UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service

**BULLETIN 1751F-650**

**SUBJECT: Aerial Plant Guying and Anchoring**

**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) Section 650, Guys and Anchors
on Wire and Cable Lines, Issue 4, dated February 1960; Addenda 1 and 2,
dated October 1966, and April 1967; respectively.

**FILING INSTRUCTIONS:** Discard RUS TE&CM Section 650, Guys and Anchors
on Wire and Cable Lines, Issue 4, dated February 1960; Addenda 1 and 2,
dated October 1966 and April 1967, respectively; and replace them with
this bulletin. File with 7 CFR 1751. 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 bulletin provides RUS borrowers, consulting engineers,
contractors and other interested parties with information on the guying
and anchoring of aerial plant facilities.

Wally Beyer 7/3/96

Administrator Date

**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

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

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

1\. General
\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\..... 7

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

3\. Filled Aerial Cable Guys
\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\... 9

4\. Guying of Unusual Cases \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...
10

5\. Guy Attachments to Poles and Push Braces Used in

Place of Guys \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....
10

6\. Pole-to-Pole and Pole-to-Stub Pole Guys \...\...\...\...\..... 11

7\. Electrical Protection of Exposed Guys and

Adding Guys to Existing Anchors \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.... 11

8\. Guy Selection Examples \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....
12

9\. Anchor Selection
\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.... 14

10\. Anchor Installation Precautions \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....
16

**TABLES & FIGURES**

Table 1 Guy Strand Sizes - Utilities Grade -

7 Wire, Galvanized Steel Strand \...\...\...\...\...\.... 8

Table 2 Guy Strand Sizes - Extra High Strength (EHS) -

7 Wire, Galvanized Steel Strand \...\...\...\...\...\.... 8

Table 3 Minimum Guy Strand Selection Chart -

Filled Copper or Fiber Optic Cables \...\...\...\...\... 9

Table 4 Guy Strand Selection Chart -

Filled, Self-Supporting Fiber Optic Cables \...\.... 10

Table 5 Minimum Anchor Selection Chart \...\...\...\...\...\.... 15

Figure 1 Guy Lead to Height Measurements \...\...\...\...\...\... 17

Figure 2 Sidewalk Guy Determination \...\...\...\...\...\...\..... 18

Figure 3 PF5-3 Anchor Assembly Unit - Alternative

Installation Method \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\... 19

INDEX:

Outside Plant

Construction

Telecommunications

**ABBREVIATIONS**

°C Degrees Celsius

EHS Extra High Strength Galvanized Steel

°F Degrees Fahrenheit

ft Feet

H Height

in. Inches

L Lead

lbf Pounds-force

L/H Lead/Height Ratio

m Meter

MGN Multigrounded Neutral

mm Millimeter

N Newton

NESC National Electrical Safety Code

PF Anchor Assembly Unit

RUS Rural Utilities Service

TE&CM Telecommunications Engineering and Construction Manual

**DEFINITIONS**

**[6M Guy]{.underline}:** A guy strand size having a rated breaking
strength of 6,000 pounds-force (lbf) \[26,688 Newtons (N)\].

**[10M Guy]{.underline}:** A guy strand size having a rated breaking
strength of 10,000 lbf (44,480 N).

**[16M Guy]{.underline}:** A guy strand size having a rated breaking
strength of 16,000 lbf (71,168 N).

**[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 rod]{.underline}:** A steel or other metal rod designed for
convenient attachment to a buried anchor and also to provide for one or
more guy attachments above ground.

**[Deadend Guy]{.underline}:** An installation of line or anchor guys to
hold the pole at the end of a line.

**[Effectively Grounded]{.underline}:** Intentionally connected to earth
through a ground connection or connections of sufficiently low impedance
and having sufficient current-carrying capacity to prevent the buildup
of voltages that may result in undue hazards to connected equipment or
to persons.

**[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.

**[Guy Strand]{.underline}:** A stranded group of wires used as a
semiflexible tension support between a pole or structure and the anchor
rod, or between structures.

**[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 inch (in.) \[12.5 millimeters (mm)\] of ice at a
temperature of 0°F (-20°C).

**[Height]{.underline}:** The vertical distance between the attachment
of the guy strand to the pole and the surface of the ground at the
anchor.

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

**[Lead]{.underline}:** The horizontal distance between the pole and
where the guy attaches to the anchor.

**[Lead/Height Ratio]{.underline}:** The ratio of the "lead distance" to
the "height distance".

**[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).

**[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).

**[PF1-3]{.underline}:** An expanding anchor assembly unit which
includes all the material and labor costs to install the anchor with
rod. The holding power of the anchor is 6,000 lbf (26,688 N).

**[PF1-5]{.underline}:** An expanding anchor assembly unit which
includes all the material and labor costs to install the anchor with
rod. The holding power of the anchor is 10,000 lbf (44,480 N).

**[PF1-7]{.underline}:** An expanding anchor assembly unit which
includes all the material and labor costs to install the anchor with
rod. The holding power of the anchor is 16,000 lbf (71,168 N).

**[PF2-3]{.underline}:** An plate anchor assembly unit which includes
all the material and labor costs to install the anchor with rod. The
holding power of the anchor is 6,000 lbf (26,688 N).

**[PF2-5]{.underline}:** An plate anchor assembly unit which includes
all the material and labor costs to install the anchor with rod. The
holding power of the anchor is 10,000 lbf (44,480 N).

**[PF2-7]{.underline}:** An plate anchor assembly unit which includes
all the material and labor costs to install the anchor with rod. The
holding power of the anchor is 16,000 lbf (71,168 N).

**[PF3-3]{.underline}:** A screw anchor assembly unit which includes all
the material and labor costs to install the anchor with rod. The holding
power of the anchor is 6,000 lbf (26,688 N).

**[PF3-5]{.underline}:** A screw anchor assembly unit which includes all
the material and labor costs to install the anchor with rod. The holding
power of the anchor is 10,000 lbf (44,480 N).

**[PF3-7]{.underline}:** A screw anchor assembly unit which includes all
the material and labor costs to install the anchor with rod. The holding
power of the anchor is 16,000 lbf (71,168 N).

**[PF5-3]{.underline}:** A rock anchor assembly unit which includes all
the material and labor costs to install the anchor with rod. The
diameter of the rod is 3/4 in. (19 mm).

**[PF5-4]{.underline}:** A rock anchor assembly unit which includes all
the material and labor costs to install the rod as the anchor. The
diameter of the rod is 1 in. (25.4 mm).

**[PF6-3]{.underline}:** A swamp anchor assembly unit which includes all
the material and labor costs to install the anchor with rod. The holding
power of the anchor is 6,000 lbf (26,688 N).

**[PF6-4]{.underline}:** A swamp anchor assembly unit which includes all
the material and labor costs to install the anchor with rod. The holding
power of the anchor is 8,000 lbf (35,585 N).

**[PF6-5]{.underline}:** A swamp anchor assembly unit which includes all
the material and labor costs to install the anchor with rod. The holding
power of the anchor is 10,000 lbf (44,480 N).

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

**[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.

**[Resident Engineer]{.underline}:** The representative of the Engineer
who is delegated full-time "on-site" engineering responsibilities for
construction administration.

**[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.

**[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 guying and anchoring
of aerial plant using filled copper and fiber optic cables and filled,
self-supporting fiber optic cables. The information and recommendations
in this bulletin are advisory.

**1.2** Some of the work items associated with guying and anchoring of
aerial plant are as follows:

a\. Pre-installation inspection of anchors and anchor rods;

and

b\. Pre-installation inspection of guy strands.

**1.3** Additional information for the use in guying and anchoring of
aerial plant facilities can be found in following documents:

a\. Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Form 515, RUS Telephone

System Construction Contract (Labor and Materials);

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

Construction of Pole Lines, Aerial Cables and Wires

(RUS Form 515f);

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

d\. RUS Bulletin 1751F-630, Design of Aerial Plant;

e\. RUS Bulletin 1751F-635, Construction of Aerial Plant;

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

Considerations; and

g\. Latest edition of the National Electrical Safety

Code (NESC).

**2. DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS**

**2.1** The size of the guy for lashed aerial plant facilities using
filled copper or filled fiber optic cables should be based on the
tension in the suspension strand when the filled copper or filled fiber
optic cable and strand are loaded to 60 percent of the rated breaking
strength of the suspension strand. The strength of the guy used for
lashed aerial plant construction is independent of the span length and
the three storm loading districts as defined in the latest edition of
the NESC.

**2.2** The size of the guy for filled, self-supporting fiber optic
cables should be based on the tension in the stranded support messenger
when the filled, self-supporting fiber optic cable and integral
messenger are loaded to 60 percent of the rated breaking strength of the
integral support messenger. The strength of the guy used for filled,
self-supporting fiber optic cable construction is independent of the
span length and the three storm loading districts as defined in the
latest edition of the NESC.

**2.3** Guy strands used in aerial plant construction should be RUS
accepted or technically accepted. Guy strands normally used in aerial
plant construction are given in Tables 1 and 2.

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| # TABLE 1                         |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| Guy Strand Sizes                  |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| Utilities Grade                   |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| 7 Wire, Galvanized Steel Strand   |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Strand Designations               | Diameter                          |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | in. (mm)                          |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 6M                                | 5/16 (7.9)                        |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 10M                               | 3/8 (9.5)                         |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 16M                               | 7/16 (11.1)                       |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| TABLE 2                           |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| Guy Strand Sizes                  |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| Extra High Strength (EHS)         |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| 7 Wire, Galvanized Steel Strand   |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Strand Designations               | Diameter                          |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | in. (mm)                          |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 6M                                | 1/4 (6.3)                         |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 10M                               | 5/16 (7.9)                        |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| # 16M                             | 7/16 (11.1)                       |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

**2.4** The strength of guys used in aerial plant construction should be
in accordance with the required grade of construction as defined in the
latest edition of the NESC.

**2.5** The guying of aerial plant facilities crossing railroads should
be performed in accordance with Section 24 of the latest edition of the
NESC and the "Specification For Communication Lines Crossing the Tracks
of Railroads" issued by the Association of American Railroads.

**2.6** Figure 1 shows the measurements for determining the "lead" (L)
and "height" (H) of guys. L/H ratios for best results of aerial plant
construction should be between 1/2 and 1. L/H ratios less than 1/2 and
greater than 1 should not be used unless circumstances require
otherwise. When L/H ratios less than 1/2 are required, the longest
"lead" possible should be obtained and the strength of poles, guys, and
anchors should be increased as required for the increased load.

**2.7** When sidewalk guy arms are required to be installed, the
sidewalk guy arms should be designed using larger strand sizes and
stronger poles than would be needed for normal guying applications with
the same L/H ratios. Figure 2 depicts a sidewalk guy arm application and
gives the procedure for determining the size of the guy strand and class
of pole that should be installed.

**3. FILLED AERIAL CABLE GUYS**

**3.1** Guys for poles supporting lashed filled copper or fiber optic
cables at various corner angles and deadends for the three commonly used
suspension strands installed either singly or in combinations on poles
should be selected using the information provided in Table 3. The
information given in Table 3 can be used for the selection of guy
strands in the heavy, medium, and light loading districts as defined in
the latest edition of the NESC.

<table style="width:100%;">
<colgroup>
<col style="width: 14%" />
<col style="width: 7%" />
<col style="width: 6%" />
<col style="width: 6%" />
<col style="width: 6%" />
<col style="width: 6%" />
<col style="width: 6%" />
<col style="width: 6%" />
<col style="width: 6%" />
<col style="width: 6%" />
<col style="width: 6%" />
<col style="width: 6%" />
<col style="width: 6%" />
<col style="width: 6%" />
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr class="odd">
<td colspan="14"><p>TABLE 3</p>
<p>Minimum Guy Strand Selection Chart</p>
<p>Filled Copper or Fiber Optic Cables</p>
<p>Corners and Deadends</p>
<p>Heavy, Medium, and Light Loading Districts</p></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td>Suspension</td>
<td>L/H</td>
<td colspan="12">Corner Angles (Degrees)</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td>Strand Size</td>
<td>Ratio</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>20</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>30</td>
<td>35</td>
<td>40</td>
<td>45</td>
<td>50</td>
<td>55</td>
<td>60</td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td>6M</td>
<td><p>1/2</p>
<p>1</p></td>
<td><p>6M</p>
<p>6M</p></td>
<td><p>6M</p>
<p>6M</p></td>
<td><p>6M</p>
<p>6M</p></td>
<td><p>6M</p>
<p>6M</p></td>
<td><p>6M</p>
<p>6M</p></td>
<td><p>6M</p>
<p>6M</p></td>
<td><p>6M</p>
<p>6M</p></td>
<td><p>6M</p>
<p>6M</p></td>
<td><p>10M</p>
<p>6M</p></td>
<td><p>10M</p>
<p>6M</p></td>
<td><p>10M</p>
<p>6M</p></td>
<td><p>10M</p>
<p>6M</p></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td>10M</td>
<td><p>1/2</p>
<p>1</p></td>
<td><p>6M</p>
<p>6M</p></td>
<td><p>6M</p>
<p>6M</p></td>
<td><p>6M</p>
<p>6M</p></td>
<td><p>6M</p>
<p>6M</p></td>
<td><p>10M</p>
<p>6M</p></td>
<td><p>10M</p>
<p>6M</p></td>
<td><p>10M</p>
<p>6M</p></td>
<td><p>16M</p>
<p>10M</p></td>
<td><p>16M</p>
<p>10M</p></td>
<td><p>16M</p>
<p>10M</p></td>
<td><p>16M</p>
<p>10M</p></td>
<td><p>16M</p>
<p>10M</p></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td>16M</td>
<td><p>1/2</p>
<p>1</p></td>
<td><p>6M</p>
<p>6M</p></td>
<td><p>6M</p>
<p>6M</p></td>
<td><p>10M</p>
<p>6M</p></td>
<td><p>10M</p>
<p>6M</p></td>
<td><p>10M</p>
<p>10M</p></td>
<td><p>16M</p>
<p>10M</p></td>
<td><p>16M</p>
<p>10M</p></td>
<td><p>20M</p>
<p>6M</p></td>
<td><p>20M</p>
<p>16M</p></td>
<td><p>20M</p>
<p>16M</p></td>
<td><p>26M</p>
<p>16M</p></td>
<td><p>26M</p>
<p>16M</p></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td>20M</td>
<td><p>1/2</p>
<p>1</p></td>
<td><p>6M</p>
<p>6M</p></td>
<td><p>6M</p>
<p>6M</p></td>
<td><p>10M</p>
<p>6M</p></td>
<td><p>16M</p>
<p>10M</p></td>
<td><p>16M</p>
<p>10M</p></td>
<td><p>16M</p>
<p>10M</p></td>
<td><p>20M</p>
<p>16M</p></td>
<td><p>26M</p>
<p>16M</p></td>
<td><p>26M</p>
<p>16M</p></td>
<td><p>26M</p>
<p>20M</p></td>
<td><p>32M</p>
<p>20M</p></td>
<td><p>32M</p>
<p>20M</p></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Note 1: For deadends use 60 degree corner angle guy size.

Note 2: For 20M guy size, use 2 10M guys or equivalents.

Note 3: For 26M guy size, use 1 10M guy and 1 16M guy or

equivalents.

Note 4: For 32M guy size, use 2 16M guys or equivalents.

Note 5: For 20M strand size, use 2 10M strands or

equivalents.

**3.2** Guys for poles supporting filled, self-supporting fiber optic
cables at various corner angles and deadends using 1/4 in.

(6.35 mm) 7 wire, EHS, galvanized steel strand integral supporting
messengers should be selected using the information provided in Table 4.
The information given in Table 4 can be used for the selection of guy
strands in the heavy, medium, and light loading districts as defined in
the latest edition of the NESC.

+----------------------+----------+-----------------+-----------------+
| TABLE 4              |          |                 |                 |
|                      |          |                 |                 |
| Guy Strand Selection |          |                 |                 |
| Chart                |          |                 |                 |
|                      |          |                 |                 |
| Filled,              |          |                 |                 |
| Self-Supporting      |          |                 |                 |
| Fiber Optic Cables   |          |                 |                 |
+----------------------+----------+-----------------+-----------------+
| Integral Messenger   | L/H      | Maximum Corner  |                 |
|                      |          | Angle in        |                 |
|                      |          | Degrees for     |                 |
|                      |          | Size of Guy     |                 |
|                      |          | Strand          |                 |
+----------------------+----------+-----------------+-----------------+
| # Size               | Ratio    | 6M              | 10M             |
+----------------------+----------+-----------------+-----------------+
| 1/4 in. (6.35 mm)    | 1/2      | 35              | 60              |
|                      |          |                 |                 |
|                      | 1        | 60              | \--             |
+----------------------+----------+-----------------+-----------------+

**3.3** Guys placed at corners of 60 degrees or less should be installed
so that the guys bisect the corner angles unless strand is
double-deadended for other reasons.

**3.4** Two head guys should be installed at corners that are greater
than 60 degrees but less than 90 degrees. The anchors for each of the
two guys should be installed approximately 2 feet (ft) (610 mm) away
from the "in-line" position toward the bisectors of corner angles.

**3.5** Two head guys should be installed at corners of 90 degrees or
greater. The anchors should be placed in line with cable strands they
hold. The thimbleye bolts, guy hooks, or other suitable types of
hardware should be installed through the poles for each strand and its
guy.

**4.** **GUYING OF UNUSUAL CASES**

**4.1** Guying may be required in certain unusual cases not covered in
this bulletin. In such cases the resident engineer or the resident
engineer's representative should make a thorough study of the situation
and provide adequate guying in accordance with the NESC or other local
code, whichever is the more stringent code.

**4.2** In some situations, guying may be required at locations where
normal placement of anchor guys may be impracticable because conditions
do not allow sufficient L/H ratios to be obtained while maintaining the
required clearances. In these circumstances sidewalk guys or other
acceptable methods should be used but only as last resorts.

**5. GUY ATTACHMENTS TO POLES AND PUSH BRACES USED IN**

**PLACE OF GUYS**

**5.1** Guys with downward pulls should be attached to poles by means of
thimbleye angle bolts, guy hooks, or other suitable types of hardware.
Guys with horizontal pulls should be attached to poles by means of
straight thimbleye bolts, guy hooks, or other suitable types of
hardware.

**5.2** Push braces should be used for supporting horizontal loads on
poles only when it is impracticable to place down guys or overhead guys
to stub poles. When push braces are used, the push braces should be of
the same pole classes as the poles they brace. Push brace installations
recommend the installation of pole keys at pole butts to prevent lifting
of poles during storm conditions and plank footings where rock footings
are not present at butts of braces.

**6. POLE-TO-POLE AND POLE-TO-STUB POLE GUYS**

**6.1** Pole-to-pole guys should be only installed when it is
impracticable to install anchor guys.

**6.2** The sizes of down guys at stub poles in pole-to-stub pole guy
installations should be selected as though the down guys are to be
attached to line corner poles instead of stub poles. The overhead guy
sizes should be the same sizes as required for down guys with L/H ratios
of 1.

**7. ELECTRICAL PROTECTION OF EXPOSED GUYS AND ADDING GUYS TO**

**EXISTING ANCHORS**

**7.1** Guys classified as exposed guys should be considered electrical
hazards to workmen and the public and should be electrically protected.

**7.2** Guys are considered to be exposed guys when:

a\. Guys pass over, under, or between supply conductors

having voltages that exceed 300 volts to ground;

b\. Guys are attached to poles carrying supply conductors

having voltages exceeding 300 volts to ground;

c\. The minimum horizontal distance between the guy

and the nearest supply conductor having voltages

that exceed 300 volts is less than 10 ft \[3 meters (m)\];

and

d\. Guys that are connected to continuous cable suspension

strands which are not systematically and effectively

grounded.

**7.3** Electrical protection of exposed guys should be accomplished by
grounding the guys. The grounding of the guys should be accomplished by:

a\. Bonding guys to vertical pole ground wires which

are connected to multiground neutrals (MGN); or

b\. Bonding guys to effectively grounded cable

suspension strands.

**7.4** Guys on the same throughbolts with effectively grounded cable
suspension strands are considered to be electrically bonded to the
suspension strands thus eliminating the need for separate bonding
conductors.

**7.5** Auxiliary eye bolts should be use for attaching second guys to
existing anchor rods having eyes for only one guy strand. When
attachment of guys to existing anchors of foreign companies is
contemplated, the foreign companies should be notified. Permission from
the foreign companies should be obtained before attaching the guys to
the anchor rods. In any event the attachment of second guys to existing
anchors should only be performed if it is known that the existing
anchors have sufficient holding power for the load of the two guys.

**8. GUY SELECTION EXAMPLES**

**8.1** For the selection of a guy associated with filled copper cables,
assume the following conditions:

a\. A pole supporting a filled copper cable lashed to

6M suspension strand;

b\. A corner angle of 45 degrees; and

c\. A L/H = 1/2.

The information given in items "a" through "c" above indicate that Table
3 should be used for selecting the guy size. Table 3 shows that for a
L/H = 1/2 at a 45 degree corner, a 10M guy should be used to provide
satisfactory holding power at the pole.

**8.2** For selection of a guy associated with filled fiber optic
cables, assume the following conditions:

a\. A pole supporting a filled fiber optic cable lashed

to a 6M suspension strand;

b\. A corner angle of 30 degrees; and

c\. A L/H = 1.

The information given in items "a" through "c" above indicate that Table
3 should be used for selecting the guy size. Table 3 shows that for a
L/H = 1 at a 30 degree corner, a 6M guy should be used to provide
satisfactory holding power at the pole.

**8.3** For the selection of a guy associated with filled,
self-supporting fiber optic cables, assume the following conditions:

a\. Messenger of the self-supporting, filled fiber optic

cable is a 1/4 in. (6.35 mm) 7 wire, EHS, galvanized

steel strand;

b\. A corner angle of 45 degrees; and

c\. A L/H = 1/2.

The information given in items "a" through "c" above indicate that Table
4 should be used for selecting the guy size. Table 4 shows that for a
L/H = 1/2 at a 45 degree corner, a 10M guy should be used to provide
satisfactory holding power at the pole.

**8.4** For selection of a sidewalk guy arm, assume the following
conditions:

a\. A 30 ft (9 m) pole carrying a filled copper cable

lashed to a 6M suspension strand;

b\. A minimum pole setting depth of 5.5 ft (1.7 m) for

the 30 ft (9 m) pole;

c\. A guy attachment distance of 1.0 ft (0.3 m) from the

top of the pole;

d\. A corner angle of 45 degrees; and

e\. A pipe having an outside diameter of 2 in. (50.8 mm)

and a length of 8 ft (2.4 m) which is attached to the

pole at a height of 8 ft (2.4 m) above the ground.

**8.4.1** The information given in items "a" through "e" above indicates
that Figure 2 and Table 3 should be used in determining the appropriate
the sidewalk guy arm.

**8.4.2** The solution for selecting the sidewalk guy arm should be
performed using the following steps:

a\. Compute AE from Figure 2 which indicates that

AE = (pole length minus pole setting depth minus

guy attachment distance from top of pole). Therefore, AE = 30 ft - 5.5
ft - 1.0 ft = 23.5 ft using the English

Units listed in items "a" through "c" of Paragraph 8.4

of this bulletin. AE = 9 m - 1.7 m - 0.3 m = 7 m using

the Metric Units listed in Paragraph 8.4 of this

bulletin;

b\. Compute L/H from Figure 2 which indicates that

L/H = BC/AC = BC/(AE - CE). Therefore,

L/H = 8 ft/(23.5 ft - 8 ft) = 8 ft/15.5 ft = 1/1.9

using the English Units listed in item "e" of

Paragraph 8.4 and item "a" of Paragraph 8.4.2 of this

bulletin. Using the Metric Units listed in item "e" of

Paragraph 8.4 and item "a" of Paragraph 8.4.2

L/H = 2.4 m/(7 m - 2.4 m) = 2.4 m/4.6 m = 1/1.9. Since

the calculated L/H ratio of 1/1.9 is close to a L/H

ratio of 1/2, a L/H ratio of 1/2 is used for the

remaining calculations to determine the appropriate

sidewalk guy arm;

c\. Using Table 3, we see that for a 6M suspension strand

with a L/H = 1/2 and a corner angle of 45 degrees, the

guy strand selected for the application should be a 10M;

d\. Figure 2 indicates that for a 10M guy, the strand size

for the sidewalk guy should be 16M since AE, the height

of the guy attachment to the pole, which is 23.5 ft

(7 m), is between 20 ft (6.1 m) and 26 ft (7.9 m) as

indicated in Figure 2; and

e\. Finally Figure 2 indicates that a Class 3 pole should

be used in the sidewalk guy arm installation because the

L/H = 1/2.

**9. ANCHOR SELECTION**

**9.1** Anchors should be selected based on the soil type at the anchor
location and the size of the guy selected from either Table 3 or Table 4
of this bulletin.

**9.2** The various soil types that may be encountered during anchor
installations are classified as follows:

a\. Class 1 - Hard rock (solid);

b\. Class 2 - All soil except hard rock, sand, and swamp;

c\. Class 3 - Sand; and

d\. Class 4 - Swamp.

**9.3** After the guy size has been selected from either Table 3 or
Table 4 the anchor assembly unit for the appropriate guy size should be
selected from Table 5 based on the soil type where the anchor is to be
installed. Anchor assembly units given in Table 5 are defined in RUS
Bulletin 345-153, Specifications and Drawings for Construction of Pole
Lines, Aerial Cables and Wires(RUS Form 515f) and this bulletin. Where
Table 5 provides for more than one anchor assembly unit, a choice as to
which anchor assembly unit to be installed should be made by the
resident engineer based on sound engineering judgment. In certain
situations the use of 2 anchors and guys may be required to be installed
to provide satisfactory holding power of the aerial cable line.

+-------------+---+-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+
| TABLE 5     |   |             |             |             |             |
|             |   |             |             |             |             |
| Minimum     |   |             |             |             |             |
| Anchor      |   |             |             |             |             |
| Selection   |   |             |             |             |             |
| Chart       |   |             |             |             |             |
+-------------+---+-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+
|             | A |             |             |             |             |
|             | n |             |             |             |             |
|             | c |             |             |             |             |
|             | h |             |             |             |             |
|             | o |             |             |             |             |
|             | r |             |             |             |             |
|             | A |             |             |             |             |
|             | s |             |             |             |             |
|             | s |             |             |             |             |
|             | e |             |             |             |             |
|             | m |             |             |             |             |
|             | b |             |             |             |             |
|             | l |             |             |             |             |
|             | y |             |             |             |             |
|             | U |             |             |             |             |
|             | n |             |             |             |             |
|             | i |             |             |             |             |
|             | t |             |             |             |             |
+-------------+---+-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+
|             | S |             |             |             |             |
|             | o |             |             |             |             |
|             | i |             |             |             |             |
|             | l |             |             |             |             |
|             | C |             |             |             |             |
|             | l |             |             |             |             |
|             | a |             |             |             |             |
|             | s |             |             |             |             |
|             | s |             |             |             |             |
+-------------+---+-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+
| Guy Size    |   | Class 1     | Class 2     | Class 3     | Class 4     |
+-------------+---+-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+
|             |   | PF5-3       | PF1-3,      | PF1-3,      |             |
+-------------+---+-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+
| 6M          |   | or          | PF2-3, or   | PF2-3, or   | PF6-3       |
+-------------+---+-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+
|             |   | PF-5-4      | PF3-3       | PF3-3       |             |
+-------------+---+-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+
|             |   | (Note 6)    |             |             |             |
+-------------+---+-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+
|             |   | PF5-3       | PF1-5,      | PF1-5,      |             |
+-------------+---+-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+
| 10M         |   | or          | PF2-5, or   | PF2-5, or   | PF6-4       |
+-------------+---+-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+
|             |   | PF5-4       | PF3-5       | PF3-5       |             |
+-------------+---+-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+
|             |   | (Note 6)    |             |             |             |
+-------------+---+-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+
|             |   | PF5-3       | PF1-7,      | PF1-7,      |             |
+-------------+---+-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+
| 16M         |   | or          | PF2-7, or   | PF2-7, or   | PF6-5       |
+-------------+---+-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+
|             |   | PF5-4       | PF3-7       | PF3-7       |             |
+-------------+---+-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+
|             |   | (Note 6)    |             |             |             |
+-------------+---+-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+
| 20M         |   | 2 PF5-3     | 2 PF1-5,    | 2 PF1-5,    |             |
+-------------+---+-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+
| (use 2 10M  |   | or          | 2 PF2-5, or | 2 PF2-5, or | 2 PF6-4     |
+-------------+---+-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+
| Guys)       |   | 2 PF5-4     | 2 PF3-5     | 2 PF3-5     |             |
+-------------+---+-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+
|             |   | (Note 6)    |             |             |             |
+-------------+---+-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+
|             |   |             | 1 PF1-5 and | 1 PF1-5 and |             |
+-------------+---+-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+
| 26M         |   | 2 PF5-3     | 1 PF1-7;    | 1 PF1-7;    |             |
+-------------+---+-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+
| (use 1 10M  |   | or          | 1 PF2-5 and | 1 PF2-5 and | 1 PF6-4 and |
+-------------+---+-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+
| Guy and     |   | 2 PF5-4     | 1 PF2-7; or | 1 PF2-7; or | 1 PF6-5     |
+-------------+---+-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+
| 1 16M guy)  |   | (Note 6)    | 1 PF3-5 and | 1 PF3-5 and |             |
+-------------+---+-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+
|             |   |             | 1 PF3-7     | 1 PF3-7     |             |
+-------------+---+-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+
| 32M         |   | 2 PF5-3     | 2PF1-7,     | 2 PF1-7,    |             |
+-------------+---+-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+
| ( use 2 16M |   | or          | 2 PF2-7, or | 2 PF2-7, or | 2 PF6-5     |
+-------------+---+-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+
| Guys)       |   | 2 PF5-4     | 2 PF3-7     | 2 PF3-7     |             |
+-------------+---+-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+
|             |   | (Note 6)    |             |             |             |
+-------------+---+-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+

Note 6: The PF5-3 and PF5-4 anchor assembly units are not

interchangeable.

**9.4** PF5-3 anchor assembly units should be installed either in
accordance with the guide drawing listed in RUS Bulletin 345-153 (RUS
Form 515f) or Figure 3 of this bulletin.

**9.5** PF5-4 anchor assembly units should be installed in accordance
with the guide drawing listed in RUS Bulletin 345-153 (RUS Form 515f).

**9.6** Swamp anchors are screw type anchors. Swamp anchors use
galvanized steel sections of pipe as "rods", which allow the lengths of
anchor rods to be as long as necessary by coupling the pipe sections
together. This allows anchors to be installed in firm soil under swamps.
The rods should be of sufficient length that should result in
penetration into the firm soil under the swamps of at least 5 ft (1.5
m).

**10. ANCHOR INSTALLATION PRECAUTIONS**

**10.1** Holes dug for anchors should be no larger than necessary to
permit entry of anchors into the holes.

**10.2** Care should be exercised in placing certain types of expanding
anchors to prevent earth or sand falling into the holes and lodging
between the plates which could prevent full expansion of the plates and
which could result in a reduction of the anchor's holding power.

**10.3** Anchor holes should be dug to such depths that no more than
about 6 in. (152 mm) of anchor rods should be above ground after strain
is applied by guys. Anchor holes should be dug so that anchor rods will
be in line with guys. Anchor rods should not be bent. Thimbleyes of
anchor rods should never be covered with earth.