UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service

**BULLETIN 1753F-801(PC-5A)**

**SUBJECT:** **[RUS Standard for Service Installations at
Customer]{.underline}**

**[Access Locations]{.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 REA Bulletin 345-52, REA
Standard for Service Entrance and Station Protector Installations,
PC-5A, issued January 16, 1980. This bulletin can be accessed via the
Internet at http://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/publications/bulletins.htm

**PURPOSE:** This standard covers RUS service installation practices at
permanent or mobile home customer access locations. This bulletin is a
reformat of the text codified in 7 CFR 1755.500 through 7 CFR 1755.510
published at 66 FR 43314, dated August 17, 2001.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this document.
However, in case of discrepancies, the regulations at 7 CFR 1755.500
through 7 CFR 1755.510 are the authorized sources.

Roberta D. Purcell 9/11/01

#  Roberta D. Purcell Date

Assistant Administrator

Telecommunications Program

**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

CFR TO Bulletin Conversion Table \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.... 5

Abbreviations \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....
10

Definitions \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...
11

1\. Scope
\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\... 17

2\. General
\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.... 17

3\. Demarcation Point
\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\... 19

4\. Buried Services
\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\..... 19

5\. Aerial Wire Services
\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\... 25

6\. Aerial Cable Services \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....
32

7\. Customer Access Location Protection \...\...\...\...\...\...\... 34

8\. Mobile Homes
\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\..... 44

9\. Construction and Assembly Unit Drawings \...\...\...\...\..... 45

BM50 Drawing -- Buried Service Wire or Cable

Installation to Pole-Mounted-Wire

Terminal \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\..... 46

BM83 Drawing - Buried Service Guard \...\...\...\...\..... 47

312-1 Drawing - Aerial Plastic Cable Details of Wire

Connections to Terminal Block \...\..... 48

501-1 Drawing - Span Clamp Attachment \...\...\...\...\.... 49

501-2 Drawing - Span Clamp Attachment \...\...\...\...\.... 50

503-2 Drawing - Service Wire Connections to

Aerial Cable \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.... 51

504 Drawing - Service Wire Attachment at

Intermediate Pole \...\...\...\...\...\..... 52

505 Drawing - Aerial Service Wire Sags \...\...\...\.... 53

506 Drawing - Selection of Service Wire Attachment . 54

507 Drawing - Insulated First Attachment for

Aerial Service Wire \...\...\...\...\...\... 55

508-1 Drawing - Uninsulated First Attachment for

Aerial Service Wire \...\...\...\...\...\... 56

510 Drawing - Insulated Intermediate Attachments

for Service Wires \...\...\...\...\...\..... 57

510-1 Drawing - Uninsulated Intermediate Attachments

for Service Wires \...\...\...\...\...\..... 58

510-2 Drawing - Service Entrances \...\...\...\...\...\..... 59

513 Drawing - Aerial Service Wire Run on Buildings . 60

815 Drawing - Conductor Polarity (Tip and Ring)

Diagram (Aerial Plant) \...\...\...\...\... 61

815-1 Drawing - Buried Plant Conductor Polarity

Diagram \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\... 62

958 Drawing - Buried Cable and Wire Directional

#  Marking \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\..... 63

# 

#  962 Drawing - Buried Wire Service Installation

on Buildings \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\... 64

### TABLES AND FIGURES

Table 1 Minimum Separation for Telecommunications Wires

and Cables On or In Buildings \...\...\...\...\...\...\.... 22

Table 2 Color Codes for Tip and Ring Connections of

Inside Wiring Cable \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\..... 25

Table 3 Nonmetallic Reinforced Aerial Service Wire

Color Code \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\..... 27

Table 4 Devices for Attaching Aerial Service Wires

to Buildings \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\... 30

Table 5 Grounding Conductor Size Versus Number

of Circuits \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.... 37

Table 6 Typical Fastening Devices for Station Wires and

Grounding Conductors \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.... 39

## 

## FIGURE 1 ANCHORING DEVICES \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\... 65

FIGURE 2 CABLE ATTACHMENT DEVICES \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\..... 66

FIGURE 3 CABLE ENTRANCES AND RUNS IN BUILDINGS \...\...\...\.... 67

FIGURE 4 AERIAL SERVICE WIRE CROSSING OBSTRUCTIONS

WOODEN BUILDING SURFACES \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\..... 68

FIGURE 5 AERIAL SERVICE WIRE CROSSING OBSTRUCTIONS

MASONRY BUILDING SURFACES \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.... 69

FIGURE 6 AERIAL SERVICE WIRE CROSSING COMBUSTIBLE

BUILDING PROJECTIONS \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\... 70

FIGURE 7 SUSPENSION STRAND DEADENDING ON BUILDINGS \...\...\... 71

FIGURE 8 GROUNDING OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE TO

ELECTRIC SERVICE (PREFERRED METHOD) \...\...\...\...\... 72

**TABLES AND FIGURES (Continued)**

FIGURE 9 ALTERNATIVE TECHNIQUE FOR BONDING TO ELECTRIC

GROUND WHERE DIRECT ATTACHMENT IS NOT POSSIBLE \.... 73

FIGURE 10 BONDING BURIED SERVICE WIRE AT STATION PROTECTOR

OF NID USING SERVICE WIRE SHIELD BOND CONNECTOR .. 74

FIGURE 11 BONDING BURIED SERVICE WIRE AT FUSED STATION

PROTECTOR USING SERVICE WIRE SHIELD

BOND CONNECTOR \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\..... 75

FIGURE 12 BONDING BURIED SERVICE WIRE AT STATION PROTECTOR

OF NID USING SERVICE WIRE BONDING HARNESS \...\..... 76

FIGURE 13 BONDING BURIED SERVICE WIRE AT FUSED STATION

PROTECTOR USING SERVICE WIRE BONDING HARNESS \..... 77

FIGURE 14 TERMINATION OF CONDUCTORS AND SHIELD ON STATION

PROTECTOR BINDING POSTS OF NID \...\...\...\...\...\.... 78

FIGURE 15 TERMINATION OF CONDUCTORS AND SHIELD ON FUSED

STATION PROTECTOR BINDING POSTS \...\...\...\...\...\... 79

## 

## FIGURE 16 MULTIPAIR NID OR BET TERMINAL CONNECTIONS

CONTAINING FUSELESS STATION PROTECTORS \...\...\..... 80

FIGURE 17 NETWORK INTERFACE DEVICE (NID) INSTALLATION

ELECTRIC SERVICE EQUIPMENT WITHIN 35 FEET

(10.7 METERS) OF MOBILE HOME \...\...\...\...\...\...\... 81

FIGURE 18 NETWORK INTERFACE DEVICE (NID) INSTALLATION

ELECTRIC SERVICE EQUIPMENT MORE THAN 35 FEET

(10.7 METERS) FROM MOBILE HOME \...\...\...\...\...\.... 82

FIGURE 19 NID TERMINATIONS \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...
83

FIGURE 20 MOBILE HOME INSTALLATION \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.... 84

**INDEX:**

Outside Plant

Construction

Service Installations at Customer Access Locations

Telecommunications

CFR TO BULLETIN CONVERSION TABLE

  ------------------------------------ ----------------------------------
  7 CFR 1755.500 to 7 CFR 1755.510     Bulletin 1753F-801

  7 CFR 1755.500                       Bulletin Title

  \(a\)                                \-

  \(b\)                                \-

  7 CFR 1755.501                       Definitions

  7 CFR 1755.502                       1\.

  \-                                   1.1

  \-                                   1.2

  \(b\)                                1.3

  7 CFR 1755.503                       2\.

  \(a\)                                2.1

  \(b\)                                2.2

  \(c\)                                2.3

  \(d\)                                2.4

  (d)(1)                               2.4.1

  (d)(2)                               2.4.2

  \(e\)                                2.5

  \(f\)                                2.6

  \(g\)                                2.7

  \(h\)                                2.8

  \(i\)                                2.9

  \(j\)                                2.10

  \(k\)                                2.11

  \(l\)                                2.12

  \(m\)                                2.13

  7 CFR 1755.504                       3\.

  \(a\)                                3.1

  \(b\)                                3.2

  \(c\)                                3.3

  \(d\)                                3.4

  7 CFR 1755.505                       4\.

  \(a\)                                4.1

  \(b\)                                4.2

  \(c\)                                4.3

  \(d\)                                4.4

  \(e\)                                4.5

  (e)(1)                               4.5.1

  (e)(2)                               4.5.2

  (e)(3)                               4.5.3

  (e)(4)                               4.5.4

  (e)(5)                               4.5.5

  \(f\)                                4.6

  (f)(1)                               4.6.1

  (f)(2)                               4.6.2

  (f)(3)                               4.6.3

  (f)(4)                               4.6.4

  (f)(5)                               4.6.5

  (f)(6)                               4.6.6

  (f)(7)                               4.6.7
  ------------------------------------ ----------------------------------

#### CFR TO BULLETIN CONVERSION TABLE

  ------------------------------------ ----------------------------------
  7 CFR 1755.500 to 7 CFR 1755.510     Bulletin 1753F-801

  (f)(8)                               4.6.8

  (f)(9)                               4.6.9

  (f)(10)                              4.6.10

  (f)(11)                              4.6.11

  (f)(12)                              4.6.12

  (f)(13)                              4.6.13

  \(g\)                                4.7

  \(h\)                                4.8

  (h)(1)                               4.8.1

  (h)(2)                               4.8.2

  \(i\)                                4.9

  7 CFR 1755.506                       5\.

  \(a\)                                5.1

  \(b\)                                5.2

  \(c\)                                5.3

  \(d\)                                5.4

  \(e\)                                5.5

  \(f\)                                5.6

  \(g\)                                5.7

  \(h\)                                5.8

  \(i\)                                5.9

  \(j\)                                5.10

  \(k\)                                5.11

  \(l\)                                5.12

  \(m\)                                5.13

  \(n\)                                5.14

  \(o\)                                5.15

  (o)(1)                               5.15.1

  (o)(2)                               5.15.2

  \(p\)                                5.16

  \(q\)                                5.17

  \(r\)                                5.18

  \(s\)                                5.19

  \(t\)                                5.20

  \(u\)                                5.21

  \(v\)                                5.22

  \(w\)                                5.23

  \(x\)                                5.24

  \(y\)                                5.25

  \(z\)                                5.26

  (z)(1)                               5.26.1

  (z)(2)                               5.26.2

  (z)(3)                               5.26.3

  (z)(3)(i)                            5.26.3a

  (z)(3)(ii)                           5.26.3b

  (aa)                                 5.27

  (bb)                                 5.28

  \(cc\)                               5.29
  ------------------------------------ ----------------------------------

#### CFR TO BULLETIN CONVERSION TABLE

  ------------------------------------ ----------------------------------
  7 CFR 1755.500 to 7 CFR 1755.510     Bulletin 1753F-801

  (dd)                                 5.30

  (ee)                                 5.31

  (ff)                                 5.32

  (gg)                                 5.33

  (hh)                                 5.34

  \(ii\)                               5.35

  (jj)                                 5.36

  (kk)                                 5.37

  (ll)                                 5.38

  \(mm\)                               5.39

  (nn)                                 5.40

  7 CFR 1755.507                       6\.

  \(a\)                                6.1

  \(b\)                                6.2

  \(c\)                                6.3

  (c)(1)                               6.3.1

  (c)(2)                               6.3.2

  (c)(3)                               6.3.3

  (c)(4)                               6.3.4

  (c)(5)                               6.3.5

  (c)(5)(i)                            6.3.5.1

  (c)(5)(ii)                           6.3.5.2

  (c)(6)                               6.3.6

  (c)(7)                               6.3.7

  (c)(8)                               6.3.8

  (c)(9)                               6.3.9

  (c)(10)                              6.3.10

  (c)(11)                              6.3.11

  (c)(12)                              6.3.12

  (c)(13)                              6.3.13

  7 CFR 1755.508                       7\.

  \(a\)                                7.1

  \(b\)                                7.2

  \(c\)                                7.3

  \(d\)                                7.4

  \(e\)                                7.5

  \(f\)                                7.6

  \(g\)                                7.7

  (g)(1)                               7.7.1

  (g)(2)                               7.7.2

  (g)(3)                               7.7.3

  \(h\)                                7.8

  \(i\)                                7.9

  \(j\)                                7.10

  \(k\)                                7.11

  \(l\)                                7.12

  (l)(1)                               7.12.1

  (l)(2)                               7.12.2
  ------------------------------------ ----------------------------------

#### CFR TO BULLETIN CONVERSION TABLE

  ------------------------------------ ----------------------------------
  7 CFR 1755.500 to 7 CFR 1755.510     Bulletin 1753F-801

  \(m\)                                7.13

  \(n\)                                7.14

  \(o\)                                7.15

  \(p\)                                7.16

  \(q\)                                7.17

  \(r\)                                7.18

  \(s\)                                7.19

  \(t\)                                7.20

  \(u\)                                7.21

  \(v\)                                7.22

  \(w\)                                7.23

  (w)(1)                               7.23.1

  (w)(2)                               7.23.2

  (w)(3)                               7.23.3

  (w)(4)                               7.23.4

  (w)(5)                               7.23.5

  (w)(6)                               7.23.6

  \(x\)                                7.24

  \(y\)                                7.25

  (y)(1)                               7.25.1

  (y)(2)                               7.25.2

  (y)(3)                               7.25.3

  \(z\)                                7.26

  (aa)                                 7.27

  (bb)                                 7.28

  (bb)(1)                              7.28.1

  (bb)(2)                              7.28.2

  (bb)(3)                              7.28.3

  (bb)(4)                              7.28.4

  (bb)(5)                              7.28.5

  (bb)(6)                              7.28.6

  (bb)(7)                              7.28.7

  (bb)(8)                              7.28.8

  \(cc\)                               7.29

  (cc)(1)                              7.29.1

  (cc)(2)                              7.29.2

  (dd)                                 7.30

  (dd)(1)                              7.30.1

  (dd)(2)                              7.30.2

  (dd)(3)                              7.30.3

  (dd)(4)                              7.30.4

  (dd)(5)                              7.30.5

  (ee)                                 7.31

  (ee)(1)                              7.31.1

  (ee)(2)                              7.31.2

  (ee)(3)                              7.31.3

  (ee)(4)                              7.31.4

  (ee)(5)                              7.31.5
  ------------------------------------ ----------------------------------

#### CFR TO BULLETIN CONVERSION TABLE

  ------------------------------------ ----------------------------------
  7 CFR 1755.500 to 7 CFR 1755.510     Bulletin 1753F-801

  (ee)(6)                              7.31.6

  (ee)(7)                              7.31.7

  (ee)(8)                              7.31.8

  (ff)                                 7.32

  7 CFR 1755.509                       8\.

  \(a\)                                8.1

  \(b\)                                8.2

  \(c\)                                8.3

  (c)(1)                               8.3.1

  (c)(2)                               8.3.2

  \(d\)                                8.4

  \(e\)                                8.5

  7 CFR 1755.510                       9\.

  \(a\)                                9.1

  \(b\)                                9.2

  \(c\)                                9.3
  ------------------------------------ ----------------------------------

####  

#### ABBREVIATIONS

ANSI American National Standards Institute

AWG American Wire Gauge

BET Building Entrance Terminal

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

cm Centimeters

° Degrees

DP Demarcation Point

FCC Federal Communications Commission

FH Flat Head

ft or ' Feet

G Ground

ID Inside Diameter

IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

in. or " Inches

kg Kilograms

kV Kilovolts

kg/m Kilograms/Meter

lbs Pounds

lb/ft Pound/Foot

m Meter

MDF Main Distributing Frame

mm Millimeters

NEC National Electrical Code

NESC National Electrical Safety Code

NFPA National Fire Protection Association

NID Network Interface Device

No. or \# Number

R Ring Conductor

RH Round Head

RUS Rural Utilities Service

SEA Service Entrance, Aerial

SEB Service Entrance, Buried

T Tip Conductor

**DEFINITIONS**

**[American National Standards Institute (ANSI)]{.underline}:** A
private sector standards coordinating body which serves as the United
States source and information center for all American National
Standards.

**[Ampacity]{.underline}:** As defined in the ANSI/National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA) 70-1999, *National Electrical Code*
(*NEC*): The current in amperes that a conductor can carry continuously
under the conditions of use without exceeding its temperature rating.
(Reprinted with permission from NFPA 70-1999, the *National Electrical
Code*, Copyright 1998, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy,
MA 02269. This reprinted material is not the complete and official
position of the National Fire Protection Association, on the referenced
subject which is represented only by the standard in its entirety.) The
*National Electrical Code* and *NEC* are registered trademarks of the
National Fire Protection Association, Inc., Quincy, MA 02269.

**[Bonding (Bonded)]{.underline}:** As defined in the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999,
*NEC*: The permanent joining of metallic parts to form an electrically
conductive path that will ensure electrical continuity and the capacity
to conduct safely any current likely to be imposed. (Reprinted with
permission from NFPA 70-1999, the *National Electrical Code*,
Copyright 1998, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA 02269.
This reprinted material is not the complete and official position of the
National Fire Protection Association, on the referenced subject which is
represented only by the standard in its entirety.)

**[Bonding Harness Wire]{.underline}:** A reliable electrical conductor
purposefully connected between metal parts which are required to be
electrically connected (bonded) to one another to ensure the metal parts
are at similar electrical potential.

**[Building Entrance Terminal (BET)]{.underline}:** A BET is comprised
of a housing suitable for indoor and outdoor installation which contains
quick-connect or binding post terminals for terminating both
telecommunications service cable conductors and inside wiring cable
conductors. The BET also includes primary station protectors and a means
of terminating the metallic shields of service entrance cables.

**[Demarcation Point (DP)]{.underline}:** As defined in the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) rules in 47 Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR) part 68: The point of demarcation or interconnection between
telecommunications company communications facilities and terminal
equipment, protective apparatus, or wiring at a subscriber\'s premises.
Carrier-installed facilities at, or constituting, the demarcation point
shall consist of wire or a jack conforming to subpart F of 47 CFR part
68. \"Premises\" as used herein generally means a dwelling unit, other
building or a legal unit of real property such as a lot on which a
dwelling unit is located, as determined by the telecommunications
company\'s reasonable and nondiscriminatory standard operating
practices. The \"minimum point of entry\" as used herein shall be either
the closest practicable point to where the wiring crosses a property
line or the closest practicable point to where the wiring enters a
multiunit building or buildings. The telecommunications company\'s
reasonable and nondiscriminatory standard operating practices shall
determine which shall apply. The telecommunications company is not
precluded from establishing reasonable clarifications of multiunit
premises for determining which shall apply. Multiunit premises include,
but are not limited to, residential, commercial, shopping center, and
campus situations.

a\. **[Single Unit Installations]{.underline}:** For single unit

installations existing as of August 13, 1990, and

installations installed after that date, the DP shall be a

point within 12 inches (in.) \[305 millimeters (mm)\] of the

primary protector, where there is no protector, within

12 in. (305 mm) of where the telecommunications wire enters

the customer\'s premises.

b\. **[Multiunit Installations]{.underline}:** (1) In multiunit premises

existing as of August 13, 1990, the DP shall be determined

in accordance with the local carrier\'s reasonable and

nondiscriminatory standard operating practices. Provided,

however, that where there are multiple DPs within the

multiunit premises, a DP for a customer shall not be further

inside the customer\'s premises than a point 12 in. (305 mm)

from where the wiring enters the customer\'s premises.

\(2\) In multiunit premises in which wiring is installed

after August 13, 1990, including additions, modifications,

and rearrangements of wiring existing prior to that date,

the telecommunications company may establish a reasonable

and nondiscriminatory practice of placing the DP at the

minimum point of entry. If the telecommunications company

does not elect to establish a practice of placing the DP at

the minimum point of entry, the multiunit premises owner

shall determine the location of the DP or DPs. The

multiunit premises owner shall determine whether there shall

be a single DP for all customers or separate such locations

for each customer. Provided, however, that where there are

multiple DPs within the multiunit premises, a DP for a

customer shall not be further inside the customer\'s premises

than a point 12 in. (305 mm) from where the wiring enters

the customer\'s premises.

**[Eligible Country]{.underline}:** Any country that applies with
respect to the United States an agreement ensuring reciprocal access for
United States products and services and United States suppliers to the
markets of that country, as determined by the United States Trade
Representative.

**[Fuse Link]{.underline}:** As defined in the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999,
*NEC*: A fine gauge section of wire or cable that serves as a fuse
(that is, open-circuits to interrupt the current should it become
excessive) that coordinates with the telecommunications cable and wire
plant, and protective devices. (Reprinted with permission from NFPA
70-1999, the *National Electrical Code*, Copyright 1998, National Fire
Protection Association, Quincy, MA 02269. This reprinted material is not
the complete and official position of the National Fire Protection
Association, on the referenced subject which is represented only by the
standard in its entirety.)

**[Grounding Conductor]{.underline}:** As defined in the ANSI/NFPA
70-1999, *NEC*: A conductor used to connect equipment or the grounded
circuit of a wiring system to a grounding electrode or electrodes.
(Reprinted with permission from NFPA 70-1999, the *National Electrical
Code*, Copyright 1998, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy,
MA 02269. This reprinted material is not the complete and official
position of the National Fire Protection Association, on the referenced
subject which is represented only by the standard in its entirety.)

**[Listed]{.underline}:** As defined in the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, *NEC*:
Equipment, materials, or services included in a list published by an
organization acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and
concerned of products or services, that maintains periodic inspection of
production of listed equipment or materials or periodic evaluation of
services, and whose listing states that either the equipment, material,
or services meets identified standards or has been tested and found
suitable for a specified purpose. (Reprinted with permission from NFPA
70-1999, the *National Electrical Code*, Copyright 1998, National Fire
Protection Association, Quincy, MA 02269. This reprinted material is not
the complete and official position of the National Fire Protection
Association, on the referenced subject which is represented only by the
standard in its entirety.)

**[Manufactured Home]{.underline}:** As defined in the ANSI/NFPA
70-1999, *NEC*: A factory-assembled structure or structures that bears
a label identifying it as a manufactured home that is transportable in
one or more sections, that is built on a permanent chassis and designed
to be used as a dwelling with or without a permanent foundation where
connected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating,
air conditioning, and electric systems contained therein. Unless
otherwise indicated, the term \"mobile home\" includes manufactured
homes. Fine Print Note (FPN) No. 1: See the applicable building code for
definition of the term permanent foundation. FPN No. 2: See 24 CFR part
3280, Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards, of the
Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development for additional
information on the definition. (Reprinted with permission from NFPA
70-1999, the *National Electrical Code*, Copyright 1998, National Fire
Protection Association, Quincy, MA 02269. This reprinted material is not
the complete and official position of the National Fire Protection
Association, on the referenced subject which is represented only by the
standard in its entirety.)

**[Mobile Home]{.underline}:** As defined in the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999,
*NEC*: A factory-assembled structure or structures transportable in one
or more sections, that is built on a permanent chassis and designed to
be used as a dwelling without a permanent foundation where connected to
the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating,
air-conditioning, and electric systems contained therein. Unless
otherwise indicated, the term \"mobile home\" includes manufactured
homes. (Reprinted with permission from NFPA 70-1999, the *National
Electrical Code*, Copyright 1998, National Fire Protection
Association, Quincy, MA 02269. This reprinted material is not the
complete and official position of the National Fire Protection
Association, on the referenced subject which is represented only by the
standard in its entirety.)

**[Motor Home]{.underline}:** As defined in the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999,
*NEC*: A vehicular unit designed to provide temporary living quarters
for recreational, camping, or travel use built on or permanently
attached to a self-propelled motor vehicle chassis or on a chassis cab
or van that is an integral part of the completed vehicle. (Reprinted
with permission from NFPA 70-1999, the *National Electrical Code*,
Copyright 1998, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA 02269.
This reprinted material is not the complete and official position of the
National Fire Protection Association, on the referenced subject which is
represented only by the standard in its entirety.)

**[Network Interface Device (NID)]{.underline}:** A NID is comprised of
a housing suitable for outdoor installation which contains a compartment
accessible by only telecommunications employees which includes a primary
station protector and the means for terminating telecommunications
service wire conductors and metallic shields, and a compartment
accessible by customers which includes an RJ-11 plug and jack of the
type specified in FCC rules in 47 CFR part 68.

**[Primary Station Protector]{.underline}:** An assembly which complies
with RUS Bulletin 345-39, RUS Specification for Telephone Station
Protectors.

**[Qualified Installer]{.underline}:** A person who has extensive
installation experience, complete knowledge and understanding of RUS
Bulletin 1751F-805, Electrical Protection At Customer Locations; RUS
Bulletin 1753F-153 (RUS Form 515d), Specifications and Drawings for
Service Installations at Customer Access Locations, and applicable
portions of the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, *NEC*, and ANSI/IEEE C2-1997, NESC.

**[Recreational Vehicle]{.underline}:** As defined in the ANSI/NFPA
70-1999, *NEC*: A vehicular-type unit primarily designed as temporary
living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel use, which either
has its own motive power or is mounted on or drawn by another vehicle.
The basic entities are: travel trailer, camping trailer, truck camper,
and motor home. (Reprinted with permission from NFPA 70-1999, the
*National Electrical Code*, Copyright 1998, National Fire Protection
Association, Quincy, MA 02269. This reprinted material is not the
complete and official position of the National Fire Protection
Association, on the referenced subject which is represented only by the
standard in its entirety.)

**[RUS Accepted (Material and Equipment)]{.underline}:** Equipment which
RUS has reviewed and determined that:

a\. Final assembly or manufacture of the equipment is

completed in the United States, its territories and

possessions, or in an eligible country;

b\. The cost of components within the material or equipment

manufactured in the United States, its territories and

possessions, or in an eligible country is more than 50

percent of the total cost of all components used in the

material or equipment; and

c\. The material or equipment is suitable for use on systems

of RUS telecommunications borrowers.

**[RUS Technically Accepted (Material and Equipment)]{.underline}:**
Equipment which RUS has reviewed and determined that the material or
equipment is suitable for use on systems of RUS telecommunications
borrowers but the material or equipment does not satisfy both paragraph
(a) and (b) of this definition:

a.  Final assembly or manufacture of the equipment is

not completed in the United States, its territories and

possessions, or any eligible country; and

b.  The cost of components within the material or equipment

#  manufactured in the United States, its territories and

possessions, or in an eligible country is 50 percent or

less than the total cost of all components used in the

material or equipment.

**[Travel Trailer]{.underline}:** As defined in the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999,
*NEC*: A vehicular unit, mounted on wheels, designed to provide
temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel use, of
such size and weight as to not require special highway movement permits
when towed by a motorized vehicle and of gross trailer area less than
320 square feet (29.7 square meters). (Reprinted with permission from
NFPA 70-1999, the *National Electrical Code*, Copyright 1998, National
Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA 02269. This reprinted material
is not the complete and official position of the National Fire
Protection Association, on the referenced subject which is represented
only by the standard in its entirety.)

**[Truck Camper]{.underline}:** As defined in the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999,
*NEC*: A portable unit constructed to provide temporary living quarters
for recreational, travel or camping use, consisting of a roof, floor,
and sides, designed to be loaded onto and unloaded from the bed of a
pick-up truck. (Reprinted with permission from NFPA 70-1999, the
*National Electrical Code*, Copyright 1998, National Fire Protection
Association, Quincy, MA 02269. This reprinted material is not the
complete and official position of the National Fire Protection
Association, on the referenced subject which is represented only by the
standard in its entirety.)

**1.** **SCOPE**

**1.1** This standard covers approved methods of making service
installations at permanent or mobile home customer access locations in
telecommunications systems of Rural Utilities Service (RUS) borrowers.
This standard does not cover service installations at customer access
locations associated with boat yards or marinas.

**1.2** Service installations for customer access locations in boat
yards or marinas shall be performed in accordance with Article 800,
Communications Circuits, of the American National Standards
Institute/National Fire Protection Association (ANSI/NFPA) 70-1999,
*National Electrical Code*(*NEC*). The *National Electrical Code* and
*NEC* are registered trademarks of the National Fire Protection
Association, Inc., Quincy, MA 02269.

**1.3** The requirements in this standard cover facilities of the type
described in the Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) rules in 47
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 68 for one and multi-party
customer owned premises wiring.

**2. GENERAL**

**2.1** For the purposes of this standard, a Network Interface Device
(NID) shall be as defined in the definition section of this standard and
shall contain both a fuseless primary station protector and a modular
plug and jack for each conductor pair, up to a maximum of 11 pairs, and
shall be provided by the telecommunications company and used by
customers.

**2.2** For the purposes of this standard, a Building Entrance Terminal
(BET) shall be as defined in the definition section of this standard and
shall contain both primary station protectors and connector terminals
for each conductor pair, of 12 or more pairs, and shall be provided by
the telecommunications company and used by customers. The primary
station protectors may be either fuseless or fused.

**2.3** The requirements provided in this standard have been designed to
coordinate with the provisions of the ANSI/NFPA

70-1999, *National Electrical Code* (*NEC*), and the American National
Standards Institute/Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers,
Inc. (ANSI/IEEE) C2-1997, National Electrical Safety Code (NESC). The
*National Electrical Code* and *NEC* are registered trademarks of the
National Fire Protection Association, Inc., Quincy, MA 02269. Most state
and local authorities require that utility construction comply with
either the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, *NEC*, and ANSI/IEEE C2-1997, NESC, or
some earlier editions of the ANSI/NFPA 70, *NEC*, and ANSI/IEEE C2,
NESC. Some authorities have their own more stringent codes which may or
may not be embellishments of the ANSI/NFPA 70, *NEC*, and ANSI/IEEE C2,
NESC.

**2.4** RUS borrowers shall make certain that all construction financed
with RUS loan funds comply with:

**2.4.1** The provisions of this standard and the ANSI/NFPA

70-1999, *NEC*, and ANSI/IEEE C2-1997, NESC codes, or any more
stringent local codes; or

**2.4.2** The provisions of this standard with borrower added
adjustments to bring construction into compliance with any more
stringent local codes.

**2.5** This standard is intended primarily for the installer who will
perform the work. It assumes that decisions regarding the selection of
grounding electrodes, locations, and types of equipment have been made
by the RUS borrower or the engineer delegated by the RUS borrower.

**2.6** Only a [qualified installer]{.underline} defined in the
definition section of this standard shall be assigned to make
installations without advance planning and without direct supervision.

**2.7** This standard contains information which is normally not
provided on the construction drawings which are included in Section 9 of
this standard.

**2.8** All work shall be conducted in a careful and professional
manner. Service wire and cable shall not be trampled on, run over by
vehicles, pulled over or around abrasive objects or otherwise subjected
to abuse.

**2.9** When situations not covered by this standard arise, the RUS
borrower or the engineer delegated by the borrower, shall specify the
installation procedure to be used. The requirements of paragraph 2.10 of
this section shall be complied with in every installation.

**2.10** NIDs, BETs, and fused primary station protectors shall be
installed and grounded to meet the requirements of the ANSI/NFPA
70-1999, *NEC*, or local laws or ordinances, whichever are more
stringent.

**2.11** Battery polarity and conductor identification shall be
maintained throughout the system as indicated on Construction Drawings
815 and 815-1 contained in Section 9 of this standard. Color codes and
other means of conductor identification of buried and aerial service
wires shall conform to the requirements of this standard.

**2.12** All materials for which RUS makes acceptance determinations,
such as service wires and cables, ground rods, ground rod clamps, etc.,
used in service entrance installations shall be RUS accepted or RUS
technically accepted. Borrowers shall require contractors to obtain the
borrower\'s approval before RUS technically accepted materials are to be
used in service entrance installations. Borrower\'s shall also ensure
that the cost of the technically accepted materials are at least 6
percent less than the cost of equivalent RUS accepted materials, as
specified in \"Buy American\" Requirement of the Rural Electrification
Act of 1938, as amended. Materials used in service entrance
installations which are of the type which RUS does not make acceptance
determinations shall be of a suitable quality for their intended
application as determined by the RUS borrower or the engineer delegated
by the RUS borrower.

**2.13** On completion of an installation, borrowers shall require the
installer to make all applicable tests required by RUS Bulletin
1753F-201(PC-4), "RUS Standard for Acceptance Tests and Measurements of
Telecommunications Plant."

**3. DEMARCATION POINT**

**3.1** The demarcation point (DP) provides the physical and electrical
interface between the telecommunications company\'s facilities and the
customer\'s premises wiring.

**3.2** The FCC rules in 47 CFR part 68 require telecommunications
providers to establish a \"DP\" which marks a separation of the
provider\'s facilities from the customer\'s (owned) premises wiring and
equipment.

**3.3** RUS borrowers shall observe the FCC DP requirement by installing
NIDs, BETs, or fused primary station protectors when required by Section
800-30(a)(2) of the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, *NEC*, at all new or
significantly modified customer access locations which are financed with
RUS loan funds. The *National Electrical Code* and *NEC* are
registered trademarks of the National Fire Protection Association, Inc.,
Quincy, MA 02269.

**3.4** For all customer access locations of less than 12 pairs, RUS
borrowers shall establish DPs by using either NIDs or fused primary
station protectors when required by Section

800-30(a)(2) of the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, *NEC*. For customer access
locations of 12 pairs or greater, RUS borrowers shall

establish DPs using either NIDs, BETs, or fused primary station
protectors when required by Section 800-30(a)(2) of the ANSI/NFPA
70-1999, *NEC*.

**4. BURIED SERVICES**

**4.1** Buried services of two or three pairs shall consist of Service
Entrance Buried (SEB) assembly units, in accordance with RUS Bulletin
1753F-153 (RUS Form 515d), "Specifications and Drawings for Service
Installations at Customer Access Locations." The wire used for buried
services shall conform to the requirements of RUS Bulletin
1753F-206(PE-86), "RUS Specification for Filled Buried Wires," and shall
be RUS accepted or RUS technically accepted. The conductor size for two
and three pair buried service wires shall be 22 American Wire Gauge
(AWG).

**4.2** Buried services of six or more pairs shall be RUS accepted or
RUS technically accepted 22 AWG filled buried cable conforming to the
requirements of RUS Bulletin 1753F-205(PE-39), "RUS Specification for
Filled Telephone Cables."

**4.3** Buried service wire or cable shall be terminated in buried plant
housings using either splicing connectors or filled terminal blocks in
accordance with the applicable paragraphs of RUS Bulletin
1753F-401(PC-2), "RUS Standard for Splicing Copper and Fiber Optic
Cables."

**4.4** Buried service wire or cable shall be identified at buried plant
housings in accordance with Construction Drawing 958 contained in
Section 9 of this standard.

**4.5** Buried service wire or cable shall be installed up to the
building in the same general manner as buried exchange cable but in
addition must meet the following requirements:

**4.5.1** Light weight lawn plows or trenchers shall be used;

**4.5.2** The shortest feasible route commensurate with the requirements
of paragraphs 7.9, 7.10, and 7.11 of Section 7 of this standard, and
paragraph 4.6.1 of this section shall be followed;

**4.5.3** Buried service wire or cable shall be plowed or trenched to a
depth of 12 inches (in.) \[305 millimeters (mm)\] or greater where
practicable in soil, 36 in. (914 mm) in ditches, or 3 in. (76 mm) in
rock. Depths shall be measured from the top of the wire or cable to the
surface of the ground or rock;

**4.5.4** In the case of a layer of soil over rock either the minimum
depth in rock measured to the surface of the rock, or the minimum depth
in soil measured to the surface of the soil may be used; and

**4.5.5** Where adequate advance planning has been done, burial of
telecommunications services jointly with electric power services may be
feasible. If a decision has been reached by management to provide joint
occupancy services, the services may be installed using the
recommendations in RUS Bulletin 1751F-640, \"Design of Buried Plant --
Physical Considerations.\"

**4.6** Buried service wire or cable shall be installed on or in
buildings as follows:

**4.6.1** Each buried service wire or cable shall contact the building
as close to the NID, BET, or fused primary station protector as
practicable. Service wire or cable runs on buildings shall normally
consist of a single vertical run held to the minimum practical length.
Horizontal and diagonal runs shall not be permitted;

**4.6.2** Buried service wire or cable shall be located so as to avoid
damage from lawn mowers, animals, gardening operations, etc.;

**4.6.3** Buried service wire or cable shall be installed against a
foundation wall or pillar to provide adequate support and mechanical
protection;

**4.6.4** Where it is likely that the service wire or cable shall be
subjected to mechanical damage, the wire or cable shall be enclosed in a
guard in accordance with Assembly Unit Drawing BM83 contained in Section
9 of this standard;

**4.6.5** The first above-ground attachment for a buried service wire or
cable, unless it is enclosed in a guard, shall not be more than 4 in.
(100 mm) above final grade;

**4.6.6** Uninsulated attachment devices may be used to attach buried
service wire and cable to masonry and other types of noncombustible
buildings and on any type of building if fuseless primary station
protectors incorporated in NIDs or BETs are used and installations fully
comply with Section 800-30(a)(1) of the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, *NEC*. The
*National Electrical Code* and *NEC* are registered trademarks of the
National Fire Protection Association, Inc., Quincy, MA 02269;

**4.6.7** Insulated attachments shall be used to separate service wires
or cables from woodwork where Section 800-30(a)(2) of the ANSI/NFPA
70-1999, *NEC*, requiring the use of fused primary station protectors
must be observed;

**4.6.8** Minimum separation between buried service wire or cable and
other facilities shall be as listed in Table 1 of this section as
follows:

Table 1

Minimum Separation for Telecommunications Wires and Cables

On or In Buildings

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Foreign Facility or Obstruction   | Minimum Clearance                 |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | In. \[mm\]^(1)(2)^                |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | Telecommunications Company's      |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | Wires or Cables                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Electric supply wire including    | 4 \[102\]                         |
| neutral and grounding conductors  |                                   |
|                                   | 2 \[50.8\]                        |
| Open                              |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| In conduit                        |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Radio and television antennas,    | 4 \[102\]                         |
|                                   |                                   |
| lead-in and grounding conductors  |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Lightning rods and lightning      | 72 \[1830\]^(3)^                  |
| conductors                        |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| All foreign grounding conductors  | 2 \[50.8\]                        |
| except lightning rod ground       |                                   |
| conductors                        | 6 \[150\]                         |
|                                   |                                   |
| Neon signs and associated wiring  |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Metallic objects - pipes (gas,    | 2 \[50.8\]^(4)^                   |
| cold water, oil, sewer,) and      |                                   |
| structures                        |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Wires or cables of another        | 2 \[50.8\]                        |
| communications system             |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

**Notes:** (1) If minimum separation cannot be obtained,

nonshielded wire and cable facilities shall be

protected with either porcelain tubes or flexible

flexible tubing as modified by Notes (3) and (4).

\(2\) Separation applies to crossings and parallel

runs.

\(3\) If this separation cannot be obtained, bond the

telecommunications grounding conductors or grounding

electrode to the lightning rod grounding conductor or

grounding electrode with at least a Number (No.)

6 AWG copper, insulated, ground wire. With this

provision a minimum separation of 4 in. (100 mm) is

acceptable but this provision must not be utilized if

the separation cited in the table can be maintained.

\(4\) Increase to a minimum of 3 in. (75 mm)

separation from steam or hot water pipes, heating

ducts, and other heat sources.

**4.6.9** Wire and cable attachments to buildings for outside mounted
NIDs, BETs, or fused primary station protectors shall be in accordance
with Construction Drawing 962 contained in

Section 9 of this standard;

**4.6.10** Appropriate devices for attaching service wire or cable on or
in buildings vary with the type of building construction and the wire or
cable size. Figures 1 and 2 of this standard illustrate various types of
anchoring devices and their applications. The size and type of fastening
device for the wire or cable size and type of surface shall be in
accordance with the manufacturer\'s recommendation;

**4.6.11** Experience indicates that there are objections from many
owners of buildings covered with aluminum or vinyl siding to the
drilling of holes in the siding for the attachment of wires or cables,
and NIDs, BETs, or fused primary station protectors. It is, therefore,
important to obtain permission from the owner before drilling holes in
such siding;

**4.6.12** If the NID, BET, or fused primary station protector must be
mounted inside (not recommended by RUS), the service entrance into the
building shall be installed in accordance with Section 800-12(c) of the
ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, *NEC*. After pulling-in the wire or cable, the free
space around the cable or wire shall be carefully sealed both outside
and inside with a duct sealer that has RUS acceptance or RUS technical
acceptance; and

**4.6.13** If the customer requests an all buried installation for an
alarm system or objects to above-ground facilities because of appearance
and one-party service is involved, the entrance hole shall be made below
grade as shown in Sketch C of Construction Drawing 510-2 contained in
Section 9 of this standard. Care shall be exercised to prevent damage to
the building foundation. The hole shall be sealed as specified in
paragraph 4.6.12 of this section. The installation shall comply with all
the requirements of Section 800-12(c) of the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, *NEC*.

**4.7** When the NID, BET, or fused primary station protector is to be
installed inside the building, the installation shall comply with
Section 800-12(c) of the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, *NEC*, and the outside
plant wire or cable shall preferably be installed in a rigid metal or
intermediate metal conduit that is grounded to an electrode in
accordance with Section 800-40(b) of the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, *NEC*, as
shown in Sketch A of Figure 3 of this standard. The shield of the
outside plant wire or cable shall be bonded to the grounding terminal of
the NID, BET, or fused primary station protector which in turn shall be
connected to the closest, existing, and accessible grounding electrode,
of the electrodes cited in Section 800-40(b) of the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999,
*NEC*.

**4.8** An inside NID, BET, or fused primary station protector
installation may also be made without use of a rigid metal or
intermediate metal conduit provided that the ingress of the outside
plant wire or cable complies with Section 800-12(c) of the ANSI/NFPA
70-1999, *NEC*, and provided either of the following are observed:

**4.8.1** The NID, BET, or fused primary station protector is located as
close as practicable to the point where the outside plant wire or cable
emerges through an exterior wall. The length of outside plant wire or
cable exposed within the building shall be as short as practicable but
in no case shall it be longer than 50 feet (ft) \[15.2 meters (m)\] in
accordance with the allowable exception No. 3 of Section 800-50 of the
ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, *NEC*. See Sketch B of Figure 3 of this standard.
The shield of the outside plant wire or cable shall be bonded to the
grounding terminal of the NID, BET, or fused primary station protector
which in turn shall be connected to the closest, existing and accessible
grounding electrode, of the electrodes cited in Section 800-40(b) of the
ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, *NEC* (Fine print Note No. 2 of ANSI/NFPA 70-1999,
*NEC*, Section 800-50, warns that the full 50 ft (15.2 m) may not be
authorized for outside unlisted cable (not in a metal or intermediate
metal conduit) within a building if it is practicable to place the NID,
BET, or fused primary station protector closer than 50 ft (15.2 m) to
the cable entrance point, e.g., if there is an acceptable and accessible
grounding electrode of the type cited in Section 800-40(b) of the
ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, *NEC*, anywhere along the proposed routing of the
outside cable within the building); or

**4.8.2** Where the NID, BET, or fused primary station protector must be
located within the building remote from the entrance point and the
entrance point of the outside plant wire or cable cannot be designed to
be closer to the NID, BET, or fused primary station protector location,
the outside plant wire or cable shall be spliced, as close as
practicable to the point where the outside plant wire or cable emerges
through an outside wall, to an inside wiring cable that is \"Listed\" as
being suitable for the purpose in accordance with Part E of Article 800
of the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, *NEC*. The length of outside plant wire or
cable exposed within the building shall be as short as practicable but
in no case shall it be longer than 50 ft (15.2 m) in accordance with the
allowable exception No. 3 of Section 800-50 of the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999,
*NEC*. See Sketch C of Figure 3 of this standard. The shield of the
outside plant wire or cable shall be bonded to the grounding terminal of
the NID, BET, or fused primary station protector which in turn shall be
connected to the closest, existing, and accessible grounding electrode,
of the electrodes cited in Section 800-40(b) of the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999,
*NEC* (Fine print Note No. 2 of the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, *NEC*, Section
800-50, warns that the full 50 ft (15.2 m) may not be authorized for
outside unlisted cable (not in a metal or intermediate metal conduit) if
it is practicable to place the NID, BET, or fused primary station
protector closer than 50 ft (15.2 m) to the cable entrance point, e.g.,
if there is an acceptable and accessible grounding electrode of the type
cited in Section 800-40(b) of the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, *NEC*, anywhere
along the proposed routing of the outside cable within the building).

**4.9** The polarity of buried wire or cable \"tip\" and \"ring\"
conductors shall be maintained by making the connections in accordance
with Table 2 of this section, as follows:

Table 2

Color Codes For Tip And Ring Connections of Inside Wiring Cable

  -------------- ----- -------------- -------------- ------ -------------- --------------
                 Tip                                 Ring                  

  Pair                 Color of       Color of              Color of       Color of
                       Insulation     Marking               Insulation     Marking

  1                    White          Blue                  Blue           White

  2                    White          Orange                Orange         White

  3                    White          Green                 Green          White

  4                    White          Brown                 Brown          White

  5                    White          Slate                 Slate          White

  6                    Red            Blue                  Blue           Red

  7                    Red            Orange                Orange         Red

  8                    Red            Green                 Green          Red

  9                    Red            Brown                 Brown          Red

  10                   Red            Slate                 Slate          Red

  11                   Black          Blue                  Blue           Black

  12                   Black          Orange                Orange         Black

  13                   Black          Green                 Green          Black

  14                   Black          Brown                 Brown          Black

  15                   Black          Slate                 Slate          Black

  16                   Yellow         Blue                  Blue           Yellow

  17                   Yellow         Orange                Orange         Yellow

  18                   Yellow         Green                 Green          Yellow

  19                   Yellow         Brown                 Brown          Yellow

  20                   Yellow         Slate                 Slate          Yellow

  21                   Violet         Blue                  Blue           Violet

  22                   Violet         Orange                Orange         Violet

  23                   Violet         Green                 Green          Violet

  24                   Violet         Brown                 Brown          Violet

  25                   Violet         Slate                 Slate          Violet
  -------------- ----- -------------- -------------- ------ -------------- --------------

**5. AERIAL WIRE SERVICES**

**5.1** Aerial services of one through six pairs shall consist of
Service Entrance Aerial (SEA) assembly units, in accordance with RUS
Bulletin 1753F-153 (RUS Form 515d), "Specifications and Drawings for
Service Installations at Customer Access Locations. The wire used for
aerial services shall conform to the

requirements of RUS Bulletin 1753F-204(PE-7), "RUS Specification for
Aerial Service Wires," and shall be RUS accepted or RUS technically
accepted.

**5.2** If aerial wire services are to be connected to aerial cable
pairs, the NIDs or fused primary station protectors and grounds shall be
installed and connected before the aerial service wires are attached to
the customer\'s structure.

**5.3** Kinks or splices shall not be permitted in aerial service wire
spans.

**5.4** Aerial service wires shall be run in accordance with the
Construction Drawings contained in Section 9 of this standard and shall
conform to all clearance requirements of the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, *NEC*,
and ANSI/IEEE C2-1997, NESC, or local laws or ordinances, whichever are
the most stringent. The *National Electrical Code* and *NEC* are
registered trademarks of the National Fire Protection Association, Inc.,
Quincy, MA 02269.

**5.5** Aerial service wire shall be installed using the maximum
practicable sag consistent with the required ground clearance and good
construction practices. In no event shall the minimum sags be less than
the values shown on Construction Drawing 505 contained in Section 9 of
this standard for various span lengths and loading areas provided. Span
lengths shall not exceed 250 ft (76 m).

**5.6** To reduce vibration and galloping, aerial service wire shall be
twisted one complete turn for each 10 ft (3 m) of span length at the
time of installation.

**5.7** The methods of attaching aerial service wires at poles shall be
as illustrated in Construction Drawings 503-2 and 504 contained in
Section 9 of this standard.

**5.8** Horizontal and vertical climbing spaces on poles used jointly
with power circuits shall be provided in conformance with the
requirements of Rule 236 of ANSI/IEEE C2-1997, NESC.

**5.9** Not more than four aerial service wires shall be distributed
from any one 7/16 in. (10 mm) drive hook, or more than two aerial
service wires from any one 5/16 in. (8 mm) drive hook. Aerial service
wires and drive hooks shall be arranged so that the load does not pull
the drive hook out of the pole. When more than one drive hook is
required, the drive hooks shall be staggered with a minimum separation
of 1 in. (25.4 mm) horizontally on centers and 1.5 in. (40 mm)
vertically on centers. If drive hooks are placed within 3 in. (76 mm) of
the top of the pole and on the opposite side of the pole's
circumference, a vertical separation of at least 3 in. (76 mm) shall be
provided. A drive hook shall not be placed on the top of a pole or stub
pole.

**5.10** When connecting aerial service wires to cable pairs at
terminals, sufficient slack shall be provided so that each aerial
service wire shall reach any binding post position as shown on
Construction Drawing 312-1 contained in Section 9 of this standard.

**5.11** Aerial service wire attachments on utility poles and the manner
of placing bridle rings and entering cable terminals shall be as shown
on Construction Drawing 503-2 contained in Section 9 of this standard.

**5.12** Not more than two conductors shall be connected to any terminal
binding post. Where it is necessary to bridge more than two aerial
service wires at the same closure, the aerial service wires shall be
terminated in aerial service wire terminals connected in parallel with a
No. 20 AWG bridle wire which shall be terminated on the binding posts of
the filled terminal block.

**5.13** Where aerial service wire is attached to aerial plastic cable,
it shall be brought directly into a ready-access closure and shall be
terminated on the binding posts of the filled terminal block as shown on
Construction Drawing 503-2 contained in Section 9 of this standard.

**5.14** The conductor of copper coated steel reinforced aerial service
wires identified by tracer ridges shall be used as the ring (negative
battery) conductor of the pair, and shall normally be connected to the
right or lower binding post of a pair on filled terminal blocks and NIDs
or fused primary station protectors.

**5.15** [Nonmetallic Reinforced Aerial Service Wire Pair
Identification]{.underline}.

**5.15.1** The tip and ring conductors of nonmetallic reinforced aerial
service wires shall be identified in accordance with

Table 3 of this section, as follows:

Table 3

Nonmetallic Reinforced Aerial Service Wire Color Code

  -------------------- ------------------------- -------------------------
  Pair Number          Conductor Color           

                       Tip                       Ring

  1                    White/Blue or White       Blue

  2                    White/Orange or White     Orange

  3                    White/Green or White      Green

  4                    White/Brown or White      Brown

  5                    White/Slate or White      Slate

  6                    Red/Blue or Red           Blue
  -------------------- ------------------------- -------------------------

**5.15.2** The ring (negative battery) conductor of the pair shall
normally be connected to the right or lower binding post of a pair on
filled terminal blocks and NIDs or fused primary station protectors.

**5.16** When it is necessary to avoid intervening obstacles between a
pole and a building, span clamp attachments shall be used to support the
aerial service wires at points between the poles that are supporting the
cable on the suspension strand as indicated by Construction Drawings
501-1 and 501-2 contained in Section 9 of this standard.

**5.17** Aerial service wire strung from pole to pole shall be placed
entirely below or entirely above any existing wire or cable. When
adequate ground clearance can be obtained, preference shall be given to
placing aerial service wire below wire and cable.

**5.18** When more than one aerial service wire is installed from pole
to pole, the first aerial service wire shall be sagged in accordance
with Construction Drawing 505 contained in Section 9 of this standard.
Succeeding aerial service wires shall be sagged with 2 in.(50.8 mm) more
sag for each aerial service wire.

**5.19** Aerial service wire spans from pole lines to buildings shall
follow the shortest feasible route commensurate with the requirements of
paragraph 5.20 of this section and shall be sagged in accordance with
Construction Drawing 505 contained in Section 9 of this standard. The
route shall avoid trees and other obstructions to the extent
practicable. Where trees cannot be avoided, tree trimming permission
shall be obtained from the owner or the owner\'s representative, and all
limbs and foliage within 2 ft (600 mm) of the finally sagged wire shall
be removed. If tree trimming permission cannot be obtained, the matter
shall be referred to the borrower for resolution before proceeding with
the installation.

**5.20** Aerial service wires shall contact buildings as closely as
practicable at a point directly above the NID, or fused primary station
protector. Generally, horizontal drop wire runs on buildings shall not
exceed 20 ft (6 m). The warning given in paragraph 4.6.11 of Section 4
of this standard regarding drilling holes in aluminum and vinyl siding
applies also to attaching aerial service wires.

**5.21** The point of the first building attachment shall be located so
that the aerial service wire will be clear of roof drainage points.

**5.22** Where practicable, aerial service wires shall pass under
electrical guys, power distribution secondaries and services, tree
limbs, etc.

**5.23** Aerial service wire shall not pass in front of windows or
immediately above doors.

**5.24** Aerial service wires shall be routed so as to have a minimum
clearance of 2 ft (600 mm) from any part of a short wave, ham radio,
etc. antenna mast and a television antenna mast in its normal vertical
position and of the possible region through which it sweeps when being
lowered to a horizontal position.

**5.25** Aerial service wires shall be installed such that all
clearances and separations comply with either Section 237 of the
ANSI/IEEE C2-1997, NESC, or ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, *NEC*, or local laws or
ordinances, whichever is the most stringent.

**5.26** Aerial service wire attachments to buildings shall be as
follows:

**5.26.1** First attachments on buildings shall be made in accordance
with Construction Drawings 506, 507, or 508-1 contained in Section 9 of
this standard, as applicable;

**5.26.2** Intermediate attachments on buildings shall be made in
accordance with Construction Drawings 510 or 510-1 contained in Section
9 of this standard; and

**5.26.3** Uninsulated attachments shall be permitted to be used as
follows:

a\. Wherever NIDs are used as permitted by Section

800-30(a)(1) of the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, *NEC*; and

b\. On masonry and other types of nonflammable buildings.

**5.27** Insulated attachments shall be used on wooden frame, metallic
siding and other types of combustible buildings where fused primary
station protectors are used, as required by Section 800-30(a)(2) of the
ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, *NEC*.

**5.28** Aerial service wire runs on buildings shall be attached
vertically and horizontally in a neat and most inconspicuous possible
manner. See Construction Drawing 513 contained in Section 9 of this
standard. Horizontal runs on buildings are undesirable and shall be kept
to a minimum. Diagonal runs shall not be made.

**5.29** Aerial service wire runs on buildings shall be located so as
not to be subjected to damage from passing vehicles, pedestrians, or
livestock.

**5.30** Minimum separation between aerial service wires and other
facilities on or in buildings shall be in accordance with

Table 1 in paragraph 4.6.8 of Section 4 of this standard.

**5.31** Appropriate devices for attaching aerial service wires to
buildings vary with the type of building construction and with the type
of customer access location equipment. Table 4 of this section lists
various types of attachments and their application with respect to
construction, customer access location equipment, and proper mounting
devices. Construction Drawings 506 through 513 contained in Section 9 of
this standard illustrate requirements with respect to various angles of
service wire contacts and uses of various attachments. Table 4 of this
section is as follows:

**Notes:** (1) Screw dimensions are minimum. Where

appropriate, either or both dimensions shall be

increased. All wood screws for exterior use shall

be stainless steel. All other exterior metal devices

shall be stainless steel, zinc coated steel, silicon

bronze, or corrosion resistant aluminum alloy.

\(2\) Toggle bolt dimensions are minimum. Where

appropriate, either or both dimensions shall be

increased.

\(3\) All devices should be attached to studding.

\(4\) Screw-type devices shall be secured by means of

expansion-type anchors. Equivalent manual or

machine-driven devices may be used. Where toggle

bolts are specified equivalent devices may be used.

\(5\) Pilot holes shall be provided for screws and

bridle rings in shingles and dropsiding.

\(6\) Attachment device not applicable.

\(7\) Attachment device applicable but no separate

fastening device required.

\(8\) To convert English units to Metric units use

1 in. = 25.4 mm.

**5.32** Fastener spacings for vertical and horizontal runs on frame or
masonry buildings shall not be more than 6 ft (2 m) apart. Fasteners
should be spaced close enough to prevent the aerial service wire from
\"slapping\" against the building during windy conditions.

**5.33** When it is necessary to pass behind or around obstructions such
as downspouts and vertical conduits, the aerial service wire shall be
supported firmly with attachment devices placed not more than 6 in. (152
mm) from the obstruction as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 of this
standard. Preferably, the aerial service wire should be routed behind
obstructions to minimize the possibility of mechanical damage to the
aerial service wire in the event repair work to the obstruction is
required.

**5.34** When passing around building projections of masonry or wood or
around corners, aerial service wires shall be installed as illustrated
in Figures 5 and 6 of this standard.

**5.35** In areas where ice and snow conditions are severe, aerial
service wires shall be located so that ice and snow falling from the
roof will not strike the wires. However, where aerial service wires must
pass under the sloping part of the roof, first attachments shall be made
as close as practicable to the eaves.

**5.36** If two aerial service wire spans are required to the same
building, the first attachment shall be such that both aerial service
wires can be attached at the same attachment device. Refer to
Construction Drawing 508-1 contained in Section 9 of this standard.
Where more than two aerial service wires are required, additional
attachment devices in the same general location on the building shall be
used.

**5.37** When two or more aerial service wire runs are required on the
same building they shall share the same type of attachment devices.

**5.38** Aerial service wire entrances to buildings shall conform to
Sketch B of Construction Drawing 510-2 contained in Section 9 of this
standard, unless the entrance is made through a conduit.

**5.39** When the aerial service wire approaches the entrance hole from
above, a 1.5 in. (40 mm) minimum drip loop shall be formed in accordance
with Sketch B of Construction Drawing 510-2 contained in Section 9 of
this standard.

**5.40** If an entrance conduit which slopes upward from outside to
inside is available and suitably located, it shall be used for the
aerial service wire entrance.

**6. AERIAL CABLE SERVICES**

**6.1** Where more than six pairs are needed initially, and where an
aerial service is necessary, the service shall consist of 22 AWG filled
aerial cable of a pair size adequate for the ultimate anticipated
service needs of the building. The cable shall comply with the
requirements of RUS Bulletin 1753F-205(PE-39), "RUS Specification for
Filled Telephone Cables," and shall be RUS accepted or technically
accepted.

**6.2** Aerial cable services shall be constructed in accordance with
specific installation specifications prepared by the RUS borrower or the
engineer delegated by the borrower.

**6.3** Unless otherwise specified in the installation specifications,
aerial cable service installations shall

meet the following requirements:

**6.3.1** Strand supported lashed construction shall be used;

**6.3.2** Where practicable a 5/16 in. (8 mm) utility grade strand and
automatic clamps shall be used in slack spans to avoid damage to the
building;

**6.3.3** Construction on poles shall comply with applicable
construction drawings for regular line construction. Aerial service
cable shall be spliced to the main cable in accordance with RUS Bulletin
1753F-401(PC-2), "RUS Standard for Splicing Copper and Fiber Optic
Cables";

**6.3.4** Where practicable, aerial cable shall pass under electrical
guys, distribution secondaries, and services;

**6.3.5** The suspension strand shall be attached to the building by
wall brackets as indicated in Figure 7 of this standard.

**6.3.5.1** If taut spans are necessary, appropriate size strand may be
used if the pull is in line with one wall of the building, or within 20
degrees of being in line as illustrated in Sketch A of Figure 7 of this
standard. If the angle of pull is greater than 20 degrees from the
building, the wall bracket shall be reinforced against pullout by an
arrangement equivalent to Sketch B of Figure 7 of this standard. Taut
spans may be strung using the recommendations in RUS Bulletin 1751F-630,
"Design of Aerial Plant." The same tension as would be used in normal
line construction so as not to exceed 60 percent of the breaking
strength of the strand under maximum loading shall be used. Taut spans
shall not exceed 100 ft (30.5 m) in length and the cable weight shall
not exceed 1 pound/foot (lb/ft) \[1.5 kilogram/meter (kg/m)\] except
when equivalent combinations of greater span lengths with cable weight
less than 1 lb/ft (1.5 kg/m) are permissible.

**6.3.5.2** When an attachment must be made to the face of a building
wall away from a corner, a \"U\" type wall bracket shall be used as
indicated in Sketch C of Figure 7 of this standard. Only slack span
construction with 5/16 in. (8 mm) utility grade strand shall be
permitted in this situation. The bail of the automatic clamp shall be
protected by a wire rope thimble.

**6.3.6** Aerial cable shall be located on the rear or side of the
building and shall be run only in a horizontal or a vertical direction.
The cable route shall be selected so as to avoid building projections
and obstructions to the extent practicable;

**6.3.7** Cable attachment devices shall be located in solid masonry or
on studs of wood frame buildings. Cable attachment devices may be
installed on sheet surface materials only when such materials are
reinforced with a backing material which allows penetration and firm
holding of the attachment devices through the backing material;

**6.3.8** The minimum separation on or in buildings between cable and
other facilities shall be as indicated in Table 1 of paragraph 4.6.8 of
Section 4 of this standard;

**6.3.9** On horizontal runs, cable clamps shall be placed so that the
attachment is below the cable. On vertical runs, cable clamps shall be
placed so that the attachment is on the same side as horizontal runs.
Cable clamps shall be placed on the inside of cable bends;

**6.3.10** On horizontal runs, cable clamps shall be placed not more
than 16 in. (400 mm) apart for cable diameters equal to or greater than
1 in. (25.4 mm) and 24 in. (600 mm) apart for cable diameters less than
1 in. (25.4 mm);

**6.3.11** On vertical runs, cable clamps shall be approximately

24 in. (600 mm) apart for all sizes of cable;

**6.3.12** For the cable entrance, holes shall be bored slightly larger
in diameter than the cable and shall slope upward from outside to
inside. A duct sealer having RUS acceptance or RUS technical acceptance
shall be applied to both ends of the hole after the cable is pulled in;
and

**6.3.13** Paragraphs 4.7 and 4.8 of Section 4 of this standard shall
also apply to aerial cable services.

**7. CUSTOMER ACCESS LOCATION PROTECTION**

**7.1** All customer access locations shall be protected.

**7.2** Customer access location protection shall consist of installing
the telecommunications facilities with proper clearances and insulation
from other facilities, providing primary voltage limiting protection,
fuse links, NIDs, BETs, or fused primary station protectors, if
required, and adequate bonding and grounding.

**7.3** All NIDs shall be RUS accepted or RUS technically accepted or
the RUS borrower shall obtain RUS regional office approval on a case by
case basis as applicable.

**7.4** All BETs shall be RUS accepted or RUS technically accepted.

**7.5** All fused primary station protectors shall be RUS accepted or
RUS technically accepted.

**7.6** NIDs, BETs, or fused primary station protectors shall be mounted
outside for all applications except for those described in paragraphs
7.7 through 7.7.3 of this section.

**7.7** NIDs, BETs, or fused primary station protectors may be mounted
inside when:

**7.7.1** Large buildings are to be served and the customer requests an
inside installation;

**7.7.2** Buried alarm circuits are requested by the subscriber; or

**7.7.3** The customer requests an all buried installation for
appearance or to prevent the drilling of holes in aluminum or vinyl
siding.

**7.8** Outside mounted NIDs, BETs, or fused primary station protectors
shall be easily accessible and shall be located between 3 to 5 ft (1 to
1.5 m) above final grade.

**7.9** The locations of NIDs, BETs, or fused primary station protectors
shall be selected with emphasis on utilizing the shortest primary
station protector grounding conductor practicable and on grounding of
the telecommunications primary station protector to the electric service
grounding system established at the building served utilizing electrodes
(c) through (g) cited in Section 800-40(b)(1) of the ANSI/NFPA

70-1999, *NEC*. The *National Electrical Code* and *NEC* are
registered trademarks of the National Fire Protection Association, Inc.,
Quincy, MA 02269.

**7.10** If access to the building electric service grounding system, as
referenced in paragraph 7.9 of this section, is not possible or is not
reasonable \[telecommunications primary station protector grounding
conductor will be longer than 10 ft (3 m)\], the NID, BET, or fused
primary station protector shall be located as close as practicable to
electrodes (a) or (b) cited in Section 800-40(b)(1) of the ANSI/NFPA
70-1999, *NEC*.

**7.11** In addition, the NID, BET, or fused primary station protector
shall be located in, on, or immediately adjacent to the structure or
building to be served as close as practicable to the point at which the
telecommunications service wire attaches to the building, making sure
that the telecommunications primary station protector grounding
conductor is connected to the closest, existing, and accessible
electrode, of the electrodes cited in paragraph 7.9 or 7.10 of this
section.

**7.12** For the preferred customer access location installation, the
ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, *NEC*, permits the telecommunications grounding
conductor to be connected to the metallic conduit, service equipment
closure, or electric grounding conductor as shown in Figure 8 of this
standard.

**7.12.1** Connections to metallic conduits shall be made by ground
straps clamped over a portion of the conduit that has been cleaned by
sanding down to bare metal.

**7.12.2** Connections to metallic service equipment closures shall be
made by attaching a connector which is listed for the purpose by some
organization acceptable to the local authority (State, county, etc.) per
Article 100 of the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, *NEC*, definition for \"Listed\"
\[for example connectors listed for the purpose by Underwriters
Laboratories (UL)\].

**7.13** Where it is not possible to accomplish the objective of
paragraphs 7.9, 7.10, and 7.11 of this section, interior metallic pipes
may be used to the maximum practicable extent to gain access to the
electric service ground as shown in Figure 9 of this standard. Note that
the water pipe in Figure 9 of this standard is electrically continuous
between electric and telecommunications bonds to the cold water pipe and
it is used only as a portion of a bonding conductor and, therefore, does
not have to be \"acceptable\" as a ground electrode but may be floating
(isolated from ground by a plastic pipe section). ANSI/NFPA 70-1999,
*NEC*, requires that metal piping be used as a bonding conductor in
this manner only when the connectors to the pipe are within 1.5 m (5 ft)
of where the pipe enters the premises. This is not the preferred
installation. The RUS preferred installation has the telecommunications
primary station protector grounded directly to an accessible location
near the power grounding system. See paragraphs 7.12 through 7.12.2 of
this section.

**7.14** Where the telecommunications premises system at a customer\'s
access location is grounded to a separate electrode (of any type) this
telecommunications grounding electrode must be bonded to the electric
grounding system with a No. 6 AWG or larger copper insulated grounding
conductor. Bonding of separate electrodes is a requirement of the
ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, *NEC*.

**7.15** The NID, BET, or fused primary station protector pair size
shall be selected for the number of lines anticipated within five years.

**7.16** When lightning damage is considered probable or customer access
locations are remote from the borrower\'s headquarters, use of maximum
duty gas tube primary station protectors incorporated in NIDs, BETs, or
fused primary station protectors should be considered. (See RUS TE&CM
823, "Electrical Protection by Use of Gas Tube Arresters").

**7.17** NIDs or BETs incorporating fuseless station protectors shall
always be used in preference to fused station protectors or BETs
incorporating fused protectors, when in the judgment of the RUS borrower
or the engineer delegated by the RUS borrower, the requirements of the
ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, *NEC*, for fuseless station protectors can be met.

**7.18** A fuse link consisting of a copper conductor two gauges (AWG)
finer (numerically higher) conductivity than the aerial service wire
shall be provided between the cable and aerial service wire where NIDs
or BETs incorporating fuseless station protectors are used. Thus for a
22 AWG drop, a fuse link of No. 24 AWG or finer copper wire shall be
provided. If the cable circuit is No. 24 gauge or finer, the cable
conductors serve as the fuse link for the 22 AWG aerial service wire and
no separate fuse link is necessary. (Note: The fuse link or the
facilities serving as the fuse link must be located between the
telecommunications facilities that are exposed to possible power cross
and the customer drop where there is no exposure to possible power
cross.)

**7.19** RUS\'s buried plant practices require buried main line plant to
be protected against power contacts to aerial plant extensions and
aerial inserts by No. 24 AWG fuse links at every buried-aerial junction.

**7.20** In aerial cable plant, fuse links are usually provided by 24
AWG leads on filled terminal blocks regardless of the gauge of the cable
conductors. This practice is acceptable if the ampacity of the aerial
service wire is sufficiently higher than the fuse link\'s ampacity.

**7.21** The grounding and bonding of each NID, BET, or fused primary
station protector shall be selected by consulting paragraphs 7.9 through
7.14 of this section. The \"first choice\" assembly unit shall be
selected whenever the prevailing conditions make its use practicable.
The NID, BET, or fused primary station protector assembly unit selected
shall be installed in accordance with the appropriate construction
drawing specified in RUS Bulletin1753F-153 (RUS Form 515d),
"Specifications and Drawings for Service Installations at Customer
Access Locations."

**7.22** The minimum size grounding conductor that can be used with a
single NID; a group of NIDs; a multipair NID; fused protector; or BET
shall be in accordance Table 5 of this section, as follows:

Table 5

Grounding Conductor Size Versus Number of Circuits

+------------------------------+-----------------------+--------------+
|                              | Number of Circuits    |              |
+------------------------------+-----------------------+--------------+
| Minimum Grounding            | Fuseless              | Fused        |
|                              |                       |              |
| Conductor Size               | (Carbon or Gas Tube)  |              |
+------------------------------+-----------------------+--------------+
| #12 AWG, copper, insulated   | 1 to 2                | 1 to 3       |
+------------------------------+-----------------------+--------------+
| #10 AWG, copper, insulated   | 3 to 5                | 4 to 7       |
+------------------------------+-----------------------+--------------+
| #6 AWG, copper, insulated    | 6 or more             | 8 or more    |
+------------------------------+-----------------------+--------------+

**7.23** Grounding conductor runs between the NID, BET, or fused station
protector and the ground electrode shall conform to the following:

**7.23.1** The shortest, most direct route practicable shall be used;

**7.23.2** Sharp bends in the grounding conductor shall be avoided
during installation;

**7.23.3** No splices shall be made in the grounding conductor;

**7.23.4** Grounding conductors shall not be fished through walls, under
floors, or placed in bridle rings or any metal conduit unless the
grounding conductor is bonded to the conductor at both ends of the
metallic conduit;

**7.23.5** Grounding conductor runs from an outside mounted NID, BET, or
fused station protector to an inside ground electrode shall use the same
entrance as the station wire; and

**7.23.6** Grounding conductor runs from an outside mounted NID, BET, or
fused station protector to an outside ground electrode at the building
shall be attached to the exterior surface of the building or buried. If
buried, the grounding conductor shall be either plowed or trenched to a
minimum depth of 12 in. (300 mm). When trenched, the trenches shall be
as close to the side of the building as practicable, backfilled, and
tamped to restore the earth to its original condition.

**7.24** Telecommunications grounding connectors shall be RUS accepted
or technically accepted. Grounding and bonding conductors shall be made
of copper. Where the grounding and bonding conductors must be connected
to aluminum electric service grounding conductors, bimetal grounding
connectors shall be used.

**7.25** Grounding conductor attachments shall conform to the following:

**7.25.1** Galvanized nails or clamps, or nickel-copper alloy staples
shall be used for grounding conductor attachments in accordance with
Table 6 of this section;

**7.25.2** Grounding conductors, station or buried service wires in
parallel runs may share the same fastening device when the device is
specifically designed for two wires. See Table 6 of this section for
station wire and grounding conductor fasteners; and

**7.25.3** Grounding conductor fasteners shall be placed 12 to

18 in. (300 to 450 mm) apart on straight runs and 2 to 4 in.

(50.8 to 100 mm) apart at corners and at bends. Table 6 of this section
is as follows:

**Notes:** (1) Screw dimensions are minimum. Where

appropriate, either or both dimensions shall be

increased. All wood screws for exterior use shall

be stainless steel. All other exterior metal

devices shall be stainless steel, zinc coated steel,

silicon bronze, or corrosion resistant aluminum

alloy.

\(2\) Toggle bolt dimensions are minimum. Where

appropriate, either or both dimensions shall be

increased.

\(3\) Wall screw anchors may be used in wall board,

plaster or tile walls. Screws and nails in masonry

shall be secured by means of expansions type anchors.

Equivalent manual or machine-driven devices may be

used. Where toggle bolts are specified, equivalent

devices may be used.

\(4\) Lead holes shall be drilled for screws, nails,

and bridle rings in shingles and dropsiding.

\(5\) Sheet metal screws shall be used except where

toggle bolts are required. Where wood sheathing

under sheet metal siding is encountered, the sheet

metal may be drilled or punched and a wood screw

used.

\(6\) Machine-driven staples of nickel-copper

composition may be used for exterior wiring.

\(7\) Galvanized clamps and wiring nails may be used

for exterior and interior wiring. Enameled clamps

shall be used for interior wiring only. Where toggle

bolts or equivalent devices require holes in the

structure larger than the clamp being fastened, a

suitable washer of sufficient size to cover the hole

must be used under the clamp.

\(8\) Double clamp may be used where two #22 AWG

station wires, two #12 AWG grounding conductors, or

one #22 AWG station wire and one #12 grounding

conductor parallels one another.

\(9\) For converting English units to Metric units use

1 in. = 25.4 mm.

**7.26** Grounding conductors shall be separated from

"non-telecommunications company" wires in accordance with Section
800-12(b) of the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, *NEC*.

**7.27** Grounding conductors run through metal conduits shall be bonded
to the conduit at each end. RUS accepted and RUS technically accepted
pipe type ground clamps and grounding connectors shall be used for
bonding.

**7.28** Where NID, BET, or fused station protector assembly units
require grounding conductor connections to pipe systems, the following
apply:

**7.28.1** The connection shall be made to a cold water pipe of an
operating water system;

**7.28.2** The connection point shall be preferably inside the building;

**7.28.3** Allow a minimum of 6 in. (152 mm) between the last fastener
and the point where the grounding conductor first touches the water
pipe;

**7.28.4** Leave 2 in. (50.8 mm) of slack in the grounding conductor to
avoid breaking the conductor at the terminating point. Tape the
grounding conductor to the pipe where possible to avoid movement. In no
case, shall the grounding conductor be coiled or wrapped around the
pipe;

**7.28.5** The pipe shall be cleaned with fine sand paper to make a good
electrical connection. Care should be taken to avoid damaging the pipe
while cleaning it;

**7.28.6** Attach the pipe grounding conductor connector to the cleaned
area of pipe and tighten. Care shall be exercised to avoid deforming,
crushing, or otherwise damaging the pipe. A simple continuity check with
an ohmmeter between the connector and the pipe will indicate whether or
not a good electrical contact has been made. Set the ohmmeter to \"Rx1\"
scale to ensure that a low resistance contact is made;

**7.28.7** A warning tag shall be attached to the ground clamp with the
following or equivalent statement: \"Call the telecommunications company
if this connector or grounding conductor is loose or must be removed;\"
and

**7.28.8** When the water pipe is used, the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, *NEC*,
requires that metal piping be used as a bonding conductor in this manner
only when the connections to the pipe are within

5 ft (1.5 m) of where the pipe enters the premises.

**7.29** Bonding conductors shall consist of either copper or tinned
copper insulated wires of appropriate sizes.

**7.29.1** Bonding conductors shall be run and attached in the same
manner as grounding conductors.

**7.29.2** Attaching and terminating devices for bonding conductors
shall be adequate for the size of wire involved. The No. 6 AWG copper
insulated conductor or larger shall not be terminated by bending it
around a threaded stud.

**7.30** Where NID, BET, or fused station protector assembly units
require a driven ground rod the following shall apply to the ground rod
installation:

**7.30.1** Locate the ground rod at least 1 ft (300 mm) from buildings,
poles, trees and other obstruction;

**7.30.2** Ground rods shall not be installed within 6 ft (2 m) of
electric service ground rods (Note: This minimum separation is provided
to avoid mutual impedance effects of multiple grounding electrodes that
will deleteriously degrade the effective impedance-to-earth if grounding
electrodes are installed any closer than 6 ft (2 m) to one another. This
requirement is included for cases where the telecommunications company
is not allowed, for some reason, to observe the RUS preferred grounding
method of attaching the primary protector grounding conductor directly
to an accessible point on the building electric service grounding
system. RUS believes that if the primary protector location can be sited
within 6 ft (2 m) of the electric service ground rod then the electric
service ground rod could be used as the preferred telecommunications
grounding electrode and a separate telecommunications ground rod is
unnecessary);

**7.30.3** A hole, 15 in. (350 mm) deep and 6 in. (150 mm) in diameter,
shall be dug at the location where the ground rod is to be driven;

**7.30.4** Where \"slip-on\" type ground rod clamps are used instead of
\"clamp-around\" type clamps, the ground rod clamps shall be placed onto
the rod prior to driving the rod into the ground (Note there should be
one clamp for the NID, BET, or fused station protector grounding
conductor and one clamp for the conductor required to bond the
telecommunications ground rod to the electric grounding system).
However, the clamp shall not be tightened until the rod is completely
driven. The end of the rod shall be placed in the bottom of the hole and
the rod shall be aligned vertically adjacent to one wall of the hole
prior to driving. The rod shall be driven until its tip is 12 in.

(300 mm) below final grade. The grounding conductor shall then be
attached, the clamp shall be tightened, and hole backfilled. Clamps
employed in this manner shall be suitable for direct burial and shall be
RUS accepted or RUS technically accepted; and

**7.30.5** Where rods are manually driven, a large number of blows from
a light hammer (4 lbs \[1.8 kg\]) shall be used instead of heavy
sledgehammer type blows. This should keep the rod from bending.

**7.31** Terminations on fuseless primary station protectors
incorporated in NIDs and on fused primary station protectors shall be as
shown in Figures 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 of this standard. The inner
jackets of buried service wires and outer jackets of cables used as
service drops shall be extended into the NID or the fused primary
station protector. A 10 in. (250 mm) length of each spare wire shall be
left in NIDs or fused primary station protectors. The spare wires shall
be coiled up neatly and stored in the NID or fused primary station
protector housing.

**7.31.1** The shields of buried service wires may be connected to the
ground binding post using RUS accepted or RUS technically accepted
buried service shield bond connectors as shown in

Figure 10 of this standard for NIDs and Figure 11 of this standard for
fused primary station protectors. RUS accepted or RUS technically
accepted buried service wire harness wires designed for customer access
location installations may also be used for terminating buried service
wire shields to the ground binding post of the NID as shown in Figure 12
and Figure 13 of this standard for fused primary station protectors.

**7.31.2** On buried service drops and aerial service drops of more than
6 pairs using RUS accepted or RUS technically accepted cables, the
shields shall be terminated with a RUS accepted or RUS technically
accepted cable shield bonding connector and extended to the ground
binding post of the NID, BET, or fused primary station protector with an
RUS accepted or RUS technically accepted bonding harness wire. The
installation of the shield bond connector and bonding harness wire shall
be in accordance with the manufacturer\'s instructions.

**7.31.3** The shield and other conductors at the fuseless primary
station protector incorporated in the NID shall be terminated as shown
on Figure 14 of this standard. The pronged or cupped washer shall be
placed above the shield. The grounding conductor shall be placed around
the post on top of the pronged or cupped washer. A flat washer shall be
placed above the grounding conductor.

**7.31.4** The station wire signaling ground conductor, if required,
shall be placed above the first flat washer and beneath the second flat
washer as indicated in Figure 14 of this standard.

**7.31.5** The shield and other conductors at the fused primary station
protector shall be terminated as shown on Figure 15 of this standard.
The pronged or cupped washer shall be placed above the shield. The
grounding conductor shall be placed around the post on top of the
pronged or cupped washer. A flat washer shall be placed above the
grounding conductor.

**7.31.6** The station wire signaling ground conductor, if required,
shall be placed above the first flat washer and beneath the second flat
washer as indicated in Figure 15 of this standard.

**7.31.7** Indoor NIDs or BETs that are equipped with \"Quick Connect\"
type terminals shall not have more than one wire connected per clip. No.
19 AWG copper and No. 18 AWG copper covered-steel reinforced aerial
service wire conductors shall not be connected to quick connect
terminals. Nonmetallic reinforced aerial service wire using No. 22 AWG
copper conductors may be connected to the quick connect terminals.

**7.31.8** Tip and ring connections and other connections in multipair
NIDs or BETs shall be as indicated in Figure 16 of this standard.

**7.32** System polarity and conductor identification shall be
maintained in NIDs, BETs, or fused primary station protectors in
accordance with Construction Drawings 815 and 815-1 contained in Section
9 of this standard.

**8. MOBILE HOMES**

**8.1** Customer access location installations at mobile homes shall be
treated the same whether the homes are mounted on permanent foundations
or temporary foundations and shall be installed as specified in Sections
1 through 9 of this standard. For the purpose of this standard, mobile
homes include manufactured homes, motor homes, truck campers, travel
trailers, and all forms of recreational vehicles. Customer access
location installations at mobile homes can be considerably different
than customer access location installations at regular homes and
borrowers shall be certain that the two types of installations are
properly applied.

**8.2** The method of customer access location installation prescribed
by the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, *NEC* for a mobile home depends on how the
electric power is installed at the mobile home and it can involve
considerable judgment on the part of the telecommunications installer.
The *National Electrical Code* and *NEC* are registered trademarks of
the National Fire Protection Association, Inc., Quincy, MA 02269. The
ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, *NEC*, requires primary station protectors to be
located where specific acceptable grounding electrodes exist. The
ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, *NEC*, allows station protector installations to be
at the location of the power meter or the electric disconnecting means
apparatus serving the mobile home providing these electric facilities
are installed in the manner specifically defined by the ANSI/NFPA
70-1999, *NEC*. The ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, *NEC*, requires the station
protectors to be installed at the nearest of a number of other
meticulously defined ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, *NEC*, acceptable electrodes
where the protector cannot be installed at the power meter or the
electric disconnecting means apparatus serving the mobile home. The
provisions can be confusing.

**8.3** NIDs shall be installed at mobile homes as follows:

**8.3.1** Where the mobile home electric service equipment (power meter,
etc.,) or the electric service disconnecting means associated with the
mobile home is located within 35 ft (10.7 m) of the exterior wall of the
mobile home it serves, the NID shall be installed in accordance with
Figure 17 of this standard; or

**8.3.2** Where the mobile home electric service equipment (power meter,
etc.,) or the electric service disconnecting means associated with the
mobile home is located more than 35 ft

(10.7 m) of the exterior wall of the mobile home it serves, the NID
shall be installed in accordance with Figure 18 of this standard.

**8.4** The service wire and station wire shall be terminated in the NID
in accordance with Figure 19 of this standard.

**8.5** Installation of the station wire and grounding conductor at the
mobile home shall be in accordance with Figure 20 of this standard.

**9.** **CONSTRUCTION AND ASSEMBLY UNIT DRAWINGS**

**9.1** The construction and assembly unit drawings in this standard
shall be used by borrowers to assist the installer in making the
customer access location installations.

**9.2** The asterisk(s) appearing on the construction drawings indicate
that the items are no longer listed in the RUS Informational Publication
(IP) 344-2, \"List of Materials Acceptable for Use on Telecommunications
Systems of RUS Borrowers.\"

**9.3** Drawings BM50, BM83, 312-1, 501-1, 501-2, 503-2, 504, 505, 506,
507, 508-1, 510, 510-1, 510-2, 513, 815, 815-1, 958, and 962 are as
follows.