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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service

**BULLETIN 1753F-152**

**SUBJECT:** **[Specifications and Drawings for Construction
of]{.underline}**

> **[Aerial Plant, RUS Form 515c]{.underline}**

**TO:** All Telecommunications Borrowers

RUS Telecommunications Staff

**EFFECTIVE DATE:** September 17, 2001

**OFFICE OF PRIMARY INTEREST:** Outside Plant Branch, Telecommunications
Standards Division.

**AVAILABILITY:** This bulletin supersedes RUS Bulletin 345-153,
Specifications and Drawings for Construction of Pole Lines, Aerial
Cables and Wires, RUS Form 515f, issued May 25, 1989.

This bulletin can be accessed via the Internet at
http://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/publications/bulletins.htm

**PURPOSE:** This specification provides Contractors, Engineers, and RUS
Borrowers with assembly unit descriptions, materials, construction and
installation, and drawings for aerial plant associated with RUS Form
515, Telecommunications System Construction Contract.

[Roberta D. Purcell]{.underline} [8/21/01]{.underline}

### Roberta D. Purcell Date

Assistant Administrator

Telecommunications Program

**RUS Bulletin 1753F-152**

**Specifications and Drawings for Construction of**

**Aerial Plant, RUS Form 515c**

**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

# [Page]{.underline}

List of Changes i

Part I -- Description of Assembly Units and Proposal and

Contract Sections 1

Part II -- Specifications and Materials 14

1\. Scope 14

2\. General 14

3\. Poles 14

4\. Miscellaneous 14

Part III -- Specifications for Construction and Installation 14

1\. General 14

2\. Pole Lines 15

3\. Mounting Hardware and Guys 17

4\. Anchors 17

5\. Self Supporting Fiber Optic Cable 18

6\. Suspension Strand 19

7\. Filled Aerial Cable 20

8\. Filled Aerial Cable Placement 20

9\. Cable Splicing and Terminals 22

10\. Clearing Right-of-Way 23

List of Construction Drawings and Plans 24

INDEX

###  ASSEMBLY UNITS:

Cable Plant, Aerial

**CABLE:**

Aerial Cable Plant Construction

Assembly Units

###  CONSTRUCTION:

Aerial Cable Plant

Fiber Optic Cable Plant

###  POLES LINES:

Design of

**POLES:**

Numbering

**RIGHT-OF-WAY:**

Clearing and Trimming Assembly Units

###  SPECIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS:

Outside Plant

**WIRE:**

Seven Wire Aluminum Clad Steel Strand

Steel, 7 Wire Galvanized Strand

LIST OF CHANGES

1\. Modification of Pole Units from Section 1 to Section A.

2\. Elimination of Section C and Section CF.

3\. Addition of Section CFO, Self Supporting Filled Fiber Optic Cable
Assembly Units.

4\. Modification of CO and CW units as follows:

\(a\) Provide for compensation on a per foot basis;

> \(b\) Redefined compensation to include the sum of the cable distances
> between supporting structures as indicated by the sequential foot
> markings;
>
> \(c\) Specified utility grade galvanized steel strand as the default
> type.

5\. Elimination of suffixes \"N\" and \"R\" under Section HA. For ready
access splice closures specified under the \"R\" suffix, a new unit
designated HR was created.

6\. Addition of Section HR, Ready Access Splice Closure Assembly Unit.

7\. Modification of Section HC as follows:

> \(a\) Redefined unit to provide compensation on a single pair basis;
>
> \(b\) Created HC5 unit in order to provide compensation for
> terminating cable pairs on a terminal block within a ready access
> closure.

8\. Modification of Section HO to provide compensation for testing a
fiber.

9\. Elimination of section PC and section PDS.

10\. Modification of Section PE to indicate utility grade galvanized
steel as the default type.

11\. Elimination of Section PG. The terminal blocks are now included
under Section PM.

12\. Modification of PM21 and PM22 to provide for a more generalized
description.

13\. Addition of PM25, Filled Terminal Block Assembly Unit.

14\. Modification of Section R to provide compensation on a per foot
basis.

15\. In part III, section 2, elimination of information on pole facing.

16\. In part III, the Figure 8 cable was changed to describe Self
Supporting Fiber Optic Cable.

17\. In part III, eliminated references to load coils, pressurized
cable, and air-core cable.

For editorial or other minor technical changes, refer to the body of the
document.

**[Part I - DESCRIPTION OF ASSEMBLY AND PROPOSAL AND]{.underline}**

**[CONTRACT SECTIONS]{.underline}**

The Contractor's Proposal form is divided into sections and the sections
approved for construction shall be listed in the Construction Agreement
by the Owner. The sections are as follows:

Section A - Pole Units

Section CFO - Self Supporting Filled Fiber Optic Cable

> Assembly Units

Section CO - Aerial Filled Fiber Optic Cable Assembly Units

Section CW - Aerial Filled Copper Cable Assembly

> Units

#  Section HA - Aerial Splice Closure Assembly Units

Section HC - Copper Splicing Assembly Units

#  Section HO - Fiber Optic Splicing Assembly Units

Section HR - Ready Access Closure Assembly Units

Section PE - Guy Assembly Units

Section PF - Anchor Assembly Units

Section PM - Miscellaneous Assembly Units

Section R - Right-of-Way Clearing and Trimming Units

#  Section W - Rearrangement Units

Section XX - Nonreusable Materials Removal Units

Section XZ - Reusable Materials Removal Units

Each assembly unit includes only the materials listed on the
corresponding Installation and Construction Guide Drawings or
description of unit where no drawing exists. The various installation
and construction units, which are included in this Proposal and upon
which quotations are required, are defined by the following
descriptions:

[Section A - POLE UNITS]{.underline}

Consists of one (1) pole in place. It does not include the pole top
assembly units or other parts attached to the pole. Poles shall be of
the height and class as designated by the Engineer. The pole plan,
species of timber, kind of preservative and method of treatment are
designated in the Proposal.

[Example]{.underline}:

A35-7 A 35 foot \[10.7 meters (m)\] class 7 pole.

Section CFO -- SELF SUPPORTING FILLED FIBER OPTIC CABLE

ASSEMBLY UNITS

Consists of one (1) foot (0.305 m) of self supporting filled fiber optic
cable in place including all supporting hardware, cable guards,
insulating tapes, and bonding of the armor (when present) and supporting
member in accordance with the Construction Sheets.

A. The length of the self supporting cable measured for compensation
purposes includes the sum of the cable distances between supporting
structures as indicated by the sequential foot markings.

> B. This unit does not include labor and material for fiber splicing,
> splice closures, housings, or organizers. The labor and material for
> these items are provided for in other units.

C. This unit includes the spiraling of the self supporting cable in
accordance with the method shown in the Construction Sheets.

Each self supporting filled fiber optic cable unit is listed in
accordance with the number of optical fibers. Each unit is prefixed by
the letters CFO. The following illustration indicates the method of
designating the material required.

CFO16 A self supporting filled fiber optic

> cable with 16 fibers.

[Section CO - AERIAL FILLED FIBER OPTIC CABLE ASSEMBLY
UNITS]{.underline}

Consists of one (1) foot (0.305 m) of aerial filled fiber optic cable in
place including supporting messenger of galvanized steel strand, lashing
wire, attachments to strand, bonding of the armor (when present) and
strand in accordance with the Construction Sheets.

Options designated by the following suffixes apply:

[Suffix]{.underline} [Description]{.underline}

A Aluminum-clad steel strand.

C Class C galvanized steel utility grade strand for

> corrosion areas.

D Two or more cables are to be initially lashed to

the same suspension strand.

E Cables are lashed to existing strand and cable(s).

A. The length of aerial cable measured for compensation purposes
includes the sum of the cable distances between supporting structures as
indicated by the sequential foot markings.

B. This unit does not include labor and material for fiber splicing,
splice closures, housings or organizers. The labor and material for
these items are provided for in other units.

C. Class A galvanized steel utility grade strand shall be provided
unless another type is specified by the appropriate suffix.

Each aerial filled fiber optic cable assembly unit is listed in
accordance with the number of optical fibers. Each unit is prefixed by
the letters CO. The following illustrations indicate the method of
designating the material required.

CO16(6M) An aerial filled fiber optic cable with 16 fibers,

supported by 6000 pound (lbs) \[26,688 Newtons (N)\]

> Class A galvanized steel utility grade strand.

CO8E An aerial filled fiber optic cable with 8 fibers,

lashed to existing strand and cables(s).

[Section CW - AERIAL FILLED COPPER CABLE ASSEMBLY UNITS]{.underline}

Consists of one (1) foot (0.305 m) of aerial filled copper cable in
place including supporting messenger of galvanized steel strand, lashing
wire, attachments to strand, bonding of the shield and strand in
accordance with the Construction Sheets.

Options designated by the following suffixes apply:

[Suffix]{.underline} [Description]{.underline}

A Aluminum-clad steel strand.

C Class C galvanized steel utility grade strand is required for
corrosion areas.

D Two or more cables are to be initially lashed to

the same suspension strand.

E Cables are to be lashed to existing strand and

cable(s).

H Screened cable designated for T1 carrier systems.

H1C Screened cable designated for T1C carrier systems.

A. This unit includes labor and material for installation of the splice
closure, and other labor and materials for straight splicing cables of
the same size and gauge required only for the purpose of joining such
cables in one continuous length (reel ends).

B. When specified in the Proposal, this unit includes the spiraling of
cable around the suspension strand at the locations shown on the
Construction Sheets.

C. The length of aerial cable measured for compensation purposes
includes the sum of the cable distances between supporting structures as
indicated by the sequential foot markings.

> D. Where aerial cables are supported by separate through-bolts on the
> same pole, messenger bonds required as shown on the Construction
> Sheets are included as a part of this unit.

E. Class A galvanized steel utility grade strand shall be provided
unless another type is specified by the appropriate suffix.

Each aerial filled copper cable assembly unit is listed in accordance
with the number of pairs and gauge of conductors. Each unit is prefixed
by the letters CW. The following illustrations indicate the method of
designating the material required.

CW50-24(6M) A 50-pair, 24-gauge aerial filled copper cable supported by
6000 lbs (26,688 N) Class A galvanized steel utility grade strand.

CW50-24(6M)C A 50-pair, 24-gauge aerial filled copper cable supported by
6000 lbs (26,688 N) Class C galvanized steel utility grade strand.

[Section HA - AERIAL SPLICE CLOSURE ASSEMBLY UNITS]{.underline}

Consists of an aerial splice closure and the closure manufacturer's
provided encapsulating material if required, installed in place and the
labor and material for setting up in preparation for installing the
closure, such as, opening the sheath or jacket of the cable, bonding of
cable shields, filling the closure if required, closing the closure,
and, when applicable, pressure testing, all in accordance with the
manufacturer\'s instructions. It also includes all necessary hardware
items to support the cable adjacent to the closure and to terminate the
lashing wire. Cable splicing shall be compensated under the appropriate
splicing units.

The assembly units are defined as follows:

HAC( ) [Aerial Free-Breathing, Nonfilled Closure]{.underline} -- A
free-breathing, nonfilled splice closure with pair count and gauge for
each cable to be spliced.

HAF( ) [Aerial Filled Closure]{.underline} -- A filled splice closure
with pair count and gauge for each cable to be spliced.

HAP( ) [Aerial Pressurized Closure]{.underline} -- A pressurized splice
closure with pair count and gauge for each cable to be spliced.

For Fiber Optic applications use the following suffix:

[Suffix]{.underline} [Description]{.underline}

O Splice closure and organizer for fiber optic cables. The closure
manufacturer shall specify the appropriate organizer.

The following illustrations indicate the method of designating the
material required.

HAC(100-24) Aerial free-breathing, nonfilled splice closure enclosing
two cable ends with same pair count and gauge.

HAF(100-24)(50-24) Aerial filled splice closure enclosing two cable ends
with different pair counts.

HACO(24) Aerial free-breathing, nonfilled fiber optic splice closure and
organizer capable of accommodating a minimum of 24 fibers.

HAP(100-24) Aerial pressurized splice closure enclosing two cable ends
with same pair count and gauge.

HAPO(12) Aerial pressurized fiber optic splice closure and organizer
capable of accommodating a minimum of 12 fibers.

[Section HC - COPPER SPLICING ASSEMBLY UNITS]{.underline}

HC1 Consists of the labor and material necessary in the wire work and
splicing of one (1) cable pair in any cable, including any non-working
pair in an existing cable in accordance with RUS Splicing Standard
Bulletin 1753F-401 (PC-2) using individual mechanical splicing
connectors. The splice may be straight, bridged, or pieced out and
bridged. Pairs that are to be tested, capped, or tested and capped, when
specified by the Engineer are considered to be part of this unit. Only
those pairs on which splicing, testing, and/or capping operations are
performed are counted and each pair is counted only once at each
location. On aerial inserts, each end of the fuse link is considered as
a splice.

HC3 Consists of the labor and material necessary in the wire work and
splicing of one (1) cable pair in any cable, including any non-working
pair in an existing cable in accordance with RUS Splicing Standard
Bulletin 1753F-401 (PC-2) using splicing modules. The splice may be
straight, bridged or pieced out and bridged. Pairs that are to be
tested, capped, or tested and capped, when specified by the Engineer are
considered to be part of this unit. Only those pairs on which splicing,
testing, and/or capping operations are performed are counted and each
pair is counted only once at each location. On aerial inserts, each end
of the fuse link is considered as a splice.

HC5 Consists of the labor and material necessary for terminating one (1)
pair on a terminal block within a ready access closure, including a
non-working pair in existing cables in accordance with RUS Splicing
Standard Bulletin 1753F-401 (PC-2). Pairs that are to be tested, when
specified by the Engineer, are considered to be part of this unit.

[Section HO - FIBER OPTIC SPLICING ASSEMBLY UNITS]{.underline}

Consists of all labor and material necessary to splice and/or test one
(1) glass fiber in any cable in accordance with RUS Splicing Standard
Bulletin 1753F-401(PC-2). The labor shall include initial measurement,
minimizing the attenuation, splicing and stowing the spliced fiber in a
fiber organizer. The labor and material for the fiber organizer is part
of the appropriate splice closure unit.

[Suffix]{.underline} [Description]{.underline}

HO1 Fusion Splice

HO2 Mechanical Splice

HO3 Connector Splice

### Section HR -- READY ACCESS SPLICE CLOSURE ASSEMBLY UNITS

Consists of a ready access closure containing unprotected filled
terminal blocks installed in place and includes the labor and material
for setting up in preparation for installing the ready access closure,
such as, opening the sheath or jacket of the cable, bonding of cable
shields, and closing the closure in accordance with the manufacturer\'s
instructions. It also includes all necessary hardware items to support
the cable adjacent to the closure and to terminate the lashing wire.
Cable splicing shall be compensated under the appropriate splicing
units. When protected filled terminal blocks are to be specified, the
unit shall be suffixed by the letter \"P\".

Ready access closures not containing filled terminal blocks shall be
suffixed with the letter \"U\". Under this option, installation of
filled terminal blocks shall be compensated under other units.

The assembly units are defined as follows:

HR1( )( ) A straight splice ready access closure.

HR2( )( ) A branch splice ready access closure.

The first set of parentheses shall indicate the main cable diameter
(dia.), in inches (in.) \[millimeters (mm)\], as shown in the
illustration. The second set of parentheses shall indicate the number of
terminals within the ready access closure. When the unit is suffixed
with the letter \"U\" the second set of parentheses is not applicable.

##### The following illustrations indicate the method of designating the material required.

HR1(2.0)(12) Ready access closure, accommodating a straight splice with
a maximum cable diameter of 2.0 in. (50.8 mm), and equipped with filled
terminal blocks with a total of 12 terminations.

HR2(1.0)(6) Ready access closure, accommodating a branch splice with a
maximum cable diameter of

> 1.0 in. (25.4 mm), and equipped with filled terminal blocks with a
> total of 6 terminations.

HR1(2.0)U Ready access closure, accommodating a straight splice with a
maximum cable diameter of 2.0 in. (50.8 mm), without any terminal blocks
installed.

[Section PE - GUY ASSEMBLY UNITS]{.underline}

Consists of strand and hardware; and insulators or ground connection
where required. For guying purposes, when a cable messenger strand is
extended one or more spans to a deadend structure, the strand in each
such span shall be considered as an overhead guy for the appropriate
size of strand used.

The assembly units are defined as follows:

PE1-2 Down Guy for 6M strand

PE1-3 Down Guy for 10M strand

PE1-4 Down Guy for 16M strand

PE1-2G Down Guy, Ground Connection Type for 6M strand

PE1-3G Down Guy, Ground Connection Type for 10M strand

PE1-4G Down Guy, Ground Connection Type for 16M strand

PE2-2 Overhead Guy for 6M strand

PE2-3 Overhead Guy for 10M strand

PE2-4 Overhead Guy for 16M strand

PE2-2G Overhead Guy, Ground Connection Type for 6M strand

PE2-3G Overhead Guy, Ground Connection Type for 10M strand

PE2-4G Overhead Guy, Ground Connection Type for 16M strand

Note: When the above Guy Assembly Units are to be installed on existing
poles, the assembly unit designation is prefixed by the letter \"N\".

Unless otherwise indicated by an additional suffix, the strand furnished
on the Project will be seven-wire, Class A galvanized steel utility
grade. The following suffix may be used:

[Suffix]{.underline} [Type of Strand]{.underline}

A Aluminum - Clad steel

C Class C galvanized steel utility grade

[Section PF -- ANCHOR ASSEMBLY UNITS]{.underline}

Consists of the anchor with rod, complete and in place, ready for
attaching the guy strand.

The assembly units are defined as follows:

PFl-3 Expanding Anchor - 6,000 lbs (26,688 N)

PFl-5 Expanding Anchor - 10,000 lbs (44,480 N)

PFl-7 Expanding Anchor - 16,000 lbs (71,168 N)

PF2-3 Plate Anchor - 6,000 lbs (26,688 N)

PF2-5 Plate Anchor - 10,000 lbs (44,480 N)

PF2-7 Plate Anchor - 16,000 lbs (71,168 N)

PF3-3 Screw Anchor - 6,000 lbs (26,688 N)

PF3-5 Screw Anchor - 10,000 lbs (44,480 N*)*

PF3-7 Screw Anchor - 16,000 lbs (71,168 N*)*

PF5-3 Rock Anchor - 3/4 in. dia. (19 mm) rod

PF5-4 Rock Anchor - 1 in. dia. (25.4 mm) rod

PF6-3 Swamp Anchor - 10 in. dia. (254 mm)

PF6-4 Swamp Anchor - 12 in. dia. (305 mm)

PF6-5 Swamp Anchor - 15 in. dia. (381 mm)

Note: When twineye rods are required for the above anchor assembly
units, the unit designation is suffixed by the letter \"A\".

#### Section PM - MISCELLANEOUS ASSEMBLY UNITS

Consists of all labor and materials to construct and install the units
defined individually below required for the installation and
construction of the aerial portions of the Project:

PM1 Pole Lightning Protection Assembly

PM2 Pole Ground Assembly

PM2-1 Auxiliary Ground Rod Assembly

PM2A Ground wire assembly for bonding aerial cable

strand or support wire to electric system neutral

or pole ground assembly.

PM4 Cable Extension Arm (Short)

PM4A Cable Extension Arm (Long)

PM5 Pole Stepping Assembly

PM6 One Wood Pole Key

PM7 Two Wood Pole Keys

PM8 One Wood Key and One Metal Expanding Key

PM9 Two Wood Keys and One Metal Expanding Key

PM11 Guy Guard

PM12( ) Consists of all labor and material to install a sidewalk guy
arm. The guy, guy guard and anchor assembly units will be specified
separately. The length in feet (meters) of a single piece of

> 2 in.(50.8 mm) galvanized steel pipe shall be indicated in the
> parentheses.

PM14 Push Brace Accessories

PM21 [Cable Entrance]{.underline} -- Consists of the necessary labor and
material to terminate copper and/or fiber optic outside plant cables as
shown on the detailed drawings as specified by the Engineer.

PM22 [Grounding System]{.underline} -- Consists of the necessary labor
and material to construct a grounding system as shown on the detailed
drawings as specified by the Engineer. This unit shall include all
ground electrodes, trenching, backfilling, bonding the auxiliary ground
electrodes to each other and to the primary ground electrodes, and
bonding to the master ground bar (MGB).

PM25( ) [Filled Terminal Block Assembly Unit]{.underline} - Consists of
an unprotected filled terminal block, mounted in place in a ready access
closure (separately specified) and connected to the conductors of the
cable as specified by the Engineer. Splicing of the cable conductors
shall be in accordance with RUS Splicing Standard Bulletin 1753F-401
(PC-2). The pair count of the terminal block shall be indicated in the
parentheses. When protected filled terminal blocks are to be specified,
the unit shall be suffixed by the letter \"P\".

PM52 Pole Marking, Per Pole, Route and Pole Number.

[Section R - RIGHT-OF-WAY CLEARING AND TRIMMING UNITS]{.underline}

[Aerial Plant]{.underline}

A. Clearing Units are defined as follows:

R1-5 Is one (1) foot (0.305 m) in length and 5 feet (1.52 m) in width
(to be measured on one side of the pole line) of actual clearing of
right-of-way. The unit applies to clearing right-of-way along new or
existing telecommunications pole lines and along existing power pole
lines. This includes clearing of underbrush, tree removal, and such tree
trimming as may be required to leave an unobstructed right-of-way from
the ground up on one side of the line of poles carrying wire or cable.
The length of actual clearing shall be measured in a straight line
parallel to the line between poles and across the maximum dimension of
foliage cleared (not trunk) projected to the ground line. All trees and
underbrush across the width of the right-of-way shall be considered to
be grouped together as a single length in measuring the total length of
clearing. Lengths along the right-of-way in which no trees are to be
removed or trimmed or underbrush cleared shall be omitted from the total
measurement. This unit includes the removal, or topping (cutting out the
top of the tree so that if the remaining portions of the tree fall, they
will not endanger the line) at the option of the Contractor, of danger
trees outside of the right-of-way when so designated by the Engineer.
(Danger trees are defined as dead or leaning trees, which, in falling,
would affect the operation of the line.) The Contractor shall not remove
or trim shade, fruit, or ornamental trees unless so directed by the
Engineer.

R1-10 Identical to R1-5 except that width is 10 feet

(3.05 m).

R2-5 Identical with R1-5, except that width 10 feet (3.05 m); to be
measured 5 feet (1.52m) on each side of the pole line.

R2-10 Identical with Rl-5, except that width 20 feet (6.1 m), to be
measured 10 feet (3.05m) on each side of the pole line.

Note: The letter \"M\" added as a suffix to the above \"R\" units
designates units for reclearing existing right-of-way. With the
exception of the substitution of the word \"reclearing\" for
\"clearing\", the remaining description of the \"R\" assembly units
applies for the units suffixed with the letter \"M\".

B. The Trimming Unit is defined as follows:

R3-5 Is one (1) foot (0.305 m) in length and consists of the trimming of
foliage and branches from trees growing on or adjacent to the
right-of-way so as to provide a clearance of not less than 5 feet (1.52
m) in all directions from telecommunications cable. This unit is
measured parallel to the pole line across the maximum width of foliage
trimmed. All trees, underbrush or shrubbery across the width trimmed
shall be considered to be grouped together as a single length in
measuring the total length of trimming. Lengths along the right-of-way
in which no trimming is performed shall be omitted from the total
measurement. Any trimming included in Rl or R2 right-of-way clearing
units, shall not be considered a part of the measurement of the unit.
The Contractor shall not trim any shade, fruit or ornamental trees
unless so directed by the Engineer. When so designated by the Engineer,
a tree may be trimmed of its branches with the trunk left extending into
the zone to be trimmed.

[Section W - REARRANGEMENT UNITS]{.underline}

Specific rearrangement units shall be designated and described by the
Engineer on the \"List of Special Arrangement Units\" table of RUS Form
515. Existing plant assembly units to be rearranged are designated by a
prefix \"W\".

[Section XX - NONREUSABLE MATERIALS REMOVAL UNITS]{.underline}

These units cover the furnishing of all labor for the removal of
construction assembly units from existing lines, and transportation of
the removed materials for proper disposal. The Contractor will be
permitted to use the most economical method of removing these units. The
removal units are designated by the prefix \"XX\" followed by the
assembly unit designation of the unit to be removed.

[Section XZ - REUSABLE MATERIALS REMOVAL UNITS]{.underline}

These units cover the furnishing of all labor for the removal of
construction assembly units from existing lines and all labor and
transportation of the removed materials to a location designated by the
Owner. The Contractor will be charged by the Owner for the materials
removed under this section at the unit material values shown in column 2
of the \"Value and Disposition of Units to be Removed\" table of RUS
Form 515. The number of units to be charged to the Contractor and the
extended value of these units are shown in columns 3 and 4. Such charges
will be placed against the Contractor as assembly units are removed and
the unit material values will be deducted from the total value of
assembly units constructed on this project for determination of the work
accomplished for purposes of the monthly progress payments to the
Contractor. Of the assembly units listed in the \"Value and Disposition
of Units to be Removed\" table to be removed from existing lines certain
units are to be reused in the construction of the project. The quantity
of such units to be reused is listed in the \"Value and Disposition of
Units to be Removed\" table, column 5. These units where installed in
the project will be inventoried as new assembly units and compensated
for at the unit bid prices. The quantity of assembly units listed in
column 6 of the \"Value and Disposition of Units to be Removed\" table
is the maximum quantity of removed assembly units that are to be
returned to the Owner for credit which will be allowed at the unit
material prices in column 2. Column 7 indicates the extended value of
the units to be returned to the Owner. The Contractor will be allowed
credit for assembly units listed in column 6 which, in the opinion of
the Engineer, have not been damaged by the Contractor in removal and
handling. Such credits will be allowed the Contractor as the assembly
units are returned to a location designated by the Owner and shall be
added to the total value of installed assembly units for determination
of work accomplished for the purposes of the monthly progress payments
to the Contractor. The removal units are specified by the prefix \"XZ\"
followed by the assembly unit designation of the existing assembly unit
to be removed.

### Part II - SPECIFICATIONS FOR MATERIALS

**1. SCOPE**

This part of the specification is concerned with the various materials
required for the construction of the outside aerial cable plant of the
rural telecommunications system as shown on the Plans, Specifications,
and Construction Sheets.

**2. GENERAL**

All materials used in the construction of the rural telecommunications
system except those listed in Paragraph 4 below shall be listed in RUS
Informational Publication (IP)

344-2, \"List of Materials Acceptable for Use on Telecommunications
Systems of RUS Borrowers,\" unless specific written approval has been
granted by the Administrator.

**3. POLES**

**3.1** The pole plan, method of treatment, kind of preservative and
general procedure applying to all poles shall be in accordance with the
latest RUS specifications for these items in effect at the time the bids
are received. All poles shall be framed in accordance with the framing
guide attached to the specifications.

**3.2** Poles shall be of the length and American National Standards
Institute, Inc. (ANSI) class specified in the Proposal.

**4. MISCELLANEOUS**

Items which do not appear in RUS IP 344-2, \"List of Materials
Acceptable for Use on Telecommunications Systems of RUS Borrowers,\"
shall be of a quality suitable for the application for which they are
intended.

**[Part III - SPECIFICATIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION AND
INSTALLATION]{.underline}**

**1. GENERAL**

**1.1** All construction and installation work shall be done in a
thorough and workmanlike manner in accordance with the Plans,
Specifications and Construction Sheets and shall be subject to
acceptance by the Owner and the Administrator.

**1.2** All material to be used in construction of the Project shall be
stored so as to be protected from deteriorating effects of the elements.

**1.3** All guy strand, suspension strand, aerial cables, and accessory
materials used in the construction of the Project shall be handled with
care. Each reel of aerial cable shall be inspected for damage. All
damage shall be repaired to the satisfaction of the Engineer and in
accordance with the methods or other instructions described in the
appropriate paragraphs of Part III. If reel wrap is present, the reel
wrap shall remain intact on the reel until the cable is ready to be
placed.

**1.4** Deviations from the Plans, Specifications and Construction
Sheets shall not be permitted except upon written permission of the
Engineer.

**1.5** The latest revision of the National Electrical Safety Code
(NESC) and the National Electrical Code (NEC) shall be followed in every
case except where local regulations are more stringent, in which case
local regulations shall govern.

**1.6** The Contractor shall maintain conductor polarity (tip and ring)
identification at the main distributing frame, cable terminals, wire
terminals, terminal blocks, and in the service entrance, all in
accordance with the Specifications and Construction Sheets (see guide
drawing 815).

**2. POLE LINES**

**2.1** Poles shall be handled carefully. Damaged poles shall not be
used.

**2.2** The pole hole shall be of sufficient diameter to permit the pole
to settle freely to the bottom of the hole without trimming the butt and
still have sufficient space between the pole and the sides of the hole
to permit proper tamping of the backfill at every point around the pole,
and throughout the entire depth of the hole.

**2.3** The setting depth, in feet (or meters), for poles of various
lengths shall be as follows:

#  Length of Setting Setting

[Pole]{.underline} [in Soil]{.underline} [in Solid Rock]{.underline}

20 (6.10) 4.0 (1.22) 3.0 (0.91)

25 (7.62) 5.0 (1.52) 3.5 (1.07)

30 (9.14) 5.5 (1.68) 3.5 (1.07)

35 (10.67) 6.0 (1.83) 4.0 (1.22)

40 (12.19) 6.0 (1.83) 4.0 (1.22)

45 (13.72) 6.5 (1.98) 4.5 (1.37)

50 (15.24) 7.0 (2.13) 4.5 (1.37)

55 (16.76) 7.5 (2.29) 5.0 (1.52)

60 (18.29) 8.0 (2.44) 5.0 (1.52)

**2.4** The \"Setting in Soil\" depth as shown in paragraph 2.3, shall
apply where poles are to be set in soil only; where there is a layer of
soil more than 2 feet (0.61 m) in depth over solid rock; or where the
pole in solid rock is not substantially vertical or the diameter of the
hole at the surface of the rock exceeds approximately twice the diameter
of the pole at the same level.

**2.5** The \"Setting in Solid Rock\" depth as shown in paragraph 2.3,
shall apply where solid rock is encountered at the ground line and where
the hole is substantially vertical, approximately uniform in diameter,
and large enough to permit the use of tamping bars the full depth of the
hole.

**2.6** Where there is a layer of soil 2 feet (0.61 m) or less in depth
over solid rock, the depth of the hole shall be the depth of the soil in
addition to the depth specified in paragraph 2.3 under \"Setting in
Solid Rock,\" provided, however, that such depth shall not exceed the
depth specified under \"Setting in Soil.\"

**2.7** On sloping ground the depth of the hole shall be measured from
the low side of the hole. Where a pole is to be set on the side of a
steep grade where soil erosion appears to be a consideration, the hole
should be one (1) foot (0.305 m) deeper than specified in paragraph 2.3
under \"Setting in Soil.\"

**2.8** When an earth boring machine is employed for holes for guyed
poles, the bottom of the hole shall be thoroughly tamped to compact any
loose earth that may be present.

**2.9** All holes shall be backfilled with soil or small rock and all
pole holes in rock shall be inspected and approved by the Engineer
before being backfilled.

**2.10** Backfill shall be thoroughly tamped the full depth of the pole
hole. Earth must be banked around the pole to a minimum height of 6 in.
\[15.24 centimeters (cm)\] above ground level.

**2.11** Holes in soil for poles at unguyed corners where the pole will
not be keyed shall be one (1) foot (0.305 m) deeper than the \"Setting
in Soil\" depth as shown in paragraph 2.3. For holes in solid rock the
\"Setting in Solid Rock\" depth will apply.

**2.12** The Contractor shall be responsible for setting poles in
alignment according to the staking sheets. If the Contractor should find
stakes out of alignment, the Engineer shall, upon request of the
Contractor, realign the stakes according to the construction sheets.

**2.13** Poles shall be set plumb except at corners where they shall be
set and raked against the load so that the pole top will be in line
after the load is applied. The rake in pole shall not exceed 6 in.
(15.24 cm) for each 10 feet (3.05 m) of pole length after the conductors
are installed at the required tension. Deadend shall be set so as to be
plumb and in line after the load it applied.

**2.14** Pole lightning protection shall be a #6 AWG bare copper wire
installed in accordance with assembly unit drawing PM1.

**3. MOUNTING HARDWARE AND GUYS**

**3.1** All bolts employed for the mounting of hardware items on poles
shall be long enough to fully engage the nut (including locknut, where
applicable) but shall not extend more than 2 in. (50.8 mm) beyond the
nut after the nut is tightened. The ends of bolts shall not be cut.

**3.2** The Engineer shall determine all guy locations and shall specify
the type of guy. Guys shall be installed before conductors or cable
suspension strands are placed.

**4. ANCHORS**

**4.1** Anchor assembly units shall be installed at locations designated
on the construction sheets.

**4.2** All anchors and rods shall be in line with the load and shall be
so installed that the eye of the rod is above grade. Not more than 6 in.
(152 mm) of rod shall remain out of the ground after the load is
applied.

**4.3** When an expansion type anchor is used, the anchor shall be fully
expanded and shall be expanded into undisturbed earth before backfilling
the anchor hole.

**4.4** Backfill shall be thoroughly tamped the full depth of all anchor
holes.

**4.5** Rock anchors shall be placed in accordance with the detailed

instructions of the Engineer. Where a rock is encountered below the
surface of the ground, instructions from the Engineer shall be obtained
before placing an anchor at that location.

**5. SELF SUPPORTING FIBER OPTIC CABLE**

**5.1** Where physical obstructions make it necessary to pull cable
along the line from a stationary reel, cable stringing blocks shall be
used to support the cable during all placing and tensioning operations.
Ladders, cable cars and other equipment shall not be placed on or
against the cable.

**5.2** Splicing of the optical fibers shall be performed in accordance
with RUS Splicing Standard Bulletin 1753F-401 (PC-2). Splicing of the
support member shall be performed in accordance with the method
specified by the Engineer.

**5.3** During installation, maximum pulling tension and minimum bending
radius of the self supporting fiber optic cable shall not exceed the
cable manufacturer\'s recommendations.

**5.4** Initial stringing tension, maximum permissible span length, and
sagging shall be in accordance with the cable manufacturer\'s
recommendations.

**5.5** Self supporting fiber optic cable shall be spiraled in
accordance with the method shown on Construction Guide Drawing 250-1.
Spiraling of the cable shall be performed within 24 hours of the
tensioning operation.

**5.6** The insulation shall not be removed from the support member
except at bonding and ground points; and at points where ends of the
support member are terminated in splicing and deadend devices.

**5.7** The support member of self supporting fiber optic cable shall be
made electrically continuous throughout its entire length.

**5.8** At junctions between self supporting fiber optic cable and
aerial fiber cable, or buried fiber cable, the support messenger shall
be bonded to the aerial cable strand or buried cable armor.

**5.9** The support member of self supporting fiber optic cable shall be
grounded at locations specified by the Engineer by connecting the
support wire to a pole ground wire as shown on the Construction Sheets.

**5.10** When specified by the Engineer, the insulation of the support
member at deadend fittings, splices and bridged grounding connections
shall be restored in accordance with the method shown in Construction
Guide Drawing 360.

**5.11** Damaged portions of the self supporting fiber optic cable shall
be cut out and the support member spliced in accordance with the method
specified by the Engineer.

**6. SUSPENSION STRAND**

**6.1** The cable shall be installed within a reasonable time after the
strand is installed and tensioned. If a delay in installing cable in
excess of 24 hours is encountered, temporary dampers shall be installed
on the strand.

**6.2** When tensioning strand the cable suspension clamps shall be
loose enough to allow free movement of the strand.

**6.3** Suspension strand shall be placed in accordance with the
Construction Sheets and shall be tensioned in accordance with
instructions, which shall be furnished, to the Contractor by the
Engineer.

**6.4** The suspension strand shall be placed on the roadside of the
pole line unless otherwise directed by the Engineer.

**6.5** In tangent construction, the lip of the suspension strand clamp
shall point toward the pole. At angles in the line, the suspension
strand clamp lip shall point away from the load.

**6.6** In level construction the suspension strand clamp shall be
placed in such a manner that it shall hold the strand below the
through-bolt. At points where there is an up-pull on the strand, the
clamp shall be so placed that it shall support the strand above the
through-bolt.

**6.7** When a thimbleye bolt is used both to mount the suspension
strand clamp and to make the guy attachment, the size of the suspension
strand clamp shall be governed by the size of the thimbleye bolt
required for the guy.

**6.8** The air temperature at the time and place of tensioning the
strand shall be determined by means specified by the Engineer.

**6.9** The suspension strand shall be made electrically continuous
throughout its entire length as indicated on the Construction Sheets.

**6.10** Suspension strands shall be bonded to other bare cable
suspension strands, and guys on the same pole and grounded by connection
to ground leads at locations specified by the Engineer and in the manner
specified by the Engineer. Where the strand is to be grounded to a
multigrounded neutral on a pole which does not carry a vertical pole
ground wire, a #6 AWG bare copper wire shall be left coiled and taped to
permit it to be extended up the pole and connected to the multiground
neutral by a representative of the power company.

**7. FILLED AERIAL CABLE**

**7.1** The Contractor and Engineer shall jointly inspect all reels of
cable for damage prior to installation.

**7.2** Cable ends shall be kept sealed at all times, i.e., during
transportation, in storage, and during cable placement to prevent
moisture entry into the cable core. Acceptable cable end caps shall be
used for this purpose.

**7.3** Cable shall be taken from the reel only as it is placed. Bends
of small radii and twists shall be avoided in handling cable.

**7.4** If the jacket is deformed in handling the cable, the Engineer
shall be notified. If directed by the Engineer, the deformed section of
the jacket shall be removed; the insulation and conductors shall be
examined and if damaged shall be repaired. The opening in the jacket
shall then be closed by means of a suitable enclosure. Repairs so made
shall be done in accordance with appropriate specifications.

**8. FILLED AERIAL CABLE PLACEMENT**

**8.1** During placing operations, copper cables shall not be bent in a
radius less than 10 times the outside diameter of the cable and fiber
optic cables shall not be bent in a radius less than 20 times the
outside diameter of the cable. Temporary supports where necessary, shall
be placed sufficiently close together and proper tensioning of the cable
shall be employed to prevent bending in excess of the above
requirements.

**8.2** In those instances where spiraling of cable is involved, the
mounting of closures for purposes of splicing and distribution shall be
accomplished after the spiraling operation has been completed.

**8.3** Cable guards shall be applied over the cable at points of
potential abrasion such as at supports, and in locations where tree
trimming is not permitted.

**8.4** Cable shall be lashed with lashing wire to the suspension strand
by means of a suitable lashing machine.

**8.5** The pitch of the lashing wire may be from 10 to 15 in.

(254 to 381 mm) but must be constant for any section of cable of the
same size and gauge. For cables of 3/4 in. (19 mm) or larger in
diameter, the lashing wire shall be placed with a tension of 35 to 40
lbs (156 to 178 N). Cables having a smaller diameter less than 3/4 in.
(19 mm) shall be lashed with a lashing wire tension of 18 to 25 lbs (80
to 111 N).

**8.6** During the placing operation, precautions shall be taken to
prevent slippage of the cable sheath or jacket over the core.

**8.7** The cable shall be snug against the suspension strand throughout
the span. It shall be supported in a position directly below the strand
insofar as possible, except where spiraling has been specified. Where
more than one cable is placed on a strand, the cables shall be arranged
as shown on the Construction Sheets so that the cables are snug against
the suspension strand and against each other.

**8.8** The lashing wire shall be terminated at each pole and the cable
shall be supported and protected at the suspension clamp in accordance
with the Construction Sheets.

**8.9** At lashing wire terminating points, the tension placed in the
lashing wire by the lashing machine shall be maintained. No slack in the
lashing wire shall be permitted to run into the span.

**8.10** When lashing wire is spliced in a span, the splice shall be
made by means of a compression type splicing sleeve. The completed
splice shall be placed on the strand in such a position that it shall
not result in damage to the cable sheath or jacket.

**8.11** Where suspension strand attachments such as suspension strand
cross-over, suspension strand pull-offs, etc., are encountered in the
span, a positive separation shall be provided between the suspension
strand attachment and the cable, and the cable shall be supported and
protected in accordance with the Construction Sheets.

**8.12** At splices where the cable is not cut, no slack shall be left
in the cable. So that no slack can run into the span, the lashing wire
shall be securely clamped to the strand until the splice is completed,
at which time the lashing wire shall be terminated in accordance with
the Construction Sheets.

**8.13** At cut splices in the cable, sufficient overlap shall be
provided to permit splicing without piecing out the conductors.

**8.14** Spiraling of lashed cable where specified shall be performed in
accordance with the method shown on the Construction Guide Drawing 250.
Spiraling of the cable shall be performed within 48 hours of the
tensioning operation.

**8.15** Where the new cable is to be lashed to existing strand and
cable(s), the preceding requirements for placement of lashed cable shall
also be adhered to, except as modified and/or supplemented as follows:

**8.15.1** The cable shall be lashed to the existing strand and cable(s)
so that it and the existing cable(s) shall be as snug against the
existing strand as is practicable.

Note: If the existing cable is spiraled, the spiraling shall first be
removed. The existing cable after unspiraling and the new cable shall
then be lashed, without either being spiraled, to the existing strand in
the same lashing operation.

**8.15.2** The lashing wire shall be terminated on both sides of all
splices and devices in/on the existing cable where interference with the
lashing operation is encountered.

**8.15.3** Cable spacers and cable straps, as required, shall be used at
all points of lashing wire termination to maintain proper separation and
support for the new cable.

**8.15.4** Spacers shall be added to the existing suspension clamp
mountings, where required, to maintain proper separation between the
cable and the surface of the pole.

**8.15.5** Ready-access closures to be installed on the new cable(s)
shall be equipped with extension fittings so that they will be located
below and separate from the existing cable.

**8.16.6** The existing lashing wire, fittings and attachments shall be
adjusted as necessary to maintain proper security of the new cable and
the existing cable, and to maintain adequate separations and clearances.

**9. CABLE SPLICING AND TERMINALS**

**9.1** Splicing for copper cable and fiber optic cable shall be in
accordance with RUS Splicing Standard Bulletin 1753F-401 (PC-2).

**9.2** Aerial cable terminals and ready-access closures equipped with
filled terminal blocks shall be installed in accordance with the
Construction Sheets and connected in accordance with the cable schematic
drawings furnished by the Engineer. Splicing shall be performed in
accordance with RUS Splicing Standard Bulletin 1753F-401 (PC-2).

**10. CLEARING RIGHT-OF-WAY**

**10.1** In clearing the right-of-way, trees shall be removed or trimmed
and underbrush cleared in accordance with the Construction Sheets. Trees
fronting the side of the right-of-way shall be trimmed symmetrically
unless otherwise directed by the Engineer.

**10.2** Dead trees beyond the right-of-way, which would strike the line
in falling, shall be removed.

**10.3** Leaning trees beyond the right-of-way which would strike the
line in falling and which would require topping if not removed, may be
removed or topped at the option of the Contractor; however, the
Contractor shall trim and not remove shade, fruit, or ornamental trees
unless otherwise directed by the Engineer.

**[LIST OF CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS AND PLANS]{.underline}**

[Assembly Unit Drawings]{.underline}

HR1 Ready-Access Enclosure, Lashed

> Cable Straight Splice

HR2 Ready-Access Enclosure, Lashed

> Cable Branch Splice

# 

# PE1-2, PE1-3, and PE1-4 Down Guy

PE1-2G, PE1-3G, and PE1-4G Down Guy, Ground Connections

PE2-2, PE2-3, and PE2-4 Overhead Guy

PE2-2G, PE2-3G, and PE2-4G Overhead Guy, Ground Connections

PF1-3, PF1-5, and PF1-7 Expanding Anchor Assembly

PF3-3, PF3-5, and PF3-7 Screw Anchor Assembly

PF5-3 and PF5-4 Rock Anchor Assembly

PF6-3, PF6-4, and PF6-5 Swamp Anchor Assembly

PM1 Pole Lightning Protection Assembly

PM2 Pole Ground Assembly

PM2-1 Auxiliary Ground Rod Assembly

PM2A Ground Wire Assembly

PM4 Cable Extension Arm Assembly (Short)

PM4A Cable Extension Arm Assembly (Long)

PM5 Pole Stepping Assembly

PM6 and PM7 Pole Key Assemblies

PM8 and PM9 Pole Key Assemblies

PM12 Sidewalk Guy Arm Assembly

PM14 Push Brace Accessories

PM52 Pole Marking

[Construction Guide Drawings]{.underline}

201 Suspension Strand Mounting

201-1 Self Supporting Filled Fiber Optic Cable Support

202 Suspension Strand Mounting (Pull Away from Pole)

202-1 Suspension Strand Mounting (Pull Against Pole)

3.  Self Supporting Filled Fiber Optic Cable Support,

######  Corner

203 Suspension Strand Mounting (Corners)

1.  Self Supporting Filled Fiber Optic Cable Support,

######  Corner

204 Suspension Strand Deadend

206 Branch Suspension Strand

207 Branch Suspension Strand

208 Suspension Strand Pull-Off

209-1 Suspension Strand Bonding

211 False Deadend

212 Strand Layouts

214 Arrangement Details of Cables at Pole Supports

241 Lashed Cable Support at Pole

242 Lashing Wire Terminations

243 Lashing Wire Terminations at Suspension Strand Crossovers

250 Method of Spiraling Aerial Cable

250-1 Method of Spiraling Self Supporting Filled Fiber

> Optic Cable (Figure 8 Design)

312-1 Aerial Plastic Cable, Details of Wire

Connections to Terminal blocks

360 Method of Restoring Insulation on

Support Member of Self Supporting Filled

> Fiber Optic Cable (Figure 8 Design)

812 Guy Hook, Details of Installation

815. Conductor Polarity (Tip and Ring) Diagram

(Aerial Plant)

NOTE: On the Assembly Unit or Guide Drawings an asterisk (\*) in the
ITEM column indicates items that are no longer listed in RUS IP 344-2,
\"List of Materials Acceptable for Use on Telecommunications Systems of
RUS Borrowers.\"