UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service

**BULLETIN 1753F-204(PE-7)**

**SUBJECT: [RUS Specification for Aerial Service Wires]{.underline}**

TO: All Telecommunications Borrowers

RUS Telecommunications Staff

**EFFECTIVE DATE:** June 24, 1996.

**EXPIRATION DATE:** Date of change in 7 CFR §§ 1755.700 through
1755.704 by rulemaking.

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

**PREVIOUS INSTRUCTIONS:** This bulletin replaces RUS Bulletin

345-36, RUS Specification for Parallel Conductor Drop Wire, PE-7, issued
January 25, 1983.

**FILING INSTRUCTIONS:** Discard RUS Bulletin 345-36, RUS Specification
for Parallel Conductor Drop Wire, PE-7, dated January 25, 1983, and
replace it with this bulletin. File with 7 CFR 1755. This bulletin is
available to the RUS staff on RUSNET (text only) and can be accessed via
Internet at http://www.usda.gov/rus/home/home.htm

**PURPOSE:** This specification covers RUS requirements for aerial
service wires intended for aerial subscriber drops. This bulletin is a
reformat of the text codified in 7 CFR 1755.700 through 7 CFR 1755.704
published at 61 FR 26073, dated May 24, 1996.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this document.
However, in case of discrepancies, the regulations at 7 CFR 1755.700
through 7 CFR 1755.704 are the authorized sources.

Wally Beyer 8/22/96

Administrator Date

**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

CFR to Bulletin Conversion Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

1\. Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

2\. Copper Coated Steel Reinforced (CCSR) Aerial Service Wire 9

2.1 Conductors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

2.2 Conductor Insulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

2.3 Wire Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

2.4 Conductor Marking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

2.5 Electrical Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

2.6 Mechanical Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

2.7 Environmental Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

2.8 Identification Marker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

2.9 Length Marker (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

2.10 Durability of Marking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

3\. Nonmetallic Reinforced (NMR) Aerial Service Wire . . . . 12

3.1 Conductors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

3.2 Conductor Insulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

3.3 Identification of Pairs and Layup of Pairs . . . . . 13

3.4 Strength Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

3.5 Wire Jacket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

3.6 Wire Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

3.7 Electrical Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

3.8 Mechanical Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

3.9 Environmental Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

3.10 Ripcord (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

3.11 Identification Marker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

3.12 Length Marker (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

3.13 Durability of Marking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

4\. Requirements Applicable To Both CCSR and NMR Aerial

Service Wires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

4.1 Acceptance Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

4.2 Extent of Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

4.3 Summary of Records of Electrical and Physical Tests 19

4.4 Manufacturing Irregularities . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

4.5 Splicing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

4.6 Preparation for Shipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

INDEX:

Wire, Service, Aerial

**CFR TO BULLETIN CONVERSION TABLE**

**7 CFR 1755. 700 to 7 CFR 1755.704** **Bulletin 1753F-204**

7 CFR 1755.700 Bulletin Title

7 CFR 1755.701 1.

\(a\) 1.1\
(b) 1.2\
(c) 1.3\
(c)(1) 1.3.1\
(c)(2) 1.3.2\
(d) 1.4\
(d)(1) 1.4.1\
(d)(2) 1.4.2\
(e) 1.5\
(f) 1.6

\- 1.7

7 CFR 1755.702 2.

\(a\) 2.1\
(a)(1) 2.1.1\
(a)(2) 2.1.2\
(b) 2.2\
(b)(1) 2.2.1\
(b)(2) 2.2.2\
(b)(3) 2.2.3\
(b)(4) 2.2.4\
(b)(5) 2.2.5\
(c) 2.3\
(c)(1) 2.3.1\
(c)(2) 2.3.2\
(c)(3) 2.3.3\
(d) 2.4\
(e) 2.5\
(e)(1) 2.5.1\
(e)(2) 2.5.2\
(e)(3) 2.5.3\
(e)(4) 2.5.4\
(e)(5) 2.5.5\
(e)(5)(i) 2.5.5.1\
(e)(5)(ii) 2.5.5.2\
(e)(6) 2.5.6\
(e)(7) 2.5.7\
(f) 2.6\
(f)(1) 2.6.1\
(f)(1)(i) 2.6.1.1\
(f)(1)(ii) 2.6.1.2\
(f)(2) 2.6.2\
(f)(3) 2.6.3\
(f)(4) 2.6.4\
(g) 2.7\
(g)(1) 2.7.1\
(g)(1)(i) 2.7.1.1

(g)(1)(ii) 2.7.1.2

**CFR TO BULLETIN CONVERSION TABLE**

**7 CFR 1755. 700 to 7 CFR 1755.704** **Bulletin 1753F-204**

(g)(2) 2.7.2

(g)(3) 2.7.3

(g)(4) 2.7.4

(g)(5) 2.7.5

\(h\) 2.8

\(i\) 2.9

(i)(1) 2.9.1

(i)(2) 2.9.2

\(j\) 2.10

7 CFR 1755.703 3.

\(a\) 3.1\
(a)(1) 3.1.1\
(a)(2) 3.1.2\
(b) 3.2\
(b)(1) 3.2.1\
(b)(2) 3.2.2\
(b)(3) 3.2.3\
(b)(4) 3.2.4\
(b)(5) 3.2.5\
(b)(6) 3.2.6\
(b)(7) 3.2.7\
(b)(8) 3.2.8\
(c) 3.3\
(c)(1) 3.3.1\
(c)(2) 3.3.2\
(c)(3) 3.3.3\
(c)(4) 3.3.4\
(c)(5) 3.3.5\
(c)(5)(i) 3.3.5.1\
(c)(5)(ii) 3.3.5.2\
(c)(6) 3.3.6\
(c)(6)(i) 3.3.6.1\
(c)(6)(ii) 3.3.6.2\
(c)(6)(iii) 3.3.6.3\
(c)(6)(iv) 3.3.6.4\
(d) 3.4\
(e) 3.5\
(e)(1) 3.5.1\
(e)(2) 3.5.2\
(f) 3.6\
(g) 3.7\
(g)(1) 3.7.1\
(g)(2) 3.7.2\
(g)(2)(i) 3.7.2.1\
(g)(2)(ii) 3.7.2.2\
(g)(3) 3.7.3\
(g)(4) 3.7.4\
(g)(5) 3.7.5

(g)(5)(i) 3.7.5.1

**CFR TO BULLETIN CONVERSION TABLE**

**7 CFR 1755. 700 to 7 CFR 1755.704** **Bulletin 1753F-204**

(g)(5)(ii) 3.7.5.2

(g)(6) 3.7.6

(g)(6)(i) 3.7.6.1

(g)(6)(ii) 3.7.6.2

(g)(7) 3.7.7\
(g)(8) 3.7.8\
(g)(9) 3.7.9\
(g)(9)(i) 3.7.9.1\
(g)(9)(ii) 3.7.9.2\
(h) 3.8\
(h)(1) 3.8.1\
(h)(1)(i) 3.8.1.1\
(h)(1)(ii) 3.8.1.2\
(h)(2) 3.8.2\
(h)(3) 3.8.3\
(h)(4) 3.8.4\
(h)(5) 3.8.5\
(i) 3.9\
(i)(1) 3.9.1\
(i)(1)(i) 3.9.1.1\
(i)(1)(ii) 3.9.1.2\
(i)(2) 3.9.2\
(i)(3) 3.9.3\
(i)(4) 3.9.4\
(j) 3.10\
(j)(1) 3.10.1\
(j)(2) 3.10.2\
(k) 3.11\
(l) 3.12\
(l)(1) 3.12.1\
(l)(2) 3.12.2\
(m) 3.13

7 CFR 1755.704 4.

\(a\) 4.1\
(a)(1) 4.1.1\
(a)(2) 4.1.2\
(a)(3) 4.1.3\
(a)(4) 4.1.4\
(b) 4.2\
(b)(1) 4.2.1\
(b)(1)(i) 4.2.1.1\
(b)(1)(ii) 4.2.1.2\
(b)(1)(iii) 4.2.1.3\
(b)(2) 4.2.2\
(b)(2)(i) 4.2.2.1\
(b)(2)(ii) 4.2.2.2\
(b)(2)(iii) 4.2.2.3\
(b)(2)(iv) 4.2.2.4

(b)(2)(v) 4.2.2.5

**CFR TO BULLETIN CONVERSION TABLE**

**7 CFR 1755. 700 to 7 CFR 1755.704** **Bulletin 1753F-204**

(b)(2)(vi) 4.2.2.6

(b)(2)(vii) 4.2.2.7

(b)(2)(viii) 4.2.2.8

\(c\) 4.3

(c)(1) 4.3.1\
(c)(2) 4.3.2\
(d) 4.4\
(d)(1) 4.4.1\
(d)(2) 4.4.2\
(e) 4.5\
(f) 4.6\
(f)(1) 4.6.1\
(f)(2) 4.6.2\
(f)(2)(i) 4.6.2.1\
(f)(2)(ii) 4.6.2.2\
(f)(2)(iii) 4.6.2.3\
(f)(2)(iv) 4.6.2.4\
(f)(2)(v) 4.6.2.5\
(f)(2)(vi) 4.6.2.6\
(f)(3) 4.6.3\
(f)(3)(i) 4.6.3.1\
(f)(3)(ii) 4.6.3.2\
(f)(3)(iii) 4.6.3.3\
(f)(3)(iv) 4.6.3.4\
(f)(3)(v) 4.6.3.5\
(f)(4) 4.6.4\
(f)(5) 4.6.5\
(f)(6) 4.6.6\
(f)(7) 4.6.7

**ABBREVIATIONS**

ANSI American National Standards Institute

CCSR Copper Coated Steel Reinforced

dc Direct current

FEXT Far-end crosstalk loss

ICEA Insulated Cable Engineers Association, Inc.

in. Inches

mm Millimeter

NEXT Near-end crosstalk loss

NMR Nonmetallic Reinforced

RUS Rural Utilities Service

**1. SCOPE**

**1.1** This specification covers the requirements for aerial service
wires intended for aerial subscriber drops.

**1.2** The aerial service wires can be either copper coated steel
reinforced or nonmetallic reinforced designs.

**1.3** For the copper coated steel reinforced design, the reinforcing
members are the conductors.

**1.3.1** The conductors are solid copper-covered steel wires.

**1.3.2** The wire structure is completed by insulating the conductors
with an overall extruded plastic insulating compound.

**1.4** For the nonmetallic reinforced design, the conductors are solid
copper individually insulated with an extruded solid insulating
compound.

**1.4.1** The insulated conductors are either layed parallel (two
conductor design only) or twisted into pairs (a star-quad configuration
is permitted for two pair wires).

**1.4.2** The wire structure is completed by the application of
nonmetallic reinforcing members and an overall plastic jacket.

**1.5** All wires sold to RUS borrowers for projects involving RUS loan
funds under this specification must be accepted by RUS Technical
Standards Committee \"A\" (Telecommunications). For wires manufactured
to this specification, all design changes to an accepted design must be
submitted for acceptance. RUS will be the sole authority on what
constitutes a design change.

**1.6** Materials, manufacturing techniques or wire designs not
specifically addressed by this specification may be allowed if accepted
by RUS. Justification for acceptance of modified materials,
manufacturing techniques or wire designs must be provided to
substantiate product utility and long term stability and endurance.

**1.7** Copies of American National Standard Institute/Insulated Cable
Engineers Association, Inc. (ANSI/ICEA) S-89-648-1993, \"Standard For
Telecommunications Aerial Service Wire, Technical Requirements,\" as
referenced in this specification can be obtained from ICEA for a nominal
fee at the address indicated below:

ICEA, Inc.

P. O. Box 440

South Yarmouth, Massachusetts 02664

Telephone No.: (508) 394-4424

**2. COPPER COATED STEEL REINFORCED (CCSR) AERIAL SERVICE WIRE**

**2.1 [Conductors]{.underline}:**

**2.1.1** Each conductor shall comply with the requirements specified in
ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraphs 2.1 through 2.1.5.

**2.1.2** Factory joints in conductors shall comply with the requirement
specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 2.1.6.

**2.2 [Conductor Insulation]{.underline}:**

**2.2.1** The raw materials used for conductor insulation shall comply
with the requirements specified in ANSI/ICEA

S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 3.1.1.

**2.2.2** The raw materials shall be accepted by RUS prior to their use.

**2.2.3** The finished conductor insulation shall be free from holes,
splits, blisters, or other imperfections and shall be as smooth as is
consistent with best commercial practice.

**2.2.4** The finished conductor insulation shall comply with the
requirements specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraphs 3.1.5
through 3.1.5.4.

**2.2.5** The insulation shall have a minimum spot thickness of not less
than 0.9 millimeters (mm) (0.03 inches (in.)) at any point.

**2.3 [Wire Assembly]{.underline}:**

**2.3.1** The two conductors shall be insulated in parallel to form an
integral configuration.

**2.3.2** The finished wire assembly shall be either a flat or a notched
oval. Other finished wire assemblies may be used provided that they are
accepted by RUS prior to their use.

**2.3.3** The overall dimensions of the finished wire assembly shall be
in accordance with the following requirements:

Dimensions

Minimum Maximum

[Diameter]{.underline} [mm]{.underline} [(in.)]{.underline}
[mm]{.underline} [(in.)]{.underline}

Major 5.5 (0.22) 8.0 (0.31)

Minor 3.0 (0.12) 5.0 (0.19)

**2.4 [Conductor Marking]{.underline}:** The insulated conductors of a
finished wire shall be marked in accordance with the requirements
specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 3.1.4.

**2.5 [Electrical Requirements]{.underline}:**

**2.5.1 [Conductor Resistance]{.underline}:** The direct current (dc)
resistance of each conductor in a completed CCSR aerial service wire
shall comply with the requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993,
Paragraph 7.1.2.

**2.5.2 [Wet Mutual Capacitance]{.underline}:** The wet mutual
capacitance of the completed CCSR aerial service wire shall comply with
the requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 7.1.3.

**2.5.3 [Wet Attenuation]{.underline}:** The wet attenuation of the
completed CCSR aerial service wire shall comply with the requirement
specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 7.1.4.

**2.5.4 [Wet Insulation Resistance]{.underline}:** The wet insulation
resistance of the completed CCSR aerial service wire shall comply with
the requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 7.1.5.

**2.5.5 [Dielectric Strength]{.underline}:**

**2.5.5.1** The wet dielectric strength between conductors and between
each conductor of the completed CCSR aerial service wire and the
surrounding water shall comply with the requirement specified in
ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 7.1.6.

**2.5.5.2** The dry dielectric strength between conductors of the
completed CCSR aerial service wire shall comply with the requirement
specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 7.1.7.

**2.5.6 [Fusing Coordination]{.underline}:** The completed CCSR aerial
service wire shall comply with the fusing coordination requirement
specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 7.1.8.

**2.5.7 [Insulation Imperfections]{.underline}:** Each length of
completed CCSR aerial service wire shall comply with the requirement
specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 7.1.9.

**2.6 [Mechanical Requirements]{.underline}:**

**2.6.1 [Impact Test]{.underline}:**

**2.6.1.1** All CCSR aerial service wires manufactured in accordance
with Paragraph 2 of this specification shall comply with the unaged
impact test specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 8.1.2.

**2.6.1.2** All CCSR aerial service wires manufactured in accordance
with Paragraph 2 of this specification shall comply with the aged impact
test specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 8.1.3.

**2.6.2 [Abrasion Resistance Test]{.underline}:** All CCSR aerial
service wires manufactured in accordance with Paragraph 2 of this
specification shall comply with the abrasion resistance test specified
in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 8.1.4.

**2.6.3 [Static Load Test]{.underline}:** All CCSR aerial service wires
manufactured in accordance with Paragraph 2 of this specification shall
comply with the static load test specified in ANSI/ICEA

S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 8.1.5.

**2.6.4 [Plasticizer Compatibility Test]{.underline}:** All CCSR aerial
service wires manufactured in accordance with Paragraph 2 of this
specification shall comply with the plasticizer compatibility test
specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 8.1.8.

**2.7 [Environmental Requirements]{.underline}:**

**2.7.1 [Cold Temperature Handling Test]{.underline}:**

**2.7.1.1** All CCSR aerial service wires manufactured in accordance
with Paragraph 2 of this specification shall comply with the unaged cold
temperature handling test specified in ANSI/ICEA

S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 8.2.1.

**2.7.1.2** All CCSR aerial service wires manufactured in accordance
with Paragraph 2 of this specification shall comply with the aged cold
temperature handling test specified in ANSI/ICEA

S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 8.2.2.

**2.7.2 [Light Absorption Test]{.underline}:** All CCSR aerial service
wires manufactured in accordance with Paragraph 2 of this specification
shall comply with the light absorption test specified in ANSI/ICEA
S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 8.2.3.

**2.7.3 [Low Temperature Separation Test]{.underline}:** All CCSR aerial
service wires manufactured in accordance with Paragraph 2 of this
specification shall comply with the low temperature separation test
specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 8.2.4.

**2.7.4 [Flammability Test]{.underline}:** All CCSR aerial service wires
manufactured in accordance with Paragraph 2 of this specification shall
comply with the flammability test specified in ANSI/ICEA

S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 8.3.

**2.7.5 [Wire Listing]{.underline}:** All CCSR aerial service wires
manufactured in accordance with Paragraph 2 of this specification shall
comply with the listing requirements specified in ANSI/ICEA
S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 8.4.

**2.8 [Identification Marker]{.underline}:** Each length of CCSR aerial
service wire shall be identified in accordance with ANSI/ICEA
S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 9.1.4. When surface marking is employed, the
color of the initial marking shall be either white or silver.

**2.9 [Length Marking (Optional)]{.underline}:**

**2.9.1** Sequentially numbered length marking of the completed CCSR
aerial service wire may be used at the option of the manufacturer unless
specified by the end user.

**2.9.2** When sequentially numbered length markings are used, the
length markings shall be in accordance with ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993,
Paragraph 9.1.5. The color of the initial marking shall be either white
or silver.

**2.10 [Durability of Marking]{.underline}:** The durability of the
marking of the CCSR aerial service wire shall comply with the
requirements specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 9.1.6.

**3. NONMETALLIC REINFORCED (NMR) AERIAL SERVICE WIRE**

**3.1 [Conductors]{.underline}:**

**3.1.1** Each conductor shall comply with the requirements specified in
ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraphs 2.2 through 2.2.1.

**3.1.2** Factory joints in conductors shall comply with the requirement
specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 2.2.2.

**3.2 [Conductor Insulation]{.underline}:**

**3.2.1** The raw materials used for conductor insulation shall comply
with the requirements specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraphs
3.2 through 3.2.2.

**3.2.2** The finished conductor insulation shall comply with the
requirements specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 3.2.3.

**3.2.3** The dimensions of the insulated conductor shall comply with
the requirements specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph
3.2.3.1.

**3.2.4** The colors of the insulation shall comply with the
requirements specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 3.2.3.2.

**3.2.5** A permissible overall performance level of faults in conductor
insulation shall comply with the requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA
S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 3.2.4.6. The length count and the number of
faults shall be recorded. The information shall be retained for a period
of 6 months and be available for review by RUS when requested.

**3.2.6** Repairs to the conductor insulation during manufacture are
permissible. The method of repair shall be accepted by RUS prior to its
use. The repaired insulation shall comply with the requirement specified
in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 3.2.3.3.

**3.2.7** All repaired sections of insulation shall be retested in the
same manner as originally tested for compliance with Paragraph 3.2.5 of
this specification.

**3.2.8** The colored insulating material removed from or tested on the
conductor, from a finished wire shall comply with the requirements
specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraphs 3.2.4 through 3.2.4.5.

**3.3 [Identification of Pairs and Layup of Pairs]{.underline}:**

**3.3.1** The insulation shall be colored coded to identify:

a\. The tip and ring conductor of each pair; and

b\. Each pair in the completed wire.

**3.3.2** The colors to be used in the pairs together with the pair
numbers shall be in accordance with the table specified in ANSI/ICEA
S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 4.1.1.

**3.3.3** The finished insulated conductors shall be either layed
parallel (two conductor design only) or twisted into pairs.

**3.3.4** When using parallel conductors for the two conductor design,
the parallel conductors shall be designed to enable the wire to meet the
electrical requirements specified in Paragraph 3.7 of this
specification.

**3.3.5** When twisted pairs are used, the following requirements shall
be met:

**3.3.5.1** The pair twists shall be designed to enable the wire to meet
the electrical requirements specified in Paragraph 3.7 of this
specification; and

**3.3.5.2** The average length of pair twists in any pair in the
finished wire, when measured on ant 3 meter (10 foot) length, shall not
exceed the requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph
4.1.

**3.3.6** An alternative method of forming the two-pair wire is the use
of a star-quad configuration.

**3.3.6.1** The assembly of the star-quad shall be such as to enable the
wire to meet the electrical requirements specified in Paragraph 3.7 of
this specification.

**3.3.6.2** The star-quad configuration shall be assembled in accordance
with ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 4.1.2.

**3.3.6.3** The average length of twist for the star-quad in the
finished wire, when measured on ant 3 meter (10 foot) length, shall not
exceed the requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph
4.1.

**3.3.6.4** The color scheme used to provide identification of the tip
and ring conductors of each pair in the star-quad shall comply with the
table specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 4.1.2.

**3.4 [Strength Members]{.underline}:** The strength members shall
comply with the requirements specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993,
Paragraphs 6.1 and 6.1.1.

**3.5 [Wire Jacket]{.underline}:**

**3.5.1** The jacket shall comply with the requirements specified in
ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraphs 5.1 and 5.1.1.

**3.5.2** The jacket raw materials shall be accepted by RUS prior to
their use.

**3.6 [Wire Assembly]{.underline}:** The finished wire assembly shall be
in accordance with ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 5.1.3 and Figure
5-1.

**3.7 [Electrical Requirements]{.underline}:**

**3.7.1 [Conductor Resistance]{.underline}:** The dc resistance of each
conductor in a completed NMR aerial service wire shall comply with the
requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 7.2.2.

**3.7.2 [Resistance Unbalance]{.underline}:**

**3.7.2.1** The dc resistance unbalance between the two conductors of
any pair in a completed NMR aerial service wire and the average
resistance unbalance of all pairs in a Quality Control Lot shall comply
with the requirements specified in ANSI/ICEA

S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 7.2.3.

**3.7.2.2** The resistance unbalance between tip and ring conductors
shall be random with respect to the direction of unbalance. That is, the
resistance of the tip conductors shall not be consistently higher with
respect to the ring conductors and vice versa.

**3.7.3 [Dry Mutual Capacitance]{.underline}:** The dry mutual
capacitance of the completed NMR aerial service wire shall comply with
the requirements specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 7.2.4.,
Type 1.

**3.7.4 [Pair-to-Pair Capacitance Unbalance]{.underline}:** The
pair-to-pair capacitance unbalance as measured on the completed NMR
aerial service wire shall comply with the requirements specified in
ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 7.2.5.

**3.7.5 [Attenuation]{.underline}:**

**3.7.5.1** The dry attenuation of the completed NMR aerial service wire
shall comply with the requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA

S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 7.2.7.

**3.7.5.2** The wet attenuation of the completed NMR aerial service wire
shall comply with the requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA

S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 7.2.8.

**3.7.6 [Insulation Resistance]{.underline}:**

**3.7.6.1** The dry insulation resistance of the completed NMR aerial
service wire shall comply with the requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA
S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 7.2.9.

**3.7.6.2** The wet insulation resistance of the completed NMR aerial
service wire shall comply with the requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA
S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 7.2.10.

**3.7.7 [Wet Dielectric Strength]{.underline}:** The wet dielectric
strength between conductors and between each conductor of the completed
NMR aerial service wire and the surrounding water shall comply with the
requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 7.2.11.

**3.7.8 [Fusing Coordination]{.underline}:** The completed NMR aerial
service wire shall comply with the fusing coordination requirement
specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 7.2.13.

**3.7.9 [Crosstalk Loss]{.underline}:**

**3.7.9.1** The output-to-output far-end crosstalk loss (FEXT) for any
pair of completed NMR aerial service wire shall comply with the
requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 7.2.14.

**3.7.9.2** The input-to-input near-end crosstalk loss (NEXT) for any
pair of completed NMR aerial service wire shall comply with the
requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 7.2.14.

**3.8 [Mechanical Requirements]{.underline}:**

**3.8.1 [Impact Test]{.underline}:**

**3.8.1.1** All NMR aerial service wires manufactured in accordance with
Paragraph 3 of this specification shall comply with the unaged impact
test specified in Paragraph 2.6.1.1 of this specification.

**3.8.1.2** All NMR aerial service wires manufactured in accordance with
Paragraph 3 of this specification shall comply with the aged impact test
specified in Paragraph 2.6.1.2 of this specification.

**3.8.2 [Abrasion Resistance Test]{.underline}:** All NMR aerial service
wires manufactured in accordance with Paragraph 3 of this specification
shall comply with the abrasion resistance test specified in Paragraph
2.6.2 of this specification.

**3.8.3 [Static Load Test]{.underline}:** All NMR aerial service wires
manufactured in accordance with Paragraph 3 of this specification shall
comply with the static load test specified in Paragraph 2.6.3 of this
specification.

**3.8.4 [Elongation Test]{.underline}:** All NMR aerial service wires
manufactured in accordance with Paragraph 3 of this specification shall
comply with the elongation test specified in ANSI/ICEA

S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 8.1.7.

**3.8.5 [Plasticizer Compatibility Test]{.underline}:** All NMR aerial
service wires manufactured in accordance with Paragraph 3 of this
specification shall comply with the plasticizer compatibility test
specified in Paragraph 2.6.4 of this specification.

**3.9 [Environmental Requirements]{.underline}:**

**3.9.1 [Cold Temperature Handling Test]{.underline}:**

**3.9.1.1** All NMR aerial service wires manufactured in accordance with
Paragraph 3 of this specification shall comply with the unaged cold
temperature handling test specified in Paragraph 2.7.1.1 of this
specification.

**3.9.1.2** All NMR aerial service wires manufactured in accordance with
Paragraph 3 of this specification shall comply with the aged cold
temperature handling test specified in Paragraph 2.7.1.2 of this
specification.

**3.9.2 [Light Absorption Test]{.underline}:** All NMR aerial service
wires manufactured in accordance with Paragraph 3 of this specification
shall comply with the light absorption test specified in Paragraph 2.7.2
of this specification.

**3.9.3 [Flammability Test]{.underline}:** All NMR aerial service wires
manufactured in accordance with Paragraph 3 of this specification shall
comply with the flammability test specified in Paragraph 2.7.4 of this
specification.

**3.9.4 [Wire Listing]{.underline}:** All NMR aerial service wires
manufactured in accordance with Paragraph 3 of this specification shall
comply with the listing requirements specified in Paragraph 2.7.5 of
this specification.

**3.10 [Ripcord (Optional)]{.underline}:**

**3.10.1** A ripcord may be used in the NMR aerial service wire
structure at the option of the manufacturer unless specified by the end
user.

**3.10.2** When a ripcord is used it shall comply with the requirements
specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraphs 4.2 through 4.2.3.

**3.11 [Identification Marker]{.underline}:** Each length of NMR aerial
service wire shall be identified in accordance with ANSI/ICEA
S-89-648-1993, Paragraphs 9.1 through 9.1.4. When surface marking is
employed, the color of the initial marking shall be either white or
silver.

**3.12 [Length Marking (Optional)]{.underline}:**

**3.12.1** Sequentially numbered length marking of the completed NMR
aerial service wire may be used at the option of the manufacturer unless
specified by the end user.

**3.12.2** When sequentially numbered length markings are used, the
length markings shall be in accordance with Paragraph 2.9.2 of this
specification.

**3.13 [Durability of Marking]{.underline}:** The durability of the
marking of the NMR aerial service wire shall comply with the
requirements specified Paragraph 2.10 of this specification.

**4. REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO BOTH CCSR AND NMR AERIAL SERVICE**

**WIRES**

**4.1 [Acceptance Testing]{.underline}:**

**4.1.1** The tests described in this specification are intended for
acceptance of wire design and major modifications of accepted designs.
What constitutes a major modification is at the discretion of RUS. These
tests are intended to show the inherent capability of the manufacturer
to produce wire products having long life and stability.

**4.1.2** For initial acceptance, the manufacturer shall:

a\. Certify that the product fully complies with

each paragraph of this specification;

b\. Agree to periodic plant inspections by RUS;

c\. Certify whether the product complies with the

domestic origin manufacturing provisions of the

\"Buy American\" requirements of the Rural

Electrification Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C. 903 note),

as amended (the \"REA Buy-American provision\");

d\. Submit at least three written user testimonials

concerning field performance of the product; and

e\. Provide any other nonpropriety data deemed necessary

by the Chief, Outside Plant Branch

(Telecommunications).

**4.1.3** In order for RUS to consider a manufacturer\'s request that a
product be requalified, the manufacturer shall certify not later than
June 30 of the year in which requalification is required, that the
product:

a\. Fully complies with each paragraph of this

specification; and

b\. Does or does not comply with the domestic origin

manufacturing provisions of the REA Buy American

provisions. The required certifications shall be

dated within 90 days of the submission.

**4.1.4** Initial and requalification acceptance requests should be
addressed to: Chairman, Technical Standards Committee \"A\"
(Telecommunications), Telecommunications Standards Division, Rural
Utilities Service, Stop 1598, Washington, DC 20250-1598.

**4.2 [Extent of Testing]{.underline}:**

**4.2.1** **[Tests on 100 percent of completed wire:]{.underline}**

**4.2.1.1** Each conductor in the completed CCSR and NMR aerial service
wire shall be tested for continuity in accordance with ANSI/ICEA
S-89-648-1993, Paragraphs 7.1.1 and 7.2.1, respectively;

**4.2.1.2** Each conductor in the completed CCSR and NMR aerial service
wire shall be tested for shorts in accordance with ANSI/ICEA
S-89-648-1993, Paragraphs 7.1.1 and 7.2.1, respectively; and

**4.2.1.3** Each length of completed CCSR and NMR aerial service wire
shall be tested for insulation imperfections in accordance Paragraph
2.5.7 and Paragraph 3.2.5 of this specification, respectively.

**4.2.2 [Capability Tests:]{.underline}** Tests on a quality assurance
basis shall be made as frequently as is required for each manufacturer
to determine and maintain compliance with:

**4.2.2.1** Performance of the conductors;

**4.2.2.2** Performance of the conductor insulation and jacket material;

**4.2.2.3** Sequential marking and lettering;

**4.2.2.4** Mutual capacitance, capacitance unbalance, attenuation, and
crosstalk;

**4.2.2.5** Conductor resistance, resistance unbalance, and insulation
resistance;

**4.2.2.6** Dielectric strength and fusing coordination;

**4.2.2.7** Impact, abrasion, static load, elongation, and plasticizer
compatibility tests; and

**4.2.2.8** Cold temperature handling, light absorption, low temperature
separation, and flammability tests.

**4.3 [Summary of Records of Electrical and Physical
Tests]{.underline}:**

**4.3.1** Each manufacturer shall maintain suitable summary of records
for a period of at least 3 years for all electrical and physical tests
required on completed wire as set forth in Paragraph 4.2 of this
specification. The test data for a particular lot of aerial service wire
shall be in a form such that it may be readily available to the
purchaser or to RUS upon request.

**4.3.2** Measurements and computed values shall be rounded off to the
number of places or figures specified for the requirement according to
ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 1.3.

**4.4 [Manufacturing Irregularities]{.underline}:**

**4.4.1** Repairs to the insulation of CCSR aerial service wires are not
permitted in wires supplied to end users under this specification.

**4.4.2** Repairs to the jacket of NMR aerial service wires are not
permitted in wires supplied to end users under this specification.

**4.5 [Splicing]{.underline}:** Splicing of completed CCSR and NMR
aerial service wires shall comply with the requirement specified in
ANSI/ICEA

S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 8.1.1.

**4.6 [Preparation For Shipment]{.underline}:**

**4.6.1** CCSR and NMR aerial service wire shall be shipped either in
coils or on reels.

**4.6.2** When CCSR and NMR aerial service wires are shipped on reels
the following provisions shall apply:

**4.6.2.1** The diameter of the drum shall be large enough to prevent
damage to the wire from reeling and unreeling. The reels shall be
substantial and so constructed as to prevent damage to the wire during
shipment and handling;

**4.6.2.2** A waterproof corrugated board or other suitable means of
protection accepted by RUS prior to its use may be applied to the reel.
If the waterproof corrugated board or other suitable material is used
for protection, it shall be suitably secured in place to prevent damage
to the wire during storage and handling. The use of the waterproof
corrugated board or other suitable means of protection shall be at the
option of the manufacturer unless specified by the end user;

**4.6.2.3** The outer end of the wire shall be securely fastened to the
reel head so as to prevent the wire from becoming loose in transit. The
inner end of the wire shall be securely fastened in such a way as to
make it readily available if required for electrical testing. Spikes,
staples, or other fastening devices which penetrate the conductor
insulation of the CCSR aerial service wire and jacket of the NMR aerial
service wire shall not be used. The method of fastening the wire ends
shall be accepted by RUS prior to their use;

**4.6.2.4** Each length of wire shall be wound on a separate reel;

**4.6.2.5** Each reel must be plainly marked to indicate the direction
in which it should be rolled to prevent loosening of the wire on the
reel; and

**4.6.2.6** Each reel shall be stenciled or labeled on either one or
both sides with the following information:

a\. Customer order number;

b\. Manufacturer\'s name and product code;

c\. Factory reel number and year of manufacture;

d\. Gauge of conductors and pair size of wire;

e\. Length of wire; and

f\. RUS designation letter \"K\".

**4.6.3** When CCSR and NMR aerial service wires are shipped in coils
the following provisions shall apply:

**4.6.3.1** The diameter of the coil shall be large enough to prevent
damage to the wire from coiling and uncoiling;

**4.6.3.2** The nominal length of the wire in a coil shall be 305 meters
(1,000 feet). No coil shall be less than 290 meters

(950 feet) long or more than 460 meters (1.500 feet) long; however, 25
percent of the total number of coils may be less than 305 meters (1,000
feet);

**4.6.3.3** The coils of wire shall be wound securely with strong tape
in four separate evenly spaced places;

**4.6.3.4** The coils may be protected from damage by wrapping the coil
with heavy paper, burlap, or other suitable material accepted by RUS
prior to its use. The use of the heavy paper, burlap, or other suitable
means of protection shall be at the option of the manufacturer unless
specified by the end user; and

**4.6.3.5** Each coil shall be tagged with the following information:

a\. Customer order number;

b\. Manufacturer\'s name and product code;

c\. Year of manufacture;

d\. Gauge of conductors and pair size of wire;

e\. Length of wire; and

f\. RUS designation letter \"K\".

**4.6.4** In lieu of wrapping the coil with heavy paper, burlap, or
other suitable material, the coil may be packaged in a moisture
resistant carton.

**4.6.5** When the coils are shipped in moisture resistant cartons, each
carton shall be marked with the information specified in Paragraph
4.6.3.5 of this specification.

**4.6.6** Other methods of shipment may be used if accepted by RUS prior
to their use.

**4.6.7** When NMR aerial service wire is shipped, the ends of the wire
shall be sealed in accordance with ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph
9.2.