolve problems the rural telecom
industry is experiencing with cables
manufactured under the existing
specifications and reported by rural
carriers and their consulting engineers.
It addresses the buffer tube shrinkage
caused by storage at low temperatures,
which impairs fiber-to-the-home system
performance, and sets new requirements
for drop cables (cables with 12 or fewer
fibers operating up to 100 meters (300
feet)).
Cables manufactured to these revised
specifications will have lower average
bi-directional loss at fusion splices,
about 0.1 decibels (dB) instead of the 0.2
dB currently required. For fiber-to-thehome applications the specification
requires a maximum mid-span length of
6.1 meters (20 feet) for cables used on
mid-span applications with buffer tube
storage. From a polarization mode
dispersion standpoint, the maximum
Statistical Parameter of Polarization
Mode Dispersion (PMDQ) of 0.20
Picosecond per nanometer times
kilometer (ps/√km) specified will allow
the deployment of higher-speed
transmission systems at longer
distances: 3,000 kilometers (km) (1,864
miles) for digital systems operating at 10
Gigabits per second (Gbps) and 80 km
(50 miles) operating at 40 Gbps. These
performance refinements are necessary
because end-users deploying cable
meeting this level of performance expect
it to deliver high bit rate services during
the useful economic life of these cables.
The comments, recommendations,
and responses are summarized as
follows:
The National Telecommunications
Cooperative Association (NTCA)
submitted one comment in support of
the proposed rulemaking.
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Response: Rural Development
appreciates the recommendations given
by NTCA to this proposed regulation.
Draka Comteq submitted one
comment that addressed the following
issues:
(1) ‘‘To address proper field usage of
optical fiber cable, we recommend
adding the following statement in this
specification: Installed cable must be
properly terminated. This includes
properly securing rigid strength
members (i.e. central strength member)
and clamping the cable and jacket. It is
important that cable components be
secured to prevent movement of the
cable or components over the operating
conditions. Positive stop central
strength member (CSM) clamps must be
used and the CSM must be routed as
straight and as short as practical to
prevent bowing or breaking of the CSM.
The cable and jacket retention must be
sufficient to prevent jacket slippage over
the operating temperature range.’’
Response: The Agency agrees with
this comment from Draka Comteq. The
statement has been added to the
specification under § 1755.900,
(c)(1)(viii).
(2) ‘‘Section 5, Fiber Optic Service
Entrance Cable (1755.901): Due to the
product and application differences,
Draka recommends that a separate
specification be used for drop cable. We
recommend using the Rural
Development Utilities Programs
Specification for Fiber Optic Service
Entrance Cables that was finalized last
year. Key drop specification differences
include:
—Midspan tube storage should not be
required
—Jacket thickness specifications are
different: 0.5 mm minimum thickness,
0.30 mm over optional toning
elements, 0.20 mm over any radial
strength member not used as a
primary strength member
—Reel wrap: applies to only reels
weighing more than 75 lbs.
—Cable core: cylindrical core is not
required (i.e. flat drop cable)
—Figure 8 drop will use a small
messenger.’’
Response: The Agency agrees with
Draka Comteq’s comments. Section
1755.901 has been added to make the
cable requirements for drop cables a
stand alone section based on the Rural
Development Utilities Programs
Specification for Fiber Optic Service
Entrance Cables draft specification.
TRW, Inc., submitted one comment
which addressed the items as follows
and expressed its support to the
proposed regulation:
1. ‘‘Reference § 1755.900(t)(15) Mid
Span Test. Rural Fiber-to-the-Home
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systems in low density applications may
include as many as 15 to 20 mid-span
openings and in much of the USA are
exposed to extreme temperature
variations in the outside plant
environment. Furthermore, an adequate
length of fiber needs to be available to
facilitate splicing in the confined space
of pedestals and splice closures. It is
also known that the various components
of fiber cable are made of several types
of materials and when such cables are
opened at splice points the various
materials are subject to differential
expansion and contraction. It is
essential that fiber optic cable be
designed and proof tested to perform
without degradation from temperature
cycling throughout a service life of 20 to
30 years. Therefore, in order not to
jeopardize service due to increased
attenuation over the life other plant, the
maximum increase in optical
attenuation allowed after cycle testing
should not exceed .1 dB pre mid-span
opening as proposed by RUS.’’
Response: The Agency agrees with
this comment. It is the Agency’s
viewpoint that the buffer tube needs to
be designed so no attenuation losses
occur due to micro-bending of the fibers
caused by shrinking of the buffer tube
in low temperature conditions that are
within the cable operating temperatures
range. The mid-span test has been
revised and now calls for a maximum
average loss of 0.05 dB.
2. ‘‘Reference
§ 1755.900(t)(15)(iv)(c)—Mid-Span Test.
For the reasons stated in the preceding
paragraph, the mid-span lengths
specified for testing should not be less
than 16 feet as proposed by RUS.’’
Response: The Agency agrees with
this comment. The 16-foot mid-span
opening was set originally based on the
maximum opening recommended for
use in the Agency accepted pedestals.
The Agency has received test data from
various manufacturers that performed
this mid-span test using a 20-foot midspan opening. To allow a buffer, the
specification has been changed to allow
only a minimum mid-span opening of
20 feet.
3. ‘‘Reference
§ 1755.900(t)(15)(iv)(E)—Mid-Span Test.
For the reasons stated above the cable
sample tested should be subjected to not
less than 5 complete cycles as proposed
by RUS.’’
Response: The Agency agrees. The
Mid-Span Test now calls for 5 complete
cycles.
4. ‘‘Reference § 1755.900(b)(15)—
Matched Cable: Should the wavelength
1310, 1550 nm or both be stated?’’
Response: No, by not stating the
wavelength, the requirement applies to
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both the 1310 nm MFD and 1550 nm
MFD.
5. ‘‘Reference § 1755.900(b)(15)—
Matched Cable: Is the average bidirectional loss of .1 dB, expected at
1310 nm, 1550 nm, or both? This
question will come up as actual splice
data is evaluated in the field.’’
Response: At both wavelengths,
however, the fiber normally is tested at
the wavelength that will be used for
transmission. For local loop
applications splice loss measurements
should be conducted at 1310 nm since
losses measured at this wavelength are
generally higher than losses measured at
1510 nm. For long haul application
using non-zero-dispersion shifted fiber
cable, such as ITU G.655 fiber, the
splice loss measurement should be
conducted at 1510 nm. The average bidirectional loss of a fusion splice to be
≤ 0.1 dB is a goal and not every splice
needs to meet this goal as long as the
total budget loss for the link is met.
6. ‘‘Reference § 1755.900(c)(4)—ADSS
cables. Per NESC C2–2007, Table 232–
1, the typical minimum sagged ground
clearance should be stated as 4.7 m
(15.5 feet) rather than 4.3 m (14 feet) as
proposed.’’
Response: The ‘‘typical minimum
sagged’’ ground clearance has been
changed to 4.7 m (15.5 feet).
7. ‘‘Reference § 1755.900(g)(3)—
Optical Fiber Ribbon: There appears to
be a typographical error in the
paragraph, ‘‘manufactures’’ should be
‘‘manufacturer.’’
Response: A correction was made.
8. Reference § 1755.900(o) —Armor.
Typographical errors, ‘‘mills’’ should be
‘‘mils.’’
Response: A correction was made.
9. ‘‘Reference § 1755.900(s)(1)—Zero
Dispersion Optical Fiber Cable.
Typographical errors, should be
‘‘Table2/G.652.B’’ and ‘‘Table4/
G.652.D.’’
Response: A correction was made.
10. Reference § 1755.900(y)(1)—
Packaging * * * Typographical error,
‘‘continues’’ should be ‘‘continuous.’’
Response: A correction was made.
11. Clarification of definitions.
Response: The Agency has added
language to indicate reference materials
available online and in a bulletin format
on the Agency acceptance process and
has added the definitions of the ‘‘List of
Acceptable Materials’’ and ‘‘Accept/
Acceptance.’’ Additionally, the
definition of ‘‘polarization mode
dispersion’’ was revised for clarity and
the definition of ‘‘birefringence’’ has
been defined separately, rather than
being incorporated into the definition of
polarization mode dispersion.
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List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 1755
Incorporation by reference, Loan
programs—communications, Reporting
and recordkeeping requirements, Rural
areas, Telecommunications, Telephone.
■ For reasons set forth in the preamble,
chapter XVII of title 7 of the Code of
Federal Regulations, is amended as
follows:
PART 1755—TELECOMMUNICATIONS
POLICIES ON SPECIFICATIONS,
ACCEPTABLE MATERIALS, AND
STANDARD CONTRACT FORMS
1. The heading of part 1755 is revised
to read as set out above.
■
2. 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.
3. Section 1755.900 is revised and
§§ 1755.901, 1755.902, and 1755.903 are
added to read as follows:
■
§ 1755.900
Abbreviations and Definitions.
The following abbreviations and
definitions apply to §§ 1755.901 and
1755.902:
(a) Abbreviations.
(1) ADSS All dielectric self-supporting;
(2) ASTM American Society for Testing and
Materials;
(3) °C Centigrade temperature scale;
(4) dB Decibel;
(5) CSM Central strength member;
(6) dB/km Decibels per 1 kilometer;
(7) ECCS Electrolytic chrome coated steel;
(8) EIA Electronic Industries Alliance;
(9) EIA/TIA Electronic Industries Alliance/
Telecommunications Industry
Association;
(10) FTTH Fiber-to-the-Home;
(11) Gbps Gigabit per second or Gbit/s;
(12) GE General Electric;
(13) HDPE High density polyethylene;
(14) ICEA Insulated Cable Engineers
Association, Inc.;
(15) Km kilometer(s;)
(16) LDPE Low density polyethylene;
(17) m meter(s;)
(18) Max. Maximum;
(19) Mbit Megabits;
(20) MDPE Medium density polyethylene;
(21) MHz-km Megahertz-kilometer;
(22) Min. Minimum;
(23) MFD Mode-Field Diameter;
(24) nm Nanometer(s;)
(25) N Newton(s;)
(26) NA Numerical aperture;
(27) NESC National Electrical Safety Code;
(28) OC Optical cable;
(29) O.D. Outside Diameter;
(30) OF Optical fiber;
(31) OSHA Occupational Safety and Health
Administration;
(32) OTDR Optical Time Domain
Reflectometer;
(33) % Percent;
(34) ps/(nm · km) Picosecond per nanometer
times kilometer;
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20561
(35) ps/(nm2 · km) Picosecond per
nanometer squared times kilometer;
(36) PMD Polarization Mode Dispersion;
(37) RUS Rural Utilities Service;
(38) s Second(s);
(39) SI International System (of Units)
`
(From the French Systeme international
´
d’unites); and
(40) μm Micrometer.
(b) Definitions.
(1) Accept; Acceptance means Agency
action of providing the manufacturer of
a product with a letter by mail or
facsimile that the Agency has
determined that the manufacturer’s
product meets its requirements. For
information on how to obtain Agency
product acceptance, refer to the
procedures listed at https://
www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/
listing_procedures/
index_listing_procedures.htm, as well as
additional information in RUS Bulletin
345–3, Acceptance of Standards,
Specifications, Equipment Contract
Forms, Manual Sections, Drawings,
Materials and Equipment for the
Telephone Program, available for
download at https://www.usda.gov/rus/
telecom/publications/bulletins.htm.
(2) Agency means the Rural Utilities
Service, an Agency which delivers the
United States Department of
Agriculture’s Rural Development
Utilities Programs.
(3) Armor means a metal tape
installed under the outer jacket of the
cable intended to provide mechanical
protection during cable installation and
environmental protection against
rodents, termites, etc.
(4) Attenuation means the loss of
power as the light travels in the fiber
usually expressed in dB/km.
(5) Bandwidth means the range of
signal frequencies that can be
transmitted by a communications
channel with defined maximum loss or
distortion. Bandwidth indicates the
information-carrying capacity of a
channel.
(6) Birefringence means the
decomposition of a pulse of light
entering the fiber into ‘‘two polarized
pulses’’ traveling at different velocities
due to the different refractive indexes in
the polarization axes in which the
electric fields oscillate. Different
refractive indexes in the fiber may be
caused by an asymmetric fiber core,
internal manufacturing stresses, or
through external stresses from cabling
and installation of the fiber optic cable,
such as bending and twisting.
(7) Cable cutoff wavelength means the
shortest wavelength at which only one
mode light can be transmitted in any of
the single mode fibers of an optical fiber
cable.
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(8) Chromatic Dispersion means the
broadening of a light pulse as it travels
down the length of an optical fiber,
resulting in different spectral
components of the light pulse traveling
at different speeds, due to the fact that
the index of refraction of the fiber core
is different for different wavelengths.
(9) Cladding means the outer layer of
an optical fiber made of glass or other
transparent material that is fused to the
fiber core. The cladding concentrically
surrounds the fiber core. It has a lower
refractive index than the core, so light
travelling in the fiber is maintained in
the core by internal reflection at the
core-cladding interface.
(10) Core means the central region of
an optical waveguide or fiber which has
a higher refractive index than the
cladding through which light is
transmitted.
(11) Cutoff Wavelength means, in
single mode fiber, the shortest
wavelength at which only the
fundamental mode of an optical
wavelength can propagate.
(12) Dielectric Cable means a cable
which has neither metallic members nor
other electrically conductive materials
or elements.
(13) Differential Group Delay means
the arrival time differential of the two
polarized light components of a light
pulse traveling through the optical fiber
due to birefringence.
(14) Graded Refractive Index Profile
means the refractive index profile of an
optical fiber that varies smoothly with
radius from the center of the fiber to the
outer boundary of the cladding.
(15) List of Acceptable Materials
means the latest edition of RUS
Informational Publication 344–2, ‘‘List
of Materials Acceptable for Use on
Telecommunications Systems of RUS
Borrowers.’’ This document contains a
convenient listing of products which
have been determined to be acceptable
by the Agency. The List of Acceptable
Materials is available on the Internet at
https://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/
materials/lstomat.htm.
(16) Loose Tube Buffer means the
protective tube that loosely contains the
optical fibers within the fiber optic
cable, often filled with suitable water
blocking material.
(17) Matched Cable means fiber optic
cable manufactured to meet the
requirement of this section for which
the calculated splice loss using the
formula below is ≤0.06 dB for any two
cabled fibers to be spliced.
LOSS (dB) = ¥10 LOG10 [4/(MFD1/
MFD2 + MFD2/MFD1)2],
where subscripts 1 and 2 refer to any two
cabled fibers to be spliced.
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(18) Mil means a measurement unit of
length indicating one thousandth of an
inch.
(19) Minimum Bending Diameter
means the smallest diameter that must
be maintained while bending a fiber
optic cable to avoid degrading cable
performance indicated as a multiple of
the cable diameter (Bending Diameter/
Cable Diameter).
(20) Mode-Field Diameter means the
diameter of the cross-sectional area of
an optical fiber which includes the core
and portion of the cladding where the
majority of the light travels in a single
mode fiber.
(21) Multimode Fiber means an
optical fiber in which light travels in
more than one bound mode. A
multimode fiber may either have a
graded index or step index refractive
index profile.
(22) Numerical Aperture (NA) means
an optical fiber parameter that indicates
the angle of acceptance of light into a
fiber.
(23) Optical Fiber means any fiber
made of dielectric material that guides
light.
(24) Optical Point Discontinuities
means the localized deviations of the
optical fiber loss characteristic which
location and magnitude may be
determined by appropriate OTDR
measurements of the fiber.
(25) Optical Waveguide means any
structure capable of guiding optical
power. In optical communications, the
term generally refers to a fiber designed
to transmit optical signals.
(26) Polarization Mode Dispersion
means, for a particular length of fiber,
the average of the differential group
delays of the two polarized components
of light pulses traveling in the fiber,
when the light pulses are generated
from a sufficient narrow band source.
The differential group delay varies
randomly with time and wavelength.
The term PMD is used in the industry
in the general sense to indicate the
phenomenon of birefringence (polarized
light having different group velocities),
and used specifically to refer to the
value of time delay expected in a
specific length of fiber.
(27) PMDQ means the statistical upper
bound for the PMD coefficient of a fiber
optic cable link composed of M number
of randomly chosen concatenated fiber
optic cable sections of the same length.
The upper bound is defined in terms of
a probability level Q, which is the
probability that a concatenated PMD
coefficient value exceeds PMDQ. ITU G
recommendations for fiber optic cables
call for M = 20 and Q = 0.01%. This
PMDQ value is the one used in the
design of fiber optic links.
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(28) Ribbon means a planar array of
parallel optical fibers.
(29) Shield means a conductive metal
tape placed under the cable jacket to
provide lightning protection, bonding,
grounding, and electrical shielding.
(30) Single Mode Fiber means an
optical fiber in which only one bound
mode of light can propagate at the
wavelength of interest.
(31) Step Refractive Index Profile
means an index profile characterized by
a uniform refractive index within the
core, a sharp decrease in refractive
index at the core-cladding interface, and
a uniform refractive index within the
cladding.
(32) Tight Tube Buffer means one or
more layers of buffer material tightly
surrounding a fiber that is in contact
with the coating of the fiber.
§ 1755.901
Incorporation by Reference.
(a) Incorporation by Reference: The
materials listed here are incorporated by
reference where noted. These
incorporations by reference were
approved by the Director of the Federal
Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C.
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. These
materials are incorporated as they exist
on the date of the approval, and notice
of any change in these materials will be
published in the Federal Register. The
materials are available for purchase at
the corresponding addresses noted
below. All are available for inspection at
the Rural Development Utilities
Programs, during normal business hours
at room 2849–S, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250.
Telephone (202) 720–0699, and e-mail
norberto.esteves@wdc.usda.gov. The
materials are also available for
inspection at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of these
materials at NARA, call (202) 741–6030,
or go to: https://www.archives.gov/
federal_register/
code_of_federal_regulations/
ibr_locations.html.
(b) The American National Standards
Institute/Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers, Inc. ANSI/IEEE
C2–2007, The National Electrical Safety
Code, 2007 edition, approved April 20,
2006, (‘‘ANSI/IEEE C2–2007’’),
incorporation by reference approved for
§ 1755.902(a), § 1755.902(p),
§ 1755.903(a), § 1755.903(k) and
§ 1755.903(n). ANSI/IEEE C2–2007 is
available for purchase from IEEE Service
Center, 445 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ
08854, telephone 1–800–678–4333 or
online at https://standards.ieee.org/nesc/
index.html.
(c) The following Insulated Cable
Engineers Association standards are
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available for purchase from the
Insulated Cable Engineers, Inc. (ICEA),
P.O. Box 1568, Carrollton, GA 30112 or
from Global Engineering Documents, 15
Iverness Way East, Englewood, CO
80112, telephone 1–800–854–7179
(USA and Canada) or 303–792–2181
(International), or online at https://
global.ihs.com:
(1) ICEA S–110–717–2003, Standard
for Optical Drop Cable, 1st edition,
September 2003 (‘‘ICEA S–110–717’’),
incorporation by reference approved for
§ 1755.903(a), § 1755.903(b),
§ 1755.903(c), § 1755.903(d),
§ 1755.903(e), § 1755.903(f),
§ 1755.903(g), § 1755.903(l),
§ 1755.903(n), § 1755.903(p),
§ 1755.903(u); and
(2) ANSI/ICEA S–87–640–2006,
Standard for Optical Fiber Outside
Plant Communications Cable, 4th
edition, December 2006 (‘‘ANSI/ICEA
S–87–640’’), incorporation by reference
approved for § 1755.902(a),
§ 1755.902(b), § 1755.902(c),
§ 1755.902(d), § 1755.902(e),
§ 1755.902(i), § 1755.902(l),
§ 1755.902(m), § 1755.902(n),
§ 1755.902(p), § 1755.902(q),
§ 1755.902(r), § 1755.902(u),
§ 1755.903(b), § 1755.903(g),
§ 1755.903(l), § 1755.903(o),
§ 1755.903(p), and § 1755.903(s).
(d) The following American Society
for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
standards are available for purchase
from ASTM International, 100 Barr
Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West
Conshohocken, PA 19428–2959.
Telephone (610) 832–9585, Fax (610)
832–9555, by e-mail at
service@astm.org, or online at https://
www.astm.org or from ANSI, 1916 Race
Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103,
telephone (215) 299–5585, or online at
https://webstore.ansi.org/ansidocstore/
default.asp:
(1) ASTM A 640–97, (Reapproved
2002) ε1, Standard Specification for
Zinc-Coated Steel Strand for Messenger
Support of Figure 8 Cable, approved
September 2002 (‘‘ASTM A 640’’),
incorporation by reference approved for
§ 1755.902(n);
(2) ASTM B 736–00, Standard
Specification for Aluminum, Aluminum
Alloy and Aluminum-Clad Steel Cable
Shielding Stock, approved May 10, 2000
(‘‘ASTM B 736’’), incorporation by
reference approved for § 1755.902(m)
and § 1755.903(j);
(3) ASTM D 4565–99, Standard Test
Methods for Physical and
Environmental Performance Properties
of Insulations and Jackets for
Telecommunications Wire and Cable,
approved March 10, 1999 (‘‘ASTM D
4565’’), incorporation by reference
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approved for § 1755.902(c),
§ 1755.902(m), § 1755.903(c) and
§ 1755.903(j);
(4) ASTM D 4566–98, Standard Test
Methods for Electrical Performance
Properties of Insulations and Jackets for
Telecommunications Wire and Cable,
approved December 10, 1998 (‘‘ASTM D
4566’’), incorporation by reference
approved for § 1755.902(f), § 1755.902(t)
and § 1755.903(t); and
(5) ASTM D 4568–99, Standard Test
Methods for Evaluating Compatibility
Between Cable Filling and Flooding
Compounds and Polyolefin Wire and
Cable Materials, approved April 10,
1999 (‘‘ASTM D 4568’’), incorporation
by reference approved for § 1755.902(h).
(e) The following
Telecommunications Industry
Association/Electronics Industries
Association (TIA/EIA) standards are
available from Electronic Industries
Association, Engineering Department,
1722 Eye Street, NW., Washington, DC
20006; or from Global Engineering
Documents, 15 Iverness Way East,
Englewood, CO 80112, telephone 1–
800–854–7179 (USA and Canada) or
(303) 792–2181 (International), or online
at https://global.ihs.com; or from TIA,
2500 Wilson Blvd, Suite 300, Arlington,
VA 22201, telephone 1–800–854–7179
or online https://www.tiaonline.org/
standards/catalog:
(1) TIA/EIA Standard 455–3A, FOTP–
3, Procedure to Measure Temperature
Cycling on Optical Fibers, Optical
Cable, and Other Passive Fiber Optic
Components, approved May 1989,
(‘‘TIA/EIA Standard 455–3A’’),
incorporation by reference approved for
§ 1755.902(r).
(2) [Reserved]
(f) The following International
Telecommunication Union (ITU)
recommendations may be obtained from
ITU, Place des Nations, 1211 Geneva 20,
Switzerland, telephone +41 22 730 6141
or online at https://www.itu.int/ITU-T/
publications/recs.html:
(1) ITU–T Recommendation G.652,
Series G: Transmission Systems and
Media, Digital Systems and Networks,
Transmission media characteristics—
Optical fibre cables, Characteristics of a
single-mode optical fibre and cable,
approved June 2005 (‘‘ITU–T
Recommendation G.652’’),
incorporation by reference approved for
§ 1755.902(b), § 1755.902(q),
§ 1755.903(b) and § 1755.903(o);
(2) ITU–T Recommendation G.655,
Series G: Transmission Systems and
Media, Digital Systems and Networks,
Transmission media characteristics—
Optical fibre cables, Characteristics of a
non-zero dispersion-shifted single-mode
optical fibre and cable, approved March
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20563
2006 (‘‘ITU–T Recommendation
G.655’’), incorporation by reference
approved for § 1755.902(b) and
§ 1755.902(q);
(3) ITU–T Recommendation G.656,
Series G: Transmission Systems and
Media, Digital Systems and Networks,
Transmission media characteristics—
Optical fibre cables, Characteristics of a
fibre and cable with non-zero dispersion
for wideband optical transport,
approved December 2006 (‘‘ITU–T
Recommendation G.656’’),
incorporation by reference approved for
§ 1755.902(b) and § 1755.902(q);
(4) ITU–T Recommendation G.657,
Series G: Transmission Systems and
Media, Digital Systems and Networks,
Transmission media characteristics—
Optical fibre cables, Characteristics of a
bending loss insensitive single mode
optical fibre and cable for the access
network, approved December 2006
(‘‘ITU–T Recommendation G.657’’),
incorporation by reference approved for
§ 1755.902(b) and § 1755.902(q); and
(5) ITU–T Recommendation L.58,
Series L: Construction, Installation and
Protection of Cables and Other Elements
of Outside Plant, Optical fibre cables:
Special Needs for Access Network,
approved March 2004 (‘‘ITU–T
Recommendation L.58’’), incorporation
by reference approved for § 1755.902(a).
§ 1755.902 Minimum Performance
Specification for Fiber Optic Cables.
(a) Scope. This section is intended for
cable manufacturers, Agency borrowers,
and consulting engineers. It covers the
requirements for fiber optic cables
intended for aerial installation either by
attachment to a support strand or by an
integrated self-supporting arrangement,
for underground application by
placement in a duct, or for buried
installations by trenching, direct
plowing, and directional or pneumatic
boring.
(1) General.
(i) Specification requirements are
given in SI units which are the
controlling units in this part.
Approximate English equivalent of units
are given for information purposes only.
(ii) The optical waveguides are glass
fibers having directly-applied protective
coatings, and are called ‘‘fibers,’’ herein.
These fibers may be assembled in either
loose fiber bundles with a protective
core tube, encased in several protective
buffer tubes, in tight buffer tubes, or
ribbon bundles with a protective core
tube.
(iii) Fillers, strength members, core
wraps, and bedding tapes may complete
the cable core.
(iv) The core or buffer tubes
containing the fibers and the interstices
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between the buffer tubes, fillers, and
strength members in the core structure
are filled with a suitable material or
water swellable elements to exclude
water.
(v) The cable structure is completed
by an extruded overall plastic jacket. A
shield or armor or combination thereof
may be included under the jacket. The
jacket may have strength members
embedded in it, in some designs.
(vi) Buried installation requires armor
under the outer jacket.
(vii) For self-supporting cable, the
outer jacket may be extruded over the
support messenger and cable core.
(viii) Cables for mid-span applications
for network access must be designed for
easy mid-span access to the fibers. The
manufacturer may use reversing
oscillating stranding (SZ) described in
section 6.4 of ITU–T Recommendation
L.58, Construction, Installation and
Protection of Cables and Other Elements
of Outside Plant, 2004 (incorporated by
reference at § 1755.901(f)). The cable
end user is cautioned that installed
cable must be properly terminated. This
includes properly securing rigid
strength members (i.e., central strength
member) and clamping the cable and
jacket. It is important that cable
components be secured to prevent
movement of the cable or components
over the operating conditions. Central
strength member (CSM) clamps must
prevent movement of the CSM; positive
stop CSM clamps are recommended.
The CSM must be routed as straight and
as short as practical to prevent bowing
or breaking of the CSM. The cable and
jacket retention must be sufficient to
prevent jacket slippage over the
operating temperature range.
(2) The normal temperature ranges for
cables must meet paragraph 1.1.3 of
ANSI/ICEA S–87–640, Standard for
Optical Fiber Outside Plant
Communications Cable (incorporated by
reference at § 1755.901(c)).
(3) Tensile Rating. The standard
installation tensile rating for cables is
2670 N (600 1bf), unless installation
involves micro type cables that utilize
less stress related methods of
installation, i.e., blown micro-fiber cable
or All-Dielectric Self-Supporting (ADSS)
cables (see paragraph (c)(4) of this
section).
(4) ADSS and Other Self-Supporting
Cables. Based on the storm loading
districts referenced in Section 25,
Loading of Grades B and C, of ANSI/
IEEE C2–2007, National Electrical
Safety Code, 2007 (incorporated by
reference at § 1755.901(b)) and the
maximum span and location of cable
installation provided by the end user,
the manufacturer must provide a cable
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design with sag and tension tables
showing the maximum span and sag
information for that particular
installation. The information included
must be for Rule B, Ice and Wind
Loading, and when applicable,
information on Rule 250C, Extreme
Wind Loading. Additionally, to ensure
the proper ground clearance, typically a
minimum of 4.7 m (15.5 feet), the end
user should factor in the maximum sag
under loaded conditions, as well as,
height of attachment for each
application.
(5) Minimum Bend Diameter. For
cable under loaded and unloaded
conditions, the cable must have the
minimum bend diameters indicated in
paragraph 1.1.5, Minimum Bend
Diameter, of the ANSI/ICEA S–87–640
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)). For very small cables,
manufacturers may specify fixed cable
minimum bend diameters that are
independent of the outside diameter.
For cables having a non-circular crosssection, the bend diameter is to be
determined using the thickness of the
cable associated with the preferential
bending axis.
(6) The cable is fully color coded so
that each fiber is distinguishable from
every other fiber. A basic color scheme
of twelve colors allows individual fiber
identification. Colored tubes, binders,
threads, strippings, or markings provide
fiber group identification.
(7) Cables must demonstrate
compliance with the qualification
testing requirements of this section to
ensure satisfactory end-use performance
characteristics for the intended
applications.
(8) Optical cable designs not
specifically addressed by this section
may be allowed if accepted by the
Agency. Justification for acceptance of a
modified design must be provided to
substantiate product utility and long
term stability and endurance. For
information on how to obtain Agency
product acceptance, refer to the
procedures listed at https://
www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/
listing_procedures/
index_listing_procedures.htm, as well as
additional information in RUS Bulletin
345–3, Acceptance of Standards,
Specifications, Equipment Contract
Forms, Manual Sections, Drawings,
Materials and Equipment for the
Telephone Program (hereinafter ‘‘RUS
Bulletin 345–3’’), available for
download at https://www.usda.gov/rus/
telecom/publications/bulletins.htm.
(9) All cables sold to RUS
telecommunications borrowers for
projects involving RUS loan funds must
be accepted by the Agency’s Technical
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Standards Committee ‘‘A’’
(Telecommunications). Any design
change to existing acceptable designs
must be submitted to the Agency for
acceptance. As stated in paragraph 8
above, refer to the procedures listed at
https://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/
listing_procedures/
index_listing_procedures.htm as well as
RUS Bulletin 345–3.
(10) The Agency intends that the
optical fibers contained in the cables
meeting the requirements of this section
have characteristics that will allow
signals having a range of wavelengths to
be carried simultaneously.
(b) Optical Fibers.
(1) The solid glass optical fibers must
consist of a cylindrical core and
cladding covered by either an
ultraviolet-cured acrylate or other
suitable coating. Each fiber must be
continuous throughout its length.
(2) Zero-dispersion. Optical fibers
must meet the fiber attributes of Table
2, G.652.B attributes, found in ITU–T
Recommendation G.652 (incorporated
by reference at § 1755.901(f)). However,
when the end user stipulates a low
water peak fiber, the optical fibers must
meet the fiber attributes of Table 4,
G.652.D attributes, found in ITU–T
Recommendation G.652; or when the
end user stipulates a low bending loss
fiber, the optical fibers must meet the
fiber attributes of Table 7–1, G.657 class
A attributes, found in the ITU–T
Recommendation G.657 (incorporated
by reference at § 1755.901(f)).
(3) Non-zero-dispersion. Optical fibers
must meet the fiber attributes of Table
1, G.656 attributes, found in ITU–T
Recommendation G.656 (incorporated
by reference at § 1755.901(f)). However,
when the end user specifies
Recommendation A, B, C, D, or E of
ITU–T Recommendation G.655
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(f)), the optical fibers must
meet the fiber attributes of ITU–T
Recommendation G.655.
(4) Multimode fibers. Optical fibers
must meet the requirements of
paragraphs 2.1 and 2.3.1 of ANSI/ICEA
S–87–640 (incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)).
(5) Matched cable. Unless otherwise
specified by the buyer, all single mode
fiber cables delivered to a RUS-financed
project must be manufactured to the
same MFD specification. However,
notwithstanding the requirements of
paragraphs (d)(2) and (d)(3) of this
section, the maximum MFD tolerance
allowed for cable meeting the
requirements of this section must be of
a magnitude meeting the definition of
‘‘matched cable,’’ as defined in
paragraph (b) of § 1755.900. With the
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use of cables meeting this definition the
user can reasonably expect that the
average bi-directional loss of a fusion
splice to be ≤0.1 dB.
(6) Buyers will normally specify the
MFD for the fibers in the cable. When
a buyer does not specify the MFD at
1310 nm, the fibers must be
manufactured to an MFD of 9.2 μm with
a maximum tolerance range of ±0.5 μm
(362 ± 20 microinch), unless the end
user agrees to accept cable with fibers
specified to a different MFD. When the
end user does specify a MFD and
tolerance conflicting with the MFD
maximum tolerance allowed by
paragraph (d)(5) of this section, the
requirements of paragraph (d)(5) must
prevail.
(7) Factory splices are not allowed.
(8) Coating. The optical fiber must be
coated with a suitable material to
preserve the intrinsic strength of the
glass having an outside diameter of 250
± 15 micrometers (10 ± 0.6 mils).
Dimensions must be measured per the
methods of paragraph 7.13 of ANSI/
ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by
reference at § 1755.901(c)). The
protective coverings must be free from
holes, splits, blisters, and other
imperfections and must be as smooth
and concentric as is consistent with the
best commercial practice. The diameter
of the fiber, as the fiber is used in the
cable, includes any coloring thickness
or the uncolored coating, as the case
may be. The strip force required to
remove 30 ± 3 millimeters (1.2 ± 0.1
inch) of protective fiber coating must be
between 1.0 N (0.2 pound-force) and 9.0
N (2 pound-force).
(9) All optical fibers in any single
length of cable must be of the same type,
unless otherwise specified by end user.
(10) Optical fiber dimensions and data
reporting must be as required by
paragraph 7.13.1.1 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–
640 (incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)).
(c) Buffers.
(1) The optical fibers contained in a
tube buffer (loose tube), an inner jacket
(unit core), a channel, or otherwise
loosely packaged must have a clearance
between the fibers and the inside of the
container sufficient to allow for thermal
expansions of the tube buffer without
constraining the fibers. The protective
container must be manufactured from a
material having a coefficient of friction
sufficiently low to allow the fibers free
movement. The loose tube must contain
a suitable water blocking material.
Loose tubes must be removable without
damage to the fiber when following the
manufacturer’s recommended
procedures.
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(2) The tubes for single mode loose
tube cables must be designed to allow
a maximum mid-span buffer tube
exposure of 6.096 meters (20 feet). The
buyer should be aware that certain
housing hardware may require cable
designed for 6.096 meters of buffer tube
storage.
(3) Optical fibers covered in near
contact with an extrusion (tight tube)
must have an intermediate soft buffer to
allow for thermal expansions and minor
pressures. The buffer tube dimension
must be established by the manufacturer
to meet the requirement of this section.
Tight buffer tubes must be removable
without damage to the fiber when
following the manufacturer’s
recommended procedures. The tight
buffered fiber must be strippable per
paragraph 7.20 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)).
(4) Both loose tube and tight tube
coverings of each color and other fiber
package types removed from the
finished cable must meet the following
shrinkback and cold bend performance
requirements. The fibers may be left in
the tube.
(i) Shrinkback: Testing must be
conducted per paragraph 14.1 of ASTM
D 4565 (incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(d)), using a talc bed at a
temperature of 95 °C (203 °F).
Shrinkback must not exceed 5 percent
of the original 150 millimeter (6 inches)
length of the specimen. The total
shrinkage of the specimen must be
measured. (Buffer tube material meeting
this test may not meet the mid-span test
in paragraph (t)(15) of this section).
(ii) Cold Bend: Testing must be
conducted on at least one tube from
each color in the cable. Stabilize the
specimen to ¥30 ± 1 °C (¥22 ± 2 °F)
for a minimum of four hours. While
holding the specimen and mandrel at
the test temperature, wrap the tube in a
tight helix ten times around a mandrel
with a diameter to be greater than five
times the tube diameter or 50 mm (2
inches). The tube must show no
evidence of cracking when observed
with normal or corrected-to-normal
vision.
Note to paragraph (c)(4)(ii): Channel cores
and similar slotted single component core
designs do not need to be tested for cold
bend.
(d) Fiber Identification.
(1) Each fiber within a unit and each
unit within the cable must be
identifiable per paragraphs 4.2.1 and
4.3.1 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)).
(2) For the following items the colors
designated for identification within the
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20565
cable must comply with paragraphs
4.2.2 and 4.3.2 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)): loose buffer tubes, tight
tube buffer fibers, individual fibers in
multi-fiber tubes, slots, bundles or units
of fibers, and the units in cables with
more than one unit.
(e) Optical Fiber Ribbon.
(1) Each ribbon must be identified per
paragraphs 3.4.1 and 3.4.2 of ANSI/
ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by
reference at § 1755.901(c)).
(2) Ribbon fiber count must be
specified by the end user, i.e., 2, 4, 6,
12, etc.
(3) Ribbon dimensions must be as
agreed by the end user and
manufacturer per paragraph 3.4.4.1 of
ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by
reference at § 1755.901(c)).
(4) Ribbons must meet each of the
following tests. These tests are included
in the paragraphs of ANSI/ICEA S–87–
640 (incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)), indicated in parenthesis
below.
(i) Ribbon Dimensions (ANSI/ICEA
S–87–640 paragraphs 7.14 through
7.14.2)—measures ribbon dimension.
(ii) Ribbon Twist Test (ANSI/ICEA
S–87–640 paragraphs 7.15 through
7.15.2)—evaluates the ability of the
ribbon to resist splitting or other damage
while undergoing dynamic cyclically
twisting the ribbon under load.
(iii) Ribbon Residual Twist Test
(ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 paragraphs 7.16
through 7.16.2)—evaluates the degree of
permanent twist in a cabled optical
ribbon.
(iv) Ribbon Separability Test (ANSI/
ICEA S–87–640 paragraphs 7.17 through
7.17.2)—evaluates the ability to separate
fibers.
(5) Ribbons must meet paragraph
3.4.4.6 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)), Ribbon Strippability.
(f) Strength Members.
(1) Strength members may be an
integral part of the cable construction,
but are not considered part of the
support messenger for self-supporting
optical cable.
(2) The strength members may be
metallic or nonmetallic.
(3) The combined strength of all the
strength members must be sufficient to
support the stress of installation and to
protect the cable in service.
(4) Strength members may be
incorporated into the core as a central
support member or filler, as fillers
between the fiber packages, as an
annular serving over the core, as an
annular serving over the intermediate
jacket, embedded in the outer jacket, or
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as a combination of any of these
methods.
(5) The central support member or
filler must contain no more than one
splice per kilometer of cable. Individual
fillers placed between the fiber packages
and placed as annular servings over the
core must contain no more than one
splice per kilometer of cable. Cable
sections having central member or filler
splices must meet the same physical
requirements as un-spliced cable
sections.
(6) In each length of completed cable
having a metallic central member, the
dielectric strength between the shield or
armor, when present, and the metallic
center member must withstand at least
15 kilovolts when tested per ASTM D
4566 (incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(d)). The voltage must be
applied for 3 seconds minimum; no
failures are allowed.
(g) Cable Core.
(1) Protected fibers may be assembled
with the optional central support
member, fillers and strength members in
such a way as to form a cylindrical
group.
(2) The standard cylindrical group or
core designs commonly consist of 4, 6,
12, 18, or 24 fibers. Cylindrical groups
or core designs larger than the sizes
shown above must meet all the
applicable requirements of this section.
(3) When threads or tapes are used in
cables using water blocking elements as
core binders, they must be a nonhygroscopic and non-wicking dielectric
material or be rendered by the gel or
water blocking material produced by the
ingress of water.
(4) When threads or tapes are used as
unit binders to define optical fiber units
in loose tube, tight tube, slotted, or
bundled cored designs, they must be
non-hygroscopic and non-wicking
dielectric material or be rendered by the
filling compound or water blocking
material contained in the binder. The
colors of the binders must be per
paragraphs (f)(2) and (f)(3) of this
section.
(h) Core Water Blocking.
(1) To prevent the ingress of water
into the core and water migration, a
suitable filling compound or water
blocking elements must be applied into
the interior of the loose fiber tubes and
into the interstices of the core. When a
core wrap is used, the filling compound
or water blocking elements, as the case
may be, must also be applied to the core
wrap, over the core wrap and between
the core wrap and inner jacket when
required.
(2) The materials or elements must be
homogeneous and uniformly mixed; free
from dirt, metallic particles and other
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foreign matter; easily removed; nontoxic
and present no dermal hazards. The
filling compound and water blocking
elements must contain a suitable
antioxidant or be of such composition as
to provide long term stability.
(3) The individual cable manufacturer
must satisfy the Agency that the filling
compound or water blocking elements
selected for use is suitable for its
intended application by submitting test
data showing compliance with ASTM D
4568 (incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(d)). The filling compound
and water blocking elements must be
compatible with the cable components
when tested per ASTM D 4568 at a
temperature of 80 °C (176 °F). The jacket
must retain a minimum of 85% of its
un-aged tensile and elongation values.
(i) Water Blocking Material.
(1) Sufficient flooding compound or
water blocking elements must be
applied between the inner jacket and
armor and between the armor and outer
jacket so that voids and air spaces in
these areas are minimized. The use of
flooding compound or water blocking
elements between the armor and outer
jacket is not required when uniform
bonding, paragraph (o)(9) of this section,
is achieved between the plastic-clad
armor and the outer jacket.
(2) The flooding compound or water
blocking elements must be compatible
with the jacket when tested per
paragraphs 7.19 and 7.19.1 of ANSI/
ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by
reference at § 1755.901(c)). The aged
jacket must retain a minimum of 85% of
its un-aged tensile strength and
elongation values when tested per
paragraph 7.19.2.3. The flooding
compound must exhibit adhesive
properties sufficient to prevent jacket
slip when tested per paragraph 7.30.1 of
ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 and meets
paragraph 7.30.2 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–
640 for minimum sheath adherence of
14 N/mm for armored cables.
(3) The individual cable manufacturer
must satisfy the Agency by submitting
test data showing compliance with the
appropriate cable performance testing
requirements of this section that the
flooding compound or water blocking
elements selected for use is acceptable
for the application.
(j) Core Wrap.
(1) At the option of the manufacturer,
one or more layers of dielectric material
may be applied over the core.
(2) The core wrap(s) can be used to
provide a heat barrier to prevent
deformation or adhesion between the
fiber tubes or can be used to contain the
core.
(k) Inner Jackets.
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(1) For designs with more than one
jacket, the inner jackets must be applied
directly over the core or over the
strength members when required by the
end user. The jacket must be free from
holes, splits, blisters, or other
imperfections and must be as smooth
and concentric as is consistent with the
best commercial practice. The inner
jacket must not adhere to other cable
components such as fibers, buffer tubes,
etc.
(2) For armored and unarmored cable,
an inner jacket is optional. The inner
jacket may absorb stresses in the cable
core that may be introduced by armor
application or by armored cable
installation.
(3) The inner jacket material and test
requirements must be the same as the
outer jacket material, except that either
black or natural polyethylene may be
used and the thickness requirements are
included in paragraph (m)(4) of this
section. In the case of natural
polyethylene, the requirements for
absorption coefficient and the inclusion
of furnace black are waived.
(4) The inner jacket thickness must be
determined by the manufacturer, but
must be no less than a nominal jacket
thickness of 0.5 mm (0.02 inch) with a
minimum jacket thickness of 0.35 mm
(0.01 inch).
(l) Outer Jacket.
(1) The outer jacket must provide the
cable with a tough, flexible, protective
covering which can withstand exposure
to sunlight, to atmosphere temperatures,
and to stresses reasonably expected in
normal installation and service.
(2) The jacket must be free from holes,
splits, blisters, or other imperfections
and must be as smooth and concentric
as is consistent with the best
commercial practice.
(3) The jacket must contain an
antioxidant to provide long term
stabilization and must contain a
minimum of 2.35 percent concentration
of furnace black to provide ultraviolet
shielding measures as required by
paragraph 5.4.2 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)), except that the
concentration of furnace black does not
necessarily need to be initially
contained in the raw material and may
be added later during the jacket making
process.
(4) The raw material used for the
outer jacket must be one of the types
listed below.
(i) Type L1. Low density,
polyethylene (LDPE) must conform to
the requirements of paragraph 5.4.2 of
ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by
reference at § 1755.901(c)).
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(ii) Type L2. Linear low density,
polyethylene (LLDPE) must conform to
the requirements of paragraph 5.4.2 of
ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by
reference at § 1755.901(c)).
(iii) Type M. Medium density
polyethylene (MDPE) must conform to
the requirements of paragraph 5.4.2 of
ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by
reference at § 1755.901(c)).
(iv) Type H. High density
polyethylene (HDPE) must conform to
the requirements of paragraph 5.4.2 of
ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by
reference at § 1755.901(c)).
(5) Particle size of the carbon selected
for use must not average greater than 20
nm.
(6) The outer jacketing material
removed from or tested on the cable
must be capable of meeting the
performance requirements of Table 5.1
found in ANSI/ICEA S–87–640
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)).
(7) Testing Procedures. The
procedures for testing the jacket
specimens for compliance with
paragraph (n)(5) of this section must be
as follows:
(i) Jacket Material Density
Measurement. Test per paragraphs 7.7.1
and 7.7.2 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)).
(ii) Tensile Strength, Yield Strength,
and Ultimate Elongation. Test per
paragraphs 7.8.1 and 7.8.2 of ANSI/
ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by
reference at § 1755.901(c)).
(iii) Jacket Material Absorption
Coefficient Test. Test per paragraphs
7.9.1 and 7.9.2 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)).
(iv) Environmental Stress Crack
Resistance Test. For large cables
(outside diameter ≥ 30 mm (1.2 inch)),
test per paragraphs 7.10.1 through
7.10.1.2 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)). For small cables
(Diameter < 30 mm (1.2 inch)), test per
paragraphs 7.10.2 through and 7.10.2.2
of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640. A crack or
split in the jacket constitutes failure.
(v) Jacket Shrinkage Test. Test per
paragraphs 7.11.1 and 7.11.2 of ANSI/
ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by
reference at § 1755.901(c)).
(8) Jacket Thickness. The outer jacket
must meet the requirements of
paragraphs 5.4.5.1 and 5.4.5.2 of ANSI/
ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by
reference at § 1755.901(c)).
(9) Jacket Repairs. Repairs are allowed
per paragraph 5.5 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–
640 (incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)).
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(m) Armor.
(1) A steel armor, plastic coated on
both sides, is required for direct buried
cable manufactured under this section.
Armor is optional for duct and aerial
cable, as required by the end user. The
plastic coated steel armor must be
applied longitudinally directly over the
core wrap or the intermediate jacket and
have a minimum overlap of 3.0
millimeters (118 mils), except for small
diameter cables with diameters of less
than 10 mm (394 mils) for which the
minimum overlap must be 2 mm (79
mils). When a cable has a shield, the
armor should normally be applied over
the shielding tape.
(2) The uncoated steel tape must be
electrolytic chrome coated steel (ECCS)
and must meet the requirements of
paragraph B.2.4 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–
640 (incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)).
(3) The reduction in thickness of the
armoring material due to the corrugating
or application process must be kept to
a minimum and must not exceed 10
percent at any spot.
(4) The armor of each length of cable
must be electrically continuous with no
more than one joint or splice allowed in
any length of one kilometer of cable.
This requirement does not apply to a
joint or splice made in the raw material
by the raw material manufacturer.
(5) The breaking strength of any
section of an armor tape, containing a
factory splice joint, must not be less
than 80 percent of the breaking strength
of an adjacent section of the armor of
equal length without a joint.
(6) For cables containing no flooding
compound over the armor, the overlap
portions of the armor tape must be
bonded in cables having a flat, noncorrugated armor to meet the
mechanical requirements of paragraphs
(t)(1) through (t)(16)(ii) of this section. If
the tape is corrugated, the overlap
portions of the armor must be
sufficiently bonded and the corrugations
must be sufficiently in register to meet
the requirements of paragraphs (t)(1)
through (t)(16)(ii) of this section.
(7) The armor tape must be so applied
as to enable the cable to pass the Cable
Low (¥30 °C (¥22 °F)) and High (60 °C
(140 °F)) Temperatures Bend Test, as
required by paragraph (t)(3) of this
section.
(8) The protective coating on the steel
armor must meet the Bonding-to-Metal,
Heat Sealability, Lap-Shear and
Moisture Resistance requirements of
Type I, Class 2 coated metals per ASTM
B 736 (incorporated by reference in
§ 1755.901(d)).
(9) When the jacket is bonded to the
plastic coated armor, the bond between
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the plastic coated armor and the outer
jacket must not be less than 525
Newtons per meter (36 pound-force)
over at least 90 percent of the cable
circumference when tested per ASTM D
4565 (incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(d)). For cables with strength
members embedded in the jacket, and
residing directly over the armor, the
area of the armor directly under the
strength member is excluded from the
90 percent calculation.
(n) Figure 8 Aerial Cables.
(1) When self-supporting aerial cable
containing an integrated support
messenger is supplied, the support
messenger must comply with the
requirements specified in paragraphs
D.2.1 through D.2.4 of ANSI/ICEA S–
87–640 (incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)), with exceptions and
additional provisions as follows:
(i) Any section of a completed strand
containing a joint must have minimum
tensile strength and elongation of 29,500
Newtons (6,632 pound-force) and 3.5
percent, respectively, when tested per
the procedures specified in ASTM A
640 (incorporated by reference in
§ 1755.901(d)).
(ii) The individual wires from a
completed strand which contains joints
must not fracture when tested per the
‘‘Ductility of Steel’’ procedures
specified in ASTM A 640 (incorporated
by reference at § 1755.901(d)), except
that the mandrel diameter must be equal
to 5 times the nominal diameter of the
individual wires.
(iii) The support strand must be
completely covered with a flooding
compound that offers corrosion
protection. The flooding compound
must be homogeneous and uniformly
mixed.
(iv) The flooding compound must be
nontoxic and present no dermal hazard.
(v) The flooding compound must be
free from dirt, metallic particles, and
other foreign matter that may interfere
with the performance of the cable.
(2) Other methods of providing selfsupporting cable specifically not
addressed in this section may be
allowed if accepted. Justification for
acceptance of a modified design must be
provided to substantiate product utility
and long term stability and endurance.
To obtain the Agency’s acceptance of a
modified design, refer to the product
acceptance procedures available at
https://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/
listing_procedures/
index_listing_procedures.htm, as well as
RUS Bulletin 345–3.
(3) Jacket Thickness Requirements.
Jackets applied over an integral
messenger must meet the following
requirements:
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(i) The minimum jacket thickness at
any point over the support messenger
must meet the requirements of
paragraph D.3 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)).
(ii) The web dimension for selfsupporting aerial cable must meet the
requirements of paragraph D.3 of ANSI/
ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by
reference at § 1755.901(c)).
(o) Sheath Slitting Cord.
(1) A sheath slitting cord or ripcord is
optional.
(2) When a sheath slitting cord is used
it must be capable of slitting the jacket
or jacket and armor, at least one meter
(3.3 feet) length without breaking the
cord at a temperature of 23 ± 5 °C (73
± 9 °F).
(3) The sheath slitting cord must meet
the sheath slitting cord test described in
paragraph (t)(1) of this section.
(p) Identification Markers.
(1) Each length of cable must be
permanently identified. The method of
marking must be by means of suitable
surface markings producing a clear
distinguishable contrasting marking
meeting paragraph 6.1.1 of ANSI/ICEA
S–87–640 (incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)), and must meet the
durability requirements of paragraphs
7.5.2 through 7.5.2.2 of ANSI/ICEA
S–87–640.
(2) The color of the initial marking
must be white or silver. If the initial
marking fails to meet the requirements
of the preceding paragraphs, it will be
permissible to either remove the
defective marking and re-mark with the
white or silver color or leave the
defective marking on the cable and remark with yellow. No further remarking is permitted. Any re-marking
must be done on a different portion of
the cable’s circumference where the
existing marking is found and have a
numbering sequence differing from any
other marking by at least 3,000. Any reel
of cable that contains more than one set
of sequential markings must be labeled
to indicate the color and sequence of
marking to be used. The labeling must
be applied to the reel and also to the
cable.
(3) Each length of cable must be
permanently labeled OPTICAL CABLE,
OC, OPTICAL FIBER CABLE, or OF on
the outer jacket and identified as to
manufacturer and year of manufacture.
(4) Each length of cable intended for
direct burial installation must be
marked with a telephone handset in
compliance with requirements of the
Rule 350G of the ANSI/IEEE C2–2007
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(b)).
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(5) Each length of cable must be
identified as to the manufacturer and
year of manufacturing. The
manufacturer and year of manufacturing
may also be indicated by other means as
indicated in paragraphs 6.1.2 through
6.1.4 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)).
(6) The number of fibers on the jacket
must be marked on the jacket.
(7) The completed cable must have
sequentially numbered length markers
in METERS or FEET at regular intervals
of not more than 2 feet or not more than
1 meter along the outside of the jacket.
Continuous sequential numbering must
be employed in a single length of cable.
The numbers must be dimensioned and
spaced to produce good legibility and
must be approximately 3 millimeters
(118 mils) in height. An occasional
illegible marking is permissible when it
is located within 2 meters of a legible
making for cables marked in meters or
4 feet for cables marked in feet.
(8) Agreement between the actual
length of the cable and the length
marking on the cable jacket must be
within the limits of +1 percent and ¥0
percent.
(9) Jacket Print Test. Cables must meet
the Jacket Print Test described in
paragraphs 7.5.2.1 and 7.5.2.2 of ANSI/
ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by
reference at § 1755.901(c)).
(q) Performance of a Finished Cable.
(1) Zero Dispersion Optical Fiber
Cable. Unless otherwise specified by the
end user, the optical performance of a
finished cable must comply with the
attributes of Table 2, G.652.B attributes,
found in ITU Recommendation G.652
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(f)). However, when the end
user stipulates a low water peak fiber
the finished cable must meet the
attributes of Table 4, G.652.D attributes,
found in ITU–T Recommendation
G.652; or when the end user stipulates
a low bending loss fiber, the finished
cable must meet the attributes of Table
7–1, G.657 class A attributes, found in
ITU–T Recommendation G.657
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(f)).
(i) The attenuation methods must be
per Table 8.4, Optical attenuation
measurement methods, of ANSI/ICEA
S–87–640 (incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)).
(ii) The cable must have a maximum
attenuation of 0.1 dB at a point of
discontinuity (a localized deviation of
the optical fiber loss). Per paragraphs
8.4 and 8.4.1 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)), measurements must be
conducted at 1310 and 1550 nm, and at
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1625 nm when specified by the end
user.
(iii) The cable cutoff wavelength (gcc)
must be reported per paragraph 8.5.1 of
ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by
reference in § 1755.901(c)).
(2) Nonzero Dispersion Optical Fiber
Cable. Unless otherwise specified by the
end user, the optical performance of the
finished cable must comply with the
attributes of Table 1, G.656 attributes,
found in ITU–T Recommendation G.656
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(f)). When the buyer specifies
Recommendation A, B, C, D or E of
ITU–T Recommendation G.655
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(f)), the finished cable must
comply with the attributes of ITU–T
Recommendation G.655.
(i) The attenuation methods must be
per Table 8.4, Optical attenuation
measurement methods of ANSI/ICEA
S–87–640 (incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)).
(ii) The cable must have a maximum
attenuation of 0.1 dB at a point of
discontinuity (a localized deviation of
the optical fiber loss). Per paragraphs
8.4 and 8.4.1 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)), measurements must be
conducted at 1310 and 1550 nm, and at
1625 nm when specified by the end
user.
(iii) The cable cutoff wavelength (gcc)
must be reported per paragraph 8.5.1 of
ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by
reference at § 1755.901(c)).
(3) Multimode Optical Fiber Cable.
Unless otherwise specified by the end
user, the optical performance of the
fibers in a finished cable must comply
with Table 8.1, Attenuation coefficient
performance requirement (dB/k), Table
8.2, Multimode bandwidth coefficient
performance requirements (MHz–km)
and Table 8.3, Points discontinuity
acceptance criteria (dB), of ANSI/ICEA
S–87–640 (incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)).
(4) Because the accuracy of
attenuation measurements for single
mode fibers becomes questionable when
measured on short cable lengths,
attenuation measurements are to be
made utilizing characterization cable
lengths. Master Cable reels must be
tested and the attenuation values
measured will be used for shorter ship
lengths of cable.
(5) Because the accuracy of
attenuation measurements for
multimode fibers becomes questionable
when measured on short cable lengths,
attenuation measurements are to be
made utilizing characterization cable
lengths. If the ship length of cable is less
than one kilometer, the attenuation
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values measured on longer lengths of
cable (characterization length of cable)
before cutting to the ship lengths of
cable may be applied to the ship
lengths.
(6) Attenuation must be measured per
Table 8.4, Optical Attenuation
Measurement Methods, of ANSI/ICEA
S–87–640 (incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)).
(7) The bandwidth of multimode
fibers in a finished cable must be no less
than the values specified in ANSI/ICEA
S–87–640 (incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)), Table 8.2 per paragraphs
8.3.1 and 8.3.2.
(r) Mechanical Requirements. Fiber
optic cables manufactured under the
requirements of this section must be
tested by the manufacturer to determine
compliance with such requirements.
Unless otherwise specified, testing must
be performed at the standard conditions
defined in paragraph 7.3.1 of ANSI/
ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by
reference at § 1755.901(c)). The standard
optical test wavelengths to be used are
1550 nm single mode and 1300 nm
multi-mode, unless otherwise specified
in the individual test.
(1) Sheath Slitting Cord Test. All
cables manufactured under the
requirements of this section must meet
the Ripcord Functional Test described
in paragraphs 7.18.1 and 7.18.2 of
ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by
reference at § 1755.901(c)).
(2) Material Compatibility and Cable
Aging Test. All cables manufactured
under the requirements of this section
must meet the Material Compatibility
and Cable Aging Test described in
paragraphs 7.19 through 7.19.2.4 of
ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by
reference at § 1755.901(c)).
(3) Cable Low and High Bend Test.
Cables manufactured under the
requirements of this section must meet
the Cable Low (¥30 °C (¥22 °F)) and
High (60 °C (140 °F)) Temperatures
Bend Test per paragraphs 7.21 and
7.21.2 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)).
(4) Compound Flow Test. All cables
manufactured under the requirements of
this section must meet the test described
in paragraphs 7.23, 7.23.1, and 7.23.2 of
ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by
reference at § 1755.901(c)).
(5) Cyclic Flexing Test. All cables
manufactured under the requirements of
this section must meet the Flex Test
described in paragraphs 7.27 through
7.27.2 of the ANSI/ICEA S–87–640
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)).
(6) Water Penetration Test. All cables
manufactured under the requirements of
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this section must meet paragraphs 7.28
through 7.28.2 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)).
(7) Cable Impact Test. All cables
manufactured under the requirements of
this section must meet the Cable Impact
Test described in paragraphs 7.29.1 and
7.29.2 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)).
(8) Cable Tensile Loading and Fiber
Strain Test. Cables manufactured under
the requirements of this section must
meet the Cable Loading and Fiber Strain
Test described in paragraphs 7.30
through 7.30.2 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)). This test does not apply
to aerial self-supporting cables.
(9) Cable Compression Test. All cables
manufactured under requirements of
this section must meet the Cable
Compressive Loading Test described in
paragraphs 7.31 through 7.31.2 of ANSI/
ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by
reference at § 1755.901(c)).
(10) Cable Twist Test. All cables
manufactured under the requirements of
this section must meet the Cable Twist
Test described in paragraphs 7.32
through 7.32.2 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)).
(11) Cable Lighting Damage
Susceptibility Test. Cables
manufactured under the requirements of
this section must meet the Cable
Lighting Damage Susceptibility Test
described in paragraphs 7.33 and 7.33.1
of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated
by reference at § 1755.901(c)).
(12) Cable External Freezing Test. All
cables manufactured under the
requirements of this section must meet
the Cable External Freezing Test
described in paragraphs 7.22 and 7.22.1
of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated
by reference at § 1755.901(c)).
(13) Cable Temperature Cycling Test.
All cables manufactured under the
requirements of this section must meet
the Cable Temperature Cycling Test
described in paragraph 7.24.1 of ANSI/
ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by
reference at § 1755.901(c)).
(14) Cable Sheath Adherence Test. All
cables manufactured under the
requirements of this section must meet
the Cable Sheath Adherence Test
described in paragraphs 7.26.1 and
7.26.2 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)).
(15) Mid-Span Test. This test is
applicable only to cables of a loose tube
design specified for mid-span
applications with tube storage. Cable of
specialty design may be exempted from
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this requirement when this requirement
is not applicable to such design. All
buried and underground loose tube
single mode cables manufactured per
the requirements in this section and
intended for mid-span applications with
tube storage must meet the following
mid-span test without exhibiting an
increase in fiber attenuation greater than
0.1 dB and a maximum average increase
over all fibers of 0.05 dB.
(i) The specimen must be installed in
a commercially available pedestal or
closure or in a device that mimics their
performance, as follows: A length of
cable sheath, equal to the mid-span
length, must be removed from the
middle of the test specimen so as to
allow access to the buffer tubes. All
binders, tapes, strength members, etc.
must be removed. The buffer tubes must
be left intact. The cable ends defining
the ends of the mid-span length must be
properly secured in the closure to the
more stringent of the cable or hardware
manufacturer’s recommendations.
Strength members must be secured with
an end stop type clamp and the outer
jacket must be clamped to prevent
slippage. A minimum of 6.096 meters
(20 feet) of cable must extend from the
entry and exit ports of the closure for
the purpose of making optical
measurements. If a device that mimics
the performance of pedestals or closures
is used, the buffer tubes must be wound
in a coil with a minimum width of 3
inches and minimum length of 12
inches.
(ii) The expressed buffer tubes must
be loosely constrained during the test.
(iii) The enclosure, with installed
cable, must be placed in an
environmental chamber for temperature
cycling. It is acceptable for some or all
of the two 20 feet (6.096 meters) cable
segments to extend outside the
environmental chamber.
(iv) Lids, pedestal enclosures, or
closure covers must be removed if
possible to allow for temperature
equilibrium of the buffer tubes. If this is
not possible, the manufacturer must
demonstrate that the buffer tubes are at
temperature equilibrium prior to
beginning the soak time.
(v) Measure the attenuation of single
mode fibers at 1550 ± 10 nm. The
supplier must certify the performance of
lower specified wavelengths comply
with the mid-span performance
requirements.
(vi) After measuring the attenuation of
the optical fibers, test the cable sample
per TIA/EIA Standard 455–3A
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(e)). Temperature cycling,
measurements, and data reporting must
conform to TIA/EIA Standard 455–3A.
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The test must be conducted for at least
five complete cycles. The following
detailed test conditions must apply:
(A) TIA/EIA Standard 455–3A
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(e)), Section 4.1—Loose tube
single mode optical cable sample must
be tested.
(B) TIA/EIA Standard 455–3A
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(e)), Section 4.2—An Agency
accepted 8 to 12 inch diameter optical
buried distribution pedestal or a device
that mimics their performance must be
tested.
(C) Mid-span opening for installation
of loose tube single mode optical cable
in pedestal must be 6.096 meters (20
feet).
(D) TIA/EIA Standard 455–3A
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(e)), Section 5.1—3 hours
soak time.
(E) TIA/EIA Standard 455–3A
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(e)), Section 5.2—Test
Condition C–2, minimum ¥40 °C (¥40
°F) and maximum 70° Celsius (158 °F).
(F) TIA/EIA Standard 455–3A
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(e)), Section 5.7.2—A
statistically representative amount of
transmitting fibers in all express buffer
tubes passing through the pedestal and
stored must be measured.
(G) The buffer tubes in the closure or
pedestal must not be handled or moved
during temperature cycling or
attenuation measurements.
(vii) Fiber cable attenuation measured
through the express buffer tubes during
the last cycle at ¥40 °C (¥40 °F) and
+70 °C (158 °F) must not exceed a
maximum increase of 0.1 dB and must
not exceed a 0.05 dB average across all
tested fibers from the initial baseline
measurements. At the conclusion of the
temperature cycling, the maximum
attenuation increase at 23 °C from the
initial baseline measurement must not
exceed 0.05 dB which allows for
measurement noise that may be
encountered during the test. The cable
must also be inspected at room
temperature at the conclusion of all
measurements; the cable must not show
visible evidence of fracture of the buffer
tubes nor show any degradation of all
exposed cable assemblies.
(16) Aerial Self-Supporting Cables.
The following tests apply to aerial
cables only:
(i) Static Tensile Testing of Aerial
Self-Supporting Cables. Aerial selfsupporting cable must meet the test
described in paragraphs D.4.1.1 through
D.4.1.5 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)).
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(ii) Cable Galloping Test. Aerial selfsupporting cable made to the
requirements of this section must meet
the test described in paragraphs D.4.2
through D.4.2.3 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)).
(s) Pre-connectorized Cable.
(1) At the option of the manufacturer
and upon request by the end user, the
cable may be factory terminated with
connectors.
(2) All connectors must be accepted
by the Agency prior to their use. To
obtain the Agency’s acceptance of
connectors, refer to product acceptance
procedures available at https://
www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/
listing_procedures/
index_listing_procedures.htm as well as
RUS Bulletin 345–3.
(t) Acceptance Testing.
(1) The tests described in the
Appendix to this section are intended
for acceptance of cable designs and
major modifications of accepted
designs. What constitutes a major
modification is at the discretion of the
Agency. These tests are intended to
show the inherent capability of the
manufacturer to produce cable products
that have satisfactory performance
characteristics, long life, and long-term
optical stability but are not intended as
field tests. After initial Rural
Development product acceptance is
granted, the manufacturer will need to
apply for continued product acceptance
in January of the third year after the year
of initial acceptance. For information on
Agency acceptance, refer to the product
acceptance procedures available at
https://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/
listing_procedures/
index_listing_procedures.htm, as well as
RUS Bulletin 345–3.
(2) Acceptance. For initial acceptance,
the manufacturer must submit:
(i) An original signature certification
that the product fully complies with
each paragraph of this section;
(ii) Qualification Test Data, per the
Appendix to this section;
(iii) A set of instructions for handling
the cable;
(iv) OSHA Material Safety Data Sheets
for all components;
(v) Agree to periodic plant
inspections;
(vi) A certification stating whether the
cable, as sold to RUS
Telecommunications borrowers,
complies with the following two
provisions:
(A) Final assembly or manufacture of
the product, as the product would be
used by an RUS Telecommunications
borrower, is completed in the United
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States or eligible countries (currently,
Mexico, Canada and Israel); and
(B) The cost of United States and
eligible countries’ components (in any
combination) within the product is
more than 50 percent of the total cost of
all components utilized in the product.
The cost of non-domestic components
(components not manufactured within
the United States or eligible countries)
which are included in the finished
product must include all duties, taxes,
and delivery charges to the point of
assembly or manufacture;
(vii) Written user testimonials
concerning performance of the product;
and
(viii) Other nonproprietary data
deemed necessary.
(3) Re-qualification acceptance. For
submission of a request for continued
product acceptance after the initial
acceptance, follow paragraph (v)(1) of
this section and then, in January every
three years, the manufacturer must
submit an original signature
certification stating that the product
fully complies with each paragraph of
this section, excluding the Qualification
Section, and a certification that the
products sold to RUS
Telecommunications borrowers comply
with paragraphs (v)(2)(vi) through
(v)(2)(vi)(B) of this section. The tests of
the Appendix to this section must be
conducted and records kept for at least
three years and the data must be made
available to the Agency on request. The
required data must have been gathered
within 90 days of the submission. A
certification must be submitted to the
Agency stating that the cable
manufactured to the requirements of
this section has been tested per the
Appendix of this section and that the
cable meets the test requirements.
(4) Initial and re-qualification
acceptance requests should be
addressed to: Chairman, Technical
Standards Committee ‘‘A’’
(Telecommunications), STOP 1550,
Advanced Services Division, Rural
Development Telecommunications
Program, Washington, DC 20250–1500.
(5) Tests on 100 Percent of Completed
Cable.
(i) The armor for each length of cable
must be tested for continuity using the
procedures of ASTM D 4566
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(d)).
(ii) Attenuation for each optical fiber
in the cable must be measured.
(iii) Optical discontinuities greater
than 0.1 dB must be isolated and their
location and amplitude recorded.
(6) Capability Tests. The manufacturer
must establish a quality assurance
system. Tests on a quality assurance
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basis must be made as frequently as is
required for each manufacturer to
determine and maintain compliance
with all the mechanical requirements
and the fiber and cable attributes
required by this section, including:
(i) Numerical aperture and bandwidth
of multimode fibers;
(ii) Cut off wavelength of single mode
fibers;
(iii) Dispersion of single mode fibers;
(iv) Shrinkback and cold testing of
loose tube and tight tube buffers, and
mid-span testing of cables of a loose
tube design with tube storage;
(v) Adhesion properties of the
protective fiber coating;
(vi) Dielectric strength between the
armor and the metallic central member;
(vii) Performance requirements for the
fibers.
(viii) Performance requirements for
the inner and outer jacketing materials;
(ix) Performance requirements for the
filling and flooding compounds;
(x) Bonding properties of the coated
armoring material;
(xi) Sequential marking and lettering;
and
(xii) Mechanical tests described in
paragraphs (t)(1) through (t)(16)(ii) of
this section.
(u) Records Tests.
(1) Each manufacturer must maintain
suitable summary records for a period of
at least 3 years of all optical and
physical tests required on completed
cable by section as set forth in
paragraphs (v)(5) and (v)(6) of this
section. The test data for a particular
reel must be in a form that it may be
readily available to the Agency upon
request. The optical data must be
furnished to the end user on a suitable
and easily readable form.
(2) Measurements and computed
values must be rounded off to the
number of places or figures specified for
the requirement per paragraph 1.3 of
ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by
reference at § 1755.901(c)).
(v) Manufacturing Irregularities.
(1) Under this section, repairs to the
armor, when present, are not permitted
in cable supplied to the end user.
(2) Minor defects in the inner and
outer jacket (defects having a dimension
of 3 millimeter or less in any direction)
may be repaired by means of heat fusing
per good commercial practices utilizing
sheath grade compounds.
(w) Packaging and Preparation for
Shipment.
(1) The cable must be shipped on
reels containing one continuous length
of cable. The diameter of the drum must
be large enough to prevent damage to
the cable from reeling and unreeling.
The diameter must be at least equal to
the minimum bending diameter of the
cable. The reels must be substantial and
so constructed as to prevent damage
during shipment and handling.
(2) A circumferential thermal wrap or
other means of protection must be
secured between the outer edges of the
reel flange to protect the cable against
damage during storage and shipment.
The thermal wrap must meet the
requirements included in the Thermal
Reel Wrap Test, described below. This
test procedure is for qualification of
initial and subsequent changes in
thermal reel wraps.
(i) Sample Selection. All testing must
be performed on two 450 millimeter (18
inches) lengths of cable removed
sequentially from the same fiber
jacketed cable. This cable must not have
been exposed to temperatures in excess
of 38 °C (100 °F) since its initial cool
down after sheathing.
(ii) Test Procedure.
(A) Place the two samples on an
insulating material such as wood.
(B) Tape thermocouples to the jackets
of each sample to measure the jacket
temperature.
(C) Cover one sample with the
thermal reel wrap.
(D) Expose the samples to a radiant
heat source capable of heating the
uncovered sample to a minimum of 71
°C (160 °F). A GE 600 watt photoflood
lamp or an equivalent lamp having the
light spectrum approximately that of the
sun must be used.
(E) The height of the lamp above the
jacket must be 380 millimeters (15
inches) or an equivalent height that
produces the 71 °C (160 °F) jacket
temperature on the unwrapped sample
must be used.
20571
(F) After the samples have stabilized
at the temperature, the jacket
temperatures of the samples must be
recorded after one hour of exposure to
the heat source.
(G) Compute the temperature
difference between jackets.
(H) The temperature difference
between the jacket with the thermal reel
wrap and the jacket without the reel
wrap must be greater than or equal to 17
°C (63 °F).
(3) Cables must be sealed at the ends
to prevent entrance of moisture.
(4) The end-of-pull (outer end) of the
cable must be securely fastened to
prevent the cable from coming loose
during transit. The start-of-pull (inner
end) of the cable must project through
a slot in the flange of the reel, around
an inner riser, or into a recess on the
flange near the drum and fastened in
such a way to prevent the cable from
becoming loose during installation.
(5) Spikes, staples or other fastening
devices must be used in a manner
which will not result in penetration of
the cable.
(6) The arbor hole must admit a
spindle 63.5 millimeters (2.5 inches) in
diameter without binding.
(7) Each reel must be plainly marked
to indicate the direction in which it
should be rolled to prevent loosening of
the cable on the reel.
(8) Each reel must be stenciled or
lettered with the name of the
manufacturer.
(9) The following information must be
either stenciled on the reel or on a tag
firmly attached to the reel: Optical
Cable, Type and Number of Fibers,
Armored or Non-armored, Year of
Manufacture, Name of Cable
Manufacturer, Length of Cable, Reel
Number, 7 CFR 1755.902, Minimum
Bending Diameter for both Residual and
Loaded Condition during installation.
Example: Optical Cable, G.657 class
A, 4 fibers, Armored, XYZ Company,
1050 meters, Reel Number 3, 7 CFR
1755.902. Minimum Bending Diameter:
Residual (Installed): 20 times Cable
O.D., Loaded Condition: 40 times Cable
O.D.
Appendix to § 1755.902
FIBER OPTIC CABLES
BULLETIN 1753F–601(PE–90) QUALIFICATIONS TEST DATA
[Initial qualification and three year re-qualification test data required for TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM product acceptance. Please note
that some tests may apply only to a particular cable design.]
Paragraph
Test
Initial
qualification
3 Year
re-qualification
(e)(4)(i) ..........................................
(e)(4)(ii) ..........................................
(t)(1) ...............................................
Shrinkback ...........................................................................................
Cold Bend ............................................................................................
Sheath Slitting Cord .............................................................................
X
X
X
............................
............................
............................
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FIBER OPTIC CABLES—Continued
BULLETIN 1753F–601(PE–90) QUALIFICATIONS TEST DATA
[Initial qualification and three year re-qualification test data required for TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM product acceptance. Please note
that some tests may apply only to a particular cable design.]
Paragraph
Test
Initial
qualification
3 Year
re-qualification
(t)(2) ...............................................
(t)(3) ...............................................
(t)(4) ...............................................
(t)(5) ...............................................
(t)(6) ...............................................
(t)(7) ...............................................
(t)(8) ...............................................
(t)(9) ...............................................
(t)(10) .............................................
(t)(11) .............................................
(t)(12) .............................................
(t)(13) .............................................
(t)(14) .............................................
(t)(15) .............................................
(t)(16)(i) .........................................
(t)(16)(ii) .........................................
(y)(2)(i) ...........................................
Material Compatibility ...........................................................................
Cable Low & High Bend ......................................................................
Compound Flow ...................................................................................
Cyclic Flexing .......................................................................................
Water Penetration ................................................................................
Cable Impact ........................................................................................
Cable Tensile Loading & Fiber Strain .................................................
Cable Compression .............................................................................
Cable Twist ..........................................................................................
Cable Lighting Damage Susceptibility .................................................
Cable External Freezing ......................................................................
Cable Temperature Cycling .................................................................
Cable Sheath Adherence .....................................................................
Mid-Span ..............................................................................................
Static Tensile Testing of Aerial Self-Supporting Cables .....................
Cable Galloping ...................................................................................
Thermal Reel Wrap test .......................................................................
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
............................
X
............................
X
X
X
X
............................
X
............................
............................
X
............................
X
X
............................
............................
§ 1755.903
Cables.
Fiber Optic Service Entrance
(a) Scope. This section covers Agency
requirements for fiber optic service
entrance cables intended for aerial
installation either by attachment to a
support strand or by an integrated selfsupporting arrangement, for
underground application by placement
in a duct, or for buried installations by
trenching, direct plowing, directional or
pneumatic boring. Cable meeting this
section is recommended for fiber optic
service entrances having 12 or fewer
fibers with distances less than 100
meters (300 feet).
(1) General.
(i) Specification requirements are
given in SI units which are the
controlling units in this part.
Approximate English equivalent of units
are given for information purposes only.
(ii) The optical waveguides are glass
fibers having directly-applied protective
coatings, and are called ‘‘fibers,’’ herein.
These fibers may be assembled in either
loose fiber bundles with a protective
core tube, encased in several protective
buffer tubes, in tight buffer tubes, or
ribbon bundles with a protective core
tube.
(iii) Fillers, strength members, core
wraps, and bedding tapes may complete
the cable core.
(iv) The core or buffer tubes
containing the fibers and the interstices
between the buffer tubes, fillers, and
strength members in the core structure
are filled with a suitable material or
water swellable elements to exclude
water.
(v) The cable structure is completed
by an extruded overall plastic jacket. A
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shield or armor or combination thereof
may be included under the jacket. This
jacket may have strength members
embedded in it, in some designs.
(vi) For rodent resistance or for
additional protection with direct buried
installations, it is recommended the use
of armor under the outer jacket.
(vii) For self-supporting cable the
outer jacket may be extruded over the
support messenger and cable core.
(viii) For detection purposes, the
cable may have toning elements
embedded or extruded with the outer
jacket.
(2) The cable is fully color coded so
that each fiber is distinguishable from
every other fiber. A basic color scheme
of twelve colors allows individual fiber
identification. Colored tubes, binders,
threads, striping, or markings provide
fiber group identification.
(3) Cables manufactured to the
requirements of this section must
demonstrate compliance with the
qualification testing requirements to
ensure satisfactory end-use performance
characteristics for the intended
applications.
(4) Optical cable designs not
specifically addressed by this section
may be allowed. Justification for
acceptance of a modified design must be
provided to substantiate product utility
and long term stability and endurance.
For information on how to obtain
Agency’s acceptance of such a modified
design, refer to the product acceptance
procedures available at https://
www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/
listing_procedures/
index_listing_procedures.htm as well as
RUS Bulletin 345–3.
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(5) The cable must be designed for the
temperatures ranges of Table 1–1, Cable
Normal Temperature Ranges, of ICEA
S–110–717 (incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)).
(6) Tensile Rating: The cable must
have ratings that are no less than the
tensile ratings indicated in paragraph
1.1.4, Tensile Rating, of Part 1 of the
ICEA S–110–717 (incorporated by
reference at § 1755.901(c)).
(7) Self-Supporting Cables: Based on
the storm loading districts referenced in
Section 25, Loading of Grades B and C,
of ANSI/IEEE C2–2007 (incorporated by
reference at § 1755.901(b)), and the
maximum span and location of cable
installation provided by the end user,
the manufacturer must provide a cable
design with sag and tension tables
showing the maximum span and sag
information for that particular
installation. The information included
must be for Rule B, Ice and Wind
Loading, and when applicable,
information on Rule 250C, Extreme
Wind Loading. Additionally, to ensure
the proper ground clearance, typically a
minimum of 4.7 m (15.5 feet), the end
user should factor in the maximum sag
under loaded conditions as well as
height of attachment for each
application.
(8) Minimum Bend Diameter: For
cable under loaded and unloaded
conditions, the cable must have the
minimum bend diameters indicated in
paragraph 1.1.5, Minimum Bend
Diameter, of Part 1 of ICEA S–110–717
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)). For very small cables,
manufacturers may specify fixed cable
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minimum bend diameters that are
independent of the outside diameter.
(9) All cables sold to RUS
Telecommunications borrowers must be
accepted by the Agency’s Technical
Standards Committee ‘‘A’’ for projects
involving RUS loan funds. All design
changes to Agency acceptable designs
must be submitted to the Agency for
acceptance. Optical cable designs not
specifically addressed by this section
may be allowed, if accepted by the
Agency. Justification for acceptance of a
modified design must be provided to
substantiate product utility and long
term stability and endurance. For
information on how to obtain the
Agency’s acceptance of cables, refer to
the product acceptance procedures
available at https://www.usda.gov/rus/
telecom/listing_procedures/
index_listing_procedures.htm as well as
RUS Bulletin 345–3.
(10) The Agency intends that the
optical fibers contained in the cables
meeting the requirement of this section
have characteristics that will allow
signals, having a range of wavelengths,
to be carried simultaneously.
(11) The manufacturer is responsible
to establish a quality assurance system
meeting industry standards described in
paragraph 1.8 of ICEA S–110–717
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)).
(12) The cable made must meet
paragraph 1.10 of ICEA S–110–717
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)).
(b) Optical Fibers.
(1) The solid glass optical fibers must
consist of a cylindrical core and
cladding covered by either an
ultraviolet-cured acrylate or other
suitable coating. Each fiber must be
continuous throughout its length.
(2) Optical fibers must meet the fiber
attributes of Table 2, G.652.B attributes,
of ITU–T Recommendation G.652
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(f)), unless the end user
specifically asks for another type of
fiber. However, when the end user
stipulates a low water peak fiber, the
optical fibers must meet the fiber
attributes of Table 4, G.652.D attributes,
of ITU–T Recommendation G.652; or
when the end user stipulates a low
bending loss fiber, the optical fibers
must meet the fiber attributes of Table
7–1, G.657 class A attributes, of ITU–T
Recommendation G.657 (incorporated
by reference at § 1755.901(f)).
(i) Additionally, optical ribbon fibers
must meet paragraph 3.3, Optical Fiber
Ribbons, of Part 3 of ICEA S–110–717
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)).
(ii) [Reserved]
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(3) Multimode fibers. Optical fibers
must meet the requirements of
paragraphs 2.1 and 2.3.1 of ANSI/ICEA
S–87–640 (incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)).
(4) Matched Cable. Unless otherwise
specified by the buyer, all single mode
fiber cables delivered to an Agencyfinanced project must be manufactured
to the same MFD specification.
However, notwithstanding the
requirements indicated in paragraphs
(d)(2) and (d)(3) of this section, the
maximum MFD tolerance allowed for
cables meeting the requirements of this
section must be of a magnitude meeting
the definition of ‘‘matched cable,’’ as
defined in paragraph (b) of § 1755.900.
With the use of cables meeting this
definition the user can reasonably
expect that the average bi-directional
loss of a fusion splice to be ≤0.1 dB.
(5) Buyers will normally specify the
MFD for the fibers in the cable. When
a buyer does not specify the MFD at
1310 nm, the fibers must be
manufactured to an MFD of 9.2 μm with
a maximum tolerance range of ±0.5 μm
(362 ± 20 microinch), unless the buyer
agrees to accept cable with fibers
specified to a different MFD. When the
buyer does specify a MFD and tolerance
conflicting with the MFD maximum
tolerance allowed by paragraph (d)(4) of
this section, the requirements of
paragraph (d)(4) must prevail.
(6) Factory splices are not allowed.
(7) All optical fibers in any single
length of cable must be of the same type
unless otherwise specified by end user.
(8) Optical fiber dimensions and data
reporting must be as required by
paragraph 7.13.1.1 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–
640 (incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)).
(c) Buffers/Coating.
(1) The optical fibers contained in a
buffer tube (loose tube) loosely
packaged must have a clearance
between the fibers and the inside of the
container sufficient to allow for thermal
expansions without constraining the
fibers. The protective container must be
manufactured from a material having a
coefficient of friction sufficiently low to
allow the fibers free movement. The
design may contain more than one tube.
Loose buffer tubes must meet the
requirements of Paragraph 3.2.1, Loose
Buffer Tube Dimensions, of Part 3 of
ICEA S–110–717 (incorporated by
reference at § 1755.901(c)).
(2) The loose tube coverings of each
color and other fiber package types
removed from the finished cable must
meet the following shrinkback and cold
bend performance requirements. The
fibers may be left in the tube.
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20573
(i) Shrinkback: Testing must be
conducted per ASTM D 4565
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(d)), paragraph 14.1, using a
talc bed at a temperature of 95 °C.
Shrinkback must not exceed 5 percent
of the original 150 millimeter length of
the specimen. The total shrinkage of the
specimen must be measured.
(ii) Cold Bend: Testing must be
conducted on at least one tube from
each color in the cable. Stabilize the
specimen to ¥20 ± 1 °C for a minimum
of four hours. While holding the
specimen and mandrel at the test
temperature, wrap the tube in a tight
helix ten times around a mandrel with
a diameter the greater of five times the
tube diameter or 50 mm. The tube must
show no evidence of cracking when
observed with normal or corrected-tonormal vision.
(3) Optical fiber coating must meet the
requirements of paragraph 2.4, Optical
Fiber Coatings and Requirements, of
Part 2 of ICEA S–110–717 (incorporated
by reference at § 1755.901(c)).
(i) All protective coverings in any
single length of cable must be
continuous and be of the same material
except at splice locations.
(ii) The protective coverings must be
free from holes, splits, blisters, and
other imperfections and must be as
smooth and concentric as is consistent
with the best commercial practice.
(iii) Repairs to the fiber coatings are
not allowed.
(d) Fiber and Buffer Tube
Identification. Fibers within a unit and
the units within a cable must be
identified as indicated in paragraphs 4.2
and 4.3 of Part 4 of ICEA S–110–717
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)), respectively.
(e) Strength Members.
(1) Combined strength of all the
strength members must be sufficient to
support the stress of installation and to
protect the cable in service. Strength
members must meet paragraph 4.4,
Strength Members, of ICEA S–110–717
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)). Self supporting aerial
cables using the strength members as an
integral part of the cable strength must
comply with paragraph C.4, Static
Tensile Testing of Aerial SelfSupporting Cables, of ANNEX C of ICEA
S–110–717.
(2) Strength members may be
incorporated into the core as a central
support member or filler, as fillers
between the fiber packages, as an
annular serving over the core, as an
annular serving over the intermediate
jacket, embedded in the outer jacket or
as a combination of any of these
methods.
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(3) The central support member or
filler must contain no more than one
splice per kilometer of cable. Individual
fillers placed between the fiber packages
and placed as annular servings over the
core must contain no more than one
splice per kilometer of cable. Cable
sections having central member or filler
splices must meet the same physical
requirements as un-spliced cable
sections.
(4) Notwithstanding what has been
indicated in other parts of this
document, in each length of completed
cable having a metallic central member,
the dielectric strength between the
optional armor and the metallic center
member must withstand at least 15
kilovolts direct current for 3 seconds.
(f) Forming the Cable Core.
(1) Protected fibers must be assembled
with the optional central support
member and strength members in such
a way as to form a cylindrical group or
other acceptable core constructions and
must meet Section 4.5, Assembly of
Cables, of Part 4 of ICEA S–110–717
(incorporated by reference at
1755.901(c)). Other acceptable cable
cores include round, figure 8, flat or
oval designs.
(2) The standard cylindrical group or
core designs must consist of 12 fibers or
less.
(3) When threads or tapes are used as
core binders, they must be colored
either white or natural and must be a
non-hygroscopic and non-wicking
dielectric material. Water swell-able
threads and tapes are permitted.
(g) Filling/Flooding Compounds and
Water Blocking Elements.
(1) To prevent the ingress and
migration of water through the cable
and core, filling/flooding compounds or
water blocking elements must be used.
(i) Filling compounds must be applied
into the interior of the loose fiber tubes
and into the interstices of the core.
When a core wrap is used, the filling
compound must also be applied to the
core wrap, over the core wrap and
between the core wrap and inner jacket
when required.
(ii) Flooding compounds must be
sufficiently applied between the
optional inner jacket and armor and
between the armor and outer jacket so
that voids and air spaces in these areas
are minimized. The use of floodant
between the armor and outer jacket is
not required when uniform bonding, per
paragraph l(9) of this section, is
achieved between the plastic-clad armor
and the outer jacket. Floodant must
exhibit adhesive properties sufficient to
prevent jacket slip when tested per the
requirements of paragraphs 7.26 through
7.26.2 of Part 7, Testing, Test Methods,
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and Requirements, of ANSI/ICEA S–87–
640 (incorporated by reference at
1755.901(c)).
(iii) Water blocking elements must
achieve equal or better performance in
preventing the ingress and migration of
water as compared to filling and
flooding compounds. In lieu of a
flooding compound, water blocking
elements may be applied between the
optional inner jacket and armor and
between the armor and outer jacket to
prevent water migration. The use of the
water blocking elements between the
armor and outer jacket is not required
when uniform bonding, per paragraph
(l)(10) of this section, is achieved
between the plastic-clad armor and the
outer jacket.
(2) The materials must be
homogeneous and uniformly mixed; free
from dirt, metallic particles and other
foreign matter; easily removed; nontoxic
and present no dermal hazards.
(3) The individual cable manufacturer
must satisfy the Agency that the filling
compound or water blocking elements
selected for use is suitable for its
intended application.
(i) Filling/Flooding compound
materials must be compatible with the
cable components when tested per
paragraph 7.16, Material Compatibility
and Cable Aging Test, of Part 7 of ICEA
S–110–717 (incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)).
(ii) Water blocking elements must be
compatible with the cable components
when tested per paragraph 7.16,
Material Compatibility and Cable Aging
Test, of Part 7 of ICEA S–110–717
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)).
(h) Core Wrap (Optional).
(1) At the option of the manufacturer,
one or more layers of non-hygroscopic
and non-wicking dielectric material may
be applied with an overlap over the
core.
(2) The core wrap(s) can be used to
provide a heat barrier to prevent
deformation or adhesion between the
fiber tubes or can be used to contain the
core.
(3) When core wraps are used,
sufficient filling compound must be
applied to the core wraps so that voids
or air spaces existing between the core
wraps and between the core and the
inner side of the core wrap are
minimized.
(i) Inner Jacket (Optional).
(1) Inner jackets may be applied
directly over the core or over the
strength members. Inner jackets are
optional.
(2) The inner jacket material and test
requirements must be the same as for
the outer jacket material per paragraph
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(n) of this section, except that either
black or natural polyethylene may be
used. In the case of natural
polyethylene, the requirements for
absorption coefficient and the inclusion
of furnace black are waived.
(j) Armor (Optional).
(1) A steel armor, plastic coated on
both sides, is recommended for direct
buried service entrance cable in gopher
areas. Armor is also optional for duct
and aerial cable as required by the end
user. The plastic coated steel armor
must be applied longitudinally directly
over the core wrap or the intermediate
jacket and must have an overlapping
edge.
(2) The uncoated steel tape must be
electrolytic chrome coated steel (ECCS)
with a thickness of 0.155 ± 0.015
millimeters.
(3) The reduction in thickness of the
armoring material due to the corrugating
or application process must be kept to
a minimum and must not exceed 10
percent at any spot.
(4) The armor of each length of cable
must be electrically continuous with no
more than one joint or splice allowed
per kilometer of cable. This requirement
does not apply to a joint or splice made
in the raw material by the raw material
manufacturer.
(5) The breaking strength of any
section of an armor tape, containing a
factory splice joint, must not be less
than 80 percent of the breaking strength
of an adjacent section of the armor of
equal length without a joint.
(6) For cables containing no floodant
over the armor, the overlap portions of
the armor tape must be bonded in cables
having a flat, non-corrugated armor to
meet the requirements of paragraphs
(r)(1) and (r)(2) of this section. If the
tape is corrugated, the overlap portions
of the armor must be sufficiently
bonded and the corrugations must be
sufficiently in register to meet the
requirements of paragraphs (r)(1) and
(r)(2) of this section.
(7) The armor tape must be so applied
as to enable the cable to meet the testing
requirements of paragraphs (r)(1) and
(r)(2) of this section.
(8) The protective coating on the steel
armor must meet the Bonding-to-Metal,
Heat Sealability, Lap-Shear and
Moisture Resistance requirements of
Type I, Class 2 coated metals per ASTM
B 736 (incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(d)).
(9) When the jacket is bonded to the
plastic coated armor, the bond between
the plastic coated armor and the outer
jacket must not be less than 525
Newtons per meter over at least 90
percent of the cable circumference when
tested per ASTM D 4565 (incorporated
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by reference at § 1755.901(d)). For
cables with strength members
embedded in the jacket, and residing
directly over the armor, the area of the
armor directly under the strength
member is excluded from the 90 percent
calculation.
(k) Optional Support Messenger
(Aerial Cable).
(1) Integrated messenger(s) for selfsupporting cable must provide adequate
strength to operate under the
appropriate weather loading conditions
over the maximum specified span.
(2) Based on the storm loading
districts referenced in Section 25,
Loading of Grades B and C, of ANSI/
IEEE C2–2007 (incorporated by
reference at § 1755.901(b)), and the
maximum span and location of cable
installation provided by the end user,
the manufacturer must provide a cable
design with sag and tension tables
showing the maximum span and sag
information for that particular
installation. The information included
must be for Rule B, Ice and Wind
Loading, and when applicable,
information on Rule 250C, Extreme
Wind Loading. Additionally, to ensure
the proper ground clearance, typically a
minimum of 4.7 m (15.5 feet) the end
user should factor in the maximum sag
under loaded conditions as well as
height of attachment for each
application.
(l) Outer Jacket.
(1) The outer jacket must provide the
cable with a tough, flexible, protective
covering which can withstand exposure
to sunlight, to atmosphere temperatures
and to stresses reasonably expected in
normal installation and service.
(2) The jacket must be free from holes,
splits, blisters, or other imperfections,
and must be as smooth and concentric
as is consistent with the best
commercial practice.
(3) Jacket materials must meet the
stipulations of paragraph 5.4 of ANSI/
ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by
reference at § 1755.901(c)), except that
the concentration of furnace black does
not necessarily need to be initially
contained in the raw material and may
be added later during the jacket making
process. Jacket thickness must have a
0.50 mm minimum thickness over the
core or over any radial strength member
used as the primary strength element(s),
0.20 mm when not used as the primary
strength member, and 0.30 mm over any
optional toning elements.
(4) Jacket Repairs must meet the
stipulations of paragraph 5.5, Jacket
Repairs, of ICEA S–110–717
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)).
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(5) Jacket Testing: The jacket must be
tested to determine compliance with
requirements of this section. The
specific tests for the jacket are described
in paragraphs 7.6 through 7.11.2 of Part
7, Testing, Test Methods, and
Requirements, of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)).
(m) Sheath Slitting Cord (Optional).
(1) A sheath slitting cord is optional.
(2) When a sheath slitting cord is used
it must be non-hygroscopic and nonwicking, or be rendered such by the
filling or flooding compound,
continuous throughout a length of cable
and of sufficient strength to open the
sheath over at least a one meter length
without breaking the cord at a
temperature of 23 ± 5 °C.
(n) Identification and Length Markers.
(1) Each length of cable must be
permanently labeled OPTICAL CABLE,
OC, OPTICAL FIBER CABLE, or OF on
the outer jacket and identified as to
manufacturer and year of manufacture.
(2) Each length of cable intended for
direct burial installation must be
marked with a telephone handset in
compliance with the requirements of the
Rule 350G of ANSI/IEEE C2–2007
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(b)).
(3) Mark the number of fibers on the
jacket.
(4) The identification and date
marking must conform to paragraph 6.1,
Identification and Date Marking, of
ICEA S–110–717 (incorporated by
reference at § 1755.901(c)).
(5) The length marking must conform
to paragraph 6.3, Length Marking, of
ICEA S–110–717 (incorporated by
reference at § 1755.901(c)).
(o) Optical Performance of a Finished
Cable.
(1) Unless otherwise specified by the
end user, the optical performance of a
finished cable must comply with the
attributes of Table 2, G.652.B attributes,
found in ITU Recommendation G.652
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(f)). However, when the end
user stipulates a low water peak fiber
the finished cable must meet the
attributes of Table 4, G.652.D attributes,
found in ITU–T Recommendation
G.652; or when the end user stipulates
a low bending loss fiber, the finished
cable must meet the attributes of Table
7–1, class A attributes, of ITU–T
Recommendation G.657 (incorporated
by reference at § 1755.901(f)).
(i) The attenuation methods must be
per Table 8.4, Optical attenuation
measurement methods, of ANSI/ICEA
S–87–640 (incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)).
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(ii) The cable must have a maximum
attenuation of 0.1 dB at a point of
discontinuity (a localized deviation of
the optical fiber loss). Per paragraphs
8.4 and 8.4.1 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)), measurements must be
conducted at 1310 and 1550 nm, and at
1625 nm when specified by the end
user.
(iii) The cable cutoff wavelength (gcc)
must be reported per paragraph 8.5.1 of
ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by
reference at § 1755.901(c)).
(2) Multimode Optical Fiber Cable.
Unless otherwise specified by the end
user, the optical performance of the
fibers in a finished cable must comply
with Table 8.1, Attenuation coefficient
performance requirement (dB/km),
Table 8.2, Multimode bandwidth
coefficient performance requirements
(MHz-km), and Table 8.3, Points
discontinuity acceptance criteria (d), of
ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by
reference at § 1755.901(c)).
(3) Because the accuracy of
attenuation measurements for single
mode fibers becomes questionable when
measured on short cable lengths,
attenuation measurements are to be
made utilizing characterization cable
lengths. Master Cable reels must be
tested and the attenuation values
measured will be used for shorter ship
lengths of cable.
(4) Because the accuracy of
attenuation measurements for
multimode fibers becomes questionable
when measured on short cable lengths,
attenuation measurements are to be
made utilizing characterization cable
lengths. If the ship length of cable is less
than one kilometer, the attenuation
values measured on longer lengths of
cable (characterization length of cable)
before cutting to the ship lengths of
cable may be applied to the ship
lengths.
(5) Attenuation must be measured per
Table 8.4, Optical Attenuation
Measurement Methods, ANSI/ICEA S–
87–640 (incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)).
(6) The bandwidth of multimode
fibers in a finished cable must be no less
than the values specified in Table 8.2
per paragraph 8.3.1 of ANSI/ICEA S–
87–640 (incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)).
(p) Mechanical Requirements.
(1) Cable Testing: Cable designs must
meet the requirements of Part 7, Testing
and Test Methods, of ICEA S–110–717
(incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)), except for paragraph 7.15
applicable to tight tube fibers.
(2) Bend Test: All cables
manufactured must meet the ‘‘Cable
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Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 85 / Tuesday, May 5, 2009 / Rules and Regulations
Low and High Temperature Bend Test’’
described in Section 7.21 (paragraphs
7.21, 7.21.1, and 7.21.2) of ANSI/ICEA
S–87–640 (incorporated by reference at
§ 1755.901(c)).
(q) Pre-connectorized Cable
(Optional).
(1) At the option of the manufacturer
and upon request by the end user, the
cable may be factory terminated with
connectors.
(2) All connectors must be accepted
by the Agency prior to their use. For
information on how to obtain the
Agency’s acceptance, refer to the
product acceptance procedures
available at https://www.usda.gov/rus/
telecom/listing_procedures/
index_listing_procedures.htm as well as
RUS Bulletin 345–3.
(r) Acceptance Testing and Extent of
Testing.
(1) The tests described in this section
are intended for acceptance of cable
designs and major modifications of
accepted designs. What constitutes a
major modification is at the discretion
of the Agency. These tests are intended
to show the inherent capability of the
manufacturer to produce cable products
that have satisfactory performance
characteristics, long life, and long-term
optical stability, but are not intended as
field tests. For information on how to
obtain the Agency’s acceptance, refer to
the product acceptance procedures
available at https://www.usda.gov/rus/
telecom/listing_procedures/
index_listing_procedures.htm as well as
RUS Bulletin 345–3.
(2) For initial acceptance, the
manufacturer must submit:
(i) An original signature certification
that the product fully complies with
each paragraph of this section;
(ii) Qualification Test Data for
demonstrating that the cable meets the
requirements of this section;
(iii) A set of instructions for handling
the cable;
(iv) OSHA Material Safety Data Sheets
for all components;
(v) Agree to periodic plant
inspections;
(vi) Agency’s ‘‘Buy American’’
Requirements. For each cable for which
the Agency acceptance is requested, the
manufacturer must include a
certification stating whether the cable
complies with the following two
domestic origin manufacturing
provisions:
(A) Final assembly or manufacture of
the product, as the product would be
used by an Agency’s borrower, is
completed in the United States or
eligible countries. For a list of eligible
countries, see https://www.usda.gov/rus/
telecom/publications/eligible.htm; and
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Jkt 217001
(B) The cost of United States and
eligible countries’ components (in any
combination) within the product is
more than 50 percent of the total cost of
all components utilized in the product.
The cost of non-domestic components
(components not manufactured within
the United States or eligible countries)
which are included in the finished
product must include all duties, taxes,
and delivery charges to the point of
assembly or manufacture;
(vii) Written user testimonials
concerning performance of the product;
and
(viii) Other nonproprietary data
deemed necessary by the Chief,
Technical Support Branch
(Telecommunications).
(3) For continued Agency product
acceptance, the manufacturer must
submit an original signature
certification that the product fully
complies with each paragraph of this
section and a certification stating
whether the cable meets the two
domestic provisions of paragraph
(t)(2)(vi) above for acceptance by
January every three years. The
certification must be based on test data
showing compliance with the
requirements of this section. The test
data must have been gathered within 90
days of the submission and must be kept
on files per paragraph (u)(1).
(4) Initial and re-qualification
acceptance requests should be
addressed to: Chairman, Technical
Standards Committee ‘‘A’’
(Telecommunications), STOP 1550,
Advanced Services Division, Rural
Development Utilities Program,
Washington, DC 20250–1550.
(s) Records of Optical and Physical
Tests.
(1) Each manufacturer must maintain
suitable summary records for a period of
at least 3 years of all optical and
physical tests required on completed
cable manufactured under the
requirement of this section. The test
data for a particular reel must be in a
form that it may be readily available to
the Agency upon request. The optical
data must be furnished to the end user
on a suitable and easily readable form.
(2) Measurements and computed
values must be rounded off to the
number of places or figures specified for
the requirement per paragraph 1.3 of
ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by
reference at § 1755.901(c)).
(t) Manufacturing Irregularities.
(1) Repairs to the armor, when
present, are not permitted in cable
supplied to the end user under the
requirement of this section. The armor
for each length of cable must be tested
for continuity using the procedures of
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ASTM D 4566 (incorporated by
reference at § 1755.901(d)).
(2) Minor defects in the inner and
outer jacket (defects having a dimension
of 3 millimeter or less in any direction)
may be repaired by means of heat fusing
per good commercial practices utilizing
sheath grade compounds.
(3) Buffer tube repair is permitted
only in conjunction with fiber splicing.
(u) Packaging and Preparation for
Shipment.
(1) All cables must comply with
paragraph 6.5, Packaging and Marking,
of ICEA S–110–717 (incorporated by
reference at § 1755.901(c)).
(2) For cables shipped on reels a
circumferential thermal wrap or other
means of protection complying with
section (w)(3) of this section must be
secured between the outer edges of the
reel flange to protect the cable against
damage during storage and shipment.
This requirement applies to reels
weighing more that 75 lbs. The thermal
wrap is optional for reels weighing 75
lbs or less.
(3) The thermal wrap must meet the
requirements included in the Thermal
Reel Wrap Test, described below in
paragraphs (w)(3)(i) and (w)(3)(ii) of this
section. This test procedure is for
qualification of initial and subsequent
changes in thermal reel wraps.
(i) Sample Selection. All testing must
be performed on two 450 millimeter (18
inches) lengths of cable removed
sequentially from the same fiber
jacketed cable. This cable must not have
been exposed to temperatures in excess
of 38 °C (100 °F) since its initial cool
down after sheathing.
(ii) Test Procedure.
(A) Place the two samples on an
insulating material such as wood.
(B) Tape thermocouples to the jackets
of each sample to measure the jacket
temperature.
(C) Cover one sample with the
thermal reel wrap.
(D) Expose the samples to a radiant
heat source capable of heating the
uncovered sample to a minimum of 71
°C (160 °F). A GE 600 watt photoflood
lamp or an equivalent lamp having the
light spectrum approximately that of the
sun must be used.
(E) The height of the lamp above the
jacket must be 380 millimeters (15
inches) or an equivalent height that
produces the 71 °C (160 °F) jacket
temperature on the unwrapped sample
must be used.
(F) After the samples have stabilized
at the temperature, the jacket
temperatures of the samples must be
recorded after one hour of exposure to
the heat source.
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(G) Compute the temperature
difference between jackets.
(H) The temperature difference
between the jacket with the thermal reel
wrap and the jacket without the reel
wrap must be greater than or equal to
17 °C (63 °F).
(4) Cable must be sealed at the ends
to prevent entrance of moisture.
(5) The end-of-pull (outer end) of the
cable must be securely fastened to
prevent the cable from coming loose
during transit. The start-of-pull (inner
end) of the cable must project through
a slot in the flange of the reel, around
an inner riser, or into a recess on the
flange near the drum and fastened in
such a way to prevent the cable from
becoming loose during installation.
(6) Spikes, staples or other fastening
devices must be used in a manner
which will not result in penetration of
the cable.
(7) The minimum size arbor hole must
be 44.5 mm (1.75 inch) and must admit
a spindle without binding.
(8) Each reel must be plainly marked
to indicate the direction in which it
should be rolled to prevent loosening of
the cable on the reel.
(9) Each reel must be stenciled or
lettered with the name of the
manufacturer.
(10) The following information must
be either stenciled on the reel or on a
tag firmly attached to the reel: Optical
Cable, Type and Number of Fibers,
Armored or Nonarmored, Year of
Manufacture, Name of Cable
Manufacturer, Length of Cable, Reel
Number, REA 7 CFR 1755.903.
Example: Optical Cable, G.657 class
A, 4 fibers, Armored. XYZ Company,
1050 meters, Reel Number 3, REA 7 CFR
1755.903.
(11) When pre-connectorized cable is
shipped, the splicing modules must be
protected to prevent damage during
shipment and handling.
Dated: March 27, 2009.
James R. Newby,
Acting Administrator, Rural Utilities Service.
[FR Doc. E9–9763 Filed 5–4–09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–15–P
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
13 CFR Part 121
RIN 3245–AF96
Small Business Size Standards;
Temporary Alternative Size Standards
for 7(a) Business Loan Program
AGENCY:
Small Business Administration
(SBA).
VerDate Nov<24>2008
22:59 May 04, 2009
Jkt 217001
ACTION: Interim final rule with request
for comments.
SUMMARY: The U.S. Small Business
Administration (SBA) is temporarily
amending the size eligibility criteria for
loan assistance provided under its 7(a)
Business Loan Program. This rule
temporarily establishes the same
alternative small business size standard
that applies to SBA’s Certified
Development Company (CDC) Program.
The U.S. Congress passed and the
President signed the American Recovery
and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery
Act). The purposes and goals of the
Recovery Act are to promote economic
recovery and to preserve and create jobs.
SBA prepared this rule as an interim
final rule, effective immediately,
because it will help alleviate the
pressing needs of many small
businesses for financial assistance in the
current economic environment.
DATES: Effective Dates: This rule is
effective on May 5, 2009.
Comment Date: Comments on the
interim final rule must be received on
or before August 3, 2009.
Applicability Dates: This rule applies
to all 7(a) loan applications approved
from May 5, 2009 through September
30, 2010.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments,
identified by [RIN number 3245–
[INSERT] by any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Mail: Carl J. Jordan, Acting Division
Chief for Size Standards, U.S. Small
Business Administration, 409 3rd Street,
SW., 8th floor, Washington, DC 20416.
• Hand Delivery/Courier: Carl J.
Jordan, Acting Division Chief for Size
Standards, U.S. Small Business
Administration, 409 3rd Street, SW., 8th
Floor, Washington, DC 20416.
All comments will be posted on
https://www.Regulations.gov. If you wish
to include within your comment
confidential business information (CBI)
as defined in the Privacy and Use
Notice/User Notice at https://
www.Regulations.gov and you do not
want that information disclosed, you
must submit the comment by either mail
or hand delivery, and you must address
the comment to the attention of Carl J.
Jordan, Acting Division Chief for Size
Standards. In the submission, you must
highlight the information that you
consider is CBI and explain why you
believe this information should be held
confidential. SBA will make the final
determination, in its discretion, of
whether the information is CBI and,
therefore, will not be published.
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
size standard questions please contact
Carl J. Jordan, Acting Division Chief for
Size Standards, (202) 205–6093,
carl.jordan@sba.gov. For finance
questions please contact Grady
Hedgespeth, Director, Office of
Financial Assistance, (202) 205–7562,
grady.hedgespeth@sba.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background Information
The American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery
Act), Public Law 111–05 was enacted on
February 17, 2009, to among other
things, promote economic recovery by
preserving and creating jobs, and to
assist those most impacted by the severe
economic conditions facing the nation.
SBA is one of several agencies that are
intended to play a role in achieving
these goals. SBA received funding and
authority through the Recovery Act to
modify its existing loan programs or
establish new loan programs to help reinvigorate small business lending.
SBA’s actions will increase access to
affordable credit for small businesses
through the agency’s 7(a) and 504 loan
programs, unfreeze the secondary
market for SBA guaranteed loans, help
small businesses struggling with
existing debt, and allow greater
investment in high-growth small
businesses. The changes to SBA’s
programs by the Recovery Act include
the following: (1) Temporary reduction
or elimination of fees in the 7(a) and 504
loan guarantee programs; (2) temporary
authorization of up to a 90 percent
guarantee on most 7(a) loans; (3)
creation of a temporary Secondary
Market Guarantee Authority to provide
a Federal guarantee for pools of first lien
504 loans that are to be sold to thirdparty investors; (4) new authority for
refinancing community development
loans under the 504 program; (5)
revision of the job creation goals of the
504 program; (6) simplification of the
maximum leverage limits and aggregate
investment limits required of Small
Business Investment Companies; (7)
temporary authority to provide loans on
a deferred basis to viable small business
concerns that have a qualifying small
business loan and are experiencing
immediate financial hardship; (8)
temporary increase in the surety bond
maximum amount; and (9)
establishment of a Secondary Market
Lending Authority to make loans to
systemically important broker dealers in
SBA’s 7(a) secondary market.
To achieve its mandate under the
Recovery Act and maximize credit
available through its programs to
E:\FR\FM\05MYR1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 85 (Tuesday, May 5, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 20559-20577]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-9763]
========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each
week.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 85 / Tuesday, May 5, 2009 / Rules and
Regulations
[[Page 20559]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Utilities Service
7 CFR Part 1755
Telecommunications Policies on Specifications, Acceptable
Materials, and Standard Contract Forms
AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service, an agency delivering the United
States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Development Utilities
Programs, hereinafter referred to as USDA Rural Development or the
Agency, is revising its regulation: on fiber optic cable specifications
used by borrowers, their consulting engineers, and cable manufacturers;
updates the specifications to meet current industry standards; includes
additional requirements in the specifications to meet the construction
requirements of fiber-to-the-home construction; clarifies certain
existing definitions; separates the regulation into two distinct
specifications for cables covering backbone and distribution plant, as
well as for service entrance cables covering subscribers' drops; and
includes new definitions.
DATES: Effective Date: This final rule will become effective May 5,
2009
Incorporation by Reference: The incorporation by reference of
certain publications listed in this rule is approved by the Director of
the Federal Register as of May 5, 2009.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Norberto Esteves, Chair, Technical
Standards Committee ``A'' (Telecommunications), Advanced Services
Division, USDA Rural Development Telecommunications Program, STOP 1550,
Washington, DC 20250-1550. Telephone: (202) 720-0699; Fax: (202) 205-
2924; e-mail: norberto.esteves@wdc.usda.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Executive Order 12866
This 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. USDA Rural Development has determined that this
final rule meets the applicable standards provided in section 3 of the
Executive Order. In addition, all state and local laws and regulations
that are in conflict with this proposed rule will be preempted; no
retroactive effect will be given to the rule, and, per section 212(e)
of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C.
6912(e)), administrative appeals procedures, if any are required, must
be exhausted before an action against the Department or its agencies
may be initiated.
Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification
USDA Rural Development 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 standard USDA Rural Development telecommunications loan
documents contain provisions on procurement of products and
construction of telecommunications facilities purchased with loan
funds. This ensures that the telecommunications systems financed with
loan funds are adequate to serve the purposes for which they are to be
constructed and that loan funds are adequately secured. USDA Rural
Development borrowers, as a result of obtaining Federal financing,
receive economic benefits that exceed any direct cost associated with
complying with USDA Rural Development regulations and requirements.
Information Collection and Recordkeeping Requirements
The information collection and recordkeeping requirements contained
in this final rule are cleared under control number 0572-0059 pursuant
to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, as
amended).
Executive Order 13132
This regulation will not have substantial direct effects on the
States, on the relationship between the national government and the
States, or on distribution of power and responsibilities among the
various levels of government. Under Executive Order 13132, this final
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications requiring the
preparation of a Federalism 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. 10.857, Rural Broadband
Access Loans and Loan Guarantees. This catalog is available on a
subscription basis from the Superintendent of Documents, the United
States Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402 or at https://www.cfda.gov. 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. See the final rule-related notice
titled ``Department Programs and Activities Excluded from Executive
Order 12372'' (50 FR 47034), advising that USDA Rural Development
Utilities Programs loans and loan guarantees are excluded from the
scope of Executive Order 12372.
Unfunded Mandates
This final rule contains no Federal Mandates (under the regulatory
provisions of Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2
U.S.C. Chapter 25)) 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 of 1995.
National Environmental Policy Act Certification
The Agency has determined that this final rule will not
significantly affect the quality of the human environment as defined by
the National Environmental
[[Page 20560]]
Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). Therefore, this action
does not require an environmental impact statement or assessment.
Background
On July 17, 2007, the Agency published a proposed rule [72 FR
39028] revising the current requirements for fiber optic cables of 7
CFR 1755.900 codified in 1995. The comment period ended on September
17, 2007. Comments were received from three companies by the due date.
No changes in the regulations requirements have been made, except those
in response to comments received.
This final rule revises the current requirements for fiber optic
cables of 7 CFR 1755.900 codified in 1995 as well as minor editorial
changes. The final rule sets the minimum performance requirements based
on current industry standards. This revision was initiated to resolve
problems the rural telecom industry is experiencing with cables
manufactured under the existing specifications and reported by rural
carriers and their consulting engineers. It addresses the buffer tube
shrinkage caused by storage at low temperatures, which impairs fiber-
to-the-home system performance, and sets new requirements for drop
cables (cables with 12 or fewer fibers operating up to 100 meters (300
feet)).
Cables manufactured to these revised specifications will have lower
average bi-directional loss at fusion splices, about 0.1 decibels (dB)
instead of the 0.2 dB currently required. For fiber-to-the-home
applications the specification requires a maximum mid-span length of
6.1 meters (20 feet) for cables used on mid-span applications with
buffer tube storage. From a polarization mode dispersion standpoint,
the maximum Statistical Parameter of Polarization Mode Dispersion
(PMDQ) of 0.20 Picosecond per nanometer times kilometer (ps/
[radic]km) specified will allow the deployment of higher-speed
transmission systems at longer distances: 3,000 kilometers (km) (1,864
miles) for digital systems operating at 10 Gigabits per second (Gbps)
and 80 km (50 miles) operating at 40 Gbps. These performance
refinements are necessary because end-users deploying cable meeting
this level of performance expect it to deliver high bit rate services
during the useful economic life of these cables.
The comments, recommendations, and responses are summarized as
follows:
The National Telecommunications Cooperative Association (NTCA)
submitted one comment in support of the proposed rulemaking.
Response: Rural Development appreciates the recommendations given
by NTCA to this proposed regulation.
Draka Comteq submitted one comment that addressed the following
issues:
(1) ``To address proper field usage of optical fiber cable, we
recommend adding the following statement in this specification:
Installed cable must be properly terminated. This includes properly
securing rigid strength members (i.e. central strength member) and
clamping the cable and jacket. It is important that cable components be
secured to prevent movement of the cable or components over the
operating conditions. Positive stop central strength member (CSM)
clamps must be used and the CSM must be routed as straight and as short
as practical to prevent bowing or breaking of the CSM. The cable and
jacket retention must be sufficient to prevent jacket slippage over the
operating temperature range.''
Response: The Agency agrees with this comment from Draka Comteq.
The statement has been added to the specification under Sec. 1755.900,
(c)(1)(viii).
(2) ``Section 5, Fiber Optic Service Entrance Cable (1755.901): Due
to the product and application differences, Draka recommends that a
separate specification be used for drop cable. We recommend using the
Rural Development Utilities Programs Specification for Fiber Optic
Service Entrance Cables that was finalized last year. Key drop
specification differences include:
--Midspan tube storage should not be required
--Jacket thickness specifications are different: 0.5 mm minimum
thickness, 0.30 mm over optional toning elements, 0.20 mm over any
radial strength member not used as a primary strength member
--Reel wrap: applies to only reels weighing more than 75 lbs.
--Cable core: cylindrical core is not required (i.e. flat drop cable)
--Figure 8 drop will use a small messenger.''
Response: The Agency agrees with Draka Comteq's comments. Section
1755.901 has been added to make the cable requirements for drop cables
a stand alone section based on the Rural Development Utilities Programs
Specification for Fiber Optic Service Entrance Cables draft
specification.
TRW, Inc., submitted one comment which addressed the items as
follows and expressed its support to the proposed regulation:
1. ``Reference Sec. 1755.900(t)(15) Mid Span Test. Rural Fiber-to-
the-Home systems in low density applications may include as many as 15
to 20 mid-span openings and in much of the USA are exposed to extreme
temperature variations in the outside plant environment. Furthermore,
an adequate length of fiber needs to be available to facilitate
splicing in the confined space of pedestals and splice closures. It is
also known that the various components of fiber cable are made of
several types of materials and when such cables are opened at splice
points the various materials are subject to differential expansion and
contraction. It is essential that fiber optic cable be designed and
proof tested to perform without degradation from temperature cycling
throughout a service life of 20 to 30 years. Therefore, in order not to
jeopardize service due to increased attenuation over the life other
plant, the maximum increase in optical attenuation allowed after cycle
testing should not exceed .1 dB pre mid-span opening as proposed by
RUS.''
Response: The Agency agrees with this comment. It is the Agency's
viewpoint that the buffer tube needs to be designed so no attenuation
losses occur due to micro-bending of the fibers caused by shrinking of
the buffer tube in low temperature conditions that are within the cable
operating temperatures range. The mid-span test has been revised and
now calls for a maximum average loss of 0.05 dB.
2. ``Reference Sec. 1755.900(t)(15)(iv)(c)--Mid-Span Test. For the
reasons stated in the preceding paragraph, the mid-span lengths
specified for testing should not be less than 16 feet as proposed by
RUS.''
Response: The Agency agrees with this comment. The 16-foot mid-span
opening was set originally based on the maximum opening recommended for
use in the Agency accepted pedestals. The Agency has received test data
from various manufacturers that performed this mid-span test using a
20-foot mid-span opening. To allow a buffer, the specification has been
changed to allow only a minimum mid-span opening of 20 feet.
3. ``Reference Sec. 1755.900(t)(15)(iv)(E)--Mid-Span Test. For the
reasons stated above the cable sample tested should be subjected to not
less than 5 complete cycles as proposed by RUS.''
Response: The Agency agrees. The Mid-Span Test now calls for 5
complete cycles.
4. ``Reference Sec. 1755.900(b)(15)--Matched Cable: Should the
wavelength 1310, 1550 nm or both be stated?''
Response: No, by not stating the wavelength, the requirement
applies to
[[Page 20561]]
both the 1310 nm MFD and 1550 nm MFD.
5. ``Reference Sec. 1755.900(b)(15)--Matched Cable: Is the average
bi-directional loss of .1 dB, expected at 1310 nm, 1550 nm, or both?
This question will come up as actual splice data is evaluated in the
field.''
Response: At both wavelengths, however, the fiber normally is
tested at the wavelength that will be used for transmission. For local
loop applications splice loss measurements should be conducted at 1310
nm since losses measured at this wavelength are generally higher than
losses measured at 1510 nm. For long haul application using non-zero-
dispersion shifted fiber cable, such as ITU G.655 fiber, the splice
loss measurement should be conducted at 1510 nm. The average bi-
directional loss of a fusion splice to be <= 0.1 dB is a goal and not
every splice needs to meet this goal as long as the total budget loss
for the link is met.
6. ``Reference Sec. 1755.900(c)(4)--ADSS cables. Per NESC C2-2007,
Table 232-1, the typical minimum sagged ground clearance should be
stated as 4.7 m (15.5 feet) rather than 4.3 m (14 feet) as proposed.''
Response: The ``typical minimum sagged'' ground clearance has been
changed to 4.7 m (15.5 feet).
7. ``Reference Sec. 1755.900(g)(3)--Optical Fiber Ribbon: There
appears to be a typographical error in the paragraph, ``manufactures''
should be ``manufacturer.''
Response: A correction was made.
8. Reference Sec. 1755.900(o) --Armor. Typographical errors,
``mills'' should be ``mils.''
Response: A correction was made.
9. ``Reference Sec. 1755.900(s)(1)--Zero Dispersion Optical Fiber
Cable. Typographical errors, should be ``Table2/G.652.B'' and ``Table4/
G.652.D.''
Response: A correction was made.
10. Reference Sec. 1755.900(y)(1)--Packaging * * * Typographical
error, ``continues'' should be ``continuous.''
Response: A correction was made.
11. Clarification of definitions.
Response: The Agency has added language to indicate reference
materials available online and in a bulletin format on the Agency
acceptance process and has added the definitions of the ``List of
Acceptable Materials'' and ``Accept/Acceptance.'' Additionally, the
definition of ``polarization mode dispersion'' was revised for clarity
and the definition of ``birefringence'' has been defined separately,
rather than being incorporated into the definition of polarization mode
dispersion.
List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 1755
Incorporation by reference, Loan programs--communications,
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Rural areas,
Telecommunications, Telephone.
0
For reasons set forth in the preamble, chapter XVII of title 7 of the
Code of Federal Regulations, is amended as follows:
PART 1755--TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICIES ON SPECIFICATIONS,
ACCEPTABLE MATERIALS, AND STANDARD CONTRACT FORMS
0
1. The heading of part 1755 is revised to read as set out above.
0
2. 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.
0
3. Section 1755.900 is revised and Sec. Sec. 1755.901, 1755.902, and
1755.903 are added to read as follows:
Sec. 1755.900 Abbreviations and Definitions.
The following abbreviations and definitions apply to Sec. Sec.
1755.901 and 1755.902:
(a) Abbreviations.
(1) ADSS All dielectric self-supporting;
(2) ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials;
(3) [deg]C Centigrade temperature scale;
(4) dB Decibel;
(5) CSM Central strength member;
(6) dB/km Decibels per 1 kilometer;
(7) ECCS Electrolytic chrome coated steel;
(8) EIA Electronic Industries Alliance;
(9) EIA/TIA Electronic Industries Alliance/Telecommunications
Industry Association;
(10) FTTH Fiber-to-the-Home;
(11) Gbps Gigabit per second or Gbit/s;
(12) GE General Electric;
(13) HDPE High density polyethylene;
(14) ICEA Insulated Cable Engineers Association, Inc.;
(15) Km kilometer(s;)
(16) LDPE Low density polyethylene;
(17) m meter(s;)
(18) Max. Maximum;
(19) Mbit Megabits;
(20) MDPE Medium density polyethylene;
(21) MHz-km Megahertz-kilometer;
(22) Min. Minimum;
(23) MFD Mode-Field Diameter;
(24) nm Nanometer(s;)
(25) N Newton(s;)
(26) NA Numerical aperture;
(27) NESC National Electrical Safety Code;
(28) OC Optical cable;
(29) O.D. Outside Diameter;
(30) OF Optical fiber;
(31) OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration;
(32) OTDR Optical Time Domain Reflectometer;
(33) % Percent;
(34) ps/(nm [middot] km) Picosecond per nanometer times kilometer;
(35) ps/(nm\2\ [middot] km) Picosecond per nanometer squared times
kilometer;
(36) PMD Polarization Mode Dispersion;
(37) RUS Rural Utilities Service;
(38) s Second(s);
(39) SI International System (of Units) (From the French
Syst[egrave]me international d'unit[eacute]s); and
(40) [micro]m Micrometer.
(b) Definitions.
(1) Accept; Acceptance means Agency action of providing the
manufacturer of a product with a letter by mail or facsimile that the
Agency has determined that the manufacturer's product meets its
requirements. For information on how to obtain Agency product
acceptance, refer to the procedures listed at https://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/listing_procedures/index_listing_procedures.htm, as well as
additional information in RUS Bulletin 345-3, Acceptance of Standards,
Specifications, Equipment Contract Forms, Manual Sections, Drawings,
Materials and Equipment for the Telephone Program, available for
download at https://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/publications/bulletins.htm.
(2) Agency means the Rural Utilities Service, an Agency which
delivers the United States Department of Agriculture's Rural
Development Utilities Programs.
(3) Armor means a metal tape installed under the outer jacket of
the cable intended to provide mechanical protection during cable
installation and environmental protection against rodents, termites,
etc.
(4) Attenuation means the loss of power as the light travels in the
fiber usually expressed in dB/km.
(5) Bandwidth means the range of signal frequencies that can be
transmitted by a communications channel with defined maximum loss or
distortion. Bandwidth indicates the information-carrying capacity of a
channel.
(6) Birefringence means the decomposition of a pulse of light
entering the fiber into ``two polarized pulses'' traveling at different
velocities due to the different refractive indexes in the polarization
axes in which the electric fields oscillate. Different refractive
indexes in the fiber may be caused by an asymmetric fiber core,
internal manufacturing stresses, or through external stresses from
cabling and installation of the fiber optic cable, such as bending and
twisting.
(7) Cable cutoff wavelength means the shortest wavelength at which
only one mode light can be transmitted in any of the single mode fibers
of an optical fiber cable.
[[Page 20562]]
(8) Chromatic Dispersion means the broadening of a light pulse as
it travels down the length of an optical fiber, resulting in different
spectral components of the light pulse traveling at different speeds,
due to the fact that the index of refraction of the fiber core is
different for different wavelengths.
(9) Cladding means the outer layer of an optical fiber made of
glass or other transparent material that is fused to the fiber core.
The cladding concentrically surrounds the fiber core. It has a lower
refractive index than the core, so light travelling in the fiber is
maintained in the core by internal reflection at the core-cladding
interface.
(10) Core means the central region of an optical waveguide or fiber
which has a higher refractive index than the cladding through which
light is transmitted.
(11) Cutoff Wavelength means, in single mode fiber, the shortest
wavelength at which only the fundamental mode of an optical wavelength
can propagate.
(12) Dielectric Cable means a cable which has neither metallic
members nor other electrically conductive materials or elements.
(13) Differential Group Delay means the arrival time differential
of the two polarized light components of a light pulse traveling
through the optical fiber due to birefringence.
(14) Graded Refractive Index Profile means the refractive index
profile of an optical fiber that varies smoothly with radius from the
center of the fiber to the outer boundary of the cladding.
(15) List of Acceptable Materials means the latest edition of RUS
Informational Publication 344-2, ``List of Materials Acceptable for Use
on Telecommunications Systems of RUS Borrowers.'' This document
contains a convenient listing of products which have been determined to
be acceptable by the Agency. The List of Acceptable Materials is
available on the Internet at https://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/materials/lstomat.htm.
(16) Loose Tube Buffer means the protective tube that loosely
contains the optical fibers within the fiber optic cable, often filled
with suitable water blocking material.
(17) Matched Cable means fiber optic cable manufactured to meet the
requirement of this section for which the calculated splice loss using
the formula below is <=0.06 dB for any two cabled fibers to be spliced.
LOSS (dB) = -10 LOG10 [4/(MFD1/MFD2 +
MFD2/MFD1)\2\],
where subscripts 1 and 2 refer to any two cabled fibers to be
spliced.
(18) Mil means a measurement unit of length indicating one
thousandth of an inch.
(19) Minimum Bending Diameter means the smallest diameter that must
be maintained while bending a fiber optic cable to avoid degrading
cable performance indicated as a multiple of the cable diameter
(Bending Diameter/Cable Diameter).
(20) Mode-Field Diameter means the diameter of the cross-sectional
area of an optical fiber which includes the core and portion of the
cladding where the majority of the light travels in a single mode
fiber.
(21) Multimode Fiber means an optical fiber in which light travels
in more than one bound mode. A multimode fiber may either have a graded
index or step index refractive index profile.
(22) Numerical Aperture (NA) means an optical fiber parameter that
indicates the angle of acceptance of light into a fiber.
(23) Optical Fiber means any fiber made of dielectric material that
guides light.
(24) Optical Point Discontinuities means the localized deviations
of the optical fiber loss characteristic which location and magnitude
may be determined by appropriate OTDR measurements of the fiber.
(25) Optical Waveguide means any structure capable of guiding
optical power. In optical communications, the term generally refers to
a fiber designed to transmit optical signals.
(26) Polarization Mode Dispersion means, for a particular length of
fiber, the average of the differential group delays of the two
polarized components of light pulses traveling in the fiber, when the
light pulses are generated from a sufficient narrow band source. The
differential group delay varies randomly with time and wavelength. The
term PMD is used in the industry in the general sense to indicate the
phenomenon of birefringence (polarized light having different group
velocities), and used specifically to refer to the value of time delay
expected in a specific length of fiber.
(27) PMDQ means the statistical upper bound for the PMD
coefficient of a fiber optic cable link composed of M number of
randomly chosen concatenated fiber optic cable sections of the same
length. The upper bound is defined in terms of a probability level Q,
which is the probability that a concatenated PMD coefficient value
exceeds PMDQ. ITU G recommendations for fiber optic cables
call for M = 20 and Q = 0.01%. This PMDQ value is the one
used in the design of fiber optic links.
(28) Ribbon means a planar array of parallel optical fibers.
(29) Shield means a conductive metal tape placed under the cable
jacket to provide lightning protection, bonding, grounding, and
electrical shielding.
(30) Single Mode Fiber means an optical fiber in which only one
bound mode of light can propagate at the wavelength of interest.
(31) Step Refractive Index Profile means an index profile
characterized by a uniform refractive index within the core, a sharp
decrease in refractive index at the core-cladding interface, and a
uniform refractive index within the cladding.
(32) Tight Tube Buffer means one or more layers of buffer material
tightly surrounding a fiber that is in contact with the coating of the
fiber.
Sec. 1755.901 Incorporation by Reference.
(a) Incorporation by Reference: The materials listed here are
incorporated by reference where noted. These incorporations by
reference were approved by the Director of the Federal Register in
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. These materials are
incorporated as they exist on the date of the approval, and notice of
any change in these materials will be published in the Federal
Register. The materials are available for purchase at the corresponding
addresses noted below. All are available for inspection at the Rural
Development Utilities Programs, during normal business hours at room
2849-S, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone
(202) 720-0699, and e-mail norberto.esteves@wdc.usda.gov. The materials
are also available for inspection at the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of these
materials at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
(b) The American National Standards Institute/Institute of
Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. ANSI/IEEE C2-2007, The
National Electrical Safety Code, 2007 edition, approved April 20, 2006,
(``ANSI/IEEE C2-2007''), incorporation by reference approved for Sec.
1755.902(a), Sec. 1755.902(p), Sec. 1755.903(a), Sec. 1755.903(k)
and Sec. 1755.903(n). ANSI/IEEE C2-2007 is available for purchase from
IEEE Service Center, 445 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854, telephone 1-
800-678-4333 or online at https://standards.ieee.org/nesc/.
(c) The following Insulated Cable Engineers Association standards
are
[[Page 20563]]
available for purchase from the Insulated Cable Engineers, Inc. (ICEA),
P.O. Box 1568, Carrollton, GA 30112 or from Global Engineering
Documents, 15 Iverness Way East, Englewood, CO 80112, telephone 1-800-
854-7179 (USA and Canada) or 303-792-2181 (International), or online at
https://global.ihs.com:
(1) ICEA S-110-717-2003, Standard for Optical Drop Cable, 1st
edition, September 2003 (``ICEA S-110-717''), incorporation by
reference approved for Sec. 1755.903(a), Sec. 1755.903(b), Sec.
1755.903(c), Sec. 1755.903(d), Sec. 1755.903(e), Sec. 1755.903(f),
Sec. 1755.903(g), Sec. 1755.903(l), Sec. 1755.903(n), Sec.
1755.903(p), Sec. 1755.903(u); and
(2) ANSI/ICEA S-87-640-2006, Standard for Optical Fiber Outside
Plant Communications Cable, 4th edition, December 2006 (``ANSI/ICEA S-
87-640''), incorporation by reference approved for Sec. 1755.902(a),
Sec. 1755.902(b), Sec. 1755.902(c), Sec. 1755.902(d), Sec.
1755.902(e), Sec. 1755.902(i), Sec. 1755.902(l), Sec. 1755.902(m),
Sec. 1755.902(n), Sec. 1755.902(p), Sec. 1755.902(q), Sec.
1755.902(r), Sec. 1755.902(u), Sec. 1755.903(b), Sec. 1755.903(g),
Sec. 1755.903(l), Sec. 1755.903(o), Sec. 1755.903(p), and Sec.
1755.903(s).
(d) The following American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
standards are available for purchase from ASTM International, 100 Barr
Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.
Telephone (610) 832-9585, Fax (610) 832-9555, by e-mail at
service@astm.org, or online at https://www.astm.org or from ANSI, 1916
Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, telephone (215) 299-5585, or
online at https://webstore.ansi.org/ansidocstore/default.asp:
(1) ASTM A 640-97, (Reapproved 2002) [epsiv]1, Standard
Specification for Zinc-Coated Steel Strand for Messenger Support of
Figure 8 Cable, approved September 2002 (``ASTM A 640''), incorporation
by reference approved for Sec. 1755.902(n);
(2) ASTM B 736-00, Standard Specification for Aluminum, Aluminum
Alloy and Aluminum-Clad Steel Cable Shielding Stock, approved May 10,
2000 (``ASTM B 736''), incorporation by reference approved for Sec.
1755.902(m) and Sec. 1755.903(j);
(3) ASTM D 4565-99, Standard Test Methods for Physical and
Environmental Performance Properties of Insulations and Jackets for
Telecommunications Wire and Cable, approved March 10, 1999 (``ASTM D
4565''), incorporation by reference approved for Sec. 1755.902(c),
Sec. 1755.902(m), Sec. 1755.903(c) and Sec. 1755.903(j);
(4) ASTM D 4566-98, Standard Test Methods for Electrical
Performance Properties of Insulations and Jackets for
Telecommunications Wire and Cable, approved December 10, 1998 (``ASTM D
4566''), incorporation by reference approved for Sec. 1755.902(f),
Sec. 1755.902(t) and Sec. 1755.903(t); and
(5) ASTM D 4568-99, Standard Test Methods for Evaluating
Compatibility Between Cable Filling and Flooding Compounds and
Polyolefin Wire and Cable Materials, approved April 10, 1999 (``ASTM D
4568''), incorporation by reference approved for Sec. 1755.902(h).
(e) The following Telecommunications Industry Association/
Electronics Industries Association (TIA/EIA) standards are available
from Electronic Industries Association, Engineering Department, 1722
Eye Street, NW., Washington, DC 20006; or from Global Engineering
Documents, 15 Iverness Way East, Englewood, CO 80112, telephone 1-800-
854-7179 (USA and Canada) or (303) 792-2181 (International), or online
at https://global.ihs.com; or from TIA, 2500 Wilson Blvd, Suite 300,
Arlington, VA 22201, telephone 1-800-854-7179 or online https://www.tiaonline.org/standards/catalog:
(1) TIA/EIA Standard 455-3A, FOTP-3, Procedure to Measure
Temperature Cycling on Optical Fibers, Optical Cable, and Other Passive
Fiber Optic Components, approved May 1989, (``TIA/EIA Standard 455-
3A''), incorporation by reference approved for Sec. 1755.902(r).
(2) [Reserved]
(f) The following International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
recommendations may be obtained from ITU, Place des Nations, 1211
Geneva 20, Switzerland, telephone +41 22 730 6141 or online at https://www.itu.int/ITU-T/publications/recs.html:
(1) ITU-T Recommendation G.652, Series G: Transmission Systems and
Media, Digital Systems and Networks, Transmission media
characteristics--Optical fibre cables, Characteristics of a single-mode
optical fibre and cable, approved June 2005 (``ITU-T Recommendation
G.652''), incorporation by reference approved for Sec. 1755.902(b),
Sec. 1755.902(q), Sec. 1755.903(b) and Sec. 1755.903(o);
(2) ITU-T Recommendation G.655, Series G: Transmission Systems and
Media, Digital Systems and Networks, Transmission media
characteristics--Optical fibre cables, Characteristics of a non-zero
dispersion-shifted single-mode optical fibre and cable, approved March
2006 (``ITU-T Recommendation G.655''), incorporation by reference
approved for Sec. 1755.902(b) and Sec. 1755.902(q);
(3) ITU-T Recommendation G.656, Series G: Transmission Systems and
Media, Digital Systems and Networks, Transmission media
characteristics--Optical fibre cables, Characteristics of a fibre and
cable with non-zero dispersion for wideband optical transport, approved
December 2006 (``ITU-T Recommendation G.656''), incorporation by
reference approved for Sec. 1755.902(b) and Sec. 1755.902(q);
(4) ITU-T Recommendation G.657, Series G: Transmission Systems and
Media, Digital Systems and Networks, Transmission media
characteristics--Optical fibre cables, Characteristics of a bending
loss insensitive single mode optical fibre and cable for the access
network, approved December 2006 (``ITU-T Recommendation G.657''),
incorporation by reference approved for Sec. 1755.902(b) and Sec.
1755.902(q); and
(5) ITU-T Recommendation L.58, Series L: Construction, Installation
and Protection of Cables and Other Elements of Outside Plant, Optical
fibre cables: Special Needs for Access Network, approved March 2004
(``ITU-T Recommendation L.58''), incorporation by reference approved
for Sec. 1755.902(a).
Sec. 1755.902 Minimum Performance Specification for Fiber Optic
Cables.
(a) Scope. This section is intended for cable manufacturers, Agency
borrowers, and consulting engineers. It covers the requirements for
fiber optic cables intended for aerial installation either by
attachment to a support strand or by an integrated self-supporting
arrangement, for underground application by placement in a duct, or for
buried installations by trenching, direct plowing, and directional or
pneumatic boring.
(1) General.
(i) Specification requirements are given in SI units which are the
controlling units in this part. Approximate English equivalent of units
are given for information purposes only.
(ii) The optical waveguides are glass fibers having directly-
applied protective coatings, and are called ``fibers,'' herein. These
fibers may be assembled in either loose fiber bundles with a protective
core tube, encased in several protective buffer tubes, in tight buffer
tubes, or ribbon bundles with a protective core tube.
(iii) Fillers, strength members, core wraps, and bedding tapes may
complete the cable core.
(iv) The core or buffer tubes containing the fibers and the
interstices
[[Page 20564]]
between the buffer tubes, fillers, and strength members in the core
structure are filled with a suitable material or water swellable
elements to exclude water.
(v) The cable structure is completed by an extruded overall plastic
jacket. A shield or armor or combination thereof may be included under
the jacket. The jacket may have strength members embedded in it, in
some designs.
(vi) Buried installation requires armor under the outer jacket.
(vii) For self-supporting cable, the outer jacket may be extruded
over the support messenger and cable core.
(viii) Cables for mid-span applications for network access must be
designed for easy mid-span access to the fibers. The manufacturer may
use reversing oscillating stranding (SZ) described in section 6.4 of
ITU-T Recommendation L.58, Construction, Installation and Protection of
Cables and Other Elements of Outside Plant, 2004 (incorporated by
reference at Sec. 1755.901(f)). The cable end user is cautioned that
installed cable must be properly terminated. This includes properly
securing rigid strength members (i.e., central strength member) and
clamping the cable and jacket. It is important that cable components be
secured to prevent movement of the cable or components over the
operating conditions. Central strength member (CSM) clamps must prevent
movement of the CSM; positive stop CSM clamps are recommended. The CSM
must be routed as straight and as short as practical to prevent bowing
or breaking of the CSM. The cable and jacket retention must be
sufficient to prevent jacket slippage over the operating temperature
range.
(2) The normal temperature ranges for cables must meet paragraph
1.1.3 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640, Standard for Optical Fiber Outside Plant
Communications Cable (incorporated by reference at Sec. 1755.901(c)).
(3) Tensile Rating. The standard installation tensile rating for
cables is 2670 N (600 1bf), unless installation involves micro type
cables that utilize less stress related methods of installation, i.e.,
blown micro-fiber cable or All-Dielectric Self-Supporting (ADSS) cables
(see paragraph (c)(4) of this section).
(4) ADSS and Other Self-Supporting Cables. Based on the storm
loading districts referenced in Section 25, Loading of Grades B and C,
of ANSI/IEEE C2-2007, National Electrical Safety Code, 2007
(incorporated by reference at Sec. 1755.901(b)) and the maximum span
and location of cable installation provided by the end user, the
manufacturer must provide a cable design with sag and tension tables
showing the maximum span and sag information for that particular
installation. The information included must be for Rule B, Ice and Wind
Loading, and when applicable, information on Rule 250C, Extreme Wind
Loading. Additionally, to ensure the proper ground clearance, typically
a minimum of 4.7 m (15.5 feet), the end user should factor in the
maximum sag under loaded conditions, as well as, height of attachment
for each application.
(5) Minimum Bend Diameter. For cable under loaded and unloaded
conditions, the cable must have the minimum bend diameters indicated in
paragraph 1.1.5, Minimum Bend Diameter, of the ANSI/ICEA S-87-640
(incorporated by reference at Sec. 1755.901(c)). For very small
cables, manufacturers may specify fixed cable minimum bend diameters
that are independent of the outside diameter. For cables having a non-
circular cross-section, the bend diameter is to be determined using the
thickness of the cable associated with the preferential bending axis.
(6) The cable is fully color coded so that each fiber is
distinguishable from every other fiber. A basic color scheme of twelve
colors allows individual fiber identification. Colored tubes, binders,
threads, strippings, or markings provide fiber group identification.
(7) Cables must demonstrate compliance with the qualification
testing requirements of this section to ensure satisfactory end-use
performance characteristics for the intended applications.
(8) Optical cable designs not specifically addressed by this
section may be allowed if accepted by the Agency. Justification for
acceptance of a modified design must be provided to substantiate
product utility and long term stability and endurance. For information
on how to obtain Agency product acceptance, refer to the procedures
listed at https://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/listing_procedures/index_listing_procedures.htm, as well as additional information in RUS
Bulletin 345-3, Acceptance of Standards, Specifications, Equipment
Contract Forms, Manual Sections, Drawings, Materials and Equipment for
the Telephone Program (hereinafter ``RUS Bulletin 345-3''), available
for download at https://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/publications/bulletins.htm.
(9) All cables sold to RUS telecommunications borrowers for
projects involving RUS loan funds must be accepted by the Agency's
Technical Standards Committee ``A'' (Telecommunications). Any design
change to existing acceptable designs must be submitted to the Agency
for acceptance. As stated in paragraph 8 above, refer to the procedures
listed at https://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/listing_procedures/index_listing_procedures.htm as well as RUS Bulletin 345-3.
(10) The Agency intends that the optical fibers contained in the
cables meeting the requirements of this section have characteristics
that will allow signals having a range of wavelengths to be carried
simultaneously.
(b) Optical Fibers.
(1) The solid glass optical fibers must consist of a cylindrical
core and cladding covered by either an ultraviolet-cured acrylate or
other suitable coating. Each fiber must be continuous throughout its
length.
(2) Zero-dispersion. Optical fibers must meet the fiber attributes
of Table 2, G.652.B attributes, found in ITU-T Recommendation G.652
(incorporated by reference at Sec. 1755.901(f)). However, when the end
user stipulates a low water peak fiber, the optical fibers must meet
the fiber attributes of Table 4, G.652.D attributes, found in ITU-T
Recommendation G.652; or when the end user stipulates a low bending
loss fiber, the optical fibers must meet the fiber attributes of Table
7-1, G.657 class A attributes, found in the ITU-T Recommendation G.657
(incorporated by reference at Sec. 1755.901(f)).
(3) Non-zero-dispersion. Optical fibers must meet the fiber
attributes of Table 1, G.656 attributes, found in ITU-T Recommendation
G.656 (incorporated by reference at Sec. 1755.901(f)). However, when
the end user specifies Recommendation A, B, C, D, or E of ITU-T
Recommendation G.655 (incorporated by reference at Sec. 1755.901(f)),
the optical fibers must meet the fiber attributes of ITU-T
Recommendation G.655.
(4) Multimode fibers. Optical fibers must meet the requirements of
paragraphs 2.1 and 2.3.1 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640 (incorporated by
reference at Sec. 1755.901(c)).
(5) Matched cable. Unless otherwise specified by the buyer, all
single mode fiber cables delivered to a RUS-financed project must be
manufactured to the same MFD specification. However, notwithstanding
the requirements of paragraphs (d)(2) and (d)(3) of this section, the
maximum MFD tolerance allowed for cable meeting the requirements of
this section must be of a magnitude meeting the definition of ``matched
cable,'' as defined in paragraph (b) of Sec. 1755.900. With the
[[Page 20565]]
use of cables meeting this definition the user can reasonably expect
that the average bi-directional loss of a fusion splice to be <=0.1 dB.
(6) Buyers will normally specify the MFD for the fibers in the
cable. When a buyer does not specify the MFD at 1310 nm, the fibers
must be manufactured to an MFD of 9.2 [micro]m with a maximum tolerance
range of 0.5 [micro]m (362 20 microinch),
unless the end user agrees to accept cable with fibers specified to a
different MFD. When the end user does specify a MFD and tolerance
conflicting with the MFD maximum tolerance allowed by paragraph (d)(5)
of this section, the requirements of paragraph (d)(5) must prevail.
(7) Factory splices are not allowed.
(8) Coating. The optical fiber must be coated with a suitable
material to preserve the intrinsic strength of the glass having an
outside diameter of 250 15 micrometers (10
0.6 mils). Dimensions must be measured per the methods of paragraph
7.13 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640 (incorporated by reference at Sec.
1755.901(c)). The protective coverings must be free from holes, splits,
blisters, and other imperfections and must be as smooth and concentric
as is consistent with the best commercial practice. The diameter of the
fiber, as the fiber is used in the cable, includes any coloring
thickness or the uncolored coating, as the case may be. The strip force
required to remove 30 3 millimeters (1.2 0.1
inch) of protective fiber coating must be between 1.0 N (0.2 pound-
force) and 9.0 N (2 pound-force).
(9) All optical fibers in any single length of cable must be of the
same type, unless otherwise specified by end user.
(10) Optical fiber dimensions and data reporting must be as
required by paragraph 7.13.1.1 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640 (incorporated by
reference at Sec. 1755.901(c)).
(c) Buffers.
(1) The optical fibers contained in a tube buffer (loose tube), an
inner jacket (unit core), a channel, or otherwise loosely packaged must
have a clearance between the fibers and the inside of the container
sufficient to allow for thermal expansions of the tube buffer without
constraining the fibers. The protective container must be manufactured
from a material having a coefficient of friction sufficiently low to
allow the fibers free movement. The loose tube must contain a suitable
water blocking material. Loose tubes must be removable without damage
to the fiber when following the manufacturer's recommended procedures.
(2) The tubes for single mode loose tube cables must be designed to
allow a maximum mid-span buffer tube exposure of 6.096 meters (20
feet). The buyer should be aware that certain housing hardware may
require cable designed for 6.096 meters of buffer tube storage.
(3) Optical fibers covered in near contact with an extrusion (tight
tube) must have an intermediate soft buffer to allow for thermal
expansions and minor pressures. The buffer tube dimension must be
established by the manufacturer to meet the requirement of this
section. Tight buffer tubes must be removable without damage to the
fiber when following the manufacturer's recommended procedures. The
tight buffered fiber must be strippable per paragraph 7.20 of ANSI/ICEA
S-87-640 (incorporated by reference at Sec. 1755.901(c)).
(4) Both loose tube and tight tube coverings of each color and
other fiber package types removed from the finished cable must meet the
following shrinkback and cold bend performance requirements. The fibers
may be left in the tube.
(i) Shrinkback: Testing must be conducted per paragraph 14.1 of
ASTM D 4565 (incorporated by reference at Sec. 1755.901(d)), using a
talc bed at a temperature of 95 [deg]C (203 [deg]F). Shrinkback must
not exceed 5 percent of the original 150 millimeter (6 inches) length
of the specimen. The total shrinkage of the specimen must be measured.
(Buffer tube material meeting this test may not meet the mid-span test
in paragraph (t)(15) of this section).
(ii) Cold Bend: Testing must be conducted on at least one tube from
each color in the cable. Stabilize the specimen to -30 1
[deg]C (-22 2 [deg]F) for a minimum of four hours. While
holding the specimen and mandrel at the test temperature, wrap the tube
in a tight helix ten times around a mandrel with a diameter to be
greater than five times the tube diameter or 50 mm (2 inches). The tube
must show no evidence of cracking when observed with normal or
corrected-to-normal vision.
Note to paragraph (c)(4)(ii): Channel cores and similar slotted
single component core designs do not need to be tested for cold
bend.
(d) Fiber Identification.
(1) Each fiber within a unit and each unit within the cable must be
identifiable per paragraphs 4.2.1 and 4.3.1 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640
(incorporated by reference at Sec. 1755.901(c)).
(2) For the following items the colors designated for
identification within the cable must comply with paragraphs 4.2.2 and
4.3.2 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640 (incorporated by reference at Sec.
1755.901(c)): loose buffer tubes, tight tube buffer fibers, individual
fibers in multi-fiber tubes, slots, bundles or units of fibers, and the
units in cables with more than one unit.
(e) Optical Fiber Ribbon.
(1) Each ribbon must be identified per paragraphs 3.4.1 and 3.4.2
of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640 (incorporated by reference at Sec. 1755.901(c)).
(2) Ribbon fiber count must be specified by the end user, i.e., 2,
4, 6, 12, etc.
(3) Ribbon dimensions must be as agreed by the end user and
manufacturer per paragraph 3.4.4.1 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640 (incorporated
by reference at Sec. 1755.901(c)).
(4) Ribbons must meet each of the following tests. These tests are
included in the paragraphs of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640 (incorporated by
reference at Sec. 1755.901(c)), indicated in parenthesis below.
(i) Ribbon Dimensions (ANSI/ICEA S-87-640 paragraphs 7.14 through
7.14.2)--measures ribbon dimension.
(ii) Ribbon Twist Test (ANSI/ICEA S-87-640 paragraphs 7.15 through
7.15.2)--evaluates the ability of the ribbon to resist splitting or
other damage while undergoing dynamic cyclically twisting the ribbon
under load.
(iii) Ribbon Residual Twist Test (ANSI/ICEA S-87-640 paragraphs
7.16 through 7.16.2)--evaluates the degree of permanent twist in a
cabled optical ribbon.
(iv) Ribbon Separability Test (ANSI/ICEA S-87-640 paragraphs 7.17
through 7.17.2)--evaluates the ability to separate fibers.
(5) Ribbons must meet paragraph 3.4.4.6 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640
(incorporated by reference at Sec. 1755.901(c)), Ribbon Strippability.
(f) Strength Members.
(1) Strength members may be an integral part of the cable
construction, but are not considered part of the support messenger for
self-supporting optical cable.
(2) The strength members may be metallic or nonmetallic.
(3) The combined strength of all the strength members must be
sufficient to support the stress of installation and to protect the
cable in service.
(4) Strength members may be incorporated into the core as a central
support member or filler, as fillers between the fiber packages, as an
annular serving over the core, as an annular serving over the
intermediate jacket, embedded in the outer jacket, or
[[Page 20566]]
as a combination of any of these methods.
(5) The central support member or filler must contain no more than
one splice per kilometer of cable. Individual fillers placed between
the fiber packages and placed as annular servings over the core must
contain no more than one splice per kilometer of cable. Cable sections
having central member or filler splices must meet the same physical
requirements as un-spliced cable sections.
(6) In each length of completed cable having a metallic central
member, the dielectric strength between the shield or armor, when
present, and the metallic center member must withstand at least 15
kilovolts when tested per ASTM D 4566 (incorporated by reference at
Sec. 1755.901(d)). The voltage must be applied for 3 seconds minimum;
no failures are allowed.
(g) Cable Core.
(1) Protected fibers may be assembled with the optional central
support member, fillers and strength members in such a way as to form a
cylindrical group.
(2) The standard cylindrical group or core designs commonly consist
of 4, 6, 12, 18, or 24 fibers. Cylindrical groups or core designs
larger than the sizes shown above must meet all the applicable
requirements of this section.
(3) When threads or tapes are used in cables using water blocking
elements as core binders, they must be a non-hygroscopic and non-
wicking dielectric material or be rendered by the gel or water blocking
material produced by the ingress of water.
(4) When threads or tapes are used as unit binders to define
optical fiber units in loose tube, tight tube, slotted, or bundled
cored designs, they must be non-hygroscopic and non-wicking dielectric
material or be rendered by the filling compound or water blocking
material contained in the binder. The colors of the binders must be per
paragraphs (f)(2) and (f)(3) of this section.
(h) Core Water Blocking.
(1) To prevent the ingress of water into the core and water
migration, a suitable filling compound or water blocking elements must
be applied into the interior of the loose fiber tubes and into the
interstices of the core. When a core wrap is used, the filling compound
or water blocking elements, as the case may be, must also be applied to
the core wrap, over the core wrap and between the core wrap and inner
jacket when required.
(2) The materials or elements must be homogeneous and uniformly
mixed; free from dirt, metallic particles and other foreign matter;
easily removed; nontoxic and present no dermal hazards. The filling
compound and water blocking elements must contain a suitable
antioxidant or be of such composition as to provide long term
stability.
(3) The individual cable manufacturer must satisfy the Agency that
the filling compound or water blocking elements selected for use is
suitable for its intended application by submitting test data showing
compliance with ASTM D 4568 (incorporated by reference at Sec.
1755.901(d)). The filling compound and water blocking elements must be
compatible with the cable components when tested per ASTM D 4568 at a
temperature of 80 [deg]C (176 [deg]F). The jacket must retain a minimum
of 85% of its un-aged tensile and elongation values.
(i) Water Blocking Material.
(1) Sufficient flooding compound or water blocking elements must be
applied between the inner jacket and armor and between the armor and
outer jacket so that voids and air spaces in these areas are minimized.
The use of flooding compound or water blocking elements between the
armor and outer jacket is not required when uniform bonding, paragraph
(o)(9) of this section, is achieved between the plastic-clad armor and
the outer jacket.
(2) The flooding compound or water blocking elements must be
compatible with the jacket when tested per paragraphs 7.19 and 7.19.1
of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640 (incorporated by reference at Sec. 1755.901(c)).
The aged jacket must retain a minimum of 85% of its un-aged tensile
strength and elongation values when tested per paragraph 7.19.2.3. The
flooding compound must exhibit adhesive properties sufficient to
prevent jacket slip when tested per paragraph 7.30.1 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-
640 and meets paragraph 7.30.2 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640 for minimum sheath
adherence of 14 N/mm for armored cables.
(3) The individual cable manufacturer must satisfy the Agency by
submitting test data showing compliance with the appropriate cable
performance testing requirements of this section that the flooding
compound or water blocking elements selected for use is acceptable for
the application.
(j) Core Wrap.
(1) At the option of the manufacturer, one or more layers of
dielectric material may be applied over the core.
(2) The core wrap(s) can be used to provide a heat barrier to
prevent deformation or adhesion between the fiber tubes or can be used
to contain the core.
(k) Inner Jackets.
(1) For designs with more than one jacket, the inner jackets must
be applied directly over the core or over the strength members when
required by the end user. The jacket must be free from holes, splits,
blisters, or other imperfections and must be as smooth and concentric
as is consistent with the best commercial practice. The inner jacket
must not adhere to other cable components such as fibers, buffer tubes,
etc.
(2) For armored and unarmored cable, an inner jacket is optional.
The inner jacket may absorb stresses in the cable core that may be
introduced by armor application or by armored cable installation.
(3) The inner jacket material and test requirements must be the
same as the outer jacket material, except that either black or natural
polyethylene may be used and the thickness requirements are included in
paragraph (m)(4) of this section. In the case of natural polyethylene,
the requirements for absorption coefficient and the inclusion of
furnace black are waived.
(4) The inner jacket thickness must be determined by the
manufacturer, but must be no less than a nominal jacket thickness of
0.5 mm (0.02 inch) with a minimum jacket thickness of 0.35 mm (0.01
inch).
(l) Outer Jacket.
(1) The outer jacket must provide the cable with a tough, flexible,
protective covering which can withstand exposure to sunlight, to
atmosphere temperatures, and to stresses reasonably expected in normal
installation and service.
(2) The jacket must be free from holes, splits, blisters, or other
imperfections and must be as smooth and concentric as is consistent
with the best commercial practice.
(3) The jacket must contain an antioxidant to provide long term
stabilization and must contain a minimum of 2.35 percent concentration
of furnace black to provide ultraviolet shielding measures as required
by paragraph 5.4.2 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640 (incorporated by reference at
Sec. 1755.901(c)), except that the concentration of furnace black does
not necessarily need to be initially contained in the raw material and
may be added later during the jacket making process.
(4) The raw material used for the outer jacket must be one of the
types listed below.
(i) Type L1. Low density, polyethylene (LDPE) must conform to the
requirements of paragraph 5.4.2 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640 (incorporated by
reference at Sec. 1755.901(c)).
[[Page 20567]]
(ii) Type L2. Linear low density, polyethylene (LLDPE) must conform
to the requirements of paragraph 5.4.2 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640
(incorporated by reference at Sec. 1755.901(c)).
(iii) Type M. Medium density polyethylene (MDPE) must conform to
the requirements of paragraph 5.4.2 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640 (incorporated
by reference at Sec. 1755.901(c)).
(iv) Type H. High density polyethylene (HDPE) must conform to the
requirements of paragraph 5.4.2 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640 (incorporated by
reference at Sec. 1755.901(c)).
(5) Particle size of the carbon selected for use must not average
greater than 20 nm.
(6) The outer jacketing material removed from or tested on the
cable must be capable of meeting the performance requirements of Table
5.1 found in ANSI/ICEA S-87-640 (incorporated by reference at Sec.
1755.901(c)).
(7) Testing Procedures. The procedures for testing the jacket
specimens for compliance with paragraph (n)(5) of this section must be
as follows:
(i) Jacket Material Density Measurement. Test per paragraphs 7.7.1
and 7.7.2 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640 (incorporated by reference at Sec.
1755.901(c)).
(ii) Tensile Strength, Yield Strength, and Ultimate Elongation.
Test per paragraphs 7.8.1 and 7.8.2 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640 (incorporated
by reference at Sec. 1755.901(c)).
(iii) Jacket Material Absorption Coefficient Test. Test per
paragraphs 7.9.1 and 7.9.2 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640 (incorporated by
reference at Sec. 1755.901(c)).
(iv) Environmental Stress Crack Resistance Test. For large cables
(outside diameter >= 30 mm (1.2 inch)), test per paragraphs 7.10.1
through 7.10.1.2 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640 (incorporated by reference at
Sec. 1755.901(c)). For small cables (Diameter < 30 mm (1.2 inch)),
test per paragraphs 7.10.2 through and 7.10.2.2 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640.
A crack or split in the jacket constitutes failure.
(v) Jacket Shrinkage Test. Test per paragraphs 7.11.1 and 7.11.2 of
ANSI/ICEA S-87-640 (incorporated by reference at Sec. 1755.901(c)).
(8) Jacket Thickness. The outer jacket must meet the requirements
of paragraphs 5.4.5.1 and 5.4.5.2 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640 (incorporated
by reference at Sec. 1755.901(c)).
(9) Jacket Repairs. Repairs are allowed per paragraph 5.5 of ANSI/
ICEA S-87-640 (incorporated by reference at Sec. 1755.901(c)).
(m) Armor.
(1) A steel armor, plastic coated on both sides, is required for
direct buried cable manufactured under this section. Armor is optional
for duct and aerial cable, as required by the end user. The plastic
coated steel armor must be applied longitudinally directly over the
core wrap or the intermediate jacket and have a minimum overlap of 3.0
millimeters (118 mils), except for small diameter cables with diameters
of less than 10 mm (394 mils) for which the minimum overlap must be 2
mm (79 mils). When a cable has a shield, the armor should normally be
applied over the shielding tape.
(2) The uncoated steel tape must be electrolytic chrome coated
steel (ECCS) and must meet the requirements of paragraph B.2.4 of ANSI/
ICEA S-87-640 (incorporated by reference at Sec. 1755.901(c)).
(3) The reduction in thickness of the armoring material due to the
corrugating or application process must be kept to a minimum and must
not exceed 10 percent at any spot.
(4) The armor of each length of cable must be electrically
continuous with no more than one joint or splice allowed in any length
of one kilometer of cable. This requirement does not apply to a joint
or splice made in the raw material by the raw material manufacturer.
(5) The breaking strength of any section of an armor tape,
containing a factory splice joint, must not be less than 80 percent of
the breaking strength of an adjacent section of the armor of equal
length without a joint.
(6) For cables containing no flooding compound over the armor, the
overlap portions of the armor tape must be bonded in cables having a
flat, non-corrugated armor to meet the mechanical requirements of
paragraphs (t)(1) through (t)(16)(ii) of this section. If the tape is
corrugated, the overlap portions of the armor must be sufficiently
bonded and the corrugations must be sufficiently in register to meet
the requirements of paragraphs (t)(1) through (t)(16)(ii) of this
section.
(7) The armor tape must be so applied as to enable the cable to
pass the Cable Low (-30 [deg]C (-22 [deg]F)) and High (60 [deg]C (140
[deg]F)) Temperatures Bend Test, as required by paragraph (t)(3) of
this section.
(8) The protective coating on the steel armor must meet the
Bonding-to-Metal, Heat Sealability, Lap-Shear and Moisture Resistance
requirements of Type I, Class 2 coated metals per ASTM B 736
(incorporated by reference in Sec. 1755.901(d)).
(9) When the jacket is bonded to the plastic coated armor, the bond
between the plastic coated armor and the outer jacket must not be less
than 525 Newtons per meter (36 pound-force) over at least 90 percent of
the cable circumference when tested per ASTM D 4565 (incorporated by
reference at Sec. 1755.901(d)). For cables with strength members
embedded in the jacket, and residing directly over the armor, the area
of the armor directly under the strength member is excluded from the 90
percent calculation.
(n) Figure 8 Aerial Cables.
(1) When self-supporting aerial cable containing an integrated
support messenger is supplied, the support messenger must comply with
the requirements specified in paragraphs D.2.1 through D.2.4 of ANSI/
ICEA S-87-640 (incorporated by reference at Sec. 1755.901(c)), with
exceptions and additional provisions as follows:
(i) Any section of a completed strand containing a joint must have
minimum tensile strength and elongation of 29,500 Newtons (6,632 pound-
force) and 3.5 percent, respectively, when tested per the procedures
specified in ASTM A 640 (incorporated by reference in Sec.
1755.901(d)).
(ii) The individual wires from a completed strand which contains
joints must not fracture when tested per the ``Ductility of Steel''
p