UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service

**BULLETIN 1751F-630**

**SUBJECT: [Design of Aerial Plant]{.underline}**

**TO:** All Telecommunications Borrowers

RUS Telecommunications Staff

**EFFECTIVE DATE:** Date of Approval

**EXPIRATION DATE:** Seven years from effective date

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

**PREVIOUS INSTRUCTIONS:** This bulletin replaces RUS Telecommunications
Engineering & Construction Manual (TE&CM) Sections 630, Design of Aerial
Plant, Issue 3, dated March 1962; Addenda 2 and 3, dated October 1966
and January 1979, respectively; and 611, Design of Pole Lines, Issue 3,
dated March 1960; Addendum 3, dated October 1996.

**FILING INSTRUCTIONS:** Discard RUS TE&CM Sections 630, Design of
Aerial Plant, Issue 3, dated March 1962; Addenda 2 and 3, dated October
1966 and January 1979, respectively; and 611, Design of Pole Lines,
Issue 3, dated March 1960; Addendum 3, dated

October 1996, and replace it with this bulletin. File with 7 CFR Part
1751 and is available to RUS staff on RUSNET.

**PURPOSE:** This bulletin provides RUS borrowers, consulting engineers,
contractors and other interested parties with information on the design
of aerial plant facilities.

Wally Beyer 1-19-96

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Administrator Date

**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

Abbreviations \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....
3

Definitions \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...
3

1\. General
\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.... 6

2\. Design Considerations \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....
7

3\. Economic Considerations \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...
8

4\. Construction Materials \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....
9

5\. Pole Line Design
\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.... 9

6\. Pole Class Selection \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....
10

7\. Suspension Strand Selection \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.... 12

8\. Span Lengths
\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.... 12

9\. Pole Guying
\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\..... 18

10\. Sag
\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.... 18

**TABLES & FIGURES**

Table 1 Transverse Breaking Loads \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\... 10

Table 2 Cable Weights - Filled Copper Cables -

Solid Insulation \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\... 13

Table 3 Cable Weights - Filled Copper Cables -

Expanded Insulation \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\... 14

Table 4 Cable Weights - Nonarmored Filled Fiber Optic

Cables - Multiple Loose Tube Core \...\...\...\...\.... 14

Table 5 Cable Weights - Armored Filled Fiber Optic

Cables - Multiple Loose Tube Core \...\...\...\...\.... 15

Table 6 Cable Weights - Nonarmored Filled Fiber Optic

Cables - Central Core Tube \...\...\...\...\...\...\..... 15

Table 7 Cable Weights - Armored Filled Fiber Optic

Cables - Central Core Tube \...\...\...\...\...\...\..... 15

Table 8 Cable Weights - Self-Supporting, Filled Fiber

Optic Cables - Multiple Loose Tube Core \...\...\.... 17

Table 9 Cable Weights - Self-Supporting, Filled Fiber

Optic Cables - Central Core Tube \...\...\...\...\..... 17

Figure 1 Poles per Mile versus Span Length \...\...\...\...\.... 19

Figure 2 Final Unloaded Sag at 60°F - Heavy Loading

District - 6M Strand \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\..... 20

Figure 3 Final Unloaded Sag at 60°F - Medium Loading

District - 6M Strand \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\..... 21

Figure 4 Final Unloaded Sag at 60°F - Light Loading

District - 6M Strand \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\..... 22

Figure 5 Final Unloaded Sag at 60°F - Heavy Loading

District - 10M Strand \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.... 23

Figure 6 Final Unloaded Sag at 60°F - Medium Loading

District - 10M Strand \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.... 24

Figure 7 Final Unloaded Sag at 60°F - Light Loading

District - 10M Strand \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.... 25

Figure 8 Final Unloaded Sag at 60°F - Heavy Loading

District - 16M Strand \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.... 26

Figure 9 Final Unloaded Sag at 60°F - Medium Loading

District - 16M Strand \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.... 27

Figure 10 Final Unloaded Sag at 60°F - Light Loading

District - 16M Strand \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.... 28

Figure 11 Catenary Suspension Strand Construction

General Features \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\... 29

Figure 12 Slack Span Construction Example \...\...\...\...\...\... 30

Figure 13 Determination of Maximum Sag Point \...\...\...\...\... 31

Figure 14 Catenary Curve for Determining the Sag at Any

Point in a Level Span \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.... 32

INDEX:

Outside Plant

Design

Telecommunications

**ABBREVIATIONS**

AWG American Wire Gauge

°C Degrees Celsius

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

cm Centimeters

°F Degrees Fahrenheit

ft Feet

in. Inches

kg/m Kilograms per meter

lb/ft Pounds per foot

LD Loan Design

NAFTA North American Free Trade Agreement

NEC National Electrical Code

NESC National Electrical Safety Code

m Meter

mm Millimeters

RUS Rural Utilities Service

TE&CM Telecommunications Engineering and Construction Manual

**DEFINITIONS**

**[Anchor]{.underline}:** A device that serves as a reliable support to
hold an object firmly in place. The term anchor is normally associated
with cone, plate, screw, or concrete anchors, but the terms snub,
deadman and anchor log are usually associated with pole stubs or logs
set or buried in the ground to serve as temporary anchors. The latter
are often used at pull and tension sites.

**[Anchor Guy]{.underline}:** The buried element of a guy assembly that
provides holding strength or resistance to guy wire pull.

**[Ground Clearance]{.underline}:** The minimum separation between
cables and the ground.

**[Guy]{.underline}:** A tension member having one end secured to a
fixed object and the other end attached to a pole or other structural
part that it supports.

**[Heavy Loading District]{.underline}:** Horizontal wind pressure, at a
right angle to the line, of 4 pounds per square foot (190 Pascals) upon
the projected area of the cylindrical surfaces of all supported wires
(including suspension strand and cables) when coated with a radial
thickness of 0.50 in. (12.5 mm) of ice at a temperature of 0°F (-20°C).

**[Lashed Aerial Cable]{.underline}:** Cable that is attached to the
separate suspension strand by lashing wire to support the cable.

**[Light Loading District]{.underline}:** Horizontal wind pressure, at a
right angle to the line, of 9 pounds per square foot (430 Pascals) upon
the projected area of the cylindrical surfaces of all supported wires
(including suspension strand and cables) at a temperature of 30°F
(-1°C).

**[Loan Design]{.underline}:** A comprehensive engineering plan for the
project used to support a loan application to RUS.

**[Medium Loading District]{.underline}:** Horizontal wind pressure, at
a right angle to the line, of 4 pounds per square foot (190 Pascals)
upon the projected area of the cylindrical surfaces of all supported
wires (including suspension strand and cables) when coated with a radial
thickness of 0.25 in. (6.5 mm) of ice at a temperature of 15°F (-10°C).

**[Pole]{.underline}:** A column of wood supporting overhead cables
usually by means of brackets.

**[Pole Line]{.underline}:** A series of poles arranged to support
cables above the surface of the ground: and the structures and cables
supported thereon.

**[Push Brace]{.underline}:** A supporting member, usually of timber,
placed between a pole or other structural part of a line and the ground
or a fixed object.

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

a\. Final assembly is conducted within the United States, Mexico, or
Canada, or any of their respective territories and the cost of United
States, Mexican, or Canadian, manufactured components, in any
combination, is more than 50 percent of the total cost of all components
utilized in the material or equipment, and

b\. The material or equipment complies with pertinent RUS or industry
standards and field experience has demonstrated that the material or
equipment is suitable for use on systems of RUS telecommunications
borrowers.

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

a\. Final assembly is not conducted within the United States, Mexico, or
Canada, or any of their territories, or the cost of components within
the material or equipment which are manufactured within the United
States, Mexico, or Canada, or any of their territories, cost 50 percent
or less than the total cost of all components utilized in the material
or equipment, and

b\. The material or equipment complies with pertinent RUS or industry
standards and field experience has demonstrated that the material or
equipment is suitable for use on systems of RUS telecommunications
borrowers.

**[Sag]{.underline}:** The distance measured vertically from a cable to
the straight line joining its two points of support. Unless otherwise
stated in the NESC, the sag referred to is the sag at the midpoint of
the span.

**[Self-Supporting Aerial Fiber Optic Cable]{.underline}:** A cable
consisting of one or more buffered optical fibers factory assembled with
a messenger that supports the cable.

**[Span Length]{.underline}:** The horizontal distance between two
adjacent supporting points of a cable.

**[Suspension Strand]{.underline}:** A stranded group of wires supported
above the ground at intervals by poles or other structures and employed
to furnish within these intervals frequent points of support for cables.

**1. GENERAL**

**1.1** This bulletin discusses in particular the design of aerial plant
using filled copper cables and filled fiber optic cables. The
information and recommendations in this bulletin are advisory.

**1.2** Aerial plant refers to telecommunication copper cables and fiber
optic cables that are attached to utility poles at varying span lengths
by lashing cables to separate suspension strands. Filled fiber optic
cables may also be attached to utility poles using cables containing an
integrated suspension strand. Filled fiber optic aerial cables
containing integrated suspension strands are referred to as a
self-supporting fiber optic cables.

**1.3** Additional information for the use in the design of aerial plant
facilities can be found in following RUS documents:

a\. TE&CM Section 116, Plant Engineering and Record System;

b\. TE&CM Section 204, Telephone System Design;

c\. TE&CM Section 210, Telephone System Design - Sizing

Criteria;

d\. TE&CM Section 218, Plant Annual Cost Data for System

Design Purposes;

e\. TE&CM Section 219, Present Worth of Annual Charge

Studies for System Design;

f\. TE&CM Section 424, Design Guideline for

Telecommunications Subscriber Loop Plant;

g\. TE&CM Section 628, Plastic Insulated Cable Plant Layout;

h\. TE&CM Section 635, Construction of Aerial Plant;

i\. TE&CM Section 650, Guy and Anchors on Wire and Cable

Lines;

j\. RUS Bulletin 345-153, Specifications and Drawings for

Construction of Pole Lines, Aerial Cables and Wires

(RUS Form 515f);

k\. RUS Bulletin 344-3, \"Buy American\" Requirement, as

amended by the NAFTA;

l\. RUS Bulletin 1728F-700, RUS Specification for Wood

Poles, Stubs and Anchor Logs;

m\. RUS Bulletin 1751F-626, Staking of Aerial Plant;

n\. RUS Bulletin 1751F-670, Outside Plant Corrosion

Considerations;

o\. RUS Bulletin 1751F-801, Electrical Protection

Fundamentals;

p\. RUS Bulletin 1751F-815, Electrical Protection of Outside

Plant;

q\. RUS Bulletin 1751H-601, Lightwave Fundamentals, Systems,

and Application;

r\. RUS Bulletin 1753F-401(PC-2), RUS Standard for Splicing

Copper and Fiber Optic Cables (codified under

7 CFR Part 1755.200);

s\. 7 CFR Part 1751, Subpart B, State Telecommunications

Modernization Plan; and

t\. 7 CFR Part 1753.6, Standards, Specifications, and

General Requirements.

**2. DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS**

**2.1** Aerial plant construction should be the method of construction
when the initial construction cost is lower than the initial
construction cost of buried plant construction and when the annual cost
of the aerial plant facilities are lower than the annual cost of buried
plant facilities. Aerial plant construction should also be the method of
construction when rock conditions are encountered that economically
restrict the use of direct buried plant.

**2.2** Aerial plant construction involving the use of joint occupancy
utility poles should only be considered when required by local, State,
or Federal ordinances or regulations. When joint occupancy of aerial
electric and telecommunications cables is considered, the design and
construction of the joint occupancy facilities should performed in
accordance with the latest editions of the NEC, NESC, local or State
regulations, or Federal regulations. [When the local, State, or Federal
regulations are more stringent than the NEC or NESC codes, the more
stringent requirements should be observed]{.underline}.

**2.3** For outside plant aerial facilities using copper cables, circuit
requirements should be thoroughly evaluated to provide sufficient margin
in the sizing of both aerial distribution and feeder cables. The sizing
of the copper cables should be based on the recommendations listed in
RUS TE&CM Section 210, Telephone System Design - Sizing Criteria. The
assigning of cable pairs should be based on the recommendations listed
in RUS TE&CM Section 628, Plastic Insulated Cable Plant Layout.

**2.4** For outside plant aerial facilities using fiber optic cables,
circuit requirements should be thoroughly evaluated to provide
sufficient margin in the sizing of the cables. The sizing of the fiber
optic cables should be based on the fiber pair requirements of the
approved LD plus the number of fiber pairs needed for future growth.

**2.5** Serving additional subscribers not anticipated at the time of
construction may become a problem in aerial plant design. Therefore
thorough planning is of utmost importance. Long range subscriber
estimates by grade of service should be made prior to the preparation of
the LD. The estimate should take into account the upgrading of existing
services and the addition of new subscribers.

**2.6** For copper aerial plant, the design should provide for the
optimum use of fine gauge cable (22 and 24 gauge conductors). Care
should be exercised in the design to ensure that transmission
requirements are met and that high lightning areas are considered.

**2.7** For copper aerial plant, the choice of the proper gauge
conductors should depend on the transmission and signaling requirements.
Care should be exercised in selecting the cables since initial cost
differentials between the various cable types, sizes, and conductor
gauges can be appreciable. Where economic costs consistent with the
State Telecommunications Modernization Plan (7 CFR Part 1751, Subpart B)
indicate the use of digital carrier and other types of electronic
equipment over physical circuits, the electronic equipment should be
installed.

**2.8.** For optical fiber aerial plant, the design should provide for
the use of either dispersion-unshifted single mode fibers (operates at
both the 1310 and 1550 nanometer windows) or dispersion-shifted single
mode fibers (operates at the 1550 nanometer window). The choice as to
which single mode fiber to use should depend on the optical system\'s
length and the transmission and signaling requirements.

**2.9** For lightwave systems, the design should be prepared in
accordance with the recommendations listed in RUS Bulletin

1751H-601, Lightwave Fundamentals, Systems, and Application.

**3. ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS**

**3.1** The decision to construct the project area using aerial plant
facilities should be based on an economic analysis using the
recommendations referenced in RUS TE&CM Sections 218, Plant Annual Cost
Data for System Design Purposes and 219, Present Worth of Annual Charge
Studies for System Design.

**3.2** If the economic analysis indicates that the project area should
be constructed using aerial plant facilities, a decision should then be
made regarding the design of the project area using either an all copper
design or a combination copper/fiber design.

**3.3** Selection of either the all copper design or the combination
copper/fiber design should be based on a long-term economic plan, good
engineering judgement, and the individual State Telecommunications
Modernization Plan (7 CFR Part 1751,

Subpart B). The initial and annual cost data should be used as economic
guidelines to supplement and support the engineering judgement and
decision. The objective is to choose the most suitable elements of the
new plant facilities. In general, the design with the lowest annual cost
should be selected. However, other considerations such as reliability
and quality of service, connecting company arrangements, flexibility for
meeting potential new market opportunities, or other effects on system
operation may outweigh annual cost considerations.

**3.4** Local characteristics of the project area should be known before
comparative cost studies are commenced. It should also be determined if
special types of equipment or cable are required so that the added
expense can be evaluated.

**4.** **CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS**

**4.1** For all aerial plant construction projects financed with RUS
loan funds, RUS regulation 7 CFR Part 1753.6 requires that only RUS
accepted materials be used.

**4.2** RUS technically accepted, nondomestic manufactured materials,
may also be used on aerial plant construction projects. Before
technically accepted materials can be used on aerial plant construction
projects, permission is required from the RUS borrower. In addition,
borrower\'s are required to ensure that the cost of the technically
accepted materials comply with RUS Bulletin 344-3, \"Buy American\"
Requirement, as amended by NAFTA.

**4.3** RUS Bulletin 1728F-700, RUS Specification for Wood Poles, Stubs
and Anchor Logs, lists the requirements for wood poles that should be
used by RUS borrowers in aerial plant construction.

**5. POLE LINE DESIGN**

**5.1** Pole lines for aerial plant construction should be designed
based on the pole\'s class and length. The class of pole selected should
be determined by the pole\'s strength and transverse load requirements.
The length of the pole should be determined by ground clearances, sags.
etc.

**5.2** Pole lines for the majority of aerial plant construction
performed by RUS borrowers should be designed for Grade C construction
which is defined in Section 24, Grades of Construction, of the latest
edition of the NESC.

**5.3** Pole lines for aerial plant construction involving the crossing
of railroads, limited-access highways, and other special situations
should be designed for Grade B construction which is defined in Section
24 of the latest edition of the NESC.

**5.4** To assist RUS borrowers in the design of the pole line for
aerial plant construction, Figure 1 provides information on the number
of poles per mile versus the span length.

**6. POLE CLASS SELECTION**

**6.1** Grade C construction of the NESC specifies specific overload
capacity factors of poles use in aerial plant construction. To ensure
that poles have adequate strength to support aerial plant construction,
poles should be designed to meet the overload capacity factors specified
in NESC Rule 261 for Grade C construction.

**6.2** Poles are divided into nine classes based on their rated
breaking loads. The classes are numbered 1 through 10, with class 8
being omitted. The rated breaking loads are applied transversely 24 in.
(60.9 cm) from the top of the pole. Table 1 lists the transverse
breaking loads for each pole class:

TABLE 1

Transverse Breaking Loads

Pole Class Pounds-Force (Newtons)

1 4500 (20,017)\
2 3700 (16,458)\
3 3000 (13,345)\
4 2400 (10,676)

5 1900 (8,452)\
6 1500 (6,672)\
7 1200 (5,338)

9 740 (3,292)

10 370 (1,646)

The values in the table for a given pole class are the same for all
species of pole timber. For classes 1 to 7, the strength of any class is
approximately 25 percent greater than the next weaker class.

**6.3** The pole class selected is assumed to have the required strength
to support the vertical loads. Vertical loads to which poles are
subjected to are as follows:

a\. Weight of the suspension strand;

b\. Weight of the cable; and

c\. The increase in weight when the suspension strand and

cable are coated with ice.

**6.4** Poles are also subjected to a transverse load. The transverse
load is the load applied when the wind pressure occurs at a right angle
to the direction of the pole line. Transverse loading on poles should be
calculated using the storm loading assumptions for the three loading
districts established in Section 25, Loading for Grades B, C, and D, of
the latest edition of the NESC.

**6.5** In addition to the transverse wind pressure load on the
suspension strand and cable, the pole itself and attachments should also
withstand the transverse wind pressure load. This additional load will
vary due to differences in dimensions and length in any given pole class
and type of attachments made on the pole. RUS has adopted as an
approximation for this purpose 50 pounds-force (222 newtons) in the
heavy and medium storm loading districts and 75 pounds-force (334
newtons) in the light storm loading district, applied 24 in. (60.9 cm)
from the pole top.

**6.6** The pole class for lashed filled copper and fiber optic cable
should be selected based on the calculated transverse wind loading using
the storm loading assumptions for the three loading districts
established in Section 25 of the latest edition of the NESC and the
average span length.

**6.7** The pole class for self-supporting filled fiber optic cable
should be selected based on the calculated transverse wind loading using
the storm loading assumptions for the three loading districts
established in Section 25 of the latest edition of the NESC and the
average span length.

**6.8** Poles used as push braces should be of the same class as the
poles they brace.

**6.9** Poles used as stubs for overhead and anchor guys should be of
the same class as the poles to which they are associated.

**7. SUSPENSION STRAND SELECTION**

**7.1** Suspension strands are available in utilities and extra high
strength grades. Both the utilities and extra high strength grades come
in 6M, 10M, and 16M sizes. The suspension strand size for cable in RUS
borrowers\' systems usually will be either 6M or 10M strand. The rated
breaking strength (minimum breaking strength) of the 6M and 10M strands
are 6,000 pounds-force (26,689 newtons) and 11,500 pounds-force (51,154
newtons), respectively. Aerial cable plant design is based on not
exceeding 60 percent of the rated breaking strength of the suspension
strand when the cable and strand are loaded as calculated according to
assumptions of wind, ice, and temperature specified in accordance with
the storm loading districts specified in Section 25 of the latest
edition of the NESC. The 16M strand will permit longer spans than the
10M strand but it is a rather large size as compared to the cable
diameters usually installed in RUS borrowers\' telecommunications
systems and is about 30 percent more costly than 10M strand. The 16M
strand has a rated breaking strength of 18,000 pounds-force (80,067
newtons). The 16M strand is not recommended for use with cables weighing
less than 1.5 lb/ft (2.2 kg/m).

**7.2** Both the utilities and extra high strength grade suspension
strands are available in three zinc coating weights referred to as Class
A, Class B, and Class C coatings. The Class A coated strand has lowest
zinc coating weight while Class C coated strand has the highest zinc
coating weight. The Class A coated strand is the preferred suspension
strand installed in RUS borrower telecommunications systems. The Class C
coated suspension strand should be used in aerial plant construction
where the Class A coated strand is subjected to excessive corrosion. RUS
Bulletin 1751F-670, Outside Plant Corrosion Consideration, should be
referenced to determine if the corrosion could be a problem in the
construction area.

**7.3** The integral support messenger of a self-supporting, filled,
aerial fiber optic cable is a 0.25 in. (6.35 mm) diameter,

7 wire, extra high strength grade, Class A galvanized steel strand
coated with a corrosion protective floodant.

**8. SPAN LENGTHS**

**8.1** Span lengths for lashed, filled copper and fiber optic cables
should be determined using the following factors:

a\. Cable weight per ft (m);

b\. Strand size;

c\. Coating class;

d\. Pole length;

e\. Pole setting depth;

f\. Maximum permissible sag;

g\. Maximum span for 14 ft (9.1 m) clearance;

h\. Poles per mile (kilometer);

i\. Pole class;

j\. Terrain;

k\. Subscriber distribution;

l\. Strand cost per mile (kilometer);

m\. Pole cost per mile (kilometer) in place; and

n\. Pole and strand cost per mile (kilometer).

**8.2** Cable weights of filled copper cables by pair size, gauge, and
insulation type which should be used for the cable weight factor in
determining span lengths for copper cables in aerial plant construction
projects are given in Tables 2 and 3.

TABLE 2

Cable Weights

Filled Copper Cables - Solid Insulation

Cable Weights lb/ft (kg/m)

Pair Size 19 AWG 22 AWG 24 AWG 26 AWG

6 0.2 (0.30) 0.1 (0.15) 0.1 (0.15) -

12 0.3 (0.45) 0.2 (0.30) 0.1 (0.15) -\
18 0.4 (0.60) 0.2 (0.30) 0.1 (0.15) -

25 0.5 (0.74) 0.3 (0.45) 0.2 (0.30) 0.1 (0.15)\
50 0.9 (1.34) 0.5 (0.74) 0.3 (0.45) 0.2 (0.30)\
75 1.3 (1.93) 0.7 (1.04) 0.5 (0.74) 0.3 (0.45)

100 1.8 (2.68) 0.9 (1.34) 0.6 (0.89) 0.4 (0.60)\
150 2.6 (3.87) 1.3 (1.93) 0.8 (1.19) 0.6 (0.89)\
200 3.3 (4.91) 1.7 (2.53) 1.1 (1.64) 0.7 (1.04)\
300 4.9 (7.29) 2.4 (3.57) 1.6 (2.38) 1.0 (1.49)\
400 6.4 (9.52) 3.2 (4.76) 2.1 (3.12) 1.3 (1.93)

600 - 4.7 (6.99) 3.1 (4.61) 2.0 (2.98)\
900 - 6.9 (10.3) 4.5 (6.70) 2.9 (4.31)

1200 - - 5.9 (8.78) 3.7 (5.50)\
1500 - - 7.3 (10.9) 4.7 (6.99)\
1800 - - 8.7 (12.9) 5.5 (8.18)

2100 - - 10.0 (14.9) 6.4 (9.52)

2400 - - - 7.2 (10.7)

TABLE 3

Cable Weights

Filled Copper Cables - Expanded Insulation

Cable Weights lb/ft (kg/m)

Pair Size 19 AWG 22 AWG 24 AWG 26 AWG

6 0.1 (0.15) 0.1 (0.15) 0.1 (0.15) -

12 0.2 (0.30) 0.1 (0.15) 0.1 (0.15) -\
18 0.3 (0.45) 0.2 (0.30) 0.1 (0.15) -

25 0.4 (0.60) 0.2 (0.30) 0.2 (0.30) 0.1 (0.15)\
50 0.7 (1.04) 0.4 (0.60) 0.3 (0.45) 0.2 (0.30)\
75 1.0 (1.49) 0.6 (0.89) 0.4 (0.60) 0.3 (0.45)

100 1.4 (2.08) 0.7 (1.04) 0.5 (0.74) 0.3 (0.45)\
150 2.0 (2.98) 1.0 (1.49) 0.7 (1.04) 0.5 (0.74)\
200 2.6 (3.87) 1.4 (2.08) 1.0 (1.49) 0.6 (0.89)\
300 3.8 (5.65) 2.0 (2.98) 1.3 (1.93) 0.9 (1.34)\
400 5.1 (7.59) 2.6 (3.87) 1.7 (2.53) 1.1 (1.64)

600 7.5 (11.2) 3.8 (5.65) 2.5 (3.72) 1.7 (2.53)

900 - 5.7 (8.48) 3.7 (5.50) 2.4 (3.57)

1200 - 7.5 (11.2) 5.0 (7.44) 3.2 (4.76)

1500 - 9.2 (13.7) 6.1 (9.08) 4.0 (5.95)

1800 - - 7.3 (10.9) 4.8 (7.14)

2100 - - 8.4 (12.5) 5.5 (8.18)

2400 - - 9.5 (14.1) 6.2 (9.23)

2700 - - - 6.7 (9.97)

3000 - - - 7.7 (11.5)

3300 - - - 8.4 (12.5)

3600 - - - 9.1 (13.5)

**8.3** Cable weights of filled fiber optic cables by fiber size,
strength member type, core type, and cable construction which should be
used for the cable weight factor in determining span lengths for fiber
optic cables in aerial plant construction projects are given in Tables 4
through 7.

TABLE 4

Cable Weights

Nonarmored Filled Fiber Optic Cables

Multiple Loose Tube Core

Cable Weights lb/ft (kg/m)

Fiber Sizes Nonmetallic Strength Member Metallic Strength Member

2 - 36 0.07 (0.10) 0.08 (0.12)

38 - 72 0.09 (0.13) 0.10 (0.15)\
74 - 84 0.10 (0.15) 0.11 (0.16)\
86 - 96 0.11 (0.16) 0.12 (0.18)\
98 - 108 0.13 (0.19) 0.14 (0.21)

110 - 120 0.15 (0.22) 0.16 (0.24)\
122 - 132 0.16 (0.24) 0.17 (0.25)\
134 - 216 0.18 (0.27) 0.19 (0.28)\
218 - 264 0.20 (0.30) 0.21 (0.31)

TABLE 5

Cable Weights

Armored Filled Fiber Optic Cables

Multiple Loose Tube Core

Cable Weights lb/ft (kg/m)

Fiber Sizes Nonmetallic Strength Member Metallic Strength Member

2 - 36 0.11 (0.16) 0.13 (0.19)

38 - 72 0.14 (0.21) 0.15 (0.22)\
74 - 84 0.16 (0.24) 0.17 (0.25)\
86 - 96 0.18 (0.27) 0.19 (0.28)\
98 - 108 0.20 (0.30) 0.21 (0.31)

110 - 120 0.22 (0.33) 0.23 (0.34)\
122 - 132 0.24 (0.36) 0.25 (0.37)\
134 - 216 0.27 (0.40) 0.28 (0.42)\
218 - 264 0.28 (0.42) 0.29 (0.43)

TABLE 6

Cable Weights

Nonarmored Filled Fiber Optic Cables

Central Core Tube

Cable Weights lb/ft (kg/m)

Fiber Sizes Nonmetallic Strength Member Metallic Strength Member

6 - 60 0.08 (0.12) 0.10 (0.15)

62 - 96 0.11 (0.16) 0.15 (0.22)

TABLE 7

Cable Weights

Armored Filled Fiber Optic Cables

Central Core Tube

Cable Weights lb/ft (kg/m)

Fiber Sizes Nonmetallic Strength Member Metallic Strength Member

6 - 60 0.11 (0.16) 0.13 (0.19)

62 - 96 0.14 (0.21) 0.18 (0.27)

**8.4** For lashed, filled copper cables, Figures 2 through 10 indicate
the span length limits for poles of various lengths on level ground
which will provide 14 ft (4.3 m) of final unloaded ground clearance at
60°F (15.6°C) for cables of various weights on the 6M, 10M, and 16M
strands in the three storm loading districts referenced in Section 25 of
the latest edition of NESC. Cost studies indicate that 30 ft (9.1 m)
Class 7 poles are strong enough to provide the spans at the lowest cost.
The 30 ft

(9.1 m) poles have an advantage over 25 ft (7.6 m) poles in providing
greater height for aerial service wire road crossings.

**8.5** For lashed, filled fiber optic cables, recommended span length
limits for poles of various lengths on level ground which will provide
14 ft (4.3 m) of final unloaded ground clearance at 60°F (15.6°C) for
cables of various weights on the 6M strands in the three storm loading
districts referenced in Section 25 of the latest edition of NESC should
be obtained from fiber optic cable manufacturers.

**8.6** For lashed, filled copper and fiber optic cables, an occasional
span that is shorter than adjacent spans should not be a concern except
from the standpoint of the effect of short spans on the average spans
and, therefore, the number of poles needed. However, when an individual
span occurs which is appreciably longer than the average span in its
section of line, consideration should be given to the question of proper
limits for such spans before employing special construction methods.
Special long span construction is recommended for such occasional spans
when the length of the span in question is more than 50 percent than the
average of five adjacent spans in either direction.

**8.7** Long span construction for lashed, filled copper and fiber optic
cables may be necessary in the aerial plant because of terrain (such as
river crossings, etc.) that make construction of normal span lengths
impracticable. When long span construction is contemplated, the long
span construction should be designed for the particular situation.

**8.8** One method of long span construction could be the use of
catenary suspension strands to avoid excessive sags on spans. When
catenary suspension strand construction is contemplated, the following
factors should be consider:

a\. Selection of a cable suspension strand which would be

strong enough to support the cable without the catenary

strand;

b\. Selection of a catenary strand as strong or stronger

than the cable suspension strand;

c\. Selection of suitable heights and classes of poles;

d\. Pole setting depths and their footings; and

e\. Side and head guy requirements.

**8.9** When catenary suspension strand construction is employed, the
cable suspension strand should be fastened to long span poles at heights
which will conform to the required ground clearances. The cable
suspension strand should also be supported at one or more points in the
span by the catenary suspension strand. The catenary suspension strand
should be attached to the long span poles at locations above the cable
suspension strand. The separation between the cable suspension strand
and the catenary suspension strand at poles should be such as to allow
span attachments to the catenary and support points to be in horizontal
alignment. The catenary suspension strand is usually attached to the
cable suspension strand by means of cable suspension hooks. Figure 11
shows the general features of catenary suspension strand construction.

**8.10** When circumstances indicate the use of slack span construction,
Figure 12 depicts such construction.

**8.11** Cable weights of self-supporting, filled, fiber optic cables by
fiber size, core type, and cable construction which should be used for
the cable weight factor in determining span lengths for self-supporting
fiber optic cables in aerial plant construction projects are given in
Tables 8 and 9.

TABLE 8

Cable Weights

Self-Supporting, Filled Fiber Optic Cables

Multiple Loose Tube Core

Cable Weights lb/ft (kg/m)

Fiber Sizes Nonarmored Armored

2 - 72 0.25 (0.37) 0.32 (0.48)

74 - 84 0.27 (0.40) 0.34 (0.51)\
86 - 96 0.28 (0.42) 0.36 (0.54)\
98 - 108 0.30 (0.45) 0.38 (0.57)

110 - 120 0.31 (0.46) 0.40 (0.60)\
122 - 132 0.33 (0.49) 0.42 (0.62)\
134 - 144 0.35 (0.52) 0.45 (0.67)

TABLE 9

Cable Weights

Self-Supporting, Filled Fiber Optic Cables

Central Core Tube

Cable Weights lb/ft (kg/m)

Fiber Sizes Nonarmored Armored

2 - 48 0.08 (0.12) 0.12 (0.18)

50 - 96 0.13 (0.19) 0.18 (0.27)

**8.12** For self-supporting, filled, fiber optic cables, recommended
span length limits for poles of various lengths on level ground which
will provide 14 ft (4.3 m) of final unloaded ground clearance at 60°F
(15.6°C) for cables in the three storm loading districts referenced in
Section 25 of the latest edition of NESC should be obtained from fiber
optic cable manufacturers.

**9. POLE GUYING**

**9.1** Guying of poles may be necessary in certain situations to
provide additional strength to the pole to sustain the longitudinal load
from the wind pressure, the weight of the cable, and the weight of the
suspension strand, etc.

**9.2** RUS TE&CM Section 650, Guy and Anchors on Wire and Cable Lines,
should be consulted when guying of poles is required.

**10. SAG**

**10.1** Locations and amounts of sag at low points in hillside
situations and river crossings where support points are at different
elevations should be determined in accordance with Figure 13.

**10.2** Sag values in percent of midspan sag of level spans at points
along a span should be determined from Figure 14. The information in
Figure 14 may also be useful in determining separations in a span
involving clearances.

Figures 1 thru 14 are graphs and drawings. Reference hard copy.