UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service

BULLETIN 1753F-801(PC-5A)

RD-GD-2001-44

SUBJECT: RUS Standard for Service Installations at Customer

Access Locations

TO: All Telecommunications Borrowers

RUS Telecommunications Staff

EFFECTIVE DATE: September 17, 2001

OFFICE OF PRIMARY INTEREST: Outside Plant Branch,

Telecommunications Standards Division

AVAILABILITY: This bulletin supersedes REA Bulletin 345-52, REA

Standard for Service Entrance and Station Protector

Installations, PC-5A, issued January 16, 1980. This bulletin can

be accessed via the Internet at

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

PURPOSE: This standard covers RUS service installation practices

at permanent or mobile home customer access locations. This

bulletin is a reformat of the text codified in 7 CFR 1755.500

through 7 CFR 1755.510 published at 66 FR 43314, dated August 17,

2001.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this

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

CFR 1755.500 through 7 CFR 1755.510 are the authorized sources.

 Roberta D. Purcell 9/11/01

 Roberta D. Purcell Date

 Assistant Administrator

 Telecommunications Program

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-801(PC-5A)

Page 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 CFR TO Bulletin Conversion Table ......................... 5

Abbreviations ........................................... 10

Definitions ............................................. 11

1. Scope ................................................... 17

2. General ................................................. 17

3. Demarcation Point ....................................... 19

4. Buried Services ......................................... 19

5. Aerial Wire Services .................................... 25

6. Aerial Cable Services ................................... 32

7. Customer Access Location Protection ..................... 34

8. Mobile Homes ............................................ 44

9. Construction and Assembly Unit Drawings ................. 45

BM50 Drawing – Buried Service Wire or Cable

Installation to Pole-Mounted-Wire

Terminal ............................. 46

BM83 Drawing - Buried Service Guard ................. 47

312-1 Drawing - Aerial Plastic Cable Details of Wire

Connections to Terminal Block ........ 48

501-1 Drawing - Span Clamp Attachment ................ 49

501-2 Drawing - Span Clamp Attachment ................ 50

503-2 Drawing - Service Wire Connections to

Aerial Cable ......................... 51

504 Drawing - Service Wire Attachment at

 Intermediate Pole .................... 52

505 Drawing - Aerial Service Wire Sags ............. 53

506 Drawing - Selection of Service Wire Attachment . 54

507 Drawing - Insulated First Attachment for

 Aerial Service Wire .................. 55

508-1 Drawing - Uninsulated First Attachment for

Aerial Service Wire .................. 56

510 Drawing - Insulated Intermediate Attachments

 for Service Wires .................... 57

510-1 Drawing - Uninsulated Intermediate Attachments

for Service Wires .................... 58

510-2 Drawing - Service Entrances .................... 59

513 Drawing - Aerial Service Wire Run on Buildings . 60
Bulletin 1753F-801(PC-5A)

Page 3

815 Drawing - Conductor Polarity (Tip and Ring)

 Diagram (Aerial Plant) ............... 61

815-1 Drawing - Buried Plant Conductor Polarity

Diagram .............................. 62

958 Drawing - Buried Cable and Wire Directional

Marking ................................ 63

962 Drawing - Buried Wire Service Installation

on Buildings ........................... 64

TABLES AND FIGURES

Table 1 Minimum Separation for Telecommunications Wires

and Cables On or In Buildings ...................... 22

Table 2 Color Codes for Tip and Ring Connections of

Inside Wiring Cable ................................ 25

Table 3 Nonmetallic Reinforced Aerial Service Wire

Color Code ......................................... 27

Table 4 Devices for Attaching Aerial Service Wires

to Buildings ....................................... 30

Table 5 Grounding Conductor Size Versus Number

of Circuits ........................................ 37

Table 6 Typical Fastening Devices for Station Wires and

Grounding Conductors ............................... 39

FIGURE 1 ANCHORING DEVICES ................................. 65

FIGURE 2 CABLE ATTACHMENT DEVICES .......................... 66

FIGURE 3 CABLE ENTRANCES AND RUNS IN BUILDINGS ............. 67

FIGURE 4 AERIAL SERVICE WIRE CROSSING OBSTRUCTIONS

WOODEN BUILDING SURFACES .......................... 68

FIGURE 5 AERIAL SERVICE WIRE CROSSING OBSTRUCTIONS

MASONRY BUILDING SURFACES ......................... 69

FIGURE 6 AERIAL SERVICE WIRE CROSSING COMBUSTIBLE

BUILDING PROJECTIONS .............................. 70

FIGURE 7 SUSPENSION STRAND DEADENDING ON BUILDINGS ......... 71

FIGURE 8 GROUNDING OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE TO

ELECTRIC SERVICE (PREFERRED METHOD) ............... 72
Bulletin 1753F-801(PC-5A)

Page 4

TABLES AND FIGURES (Continued)

FIGURE 9 ALTERNATIVE TECHNIQUE FOR BONDING TO ELECTRIC

GROUND WHERE DIRECT ATTACHMENT IS NOT POSSIBLE .... 73

FIGURE 10 BONDING BURIED SERVICE WIRE AT STATION PROTECTOR

OF NID USING SERVICE WIRE SHIELD BOND CONNECTOR .. 74

FIGURE 11 BONDING BURIED SERVICE WIRE AT FUSED STATION

PROTECTOR USING SERVICE WIRE SHIELD

BOND CONNECTOR ................................... 75

FIGURE 12 BONDING BURIED SERVICE WIRE AT STATION PROTECTOR

OF NID USING SERVICE WIRE BONDING HARNESS ........ 76

FIGURE 13 BONDING BURIED SERVICE WIRE AT FUSED STATION

PROTECTOR USING SERVICE WIRE BONDING HARNESS ..... 77

FIGURE 14 TERMINATION OF CONDUCTORS AND SHIELD ON STATION

PROTECTOR BINDING POSTS OF NID ................... 78

FIGURE 15 TERMINATION OF CONDUCTORS AND SHIELD ON FUSED

STATION PROTECTOR BINDING POSTS .................. 79

FIGURE 16 MULTIPAIR NID OR BET TERMINAL CONNECTIONS

CONTAINING FUSELESS STATION PROTECTORS ........... 80

FIGURE 17 NETWORK INTERFACE DEVICE (NID) INSTALLATION

ELECTRIC SERVICE EQUIPMENT WITHIN 35 FEET

(10.7 METERS) OF MOBILE HOME ..................... 81

FIGURE 18 NETWORK INTERFACE DEVICE (NID) INSTALLATION

ELECTRIC SERVICE EQUIPMENT MORE THAN 35 FEET

(10.7 METERS) FROM MOBILE HOME ................... 82

FIGURE 19 NID TERMINATIONS ................................. 83

FIGURE 20 MOBILE HOME INSTALLATION ......................... 84

INDEX:

Outside Plant

Construction

Service Installations at Customer Access Locations

Telecommunications
Bulletin 1753F-801(PC-5A)

Page 5

CFR TO BULLETIN CONVERSION TABLE

7 CFR 1755.500 to 7 CFR 1755.510 Bulletin 1753F-801

7 CFR 1755.500 Bulletin Title

(a) -

(b) -

7 CFR 1755.501 Definitions

7 CFR 1755.502 1.

- 1.1

- 1.2

(b) 1.3

7 CFR 1755.503 2.

(a) 2.1

(b) 2.2

(c) 2.3

(d) 2.4

(d)(1) 2.4.1

(d)(2) 2.4.2

(e) 2.5

(f) 2.6

(g) 2.7

(h) 2.8

(i) 2.9

(j) 2.10

(k) 2.11

(l) 2.12

(m) 2.13

7 CFR 1755.504 3.

(a) 3.1

(b) 3.2

(c) 3.3

(d) 3.4

7 CFR 1755.505 4.

(a) 4.1

(b) 4.2

(c) 4.3

(d) 4.4

(e) 4.5

(e)(1) 4.5.1

(e)(2) 4.5.2

(e)(3) 4.5.3

(e)(4) 4.5.4

(e)(5) 4.5.5

(f) 4.6

(f)(1) 4.6.1

(f)(2) 4.6.2

(f)(3) 4.6.3

(f)(4) 4.6.4

(f)(5) 4.6.5

(f)(6) 4.6.6

(f)(7) 4.6.7
Bulletin 1753F-801(PC-5A)

Page 6

CFR TO BULLETIN CONVERSION TABLE

7 CFR 1755.500 to 7 CFR 1755.510 Bulletin 1753F-801

(f)(8) 4.6.8

(f)(9) 4.6.9

(f)(10) 4.6.10

(f)(11) 4.6.11

(f)(12) 4.6.12

(f)(13) 4.6.13

(g) 4.7

(h) 4.8

(h)(1) 4.8.1

(h)(2) 4.8.2

(i) 4.9

7 CFR 1755.506 5.

(a) 5.1

(b) 5.2

(c) 5.3

(d) 5.4

(e) 5.5

(f) 5.6

(g) 5.7

(h) 5.8

(i) 5.9

(j) 5.10

(k) 5.11

(l) 5.12

(m) 5.13

(n) 5.14

(o) 5.15

(o)(1) 5.15.1

(o)(2) 5.15.2

(p) 5.16

(q) 5.17

(r) 5.18

(s) 5.19

(t) 5.20

(u) 5.21

(v) 5.22

(w) 5.23

(x) 5.24

(y) 5.25

(z) 5.26

(z)(1) 5.26.1

(z)(2) 5.26.2

(z)(3) 5.26.3

(z)(3)(i) 5.26.3a

(z)(3)(ii) 5.26.3b

(aa) 5.27

(bb) 5.28

(cc) 5.29
Bulletin 1753F-801(PC-5A)

Page 7

CFR TO BULLETIN CONVERSION TABLE

7 CFR 1755.500 to 7 CFR 1755.510 Bulletin 1753F-801

(dd) 5.30

(ee) 5.31

(ff) 5.32

(gg) 5.33

(hh) 5.34

(ii) 5.35

(jj) 5.36

(kk) 5.37

(ll) 5.38

(mm) 5.39

(nn) 5.40

7 CFR 1755.507 6.

(a) 6.1

(b) 6.2

(c) 6.3

(c)(1) 6.3.1

(c)(2) 6.3.2

(c)(3) 6.3.3

(c)(4) 6.3.4

(c)(5) 6.3.5

(c)(5)(i) 6.3.5.1

(c)(5)(ii) 6.3.5.2

(c)(6) 6.3.6

(c)(7) 6.3.7

(c)(8) 6.3.8

(c)(9) 6.3.9

(c)(10) 6.3.10

(c)(11) 6.3.11

(c)(12) 6.3.12

(c)(13) 6.3.13

7 CFR 1755.508 7.

(a) 7.1

(b) 7.2

(c) 7.3

(d) 7.4

(e) 7.5

(f) 7.6

(g) 7.7

(g)(1) 7.7.1

(g)(2) 7.7.2

(g)(3) 7.7.3

(h) 7.8

(i) 7.9

(j) 7.10

(k) 7.11

(l) 7.12

(l)(1) 7.12.1

(l)(2) 7.12.2
Bulletin 1753F-801(PC-5A)

Page 8

CFR TO BULLETIN CONVERSION TABLE

7 CFR 1755.500 to 7 CFR 1755.510 Bulletin 1753F-801

(m) 7.13

(n) 7.14

(o) 7.15

(p) 7.16

(q) 7.17

(r) 7.18

(s) 7.19

(t) 7.20

(u) 7.21

(v) 7.22

(w) 7.23

(w)(1) 7.23.1

(w)(2) 7.23.2

(w)(3) 7.23.3

(w)(4) 7.23.4

(w)(5) 7.23.5

(w)(6) 7.23.6

(x) 7.24

(y) 7.25

(y)(1) 7.25.1

(y)(2) 7.25.2

(y)(3) 7.25.3

(z) 7.26

(aa) 7.27

(bb) 7.28

(bb)(1) 7.28.1

(bb)(2) 7.28.2

(bb)(3) 7.28.3

(bb)(4) 7.28.4

(bb)(5) 7.28.5

(bb)(6) 7.28.6

(bb)(7) 7.28.7

(bb)(8) 7.28.8

(cc) 7.29

(cc)(1) 7.29.1

(cc)(2) 7.29.2

(dd) 7.30

(dd)(1) 7.30.1

(dd)(2) 7.30.2

(dd)(3) 7.30.3

(dd)(4) 7.30.4

(dd)(5) 7.30.5

(ee) 7.31

(ee)(1) 7.31.1

(ee)(2) 7.31.2

(ee)(3) 7.31.3

(ee)(4) 7.31.4

(ee)(5) 7.31.5
Bulletin 1753F-801(PC-5A)

Page 9

CFR TO BULLETIN CONVERSION TABLE

7 CFR 1755.500 to 7 CFR 1755.510 Bulletin 1753F-801

(ee)(6) 7.31.6

(ee)(7) 7.31.7

(ee)(8) 7.31.8

(ff) 7.32

7 CFR 1755.509 8.

(a) 8.1

(b) 8.2

(c) 8.3

(c)(1) 8.3.1

(c)(2) 8.3.2

(d) 8.4

(e) 8.5

7 CFR 1755.510 9.

(a) 9.1

(b) 9.2

(c) 9.3
Bulletin 1753F-801(PC-5A)

Page 10

ABBREVIATIONS

ANSI American National Standards Institute

AWG American Wire Gauge

BET Building Entrance Terminal

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

cm Centimeters

° Degrees

DP Demarcation Point

FCC Federal Communications Commission

FH Flat Head

ft or ‘ Feet

G Ground

ID Inside Diameter

IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

in. or ” Inches

kg Kilograms

kV Kilovolts

kg/m Kilograms/Meter

lbs Pounds

lb/ft Pound/Foot

m Meter

MDF Main Distributing Frame

mm Millimeters

NEC National Electrical Code

NESC National Electrical Safety Code

NFPA National Fire Protection Association

NID Network Interface Device

No. or # Number

R Ring Conductor

RH Round Head

RUS Rural Utilities Service

SEA Service Entrance, Aerial

SEB Service Entrance, Buried

T Tip Conductor
Bulletin 1753F-801(PC-5A)

Page 11

DEFINITIONS

American National Standards Institute (ANSI): A private sector

standards coordinating body which serves as the United States

source and information center for all American National

Standards.

Ampacity: As defined in the ANSI/National Fire Protection

Association (NFPA) 70-1999, National Electrical Code (NEC):

The current in amperes that a conductor can carry continuously

under the conditions of use without exceeding its temperature

rating. (Reprinted with permission from NFPA 70-1999, the

National Electrical Code, Copyright 1998, National Fire

Protection Association, Quincy, MA 02269. This reprinted

material is not the complete and official position of the

National Fire Protection Association, on the referenced subject

which is represented only by the standard in its entirety.) The

National Electrical Code and NEC are registered trademarks of

the National Fire Protection Association, Inc., Quincy, MA 02269.

Bonding (Bonded): As defined in the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC:

The permanent joining of metallic parts to form an electrically

conductive path that will ensure electrical continuity and the

capacity to conduct safely any current likely to be imposed.

(Reprinted with permission from NFPA 70-1999, the National

Electrical Code, Copyright 1998, National Fire Protection

Association, Quincy, MA 02269. This reprinted material is not

the complete and official position of the National Fire

Protection Association, on the referenced subject which is

represented only by the standard in its entirety.)

Bonding Harness Wire: A reliable electrical conductor

purposefully connected between metal parts which are required to

be electrically connected (bonded) to one another to ensure the

metal parts are at similar electrical potential.

Building Entrance Terminal (BET): A BET is comprised of a

housing suitable for indoor and outdoor installation which

contains quick-connect or binding post terminals for terminating

both telecommunications service cable conductors and inside

wiring cable conductors. The BET also includes primary station

protectors and a means of terminating the metallic shields of

service entrance cables.

Demarcation Point (DP): As defined in the Federal Communications

Commission (FCC) rules in 47 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)

part 68: The point of demarcation or interconnection between

telecommunications company communications facilities and terminal

equipment, protective apparatus, or wiring at a subscriber's

premises. Carrier-installed facilities at, or constituting, the

demarcation point shall consist of wire or a jack conforming to

subpart F of 47 CFR part 68. "Premises" as used herein generally

means a dwelling unit, other building or a legal unit of real

property such as a lot on which a dwelling unit is located, as
Bulletin 1753F-801(PC-5A)

Page 12

determined by the telecommunications company's reasonable and

nondiscriminatory standard operating practices. The "minimum

point of entry" as used herein shall be either the closest

practicable point to where the wiring crosses a property line or

the closest practicable point to where the wiring enters a

multiunit building or buildings. The telecommunications

company's reasonable and nondiscriminatory standard operating

practices shall determine which shall apply. The

telecommunications company is not precluded from establishing

reasonable clarifications of multiunit premises for determining

which shall apply. Multiunit premises include, but are not

limited to, residential, commercial, shopping center, and campus

situations.

a. Single Unit Installations: For single unit

installations existing as of August 13, 1990, and

installations installed after that date, the DP shall be a

point within 12 inches (in.) [305 millimeters (mm)] of the

primary protector, where there is no protector, within

12 in. (305 mm) of where the telecommunications wire enters

the customer's premises.

b. Multiunit Installations: (1) In multiunit premises

existing as of August 13, 1990, the DP shall be determined

in accordance with the local carrier's reasonable and

nondiscriminatory standard operating practices. Provided,

however, that where there are multiple DPs within the

multiunit premises, a DP for a customer shall not be further

inside the customer's premises than a point 12 in. (305 mm)

from where the wiring enters the customer's premises.

(2) In multiunit premises in which wiring is installed

after August 13, 1990, including additions, modifications,

and rearrangements of wiring existing prior to that date,

the telecommunications company may establish a reasonable

and nondiscriminatory practice of placing the DP at the

minimum point of entry. If the telecommunications company

does not elect to establish a practice of placing the DP at

the minimum point of entry, the multiunit premises owner

shall determine the location of the DP or DPs. The

multiunit premises owner shall determine whether there shall

be a single DP for all customers or separate such locations

for each customer. Provided, however, that where there are

multiple DPs within the multiunit premises, a DP for a

customer shall not be further inside the customer's premises

than a point 12 in. (305 mm) from where the wiring enters

the customer's premises.

Eligible Country: Any country that applies with respect to the

United States an agreement ensuring reciprocal access for United

States products and services and United States suppliers to the

markets of that country, as determined by the United States Trade

Representative.
Bulletin 1753F-801(PC-5A)

Page 13

Fuse Link: As defined in the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC: A fine

gauge section of wire or cable that serves as a fuse (that is,

open-circuits to interrupt the current should it become

excessive) that coordinates with the telecommunications cable and

wire plant, and protective devices. (Reprinted with permission

from NFPA 70-1999, the National Electrical Code, Copyright

1998, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA 02269.

This reprinted material is not the complete and official position

of the National Fire Protection Association, on the referenced

subject which is represented only by the standard in its

entirety.)

Grounding Conductor: As defined in the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC:

A conductor used to connect equipment or the grounded circuit of

a wiring system to a grounding electrode or electrodes.

(Reprinted with permission from NFPA 70-1999, the National

Electrical Code, Copyright 1998, National Fire Protection

Association, Quincy, MA 02269. This reprinted material is not

the complete and official position of the National Fire

Protection Association, on the referenced subject which is

represented only by the standard in its entirety.)

Listed: As defined in the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC: Equipment,

materials, or services included in a list published by an

organization acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and

concerned of products or services, that maintains periodic

inspection of production of listed equipment or materials or

periodic evaluation of services, and whose listing states that

either the equipment, material, or services meets identified

standards or has been tested and found suitable for a specified

purpose. (Reprinted with permission from NFPA 70-1999, the

National Electrical Code, Copyright 1998, National Fire

Protection Association, Quincy, MA 02269. This reprinted

material is not the complete and official position of the

National Fire Protection Association, on the referenced subject

which is represented only by the standard in its entirety.)

Manufactured Home: As defined in the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC:

A factory-assembled structure or structures that bears a label

identifying it as a manufactured home that is transportable in

one or more sections, that is built on a permanent chassis and

designed to be used as a dwelling with or without a permanent

foundation where connected to the required utilities, and

includes the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electric

systems contained therein. Unless otherwise indicated, the term

"mobile home" includes manufactured homes. Fine Print Note (FPN)

No. 1: See the applicable building code for definition of the

term permanent foundation. FPN No. 2: See 24 CFR part 3280,

Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards, of the

Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development for

additional information on the definition. (Reprinted with

permission from NFPA 70-1999, the National Electrical Code,

Copyright 1998, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy,

MA 02269. This reprinted material is not the complete and
Bulletin 1753F-801(PC-5A)

Page 14

official position of the National Fire Protection Association, on

the referenced subject which is represented only by the standard

in its entirety.)

Mobile Home: As defined in the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC: A

factory-assembled structure or structures transportable in one or

more sections, that is built on a permanent chassis and designed

to be used as a dwelling without a permanent foundation where

connected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing,

heating, air-conditioning, and electric systems contained

therein. Unless otherwise indicated, the term "mobile home"

includes manufactured homes. (Reprinted with permission from

NFPA 70-1999, the National Electrical Code, Copyright 1998,

National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA 02269. This

reprinted material is not the complete and official position of

the National Fire Protection Association, on the referenced

subject which is represented only by the standard in its

entirety.)

Motor Home: As defined in the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC: A

vehicular unit designed to provide temporary living quarters for

recreational, camping, or travel use built on or permanently

attached to a self-propelled motor vehicle chassis or on a

chassis cab or van that is an integral part of the completed

vehicle. (Reprinted with permission from NFPA 70-1999, the

National Electrical Code, Copyright 1998, National Fire

Protection Association, Quincy, MA 02269. This reprinted

material is not the complete and official position of the

National Fire Protection Association, on the referenced subject

which is represented only by the standard in its entirety.)

Network Interface Device (NID): A NID is comprised of a housing

suitable for outdoor installation which contains a compartment

accessible by only telecommunications employees which includes a

primary station protector and the means for terminating

telecommunications service wire conductors and metallic shields,

and a compartment accessible by customers which includes an RJ-11

plug and jack of the type specified in FCC rules in 47 CFR part

68.

Primary Station Protector: An assembly which complies with RUS

Bulletin 345-39, RUS Specification for Telephone Station

Protectors.

Qualified Installer: A person who has extensive installation

experience, complete knowledge and understanding of RUS Bulletin

1751F-805, Electrical Protection At Customer Locations; RUS

Bulletin 1753F-153 (RUS Form 515d), Specifications and Drawings

for Service Installations at Customer Access Locations, and

applicable portions of the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC, and

ANSI/IEEE C2-1997, NESC.
Bulletin 1753F-801(PC-5A)

Page 15

Recreational Vehicle: As defined in the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999,

NEC: A vehicular-type unit primarily designed as temporary

living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel use, which

either has its own motive power or is mounted on or drawn by

another vehicle. The basic entities are: travel trailer, camping

trailer, truck camper, and motor home. (Reprinted with

permission from NFPA 70-1999, the National Electrical Code, Copyright 1998, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy,

MA 02269. This reprinted material is not the complete and

official position of the National Fire Protection Association, on

the referenced subject which is represented only by the standard

in its entirety.)

RUS Accepted (Material and Equipment): Equipment which RUS has

reviewed and determined that:

a. Final assembly or manufacture of the equipment is

completed in the United States, its territories and

possessions, or in an eligible country;

b. The cost of components within the material or equipment

manufactured in the United States, its territories and

possessions, or in an eligible country is more than 50

percent of the total cost of all components used in the

material or equipment; and

c. The material or equipment is suitable for use on systems

of RUS telecommunications borrowers.

RUS Technically Accepted (Material and Equipment): Equipment

which RUS has reviewed and determined that the material or

equipment is suitable for use on systems of RUS

telecommunications borrowers but the material or equipment does

not satisfy both paragraph (a) and (b) of this definition:

a. Final assembly or manufacture of the equipment is

 not completed in the United States, its territories and

 possessions, or any eligible country; and

b. The cost of components within the material or equipment

 manufactured in the United States, its territories and

 possessions, or in an eligible country is 50 percent or

 less than the total cost of all components used in the

 material or equipment.
Bulletin 1753F-801(PC-5A)

Page 16

Travel Trailer: As defined in the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC: A

vehicular unit, mounted on wheels, designed to provide temporary

living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel use, of such

size and weight as to not require special highway movement

permits when towed by a motorized vehicle and of gross trailer

area less than 320 square feet (29.7 square meters). (Reprinted

with permission from NFPA 70-1999, the National Electrical

Code, Copyright 1998, National Fire Protection Association,

Quincy, MA 02269. This reprinted material is not the complete

and official position of the National Fire Protection

Association, on the referenced subject which is represented only

by the standard in its entirety.)

Truck Camper: As defined in the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC: A

portable unit constructed to provide temporary living quarters

for recreational, travel or camping use, consisting of a roof,

floor, and sides, designed to be loaded onto and unloaded from

the bed of a pick-up truck. (Reprinted with permission from NFPA

70-1999, the National Electrical Code, Copyright 1998,

National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA 02269. This

reprinted material is not the complete and official position of

the National Fire Protection Association, on the referenced

subject which is represented only by the standard in its

entirety.)
Bulletin 1753F-801(PC-5A)

Page 17

1. SCOPE

1.1 This standard covers approved methods of making service

installations at permanent or mobile home customer access

locations in telecommunications systems of Rural Utilities

Service (RUS) borrowers. This standard does not cover service

installations at customer access locations associated with boat

yards or marinas.

1.2 Service installations for customer access locations in boat

yards or marinas shall be performed in accordance with Article

800, Communications Circuits, of the American National Standards

Institute/National Fire Protection Association (ANSI/NFPA) 70-

1999, National Electrical Code(NEC). The National Electrical

Code and NEC are registered trademarks of the National Fire

Protection Association, Inc., Quincy, MA 02269.

1.3 The requirements in this standard cover facilities of the

type described in the Federal Communications Commissions (FCC)

rules in 47 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 68 for one and

multi-party customer owned premises wiring.

2. GENERAL

2.1 For the purposes of this standard, a Network Interface

Device (NID) shall be as defined in the definition section of

this standard and shall contain both a fuseless primary station

protector and a modular plug and jack for each conductor pair, up

to a maximum of 11 pairs, and shall be provided by the

telecommunications company and used by customers.

2.2 For the purposes of this standard, a Building Entrance

Terminal (BET) shall be as defined in the definition section of

this standard and shall contain both primary station protectors

and connector terminals for each conductor pair, of 12 or more

pairs, and shall be provided by the telecommunications company

and used by customers. The primary station protectors may be

either fuseless or fused.

2.3 The requirements provided in this standard have been

designed to coordinate with the provisions of the ANSI/NFPA

70-1999, National Electrical Code (NEC), and the American

National Standards Institute/Institute of Electrical and

Electronics Engineers, Inc. (ANSI/IEEE) C2-1997, National

Electrical Safety Code (NESC). The National Electrical Code

and NEC are registered trademarks of the National Fire

Protection Association, Inc., Quincy, MA 02269. Most state and

local authorities require that utility construction comply with

either the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC, and ANSI/IEEE C2-1997, NESC,

or some earlier editions of the ANSI/NFPA 70, NEC, and

ANSI/IEEE C2, NESC. Some authorities have their own more

stringent codes which may or may not be embellishments of the

ANSI/NFPA 70, NEC, and ANSI/IEEE C2, NESC.
Bulletin 1753F-801(PC-5A)

Page 18

2.4 RUS borrowers shall make certain that all construction

financed with RUS loan funds comply with:

2.4.1 The provisions of this standard and the ANSI/NFPA

70-1999, NEC, and ANSI/IEEE C2-1997, NESC codes, or any more

stringent local codes; or

2.4.2 The provisions of this standard with borrower added

adjustments to bring construction into compliance with any more

stringent local codes.

2.5 This standard is intended primarily for the installer who

will perform the work. It assumes that decisions regarding the

selection of grounding electrodes, locations, and types of

equipment have been made by the RUS borrower or the engineer

delegated by the RUS borrower.

2.6 Only a qualified installer defined in the definition section

of this standard shall be assigned to make installations without

advance planning and without direct supervision.

2.7 This standard contains information which is normally not

provided on the construction drawings which are included in

Section 9 of this standard.

2.8 All work shall be conducted in a careful and professional

manner. Service wire and cable shall not be trampled on, run

over by vehicles, pulled over or around abrasive objects or

otherwise subjected to abuse.

2.9 When situations not covered by this standard arise, the RUS

borrower or the engineer delegated by the borrower, shall specify

the installation procedure to be used. The requirements of

paragraph 2.10 of this section shall be complied with in every

installation.

2.10 NIDs, BETs, and fused primary station protectors shall be

installed and grounded to meet the requirements of the ANSI/NFPA

70-1999, NEC, or local laws or ordinances, whichever are more

stringent.

2.11 Battery polarity and conductor identification shall be

maintained throughout the system as indicated on Construction

Drawings 815 and 815-1 contained in Section 9 of this standard.

Color codes and other means of conductor identification of buried

and aerial service wires shall conform to the requirements of

this standard.

2.12 All materials for which RUS makes acceptance

determinations, such as service wires and cables, ground rods,

ground rod clamps, etc., used in service entrance installations

shall be RUS accepted or RUS technically accepted. Borrowers

shall require contractors to obtain the borrower's approval

before RUS technically accepted materials are to be used in
Bulletin 1753F-801(PC-5A)

Page 19

service entrance installations. Borrower's shall also ensure

that the cost of the technically accepted materials are at least

6 percent less than the cost of equivalent RUS accepted

materials, as specified in "Buy American" Requirement of the

Rural Electrification Act of 1938, as amended. Materials used in

service entrance installations which are of the type which RUS

does not make acceptance determinations shall be of a suitable

quality for their intended application as determined by the RUS

borrower or the engineer delegated by the RUS borrower.

2.13 On completion of an installation, borrowers shall require

the installer to make all applicable tests required by RUS

Bulletin 1753F-201(PC-4), “RUS Standard for Acceptance Tests and

Measurements of Telecommunications Plant.”

3. DEMARCATION POINT

3.1 The demarcation point (DP) provides the physical and

electrical interface between the telecommunications company's

facilities and the customer's premises wiring.

3.2 The FCC rules in 47 CFR part 68 require telecommunications

providers to establish a "DP" which marks a separation of the

provider's facilities from the customer's (owned) premises wiring

and equipment.

3.3 RUS borrowers shall observe the FCC DP requirement by

installing NIDs, BETs, or fused primary station protectors when

required by Section 800-30(a)(2) of the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC,

at all new or significantly modified customer access locations

which are financed with RUS loan funds. The National Electrical

Code and NEC are registered trademarks of the National Fire

Protection Association, Inc., Quincy, MA 02269.

3.4 For all customer access locations of less than 12 pairs, RUS

borrowers shall establish DPs by using either NIDs or fused

primary station protectors when required by Section

800-30(a)(2) of the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC. For customer

access locations of 12 pairs or greater, RUS borrowers shall

establish DPs using either NIDs, BETs, or fused primary station

protectors when required by Section 800-30(a)(2) of the ANSI/NFPA

70-1999, NEC.

4. BURIED SERVICES

4.1 Buried services of two or three pairs shall consist of

Service Entrance Buried (SEB) assembly units, in accordance with

RUS Bulletin 1753F-153 (RUS Form 515d), “Specifications and

Drawings for Service Installations at Customer Access Locations.”

The wire used for buried services shall conform to the

requirements of RUS Bulletin 1753F-206(PE-86), “RUS Specification

for Filled Buried Wires,” and shall be RUS accepted or RUS
Bulletin 1753F-801(PC-5A)

Page 20

technically accepted. The conductor size for two and three pair

buried service wires shall be 22 American Wire Gauge (AWG).

4.2 Buried services of six or more pairs shall be RUS accepted

or RUS technically accepted 22 AWG filled buried cable conforming

to the requirements of RUS Bulletin 1753F-205(PE-39), “RUS

Specification for Filled Telephone Cables.”

4.3 Buried service wire or cable shall be terminated in buried

plant housings using either splicing connectors or filled

terminal blocks in accordance with the applicable paragraphs of

RUS Bulletin 1753F-401(PC-2), “RUS Standard for Splicing Copper

and Fiber Optic Cables.”

4.4 Buried service wire or cable shall be identified at buried

plant housings in accordance with Construction Drawing 958

contained in Section 9 of this standard.

4.5 Buried service wire or cable shall be installed up to the

building in the same general manner as buried exchange cable but

in addition must meet the following requirements:

4.5.1 Light weight lawn plows or trenchers shall be used;

4.5.2 The shortest feasible route commensurate with the

requirements of paragraphs 7.9, 7.10, and 7.11 of Section 7 of

this standard, and paragraph 4.6.1 of this section shall be

followed;

4.5.3 Buried service wire or cable shall be plowed or trenched

to a depth of 12 inches (in.) [305 millimeters (mm)] or greater

where practicable in soil, 36 in. (914 mm) in ditches, or 3 in.

(76 mm) in rock. Depths shall be measured from the top of the

wire or cable to the surface of the ground or rock;

4.5.4 In the case of a layer of soil over rock either the

minimum depth in rock measured to the surface of the rock, or the

minimum depth in soil measured to the surface of the soil may be

used; and

4.5.5 Where adequate advance planning has been done, burial of

telecommunications services jointly with electric power services

may be feasible. If a decision has been reached by management to

provide joint occupancy services, the services may be installed

using the recommendations in RUS Bulletin 1751F-640, "Design of

Buried Plant – Physical Considerations."

4.6 Buried service wire or cable shall be installed on or in

buildings as follows:

4.6.1 Each buried service wire or cable shall contact the

building as close to the NID, BET, or fused primary station

protector as practicable. Service wire or cable runs on buildings

shall normally consist of a single vertical run held to the
Bulletin 1753F-801(PC-5A)

Page 21

minimum practical length. Horizontal and diagonal runs shall not

be permitted;

4.6.2 Buried service wire or cable shall be located so as to

avoid damage from lawn mowers, animals, gardening operations,

etc.;

4.6.3 Buried service wire or cable shall be installed against a

foundation wall or pillar to provide adequate support and

mechanical protection;

4.6.4 Where it is likely that the service wire or cable shall be

subjected to mechanical damage, the wire or cable shall be

enclosed in a guard in accordance with Assembly Unit Drawing BM83

contained in Section 9 of this standard;

4.6.5 The first above-ground attachment for a buried service

wire or cable, unless it is enclosed in a guard, shall not be

more than 4 in. (100 mm) above final grade;

4.6.6 Uninsulated attachment devices may be used to attach

buried service wire and cable to masonry and other types of

noncombustible buildings and on any type of building if fuseless

primary station protectors incorporated in NIDs or BETs are used

and installations fully comply with Section 800-30(a)(1) of the

ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC. The National Electrical Code and NEC

are registered trademarks of the National Fire Protection

Association, Inc., Quincy, MA 02269;

4.6.7 Insulated attachments shall be used to separate service

wires or cables from woodwork where Section 800-30(a)(2) of the

ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC, requiring the use of fused primary

station protectors must be observed;

4.6.8 Minimum separation between buried service wire or cable

and other facilities shall be as listed in Table 1 of this

section as follows:
Bulletin 1753F-801(PC-5A)

Page 22

Table 1

Minimum Separation for Telecommunications Wires and Cables

On or In Buildings

Foreign Facility or Obstruction

Minimum Clearance

In. [mm](1)(2)

Telecommunications Company’s

Wires or Cables

Electric supply wire including

neutral and grounding

conductors

Open

In conduit

4 [102]

2 [50.8]

Radio and television antennas,

lead-in and grounding

conductors

4 [102]

Lightning rods and lightning

conductors 72 [1830](3)

All foreign grounding

conductors except lightning rod

ground conductors

Neon signs and associated

wiring

2 [50.8]

6 [150]

Metallic objects - pipes (gas,

cold water, oil, sewer,) and

structures

2 [50.8](4)

Wires or cables of another

communications system 2 [50.8]

Notes: (1) If minimum separation cannot be obtained,

 nonshielded wire and cable facilities shall be

 protected with either porcelain tubes or flexible

 flexible tubing as modified by Notes (3) and (4).

 (2) Separation applies to crossings and parallel

 runs.

 (3) If this separation cannot be obtained, bond the

 telecommunications grounding conductors or grounding

 electrode to the lightning rod grounding conductor or

 grounding electrode with at least a Number (No.)

 6 AWG copper, insulated, ground wire. With this

 provision a minimum separation of 4 in. (100 mm) is

 acceptable but this provision must not be utilized if

 the separation cited in the table can be maintained.

 (4) Increase to a minimum of 3 in. (75 mm)

 separation from steam or hot water pipes, heating

 ducts, and other heat sources.
Bulletin 1753F-801(PC-5A)

Page 23

4.6.9 Wire and cable attachments to buildings for outside

mounted NIDs, BETs, or fused primary station protectors shall be

in accordance with Construction Drawing 962 contained in

Section 9 of this standard;

4.6.10 Appropriate devices for attaching service wire or cable

on or in buildings vary with the type of building construction

and the wire or cable size. Figures 1 and 2 of this standard

illustrate various types of anchoring devices and their

applications. The size and type of fastening device for the wire

or cable size and type of surface shall be in accordance with the

manufacturer's recommendation;

4.6.11 Experience indicates that there are objections from many

owners of buildings covered with aluminum or vinyl siding to the

drilling of holes in the siding for the attachment of wires or

cables, and NIDs, BETs, or fused primary station protectors. It

is, therefore, important to obtain permission from the owner

before drilling holes in such siding;

4.6.12 If the NID, BET, or fused primary station protector must

be mounted inside (not recommended by RUS), the service entrance

into the building shall be installed in accordance with Section

800-12(c) of the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC. After pulling-in the

wire or cable, the free space around the cable or wire shall be

carefully sealed both outside and inside with a duct sealer that

has RUS acceptance or RUS technical acceptance; and

4.6.13 If the customer requests an all buried installation for

an alarm system or objects to above-ground facilities because of

appearance and one-party service is involved, the entrance hole

shall be made below grade as shown in Sketch C of Construction

Drawing 510-2 contained in Section 9 of this standard. Care

shall be exercised to prevent damage to the building foundation.

The hole shall be sealed as specified in paragraph 4.6.12 of this

section. The installation shall comply with all the requirements

of Section 800-12(c) of the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC.

4.7 When the NID, BET, or fused primary station protector is to

be installed inside the building, the installation shall comply

with Section 800-12(c) of the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC, and the

outside plant wire or cable shall preferably be installed in a

rigid metal or intermediate metal conduit that is grounded to an

electrode in accordance with Section 800-40(b) of the ANSI/NFPA

70-1999, NEC, as shown in Sketch A of Figure 3 of this

standard. The shield of the outside plant wire or cable shall be

bonded to the grounding terminal of the NID, BET, or fused

primary station protector which in turn shall be connected to the

closest, existing, and accessible grounding electrode, of the

electrodes cited in Section 800-40(b) of the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999,

NEC.

4.8 An inside NID, BET, or fused primary station protector

installation may also be made without use of a rigid metal or
Bulletin 1753F-801(PC-5A)

Page 24

intermediate metal conduit provided that the ingress of the

outside plant wire or cable complies with Section 800-12(c) of

the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC, and provided either of the

following are observed:

4.8.1 The NID, BET, or fused primary station protector is

located as close as practicable to the point where the outside

plant wire or cable emerges through an exterior wall. The length

of outside plant wire or cable exposed within the building shall

be as short as practicable but in no case shall it be longer than

50 feet (ft) [15.2 meters (m)] in accordance with the allowable

exception No. 3 of Section 800-50 of the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999,

NEC. See Sketch B of Figure 3 of this standard. The shield of

the outside plant wire or cable shall be bonded to the grounding

terminal of the NID, BET, or fused primary station protector

which in turn shall be connected to the closest, existing and

accessible grounding electrode, of the electrodes cited in

Section 800-40(b) of the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC (Fine print

Note No. 2 of ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC, Section 800-50, warns

that the full 50 ft (15.2 m) may not be authorized for outside

unlisted cable (not in a metal or intermediate metal conduit)

within a building if it is practicable to place the NID, BET, or

fused primary station protector closer than 50 ft (15.2 m) to the

cable entrance point, e.g., if there is an acceptable and

accessible grounding electrode of the type cited in Section 800-

40(b) of the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC, anywhere along the

proposed routing of the outside cable within the building); or

4.8.2 Where the NID, BET, or fused primary station protector

must be located within the building remote from the entrance

point and the entrance point of the outside plant wire or cable

cannot be designed to be closer to the NID, BET, or fused primary

station protector location, the outside plant wire or cable shall

be spliced, as close as practicable to the point where the

outside plant wire or cable emerges through an outside wall, to

an inside wiring cable that is "Listed" as being suitable for the

purpose in accordance with Part E of Article 800 of the ANSI/NFPA

70-1999, NEC. The length of outside plant wire or cable

exposed within the building shall be as short as practicable but

in no case shall it be longer than 50 ft (15.2 m) in accordance

with the allowable exception No. 3 of Section 800-50 of the

ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC. See Sketch C of Figure 3 of this

standard. The shield of the outside plant wire or cable shall be

bonded to the grounding terminal of the NID, BET, or fused

primary station protector which in turn shall be connected to the

closest, existing, and accessible grounding electrode, of the

electrodes cited in Section 800-40(b) of the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999,

NEC (Fine print Note No. 2 of the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC, Section 800-50, warns that the full 50 ft (15.2 m) may not be

authorized for outside unlisted cable (not in a metal or

intermediate metal conduit) if it is practicable to place the

NID, BET, or fused primary station protector closer than 50 ft

(15.2 m) to the cable entrance point, e.g., if there is an

acceptable and accessible grounding electrode of the type cited
Bulletin 1753F-801(PC-5A)

Page 25

in Section 800-40(b) of the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC, anywhere

along the proposed routing of the outside cable within the

building).

4.9 The polarity of buried wire or cable "tip" and "ring"

conductors shall be maintained by making the connections in

accordance with Table 2 of this section, as follows:

Table 2

Color Codes For Tip And Ring Connections of Inside Wiring Cable

Tip Ring

Pair

Color of

Insulation

Color of

Marking

Color of

Insulation

Color of

Marking

1 White Blue Blue White

2 White Orange Orange White

3 White Green Green White

4 White Brown Brown White

5 White Slate Slate White

6 Red Blue Blue Red

7 Red Orange Orange Red

8 Red Green Green Red

9 Red Brown Brown Red

10 Red Slate Slate Red

11 Black Blue Blue Black

12 Black Orange Orange Black

13 Black Green Green Black

14 Black Brown Brown Black

15 Black Slate Slate Black

16 Yellow Blue Blue Yellow

17 Yellow Orange Orange Yellow

18 Yellow Green Green Yellow

19 Yellow Brown Brown Yellow

20 Yellow Slate Slate Yellow

21 Violet Blue Blue Violet

22 Violet Orange Orange Violet

23 Violet Green Green Violet

24 Violet Brown Brown Violet

25 Violet Slate Slate Violet

5. AERIAL WIRE SERVICES

5.1 Aerial services of one through six pairs shall consist of

Service Entrance Aerial (SEA) assembly units, in accordance with

RUS Bulletin 1753F-153 (RUS Form 515d), “Specifications and

Drawings for Service Installations at Customer Access Locations.

The wire used for aerial services shall conform to the

requirements of RUS Bulletin 1753F-204(PE-7), “RUS Specification

for Aerial Service Wires,” and shall be RUS accepted or RUS

technically accepted.
Bulletin 1753F-801(PC-5A)

Page 26

5.2 If aerial wire services are to be connected to aerial cable

pairs, the NIDs or fused primary station protectors and grounds

shall be installed and connected before the aerial service wires

are attached to the customer's structure.

5.3 Kinks or splices shall not be permitted in aerial service

wire spans.

5.4 Aerial service wires shall be run in accordance with the

Construction Drawings contained in Section 9 of this standard and

shall conform to all clearance requirements of the ANSI/NFPA 70-

1999, NEC, and ANSI/IEEE C2-1997, NESC, or local laws or

ordinances, whichever are the most stringent. The National

Electrical Code and NEC are registered trademarks of the

National Fire Protection Association, Inc., Quincy, MA 02269.

5.5 Aerial service wire shall be installed using the maximum

practicable sag consistent with the required ground clearance and

good construction practices. In no event shall the minimum sags

be less than the values shown on Construction Drawing 505

contained in Section 9 of this standard for various span lengths

and loading areas provided. Span lengths shall not exceed 250 ft

(76 m).

5.6 To reduce vibration and galloping, aerial service wire shall

be twisted one complete turn for each 10 ft (3 m) of span length

at the time of installation.

5.7 The methods of attaching aerial service wires at poles shall

be as illustrated in Construction Drawings 503-2 and 504

contained in Section 9 of this standard.

5.8 Horizontal and vertical climbing spaces on poles used

jointly with power circuits shall be provided in conformance with

the requirements of Rule 236 of ANSI/IEEE C2-1997, NESC.

5.9 Not more than four aerial service wires shall be distributed

from any one 7/16 in. (10 mm) drive hook, or more than two aerial

service wires from any one 5/16 in. (8 mm) drive hook. Aerial

service wires and drive hooks shall be arranged so that the load

does not pull the drive hook out of the pole. When more than one

drive hook is required, the drive hooks shall be staggered with a

minimum separation of 1 in. (25.4 mm) horizontally on centers and

1.5 in. (40 mm) vertically on centers. If drive hooks are placed

within 3 in. (76 mm) of the top of the pole and on the opposite

side of the pole’s circumference, a vertical separation of at

least 3 in. (76 mm) shall be provided. A drive hook shall not be

placed on the top of a pole or stub pole.

5.10 When connecting aerial service wires to cable pairs at

terminals, sufficient slack shall be provided so that each aerial

service wire shall reach any binding post position as shown on

Construction Drawing 312-1 contained in Section 9 of this

standard.
Bulletin 1753F-801(PC-5A)

Page 27

5.11 Aerial service wire attachments on utility poles and the

manner of placing bridle rings and entering cable terminals shall

be as shown on Construction Drawing 503-2 contained in Section 9

of this standard.

5.12 Not more than two conductors shall be connected to any

terminal binding post. Where it is necessary to bridge more than

two aerial service wires at the same closure, the aerial service

wires shall be terminated in aerial service wire terminals

connected in parallel with a No. 20 AWG bridle wire which shall

be terminated on the binding posts of the filled terminal block.

5.13 Where aerial service wire is attached to aerial plastic

cable, it shall be brought directly into a ready-access closure

and shall be terminated on the binding posts of the filled

terminal block as shown on Construction Drawing 503-2 contained

in Section 9 of this standard.

5.14 The conductor of copper coated steel reinforced aerial

service wires identified by tracer ridges shall be used as the

ring (negative battery) conductor of the pair, and shall normally

be connected to the right or lower binding post of a pair on

filled terminal blocks and NIDs or fused primary station

protectors.

5.15 Nonmetallic Reinforced Aerial Service Wire Pair

Identification.

5.15.1 The tip and ring conductors of nonmetallic reinforced

aerial service wires shall be identified in accordance with

Table 3 of this section, as follows:

Table 3

Nonmetallic Reinforced Aerial Service Wire Color Code

Pair Number Conductor Color

Tip Ring

1 White/Blue or White Blue

2 White/Orange or White Orange

3 White/Green or White Green

4 White/Brown or White Brown

5 White/Slate or White Slate

6 Red/Blue or Red Blue

5.15.2 The ring (negative battery) conductor of the pair shall

normally be connected to the right or lower binding post of a

pair on filled terminal blocks and NIDs or fused primary station

protectors.

5.16 When it is necessary to avoid intervening obstacles between

a pole and a building, span clamp attachments shall be used to

support the aerial service wires at points between the poles that
Bulletin 1753F-801(PC-5A)

Page 28

are supporting the cable on the suspension strand as indicated by

Construction Drawings 501-1 and 501-2 contained in Section 9 of

this standard.

5.17 Aerial service wire strung from pole to pole shall be

placed entirely below or entirely above any existing wire or

cable. When adequate ground clearance can be obtained,

preference shall be given to placing aerial service wire below

wire and cable.

5.18 When more than one aerial service wire is installed from

pole to pole, the first aerial service wire shall be sagged in

accordance with Construction Drawing 505 contained in Section 9

of this standard. Succeeding aerial service wires shall be

sagged with 2 in.(50.8 mm) more sag for each aerial service wire.

5.19 Aerial service wire spans from pole lines to buildings

shall follow the shortest feasible route commensurate with the

requirements of paragraph 5.20 of this section and shall be

sagged in accordance with Construction Drawing 505 contained in

Section 9 of this standard. The route shall avoid trees and

other obstructions to the extent practicable. Where trees cannot

be avoided, tree trimming permission shall be obtained from the

owner or the owner's representative, and all limbs and foliage

within 2 ft (600 mm) of the finally sagged wire shall be removed.

If tree trimming permission cannot be obtained, the matter shall

be referred to the borrower for resolution before proceeding with

the installation.

5.20 Aerial service wires shall contact buildings as closely as

practicable at a point directly above the NID, or fused primary

station protector. Generally, horizontal drop wire runs on

buildings shall not exceed 20 ft (6 m). The warning given in

paragraph 4.6.11 of Section 4 of this standard regarding drilling

holes in aluminum and vinyl siding applies also to attaching

aerial service wires.

5.21 The point of the first building attachment shall be located

so that the aerial service wire will be clear of roof drainage

points.

5.22 Where practicable, aerial service wires shall pass under

electrical guys, power distribution secondaries and services,

tree limbs, etc.

5.23 Aerial service wire shall not pass in front of windows or

immediately above doors.

5.24 Aerial service wires shall be routed so as to have a

minimum clearance of 2 ft (600 mm) from any part of a short wave,

ham radio, etc. antenna mast and a television antenna mast in its

normal vertical position and of the possible region through which

it sweeps when being lowered to a horizontal position.
Bulletin 1753F-801(PC-5A)

Page 29

5.25 Aerial service wires shall be installed such that all

clearances and separations comply with either Section 237 of the

ANSI/IEEE C2-1997, NESC, or ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC, or local

laws or ordinances, whichever is the most stringent.

5.26 Aerial service wire attachments to buildings shall be as

follows:

5.26.1 First attachments on buildings shall be made in

accordance with Construction Drawings 506, 507, or 508-1

contained in Section 9 of this standard, as applicable;

5.26.2 Intermediate attachments on buildings shall be made in

accordance with Construction Drawings 510 or 510-1 contained in

Section 9 of this standard; and

5.26.3 Uninsulated attachments shall be permitted to be used as

follows:

a. Wherever NIDs are used as permitted by Section

800-30(a)(1) of the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC; and

b. On masonry and other types of nonflammable buildings.

5.27 Insulated attachments shall be used on wooden frame,

metallic siding and other types of combustible buildings where

fused primary station protectors are used, as required by Section

800-30(a)(2) of the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC.

5.28 Aerial service wire runs on buildings shall be attached

vertically and horizontally in a neat and most inconspicuous

possible manner. See Construction Drawing 513 contained in

Section 9 of this standard. Horizontal runs on buildings are

undesirable and shall be kept to a minimum. Diagonal runs shall

not be made.

5.29 Aerial service wire runs on buildings shall be located so

as not to be subjected to damage from passing vehicles,

pedestrians, or livestock.

5.30 Minimum separation between aerial service wires and other

facilities on or in buildings shall be in accordance with

Table 1 in paragraph 4.6.8 of Section 4 of this standard.

5.31 Appropriate devices for attaching aerial service wires to

buildings vary with the type of building construction and with

the type of customer access location equipment. Table 4 of this

section lists various types of attachments and their application

with respect to construction, customer access location equipment,

and proper mounting devices. Construction Drawings 506 through

513 contained in Section 9 of this standard illustrate

requirements with respect to various angles of service wire

contacts and uses of various attachments. Table 4 of this

section is as follows:

Bulletin 1753F-801(PC-5A)

Page 31

Notes: (1) Screw dimensions are minimum. Where

 appropriate, either or both dimensions shall be

 increased. All wood screws for exterior use shall

 be stainless steel. All other exterior metal devices

 shall be stainless steel, zinc coated steel, silicon

 bronze, or corrosion resistant aluminum alloy.

 (2) Toggle bolt dimensions are minimum. Where

 appropriate, either or both dimensions shall be

 increased.

 (3) All devices should be attached to studding.

 (4) Screw-type devices shall be secured by means of

 expansion-type anchors. Equivalent manual or

 machine-driven devices may be used. Where toggle

 bolts are specified equivalent devices may be used.

 (5) Pilot holes shall be provided for screws and

 bridle rings in shingles and dropsiding.

 (6) Attachment device not applicable.

 (7) Attachment device applicable but no separate

 fastening device required.

 (8) To convert English units to Metric units use

 1 in. = 25.4 mm.

5.32 Fastener spacings for vertical and horizontal runs on frame

or masonry buildings shall not be more than 6 ft (2 m) apart.

Fasteners should be spaced close enough to prevent the aerial

service wire from "slapping" against the building during windy

conditions.

5.33 When it is necessary to pass behind or around obstructions

such as downspouts and vertical conduits, the aerial service wire

shall be supported firmly with attachment devices placed not more

than 6 in. (152 mm) from the obstruction as illustrated in

Figures 4 and 5 of this standard. Preferably, the aerial service

wire should be routed behind obstructions to minimize the

possibility of mechanical damage to the aerial service wire in

the event repair work to the obstruction is required.

5.34 When passing around building projections of masonry or wood

or around corners, aerial service wires shall be installed as

illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 of this standard.

5.35 In areas where ice and snow conditions are severe, aerial

service wires shall be located so that ice and snow falling from

the roof will not strike the wires. However, where aerial

service wires must pass under the sloping part of the roof, first

attachments shall be made as close as practicable to the eaves.
Bulletin 1753F-801(PC-5A)

Page 32

5.36 If two aerial service wire spans are required to the same

building, the first attachment shall be such that both aerial

service wires can be attached at the same attachment device.

Refer to Construction Drawing 508-1 contained in Section 9 of

this standard. Where more than two aerial service wires are

required, additional attachment devices in the same general

location on the building shall be used.

5.37 When two or more aerial service wire runs are required on

the same building they shall share the same type of attachment

devices.

5.38 Aerial service wire entrances to buildings shall conform to

Sketch B of Construction Drawing 510-2 contained in Section 9 of

this standard, unless the entrance is made through a conduit.

5.39 When the aerial service wire approaches the entrance hole

from above, a 1.5 in. (40 mm) minimum drip loop shall be formed

in accordance with Sketch B of Construction Drawing 510-2

contained in Section 9 of this standard.

5.40 If an entrance conduit which slopes upward from outside to

inside is available and suitably located, it shall be used for

the aerial service wire entrance.

6. AERIAL CABLE SERVICES

6.1 Where more than six pairs are needed initially, and where an

aerial service is necessary, the service shall consist of 22 AWG

filled aerial cable of a pair size adequate for the ultimate

anticipated service needs of the building. The cable shall

comply with the requirements of RUS Bulletin 1753F-205(PE-39),

“RUS Specification for Filled Telephone Cables,” and shall be RUS

accepted or technically accepted.

6.2 Aerial cable services shall be constructed in accordance

with specific installation specifications prepared by the RUS

borrower or the engineer delegated by the borrower.

6.3 Unless otherwise specified in the installation

specifications, aerial cable service installations shall

meet the following requirements:

6.3.1 Strand supported lashed construction shall be used;

6.3.2 Where practicable a 5/16 in. (8 mm) utility grade strand

and automatic clamps shall be used in slack spans to avoid damage

to the building;

6.3.3 Construction on poles shall comply with applicable

construction drawings for regular line construction. Aerial

service cable shall be spliced to the main cable in accordance
Bulletin 1753F-801(PC-5A)

Page 33

with RUS Bulletin 1753F-401(PC-2), “RUS Standard for Splicing

Copper and Fiber Optic Cables”;

6.3.4 Where practicable, aerial cable shall pass under

electrical guys, distribution secondaries, and services;

6.3.5 The suspension strand shall be attached to the building by

wall brackets as indicated in Figure 7 of this standard.

6.3.5.1 If taut spans are necessary, appropriate size strand may

be used if the pull is in line with one wall of the building, or

within 20 degrees of being in line as illustrated in Sketch A of

Figure 7 of this standard. If the angle of pull is greater than

20 degrees from the building, the wall bracket shall be

reinforced against pullout by an arrangement equivalent to Sketch

B of Figure 7 of this standard. Taut spans may be strung using

the recommendations in RUS Bulletin 1751F-630, “Design of Aerial

Plant.” The same tension as would be used in normal line

construction so as not to exceed 60 percent of the breaking

strength of the strand under maximum loading shall be used. Taut

spans shall not exceed 100 ft (30.5 m) in length and the cable

weight shall not exceed 1 pound/foot (lb/ft) [1.5 kilogram/meter

(kg/m)] except when equivalent combinations of greater span

lengths with cable weight less than 1 lb/ft (1.5 kg/m) are

permissible.

6.3.5.2 When an attachment must be made to the face of a

building wall away from a corner, a "U" type wall bracket shall

be used as indicated in Sketch C of Figure 7 of this standard.

Only slack span construction with 5/16 in. (8 mm) utility grade

strand shall be permitted in this situation. The bail of the

automatic clamp shall be protected by a wire rope thimble.

6.3.6 Aerial cable shall be located on the rear or side of the

building and shall be run only in a horizontal or a vertical

direction. The cable route shall be selected so as to avoid

building projections and obstructions to the extent practicable;

6.3.7 Cable attachment devices shall be located in solid masonry

or on studs of wood frame buildings. Cable attachment devices

may be installed on sheet surface materials only when such

materials are reinforced with a backing material which allows

penetration and firm holding of the attachment devices through

the backing material;

6.3.8 The minimum separation on or in buildings between cable

and other facilities shall be as indicated in Table 1 of

paragraph 4.6.8 of Section 4 of this standard;

6.3.9 On horizontal runs, cable clamps shall be placed so that

the attachment is below the cable. On vertical runs, cable

clamps shall be placed so that the attachment is on the same side

as horizontal runs. Cable clamps shall be placed on the inside

of cable bends;
Bulletin 1753F-801(PC-5A)

Page 34

6.3.10 On horizontal runs, cable clamps shall be placed not more

than 16 in. (400 mm) apart for cable diameters equal to or

greater than 1 in. (25.4 mm) and 24 in. (600 mm) apart for cable

diameters less than 1 in. (25.4 mm);

6.3.11 On vertical runs, cable clamps shall be approximately

24 in. (600 mm) apart for all sizes of cable;

6.3.12 For the cable entrance, holes shall be bored slightly

larger in diameter than the cable and shall slope upward from

outside to inside. A duct sealer having RUS acceptance or RUS

technical acceptance shall be applied to both ends of the hole

after the cable is pulled in; and

6.3.13 Paragraphs 4.7 and 4.8 of Section 4 of this standard

shall also apply to aerial cable services.

7. CUSTOMER ACCESS LOCATION PROTECTION

7.1 All customer access locations shall be protected.

7.2 Customer access location protection shall consist of

installing the telecommunications facilities with proper

clearances and insulation from other facilities, providing

primary voltage limiting protection, fuse links, NIDs, BETs, or

fused primary station protectors, if required, and adequate

bonding and grounding.

7.3 All NIDs shall be RUS accepted or RUS technically accepted

or the RUS borrower shall obtain RUS regional office approval on

a case by case basis as applicable.

7.4 All BETs shall be RUS accepted or RUS technically accepted.

7.5 All fused primary station protectors shall be RUS accepted

or RUS technically accepted.

7.6 NIDs, BETs, or fused primary station protectors shall be

mounted outside for all applications except for those described

in paragraphs 7.7 through 7.7.3 of this section.

7.7 NIDs, BETs, or fused primary station protectors may be

mounted inside when:

7.7.1 Large buildings are to be served and the customer requests

an inside installation;

7.7.2 Buried alarm circuits are requested by the subscriber; or

7.7.3 The customer requests an all buried installation for

appearance or to prevent the drilling of holes in aluminum or

vinyl siding.
Bulletin 1753F-801(PC-5A)

Page 35

7.8 Outside mounted NIDs, BETs, or fused primary station

protectors shall be easily accessible and shall be located

between 3 to 5 ft (1 to 1.5 m) above final grade.

7.9 The locations of NIDs, BETs, or fused primary station

protectors shall be selected with emphasis on utilizing the

shortest primary station protector grounding conductor

practicable and on grounding of the telecommunications primary

station protector to the electric service grounding system

established at the building served utilizing electrodes (c)

through (g) cited in Section 800-40(b)(1) of the ANSI/NFPA

70-1999, NEC. The National Electrical Code and NEC are

registered trademarks of the National Fire Protection

Association, Inc., Quincy, MA 02269.

7.10 If access to the building electric service grounding

system, as referenced in paragraph 7.9 of this section, is not

possible or is not reasonable [telecommunications primary station

protector grounding conductor will be longer than 10 ft (3 m)],

the NID, BET, or fused primary station protector shall be located

as close as practicable to electrodes (a) or (b) cited in Section

800-40(b)(1) of the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC.

7.11 In addition, the NID, BET, or fused primary station

protector shall be located in, on, or immediately adjacent to the

structure or building to be served as close as practicable to the

point at which the telecommunications service wire attaches to

the building, making sure that the telecommunications primary

station protector grounding conductor is connected to the

closest, existing, and accessible electrode, of the electrodes

cited in paragraph 7.9 or 7.10 of this section.

7.12 For the preferred customer access location installation,

the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC, permits the telecommunications

grounding conductor to be connected to the metallic conduit,

service equipment closure, or electric grounding conductor as

shown in Figure 8 of this standard.

7.12.1 Connections to metallic conduits shall be made by ground

straps clamped over a portion of the conduit that has been

cleaned by sanding down to bare metal.

7.12.2 Connections to metallic service equipment closures shall

be made by attaching a connector which is listed for the purpose

by some organization acceptable to the local authority (State,

county, etc.) per Article 100 of the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC, definition for "Listed" [for example connectors listed for the

purpose by Underwriters Laboratories (UL)].

7.13 Where it is not possible to accomplish the objective of

paragraphs 7.9, 7.10, and 7.11 of this section, interior metallic

pipes may be used to the maximum practicable extent to gain

access to the electric service ground as shown in Figure 9 of

this standard. Note that the water pipe in Figure 9 of this
Bulletin 1753F-801(PC-5A)

Page 36

standard is electrically continuous between electric and

telecommunications bonds to the cold water pipe and it is used

only as a portion of a bonding conductor and, therefore, does not

have to be "acceptable" as a ground electrode but may be floating

(isolated from ground by a plastic pipe section). ANSI/NFPA 70-

1999, NEC, requires that metal piping be used as a bonding

conductor in this manner only when the connectors to the pipe are

within 1.5 m (5 ft) of where the pipe enters the premises. This

is not the preferred installation. The RUS preferred

installation has the telecommunications primary station protector

grounded directly to an accessible location near the power

grounding system. See paragraphs 7.12 through 7.12.2 of this

section.

7.14 Where the telecommunications premises system at a

customer's access location is grounded to a separate electrode

(of any type) this telecommunications grounding electrode must be

bonded to the electric grounding system with a No. 6 AWG or

larger copper insulated grounding conductor. Bonding of separate

electrodes is a requirement of the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC.

7.15 The NID, BET, or fused primary station protector pair size

shall be selected for the number of lines anticipated within five

years.

7.16 When lightning damage is considered probable or customer

access locations are remote from the borrower's headquarters, use

of maximum duty gas tube primary station protectors incorporated

in NIDs, BETs, or fused primary station protectors should be

considered. (See RUS TE&CM 823, “Electrical Protection by Use of

Gas Tube Arresters”).

7.17 NIDs or BETs incorporating fuseless station protectors

shall always be used in preference to fused station protectors or

BETs incorporating fused protectors, when in the judgment of the

RUS borrower or the engineer delegated by the RUS borrower, the

requirements of the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC, for fuseless

station protectors can be met.

7.18 A fuse link consisting of a copper conductor two gauges

(AWG) finer (numerically higher) conductivity than the aerial

service wire shall be provided between the cable and aerial

service wire where NIDs or BETs incorporating fuseless station

protectors are used. Thus for a 22 AWG drop, a fuse link of No.

24 AWG or finer copper wire shall be provided. If the cable

circuit is No. 24 gauge or finer, the cable conductors serve as

the fuse link for the 22 AWG aerial service wire and no separate

fuse link is necessary. (Note: The fuse link or the facilities

serving as the fuse link must be located between the

telecommunications facilities that are exposed to possible power

cross and the customer drop where there is no exposure to

possible power cross.)
Bulletin 1753F-801(PC-5A)

Page 37

7.19 RUS's buried plant practices require buried main line plant

to be protected against power contacts to aerial plant extensions

and aerial inserts by No. 24 AWG fuse links at every buriedaerial junction.

7.20 In aerial cable plant, fuse links are usually provided by

24 AWG leads on filled terminal blocks regardless of the gauge of

the cable conductors. This practice is acceptable if the

ampacity of the aerial service wire is sufficiently higher than

the fuse link's ampacity.

7.21 The grounding and bonding of each NID, BET, or fused

primary station protector shall be selected by consulting

paragraphs 7.9 through 7.14 of this section. The "first choice"

assembly unit shall be selected whenever the prevailing

conditions make its use practicable. The NID, BET, or fused

primary station protector assembly unit selected shall be

installed in accordance with the appropriate construction drawing

specified in RUS Bulletin1753F-153 (RUS Form 515d),

“Specifications and Drawings for Service Installations at

Customer Access Locations.”

7.22 The minimum size grounding conductor that can be used with

a single NID; a group of NIDs; a multipair NID; fused protector;

or BET shall be in accordance Table 5 of this section, as

follows:

Table 5

Grounding Conductor Size Versus Number of Circuits

Number of Circuits

Minimum Grounding

Conductor Size

Fuseless

(Carbon or Gas Tube) Fused

#12 AWG, copper, insulated 1 to 2 1 to 3

#10 AWG, copper, insulated 3 to 5 4 to 7

#6 AWG, copper, insulated 6 or more 8 or more

7.23 Grounding conductor runs between the NID, BET, or fused

station protector and the ground electrode shall conform to the

following:

7.23.1 The shortest, most direct route practicable shall be

used;

7.23.2 Sharp bends in the grounding conductor shall be avoided

during installation;

7.23.3 No splices shall be made in the grounding conductor;

7.23.4 Grounding conductors shall not be fished through walls,

under floors, or placed in bridle rings or any metal conduit

unless the grounding conductor is bonded to the conductor at both

ends of the metallic conduit;
Bulletin 1753F-801(PC-5A)

Page 38

7.23.5 Grounding conductor runs from an outside mounted NID,

BET, or fused station protector to an inside ground electrode

shall use the same entrance as the station wire; and

7.23.6 Grounding conductor runs from an outside mounted NID,

BET, or fused station protector to an outside ground electrode at

the building shall be attached to the exterior surface of the

building or buried. If buried, the grounding conductor shall be

either plowed or trenched to a minimum depth of 12 in. (300 mm).

When trenched, the trenches shall be as close to the side of the

building as practicable, backfilled, and tamped to restore the

earth to its original condition.

7.24 Telecommunications grounding connectors shall be RUS

accepted or technically accepted. Grounding and bonding

conductors shall be made of copper. Where the grounding and

bonding conductors must be connected to aluminum electric service

grounding conductors, bimetal grounding connectors shall be used.

7.25 Grounding conductor attachments shall conform to the

following:

7.25.1 Galvanized nails or clamps, or nickel-copper alloy

staples shall be used for grounding conductor attachments in

accordance with Table 6 of this section;

7.25.2 Grounding conductors, station or buried service wires in

parallel runs may share the same fastening device when the device

is specifically designed for two wires. See Table 6 of this

section for station wire and grounding conductor fasteners; and

7.25.3 Grounding conductor fasteners shall be placed 12 to

18 in. (300 to 450 mm) apart on straight runs and 2 to 4 in.

(50.8 to 100 mm) apart at corners and at bends. Table 6 of this

section is as follows:

Bulletin 1753F-801(PC-5A)

Page 40

Notes: (1) Screw dimensions are minimum. Where

 appropriate, either or both dimensions shall be

 increased. All wood screws for exterior use shall

 be stainless steel. All other exterior metal

 devices shall be stainless steel, zinc coated steel,

 silicon bronze, or corrosion resistant aluminum

 alloy.

 (2) Toggle bolt dimensions are minimum. Where

 appropriate, either or both dimensions shall be

 increased.

 (3) Wall screw anchors may be used in wall board,

 plaster or tile walls. Screws and nails in masonry

 shall be secured by means of expansions type anchors.

 Equivalent manual or machine-driven devices may be

 used. Where toggle bolts are specified, equivalent

 devices may be used.

 (4) Lead holes shall be drilled for screws, nails,

 and bridle rings in shingles and dropsiding.

 (5) Sheet metal screws shall be used except where

 toggle bolts are required. Where wood sheathing

 under sheet metal siding is encountered, the sheet

 metal may be drilled or punched and a wood screw

 used.

 (6) Machine-driven staples of nickel-copper

 composition may be used for exterior wiring.

 (7) Galvanized clamps and wiring nails may be used

 for exterior and interior wiring. Enameled clamps

 shall be used for interior wiring only. Where toggle

 bolts or equivalent devices require holes in the

 structure larger than the clamp being fastened, a

 suitable washer of sufficient size to cover the hole

 must be used under the clamp.

 (8) Double clamp may be used where two #22 AWG

 station wires, two #12 AWG grounding conductors, or

 one #22 AWG station wire and one #12 grounding

 conductor parallels one another.

 (9) For converting English units to Metric units use

 1 in. = 25.4 mm.

7.26 Grounding conductors shall be separated from

“non-telecommunications company” wires in accordance with Section

800-12(b) of the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC.
Bulletin 1753F-801(PC-5A)

Page 41

7.27 Grounding conductors run through metal conduits shall be

bonded to the conduit at each end. RUS accepted and RUS

technically accepted pipe type ground clamps and grounding

connectors shall be used for bonding.

7.28 Where NID, BET, or fused station protector assembly units

require grounding conductor connections to pipe systems, the

following apply:

7.28.1 The connection shall be made to a cold water pipe of an

operating water system;

7.28.2 The connection point shall be preferably inside the

building;

7.28.3 Allow a minimum of 6 in. (152 mm) between the last

fastener and the point where the grounding conductor first

touches the water pipe;

7.28.4 Leave 2 in. (50.8 mm) of slack in the grounding conductor

to avoid breaking the conductor at the terminating point. Tape

the grounding conductor to the pipe where possible to avoid

movement. In no case, shall the grounding conductor be coiled or

wrapped around the pipe;

7.28.5 The pipe shall be cleaned with fine sand paper to make a

good electrical connection. Care should be taken to avoid

damaging the pipe while cleaning it;

7.28.6 Attach the pipe grounding conductor connector to the

cleaned area of pipe and tighten. Care shall be exercised to

avoid deforming, crushing, or otherwise damaging the pipe. A

simple continuity check with an ohmmeter between the connector

and the pipe will indicate whether or not a good electrical

contact has been made. Set the ohmmeter to "Rx1" scale to ensure

that a low resistance contact is made;

7.28.7 A warning tag shall be attached to the ground clamp with

the following or equivalent statement: "Call the

telecommunications company if this connector or grounding

conductor is loose or must be removed;" and

7.28.8 When the water pipe is used, the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999,

NEC, requires that metal piping be used as a bonding conductor

in this manner only when the connections to the pipe are within

5 ft (1.5 m) of where the pipe enters the premises.

7.29 Bonding conductors shall consist of either copper or tinned

copper insulated wires of appropriate sizes.

7.29.1 Bonding conductors shall be run and attached in the same

manner as grounding conductors.
Bulletin 1753F-801(PC-5A)

Page 42

7.29.2 Attaching and terminating devices for bonding conductors

shall be adequate for the size of wire involved. The No. 6 AWG

copper insulated conductor or larger shall not be terminated by

bending it around a threaded stud.

7.30 Where NID, BET, or fused station protector assembly units

require a driven ground rod the following shall apply to the

ground rod installation:

7.30.1 Locate the ground rod at least 1 ft (300 mm) from

buildings, poles, trees and other obstruction;

7.30.2 Ground rods shall not be installed within 6 ft (2 m) of

electric service ground rods (Note: This minimum separation is

provided to avoid mutual impedance effects of multiple grounding

electrodes that will deleteriously degrade the effective

impedance-to-earth if grounding electrodes are installed any

closer than 6 ft (2 m) to one another. This requirement is

included for cases where the telecommunications company is not

allowed, for some reason, to observe the RUS preferred grounding

method of attaching the primary protector grounding conductor

directly to an accessible point on the building electric service

grounding system. RUS believes that if the primary protector

location can be sited within 6 ft (2 m) of the electric service

ground rod then the electric service ground rod could be used as

the preferred telecommunications grounding electrode and a

separate telecommunications ground rod is unnecessary);

7.30.3 A hole, 15 in. (350 mm) deep and 6 in. (150 mm) in

diameter, shall be dug at the location where the ground rod is to

be driven;

7.30.4 Where "slip-on" type ground rod clamps are used instead

of "clamp-around" type clamps, the ground rod clamps shall be

placed onto the rod prior to driving the rod into the ground

(Note there should be one clamp for the NID, BET, or fused

station protector grounding conductor and one clamp for the

conductor required to bond the telecommunications ground rod to

the electric grounding system). However, the clamp shall not be

tightened until the rod is completely driven. The end of the rod

shall be placed in the bottom of the hole and the rod shall be

aligned vertically adjacent to one wall of the hole prior to

driving. The rod shall be driven until its tip is 12 in.

(300 mm) below final grade. The grounding conductor shall then

be attached, the clamp shall be tightened, and hole backfilled.

Clamps employed in this manner shall be suitable for direct

burial and shall be RUS accepted or RUS technically accepted; and

7.30.5 Where rods are manually driven, a large number of blows

from a light hammer (4 lbs [1.8 kg]) shall be used instead of

heavy sledgehammer type blows. This should keep the rod from

bending.
Bulletin 1753F-801(PC-5A)

Page 43

7.31 Terminations on fuseless primary station protectors

incorporated in NIDs and on fused primary station protectors

shall be as shown in Figures 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 of this

standard. The inner jackets of buried service wires and outer

jackets of cables used as service drops shall be extended into

the NID or the fused primary station protector. A 10 in. (250

mm) length of each spare wire shall be left in NIDs or fused

primary station protectors. The spare wires shall be coiled up

neatly and stored in the NID or fused primary station protector

housing.

7.31.1 The shields of buried service wires may be connected to

the ground binding post using RUS accepted or RUS technically

accepted buried service shield bond connectors as shown in

Figure 10 of this standard for NIDs and Figure 11 of this

standard for fused primary station protectors. RUS accepted or

RUS technically accepted buried service wire harness wires

designed for customer access location installations may also be

used for terminating buried service wire shields to the ground

binding post of the NID as shown in Figure 12 and Figure 13 of

this standard for fused primary station protectors.

7.31.2 On buried service drops and aerial service drops of more

than 6 pairs using RUS accepted or RUS technically accepted

cables, the shields shall be terminated with a RUS accepted or

RUS technically accepted cable shield bonding connector and

extended to the ground binding post of the NID, BET, or fused

primary station protector with an RUS accepted or RUS technically

accepted bonding harness wire. The installation of the shield

bond connector and bonding harness wire shall be in accordance

with the manufacturer's instructions.

7.31.3 The shield and other conductors at the fuseless primary

station protector incorporated in the NID shall be terminated as

shown on Figure 14 of this standard. The pronged or cupped

washer shall be placed above the shield. The grounding conductor

shall be placed around the post on top of the pronged or cupped

washer. A flat washer shall be placed above the grounding

conductor.

7.31.4 The station wire signaling ground conductor, if required,

shall be placed above the first flat washer and beneath the

second flat washer as indicated in Figure 14 of this standard.

7.31.5 The shield and other conductors at the fused primary

station protector shall be terminated as shown on Figure 15 of

this standard. The pronged or cupped washer shall be placed

above the shield. The grounding conductor shall be placed around

the post on top of the pronged or cupped washer. A flat washer

shall be placed above the grounding conductor.

7.31.6 The station wire signaling ground conductor, if required,

shall be placed above the first flat washer and beneath the

second flat washer as indicated in Figure 15 of this standard.
Bulletin 1753F-801(PC-5A)

Page 44

7.31.7 Indoor NIDs or BETs that are equipped with "Quick

Connect" type terminals shall not have more than one wire

connected per clip. No. 19 AWG copper and No. 18 AWG copper

covered-steel reinforced aerial service wire conductors shall not

be connected to quick connect terminals. Nonmetallic reinforced

aerial service wire using No. 22 AWG copper conductors may be

connected to the quick connect terminals.

7.31.8 Tip and ring connections and other connections in

multipair NIDs or BETs shall be as indicated in Figure 16 of this

standard.

7.32 System polarity and conductor identification shall be

maintained in NIDs, BETs, or fused primary station protectors in

accordance with Construction Drawings 815 and 815-1 contained in

Section 9 of this standard.

8. MOBILE HOMES

8.1 Customer access location installations at mobile homes shall

be treated the same whether the homes are mounted on permanent

foundations or temporary foundations and shall be installed as

specified in Sections 1 through 9 of this standard. For the

purpose of this standard, mobile homes include manufactured

homes, motor homes, truck campers, travel trailers, and all forms

of recreational vehicles. Customer access location installations

at mobile homes can be considerably different than customer

access location installations at regular homes and borrowers

shall be certain that the two types of installations are properly

applied.

8.2 The method of customer access location installation

prescribed by the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC for a mobile home

depends on how the electric power is installed at the mobile home

and it can involve considerable judgment on the part of the

telecommunications installer. The National Electrical Code and

NEC are registered trademarks of the National Fire Protection

Association, Inc., Quincy, MA 02269. The ANSI/NFPA 70-1999,

NEC, requires primary station protectors to be located where

specific acceptable grounding electrodes exist. The ANSI/NFPA

70-1999, NEC, allows station protector installations to be at

the location of the power meter or the electric disconnecting

means apparatus serving the mobile home providing these electric

facilities are installed in the manner specifically defined by

the ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC. The ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC, requires the station protectors to be installed at the nearest of

a number of other meticulously defined ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, NEC, acceptable electrodes where the protector cannot be installed at

the power meter or the electric disconnecting means apparatus

serving the mobile home. The provisions can be confusing.
Bulletin 1753F-801(PC-5A)

Page 45

8.3 NIDs shall be installed at mobile homes as follows:

8.3.1 Where the mobile home electric service equipment (power

meter, etc.,) or the electric service disconnecting means

associated with the mobile home is located within 35 ft (10.7 m)

of the exterior wall of the mobile home it serves, the NID shall

be installed in accordance with Figure 17 of this standard; or

8.3.2 Where the mobile home electric service equipment (power

meter, etc.,) or the electric service disconnecting means

associated with the mobile home is located more than 35 ft

(10.7 m) of the exterior wall of the mobile home it serves, the

NID shall be installed in accordance with Figure 18 of this

standard.

8.4 The service wire and station wire shall be terminated in the

NID in accordance with Figure 19 of this standard.

8.5 Installation of the station wire and grounding conductor at

the mobile home shall be in accordance with Figure 20 of this

standard.

9. CONSTRUCTION AND ASSEMBLY UNIT DRAWINGS

9.1 The construction and assembly unit drawings in this standard

shall be used by borrowers to assist the installer in making the

customer access location installations.

9.2 The asterisk(s) appearing on the construction drawings

indicate that the items are no longer listed in the RUS

Informational Publication (IP) 344-2, "List of Materials

Acceptable for Use on Telecommunications Systems of RUS

Borrowers."

9.3 Drawings BM50, BM83, 312-1, 501-1, 501-2, 503-2, 504, 505,

506, 507, 508-1, 510, 510-1, 510-2, 513, 815, 815-1, 958, and 962

are as follows.