UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service

BULLETIN 1753F-302(PE-91)

RD-GD-1996-22

SUBJECT: RUS Specification for Outside Plant Housings and

Serving Area Interface Systems

TO: All Telecommunications Borrowers

RUS Telephone Staff

EFFECTIVE DATE: November 21, 1994.

EXPIRATION DATE: Date of change in 7 CFR 1755.910 by rulemaking.

OFFICE OF PRIMARY INTEREST: Outside Plant Branch,

Telecommunications Standards Division.

PREVIOUS INSTRUCTIONS: This is a new bulletin. This user

friendly guide bulletin updates and consolidates information

previously located in rescinded RUS Bulletin 345-26, RUS

Specification for Buried Plant Housings (PE-35), and RUS Bulletin

345-77, RUS Specification for Serving Area Interface Housings

(PE-79).

FILING INSTRUCTIONS: File with 7 CFR 1755. This bulletin is

available to the RUS staff on RUSNET (text only) and can be

accessed via Internet at http://www.usda.gov/rus/home/home.htm

PURPOSE: This specification informs manufacturers and users of

outside plant housings and serving area interface systems of the

engineering and technical requirements that are considered

necessary for satisfactory performance in outside plant

environments. This bulletin is a user friendly guide and a

reformat of the text codified in 7 CFR 1755.910 published at 59

FR 53043, dated October 21, 1994.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this

document. However, in case of discrepancies, the regulations at 7 

CFR 1755.910 are the authorized sources.

 Wally Beyer 7/3/96

Administrator Date

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.
Bulletin 1753F-302(PE-91)

Page 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CFR to Bulletin Conversion Table ........................ 4

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

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

2. General Information ..................................... 9

3. General Documentation Requirements ...................... 9

3.1 Installation and Maintenance Instructions ......... 9

3.2 Quality Assurance ................................ 10

3.3 RUS Acceptance Applications ...................... 10

4. Functional Design Criteria for Housings ................ 11

4.1 General Requirements ............................. 11

4.2 Housing Types and Capacities ..................... 11

4.3 Design and Fabrication Requirements for Housings . 13

4.4 Warning Sign ..................................... 17

4.5 Housing Materials ................................ 17

4.6 Housing Finish Requirements ...................... 19

4.7 Installation Requirements ........................ 20

5. Performance Criteria and Test Procedures for Housings .. 20

5.1 General Information .............................. 20

5.2 Description of Test Housing ...................... 20

5.3 Environmental Requirement for Housings ........... 21

5.4 Mechanical Requirements for Housings ............. 26

5.5 Electrical Requirements for Housings ............. 30

5.6 Finish Requirements .............................. 30

6. Functional Design Criteria for Binding Post Terminal

Blocks Used in SAI Cabinets ............................ 31

6.1 General Description .............................. 31

6.2 Design and Fabrication Requirements .............. 31

6.3 Auxiliary Features ............................... 32

7. Performance Criteria and Test Procedures for Binding

Post Terminal Blocks Used in SAI Cabinets .............. 33

7.1 General .......................................... 33

7.2 Environmental Requirements ....................... 33

7.3 Mechanical Requirements .......................... 36

7.4 Dielectric Strength .............................. 37

7.5 Operational Requirements ......................... 38

8. Functional Design Criteria for Insulation Displacement

Type Cross-connect Modules Used in SAI Cabinets ........ 38

8.1 General Description .............................. 38

8.2 Design and Fabrication Requirements .............. 39

8.3 Auxiliary Features ............................... 39
Bulletin 1753F-302(PE-91)

Page 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS - Continued

9. Performance Criteria and Test Procedures for Insulation

Displacement Type Cross-connect Modules ................ 40

9.1 General .......................................... 40

9.2 Environmental Requirements ....................... 40

9.3 Mechanical Requirements .......................... 41

9.4 Electrical Requirements .......................... 42

9.5 Operational Requirements ......................... 42

10. Packaging and Identification Requirements .............. 43

10.1 Product Identification .......................... 43

10.2 Packaging Requirements .......................... 43

10.3 Container Marking Requirements .................. 44

TABLES & FIGURES

Figure 1 Warning Sign ..................................... 45

Figure 2 Thermal Shock Temperature Cycle .................. 46

Figure 3 Environmental Test Chamber Temperature Cycle ..... 47

Figure 4 Turning Moment - Pole Mounted Housings ........... 48

Figure 5 Overturning Moment, Pad Mounted Housings ......... 49

Figure 6 Measuring Load Deflection ........................ 50

Figure 7 Vibration Test for Packaged Housings ............. 51

Figure 8 Vibration Test for Unpackaged Housings ........... 52

Figure 9 Corner Drop Tests for Packaged Housings Weighing

 More Than 91 Kilograms (200 Pounds) .............. 53

Figure 10 Edge Drop Test for Packaged Housings Weighing

 More Than 91 Kilograms (200 Pounds) ............. 54

Figure 11 Drop Test for Unpackaged Housings Weighing

 More Than 23 Kilograms (50 Pounds) .............. 55

Figure 12 Binding Post Arrangement for Insulation

 Resistance Testing .............................. 56

Figure 13 Lateral Loading of Binding Post Terminals ....... 57

Figure 14 Axial Pullout of Binding Post Terminals ......... 58

INDEX:

Housings, Buried Plant, Telecommunications

Cabinets, SAI Systems, Telecommunications
Bulletin 1753F-302(PE-91)

Page 4

CFR TO BULLETIN CONVERSION TABLE

7 CFR Bulletin 7 CFR Bulletin

1755.910 1753F-302 1755.910 1753F-302

(a) 1. (d)(3)(xiii) 4.3.13

(a)(1) 1.1 (d)(3)(xiv) 4.3.14

(a)(2) 1.2 (d)(3)(xv) 4.3.15

(a)(3) 1.3 (d)(3)(xvi) 4.3.16

(a)(4) 1.4 (d)(3)(xvii) 4.3.17

(a)(5) 1.5 (d)(3)(xviii) 4.3.18

(a)(6) 1.6 (d)(3)(xix) 4.3.19

(a)(7) 1.7 (d)(3)(xx) 4.3.20

(b) 2. (d)(3)(xxi) 4.3.21

(b)(1) 2.1 (d)(3)(xxii) 4.3.22

(b)(2) 2.2 (d)(3)(xxiii) 4.3.23

(b)(3) 2.3 (d)(3)(xxiv) 4.3.24

(b)(4) 2.4 (d)(3)(xxv) 4.3.25

(c) 3. (d)(3)(xxvi) 4.3.26

(c)(1) 3.1 (d)(3)(xxvii) 4.3.27

(c)(1)(i) 3.1.1 (d)(3)(xxviii) 4.3.28

(c)(1)(ii) 3.1.2 (d)(3)(xxix) 4.3.29

(c)(1)(iii) 3.1.3 (d)(3)(xxx) 4.3.30

(c)(2) 3.2 (d)(4) 4.4

(c)(3) 3.3 (d)(4)(i) 4.4.1

(c)(3)(i) 3.3.1 (d)(4)(ii) 4.4.2

(c)(3)(ii) 3.3.2 (d)(4)(iii) 4.4.3

(c)(3)(iii) 3.3.3 (d)(4)(iv) 4.4.4

(c)(3)(iv) 3.3.4 (d)(4)(v) 4.4.5

(d) 4. (d)(5) 4.5

(d)(1) 4.1 (d)(5)(i) 4.5.1

(d)(1)(i) 4.1.1 (d)(5)(ii) 4.5.2

(d)(1)(ii) 4.1.2 (d)(5)(iii) 4.5.3

(d)(2) 4.2 (d)(5)(iv) 4.5.4

(d)(2)(i) 4.2.1 (d)(5)(v) 4.5.5

(d)(2)(ii) 4.2.2 (d)(5)(vi) 4.5.6

(d)(2)(iii) 4.2.3 (d)(5)(vii) 4.5.7

(d)(2)(iv) 4.2.4 (d)(5)(viii) 4.5.8

(d)(2)(v) 4.2.5 (d)(5)(ix) 4.5.9

(d)(2)(vi) 4.2.6 (d)(5)(x) 4.5.10

(d)(3) 4.3 (d)(5)(xi) 4.5.11

(d)(3)(i) 4.3.1 (d)(5)(xii) 4.5.12

(d)(3)(ii) 4.3.2 (d)(5)(xiii) 4.5.13

(d)(3)(iii) 4.3.3 (d)(6) 4.6

(d)(3)(iv) 4.3.4 (d)(6)(i) 4.6.1

(d)(3)(v) 4.3.5 (d)(6)(ii) 4.6.2

(d)(3)(vi) 4.3.6 (d)(6)(iii) 4.6.3

(d)(3)(vii) 4.3.7 (d)(6)(iv) 4.6.4

(d)(3)(viii) 4.3.8 (d)(6)(v) 4.6.5

(d)(3)(ix) 4.3.9 (d)(7) 4.7

(d)(3)(x) 4.3.10 (d)(7)(i) 4.7.1

(d)(3)(xi) 4.3.11 (d)(7)(ii) 4.7.2

(d)(3)(xii) 4.3.12 (d)(7)(iii) 4.7.3
Bulletin 1753F-302(PE-91)

Page 5

CFR TO BULLETIN CONVERSION TABLE

7 CFR Bulletin 7 CFR Bulletin

1755.910 1753F-302 1755.910 1753F-302

(e) 5. (e)(4)(v) 5.4.5

(e)(1) 5.1 (e)(4)(vi) 5.4.6

(e)(1)(i) 5.1.1 (e)(4)(vii) 5.4.7

(e)(1)(ii) 5.1.2 (e)(4)(viii) 5.4.8

(e)(2) 5.2 (e)(4)(viii)(A) 5.4.8.1

(e)(2)(i) 5.2.1 (e)(4)(viii)(B) 5.4.8.2

(e)(2)(ii) 5.2.2 (e)(4)(ix) 5.4.9

(e)(3) 5.3 (e)(5) 5.5

(e)(3)(i) 5.3.1 (e)(6) 5.6

(e)(3)(ii) 5.3.2 (e)(6)(i) 5.6.1

(e)(3)(iii) 5.3.3 (e)(6)(ii) 5.6.2

(e)(3)(iv) 5.3.4 (e)(6)(iii) 5.6.3

(e)(3)(v) 5.3.5 (e)(6)(iv) 5.6.4

(e)(3)(vi) 5.3.6 (e)(6)(v) 5.6.5

(e)(3)(vii) 5.3.7 (f) 6.

(e)(3)(viii) 5.3.8 (f)(1) 6.1

(e)(3)(ix) 5.3.9 (f)(2) 6.2

(e)(3)(ix)(A) 5.3.9.1 (f)(2)(i) 6.2.1

(e)(3)(ix)(B) 5.3.9.2 (f)(2)(ii) 6.2.2

(e)(3)(x) 5.3.10 (f)(2)(iii) 6.2.3

(e)(3)(xi) 5.3.11 (f)(2)(iv) 6.2.4

(e)(3)(xii) 5.3.12 (f)(2)(v) 6.2.5

(e)(3)(xii)(A)(1) 5.3.12.1 (f)(2)(vi) 6.2.6

(e)(3)(xii)(A)(2) 5.3.12.2 (f)(2)(vii) 6.2.7

(e)(3)(xii)(A)(3) -------- (f)(2)(viii) 6.2.8

(e)(3)(xii)(B)(1) 5.3.12.3 (f)(2)(ix) 6.2.9

(e)(3)(xii)(B)(2) 5.3.12.4 (f)(3) 6.3

(e)(3)(xii)(B)(3) -------- (f)(3)(i) 6.3.1

(e)(3)(xiii) 5.3.13 (f)(3)(ii) 6.3.2

(e)(3)(xiii)(A) 5.3.13.1 (f)(3)(iii) 6.3.3

(e)(3)(xiii)(B) 5.3.13.2 (f)(3)(iv)(A) 6.3.4

(e)(4) 5.4 (f)(3)(iv)(B) 6.3.5

(e)(4)(i) 5.4.1 (g) 7.

(e)(4)(i)(A) 5.4.1.1 (g)(1) 7.1

(e)(4)(i)(B) 5.4.1.2 (g)(2) 7.2

(e)(4)(i)(C) 5.4.1.3 (g)(2)(i) 7.2.1

(e)(4)(ii) 5.4.2 (g)(2)(i)(A) 7.2.1.1

(e)(4)(iii) 5.4.3 (g)(2)(i)(B) 7.2.1.2

(e)(4)(iv) 5.4.4 (g)(2)(ii) 7.2.2

(e)(4)(iv)(A) 5.4.4.1 (g)(2)(ii)(A) 7.2.2.1

(e)(4)(iv)(B) 5.4.4.2 (g)(2)(ii)(B) 7.2.2.2

(e)(4)(iv)(B)(1) 5.4.4.2.1 (g)(2)(iii) 7.2.3

(e)(4)(iv)(B)(2) 5.4.4.2.2 (g)(2)(iii)(A) 7.2.3.1

(e)(4)(iv)(B)(3) 5.4.4.2.3 (g)(2)(iii)(B) 7.2.3.2

(e)(4)(iv)(B)(4) 5.4.4.2.4 (g)(2)(iv) 7.2.4

(e)(4)(iv)(C) 5.4.4.3 (g)(2)(v) 7.2.5

(e)(4)(iv)(D)(1) 5.4.4.4 (g)(2)(vi) 7.2.6

(e)(4)(iv)(D)(2) ------- (g)(3) 7.3
Bulletin 1753F-302(PE-91)

Page 6

CFR TO BULLETIN CONVERSION TABLE

7 CFR Bulletin 7 CFR Bulletin

1755.910 1753F-302 1755.910 1753F-302

(g)(3)(i) 7.3.1 (i)(4)(ii) 9.4.2

(g)(3)(ii) 7.3.2 (i)(5) 9.5

(g)(3)(ii)(A) 7.3.2.1 (i)(5)(i) 9.5.1

(g)(3)(ii)(B) 7.3.2.2 (i)(5)(ii) 9.5.2

(g)(3)(iii) 7.3.3 (i)(5)(iii) 9.5.3

(g)(3)(iv) 7.3.4 (j) 10.

(g)(3)(v) 7.3.5 (j)(1) 10.1

(g)(3)(v)(A) 7.3.5.1 (j)(1)(i) 10.1.1

(g)(3)(v)(B) 7.3.5.2 (j)(1)(ii) 10.1.2

(g)(3)(vi) 7.3.6 (j)(2) 10.2

(g)(4) 7.4 (j)(2)(i) 10.2.1

(g)(5) 7.5 (j)(2)(ii) 10.2.2

(g)(5)(i) 7.5.1 (j)(2)(iii) 10.2.3

(g)(5)(ii) 7.5.2 (j)(2)(iv) 10.2.4

(g)(5)(iii) 7.5.3 (j)(2)(v) 10.2.5

(g)(5)(iv) 7.5.4 (j)(2)(vi) 10.2.6

(h) 8. (j)(2)(vii) 10.2.7

(h)(1) 8.1 (j)(3) 10.3

(h)(2) 8.2 (j)(3)(i) 10.3.1

(h)(2)(i) 8.2.1 (j)(3)(ii) 10.3.2

(h)(2)(ii) 8.2.2 (j)(3)(iii) 10.3.3

(h)(2)(iii) 8.2.3 (j)(3)(iv) 10.3.4

(h)(2)(iv) 8.2.4 (j)(3)(v) 10.3.5

(h)(2)(v) 8.2.5

(h)(2)(vi) 8.2.6

(h)(2)(vii) 8.2.7

(h)(3) 8.3

(h)(3)(i) 8.3.1

(h)(3)(ii) 8.3.2

(h)(3)(iii) 8.3.3

(i) 9.

(i)(1) 9.1

(i)(2) 9.2

(i)(2)(i) 9.2.1

(i)(2)(ii) 9.2.2

(i)(2)(iii) 9.2.3

(i)(2)(iv) 9.2.4

(i)(2)(v) 9.2.5

(i)(2)(vi) 9.2.6

(i)(2)(vii) 9.2.7

(i)(3) 9.3

(i)(3)(i) 9.3.1

(i)(3)(ii) 9.3.2

(i)(3)(iii) 9.3.3

(i)(3)(iv) 9.3.4

(i)(3)(v) 9.3.5

(i)(4) 9.4

(i)(4)(i) 9.4.1
Bulletin 1753F-302(PE-91)

Page 7

ABBREVIATIONS

ac Alternating current

ASTM American Society For Testing and Materials

AWG American Wire Gauge

BD Buried Plant Pedestal Stake-Mounted Assembly Unit

BDA Buried Plant Pedestal Pole-Mounted Assembly Unit

BDAG Buried Plant Pedestal Extra Height Pole-Mounted

Assembly Unit

°C Centigrade temperature scale

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

cm Centimeters

cm2 Square centimeters

cm3 Cubic centimeters

cm/min Centimeters per minute

° Degrees

dc Direct current

E East direction

°F Fahrenheit temperature scale

ft Feet

Hz Hertz

in. Inches

in.2 Square inches

in.3 Cubic inches

in./min Inches per minute

kg Kilograms

km/h Kilometers per hour

kv Kilovolts

lb Pounds

lb-in. Pounds-inches

m Meters

mi/h Miles per hour

m/s2 Meters per second squared

N North direction

N-m Newton-meters

OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration

% Percent

ppm Parts per million

RH Relative humidity

RUS Rural Utilities Service

S South direction

SAI Service Area Interface

UL Underwriters’ Laboratories, Inc.

V Volts

W West direction
Bulletin 1753F-302(PE-91)

Page 8

1. SCOPE

1.1 The purpose of this specification is to inform manufacturers

and users of outside plant housings and serving area interface

(SAI) systems of the engineering and technical requirements that

are considered necessary for satisfactory performance in outside

plant environments. Included are the mechanical, electrical, and

environmental requirements, desired design features, and test

methods for evaluation of the product.

1.2 The housing and terminal requirements reflect the best

engineering judgment available at the present time and may be

subject to change due to advances in technology, economic

conditions, or other factors.

1.3 The test procedures described in this specification are

required by the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to demonstrate the

functional reliability of the product. However, other standard

or unique test procedures may serve the same function. In such

cases, RUS shall evaluate the test procedures and results on an

individual basis.

1.4 The test procedures specified herein satisfy the

requirements of housings as well as the requirements of terminals

that may be installed within housings. Some of the requirements

are interrelated to several tests designed to determine the

performance aspects of terminals and are directly affected by

testing required for housings. Therefore, the manufacturer

should carefully review all the test requirements in order to

develop a testing schedule that is comprehensive, efficient in

terms of the number of test specimens required and can be

accomplished in an orderly and logical sequence.

1.5 The specified tests may require special facilities to comply

with Federal, State, or local regulatory requirements. Some test

procedures are potentially hazardous to personnel because of the

high voltages and mechanical forces involved. Safety precautions

are necessary to prevent injury.

1.6 The Underwriters’ Laboratories, Inc. (UL) 94, Tests for

Flammability of Plastic Materials for Parts in Devices and

Appliances, fourth edition, dated June 18, 1991, referenced in

this specification can be ordered from UL at the address below:

UL Inc.

333 Pfingsten Road

Northbrook, Illinois 60062-2096

Telephone Number (708) 272-8800
Bulletin 1753F-302(PE-91)

Page 9

1.7 The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Specifications referenced in this specification can be ordered

from ASTM at the address below:

ASTM

100 Barr Harbor Drive

West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania 19428-2959

Telephone Number (610) 832-9598

2. GENERAL INFORMATION

2.1 Outside plant housings are fabricated of either metallic or

nonmetallic materials in different sizes and configurations to

suit a variety of applications. The purpose of a housing is to

protect its contents from environmental elements, rodents,

insects, or vandalism and unauthorized access. Housings are

designed with internal brackets for accommodating splicing,

bonding and grounding connections, cable terminals, cross-connect

facilities, load coils, and optical and electronic equipment.

2.2 Pedestals are housings primarily intended to house,

organize, and protect cable terminations incorporating terminal

blocks, splice connectors and modules, ground lugs and load

coils. Activities typically performed in a pedestal are cable

splicing, shield bonding and grounding, inductive loading, and

connection of subscriber drops.

2.3 SAI cabinets are housings intended to perform some of the

same functions as pedestals but are primarily intended to serve

as the connecting terminal between feeder cable and distribution

cables.

2.4 Outside plant housings shall be manufactured in accordance

with National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements, UL

requirements, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health

Administration Standards (OSHA), and all other applicable

Federal, State, and local requirements including, but not limited

to, statutes, rules, regulations, orders, or ordinances otherwise

imposed by law.

3. GENERAL DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS

3.1 Installation and Maintenance Instructions:

3.1.1 Each product shall have available a set of instructions

designed to provide sufficient information for the successful

installation of the housing, cables, auxiliary equipment, and the

associated splice preparation. The instructions shall be of

sufficient size to be easily read and shall be printed using

waterproof ink. Pedestal instruction sheets shall include a list
Bulletin 1753F-302(PE-91)

Page 10

of miscellaneous replacement parts that may be purchased locally.

SAI systems shall be supplied with complete instructions for

installation and use.

3.1.2 When requested by RUS, or a RUS borrower, the manufacturer

shall prepare a training package for the purpose of training

technicians in the use and installation of the product and its

auxiliary equipment.

3.1.3 The manufacturer shall provide ordering information for

repair parts. Repair parts shall be obtainable through a local

distributor or shall be easily obtainable. Information

describing equivalent parts and their sources should be provided

for those parts that may also be obtained from other sources.

3.2 Quality Assurance: The manufacturer shall demonstrate the

existence of an ongoing quality assurance program that includes

controls, procedures, and standards used for vendor

certification, source inspection, incoming inspection,

manufacture, in process testing, calibration and maintenance of

tools and test equipment, final product inspection and testing,

periodic qualification testing and control of nonconforming

materials and products. The manufacturer shall maintain quality

assurance records for five years.

3.3 RUS Acceptance Applications:

3.3.1 The tests described in this specification are required

for acceptance of product designs and major modifications of

accepted designs. All modifications shall be considered major

unless otherwise declared by RUS. The tests are intended to show

the inherent capability of the manufacturer to produce products

which have an expected service life of 30 years.

3.3.2 For initial acceptance the manufacturer shall:

a. Submit an original signature certification that the

product complies with each Paragraph of this

specification;

b. Provide qualification test data;

c. Provide OSHA Material Safety Data Sheets for

the product;

d. Provide a detailed explanation concerning the intended

use and capacity of the product;

e. Provide a complete set of instructions, recommendations

for equipment organization and splicing;

f. Agree to periodic plant inspections;
Bulletin 1753F-302(PE-91)

Page 11

g. Provide certification that the product does or does not

comply with the domestic origin manufacturing provisions

of the "Buy American” requirement of the Rural

Electrification Act of 1938 (52 Stat. 818);

h. Provide user testimonials concerning field performance

of the product;

i. Provide product samples if requested by RUS; and

j. Provide any other data required by the Chief,

Outside Plant Branch (Telecommunications).

3.3.3 Each requirement of this specification must be addressed

in submissions for acceptance. The designation N/A may be

entered when the requirements do not apply.

3.3.4 Acceptance requests should be addressed to: Chairman,

Technical Standards Committee “A” (Telecommunications),

Telecommunications Standards Division, RUS, AG Box 1598,

Washington, DC 20250-1598.

4. FUNCTIONAL DESIGN CRITERIA FOR HOUSINGS

4.1 General Requirements:

4.1.1 The functional requirements for housings concern

materials, finishes, environmental factors, and design

features that are applicable to most above ground housings

used in the outside plant.

4.1.2 Housings shall be of sufficient size to permit easily

managed installation, operational, testing, and maintenance

operations. The general shape of outside plant housings is

usually comparable to that of a rectangular column or cylinder,

with the shape of any particular housing being left to the

manufacturer's discretion. Each design is subject to acceptance

by RUS.

4.2 Housing Types and Capacities:

4.2.1 Housings used in outside plant are either the smaller

housings generally known as pedestals or larger housings known as

equipment or splice cabinets. Both categories may have designs

intended for stake mounting, pole mounting, or pad mounting.

4.2.2 The classifications of pedestals are the general purpose

channel Type (H) and the dome Type (M). The Type H pedestal has

either front only access or back and front access while the Type

M pedestal has top only access. Pedestals are further designated

as follows:
Bulletin 1753F-302(PE-91)

Page 12

Stake Mounted Type Pole Mounted

Pole Mounted

(extra high)

BD3 H BD3A -

BD4 H BD4A -

BD5 H BD5A -

BD7 H BD7A -

BD14 M BD14A BD14AG

BD15 M BD15A BD15AG

BD16 M BD16A BD16AG

4.2.3 The minimum volume associated with the pedestal

designations shall be as shown in the following table:

Minimum Volume

Pedestal(1) Housing

Designation

Cubic Centimeters

(cm3

)

(Cubic Inches)

(in.3)

BD3, BD3A(2) 9,000 (550)

BD4, BD4A(2) 15,000 (900)

BD5, BD5A(2) 35,000 (2,100)

BD7(2) 72,000 (4,400)

BD14, BD14A,

BD14AG(3) 9,000 (550)

BD15, BD15A,

BD15AG(3) 27,000 (1,600)

BD16, BD16A,

BD16AG(3) 38,000 (2,300)

Note (1): Housings designed for unique purposes will be

evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Note (2): For Type H pedestals, the minimum volume is that

space as measured 5 centimeters (cm) [2 inches (in.)] below

the top of the housing to a point 40 cm (16 in.) above the

bottom of the lower cover plate.

Note (3): The minimum volume of the Type M pedestals shall

be the space within the dome measured from the lower edge of

of the dome to a point 5 cm (2 in.) from the top.

4.2.4 Equipment cabinets intended for use as SAI housings shall

be assigned size designations according to their maximum pair

termination capacities. The capacity will vary depending on the

type of terminating equipment used. SAI cabinets shall be suffix

designated with an "A" for pole mounting, "X" for pad mounting,

and "S" for stake mounting.
Bulletin 1753F-302(PE-91)

Page 13

4.2.5 Large pair count splice cabinets are classified according

to their splice capacity. Approximately 48 cm3 (3.0 in.3) of

splice area per pair straight spliced shall be permitted.

4.2.6 The minimum volume associated with large pair count splice

cabinets shall be as shown in the following table:

Splice Cabinet(1) Minimum Volume Maximum Splice

Designation

cm3 (in.3)

Capacity (Pairs)

BD6000 295,000 (18,000) 6,000

BD8000 393,000 (24,000) 8,000

BD10000 491,000 (30,000) 10,000

Note (1): Additional sizes of splice cabinets shall be

considered by RUS on a case-by-case basis.

4.3 Design and Fabrication Requirements for Housings:

4.3.1 Type H pedestal housings may consist of an enclosed

channel incorporating an integrally mounted stake that serves as

a backplate, or they may be designed for universal mounting on

stakes or poles. The body of the housing shall have two major

components; an upper cover and a base cover. The upper cover

shall have a top, front and back plate with the front cover

removable to permit entry and provide increased work space. The

base cover shall consist of a front plate and back plate. The

base cover back plate may be an extension of the upper back plate

cover.

4.3.2 Type M pedestal housings shall consist of a one piece

upper sleeve designed to fit over the base cover trapping air to

prohibit water from entering the splice area when installed in

locations prone to temporary flooding. Pedestals designed to be

mounted extra high on poles for locations susceptible to deep

snow shall have a bottom close-off option available to prohibit

the ingress of birds, rodents and insects.

4.3.3 The external housing components on all outside plant

housings shall provide reasonable protection against accidental

removal or vandalism. Housings shall be equipped with a cover

plate retaining bolt and cup washer that may be opened only with

an industry accepted socket type can wrench. Housings may be

equipped with provisions to allow the purchaser to install a

padlock.

4.3.4 Installed housings shall resist the disassembling force of

frost heaving applied to the bottom of ground line cover plates.

The base cover must remain stationary to stabilize the contents

of the housing cavity.
Bulletin 1753F-302(PE-91)

Page 14

4.3.5 In an effort to provide protection against dust

penetration, blowing snow, rain, and ultraviolet light

degradation of internal components, all mechanical gaps shall be

restricted. The use of seals, overlaps, gaskets, and dovetailing

is required to assure satisfactory protection of housed

equipment.

4.3.6 Knockouts, cutouts, or notches designed to accommodate

aerial service drops shall not be permitted. A design option for

housings intended to accommodate service drops shall include a

separate channel or equivalent in the base cover to allow future

additions of service drops without the removal of gravel or the

moisture barrier in the base of the housing. Service wire

channels must be designed to prevent the entry of birds,

reptiles, rodents and insects.

4.3.7 Minimal venting of SAI housings may be necessary to

relieve internal pressure and condensation.

4.3.8 There shall be no aluminum housing components that will

become buried in the soil when the housing is properly installed.

4.3.9 Housing components may be assembled using rivets, welds,

glue, bolts and nuts, or other techniques suitable for the

materials involved.

4.3.10 Housings and their components that require field assembly

must be capable of being assembled with tools normally available

to outside plant technicians.

4.3.11 Hinged doors on SAI housings and large pair count splice

housings shall be equipped with a device that restrains the doors

in the open position.

4.3.12 Outside plant housings shall be free of sharp edges,

burrs, etc., that could present a safety hazard to personnel

involved in installation and use of the product or to the general

public. Surfaces inside housings must not allow pinching of

conductors during installation of cover plates or the opening and

closing of doors.

4.3.13 A ground line mark shall be provided, approximately 15 cm

(6 in.) below the top edge of the housing base cover plate on

housings intended for ground level mounting. Base cover plates

shall have be a minimum height of 31 cm (12 in.).

4.3.14 Any housing, which weighs in excess of 91 kilograms (kg)

[200 pounds (lb)], including its contents, shall be equipped with

lifting brackets for attaching hoisting cables or chains.
Bulletin 1753F-302(PE-91)

Page 15

4.3.15 Housing stakes shall be a minimum of 107 cm (42 in.) in

length. If fabricated from steel, they shall have a minimum

thickness of No. 13 gauge as measured according to American

Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) A-525-91b. Stakes shall

be formed into a "U" channel with a minimum depth of 2 cm

(0.75 in.). The stake shall be a single part of suitable design

strength for driving 91 cm (36 in.) into the soil with hand tools

without damage such as bending or warping. The stake shall have

adequate mounting holes having a minimum separation of 15 cm

(6 in.) for mounting the housing baseplate. The stake material

must resist corrosion and deterioration when exposed to soil and

atmospheric conditions.

4.3.16 The housing design must permit a logical progression of

installation steps that would normally be encountered in typical

field installations.

4.3.17 Provisions for attaching housings to stakes, poles,

walls, other housings, or pads shall be provided for each design

intended for those purposes. Locations of holes for mounting

attachments may be provided by knockouts on above ground

components. Mounting hole locations for below ground components

may be predrilled.

4.3.18 Pole mounting hardware shall provide at least l.3 cm

(0.5 in.) clearance from the pole to the housing. Pole mounting

brackets shall accommodate the wide range of pole sizes used in

the telephone industry.

4.3.19 Pad mounted housings shall have hardware available for

anchoring the housing base to the pad. A template may be

provided to assist in the location of mounting attachment details

for pad preparation.

4.3.20 Housings equipped with stub cables shall have strain

relief devices to permit shipping and handling of the housing

without damage to the housing or stub cables. Only RUS accepted

cable shall be used for stub cables. The cable manufacturer's

recommendations concerning minimum bend radius shall be observed.

The minimum bend radius for most copper cables is 10 times the

cable diameter.

4.3.21 Cable supports shall be provided near the top of the

ground line cover and other appropriate locations within the

housing to provide cable stability consistent with the intended

use and capacity of the housing. Cable supports shall be capable

of holding a minimum load of 23 kg (50 lb).
Bulletin 1753F-302(PE-91)

Page 16

4.3.22 An adequate supply of nonmetallic retainer clips or tie

wraps capable of supporting a minimum load of 23 kg (50 lb) shall

be provided with the housing. Adequate spaces for installation

of the clips or tie wraps must be provided on the housing

backplate and cable supports.

4.3.23 Housing chambers designed for splicing operations shall

be equipped with insulated supporting straps or rods suitable for

supporting splice bundles. The insulation on the straps or rods

shall extend for the entire length of the device and shall have a

dielectric strength of 15 kilovolts (kv) direct current (dc)

minimum. Housings having an "H" frame design where both front

and rear covers may be removed may incorporate insulated tie bars

to be used as cable supports.

4.3.24 Housings designed to contain equipment in addition to

splices shall be equipped with a device for physically separating

the splice area from the service area of the housing.

4.3.25 A dielectric shield rated at 15 kv dc shall be provided

to enclose the cable splice area. The shield shall extend from

the lower cable supports to within 2.5 cm (1 in.) of the top of

the housing. The shield shall be equipped with Velcro or

equivalent fastening devices designed to hold the shield in both

the open or closed positions. The fastening devices shall extend

along the entire vertical edge of the dielectric shield.

4.3.26 Mounting arrangements for a variety of terminal blocks

and other equipment shall be provided by means of good

housekeeping panels or other devices that may enhance the service

aspect of the housing.

4.3.27 Housings designed for SAI cabinets may be shipped with

terminal blocks installed and stub cables attached. If this

option is exercised, the stub cables and terminal blocks must be

RUS accepted. In all cases, SAI cabinets must be equipped with

appropriate mounting devices for installing the peripheral

equipment required for a serving area interface.

4.3.28 SAI cabinets shall be designed to provide physical

separation between the splicing area and the area provided for

running cross-connect jumpers.

4.3.29 SAI cabinets and large splice housings must have an

external feature for attaching a padlock to prevent unauthorized

entry.

4.3.30 Each housing shall have a tinned or zinc electroplated

copper alloy or equivalent connector plate or bar to be used for

terminating ground and cable shield bond connections. The device

shall be equipped with captive studs and nuts with captive lock

washers designed for attaching 6 American Wire Gauge (AWG) copper
Bulletin 1753F-302(PE-91)

Page 17

bonding harness wire or braid and a 6 AWG copper ground wire.

Connector plates shall be equipped with enough studs and nuts to

provide individual connections equivalent to the maximum number

of cable sheaths recommended for the housing. Housings shall

incorporate design features that enable the field installation of

at least one additional connector plate for service conditions

that require numerous connections. A bonding and grounding

system capable of providing support and strain relief for service

wires shall be provided for housings intended for use as

distribution points. The bonding system shall be designed to

provide sheath continuity as cable and service wires are

installed, and prior to any other operation being performed. The

bonding arrangement shall provide electrical continuity between

all bonds and the ground connector plate. The bonding and

grounding arrangement shall permit the lifting of individual

cable ground connections for testing and cable locating

activities without jeopardizing the grounding potential of other

cables that may enter the housing. The bonding and grounding

system shall be capable of conducting a current of 1000 amperes

for at least 20 seconds.

4.4 Warning Sign:

4.4.1 A buried cable warning sign shall be securely attached to

the outside of each housing. The lettering information on the

sign shall be permanent.

4.4.2 For pedestals, the sign shall be centered horizontally on

the front cover and the top of the sign shall be not more than

10 cm (4 in.) from the top of the housing.

4.4.3 For SAI cabinets, the sign shall be centered horizontally

and vertically on the door. If there are two doors, the sign

shall be mounted on the left door.

4.4.4 Deviations from warning sign location requirements are

permitted only for housing design constraints. Alternate sign

locations will be considered by RUS.

4.4.5 The RUS standard sign design is shown in Figure 1.

4.5 Housing Materials:

4.5.1 Materials used in housings shall present no environmental

or safety hazard as defined by industry standards or Federal,

State, or local laws and regulations.

4.5.2 All materials are required to have fire resistance ratings

consistent with recognized industry standards. External

materials must be flame resistant.
Bulletin 1753F-302(PE-91)

Page 18

4.5.3 All materials used in the manufacture of housings or

component parts must achieve the required strength properties,

resist deterioration when exposed to outdoor conditions, and be

acceptable to RUS for the specific application. New materials or

materials not familiar to the RUS staff shall be supported by

test and performance data which demonstrates their suitability

for the intended use.

4.5.4 Nonmetallic housing materials shall have a fungus growth

rating no greater than one according to ASTM G-21-90.

4.5.5 Metallic components shall be either corrosion resistant or

protected against corrosion and must not produce galvanic

corrosion in wet or humid conditions on other metals that may be

present in the housing environment.

4.5.6 Mill galvanized steel used in the manufacture of housings

shall comply with the appropriate requirements of one of the

following standards:

a. ASTM A l09-91;

b. ASTM A 366/A 366M-91;

c. ASTM A 525-91b; or

d. ASTM A 526/A 526M-90.

4.5.7 Hot rolled steel shall comply with the appropriate

requirements of one of the following standards:

a. ASTM A 569/A 569M-91a; or

b. ASTM A 621/A 621M-92.

4.5.8 Cold rolled steel shall comply with the appropriate

requirements of one of the following standards:

a. ASTM A l09-91; or

b. ASTM A 366/A 366M-91.

4.5.9 Steel parts used for internal housing brackets shall be

hexavalent chromate coated or zinc plated in accordance with

ASTM B 633-85.

4.5.10 Hardware items used for assembling or fastening housing

components shall be 300 series or passivated 400 series stainless

steel or hot dip galvanized in accordance with ASTM A l53-82

(1987). Other materials will be considered by RUS on an

individual basis.
Bulletin 1753F-302(PE-91)

Page 19

4.5.11 Aluminum components shall be fabricated from alloy types

5052 or 606l or other types that have been recognized as having

acceptable corrosion resistance and formability and weldability

features.

4.5.12 Nonmetallic parts must be resistant to solvents and

stress cracking and shall be compatible with metals and other

materials such as conductor insulations and filling compounds

used in the manufacture of cable. Plastic materials must be

noncorrosive to metals and resist deterioration when exposed to

industrial chemical pollutants, ultra-violet rays, road salts,

cleaning agents, insecticides, fertilizers, or other detrimental

elements normally encountered in the outdoor environment.

4.5.13 Housing door seals and gaskets may be manufactured from

rubber or synthetic rubber-like elastomer materials. Seals and

gaskets shall exhibit a high degree of weatherability with an

effective life of at least 30 years in the outdoor environment.

The material shall be tear resistant and have a low compression

set.

4.6 Housing Finish Requirements:

4.6.1 All interior and exterior surfaces of housings shall be

free from blisters, wrinkles, cracks, scratches, dents, heat

marks and other defects.

4.6.2 There shall be inherent design provisions to prevent

objectionable deterioration of the housing such as rusting,

exposure of fiber or delamination. Secondary protection, such as

galvanizing over steel per ASTM A 526/A 526M-90 or anodizing over

aluminum, shall be provided to ensure reliability over the

projected 30 year design life of the housing.

4.6.3 Painted metal housings shall have a minimum gloss of 60

(60° specular) in accordance with ASTM D 523-89.

4.6.4 All painted surfaces shall have a uniform color and

texture in accordance with ASTM D 3928-89. Nonmetallic housings

shall meet recognized industry standards concerning optical

appearance for gloss and haze as applicable for the material.

4.6.5 The colors of housings that RUS will consider for

acceptance shall be as follows:
Bulletin 1753F-302(PE-91)

Page 20

Color Standard

Gray-Green Munsell 6.5GY 6.03/1.6

Munsell 4.4GY 6.74/1.5

Green Munsell 8.8G 2.65/5.3

Orange Federal Standard 595A

Color Number 12246

Munsell 0.15YR 5.26/13.15

Chocolate Munsell 5.27YR 2.40/2.60

Color Number 835

4.7 Installation Requirements:

4.7.1 The design of the housing must provide for a logical and

normal installation sequence, i.e., excavation, installation of a

foundation or base and anchoring devices, addition of hardware,

installation and bonding of cables, splicing, addition of

service, and final closing.

4.7.2 No special tools or equipment other than that usually

carried by outside plant technicians and construction crews must

be required for installation of the housing. Security devices

are the exception to this requirement.

4.7.3 Installation hardware shall maintain housings in an erect

and stable position when subjected to normal storm loads. Pad

mounted designs must accommodate precast or cast-in-place

reinforced concrete or other suitable prefabricated material.

Brackets, inserts for fastening, conduit openings, or other items

necessary for a pad mounted installation must be provided. The

manufacturer shall provide detailed drawings or a template for

locating inserts, conduit openings, or slots for cast-in-place

pad construction.

5. PERFORMANCE CRITERIA AND TEST PROCEDURES FOR HOUSINGS

5.1 General Information:

5.1.1 The housing manufacturer shall perform adequate

inspections and tests to demonstrate that housings and housing

components comply with RUS requirements.

5.1.2 Testing usually shall be performed at a room temperature

of 24 ± 3°C (75 ± 5°F). Temperatures for testing performed at

other than room temperature shall be determined as near the

center of the product under test as practical.

5.2 Description of Test Housing:

5.2.1 Each distinctly designed and configured family of housings

intended to perform a particular function shall be tested.
Bulletin 1753F-302(PE-91)

Page 21

5.2.2 The typical test sample shall consist of the exterior

housing components such as covers, backplates, good housekeeping

panels, cap assembly, anchor posts, decals, etc. Interior

components must include the bonding and grounding hardware for

cables and service wires and the dielectric shield. The housing

may include terminal blocks or cross-connect modules, cable

splices, or the typical outside plant equipment the housing is

designed to contain and protect.

5.3 Environmental Requirement for Housings:

5.3.1 Thermal Shock: The test housing shall be placed in a test

chamber and exposed to the temperature cycle of Figure 2 for five

complete cycles. The step function nature of the temperature

changes may be achieved by insertion and removal of the test

housing from the chamber. The soak time at each temperature

shall be four hours. The housing shall be removed from the test

chamber at the conclusion of the five-cycle period. After the

test housing temperature has stabilized to room temperature, the

housing must be inspected for deterioration of materials and

satisfactory operation of mechanical functions.

5.3.2 Thermal Shock and Humidity: The test housing shall be

placed in an environmental test chamber at 95 ± 3 percent (%)

relative humidity (RH) and temperature cycled per Figure 3 for a

period of 30 days. At the end of the test there shall be no rust

or corrosion of any closure components. Minor corrosion due to

surface scratches, nicks, etc. is permitted. If the closure is

made of a nonmetallic material, there shall be no signs of

degradation.

5.3.3 Humidity and Condensation: Test panels shall be placed in

an environmental chamber and subjected to 1008 hours (42 cycles)

of exposure per ASTM D 2247-92. One cycle consists of 24 hours

of 100 % humidity (with condensation on the panels) at a cabinet

temperature of 38 ± 1°C (100 ± 2°F) and an ambient temperature of

25 ± 1°C (77 ± 2°F) without heat input. Upon completion of

cycling, the test panels shall be subjected to an 11 newton-meter

(N-m) [100 pound-inches (lb-in.)] impact test using the GardnerImpact Tester or equivalent. Test panels shall show no substrate

or coating cracking or loss of coating adhesion on either side.

5.3.4 Weatherability: Three test panels shall be tested for

weatherability in accordance with the appropriate procedures of

either ASTM D 822-89 or ASTM G 23-90. Total exposure time shall

be a minimum of 800 hours. Failure is defined as fading,

cracking, blistering, or delamination on any of the three test

panels.
Bulletin 1753F-302(PE-91)

Page 22

5.3.5 Low Temperature Durability: Low temperature durability

shall be proven by exposing the three test panels from Paragraph

5.3.4 of this specification to at least 25 continuous cycles of

the following test sequence:

a. To insure complete saturation of the three test panels,

soak them for 96 hours in a container of distilled water

at 22 ± 2°C (71.6 ± 4°F);

b. Lower the temperature of the water and immerse test

panels to -28 ± 2°C (-18.4 ± 4°F) and stabilize for

24 hours;

c. Thaw the water with the samples to 22 ± 2°C

(71.6 ± 4°F) and stabilize for 24 hours;

d. Repeat the procedure 24 times. Any cracking, crazing,

deforming, or delaminating on any of the three test

panels shall be considered a failure; and

e. Remove the samples from the water and impact test the

three panels by delivering a force of 11.3 N-m

(100 lb-in.) using a Gardner-Impact Tester to each

specimen at 71, 22, and -28 ± 2°C (159.8, 71.6, and

-18.4 ± 4°F), after stabilizing them at those

temperatures for at least two hours. Visual inspection

shall reveal no deformation or perforation on any of

the test panels.

5.3.6 Corrosion Resistance: Corrosivity shall be tested in

accordance with the requirements of ASTM B 117-90. Both scribed

and unscribed panels shall be evaluated following the procedures

of ASTM D 1654-92. Scribed panels shall have a rating of at

least six, following 500 hours of exposure to salt fog, and the

unscribed panels shall have a rating no lower than 10, after

1,000 hours exposure. Visual rust inspection shall confirm no

more than 0.03 % rusting (rust grade 9) of the surface area of

the test sample when evaluated in accordance with

ASTM D 610-85(1989). The unscribed samples shall be impacted

with an 11.3 N-m (100 lb-in.) force, using a Gardner-Impact

Tester or equivalent. Visual inspection of the impacted samples

shall reveal no loss of adhesion between the base material and

the coating or cracking at the finish on the test panels.

5.3.7 Fungi Resistance: Fungi resistance of nonmetallic housing

materials shall be tested according to the procedures of

ASTM G 21-90. Any rating greater than one shall be considered a

failure.
Bulletin 1753F-302(PE-91)

Page 23

5.3.8 Stress Crack Resistance: The stress cracking resistance

of nonmetallic housing materials shall be tested according to the

procedures of ASTM D 1693-70(1988). The tests shall be performed

at 49 ± 2°C (120 ± 4°F) for 14 days and exposed to the following

materials:

a. Industry recognized filling compounds;

b. Isopar M;

c. Industry recognized solvents;

d. Industry recognized encapsulants; and

e. Commonly used insect, pest, and weed control products

and agricultural fertilizers.

5.3.9 Chemical Resistance:

5.3.9.1 Chemical resistance shall be determined by immersing

representative nonmetallic material samples in each of the

following solutions for 72 hours at 22 ± 2°C (71.6 ± 4°F):

a. 3% sulfuric acid;

b. 100 parts per million (ppm) trichloroethane in water;

c. 0.2 N sodium hydroxide; and

d. Unleaded high octane gasoline.

5.3.9.2 There shall be no swelling, deformation, or softening of

the material samples or any discoloration of the solution.

5.3.10 Ultraviolet Resistance: Test panels of metallic and

nonmetallic outer housing materials shall be subjected to 700

hours exposure per ASTM D 2565-92 using the type BH apparatus.

The panels shall not exhibit fading, blistering, checking, or

delamination.

5.3.11 Weathertightness: The housing shall be mounted in its

typical field installation position and sprayed with water. The

temperature of the water shall be adjusted to be equal to or

warmer than the temperature of the cabinet interior to avoid the

possibility of condensation. A water spray head shall be used to

direct water at the housing so that the water stream will strike

the assembly at a downward angle of 45 degrees. The flow of the

water shall be 3.8 liters per minute (one gallon per minute),

with 276 kilopascals (40 pounds per square inch) head of

pressure. The spray head shall be held 1.8 meters (m)

[6 feet (ft)] from the test cabinet. The spray head shall be

adjusted so that water impinges uniformly over the housing

surface. The duration of the test shall be five minutes. All
Bulletin 1753F-302(PE-91)

Page 24

vertical cabinet surfaces shall be tested by this procedure. The

exterior of the cabinet shall be thoroughly dried with towels (no

heat drying) prior to examination of the housing interior. The

interior of the housing shall be checked for presence of water.

Wetting of over-lapping surfaces is permitted. There shall be no

presence of water inside the housing.

5.3.12 Wind Resistance:

5.3.12.1 Stub pole or wall mounted SAI and large pair count

splice housings shall be subjected to a load (F) as shown in

Figure 4 and the following table to simulate the turning moment

equivalent to a uniform wind load of 161 kilometers per hour

(km/h) [100 miles per hour (mi/h)] perpendicular to the largest

surface area:

Maximum Area of Largest Surface Load

Square Centimeters (cm2)

[Square Inches (in.2)] Kg (lb)

5,200 (800) or less 18 (40)

5,201 to 9,100 (801 to 1.400) 32 (70)

9,101 to 13,000

(1,401 to 2,000) 45 (100)

13,001 to 16,200

(2,001 to 2,500) 57 (125)

Note: The procedure for housings with larger surface areas

will be evaluated by RUS on a case-by-case basis.

5.3.12.2 The housing shall remain in its original mounting

position throughout the test and exhibit no mechanical

deformation.

5.3.12.3 Pad or ground mounted SAI or splice housings shall be

subjected to a load (F) as shown in Figure 5 and the following

table to simulate the overturning moment equivalent to a uniform

wind load of 161 km/h (100 mi/h) perpendicular to the largest

surface area:
Bulletin 1753F-302(PE-91)

Page 25

Height

Maximum Area of

Largest Surface Load

cm (in.) cm2 (in.2) kg (lb)

11,000 (1,700) or

less 91 (200)

122 (48) or less 11,001 - 13,000

(1,701 - 2,000) 104 (230)

13,001 - 14,900

(2,001 - 2,300) 118 (260)

11,700 (1,800) or

less 91 (200)

11,701 - 14,300

(1,801 - 2,200) 109 (240)

123 - 152 (49 - 60) 14,301 - 16,200

(2,201 - 2,500) 127 (280)

16,201 - 18,800

(2,501 - 2,900) 145 (320)

18,801 - 20,800

(2,901 - 3,200) 163 (360)

20,801 - 23,400

(3,201 - 3,600) 181 (400)

14,300 (2,200) or

less 109 (240)

14,301 - 16,900

(2,201 - 2,600) 127 (280)

153 - 183 (61 -72) 16,901 - 19,500

(2,601 - 3,000) 150 (330)

19,501 - 22,700

(3,001 - 3,500) 172 (380)

22,701 - 25,300

(3,501 - 3,900) 190 (420)

25,301 - 27,900

(3,901 - 4,300) 213 (470)

Note: The procedure for housings with larger surface areas

will be evaluated by RUS on a case-by-case basis.

5.3.12.4 The housing shall remain in its original mounting

position throughout the test and exhibit no mechanical

deformation.

5.3.13 Fire Resistance:

5.3.13.1 The test housing shall be installed in a manner typical

of field installation. U.S. No. 1 wheat straw shall be placed on

the ground around the housing base in a one meter (3 ft) radius

at an approximate depth of 10 cm (4 in.). The straw shall be

ignited and permitted to burn fully. After the housing has
Bulletin 1753F-302(PE-91)

Page 26

cooled, its contents shall be inspected for evidence of ignition,

melting, burning, or structural damage. Damage sufficient to

impair service constitutes failure.

5.3.13.2 Polymeric materials shall be tested in accordance with

UL Publication 94, dated June 18, 1991. Materials used in

housing components shall have a rating of 94V-0 or 94V-1 and

shall not sustain combustion when an open flame source is

removed.

5.4 Mechanical Requirements for Housings:

5.4.1 Impact Resistance: The test housing shall be subjected to

the following impacts according to its minimum volume or minimum

width and depth as shown in the following table:

Minimum Volume

Minimum Width

or Depth Impact Force

cm3 (in.3) cm (in.) N-m (lb-ft)

Less than 35,000

(2,100)

Less than 13 (5) 68 (50)

35,000 (2,100) or

greater

13 (5) or greater 136 (100)

5.4.1.1 The impact force shall be delivered to the front, back,

and top surfaces. Circular housings shall be impacted on side

surfaces 180° apart and on the top. The device used to deliver

the force shall be spherical and approximately 25 to 31 cm

(10 to 12 in.) in diameter. A typical test procedure may include

the use of a hard rubber bowling ball, weighing 6 to 7 kg

(13 to 16 lb), enclosed in a mesh bag, attached to a rope with a

metal ring. The load shall be dropped vertically on the top

surface and applied to the sides with a pendulum motion using the

appropriate height and extension arm to achieve the required

impact force. The housing must be impacted at the approximate

mid-point of the surface area.

5.4.1.2 Housings shall be conditioned for a minimum of eight

hours at -40°C (-40°F) in an environmental chamber prior to

testing. If the chamber is insufficient in size to conduct tests

within the chamber, the housing may be removed and shall be

tested within 10 minutes after removal.

5.4.1.3 After impact testing, the housing shall not exhibit

fractured or ruptured surfaces sufficient to allow the ingress of

moisture or dust. The housing shall not exhibit mechanical

damage that would impair the functioning of hinges, latches,

locks, etc.
Bulletin 1753F-302(PE-91)

Page 27

5.4.2 Load Deflection: Free standing buried plant housings

shall be tested for load deflection in accordance with Figure 6.

The assembled housing shall be rigidly held in place by a

mechanical means to simulate a normal field installation. A

length of wire or cable, or other suitable material, shall be

placed around the top section of the housing and deadended. The

wire or cable shall be initially tensioned to 23 kg (50 lb). A

measurement shall then be taken of the deflection of the housing

at the top as shown in Figure 6. The deflection shall be

recorded at incremental loads of 23 kg (50 lb) until destruction

of the housing occurs. The average load for the three directions

shall not be less than 136 kg (300 lb) and the minimum load in

any direction shall be 113 kg (250 lb). Failure is defined as

housing component fracture or crazing of the housing's surface

finish.

5.4.3 Vibration Requirements: The test housing and its contents

shall be subjected to acceleration at a sine wave frequency sweep

rate as shown in Figure 7 for a housing packaged for shipment and

Figure 8 for an unpackaged housing. The frequency sweep may be

performed continually or sequentially. The test shall be

conducted once along each of three mutually perpendicular axes of

the housing. There shall be no mechanical or electrical

degradation of the housing or its contents. Noticeable damage to

the housing constitutes failure.

5.4.4 Drop Test Requirements: Housings shall be subjected to

appropriate drop tests according to their weight. The drop tests

shall be performed on housings and their contents as normally

packaged as well as on unpackaged housings. The tests shall be

conducted on a smooth level concrete floor or similar unyielding

surface. For corner drops, the packaged housing and its contents

shall be oriented at impact such that a straight line drawn

through the struck corner and package geometric center is

approximately perpendicular to the impact surface.

5.4.4.1 Packaged housings and their contents weighing 91 kg

(200 lb) or less shall be capable of enduring a single drop on

each face or corner without damage from a height specified as

follows:

Packaged Housing Including

Contents - Weight kg (lb)

Drop Height

cm (in.)

0 to 9 (0 to 20) 76 (30)

10 to 23 (21 to 50) 61 (24)

24 to 45 (51 to 100) 53 (21)

46 to 91 (101 to 200) 46 (18)
Bulletin 1753F-302(PE-91)

Page 28

5.4.4.2 Packaged housings and their contents weighing more than

91 kg (200 lb) shall be capable of enduring a single drop on each

of two diagonally opposite corners of the package without

significant damage from a height specified as follows:

Packaged Housing Including

Contents - Weight kg (lb)

Drop Height

cm (in.)

92 to 453 (201 to 1000) 30 (12)

Over 453 15 (6)

5.4.4.2.1 The packaged housing and contents shall be placed on

its normal shipping base with one corner supported 15 cm (6 in.)

above the floor and the other corner of the same end supported

30 cm (12 in.) above the floor as shown in Figure 9. The

unsupported end of the package shall be raised so that the lowest

corner reaches the height listed above and then allowed to fall

freely.

5.4.4.2.2 The procedure of Paragraph 5.4.4.2.1 of this

specification shall be repeated for the diagonally opposite

corner.

5.4.4.2.3 The packaged housing and contents shall be capable of

enduring a single drop on each edge of the base of its normal

shipping position from the required height without damage and

shall remain operational without function impairment. The

packaged housing and contents shall be placed on its base with

one edge supported on a sill 15 cm (6 in.) high and the

unsupported edge raised to the required height as shown in

Figure 10 and allowed to fall freely.

5.4.4.2.4 The procedures of Paragraph 5.4.4.2.3 of this

specification shall be repeated for all edges of the base.

5.4.4.3 Unpackaged housings and their contents weighing 23 kg

(50 lb) or less shall be capable of enduring a single drop on

each face and adjacent corners without significant damage from a

height specified as follows:

Unpackaged Housing Including

Contents - Weight kg (lb)

Drop Height

cm (in.)

0 to 9 (0 to 20) 10 (4)

10 to 23 (21 to 50) 8 (3)
Bulletin 1753F-302(PE-91)

Page 29

5.4.4.4 Unpackaged housings and their contents weighing more

than 23 kg (50 lb) shall be capable of enduring a single drop

without significant damage when lifted by its normal hoisting

supports as shown in Figure 11 and with its lowest point at a

height specified as follows:

Unpackaged Housing Including

Contents - Weight kg (lb)

Drop Height

cm (in.)

23 to 45 (51 to 100) 5 (2)

5.4.5 Firearms Resistance: All housings shall be tested for

resistance to penetration by direct impact from a 12 gauge

shotgun equipped with a modified choke and the use of a 3-3/4

dram equivalent powder charge and 35 grams #6 lead shot fired

from a distance of 15 m (50 ft). The 12 gauge shotgun shall be

fired from a normal standing position at the front side of the

housing. Penetration through the housing wall by the lead shot

shall constitute failure.

5.4.6 Lifting Hardware Requirements: The lifting hardware on

housings and their contents that weigh more than 91 kg (200 lb)

shall be tested. The housing shall be fastened to a restraining

device such as a concrete slab and subjected to loading through

the lifting attachments to simulate the lifting load. For the

first test a lifting line equipped with a dynamometer shall be

attached to the housing lifting hardware and a load applied equal

to three times the weight of a fully equipped housing.

Deformation or damage to the housing or lifting hardware

constitutes failure. A second test shall be conducted with the

same arrangements as for the first except that a load shall be

applied equal to six times the weight of a fully equipped

housing. There shall be no catastrophic failure of the lifting

hardware or housing.

5.4.7 Stub Cable Strain Relief Tests: Housings equipped with

cable stubs and cable shipping retainer shall be tested by

lifting a test housing, with the maximum length and weight of

cable orderable, in a manner causing the full weight of the cable

to be supported by the cabinet. Examination of the cable sheath

after lifting shall reveal no tearing, rupturing, or other

damage. The cable conductors and shield shall be tested for

shorts and opens. Electrical defects to the stub cable or damage

to the housing constitutes failure.

5.4.8 Door Restrainer Evaluation:

5.4.8.1 The housing shall be positioned with the door held in

the open position by the door restraining device. A load,

determined in accordance with the following table, shall be

applied to the center of the door, perpendicular to the door and

in each of the opening and closing directions.
Bulletin 1753F-302(PE-91)

Page 30

Maximum Area of Door Surface Load

cm2 (in.2) kg (lb)

5,200 (800) or less 72 (160)

5,201 to 9,100

(801 to 1,400) 127 (280)

9,101 to 13,000

(1,401 to 2,000) 181 (400)

Note: Test procedures for housings with larger doors will

be evaluated by RUS on a case-by-case basis.

5.4.8.2 There shall be no functional failure of the restraining

device nor mechanical damage to the housing.

5.4.9. Security Evaluation: The security locking device shall

be capable of withstanding a maximum torque of 2.8 N-m

(25 lb-in.) without incurring physical damage to the closure,

thereby resulting in a condition where the closure cannot be

either accessed or locked.

5.5 Electrical Requirements for Housings: Each bonding stud and

nut location shall be evaluated by attaching one lead from a dc

or alternating current (ac) power source to a bonding stud with

the nut torqued as specified by its manufacturer and the other

power source lead connected to the closure grounding conductor

connector. The current path thus established must be capable of

sustaining a current of l,000 amperes root-mean-square for at

least 20 seconds without fusing or causing any damage to the

closure or its contents.

5.6 Finish Requirements:

5.6.l Impact Resistance: The finish on painted metal surfaces

shall not exhibit radial cracking on the impact surface

(intrusion) when indented at 18 N-m (160 lb-in.) with a 1.6 cm

(0.6 in.) diameter spherical indentor. This test shall be

performed in accordance with ASTM D 2794-94 with the exception

that the test panel shall be of the same material, thickness, and

finish as the pedestal housing being evaluated.

5.6.2. Finish Adhesion: Painted finishes shall be tested for

adhesion of finish in accordance with ASTM D 2197-86(1991),

Method A. There shall be no gouging in the top coat when tested

with an 8 kg (l7.7 lb) load. Gouging is defined as removal or

separation of paint particles or breaking of the finish by the

scraping loop to the extent of exposing base metal.
Bulletin 1753F-302(PE-91)

Page 31

5.6.3 Color Evaluation: The color of the housing finish should

be compared against the Munsell system of color notation, as

described in ASTM D l535-89 to determine color consistency with

that desired.

5.6.4 Gloss Evaluation: The finish on painted housings shall be

tested on two approximately 20 cm x 20 cm (8 in. x 8 in.) samples

for each color used in accordance with the procedures of

ASTM D 523-89. The finish shall have a minimum gloss of 60

(60° Specular).

5.6.5 Secondary Finish Evaluation: Evidence of secondary

protection shall be required for RUS acceptance. Typical

secondary protection is galvanizing per ASTM A 526/A 526M-90 for

steel surfaces.

6. FUNCTIONAL DESIGN CRITERIA FOR BINDING POST TERMINAL BLOCKS

 USED IN SAI CABINETS

6.l General Description: A conventional binding post terminal

consists of a metallic element or post, one end of which is

configured for the permanent connection of 22, 24, or 26 AWG

solid copper conductors and the opposite end is configured for

recurring connections and disconnections of solid copper crossconnect wire using a threaded screw or stud and nut combination

for gripping the wire. The terminal is usually housed in a SAI

cabinet. However, the terminal may receive limited use in

smaller pedestal-type housings and pole mounted cabinets in the

outside plant environment.

6.2 Design and Fabrication Requirements:

6.2.1 Terminal blocks used in outside plant housings are

expected to perform satisfactorily for a nominal design life of

30 years.

6.2.2 All individual terminals or terminal fields must be

enclosed and the terminal enclosure must be totally filled with

an encapsulating grease or gel which prevents connection

degradation caused by moisture and corrosion. The encapsulant

must provide complete encapsulation of terminal metallic

connections and surfaces and totally fill all voids and cavities

within individual terminal enclosures or terminal field

enclosures to prevent ingress of moisture. The encapsulant must

not restrict access to the terminal or restrict craft personnel

from making connections. The encapsulant must be compatible with

the standard materials used in cross-connect hardware and wiring.

6.2.3 Binding post terminals shall not be susceptible to damage

under normal use of standard tools used by outside plant

technicians such as screwdrivers and test set clips.
Bulletin 1753F-302(PE-91)

Page 32

In addition, use of other tools such as scissors, diagonal

cutters and long nose pliers for tightening and loosening screws

shall not result in damage to the terminal.

6.2.4 Terminals shall be designed so that a typical technician

using customary tools shall be able to terminate cross-connect

wire on a pair of terminals, or to remove it, without causing an

electrical short between any two terminals or any other adjacent

terminals.

6.2.5 The terminal count sequence shall be indicated using

numerals of at least 0.25 cm (0.10 in.) in height.

6.2.6 A means shall be provided to distinguish feeder terminals

from distribution terminals.

6.2.7 A means shall be provided to identify tip terminals and

ring terminals in a terminal field. The identification

convention shall indicate tip on the left with ring on the right

for horizontal spacing and tip on the top with ring on the bottom

for vertical spacing.

6.2.8 The preferred height of the highest terminal in the

connector field in a ground mounted SAI unit shall be 168 cm

(66 in.) or less as measured from the top surface of the mounting

pad. The bottom or lowest terminals in the connector field shall

be at least 46 cm (18 in.) from the top surface of the pad.

6.2.9 Pole mounted aerial units shall be 84 cm (33 in.) or less

in width. The maximum allowable height of the highest terminals

in a pole mounted aerial unit is 168 cm (66 in.) as measured from

the top surface of the standard balcony seat used with the

interface. For computation purposes, 15 cm (6 in.) shall be

allowed for the distance between the bottom of the interface and

the top of the balcony seat.

6.3 Auxiliary Features:

6.3.1 SAI cabinets with terminal designs which do not permit

direct attachment of common test instrument clips to terminal

pairs without the occurrence of shorts shall be equipped with

single pair auxiliary test contacts. The auxiliary test contacts

shall attach to a terminal pair and provide a set of secondary

terminals which will accept typical test instrument clips without

the occurrence of shorts. Wire used to connect the auxiliary

test contacts to the secondary terminals shall be 20 gauge

minimum stranded conductor copper wire with a minimum dielectric

strength between conductors of l5 kv. The test connector shall

be functional on all terminal pairs.
Bulletin 1753F-302(PE-91)

Page 33

6.3.2 A 25 or 50 pair test connector shall be available which

can be used to make reliable electrical contact to terminals

associated with discrete 25 pair binder groups. The multi-pair

test connector shall be provided with a minimum of l.8 m (6 ft)

of suitable cabling terminated to a connector, for interfacing

with test sets common to the industry. The multi-pair test

connector shall be functional on all terminal groups.

6.3.3 A special service marker shall be available which must

attach to a binding post terminal to identify special circuits

and insulate exposed metal parts from accidental shorts from

tools and wires. A supply of 25 special service markers shall be

provided with each SAI cabinet. The color of special service

markers shall be red.

6.3.4 A supply of twisted pair cross-connect wire shall be

supplied with housings that are equipped with cross-connect

terminals or that have provisions for mounting cross-connect

terminals. The minimum length of cross-connect wire supplied is

dependent on the SAI cabinet terminal capacity as follows:

Cabinet Termination Capacity

(pairs)

Wire Length

m (ft)

1 to 600 60 (200)

601 to 1200 120 (400)

Over 1200 180 (600)

6.3.5 The cabinet shall be equipped to store the length of wire

in a manner designed for convenient dispensing. The crossconnect wire supply shall be easily replaceable.

7. PERFORMANCE CRITERIA AND TEST PROCEDURES FOR BINDING POST

 TERMINAL BLOCKS USED IN SAI CABINETS

7.1 General: Many of the tests described in this paragraph

require that the terminal block be installed in an appropriate

housing in its typical field configuration.

7.2 Environmental Requirements:

7.2.1 Insulation Resistance/High Humidity and Salt Fog Exposure:

A test specimen shall consist of a standard ground or pole

mounted housing equipped with a full complement of binding post

terminals equipped with 25 special service markers. The minimum

number of terminals to be tested shall be 100 pair (100 tips and

100 associated rings). The test terminals shall be selected to

form a terminal array of approximate square dimensions. A 91 cm

(36 in.) length of cross-connect wire shall be installed on each

test terminal. All tips shall be joined together and all rings

shall be joined together with a 48 volt dc potential applied as

shown in Figure 12 during the high humidity/salt fog and
Bulletin 1753F-302(PE-91)

Page 34

simulated rain exposures. The 48 volt dc may be temporarily

removed from the test samples during the measurement process and

the ring terminal being measured shall be isolated from the

remaining ring terminals. The terminal insulation resistance

shall be measured at a potential of 100 volts dc using suitable

instrumentation with a minimum measurement range of 104 to 1012

ohms.

7.2.1.1 High Humidity: The test housing shall be placed in an

environmental test chamber at 95 ± 3% RH and the temperature

cycled as shown in Figure 3 of this specification for a period of

30 days. The cabinet doors shall remain in the fully open

position. The insulation resistance between the ring terminal of

each sample and all the common tip terminals shall be measured

each 24 hours when the temperature is between 38 and 57°C (100

and 135°F) and increasing. The minimum insulation resistance

when measured in accordance with Paragraph 7.2.1 of this

specification shall not be less than 1 x 106

 ohms.

7.2.1.2 Salt Fog: A test housing with its doors closed shall be

placed in a salt fog 35°C (95°F) test chamber and exposed to a

salt fog spray per ASTM B 117-90 for a period of 30 days. The

insulation resistance should be measured every 24 hours as

indicated in Paragraph 7.2.1 of this specification and shall not

be less than 1 x 106 ohms. The special service markers shall

exhibit no sign of fading, corrosion, swelling, warping, running

color, or other signs of deterioration.

7.2.2 Insulation Resistance/Simulated Rain Exposure:

7.2.2.1 A test housing as described in Paragraph 7.2.1 of this

specification shall be tested for water infiltration. The test

shall be conducted using the method described in Paragraph 5.3.11

of this specification. The cabinet doors shall remain closed for

the duration of the test. The insulation resistance between the

ring terminals and the common tip terminals shall be measured

during and immediately following the spray application as

indicated in paragraph 7.2.1 of this specification and shall not

be less than 1 x 106 ohms.

7.2.2.2 With the cabinet doors open, a spray of tap water at a

rate of 3.8 liters per minute (1 gallon per minute) at 276 kilopascals (40 pounds per square inch) shall be directed on the

terminal array for a period of 1 minute saturating all of the

terminals. Following the spray application the doors shall be

closed. The cabinet shall be maintained in a temperature

environment of 26 to 28°C (78 to 82°F) at 95 ± 3% RH for 6 hours.

The insulation resistance shall then be measured as specified in

Paragraph 7.2.1 of this specification. The minimum insulation

resistance shall not be less than 1 x 106

 ohms.
Bulletin 1753F-302(PE-91)

Page 35

7.2.3 Contact Resistance: A minimum of 100 terminals equipped

with cross-connect wire that has been installed in a manner

typical of that used in the industry shall be temperature cycled.

7.2.3.1 The test shall consist of eight-hour temperature cycles

with one-hour dwells at extreme temperatures of -40°C to 60°C

(-40°F to +140°F), and temperature changes at an average rate of

16°C (60°F) per hour between the extremes. The relative humidity

shall be maintained at 95 ± 3%. The eight-hour test shall be

conducted for 512 cycles. Millivolt drop measurements shall be

made initially and after 2, 8, 16, 32, 64, 256, and 512 cycles

with the samples at room temperature. The resistance measurement

technique must conform to ASTM B 539-90. The measurement method

must have an accuracy of at least ±30 microohms for resistances

less than 50 milliohms. The change in contact resistance shall

not exceed 2 milliohms.

7.2.3.2 A minimum of 100 terminals equipped with cross-connect

wire installed in a manner typical of the industry shall be

maintained at 118°C (245°F) during the test period, except during

disturbance measurement periods where each wire connection to the

terminals shall have a 0.23 kg (0.5 lb) force momentarily applied

in a manner to stress the connection. Initial millivolt

measurements shall be made without disturbing the joints in

accordance with Paragraph 7.2.3.1 of this specification with the

samples at room temperature. After initial measurement each

sample shall be disturbed followed by a millivolt drop

measurement after 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 33 days. The change in

contact resistance should be less than 2 milliohms when compared

to the initial measurement.

7.2.4 Fire Resistance: A fully equipped cabinet including a

full complement of cross-connect jumpers shall be installed in

the standard field arrangement and tested for fire resistance in

accordance with Paragraphs 5.3.13 through 5.3.13.2 of this

specification. After cooling, the cabinet, terminals, and

associated wiring shall be inspected for signs of ignition,

melting, burning, or structural damage of sufficient consequences

such that the results are service affecting.

7.2.5 Encapsulant Material Compatibility: The terminal

connection encapsulant compound must be compatible with the

standard materials used in cross-connect hardware and wiring when

aged in accordance with ASTM D 4568-86 at a temperature of

80 ± 1°C (176 ± 2°F). The conductor insulation shall retain a

minimum of 85% of its unaged tensile strength and elongation

values. The cross-connect hardware shall exhibit no visible

material degradation.
Bulletin 1753F-302(PE-91)

Page 36

7.2.6 Encapsulant Flow Test: Terminal connection encapsulant

must remain stable at 80 ± 1°C (176 ± 2°F) when tested in an

environmental chamber. Test specimens shall be suspended in a

preheated oven over a glass dish or other drip-catching medium

for a period of 24 hours. At the end of the test period, the

glass dish shall be examined for evidence of flowing or dripping

of encapsulant from the cross-connect terminal. More than 0.5

gram of encapsulant in the dish at the end of the test

constitutes failure.

7.3 Mechanical Requirements:

7.3.1 Vibration: A test housing equipped with a full complement

of cross-connect terminals and jumper wiring shall be subjected

to vibration testing in accordance with Paragraph 5.4.3 of this

specification.

7.3.2 Torsional Capacity of Binding Posts: The test specimens

shall consist of the complete binding post terminal consisting of

the screw or nut, washers if required, and threaded post or stud

respectively.

7.3.2.1 Test specimens shall include the terminals along the

matrix edge at mid-span locations as well as centrally located

terminals. Tests shall be conducted using a torque indicating

screwdriver, or wrench, with an accuracy of ±0.17 N-m

(±1.5 lb-in.) or better. The torque indicating device shall be

used to tighten a screw or nut until failure of the screw or nut

is achieved. Tests shall be conducted while the test specimen is

stabilized at temperatures of -40°C, 20°C, and 71°C (-40°F,

+68°F, and at +160°F.) Record the torques at terminal failure.

At least 10 test specimens shall be tested at each temperature.

The failure torque shall not be less than 2.8 N-m (25.0 lb-in.)

for each temperature.

7.3.2.2 The post or stud of the binding post terminal shall not

fail before the screw or nut when increasing torque. The

faceplate or receptacle restraining the post or stud shall not

fail before the screw or nut when increasing torque.

7.3.3 Lateral Loading Capacity of Binding Posts: A minimum of

three sets of 25 terminals shall be tested with the test

specimens stabilized at temperatures of -40°C, 20°C and 71°C

(-40°F, + 68°F, and 100°F). The test arrangement shall include

the terminals along the matrix edge at mid-span locations as well

as centrally located terminals. A force measuring device, such

as a dynamometer, shall be attached to the end of a binding post

terminal and a 16 kg (35 lb) force applied orthogonally to the

terminal axis in 4 perpendicular directions as shown in

Figure 13. Permanent deformation in excess of 0.08 cm (0.03 in.)

or any structural damage in either the terminal or faceplate

constitutes a failure.
Bulletin 1753F-302(PE-91)

Page 37

7.3.4 Axial Pullout Resistance: A minimum of three sets of 25

terminals shall be tested with the test specimens stabilized at

temperatures of -40°C, 20°C and 71°C (-40°F, +68°F, and 100°F).

The test arrangement shall include the terminals along the matrix

edge at mid-span locations as well as centrally located

terminals. A force measuring device, such as a dynamometer,

shall be attached to a terminal and a force of 16 kg (35 lb)

applied on axis as shown in Figure 14. There shall be no

permanent deformation in excess of 0.08 cm (0.03 in.), any

structural damage, or terminal pull-out in either the terminal or

the faceplate.

7.3.5 Test Connector Reliability:

7.3.5.1 A single pair connector shall be capable of making a

minimum of 100 successive connections to binding post terminals

without the occurrence of an open circuit. The test shall

include terminals along the matrix edge, center, top, and bottom.

7.3.5.2 A multi-pair test connector shall be attached to the

binding post terminal field and tests for opens between the

binding post terminals and the test connector shall be conducted.

All circuits must prove good. The test shall be repeated along

the terminal matrix edges, center, top, and bottom.

7.3.6 Service Cycle Reliability: A torque indicating device or

wrench with an accuracy of ±0.17 N-m (±1.5 lb-in.) or better

shall be used to tighten the terminal screw or nut as appropriate

to 1.7 N-m (15.0 lb-in.). The terminal nut or screw is then

loosened and retightened to 1.7 N-m (15 lb-in.). After 50

repeated connections and disconnections, the terminal shall be

placed in an environmental chamber at 95% RH where the

temperature shall be cycled as indicated in Figure 3 of this

specification for a duration of 72 hours. The terminal shall

then be momentarily removed from the chamber and the test

procedure repeated. After a total of 250 loosening and

retightening cycles have accumulated, the terminal must be

capable of withstanding a torque of 1.7 N-m (15 lb-in.).

7.4 Dielectric Strength: All housing components in the vicinity

of unsheathed field cable conductors, unsheathed housing stub

cable or harness conductors, terminals, or cross-connect wire

paths shall have a minimum dielectric strength of 500 volts ac to

the cabinet grounding and bonding bracket. Dielectric strength

is tested by connecting one lead from a 500-volt ac at 0.5 ampere

source to the cabinet ground connector and the other lead is

passed along the surfaces of all cabinet components in the

vicinity of unsheathed cable or harness conductors, cross-connect

wire paths, and in the splice area where unsheathed field cable

conductors may be located. Sparkover constitutes failure.
Bulletin 1753F-302(PE-91)

Page 38

7.5 Operational Requirements:

7.5.1 Durability: In order to verify the durability

requirements while minimizing the number of test housings

required to complete the test program, the binding posts selected

for tests shall be separately identified and then checked to

establish compliance after the various tests have been conducted.

7.5.2 Twenty-five jumper connections shall be made on each of

two binding post connectors chosen at random from a

representative sample in an assembled interface unit. After

exposure to this test, these and adjacent connectors shall be

inspected for damage such as cracks or chips in metal or plastic

parts. Failure consists of structural damage, open circuits

through the connector, or inability to pass the torsional,

lateral loading, or axial pullout tests described in Paragraphs

7.3.2 through 7.3.4 of this specification.

7.5.3 Select six binding posts at random in a representative

interface. On each connector, attach any test cord included with

the unit and then remove the test cord as follows. On binding

post sample 1, remove the cord normally ten times. On binding

post sample 2, remove the cord ten times by jerking the test

leads straight out. In these and the remaining tests, do this

without releasing any manual attachment mechanisms. On sample 3,

remove ten times by jerking downward at 45° from horizontal;

sample 4, upward at 45° ten times; sample 5, left 45° ten times;

sample 6, right 45° ten times. Check for opens and damage in the

test cord, clips, and connectors. Failure consists of structural

damage, open circuits through the connector, or inability of the

terminal blocks to pass the torsional, lateral loading, axial

pullout, test connector reliability, or dielectric strength tests

described in Paragraphs 7.3.2 through 7.3.5.2, and Paragraph 7.4

of this specification.

7.5.4 Use craft tools such as scissors, diagonal cutters, and

long nose pliers to loosen and tighten screws where the binding

post design does not prohibit the possibility. Failure consists

of severe structural damage.

8. FUNCTIONAL DESIGN CRITERIA FOR INSULATION DISPLACEMENT TYPE

 CROSS-CONNECT MODULES USED IN SAI CABINETS

8.1 General Description: Cross-connect modules normally consist

of multiple metallic contact elements that are retained by

nonmetallic fixtures. The contact elements are spliced with

permanent wire leads compatible for splicing to 22, 24, or 26

gauge cable on one side and configured for the acceptance of

recurring connections and disconnections of plastic insulated

cross-connect wire on the other side. Cross-connect modules are
Bulletin 1753F-302(PE-91)

Page 39

usually housed in a SAI cabinet. However, modules may receive

limited usage in smaller pedestal-type housings and cabinets in

the outside plant environment.

8.2 Design and Fabrication Requirements:

8.2.1 All individual terminals or terminal fields must be

enclosed and the terminal enclosures must be totally filled with

an encapsulating grease or gel which prevents connection

degradation caused by moisture and corrosion. The encapsulant

must provide complete encapsulation of terminal metallic

connections and surfaces and totally fill all voids and cavities

within individual terminal enclosures or terminal field

enclosures to prevent ingress of moisture. The encapsulant must

not restrict access to the terminal or restrict craft personnel

from making connections. The encapsulant must be compatible with

the standard materials used in cross-connect hardware and wiring.

8.2.2 The cross-connect module manufacturer shall make available

any nonstandard tools and test apparatus which are required for

splicing, placing of jumpers, and the performance of maintenance

operations.

8.2.3 The module shall be designed so that a typical outside

plant technician using tools shall be able to terminate crossconnect wire on terminals, or to remove them without causing

electrical shorts between any other terminals.

8.2.4 The pair count sequence terminated on a module shall be

easily visible and shall have numerals of at least 0.25 cm

(0.10 in.) in height.

8.2.5 Feeder terminations shall be easily distinguished from

distribution terminations.

8.2.6 Tip and ring terminations shall be easily visible and

shall be identifiable as described in Paragraph 6.2.6 of this

specification.

8.2.7 The preferred locations for cross-connect modules to be

mounted inside a housing is the same as those for terminals and

are described in Paragraphs 6.2.7 and 6.2.8 of this

specification.

8.3 Auxiliary Features:

8.3.1 Housings equipped with cross-connect modules shall be

equipped with auxiliary test contacts as described in Paragraphs

6.3.1 and 6.3.2 of this specification.
Bulletin 1753F-302(PE-91)

Page 40

8.3.2 Special service markers shall be available for crossconnect modules as described in Paragraph 6.3.3 of this

specification.

8.3.3 Housings equipped with, or designed for, cross-connect

modules shall contain a supply of cross-connect wire as described

in Paragraph 6.3.4 of this specification.

9. PERFORMANCE CRITERIA AND TEST PROCEDURES FOR INSULATION

 DISPLACEMENT TYPE CROSS-CONNECT MODULES

9.1 General: Many of the tests described in this Paragraph

require that the cross-connect module be installed in an

appropriate housing in its typical field configuration for

testing. Resistance measurements should be made with an

electrical device which measures changes in resistance for each

test parameter measured. The tests specified provide an

indication of the stability of the electrical connections under

the test conditions encountered.

9.2 Environmental Requirements:

9.2.1 A fully equipped arrangement of cross-connect modules

having approximately 25 special service markers shall

successfully complete environmental testing in accordance with

Paragraphs 5.3 through 5.3.13.2 of this specification.

9.2.2 Insulation Resistance/High Humidity and Salt Fog Exposure:

Insulation resistance measurements shall not be less than 1 x 106

ohms when cross-connect modules are tested by a procedure similar

to that described in Paragraphs 7.2.1 through 7.2.1.2 of this

specification.

9.2.3 Insulation Resistance/Simulated Rain Exposure: Insulation

resistance measurements shall not be less than 1 x 106 ohms when

cross-connect modules are tested by a procedure similar to that

described in Paragraphs 7.2.2 through 7.2.2.2 of this

specification.

9.2.4 Contact Resistance: The change in contact resistance

should not exceed 2 milliohms when cross-connect modules are

tested by a procedure similar to that described in Paragraphs

7.2.3 through 7.2.3.2 of this specification.

9.2.5 Fire Resistance: A housing fully equipped with crossconnect modules and jumper wiring shall be tested for fire

resistance by a procedure similar to that described in Paragraph

7.2.4 of this specification.
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9.2.6 Encapsulant Material Compatibility: Cross-connect wire

insulation and cross-connect hardware shall exhibit no visible

material degradation when tested by the procedure described in

Paragraph 7.2.5 of this specification.

9.2.7 Encapsulant Flow Test: The cross-connect contact

encapsulant shall drip no more than 0.5 gram when tested by the

procedure described in Paragraph 7.2.6 of this specification.

9.3 Mechanical Requirements:

9.3.1 Vibration: A housing fully equipped with cross-connect

modules shall be vibration tested in accordance with Paragraph

7.3.1 of this specification.

9.3.2 Test Connector Reliability: The test connectors supplied

with housings intended for cross-connect modules shall

successfully complete 100 successive connections as described in

Paragraphs 7.3.5 through 7.3.5.2 of this specification.

9.3.3 Service Cycle Reliability: A combination of multiple

insertions of jumper wires, vibration, and temperature cycling

shall be performed on cross-connect modules. The multiple

insertions on approximately 100 connections shall be accomplished

by 300 operations consisting of insertion, removal and

reinsertion of new jumper wire. Contact resistance shall be

measured and the final insertion of jumper wire shall not be

removed from the connectors but must be subjected to vibration

testing in accordance with Paragraph 7.3.1 of this specification

and temperature cycled as indicated in Figure 3 of this

specification for a duration of 72 hours. After vibration and

temperature cycling, the average change in contact resistance

shall be no greater than 2 milliohms.

9.3.4 Jumper Wire Pull-Out Resistance: Test modules that have

received no prior conditioning shall be equipped with 100 38 cm

(15 in.) jumper connections of the gauges recommended for use

with the module using the insertion tool recommended by the

cross-connect module manufacturer. With the test samples

suitably supported, wires from each sample shall be pulled, one

at a time, by a tensile machine at a cross-head speed of

6 centimeters per minute (cm/min) [2.4 inches per minute

(in./min)]. Wires shall be pulled both perpendicular and

parallel to the plane of the cross-connect field and shall

withstand a load of at least 1.1 kg (2.5 lb) before pulling out.

9.3.5 Cable Conductor Pull-Out Resistance: Test modules that

have received no prior conditioning shall be equipped with 100

26, 24 and 22 AWG 38 cm (15 in.) cable conductors using the

insertion tool recommended by the cross-connect module

manufacturer. With the test samples suitably supported,

conductors from each sample shall be pulled, one at a time, by a

tensile machine at a cross-head speed of 6 cm/min (2.4 in./min).
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Wires shall be pulled both perpendicular and parallel to the

plane of the face of the splice module and shall withstand a load

of at least 1.1 kg (2.5 lb) before pulling out.

9.4 Electrical Requirements:

9.4.1 Dielectric Strength: A housing fully equipped with crossconnect modules shall be tested for dielectric strength in

accordance with Paragraph 7.4 of this specification.

9.4.2 The dielectric strength of a contact within the crossconnect module to contacts on either side shall be tested. The

module shall be tested in a dry environment with an ac power

source capable of supplying 8 kv at a rate of increase of 500

volts per second, a circuit breaker to open at breakdown, and a

voltmeter to record the breakdown potential. Cross-connect

modules shall be prepared in accordance with industry accepted

splicing techniques with leads trimmed to approximately 38 cm

(15 in.). The dielectric strength of each contact to the

contacts on either side shall have an average dielectric strength

of approximately 5.0 kv.

9.5 Operational Requirements:

9.5.1 Durability: In order to verify the durability

requirements while minimizing the number of test housings

required to complete the test program, the contacts selected for

tests shall be separately identified and then checked to

establish compliance after the various tests have been conducted.

9.5.2 Twenty-five jumper connections shall be made on each of

two contacts chosen at random from a representative sample in an

assembled interface unit. After this test, these and surrounding

contacts shall be inspected for damage such as cracks or chips in

metal or plastic parts. Failure consists of structural damage,

open circuits through the connector, or inability to pass the

jumper wire pullout tests described in Paragraph 9.3.4 of this

specification.

9.5.3 Select six contacts at random in a representative

interface. On each of these contacts attach any test cord

included with the unit as specified under normal use of that cord

and then remove the test cord as follows. On sample 1, remove

the cord normally ten times. On sample 2, remove the clip ten

times by jerking the test leads straight out. In these and the

remaining tests, do this without releasing any manual attachment

mechanisms. On sample 3, remove ten times by jerking downward at

45° from horizontal; sample 4, upward 45° ten times; sample 5,

left 45° ten times; sample 6, right 45° ten times. Check for

opens and damage in the test cord, clips, and cross-connect

modules. Failure consists of structural damage, open circuits

through the connector, or inability of module to pass the test
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connector reliability, jumper wire pullout, and dielectric

strength tests described in Paragraphs 9.3.2, 9.3.4, and 9.4.2 of

this specification.

10. PACKAGING AND IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

10.1 Product Identification:

10.1.1 Each housing, terminal block, or cross-connect module

shall be permanently marked with the manufacturer's name or trade

mark.

10.1.2 The date of manufacture, model number, serial number and

RUS assigned designations shall be placed on a decal inside

housings. The product identification nomenclature must

correspond with the nomenclature used in the manufacturer's

quality assurance program.

10.2 Packaging Requirements:

10.2.1 Buried plant housings shall be packaged securely in an

environmentally safe container to prevent either deterioration or

physical damage to the unit during shipment, handling and

storage.

10.2.2 The product with all the necessary parts shall be shipped

in one container unless significant advantages to the user can be

obtained otherwise. Packaging of parts in the carton shall be

such that the parts become available in the order in which they

are needed. The package should be clearly marked as to which end

to open. Packages shall be clearly labeled, and correspond to

the names given in the instructions.

10.2.3 Products packed in shipping containers shall be

cushioned, blocked, braced, and anchored to prevent movement and

damage.

10.2.4 All products shall be secured to pallets with nonmetallic strapping. The strapping and the manner employed shall

be of sufficient quantity, width, and thickness to preclude

failure during transit and handling.

10.2.5 The use of shrink or stretch film to secure the load to

the pallet is permitted. However, such film must be applied over

the required strapping.

10.2.6 Containers that are too large or heavy to be palletized,

such as crates, shall be shipped in their own containers. When

practical, these containers shall be provided with skids to

facilitate fork-lift handling.
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10.2.7 When packaged, the outer cartons shall meet the

requirements of the Uniform Freight Classification and the

National Motor Freight Classification.

10.3 Container Marking Requirements:

10.3.1 The package shall be readily identifiable as to the

manufacturer, model number, date of manufacture, and serial

number.

10.3.2 The RUS assigned housing designation shall be stamped or

marked on the outside of the package container with letter and

number sizes large enough for easy identification.

10.3.3 Each package shall be marked with its approximate gross

weight.

10.3.4 All containers carrying delicate or fragile items shall

be marked to clearly identify this condition.

10.3.5 All marking shall be clear, legible, and as large as

space permits.