UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Rural Utilities Service 

RUS BULLETIN 1753F-601b 

RD-GD-2009-62

SUBJECT: MINIMUM PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATION FOR FIBER OPTIC CABLES

(SUBSCRIBER DROP CABLES) 

TO: All Telecommunications Program Borrowers, their Consulting Engineers, Cable 

Manufacturers and Staff 

EFFECTIVE DATE: Date of Approval. 

OFFICE OF PRIMARY INTEREST: Technical Support Branch

INSTRUCTIONS: This is a new bulletin. 

AVAILABILITY: This bulletin can be accessed via the Internet at 

http://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/publications/bulletins.htm 

PURPOSE: To update current specifications to meet current industry standards. This bulletin 

covers service entrance cables. For backbone, feeder and distribution plant, see RUS

Bulletinl 753F-60la. 

This bulletin is a user friendly guide and a reformat of the text codified in 7 CFR 1755.900,

1755.901, and 1755.903, published at 20560 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 85, dated Tuesday, 

May 5, 2009. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy ofthis document. However, in 

case of discrepancies, the regulations at 7 CFR 1755.900, 1755.901, and 1755.903 

are the authorized sources. 

ACKNOWLEDGMENT: The Rural Utilities Service thanks the Insulated Cable Engineers 

Association (ICEA) for granting permission to reprint many ofthe tables found in ANSI/ICEA 

S-87-640-2006, Standard for Optical Fiber outside Plant Communications Cable, 4

th edition, 

December 2006, and ICEAS-110-717-2003, Optical Fiber Drop Cable, l st edition, September 

2003. The reproduction of these tables makes available general information of interest to our 

borrowers, engineers, and contractors. The reproductions of ICEA tables are for information 

purposes only. For the full requirements the reader needs to refer to the sections of the ICEA 

standards incorporated by reference by the bulletin.

J 

or

ties Service

Disclaimer: The contents of this guidance document does not have the force and effect of law and is

not meant to bind the public in any way. This document is intended only to provide clarity to the

public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies.
 RUS BULLETIN 1753F-601b 

 Page 2 of 27 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

ABBREVIATIONS 

DEFINITIONS 

1. INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 

2. FIBER OPTIC SERVICE ENTRANCE CABLES 

a Scope 

b Optical Fibers 

c Buffers/Coating 

 d Fiber and Buffer Tube Identification 

 e Strength Members 

 f Forming the Cable Core 

 g Filling/Flooding Compounds and Water Blocking Elements 

h Core Wrap (Optional) 

 i Inner Jacket (Optional) 

 j Armor (Optional) 

 k Optional Support Messenger (Aerial Cable) 

 l Outer Jacket 

 m Sheath Slitting Cord (Optional) 

 n Identification and Length Markers 

o Optical Performance of a Finished Cable 

 p Mechanical Requirements 

 q Pre-connectorized Cable (Optional) 

r Acceptance Testing and Extend of Testing 

 s Records of Optical and Physical Tests 

 t Manufacturing Irregularities 

 u Packaging and Preparation for Shipment 
RUS BULLETIN 1753F-601b 

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ABBREVIATIONS 

ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials 

°C Centigrade temperature scale 

dB Decibel 

dB/km Decibels per 1 kilometer 

ECCS Electrolytic chrome coated steel 

EIA Electronic Industries Alliance 

EIA/TIA Electronic Industries Alliance/Telecommunications Industry Association 

GE General Electric 

ICEA Insulated Cable Engineers Association, Inc. 

m meter(s) 

MHz-km Megahertz-kilometer 

MFD Mode-Field Diameter 

nm Nanometer(s) 

N Newton(s) 

NA Numerical aperture 

NESC National Electrical Safety Code 

OC Optical cable 

O.D. Outside Diameter 

OF Optical fiber 

OTDR Optical Time Domain Reflectometer 

% Percent 

RUS Rural Utilities Service 

s Seconds(s) 

SI International System (of Units) (From the French Système

international d'unités) 

μm Micrometer 
RUS BULLETIN 1753F-601b 

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DEFINITIONS 

Accept; Acceptance means Agency action of providing the manufacturer of a product with 

a letter by mail or facsimile that the Agency has determined that the manufacturer’s 

product meets its requirements. For information on how to obtain Agency product 

acceptance, refer to the procedures listed at 

http://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/listing_procedures/index_listing_procedures.htm, as well 

as additional information in RUS Bulletin 345-3, Acceptance of Standards, Specifications, 

Equipment Contract Forms, Manual Sections, Drawings, Materials and Equipment for the 

Telephone Program, available for download at 

http://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/publications/bulletins.htm. 

Agency means the Rural Utilities Service, an Agency of the United States Department of 

Agriculture. 

Armor means a metal tape installed under the outer jacket of the cable intended to provide 

mechanical protection during cable installation and environmental protection against 

rodents, termites, etc. 

Attenuation means the loss of power as the light travels in the fiber usually expressed in 

dB/km. 

Bandwidth means the range of signal frequencies that can be transmitted by a 

communications channel with defined maximum loss or distortion. Bandwidth indicates 

the information-carrying capacity of a channel. 

Cable cutoff wavelength means the shortest wavelength at which only one mode light can 

be transmitted in any of the single mode fibers of an optical fiber cable. 

Cladding means the outer layer of an optical fiber made of glass or other transparent 

material that is fused to the fiber core. The cladding concentrically surrounds the fiber 

core. It has a lower refractive index than the core, so light travelling in the fiber is 

maintained in the core by internal reflection at the core-cladding interface. 

Core means the central region of an optical waveguide or fiber which has a higher 

refractive index than the cladding through which light is transmitted. 

Cutoff Wavelength means, in single mode fiber, the shortest wavelength at which only the 

fundamental mode of an optical wavelength can propagate. 

List of Acceptable Materials means the latest edition of RUS Informational Publication 

344–2, ‘‘List of Materials Acceptable for Use on Telecommunications Systems of RUS 

Borrowers.” This document contains a convenient listing of products which have been 

determined to be acceptable by the Agency. The List of Acceptable Materials is available 

on the Internet at http://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/materials/index_listomat.htm. 
RUS BULLETIN 1753F-601b 

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Loose Tube Buffer means the protective tube that loosely contains the optical fibers within 

the fiber optic cable, often filled with suitable water blocking material. 

Matched Cable means fiber optic cable manufactured to meet the requirement of this 

section for which the calculated splice loss using the formula below is ≤ 0.06 dB for any 

two cabled fibers to be spliced. 

 LOSS (dB) = -10 LOG10 [4/(MFD1/MFD2 + MFD2/MFD1)

2

], 

where subscripts 1 and 2 refer to any two cabled fibers to be spliced.

Mil means a measurement unit of length indicating one thousandth of an inch. 

Minimum Bending Diameter means the smallest diameter that must be maintained while 

bending a fiber optic cable to avoid degrading cable performance indicated as a multiple of 

the cable diameter (Bending Diameter/Cable Diameter). 

Mode-Field Diameter means the diameter of the cross-sectional area of an optical fiber 

which includes the core and portion of the cladding where the majority of the light travels 

in a single mode fiber. 

Multimode Fiber means an optical fiber in which light travels in more than one bound 

mode. A multimode fiber may either have a graded index or step index refractive index 

profile. 

Optical Fiber means any fiber made of dielectric material that guides light. 

Optical Waveguide means any structure capable of guiding optical power. In optical 

communications, the term generally refers to a fiber designed to transmit optical signals. 

Ribbon means a planar array of parallel optical fibers. 

Shield means a conductive metal tape placed under the cable jacket to provide lightning 

protection, bonding, grounding, and electrical shielding. 

Single Mode Fiber means an optical fiber in which only one bound mode of light can 

propagate at the wavelength of interest. 

Step Refractive Index Profile means an index profile characterized by a uniform refractive 

index within the core, a sharp decrease in refractive index at the core-cladding interface, 

and a uniform refractive index within the cladding. 

Tight Tube Buffer means one or more layers of buffer material tightly surrounding a fiber 

that is in contact with the coating of the fiber. 
RUS BULLETIN 1753F-601b 

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1 INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 

 a The materials listed here are incorporated by reference where noted. These 

incorporations by reference were approved by the Director of the Federal Register 

in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. These materials are 

incorporated as they exist on the date of the approval, and notice of any change in 

these materials will be published in the Federal Register. The materials are 

available for purchase at the corresponding addresses noted below. All are 

available for inspection at the Rural Utilities Service, during normal business 

hours at room 2849-S, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. 

Telephone (202) 720-0699, and email norberto.esteves@wdc.usda.gov. The 

materials are also available for inspection at the National Archives and Records 

Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of these materials at 

NARA, call (202) 741–6030, or go to: 

http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locati

ons.html.

(1) The American National Standards Institute/Institute of Electrical and 

Electronics Engineers, Inc. ANSI/IEEE C2-2007, The National Electrical 

Safety Code, 2007 edition, approved April 20, 2006, (“ANSI/IEEE C2-

2007”), incorporation by reference approved for sections 2a, 2k, and 2n. 

ANSI/IEEE C2-2007 is available for purchase from IEEE Service Center, 

445 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854, telephone 1-800-678-4333 or 

online at http://standards.ieee.org/nesc/index.html.

(2) The following Insulated Cable Engineers Association standards are 

available for purchase from the Insulated Cable Engineers, Inc. (ICEA), 

P.O. Box 1568, Carrollton, GA 30112 or from Global Engineering 

Documents, 15 Iverness Way East, Englewood, CO 80112, telephone 1-

800-854-7179 (USA and Canada) or 303-792-2181 (International), or 

online at http://global.ihs.com: 

(a) ICEA S-110-717-2003, Standard for Optical Drop Cable, 1st

edition, September 2003 (“ICEA S-110-717”), incorporation by 

reference approved for sections 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 2g, 2l, 2n, 

2p, and 2u; and 

(b) ANSI/ICEA S-87-640-2006, Standard for Optical Fiber Outside 

Plant Communications Cable, 4th edition, December 2006 

(“ANSI/ICEA S-87-640”), incorporation by reference approved for 

sections 2b, 2g, 2l, 2o, 2p, and 2s. 

(3) The following American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) 

standards are available for purchase from ASTM International, 100 Barr 

Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. 

Telephone (610) 832-9585, Fax (610) 832-9555, by email at 
RUS BULLETIN 1753F-601b 

Page 7 of 27 

service@astm.org, or online at http://www.astm.org or from ANSI, 1916 

Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, telephone (215) 299-5585, or online 

at http://webstore.ansi.org/ansidocstore/default.asp: 

(a) ASTM B 736-00, Standard Specification for Aluminum, Aluminum 

Alloy and Aluminum-Clad Steel Cable Shielding Stock, approved 

May 10, 2000 (“ASTM B 736”), incorporation by reference 

approved for section 2j; 

(b) ASTM D 4565-99, Standard Test Methods for Physical and 

Environmental Performance Properties of Insulations and Jackets 

for Telecommunications Wire and Cable, approved March 10, 

1999 (“ASTM D 4565”), incorporation by reference approved for 

sections 2c and 2j; and 

(c) ASTM D 4566-98, Standard Test Methods for Electrical 

Performance Properties of Insulations and Jackets for 

Telecommunications Wire and Cable, approved December 10, 

1998 (“ASTM D 4566”), incorporation by reference approved for 

sections 2t. 

(4) The following International Telecommunication Union (ITU) 

recommendations may be obtained from ITU, Place des Nations, 1211 

Geneva 20, Switzerland, telephone +41 22 730 6141 or online at 

http://www.itu.int/ITU-T/publications/recs.html: 

(a) ITU-T Recommendation G.652, Series G: Transmission Systems 

and Media, Digital Systems and Networks, Transmission media 

characteristics—Optical fibre cables, Characteristics of a singlemode optical fibre and cable, approved June 2005 (“ITU-T 

Recommendation G.652”), incorporation by reference approved 

for sections 2b and 2o; and 

(b) ITU-T Recommendation G.657, Series G: Transmission Systems 

and Media, Digital Systems and Networks, Transmission media 

characteristics—Optical fibre cables, Characteristics of a bending 

loss insensitive single mode optical fibre and cable for the access 

network, approved December 2006 (“ITU-T Recommendation 

G.657”), incorporation by reference approved for sections 2b and 

2o. 
RUS BULLETIN 1753F-601b 

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2 Fiber Optic Service Entrance Cables 

a Scope. This section covers Agency requirements for fiber optic service entrance 

cables intended for aerial installation either by attachment to a support strand or 

by an integrated self-supporting arrangement, for underground application by 

placement in a duct, or for buried installations by trenching, direct plowing, 

directional or pneumatic boring. Cable meeting this section is recommended for 

fiber optic service entrances having 12 or fewer fibers with distances less than 

100 meters (300 feet). 

(1) General 

(a) Specification requirements are given in SI units which are the 

controlling units in this part. Approximate English equivalent of 

units are given for information purposes only. 

(b) The optical waveguides are glass fibers having directly-applied 

protective coatings, and are called "fibers," herein. These fibers 

may be assembled in either loose fiber bundles with a protective 

core tube, encased in several protective buffer tubes, in tight buffer 

tubes, or ribbon bundles with a protective core tube. 

(c) Fillers, strength members, core wraps, and bedding tapes may 

complete the cable core. 

(d) The core or buffer tubes containing the fibers and the interstices 

between the buffer tubes, fillers, and strength members in the core 

structure are filled with a suitable material or water swellable 

elements to exclude water. 

(e) The cable structure is completed by an extruded overall plastic 

jacket. A shield or armor or combination thereof may be included 

under the jacket. This jacket may have strength members 

embedded in it, in some designs. 

(f) For rodent resistance or for additional protection with direct buried 

installations, it is recommended the use of armor under the outer 

jacket. 

(g) For self-supporting cable the outer jacket may be extruded over the 

support messenger and cable core. 

(h) For detection purposes, the cable may have toning elements 

embedded or extruded with the outer jacket. 
RUS BULLETIN 1753F-601b 

Page 9 of 27 

(2) The cable is fully color coded so that each fiber is distinguishable from 

every other fiber. A basic color scheme of twelve colors allows individual 

fiber identification. Colored tubes, binders, threads, striping, or markings 

provide fiber group identification. 

(3) Cables manufactured to the requirements of this section must demonstrate 

compliance with the qualification testing requirements to ensure 

satisfactory end-use performance characteristics for the intended 

applications. 

(4) Optical cable designs not specifically addressed by this section may be 

allowed. Justification for acceptance of a modified design must be 

provided to substantiate product utility and long term stability and 

endurance. For information on how to obtain Agency's acceptance of such 

a modified design, refer to the product acceptance procedures available at

http://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/listing_procedures/index_listing_proced

ures.htm, as well as RUS Bulletin 345-3. 

(5) The cable must be designed for the temperatures ranges of Table 1-1, 

Cable Normal Temperature Ranges, of ICEA S-110. (See below Table 

1.1 reproduced from ICEA S-110-717 for temperature ranges.) 

Table 1.1 - Cable normal temperature ranges

°C (°F)

Operation 40 to +70 (-40 to +158)

Storage and Shipping -40 to +70 (-40 to +158)

Installation 30 to +60 (-22 to +140) 

(6) Tensile Rating: The cable must have ratings that are no less than the 

tensile ratings indicated in paragraph 1.1.4, Tensile Rating, of Part 1 of the 

ICEA S-110-717. (See table below for ICEA S-110-717 minimum bend 

diameters.) 

(7) Self-Supporting Cables: Based on the storm loading districts referenced in 

Section 25, Loading of Grades B and C, of ANSI/IEEE C2-2007, and the 

maximum span and location of cable installation provided by the end user, 

the manufacturer must provide a cable design with sag and tension tables 

showing the maximum span and sag information for that particular 

installation. The information included must be for Rule B, Ice and Wind 

Loading, and when applicable, information on Rule 250C, Extreme Wind 

Loading. Additionally, to ensure the proper ground clearance, typically a 

minimum of 4.7 m (15.5 feet), the end user should factor in the maximum 

sag under loaded conditions as well as height of attachment for each 

application. 
RUS BULLETIN 1753F-601b 

Page 10 of 27 

(8) Minimum Bend Diameter: For cable under loaded and unloaded 

conditions, the cable must have the minimum bend diameters indicated in 

paragraph 1.1.5, Minimum Bend Diameter, of Part 1 of ICEA S-110-717. 

For very small cables, manufacturers may specify fixed cable minimum 

bend diameters that are independent of the outside diameter. (See table 

below for ICAE S-110-717 minimum bend diameters.) 

Minimum Bend Diameters

Condition Bend Diameter

Unloaded (Installed) 20 X Cable OD

Loaded (During Installation) 40 X Cable OD

(9) All cables sold to RUS Telecommunications borrowers must be accepted 

by the Agency’s Technical Standards Committee "A" for projects 

involving RUS loan funds. All design changes to Agency acceptable 

designs must be submitted to the Agency for acceptance. Optical cable 

designs not specifically addressed by this section may be allowed, if 

accepted by the Agency. Justification for acceptance of a modified design 

must be provided to substantiate product utility and long term stability and 

endurance. For information on how to obtain the Agency's acceptance of 

cables, refer to the product acceptance procedures available at 

http://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/listing_procedures/index_listing_proced

ures.htm as well as RUS Bulletin 345-3. 

(10) The Agency intends that the optical fibers contained in the cables meeting 

the requirement of this section have characteristics that will allow signals, 

having a range of wavelengths, to be carried simultaneously. 

(11) The manufacturer is responsible to establish a quality assurance system 

meeting industry standards described in paragraph 1.8 of ICEA S-110-

717. 

(12) The cable made must meet paragraph 1.10 of ICEA S-110-717. 
RUS BULLETIN 1753F-601b 

Page 11 of 27 

b Optical Fibers

(1) The solid glass optical fibers must consist of a cylindrical core and 

cladding covered by either an ultraviolet-cured acrylate or other suitable 

coating. Each fiber must be continuous throughout its length. 

(2) Optical fibers must meet the fiber attributes of Table 2, G.652.B attributes, 

of ITU-T Recommendation G.652, unless the end user specifically asks 

for another type of fiber. However, when the end user stipulates a low 

water peak fiber, the optical fibers must meet the fiber attributes of Table 

4, G.652.D attributes, of ITU-T Recommendation G.652; or when the end 

user stipulates a low bending loss fiber, the optical fibers must meet the 

fiber attributes of Table 7-1, G.657 class A attributes, of ITU-T 

Recommendation G.657. 

(a) Additionally, optical ribbon fibers must meet paragraph 3.3, 

Optical Fiber Ribbons, of Part 3 of ICEA S-110-717. 

(b) [Reserved]. 

 

(3) Multimode fibers. Optical fibers must meet the requirements of 

paragraphs 2.1 and 2.3.1 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640. See below Table 2.1 

reproduced from ANSI S-87-640 below for requirements.) 

Table 2.1 Multimode optical fiber specification requirements (1) 

Fiber Type TIA/EIA Specification Reference

Sectional Blank 

Detail

Sectional Blank 

Detail

Sectional Blank 

Detail

50 μm 492A000 492AA00 492AAAB

50 μm (2) 492A000 492AA00 492AAAC

62.5 μm 492A000 492AA00 492AAAA

Fiber Attributes (Informative) (3)

Fiber Class Diameters (μm)

and 

Subclass Core Cladding

Numerical 

Aperture

50 +/- 3.0 125.0 ± 2.0 0.200 +/- 0.015 Ia 62.5 +/- 3.0 125.0 ± 2.0 0.275 +/- 0.015

Notes: 

1) Fiber specifications listed herein are provided for convenience, but are dynamic and subject 

to change. Users should refer to the relevant TIA-492 detailed fiber specification for current 

requirements. 

2) 850 nm laser-optimized 50 μm fiber. 

3) These attributes are defined by the detailed fiber specifications called out above. The values 

are subject to change, and are included here for information only. Refer to the latest fiber 

specifications for current normative values. 
RUS BULLETIN 1753F-601b 

Page 12 of 27 

(4) Matched Cable. Unless otherwise specified by the buyer, all single mode 

fiber cables delivered to an Agency-financed project must be 

manufactured to the same MFD specification. However, notwithstanding 

the requirements indicated in paragraphs b(2) and b(3) above, the 

maximum MFD tolerance allowed for cables meeting the requirements of 

this section must be of a magnitude meeting the definition of “matched 

cable,” as defined in this bulletin. With the use of cables meeting this 

definition the user can reasonably expect that the average bi-directional 

loss of a fusion splice to be ≤ 0.1 dB. 

(5) Buyers will normally specify the MFD for the fibers in the cable. When a 

buyer does not specify the MFD at 1310 nm, the fibers must be 

manufactured to an MFD of 9.2 μm with a maximum tolerance range of 

±0.5 μm (362 ± 20 microinch), unless the buyer agrees to accept cable 

with fibers specified to a different MFD. When the buyer does specify a 

MFD and tolerance conflicting with the MFD maximum tolerance allowed 

by paragraph 2b(4) of this bulletin, the requirements of paragraph 2b(4) 

must prevail. 

(6) Factory splices are not allowed. 

(7) All optical fibers in any single length of cable must be of the same type 

unless otherwise specified by end user. 

(8) Optical fiber dimensions and data reporting must be as required by 

paragraph 7.13.1.1 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640. 

c Buffers/Coating

(1) The optical fibers contained in a buffer tube (loose tube) loosely packaged 

must have a clearance between the fibers and the inside of the container 

sufficient to allow for thermal expansions without constraining the fibers. 

The protective container must be manufactured from a material having a 

coefficient of friction sufficiently low to allow the fibers free movement. 

The design may contain more than one tube. Loose buffer tubes must 

meet the requirements of Paragraph 3.2.1, Loose Buffer Tube Dimensions, 

of Part 3 of ICEA S-110-717. 
RUS BULLETIN 1753F-601b 

Page 13 of 27 

(2) The loose tube coverings of each color and other fiber package types 

removed from the finished cable must meet the following shrinkback and 

cold bend performance requirements. The fibers may be left in the tube. 

(a) Shrinkback: Testing must be conducted per ASTM D 4565, 

paragraph 14.1, using a talc bed at a temperature of 95 °C. 

Shrinkback must not exceed 5 percent of the original 150 

millimeter length of the specimen. The total shrinkage of the 

specimen must be measured. 

(b) Cold Bend: Testing must be conducted on at least one tube from 

each color in the cable. Stabilize the specimen to -20 ± 1 °C for a 

minimum of four hours. While holding the specimen and mandrel 

at the test temperature, wrap the tube in a tight helix ten times 

around a mandrel with a diameter the greater of five times the tube 

diameter or 50 mm. The tube must show no evidence of cracking 

when observed with normal or corrected-to-normal vision. 

(3) Optical fiber coating must meet the requirements of paragraph 2.4, Optical 

Fiber Coatings and Requirements, of Part 2 of ICEA S-110-717. 

(a) All protective coverings in any single length of cable must be 

continuous and be of the same material except at splice locations. 

(b) The protective coverings must be free from holes, splits, blisters, 

and other imperfections and must be as smooth and concentric as is 

consistent with the best commercial practice. 

(c) Repairs to the fiber coatings are not allowed. 
RUS BULLETIN 1753F-601b 

Page 14 of 27 

d Fiber and Buffer Tube Identification. Fibers within a unit and the units within a 

cable must be identified as indicated in paragraphs 4.2 and 4.3 of Part 4 of ICEA 

S-110-717, respectively. (See below Table 4.1 reproduced from ICEA S-110-

717for identification colors.) 

Table 4.1 - Individual fiber, unit, and group identification

Position # (1) Base color and tracer Abbreviation/print legend

1 

2 

3 

4

Blue 

Orange 

Green 

Brown

1 or BL or 1-BL 

2 or OR or 2-OR 

3 or GR or 3-GR 

4 or BR or 4-BR

5 

6 

7 

8

Slate 

White 

Red 

Black

5 or SL or 5-SL 

6 or WH or 6-WH 

7 or RD or 7-RD 

8 or BK or 8-BK

9 

10 

11 

12

Yellow 

Violet 

Rose 

Aqua

9 or YL or 9-YL 

10 or VI or 10-VI 

11 or RS or 11-RS 

12 or AQ or 12-AQ

Notes (1): Only the first 12 fiber colors from TIA-598 are listed. 

 e Strength Members

(1) Combined strength of all the strength members must be sufficient to 

support the stress of installation and to protect the cable in service. 

Strength members must meet paragraph 4.4, Strength Members, of ICEA 

S-110-717. Self supporting aerial cables using the strength members as an 

integral part of the cable strength must comply with paragraph C.4, Static 

Tensile Testing of Aerial Self-Supporting Cables, of ANNEX C of ICEA 

S-110-717. 

(2) Strength members may be incorporated into the core as a central support 

member or filler, as fillers between the fiber packages, as an annular 

serving over the core, as an annular serving over the intermediate jacket, 

embedded in the outer jacket or as a combination of any of these methods. 

(3) The central support member or filler must contain no more than one splice 

per kilometer of cable. Individual fillers placed between the fiber 

packages and placed as annular servings over the core must contain no 

more than one splice per kilometer of cable. Cable sections having central 

member or filler splices must meet the same physical requirements as unspliced cable sections. 

(4) Notwithstanding what has been indicated in other parts of this document, 

in each length of completed cable having a metallic central member, the 

dielectric strength between the optional armor and the metallic center 

member must withstand at least 15 kilovolts direct current for 3 seconds. 
RUS BULLETIN 1753F-601b 

Page 15 of 27 

 f Forming the Cable Core

(1) Protected fibers must be assembled with the optional central support 

member and strength members in such a way as to form a cylindrical 

group or other acceptable core constructions and must meet Section 4.5, 

Assembly of Cables, of Part 4 of ICEA S-110-717. Other acceptable cable 

cores include round, figure 8, flat or oval designs. 

(2) The standard cylindrical group or core designs must consist of 12 fibers or 

less. 

(3) When threads or tapes are used as core binders, they must be colored 

either white or natural and must be a non-hygroscopic and non-wicking 

dielectric material. Water swell-able threads and tapes are permitted. 

g Filling/Flooding Compounds and Water Blocking Elements 

(1) To prevent the ingress and migration of water through the cable and core, 

filling/flooding compounds or water blocking elements must be used. 

(a) Filling compounds must be applied into the interior of the loose 

fiber tubes and into the interstices of the core. When a core wrap 

is used, the filling compound must also be applied to the core 

wrap, over the core wrap and between the core wrap and inner 

jacket when required. 

(b) Flooding compounds must be sufficiently applied between the 

optional inner jacket and armor and between the armor and outer 

jacket so that voids and air spaces in these areas are minimized. 

The use of floodant between the armor and outer jacket is not 

required when uniform bonding, per paragraph 2j(9), is achieved 

between the plastic-clad armor and the outer jacket. Floodant must 

exhibit adhesive properties sufficient to prevent jacket slip when 

tested per the requirements of paragraphs 7.26 through 7.26.2 of 

Part 7, Testing, Test Methods, and Requirements, of ANSI/ICEA 

S-87-640. 
RUS BULLETIN 1753F-601b 

Page 16 of 27 

(c) Water blocking elements must achieve equal or better performance 

in preventing the ingress and migration of water as compared to 

filling and flooding compounds. In lieu of a flooding compound, 

water blocking elements may be applied between the optional 

inner jacket and armor and between the armor and outer jacket to 

prevent water migration. The use of the water blocking elements 

between the armor and outer jacket is not required when uniform 

bonding, per paragraph 2j(9), is achieved between the plastic-clad 

armor and the outer jacket. 

(2) The materials must be homogeneous and uniformly mixed; free from dirt, 

metallic particles and other foreign matter; easily removed; nontoxic and 

present no dermal hazards. 

(3) The individual cable manufacturer must satisfy the Agency that the filling 

compound or water blocking elements selected for use is suitable for its 

intended application. 

(a) Filling/Flooding compound materials must be compatible with the 

cable components when tested per paragraph 7.16, Material 

Compatibility and Cable Aging Test, of Part 7 of ICEA S-110-717. 

(b) Water blocking elements must be compatible with the cable 

components when tested per paragraph 7.16, Material 

Compatibility and Cable Aging Test, of Part 7 of ICEA S-110-717. 

h Core Wrap (Optional)

(1) At the option of the manufacturer, one or more layers of non-hygroscopic 

and non-wicking dielectric material may be applied with an overlap over 

the core. 

(2) The core wrap(s) can be used to provide a heat barrier to prevent 

deformation or adhesion between the fiber tubes or can be used to contain 

the core. 

(3) When core wraps are used, sufficient filling compound must be applied to 

the core wraps so that voids or air spaces existing between the core wraps 

and between the core and the inner side of the core wrap are minimized. 

 i Inner Jacket (Optional)

(1) Inner jackets may be applied directly over the core or over the strength 

members. Inner jackets are optional. 
RUS BULLETIN 1753F-601b 

Page 17 of 27 

(2) The inner jacket material and test requirements must be the same as for the 

outer jacket material per section 2l, Outer Jacket, except that either black 

or natural polyethylene may be used. In the case of natural polyethylene, 

the requirements for absorption coefficient and the inclusion of furnace 

black are waived. 

 j Armor (Optional)

(1) A steel armor, plastic coated on both sides, is recommended for direct 

buried service entrance cable in gopher areas. Armor is also optional for 

duct and aerial cable as required by the end user. The plastic coated steel 

armor must be applied longitudinally directly over the core wrap or the 

intermediate jacket and must have an overlapping edge. 

(2) The uncoated steel tape must be electrolytic chrome coated steel (ECCS) 

with a thickness of 0.155 ± 0.015 millimeters. 

(3) The reduction in thickness of the armoring material due to the corrugating 

or application process must be kept to a minimum and must not exceed 10 

percent at any spot. 

(4) The armor of each length of cable must be electrically continuous with no 

more than one joint or splice allowed per kilometer of cable. This 

requirement does not apply to a joint or splice made in the raw material by 

the raw material manufacturer. 

(5) The breaking strength of any section of an armor tape, containing a factory 

splice joint, must not be less than 80 percent of the breaking strength of an 

adjacent section of the armor of equal length without a joint. 

(6) For cables containing no floodant over the armor, the overlap portions of 

the armor tape must be bonded in cables having a flat, non-corrugated 

armor to meet the requirements of paragraphs 2p(1) and 2p(2). If the tape 

is corrugated, the overlap portions of the armor must be sufficiently 

bonded and the corrugations must be sufficiently in register to meet the 

requirements of paragraphs 2p(1) and 2p(2). 

(7) The armor tape must be so applied as to enable the cable to meet the 

testing requirements of paragraphs 2p(1) and 2p(2). 

(8) The protective coating on the steel armor must meet the Bonding-toMetal, Heat Sealability, Lap-Shear and Moisture Resistance requirements 

of Type I, Class 2 coated metals per ASTM B 736. 
RUS BULLETIN 1753F-601b 

Page 18 of 27 

(9) When the jacket is bonded to the plastic coated armor, the bond between 

the plastic coated armor and the outer jacket must not be less than 525 

Newtons per meter over at least 90 percent of the cable circumference 

when tested per ASTM D 4565. For cables with strength members 

embedded in the jacket, and residing directly over the armor, the area of 

the armor directly under the strength member is excluded from the 90 

percent calculation. 

 k Optional Support Messenger (Aerial Cable)

(1) Integrated messenger(s) for self-supporting cable must provide adequate 

strength to operate under the appropriate weather loading conditions over 

the maximum specified span. 

(2) Based on the storm loading districts referenced in Section 25, Loading of 

Grades B and C, of ANSI/IEEE C2-2007, and the maximum span and 

location of cable installation provided by the end user, the manufacturer 

must provide a cable design with sag and tension tables showing the 

maximum span and sag information for that particular installation. The 

information included must be for Rule B, Ice and Wind Loading, and 

when applicable, information on Rule 250C, Extreme Wind Loading. 

Additionally, to ensure the proper ground clearance, typically a minimum 

of 4.7 m (15.5 feet) the end user should factor in the maximum sag under 

loaded conditions as well as height of attachment for each application. 

 l Outer Jacket

(1) The outer jacket must provide the cable with a tough, flexible, protective 

covering which can withstand exposure to sunlight, to atmosphere 

temperatures and to stresses reasonably expected in normal installation 

and service. 

(2) The jacket must be free from holes, splits, blisters, or other imperfections, 

and must be as smooth and concentric as is consistent with the best 

commercial practice. 

(3) Jacket materials must meet the stipulations of paragraph 5.4 of 

ANSI/ICEA S-87-640, except that the concentration of furnace black does 

not necessarily need to be initially contained in the raw material and may 

be added later during the jacket making process. (See following Table 5.1 

reproduced from ANSI/ICEA S-87-640 for jacket requirements.) Jacket 

thickness must have a 0.50 mm minimum thickness over the core or over 

any radial strength member used as the primary strength element(s), 0.20 

mm when not used as the primary strength member, and 0.30 mm over 

any optional toning elements. 
RUS BULLETIN 1753F-601b 

Page 19 of 27 

Table 5.1 - Requirements for jackets removed from completed cable (1)

Polyethylene Material PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE BY 

JACKET TYPE

PROPERTY (2) Test 

Method L1 L2 M H

Density (3) - g/cm3 

- Minimum 

- Maximum

7.7 0.920 

0.940

0.925 

0.945

0.940 

0.955

0.952 

0.973

Ultimate Elongation 

- Unaged % Minimum 7.8 400 400 400 300

Yield Strength 

- Mpa (psi) Minimum 7.8 6.9 

(1000)

8.3 

(1200)

11.0 

(1600)

19.3 

(2800)

Absorption Coefficient (4)

- ABS/mm Minimum 7.9 400 400 400 400

Environmental Stress 

Crack Resistance (5)

- Hours – Minimum 

- Failures Allowed 

- ASTM D 1693 Cond

7.10 48 

2/10 

A

48 

2/10 

A

48 

2/10 

B

48 

2/10 

B

Environmental Stress 

Crack Resistance (6)

(small diameter cables) 

- Failures Allowed

7.10

0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1

Jacket Shrinkback 

- Oven Temp. - °C 

- Test Time – hours 

- Shrinkback % Maximum

7.11 100 ± 1 

4 

5

100 ± 1 

4 

5

115 ± 1 

4 

5

115 ± 1 

4 

5

Notes: 

1) Jackets shall be removed from bonded sheath constructions in accordance with one of the two 

procedures provided under the "Jacket Notch Test" of ASTM D 4565. 

2) Test methods designating "clean sample" require that any residual flooding or bonding compounds 

be removed from the surface of the sample by other than chemical means. Those not so designated 

shall include these materials if they cling to the jacket. 

For jackets with embedded strength members, all tests except Environmental Stress Crack Resistance 

are for the material without the strength members. 

3) The material densities are listed in terms of the as-received resin. The density of the natural resin is 

characteristically lower by some amount, due to the addition of carbon black and other additives. As a 

rule-of-thumb, the density of the natural resin is 0.012 g/cm3 lower when using the nominal 

concentration of carbon black (2.6% by weight). 

4) Requirements for Absorption Coefficient of the raw material may be substituted for tests on 

completed cable. 

5) This Stress Crack Resistance requirement applies only to cables having an outside diameter of 30 

mm (1.2 in) or greater. 

6) For cables with outside diameters less than 30 mm (1.2 in), Stress Crack Resistance requirements 

shall be accomplished by testing the cable as a whole in accordance with 7.10.2.

(4) Jacket Repairs must meet the stipulations of paragraph 5.5, Jacket 

Repairs, of ICEA S-110-717. 

(5) Jacket Testing. The jacket must be tested to determine compliance with 

requirements of this section. The specific tests for the jacket are described 

in paragraphs 7.6 through 7.11.2 of Part 7, Testing, Test Methods, and 

Requirements, of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640. 
RUS BULLETIN 1753F-601b 

Page 20 of 27 

m Sheath Slitting Cord (Optional)

(1) A sheath slitting cord is optional. 

(2) When a sheath slitting cord is used it must be non-hygroscopic and nonwicking, or be rendered such by the filling or flooding compound, 

continuous throughout a length of cable and of sufficient strength to open 

the sheath over at least a one meter length without breaking the cord at a 

temperature of 23 ± 5°C. 

 n Identification and Length Markers

(1) Each length of cable must be permanently labeled OPTICAL CABLE, 

OC, OPTICAL FIBER CABLE, or OF on the outer jacket and identified 

as to manufacturer and year of manufacture. 

(2) Each length of cable intended for direct burial installation must be marked 

with a telephone handset in compliance with the requirements of the Rule 

350G of ANSI/IEEE C2-2007. 

(3) Mark the number of fibers on the jacket. 

(4) The identification and date marking must conform to paragraph 6.1, 

Identification and Date Marking, of ICEA S-110-717. 

(5) The length marking must conform to paragraph 6.3, Length Marking, of 

ICEA S-110-717. 

o Optical Performance of a Finished Cable

(1) Unless otherwise specified by the end user, the optical performance of a 

finished cable must comply with the attributes of Table 2, G.652.B

attributes, found in ITU Recommendation G.652 (incorporated by 

reference at §1755.901(f)). However, when the end user stipulates a low 

water peak fiber the finished cable must meet the attributes of Table 4, 

G.652.D attributes, found in ITU-T Recommendation G.652; or when the 

end user stipulates a low bending loss fiber, the finished cable must meet 

the attributes of Table 7-1, class A attributes, of ITU-T Recommendation 

G.657. 

(a) The attenuation methods must be per Table 8.4, Optical 

attenuation measurement methods, of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640. 

(b) The cable must have a maximum attenuation of 0.1 dB at a point of 

discontinuity (a localized deviation of the optical fiber loss). Per 

paragraphs 8.4 and 8.4.1 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640, measurements 
RUS BULLETIN 1753F-601b 

Page 21 of 27 

must be conducted at 1310 and 1550 nm, and at 1625 nm when 

specified by the end user. 

(c) The cable cutoff wavelength (γcc) must be reported per paragraph 

8.5.1 of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640. 

(2) Multimode Optical Fiber Cable. Unless otherwise specified by the end 

user, the optical performance of the fibers in a finished cable must comply 

with Table 8.1, Attenuation coefficient performance requirement (dB/km),

Table 8.2, Multimode bandwidth coefficient performance requirements 

(MHz-km), and Table 8.3, Points discontinuity acceptance criteria (d), of 

ANSI/ICEA S-87-640. (See below Tables 8.1 and 8.3 reproduced from 

ANSI/ICEA S-87-640 for attenuation and acceptance criteria for points of 

discontinuity, respectively.) 

Table 8.1 - Attenuation coefficient performance requirements 

(dB/km)methods

Fiber Type Maximum Attenuation

Multimode (50/125 ⎧m) – All 3.5/1.0 @ 850/1300 nm 

Multimode (62.5/125 μm) 3.5/1.0 @ 850/1300 nm 

Single-mode (Class IVa) 0.4/0.3 @ 1310/1550 nm(1)

NZDS Single-mode (Class IVd) 0.3 @ 1550 nm(2)

Notes: 

1) The attenuation coefficient for Class IVa fibers may also be specified at 1383 nm and 

1625 nm as agreed upon between manufacturer and end-user. 

2) The attenuation coefficient for Class IVd fibers may also be specified at 1625 nm as 

agreed upon between manufacturer and end-user.

Table 8.3 - Point discontinuity acceptance criteria (dB) 

requirements (dB/km)methods

Fiber Type Maximum Attenuation at Specified 

Operating Wavelengths

Multimode (all) 0.2(1)

Single-mode (Class IVa) 0.1(2)

Single-mode (Class IVd) 0.1(3)

Notes: 

1) The operational wavelengths for Multimode fibers are 850 and 1300 nm. 

2) The operational wavelengths for Class IVa fibers are 1310 and 1550 nm, but may also include 

1383 nm and 1625 nm as agreed upon between manufacturer and end-user. 

3) The operational wavelengths for Class IVd fibers is 1550 nm, but may also include 

1625 nm as agreed upon between manufacturer and end-user.

(3) Because the accuracy of attenuation measurements for single mode fibers 

becomes questionable when measured on short cable lengths, attenuation 

measurements are to be made utilizing characterization cable lengths. 

Master Cable reels must be tested and the attenuation values measured 

will be used for shorter ship lengths of cable. 
RUS BULLETIN 1753F-601b 

Page 22 of 27 

(4) Because the accuracy of attenuation measurements for multimode fibers 

becomes questionable when measured on short cable lengths, attenuation 

measurements are to be made utilizing characterization cable lengths. If 

the ship length of cable is less than one kilometer, the attenuation values 

measured on longer lengths of cable (characterization length of cable) 

before cutting to the ship lengths of cable may be applied to the ship 

lengths. 

(5) Attenuation must be measured per Table 8.4, Optical Attenuation 

Measurement Methods, ANSI/ICEA S-87-640. (See below Table 8.4 

reproduced from ANSI/ICEA S-87-640.) 

Table 8.4 - Optical attenuation measurement methods

Fibers Measurement Method

Multimode, Graded 

Index only FOTP-78 

Single-mode, 

Dispersion Unshifted FOTP-78 

Single-mode only, 

Non-zero Dispersion-shifted FOTP-78 

(6) The bandwidth of multimode fibers in a finished cable must be no less 

than the values specified in Table 8.2 per paragraph 8.3.1 of ANSI/ICEA 

S-87-640. (See below Table 8.2 reproduced from ANSI/ICEA S-87-640.) 

Table 8.2 - Multimode bandwidth coefficient performance requirements 

(MHz•km)

Minimum Modal Bandwidth

50/125 62.5/125 Source 

Conditions

492AAAB 492AAAC

OFL 850nm 

1300 nm 

EMB 850 nm

500 

500 

NA

1500 

500 

2000

160 

500 

NA

 p Mechanical Requirements 

(1) Cable Testing. Cable designs must meet the requirements of Part 7, 

Testing and Test Methods, of ICEA S-110-717, except for paragraph 7.15 

applicable to tight tube fibers. 

(2) Bend Test. All cables manufactured must meet the “Cable Low and High 

Temperature Bend Test” described in Section 7.21 (paragraphs 7.21, 

7.21.1, and 7.21.2) of ANSI/ICEA S-87-640. 

 q Pre-connectorized Cable (Optional)
RUS BULLETIN 1753F-601b 

Page 23 of 27 

(1) At the option of the manufacturer and upon request by the end user, the 

cable may be factory terminated with connectors. 

(2) All connectors must be accepted by the Agency prior to their use. For 

information on how to obtain the Agency’s acceptance, refer to the 

product acceptance procedures available at 

http://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/listing_procedures/index_listing_proced

ures.htm as well as RUS Bulletin 345-3. 

r Acceptance Testing and Extend of Testing

(1) The tests described in this section are intended for acceptance of cable 

designs and major modifications of accepted designs. What constitutes a 

major modification is at the discretion of the Agency. These tests are 

intended to show the inherent capability of the manufacturer to produce 

cable products that have satisfactory performance characteristics, long life, 

and long-term optical stability, but are not intended as field tests. For 

information on how to obtain the Agency’s acceptance, refer to the 

product acceptance procedures available at 

http://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/listing_procedures/index_listing_proced

ures.htm as well as RUS Bulletin 345-3. 

(2) For initial acceptance, the manufacturer must submit: 

(a) An original signature certification that the product fully complies 

with each paragraph of this section; 

(b) Qualification Test Data for demonstrating that the cable meets the 

requirements of this section; 

(c) A set of instructions for handling the cable; 

(d) OSHA Material Safety Data Sheets for all components; 

(e) Agree to periodic plant inspections; 

(f) Agency’s “Buy American” Requirements. For each cable for 

which the Agency acceptance is requested, the manufacturer must 

include a certification stating whether the cable complies with the 

following two domestic origin manufacturing provisions: 

(1) Final assembly or manufacture of the product, as the 

product would be used by an Agency’s borrower, is 

completed in the United States or eligible countries. For a 

list of eligible countries, 
RUS BULLETIN 1753F-601b 

Page 24 of 27 

see http://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/publications/eligible.

htm; and 

(2) The cost of United States and eligible countries' 

components (in any combination) within the product is 

more than 50 percent of the total cost of all components 

utilized in the product. The cost of non-domestic 

components (components not manufactured within the 

United States or eligible countries) which are included in 

the finished product must include all duties, taxes, and 

delivery charges to the point of assembly or manufacture; 

(g) Written user testimonials concerning performance of the product; 

and 

(h) Other nonproprietary data deemed necessary by the Chief, 

Technical Support Branch (Telecommunications). 

(3) For continued Agency product acceptance, the manufacturer must submit 

an original signature certification that the product fully complies with each 

paragraph of this section and a certification stating whether the cable 

meets the two domestic provisions of paragraph (t)(2)(vi) above for 

acceptance by January every three years. The certification must be based 

on test data showing compliance with the requirements of this section. 

The test data must have been gathered within 90 days of the submission 

and must be kept on files per paragraph s(1) below. 

(4) Initial and re-qualification acceptance requests should be addressed to: 

Chairman, Technical Standards Committee "A" (Telecommunications), 

STOP 1550, Rural Utilities Service, Advanced Services Division, 

Telecommunications Program, Washington, DC 20250-1550. 

 s Records of Optical and Physical Tests

(1) Each manufacturer must maintain suitable summary records for a period 

of at least 3 years of all optical and physical tests required on completed 

cable manufactured under the requirement of this section. The test data 

for a particular reel must be in a form that it may be readily available to 

the Agency upon request. The optical data must be furnished to the end 

user on a suitable and easily readable form. 

(2) Measurements and computed values must be rounded off to the number of 

places or figures specified for the requirement per paragraph 1.3 of

ANSI/ICEA S-87-640. 
RUS BULLETIN 1753F-601b 

Page 25 of 27 

 t Manufacturing Irregularities

(1) Repairs to the armor, when present, are not permitted in cable supplied to 

the end user under the requirement of this section. The armor for each 

length of cable must be tested for continuity using the procedures of 

ASTM D 4566. 

(2) Minor defects in the inner and outer jacket (defects having a dimension of 

3 millimeter or less in any direction) may be repaired by means of heat 

fusing per good commercial practices utilizing sheath grade compounds. 

(3) Buffer tube repair is permitted only in conjunction with fiber splicing. 

 u Packaging and Preparation for Shipment

(1) All cables must comply with paragraph 6.5, Packaging and Marking, of 

ICEA S-110-717. 

(2) For cables shipped on reels a circumferential thermal wrap or other means 

of protection complying with section (w)(3) of this section must be 

secured between the outer edges of the reel flange to protect the cable 

against damage during storage and shipment. This requirement applies to 

reels weighing more that 75 lbs. The thermal wrap is optional for reels 

weighing 75 lbs or less. 

(3) The thermal wrap must meet the requirements included in the Thermal 

Reel Wrap Test, described below in paragraphs (w)(3)(i) and (w)(3)(ii) of 

this section. This test procedure is for qualification of initial and 

subsequent changes in thermal reel wraps. 

(a) Sample Selection. All testing must be performed on two 450 

millimeter (18 inches) lengths of cable removed sequentially from 

the same fiber jacketed cable. This cable must not have been 

exposed to temperatures in excess of 38 °C (100 °F) since its initial 

cool down after sheathing. 

(b) Test Procedure:

(1) Place the two samples on an insulating material such as 

wood. 

(2) Tape thermocouples to the jackets of each sample to 

measure the jacket temperature. 

(3) Cover one sample with the thermal reel wrap. 
RUS BULLETIN 1753F-601b 

Page 26 of 27 

(4) Expose the samples to a radiant heat source capable of 

heating the uncovered sample to a minimum of 71°C 

(160°F). A GE 600 watt photoflood lamp or an equivalent 

lamp having the light spectrum approximately that of the 

sun must be used. 

(5) The height of the lamp above the jacket must be 380 

millimeters (15 inches) or an equivalent height that 

produces the 71°C (160°F) jacket temperature on the 

unwrapped sample must be used. 

(6) After the samples have stabilized at the temperature, the 

jacket temperatures of the samples must be recorded after 

one hour of exposure to the heat source. 

(7) Compute the temperature difference between jackets. 

(8) The temperature difference between the jacket with the 

thermal reel wrap and the jacket without the reel wrap must 

be greater than or equal to 17°C (63°F). 

(4) Cable must be sealed at the ends to prevent entrance of moisture. 

(5) The end-of-pull (outer end) of the cable must be securely fastened to 

prevent the cable from coming loose during transit. The start-of-pull 

(inner end) of the cable must project through a slot in the flange of the 

reel, around an inner riser, or into a recess on the flange near the drum and 

fastened in such a way to prevent the cable from becoming loose during 

installation. 

(6) Spikes, staples or other fastening devices must be used in a manner which 

will not result in penetration of the cable. 

(7) The minimum size arbor hole must be 44.5 mm (1.75 inch) and must 

admit a spindle without binding. 

(8) Each reel must be plainly marked to indicate the direction in which it 

 should be rolled to prevent loosening of the cable on the reel. 

(9) Each reel must be stenciled or lettered with the name of the manufacturer. 
RUS BULLETIN 1753F-601b 

Page 27 of 27 

(10) The following information must be either stenciled on the reel or on a tag 

firmly attached to the reel: 

OPTICAL CABLE 

Type and Number of Fibers 

Armored or Nonarmored 

Year of Manufacture 

Name of Cable Manufacturer 

Length of Cable 

Reel Number 

REA 7 CFR 1755.903 

Example: 

OPTICAL CABLE 

G.657 class A, 4 fibers 

Armored 

XYZ Company 

1050 meters 

Reel Number 3 

REA 7 CFR 1755.903 

(11) When pre-connectorized cable is shipped, the splicing modules must be 

protected to prevent damage during shipment and handling.