95-31453. RUS Specification for Aerial Service Wires  

  • [Federal Register Volume 60, Number 250 (Friday, December 29, 1995)]
    [Proposed Rules]
    [Pages 67340-67345]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 95-31453]
    
    
    
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    Proposed Rules
                                                    Federal Register
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
    the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
    notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
    the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
    
    ========================================================================
    
    
    Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 250 / Friday, December 29, 1995 / 
    Proposed Rules
    
    [[Page 67340]]
    
    
    DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
    
    Rural Utilities Service
    
    7 CFR Part 1755
    
    
    RUS Specification for Aerial Service Wires
    
    AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.
    
    ACTION: Proposed rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) proposes to amend its 
    regulations on Telecommunications Standards and Specifications for 
    Materials, Equipment and Construction, by codifying the RUS 
    Specification for Aerial Service Wires. The new specification sets 
    forth the engineering and technical standards that are required by RUS 
    in outside plant environments.
    
    DATES: Comments concerning this proposed rule must be received by RUS 
    or postmarked no later than January 29, 1996.
    
    ADDRESSES: Comments should be mailed to the Orren E. Cameron III, 
    Director, Telecommunications Standards Division, Rural Utilities 
    Service, room 2835, AG Box 1598, South Building, U.S. Department of 
    Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250-1598. RUS requests an original and 
    three copies of all comments (7 CFR part 1700). All comments received 
    will be made available for public inspection at room 2835, South 
    Building, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250-1598 
    between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (7 CFR 1.27(b)).
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chief, Outside Plant Branch, 
    Telecommunications Standards Division, Rural Utilities Service, room 
    2844, AG Box 1598, South Building, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
    Washington, DC 20250-1598, telephone number (202) 720-0667.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    Executive Order 12866
    
        This proposed rule has been determined to be not significant and 
    therefore has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget.
    
    Executive Order 12778
    
        This proposed rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12778, 
    Civil Justice Reform. If adopted, this proposed rule will not:
        (1) Preempt any State or local laws, regulations, or policies;
        (2) Have any retroactive effect; and
        (3) Require administrative proceedings before parties may file suit 
    challenging the provisions of this rule.
    
    Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification
    
        The Administrator of RUS has determined that this proposed rule 
    will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
    small entities, as defined by the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 
    601 et seq.). This proposed rule involves standards and specifications, 
    which may increase the direct short-term costs to RUS borrowers. 
    However, the long-term direct economic costs are reduced through 
    greater durability and lower maintenance cost over time.
    
    Information Collection and Recordkeeping Requirements
    
        The reporting and recordkeeping requirements contained in the 
    proposed rule were approved by the Office of Management and Budget 
    (OMB) pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 
    Chapter 35, as amended) under control number of 0572-0059.
        Send questions or comments regarding this burden or any other 
    aspect of these collections of information, including suggestions for 
    reducing the burden, to F. Lamont Heppe, Jr., Deputy Director, Program 
    Support Staff, Rural Utilities Service, Ag Box 1522, Washington, DC 
    20250-1522.
    
    National Environmental Policy Act Certification
    
        The Administrator of RUS has determined that this proposed rule 
    will not significantly affect the quality of the human environment as 
    defined by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 
    4321 et seq.) Therefore, this action does not require an environmental 
    impact statement or assessment.
    
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
    
        The program described by this proposed rule is listed in the 
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance programs under No. 10.851, Rural 
    Telephone Loans and Loan Guarantees; and No. 10.852, Rural Telephone 
    Bank Loans. This catalog is available on a subscription basis from the 
    Superintendent of Documents, the United States Government Printing 
    Office, Washington, DC 20402.
    
    Executive Order 12372
    
        This proposed rule is excluded from the scope of Executive Order 
    12372, Intergovernmental Consultation, which may require consultation 
    with State and local officials. A Notice of Final rule titled 
    Department Programs and Activities Excluded from Executive Order 12372 
    (50 FR 47034) exempts RUS and RTB loans and loan guarantees, and RTB 
    bank loans, to governmental and nongovernmental entities from coverage 
    under this Order.
    
    Background
    
        RUS issues publications titled ``Bulletin'' which serve to guide 
    borrowers regarding already codified policy, procedures, and 
    requirements needed to manage loans, loan guarantee programs, and the 
    security instruments which provide for and secure RUS financing. RUS 
    issues standards and specifications for the construction of telephone 
    facilities financed with RUS loan funds. RUS Bulletin 345-36, ``RUS 
    Specification for Parallel Conductor Drop Wire,'' PE-7, dated January 
    25, 1983 presently contains the engineering and technical requirements 
    for aerial service wires that are considered necessary for satisfactory 
    performance in outside plant environments. Because of the technological 
    advancements made in aerial service wire designs over the past eleven 
    years, RUS proposes to incorporate and update the information contained 
    in RUS Bulletin 345-36 into 7 CFR 1755.700 through 7 CFR 1755.704, RUS 
    Specification for Aerial Service Wires, and to rescind RUS Bulletin 
    345-36 upon the effective date of 7 CFR 1755.700 through 7 CFR 
    1755.704.
        The specification allows aerial service wire designs consisting of 
    one pair through six pairs. The specification also allows aerial 
    service wire designs 
    
    [[Page 67341]]
    containing copper coated steel and nonmetallic reinforcing members.
        The specification contains mechanical, electrical, and 
    environmental requirements, and test methods for evaluation of these 
    aerial service wire designs.
        This action establishes RUS requirements for a wider range of 
    aerial service wires without affecting current designs or manufacturing 
    techniques. This wider selection of aerial service wires will afford 
    RUS telephone borrowers the opportunity to increase subscriber services 
    in an economical and efficient manner through enhanced wire designs 
    brought about by technological advancements made during the past eleven 
    years.
    
    List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 1755
    
        Loan programs-communications, Reporting and recordkeeping 
    requirements, Rural areas, Telephone.
        For the reasons set out in the preamble, RUS proposes to amend 
    Chapter XVII of title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows:
    
    PART 1755--TELECOMMUNICATIONS STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR 
    MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION.
    
        1. The authority citation for part 1755 continues to read as 
    follows:
    
        Authority: 7 U.S.C. 901 et seq., 1921 et seq., Pub. L. 103-354, 
    108 Stat. 3178 (7 U.S.C. 6941 et seq.).
    
        2. Section 1755.98 is amended by adding a new entry to the table in 
    numerical order to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 1755.98  List of telephone standards and specifications included 
    in other 7 CFR parts.
    
    * * * * *
    
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                    Section                           Issue date                              Title                 
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    1755.700 through 1755.704.............  [Effective date of final rule]  RUS Specification for Aerial Service    
                                                                             Wires.                                 
                                                                                                                    
    *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                
                                                            *                                                       
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        3. Sections 1755.700 through 1755.704 are added to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 1755.700  RUS specification for aerial service wires.
    
        Secs. 1755.701 through 1755.704 cover the requirements for aerial 
    service wires.
    
    
    Sec. 1755.701  Scope.
    
        (a) This section covers the requirements for aerial service wires 
    intended for aerial subscriber drops.
        (1) The aerial service wires can be either copper coated steel 
    reinforced or nonmetallic reinforced designs.
        (2) For the copper coated steel reinforced design, the reinforcing 
    members are the conductors.
        (i) The conductors are solid copper-covered steel wires.
        (ii) The wire structure is completed by insulating the conductors 
    with an overall extruded plastic insulating compound.
        (3) For the nonmetallic reinforced design, the conductors are solid 
    copper individually insulated with an extruded solid insulating 
    compound.
        (i) The insulated conductors are either layed parallel (two 
    conductor design only) or twisted into pairs (a star-quad configuration 
    is permitted for two pair wires).
        (ii) The wire structure is completed by the application of 
    nonmetallic reinforcing members and an overall plastic jacket.
        (4) All wires sold to RUS borrowers for projects involving RUS loan 
    funds under Secs. 1755.700 through 1755.704 must be accepted by RUS 
    Technical Standards Committee ``A'' (Telecommunications). For wires 
    manufactured to the specification of Secs. 1755.700 through 1755.704, 
    all design changes to an accepted design must be submitted for 
    acceptance. RUS will be the sole authority on what constitutes a design 
    change.
        (5) Materials, manufacturing techniques, or wire designs not 
    specifically addressed by Secs. 1755.700 through 1755.704 may be 
    allowed if accepted by RUS. Justification for acceptance of modified 
    materials, manufacturing techniques, or wire designs must be provided 
    to substantiate product utility and long term stability and endurance.
        (b) The American National Standard Institute/Insulated Cable 
    Engineers Association, Inc. (ANSI/ICEA) S-89-648-1993 Standard For 
    Telecommunications Aerial Service Wire, Technical Requirements 
    referenced throughout Secs. 1755.700 through 1755.704 is incorporated 
    by reference by RUS. This incorporation by reference was approved by 
    the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) 
    and 1 CFR part 51. Copies of ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993 are available for 
    inspection during normal business hours at RUS, room 2845, U.S. 
    Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250-1500 or at the Office 
    of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, 
    Washington, DC. Copies are available from ICEA, P. O. Box 440, South 
    Yarmouth, MA 02664, telephone number (508) 394-4424.
    
    
    Sec. 1755.702  Copper coated steel reinforced (CCSR) aerial service 
    wire.
    
        (a) Conductors. (1) Each conductor shall comply with the 
    requirements specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraphs 2.1 
    through 2.1.5.
        (2) Factory joints in conductors shall comply with the requirement 
    specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 2.1.6.
        (b) Conductor insulation. (1) The raw materials used for the 
    conductor insulation shall comply with the requirements specified in 
    ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 3.1.1.
        (2) The raw materials shall be accepted by RUS prior to their use.
        (3) The finished conductor insulation shall be free from holes, 
    splits, blisters, or other imperfections and shall be as smooth as is 
    consistent with best commercial practice.
        (4) The finished conductor insulation shall comply with the 
    requirements specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraphs 3.1.5 
    through 3.1.5.4.
        (5) The insulation shall have a minimum spot thickness of not less 
    than 0.9 millimeters (mm) (0.03 inches (in.)) at any point.
        (c) Wire assembly. (1) The two conductors shall be insulated in 
    parallel to form an integral configuration.
        (2) The finished wire assembly shall be either a flat or a notched 
    oval. Other finished wire assemblies may be used provided that they are 
    accepted by RUS prior to their use.
        (3) The overall dimensions of the finished wire assembly shall be 
    in accordance with the following requirements:
    
                                                                                                                    
    
    [[Page 67342]]
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Dimensions            
                                         -----------------------------------
                  Diameter                     Minimum           Maximum    
                                         -----------------------------------
                                             mm      in.       mm      in.  
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Major...............................      5.5     0.22      8.0     0.31
    Minor...............................      3.0     0.12      5.0     0.19
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
    
        (d) Conductor marking. The insulated conductors of a finished wire 
    shall be marked in accordance with the requirements specified in ANSI/
    ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 3.1.4.
        (e) Electrical requirements. (1) Conductor resistance. The direct 
    current (dc) resistance of each conductor in a completed CCSR aerial 
    service wire shall comply with the requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA 
    S-89-648-1993, paragraph 7.1.2.
        (2) Wet mutual capacitance. The wet mutual capacitance of the 
    completed CCSR aerial service wire shall comply with the requirement 
    specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 7.1.3.
        (3) Wet attenuation. The wet attenuation of the completed CCSR 
    aerial service wire shall comply with the requirement specified in 
    ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 7.1.4.
        (4) Wet insulation resistance. The wet insulation resistance of the 
    completed CCSR aerial service wire shall comply with the requirement 
    specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 7.1.5.
        (5) Dielectric strength. (i) The wet dielectric strength between 
    conductors and between each conductor of the completed CCSR aerial 
    service wire and the surrounding water shall comply with the 
    requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 7.1.6.
        (ii) The dry dielectric strength between conductors of the 
    completed CCSR aerial service wire shall comply with the requirement 
    specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 7.1.7.
        (6) Fusing coordination. The completed CCSR aerial service wire 
    shall comply with the fusing coordination requirement specified in 
    ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 7.1.8.
        (7) Insulation imperfections. Each length of completed CCSR aerial 
    service wire shall comply with the requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA 
    S-89-648-1993, paragraph 7.1.9.
        (f) Mechanical requirements. (1) Impact test. (i) All CCSR aerial 
    service wires manufactured in accordance with this section shall comply 
    with the unaged impact test specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, 
    paragraph 8.1.2.
        (ii) All CCSR aerial service wires manufactured in accordance with 
    this section shall comply with the aged impact test specified in ANSI/
    ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 8.1.3.
        (2) Abrasion resistance test. All CCSR aerial service wires 
    manufactured in accordance with this section shall comply with the 
    abrasion resistance test specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, 
    paragraph 8.1.4.
        (3) Static load test. All CCSR aerial service wires manufactured in 
    accordance with this section shall comply with the static load test 
    specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 8.1.5.
        (4) Plasticizer compatibility test. All CCSR aerial service wires 
    manufactured in accordance with this section shall comply with the 
    plasticizer compatibility test specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, 
    paragraph 8.1.8.
        (g) Environmental requirements. (1) Cold temperature handling test. 
    (i) All CCSR aerial service wires manufactured in accordance with this 
    section shall comply with the unaged cold temperature handling test 
    specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 8.2.1.
        (ii) All CCSR aerial service wires manufactured in accordance with 
    this section shall comply with the aged cold temperature handling test 
    specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 8.2.2.
        (2) Light absorption test. All CCSR aerial service wires 
    manufactured in accordance with this section shall comply with the 
    light absorption test specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 
    8.2.3.
        (3) Low temperature separation test. All CCSR aerial service wires 
    manufactured in accordance with this section shall comply with the low 
    temperature separation test specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, 
    paragraph 8.2.4.
        (4) Flammability test. All CCSR aerial service wires manufactured 
    in accordance with this section shall comply with the flammability test 
    specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 8.3.
        (5) Wire listing. All CCSR aerial service wires manufactured in 
    accordance with this section shall comply with the listing requirements 
    specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 8.4.
        (h) Identification marker. Each length of CCSR aerial service wire 
    shall be identified in accordance with ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, 
    paragraph 9.1.4. When surface marking is employed, the color of the 
    initial marking shall be either white or silver.
        (i) Length marking (optional). (1) Sequentially numbered length 
    marking of the completed CCSR aerial service wire may be used at the 
    option of the manufacturer unless specified by the end user.
        (2) When sequentially numbered length markings are used, the length 
    markings shall be in accordance with ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 
    9.1.5. The color of the initial marking shall be either white or 
    silver.
        (j) Durability of marking. The durability of the marking of the 
    CCSR aerial service wire shall comply with the requirements specified 
    in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 9.1.6.
    
    
    Sec. 1755.703  Nonmetallic reinforced (NMR) aerial service wire.
    
        (a) Conductors. (1) Each conductor shall comply with the 
    requirements specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraphs 2.2 and 
    2.2.1.
        (2) Factory joints made in the conductors during the manufacturing 
    process shall comply with the requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-
    648-1993, paragraph 2.2.2.
        (b) Conductor insulation. (1) The raw materials used for the 
    conductor insulation shall comply with the requirements specified in 
    ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraphs 3.2 through 3.2.2.
        (2) The finished conductor insulation shall comply with the 
    requirements specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 3.2.3.
        (3) The dimensions of the insulated conductors shall comply with 
    the requirements specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 
    3.2.3.1.
        (4) The colors of the insulation shall comply with the requirements 
    specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 3.2.3.2.
        (5) A permissible overall performance level of faults in conductor 
    insulation shall comply with the requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA S-
    89-648-1993, paragraph 3.2.4.6. The length count and number of faults 
    shall be recorded. The information shall be retained for a period of 6 
    months and be available for review by RUS when requested.
        (6) Repairs to the conductor insulation during manufacture are 
    permissible. The method of repair shall be accepted by RUS prior to its 
    use. The repaired insulation shall comply with the requirement 
    specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 3.2.3.3.
        (7) All repaired sections of insulation shall be retested in the 
    same manner as originally tested for compliance with paragraph (b)(5) 
    of this section.
        (8) The colored insulating material removed from or tested on the 
    conductor, from a finished wire shall comply with the requirements 
    specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraphs 3.2.4 through 3.2.4.5. 
    
    
    [[Page 67343]]
    
        (c) Identification of pairs and layup of pairs. (1) The insulation 
    shall be colored coded to identify:
        (i) The tip and ring conductor of each pair; and
        (ii) Each pair in the completed wire.
        (2) The colors to be used in the pairs together with the pair 
    numbers shall be in accordance with the table specified in ANSI/ICEA S-
    89-648-1993, paragraph 4.1.1.
        (3) The insulated conductors shall be either layed parallel (two 
    conductor design only) or twisted into pairs.
        (4) When using parallel conductors for the two conductor design, 
    the parallel conductors shall be designed to enable the wire to meet 
    the electrical requirements specified in paragraphs (g) introductory 
    text through (g)(9)(ii) of this section.
        (5) When twisted pairs are used, the following requirements shall 
    be met:
        (i) The pair twists shall be designed to enable the wire to meet 
    the electrical requirements specified in paragraphs (g) introductory 
    text through (g)(9)(ii) of this section; and
        (ii) The average length of pair twists in any pair in the finished 
    wire, when measured on any 3 meter (10 foot) length, shall not exceed 
    the requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 4.1.
        (6) An alternative method of forming the two-pair wire is the use 
    of a star-quad configuration.
        (i) The assembly of the star-quad shall be such as to enable the 
    wire to meet the electrical requirements specified in paragraphs (g) 
    introductory text through (g)(9)(ii) of this section.
        (ii) The star-quad configuration shall be assembled in accordance 
    with ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 4.1.2.
        (iii) The average length of twist for the star-quad in the finished 
    wire, when measured on any 3 meter (10 foot) length, shall not exceed 
    the requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 4.1.
        (iv) The color scheme used to provide identification of the tip and 
    ring conductors of each pair in the star-quad shall comply with the 
    table specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 4.1.2.
        (d) Strength members. The strength members shall comply with the 
    requirements specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraphs 6.1 and 
    6.1.1.
        (e) Wire jacket. (1) The jacket shall comply with the requirements 
    specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraphs 5.1 and 5.1.1.
        (2) The jacket raw materials shall be accepted by RUS prior to 
    their use.
        (f) Wire assembly. The finished wire assembly shall be in 
    accordance with ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 5.1.3 and Figure 5-
    1.
        (g) Electrical requirements. (1) Conductor resistance. The dc 
    resistance of each conductor in a completed NMR aerial service wire 
    shall comply with the requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, 
    paragraph 7.2.2.
        (2) Resistance unbalance. (i) The dc resistance unbalance between 
    the two conductors of any pair in a completed NMR aerial service wire 
    and the average resistance unbalance of all pairs in a Quality Control 
    Lot shall comply with the requirements specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-
    1993, paragraph 7.2.3.
        (ii) The resistance unbalance between tip and ring conductors shall 
    be random with respect to the direction of unbalance. That is, the 
    resistance of the tip conductors shall not be consistently higher with 
    respect to the ring conductors and vice versa.
        (3) Dry mutual capacitance. The dry mutual capacitance of the 
    completed NMR aerial service wire shall comply with the requirements 
    specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 7.2.4, Type 1.
        (4) Pair-to-pair capacitance unbalance. The pair-to-pair 
    capacitance unbalance as measured on the completed NMR aerial service 
    wire shall comply with the requirements specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-
    648-1993, paragraph 7.2.5.
        (5) Attenuation. (i) The dry attenuation of the completed NMR 
    aerial service wire shall comply with the requirement specified in 
    ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 7.2.7.
        (ii) The wet attenuation of the completed NMR aerial service wire 
    shall comply with the requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, 
    paragraph 7.2.8.
        (6) Insulation resistance. (i) The dry insulation resistance of the 
    completed NMR aerial service wire shall comply with the requirement 
    specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 7.2.9.
        (ii) The wet insulation resistance of the completed NMR aerial 
    service wire shall comply with the requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA 
    S-89-648-1993, paragraph 7.2.10.
        (7) Wet Dielectric strength. The wet dielectric strength between 
    conductors and between each conductor of the completed NMR aerial 
    service wire and the surrounding water shall comply with the 
    requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 7.2.11.
        (8) Fusing coordination. The completed NMR aerial service wire 
    shall comply with the fusing coordination requirement specified in 
    ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 7.2.13.
        (9) Crosstalk loss. (i) The output-to-output far-end crosstalk loss 
    (FEXT) for any pair of completed NMR aerial service wire shall comply 
    with the requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 
    7.2.14.
        (ii) The input-to-input near-end crosstalk loss (NEXT) for any pair 
    of completed NMR aerial service wire shall comply with the requirement 
    specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 7.2.14.
        (h) Mechanical requirements. (1) Impact test. (i) All NMR aerial 
    service wires manufactured in accordance with this section shall comply 
    with the unaged impact test specified in Sec. 1755.702(f)(1)(i).
        (ii) All NMR aerial service wires manufactured in accordance with 
    this section shall comply with the aged impact test specified in 
    Sec. 1755.702 (f)(1)(ii).
        (2) Abrasion resistance test. All NMR aerial service wires 
    manufactured in accordance with this section shall comply with the 
    abrasion resistance test specified in Sec. 1755.702 (f)(2).
        (3) Static load test. All NMR aerial service wires manufactured in 
    accordance with this section shall comply with the static load test 
    specified in Sec. 1755.702(f)(3).
        (4) Elongation test. All NMR aerial service wires manufactured in 
    accordance with this section shall comply with the elongation test 
    specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 8.1.7.
        (5) Plasticizer compatibility test. All NMR aerial service wires 
    manufactured in accordance with this section shall comply with the 
    plasticizer compatibility test specified in Sec. 1755.702(f)(4).
        (i) Environmental requirements. (1) Cold temperature handling test. 
    (i) All NMR aerial service wires manufactured in accordance with this 
    section shall comply with the unaged cold temperature handling test 
    specified in Sec. 1755.702(g)(1)(i).
        (ii) All NMR aerial service wires manufactured in accordance with 
    this section shall comply with the aged cold temperature handling test 
    specified in Sec. 1755.702(g)(1)(ii).
        (2) Light absorption test. All NMR aerial service wires 
    manufactured in accordance with this section shall comply with the 
    light absorption test specified in Sec. 1755.702(g)(2).
        (3) Flammability test. All NMR aerial service wires manufactured in 
    accordance with this section shall comply with the flammability test 
    specified in Sec. 1755.702(g)(4).
        (4) Wire listing. All NMR aerial service wires manufactured in 
    
    [[Page 67344]]
        accordance with this section shall comply with the listing requirements 
    specified in Sec. 1755.702(g)(5).
        (j) Ripcord (optional). (1) A ripcord may be used in the NMR aerial 
    service wire structure at the option of the manufacturer unless 
    specified by the end user.
        (2) When a ripcord is used it shall comply with the requirements 
    specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraphs 4.2 through 4.2.3.
        (k) Identification marker. Each length of NMR aerial service wire 
    shall be identified in accordance with ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, 
    paragraphs 9.1 through 9.1.4. When surface marking is employed, the 
    color of the initial marking shall be either white or silver.
        (1) Length marking (optional). (1) Sequentially numbered length 
    marking of the completed NMR aerial service wire may be used at the 
    option of the manufacturer unless specified by the end user.
        (2) When sequentially numbered length markings are used, the length 
    markings shall be in accordance with Sec. 1755.702(i)(2).
        (m) Durability of marking. The durability of the marking of the NMR 
    aerial service wire shall comply with the requirements specified in 
    Sec. 1755.702(j).
    
    
    Sec. 1755.704  Requirements applicable to both CCSR and NMR aerial 
    service wires.
    
        (a) Acceptance testing. (1) The tests described in Secs. 1755.700 
    through 1755.704 are intended for acceptance of wire designs and major 
    modifications of accepted designs. What constitutes a major 
    modification is at the discretion of RUS. These tests are intended to 
    show the inherent capability of the manufacturer to produce wire 
    products having long life and stability.
        (2) For initial acceptance, the manufacturer shall:
        (i) Certify that the product fully complies with each paragraph in 
    Secs. 1755.700 through 1755.704;
        (ii) Agree to periodic plant inspections by RUS;
        (iii) Certify whether the product complies with the domestic origin 
    manufacturing provisions of the ``Buy American'' requirements of the 
    Rural Electrification Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C. 903 note), as amended (the 
    ``REA Buy-American provision'');
        (iv) Submit at least three written user testimonials concerning 
    field performance of the product; and
        (v) Provide any other nonpropriety data deemed necessary by the 
    Chief, Outside Plant Branch (Telecommunications).
        (3) In order for RUS to consider a manufacturer's request that a 
    product be requalified, the manufacturer shall certify not later than 
    June 30 of the year in which requalification is required, that the 
    product:
        (i) Fully complies with each paragraph in 7 CFR Secs. 1755.700 
    through 1755.704; and
        (ii) Does or does not comply with the domestic origin manufacturing 
    provisions of the REA Buy American provisions. The required 
    certifications shall be dated within 90 days of the submission.
        (4) Initial and requalification acceptance requests should be 
    addresses to: Chairman, Technical Standards Committee ``A'' 
    (Telecommunications), Telecommunications Standards Division, Rural 
    Utilities Service, AG Box 1598, Washington, DC 20250-1598.
        (b) Extent of testing. (1) Tests on 100 percent of completed wire. 
    (i) Each conductor in the completed CCSR and NMR aerial service wire 
    shall be tested for continuity in accordance with ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-
    1993, paragraphs 7.1.1 and 7.2.1, respectively;
        (ii) Each conductor in the completed CCSR and NMR aerial service 
    wire shall be tested for shorts in accordance with ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-
    1993, paragraphs 7.1.1 and 7.2.1, respectively; and
        (iii) Each length of completed CCSR and NMR aerial service wire 
    shall be tested for insulation imperfections in accordance with 
    Sec. 1755.702, paragraph (e)(7) and Sec. 1755.703, paragraph (b)(5), 
    respectively.
        (2) Capability tests. Tests on a quality assurance basis shall be 
    made as frequently as is required for each manufacturer to determine 
    and maintain compliance with:
        (i) Performance of the conductors;
        (ii) Performance of the conductor insulation and jacket material;
        (iii) Sequential marking and lettering;
        (iv) Mutual capacitance, capacitance unbalance, attenuation, and 
    crosstalk;
        (v) Conductor resistance, resistance unbalance, and insulation 
    resistance;
        (vi) Dielectric strength and fusing coordination;
        (vii) Impact, abrasion, static load, elongation, and plasticizer 
    compatibility tests; and
        (viii) Cold temperature handling, light absorption, low temperature 
    separation, and flammability tests.
        (c) Summary of records of electrical and physical tests.
        (1) Each manufacturer shall maintain suitable summary records for a 
    period of at least 3 years of all electrical and physical tests 
    required on completed wire as set forth in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) 
    of this section. The test data for a particular lot of aerial service 
    wire shall be in a form such that it may be readily available to the 
    purchaser or to RUS upon request.
        (2) Measurements and computed values shall be rounded off to the 
    number of places or figures specified for the requirement according to 
    ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 1.3.
        (d) Manufacturing irregularities. (1) Repairs to the insulation of 
    CCSR aerial service wires are not permitted in wires supplied to end 
    users under Secs. 1755.700 through 1755.704.
        (2) Repairs to the jacket of NMR aerial service wires are not 
    permitted in wires supplied to end users under Secs. 1755.700 through 
    1755.704.
        (e) Splicing. Splicing of completed CCSR and NMR aerial service 
    wires shall comply with the requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-
    648-1993, paragraph 8.1.1.
        (f) Preparation for shipment. (1) CCSR and NMR aerial service wire 
    shall be shipped either in coils or on reels.
        (2) When CCSR and NMR aerial service wires are shipped on reels the 
    following provisions shall apply:
        (i) The diameter of the drum shall be large enough to prevent 
    damage to the wire from reeling or unreeling. The reels shall be 
    substantial and so constructed as to prevent damage to the wire during 
    shipment and handling;
        (ii) A waterproof corrugated board or other suitable means of 
    protection accepted by RUS prior to its use may be applied to the reel. 
    If the waterproof corrugated board or other suitable material is used 
    for protection, it shall be suitably secured in place to prevent damage 
    to the wire during storage and handling. The use of the waterproof 
    corrugated board or other suitable means of protection shall be at the 
    option of the manufacturer unless specified by the end user;
        (iii) The outer end of the wire shall be securely fastened to the 
    reel head so as to prevent the wire from becoming loose in transit. The 
    inner end of the wire shall be securely fastened in such a way as to 
    make it readily available if required for electrical testing. Spikes, 
    staples, or other fastening devices which penetrate the conductor 
    insulation of the CCSR aerial service wire and the jacket of the NMR 
    aerial service wire shall not be used. The method of fastening the wire 
    ends shall be accepted by RUS prior to their use.
        (iv) Each length of wire shall be wound on a separate reel;
        (v) Each reel shall be plainly marked to indicate the direction in 
    which it should be rolled to prevent loosening of the wire on the reel; 
    and
        (vi) Each reel shall be stenciled or labeled on either one or both 
    sides with the following information:
    
    [[Page 67345]]
    
        (A) Customer order number;
        (B) Manufacturer's name and product code;
        (C) Factory reel number and year of manufacture;
        (D) Gauge of conductors and pair size of wire;
        (E) Length of wire; and
        (F) RUS designation letter ``K.''
        (3) When CCSR and NMR aerial service wires are shipped in coils the 
    following provisions shall apply:
        (i) The diameter of the coil shall be large enough to prevent 
    damage to the wire from coiling or uncoiling;
        (ii) The nominal length of the wire in a coil shall be 305 meters 
    (1,000 feet). No coil shall be less than 290 meters (950 feet) long or 
    more than 460 meters (1,500 feet) long; however, 25 percent of the 
    total number of coils may be less than 305 meters (1,000 feet);
        (iii) The coils of wire shall be wound securely with strong tape in 
    four separate evenly spaced places;
        (iv) The coils may be protected from damage by wrapping the coil 
    with heavy paper, burlap, or other suitable material accepted by RUS 
    prior to its use. The use of the heavy paper, burlap, or other suitable 
    means of protection shall be at the option of the manufacturer unless 
    specified by the end user; and
        (v) Each coil shall be tagged with the following information:
        (A) Customer order number;
        (B) Manufacturer's name and product code;
        (C) Year of manufacture;
        (D) Gauge of conductors and pair size of wire;
        (E) Length of wire; and
        (F) RUS designation letter ``K.''
        (4) In lieu of wrapping the coil with heavy paper, burlap, or other 
    suitable material, the coil may be packaged in a moisture resistant 
    carton.
        (5) When the coils are shipped in moisture resistant cartons, each 
    carton shall be marked with the information specified in paragraphs 
    (f)(3)(v)(A) through (f)(3)(v)(F) of this section.
        (6) Other methods of shipment may be used if accepted by RUS prior 
    to their use.
        (7) When NMR aerial service wire is shipped, the ends of the wire 
    shall be sealed in accordance with ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, paragraph 
    9.2.
    
        Dated: December 19, 1995.
    Jill Long Thompson,
    Under Secretary, Rural Economic and Community Development.
    [FR Doc. 95-31453 Filed 12-28-95; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 3410-15-P
    
    

Document Information

Published:
12/29/1995
Department:
Rural Utilities Service
Entry Type:
Proposed Rule
Action:
Proposed rule.
Document Number:
95-31453
Dates:
Comments concerning this proposed rule must be received by RUS or postmarked no later than January 29, 1996.
Pages:
67340-67345 (6 pages)
PDF File:
95-31453.pdf
CFR: (7)
7 CFR 1755.702(j)
7 CFR 1755.98
7 CFR 1755.700
7 CFR 1755.701
7 CFR 1755.702
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