UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service

BULLETIN 1753F-204(PE-7)

RD-GD-1996-20

SUBJECT: RUS Specification for Aerial Service Wires

TO: All Telecommunications Borrowers

RUS Telecommunications Staff

EFFECTIVE DATE: June 24, 1996.

EXPIRATION DATE: Date of change in 7 CFR §§ 1755.700 through

1755.704 by rulemaking.

OFFICE OF PRIMARY INTEREST: Outside Plant Branch,

Telecommunications Standards Division.

PREVIOUS INSTRUCTIONS: This bulletin replaces RUS Bulletin

345-36, RUS Specification for Parallel Conductor Drop Wire, PE-7,

issued January 25, 1983.

FILING INSTRUCTIONS: Discard RUS Bulletin 345-36, RUS

Specification for Parallel Conductor Drop Wire, PE-7, dated

January 25, 1983, and replace it with this bulletin. File with 7

CFR 1755. This bulletin is available to the RUS staff on RUSNET

(text only) and can be accessed via Internet at

http://www.usda.gov/rus/home/home.htm

PURPOSE: This specification covers RUS requirements for aerial

service wires intended for aerial subscriber drops. This

bulletin is a reformat of the text codified in 7 CFR 1755.700

through 7 CFR 1755.704 published at 61 FR 26073, dated May 24,

1996.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this

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

CFR 1755.700 through 7 CFR 1755.704 are the authorized sources.

Wally Beyer 8/22/96

Administrator Date

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 law or agency policies.
Bulletin 1753F-204(PE-7)

Page 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Requirements Applicable To Both CCSR and NMR Aerial

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

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

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

4.3 Summary of Records of Electrical and Physical Tests 19

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

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

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

INDEX:

Wire, Service, Aerial
Bulletin 1753F-204(PE-7)

Page 3

CFR TO BULLETIN CONVERSION TABLE

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

7 CFR 1755.700 Bulletin Title

7 CFR 1755.701 1.

(a) 1.1

(b) 1.2

(c) 1.3

(c)(1) 1.3.1

(c)(2) 1.3.2

(d) 1.4

(d)(1) 1.4.1

(d)(2) 1.4.2

(e) 1.5

(f) 1.6

- 1.7

7 CFR 1755.702 2.

(a) 2.1

(a)(1) 2.1.1

(a)(2) 2.1.2

(b) 2.2

(b)(1) 2.2.1

(b)(2) 2.2.2

(b)(3) 2.2.3

(b)(4) 2.2.4

(b)(5) 2.2.5

(c) 2.3

(c)(1) 2.3.1

(c)(2) 2.3.2

(c)(3) 2.3.3

(d) 2.4

(e) 2.5

(e)(1) 2.5.1

(e)(2) 2.5.2

(e)(3) 2.5.3

(e)(4) 2.5.4

(e)(5) 2.5.5

(e)(5)(i) 2.5.5.1

(e)(5)(ii) 2.5.5.2

(e)(6) 2.5.6

(e)(7) 2.5.7

(f) 2.6

(f)(1) 2.6.1

(f)(1)(i) 2.6.1.1

(f)(1)(ii) 2.6.1.2

(f)(2) 2.6.2

(f)(3) 2.6.3

(f)(4) 2.6.4

(g) 2.7

(g)(1) 2.7.1

(g)(1)(i) 2.7.1.1

(g)(1)(ii) 2.7.1.2
Bulletin 1753F-204(PE-7)

Page 4

CFR TO BULLETIN CONVERSION TABLE

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

(g)(2) 2.7.2

(g)(3) 2.7.3

(g)(4) 2.7.4

(g)(5) 2.7.5

(h) 2.8

(i) 2.9

(i)(1) 2.9.1

(i)(2) 2.9.2

(j) 2.10

7 CFR 1755.703 3.

(a) 3.1

(a)(1) 3.1.1

(a)(2) 3.1.2

(b) 3.2

(b)(1) 3.2.1

(b)(2) 3.2.2

(b)(3) 3.2.3

(b)(4) 3.2.4

(b)(5) 3.2.5

(b)(6) 3.2.6

(b)(7) 3.2.7

(b)(8) 3.2.8

(c) 3.3

(c)(1) 3.3.1

(c)(2) 3.3.2

(c)(3) 3.3.3

(c)(4) 3.3.4

(c)(5) 3.3.5

(c)(5)(i) 3.3.5.1

(c)(5)(ii) 3.3.5.2

(c)(6) 3.3.6

(c)(6)(i) 3.3.6.1

(c)(6)(ii) 3.3.6.2

(c)(6)(iii) 3.3.6.3

(c)(6)(iv) 3.3.6.4

(d) 3.4

(e) 3.5

(e)(1) 3.5.1

(e)(2) 3.5.2

(f) 3.6

(g) 3.7

(g)(1) 3.7.1

(g)(2) 3.7.2

(g)(2)(i) 3.7.2.1

(g)(2)(ii) 3.7.2.2

(g)(3) 3.7.3

(g)(4) 3.7.4

(g)(5) 3.7.5

(g)(5)(i) 3.7.5.1
Bulletin 1753F-204(PE-7)

Page 5

CFR TO BULLETIN CONVERSION TABLE

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

(g)(5)(ii) 3.7.5.2

(g)(6) 3.7.6

(g)(6)(i) 3.7.6.1

(g)(6)(ii) 3.7.6.2

(g)(7) 3.7.7

(g)(8) 3.7.8

(g)(9) 3.7.9

(g)(9)(i) 3.7.9.1

(g)(9)(ii) 3.7.9.2

(h) 3.8

(h)(1) 3.8.1

(h)(1)(i) 3.8.1.1

(h)(1)(ii) 3.8.1.2

(h)(2) 3.8.2

(h)(3) 3.8.3

(h)(4) 3.8.4

(h)(5) 3.8.5

(i) 3.9

(i)(1) 3.9.1

(i)(1)(i) 3.9.1.1

(i)(1)(ii) 3.9.1.2

(i)(2) 3.9.2

(i)(3) 3.9.3

(i)(4) 3.9.4

(j) 3.10

(j)(1) 3.10.1

(j)(2) 3.10.2

(k) 3.11

(l) 3.12

(l)(1) 3.12.1

(l)(2) 3.12.2

(m) 3.13

7 CFR 1755.704 4.

(a) 4.1

(a)(1) 4.1.1

(a)(2) 4.1.2

(a)(3) 4.1.3

(a)(4) 4.1.4

(b) 4.2

(b)(1) 4.2.1

(b)(1)(i) 4.2.1.1

(b)(1)(ii) 4.2.1.2

(b)(1)(iii) 4.2.1.3

(b)(2) 4.2.2

(b)(2)(i) 4.2.2.1

(b)(2)(ii) 4.2.2.2

(b)(2)(iii) 4.2.2.3

(b)(2)(iv) 4.2.2.4

(b)(2)(v) 4.2.2.5
Bulletin 1753F-204(PE-7)

Page 6

CFR TO BULLETIN CONVERSION TABLE

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

(b)(2)(vi) 4.2.2.6

(b)(2)(vii) 4.2.2.7

(b)(2)(viii) 4.2.2.8

(c) 4.3

(c)(1) 4.3.1

(c)(2) 4.3.2

(d) 4.4

(d)(1) 4.4.1

(d)(2) 4.4.2

(e) 4.5

(f) 4.6

(f)(1) 4.6.1

(f)(2) 4.6.2

(f)(2)(i) 4.6.2.1

(f)(2)(ii) 4.6.2.2

(f)(2)(iii) 4.6.2.3

(f)(2)(iv) 4.6.2.4

(f)(2)(v) 4.6.2.5

(f)(2)(vi) 4.6.2.6

(f)(3) 4.6.3

(f)(3)(i) 4.6.3.1

(f)(3)(ii) 4.6.3.2

(f)(3)(iii) 4.6.3.3

(f)(3)(iv) 4.6.3.4

(f)(3)(v) 4.6.3.5

(f)(4) 4.6.4

(f)(5) 4.6.5

(f)(6) 4.6.6

(f)(7) 4.6.7
Bulletin 1753F-204(PE-7)

Page 7

ABBREVIATIONS

ANSI American National Standards Institute

CCSR Copper Coated Steel Reinforced

dc Direct current

FEXT Far-end crosstalk loss

ICEA Insulated Cable Engineers Association, Inc.

in. Inches

mm Millimeter

NEXT Near-end crosstalk loss

NMR Nonmetallic Reinforced

RUS Rural Utilities Service
Bulletin 1753F-204(PE-7)

Page 8

1. SCOPE

1.1 This specification covers the requirements for aerial

service wires intended for aerial subscriber drops.

1.2 The aerial service wires can be either copper coated steel

reinforced or nonmetallic reinforced designs.

1.3 For the copper coated steel reinforced design, the

reinforcing members are the conductors.

1.3.1 The conductors are solid copper-covered steel wires.

1.3.2 The wire structure is completed by insulating the

conductors with an overall extruded plastic insulating compound.

1.4 For the nonmetallic reinforced design, the conductors are

solid copper individually insulated with an extruded solid

insulating compound.

1.4.1 The insulated conductors are either layed parallel (two

conductor design only) or twisted into pairs (a star-quad

configuration is permitted for two pair wires).

1.4.2 The wire structure is completed by the application of

nonmetallic reinforcing members and an overall plastic jacket.

1.5 All wires sold to RUS borrowers for projects involving RUS

loan funds under this specification must be accepted by RUS

Technical Standards Committee "A" (Telecommunications). For

wires manufactured to this specification, all design changes to

an accepted design must be submitted for acceptance. RUS will be

the sole authority on what constitutes a design change.

1.6 Materials, manufacturing techniques or wire designs not

specifically addressed by this specification may be allowed if

accepted by RUS. Justification for acceptance of modified

materials, manufacturing techniques or wire designs must be

provided to substantiate product utility and long term stability

and endurance.

1.7 Copies of American National Standard Institute/Insulated

Cable Engineers Association, Inc. (ANSI/ICEA) S-89-648-1993,

"Standard For Telecommunications Aerial Service Wire, Technical

Requirements," as referenced in this specification can be

obtained from ICEA for a nominal fee at the address indicated

below:

ICEA, Inc.

P. O. Box 440

South Yarmouth, Massachusetts 02664

Telephone No.: (508) 394-4424
Bulletin 1753F-204(PE-7)

Page 9

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

2.1 Conductors:

2.1.1 Each conductor shall comply with the requirements

specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraphs 2.1 through

2.1.5.

2.1.2 Factory joints in conductors shall comply with the

requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph

2.1.6.

2.2 Conductor Insulation:

2.2.1 The raw materials used for conductor insulation shall

comply with the requirements specified in ANSI/ICEA

S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 3.1.1.

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

use.

2.2.3 The finished conductor insulation shall be free from

holes, splits, blisters, or other imperfections and shall be as

smooth as is consistent with best commercial practice.

2.2.4 The finished conductor insulation shall comply with the

requirements specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraphs

3.1.5 through 3.1.5.4.

2.2.5 The insulation shall have a minimum spot thickness of not

less than 0.9 millimeters (mm) (0.03 inches (in.)) at any point.

2.3 Wire Assembly:

2.3.1 The two conductors shall be insulated in parallel to form

an integral configuration.

2.3.2 The finished wire assembly shall be either a flat or a

notched oval. Other finished wire assemblies may be used

provided that they are accepted by RUS prior to their use.

2.3.3 The overall dimensions of the finished wire assembly shall

be in accordance with the following requirements:

Dimensions

Minimum Maximum

Diameter mm (in.) mm (in.)

Major 5.5 (0.22) 8.0 (0.31)

Minor 3.0 (0.12) 5.0 (0.19)
Bulletin 1753F-204(PE-7)

Page 10

2.4 Conductor Marking: The insulated conductors of a finished

wire shall be marked in accordance with the requirements

specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 3.1.4.

2.5 Electrical Requirements:

2.5.1 Conductor Resistance: The direct current (dc) resistance

of each conductor in a completed CCSR aerial service wire shall

comply with the requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993,

Paragraph 7.1.2.

2.5.2 Wet Mutual Capacitance: The wet mutual capacitance of the

completed CCSR aerial service wire shall comply with the

requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph

7.1.3.

2.5.3 Wet Attenuation: The wet attenuation of the completed

CCSR aerial service wire shall comply with the requirement

specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 7.1.4.

2.5.4 Wet Insulation Resistance: The wet insulation resistance

of the completed CCSR aerial service wire shall comply with the

requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph

7.1.5.

2.5.5 Dielectric Strength:

2.5.5.1 The wet dielectric strength between conductors and

between each conductor of the completed CCSR aerial service wire

and the surrounding water shall comply with the requirement

specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 7.1.6.

2.5.5.2 The dry dielectric strength between conductors of the

completed CCSR aerial service wire shall comply with the

requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph

7.1.7.

2.5.6 Fusing Coordination: The completed CCSR aerial service

wire shall comply with the fusing coordination requirement

specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 7.1.8.

2.5.7 Insulation Imperfections: Each length of completed CCSR

aerial service wire shall comply with the requirement specified

in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 7.1.9.

2.6 Mechanical Requirements:

2.6.1 Impact Test:

2.6.1.1 All CCSR aerial service wires manufactured in accordance

with Paragraph 2 of this specification shall comply with the

unaged impact test specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993,

Paragraph 8.1.2.
Bulletin 1753F-204(PE-7)

Page 11

2.6.1.2 All CCSR aerial service wires manufactured in accordance

with Paragraph 2 of this specification shall comply with the aged

impact test specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph

8.1.3.

2.6.2 Abrasion Resistance Test: All CCSR aerial service wires

manufactured in accordance with Paragraph 2 of this specification

shall comply with the abrasion resistance test specified in

ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 8.1.4.

2.6.3 Static Load Test: All CCSR aerial service wires

manufactured in accordance with Paragraph 2 of this specification

shall comply with the static load test specified in ANSI/ICEA

S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 8.1.5.

2.6.4 Plasticizer Compatibility Test: All CCSR aerial service

wires manufactured in accordance with Paragraph 2 of this

specification shall comply with the plasticizer compatibility

test specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 8.1.8.

2.7 Environmental Requirements:

2.7.1 Cold Temperature Handling Test:

2.7.1.1 All CCSR aerial service wires manufactured in accordance

with Paragraph 2 of this specification shall comply with the

unaged cold temperature handling test specified in ANSI/ICEA

S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 8.2.1.

2.7.1.2 All CCSR aerial service wires manufactured in accordance

with Paragraph 2 of this specification shall comply with the aged

cold temperature handling test specified in ANSI/ICEA

S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 8.2.2.

2.7.2 Light Absorption Test: All CCSR aerial service wires

manufactured in accordance with Paragraph 2 of this specification

shall comply with the light absorption test specified in

ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 8.2.3.

2.7.3 Low Temperature Separation Test: All CCSR aerial service

wires manufactured in accordance with Paragraph 2 of this

specification shall comply with the low temperature separation

test specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 8.2.4.

2.7.4 Flammability Test: All CCSR aerial service wires

manufactured in accordance with Paragraph 2 of this specification

shall comply with the flammability test specified in ANSI/ICEA

S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 8.3.

2.7.5 Wire Listing: All CCSR aerial service wires manufactured

in accordance with Paragraph 2 of this specification shall comply

with the listing requirements specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-

1993, Paragraph 8.4.
Bulletin 1753F-204(PE-7)

Page 12

2.8 Identification Marker: Each length of CCSR aerial service

wire shall be identified in accordance with ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-

1993, Paragraph 9.1.4. When surface marking is employed, the

color of the initial marking shall be either white or silver.

2.9 Length Marking (Optional):

2.9.1 Sequentially numbered length marking of the completed CCSR

aerial service wire may be used at the option of the manufacturer

unless specified by the end user.

2.9.2 When sequentially numbered length markings are used, the

length markings shall be in accordance with ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-

1993, Paragraph 9.1.5. The color of the initial marking shall be

either white or silver.

2.10 Durability of Marking: The durability of the marking of

the CCSR aerial service wire shall comply with the requirements

specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 9.1.6.

3. NONMETALLIC REINFORCED (NMR) AERIAL SERVICE WIRE

3.1 Conductors:

3.1.1 Each conductor shall comply with the requirements

specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraphs 2.2 through

2.2.1.

3.1.2 Factory joints in conductors shall comply with the

requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph

2.2.2.

3.2 Conductor Insulation:

3.2.1 The raw materials used for conductor insulation shall

comply with the requirements specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-

1993, Paragraphs 3.2 through 3.2.2.

3.2.2 The finished conductor insulation shall comply with the

requirements specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph

3.2.3.

3.2.3 The dimensions of the insulated conductor shall comply

with the requirements specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993,

Paragraph 3.2.3.1.

3.2.4 The colors of the insulation shall comply with the

requirements specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph

3.2.3.2.
Bulletin 1753F-204(PE-7)

Page 13

3.2.5 A permissible overall performance level of faults in

conductor insulation shall comply with the requirement specified

in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 3.2.4.6. The length count

and the number of faults shall be recorded. The information

shall be retained for a period of 6 months and be available for

review by RUS when requested.

3.2.6 Repairs to the conductor insulation during manufacture are

permissible. The method of repair shall be accepted by RUS prior

to its use. The repaired insulation shall comply with the

requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph

3.2.3.3.

3.2.7 All repaired sections of insulation shall be retested in

the same manner as originally tested for compliance with

Paragraph 3.2.5 of this specification.

3.2.8 The colored insulating material removed from or tested on

the conductor, from a finished wire shall comply with the

requirements specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraphs

3.2.4 through 3.2.4.5.

3.3 Identification of Pairs and Layup of Pairs:

3.3.1 The insulation shall be colored coded to identify:

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

b. Each pair in the completed wire.

3.3.2 The colors to be used in the pairs together with the pair

numbers shall be in accordance with the table specified in

ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 4.1.1.

3.3.3 The finished insulated conductors shall be either layed

parallel (two conductor design only) or twisted into pairs.

3.3.4 When using parallel conductors for the two conductor

design, the parallel conductors shall be designed to enable the

wire to meet the electrical requirements specified in Paragraph

3.7 of this specification.

3.3.5 When twisted pairs are used, the following requirements

shall be met:

3.3.5.1 The pair twists shall be designed to enable the wire to

meet the electrical requirements specified in Paragraph 3.7 of

this specification; and

3.3.5.2 The average length of pair twists in any pair in the

finished wire, when measured on ant 3 meter (10 foot) length,

shall not exceed the requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-

1993, Paragraph 4.1.
Bulletin 1753F-204(PE-7)

Page 14

3.3.6 An alternative method of forming the two-pair wire is the

use of a star-quad configuration.

3.3.6.1 The assembly of the star-quad shall be such as to enable

the wire to meet the electrical requirements specified in

Paragraph 3.7 of this specification.

3.3.6.2 The star-quad configuration shall be assembled in

accordance with ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 4.1.2.

3.3.6.3 The average length of twist for the star-quad in the

finished wire, when measured on ant 3 meter (10 foot) length,

shall not exceed the requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-

1993, Paragraph 4.1.

3.3.6.4 The color scheme used to provide identification of the

tip and ring conductors of each pair in the star-quad shall

comply with the table specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993,

Paragraph 4.1.2.

3.4 Strength Members: The strength members shall comply with

the requirements specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraphs

6.1 and 6.1.1.

3.5 Wire Jacket:

3.5.1 The jacket shall comply with the requirements specified in

ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraphs 5.1 and 5.1.1.

3.5.2 The jacket raw materials shall be accepted by RUS prior to

their use.

3.6 Wire Assembly: The finished wire assembly shall be in

accordance with ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 5.1.3 and

Figure 5-1.

3.7 Electrical Requirements:

3.7.1 Conductor Resistance: The dc resistance of each conductor

in a completed NMR aerial service wire shall comply with the

requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph

7.2.2.

3.7.2 Resistance Unbalance:

3.7.2.1 The dc resistance unbalance between the two conductors

of any pair in a completed NMR aerial service wire and the

average resistance unbalance of all pairs in a Quality Control

Lot shall comply with the requirements specified in ANSI/ICEA

S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 7.2.3.
Bulletin 1753F-204(PE-7)

Page 15

3.7.2.2 The resistance unbalance between tip and ring conductors

shall be random with respect to the direction of unbalance. That

is, the resistance of the tip conductors shall not be

consistently higher with respect to the ring conductors and vice

versa.

3.7.3 Dry Mutual Capacitance: The dry mutual capacitance of the

completed NMR aerial service wire shall comply with the

requirements specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph

7.2.4., Type 1.

3.7.4 Pair-to-Pair Capacitance Unbalance: The pair-to-pair

capacitance unbalance as measured on the completed NMR aerial

service wire shall comply with the requirements specified in

ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 7.2.5.

3.7.5 Attenuation:

3.7.5.1 The dry attenuation of the completed NMR aerial service

wire shall comply with the requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA

S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 7.2.7.

3.7.5.2 The wet attenuation of the completed NMR aerial service

wire shall comply with the requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA

S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 7.2.8.

3.7.6 Insulation Resistance:

3.7.6.1 The dry insulation resistance of the completed NMR

aerial service wire shall comply with the requirement specified

in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 7.2.9.

3.7.6.2 The wet insulation resistance of the completed NMR

aerial service wire shall comply with the requirement specified

in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 7.2.10.

3.7.7 Wet Dielectric Strength: The wet dielectric strength

between conductors and between each conductor of the completed

NMR aerial service wire and the surrounding water shall comply

with the requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993,

Paragraph 7.2.11.

3.7.8 Fusing Coordination: The completed NMR aerial service

wire shall comply with the fusing coordination requirement

specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 7.2.13.

3.7.9 Crosstalk Loss:

3.7.9.1 The output-to-output far-end crosstalk loss (FEXT) for

any pair of completed NMR aerial service wire shall comply with

the requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph

7.2.14.
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3.7.9.2 The input-to-input near-end crosstalk loss (NEXT) for

any pair of completed NMR aerial service wire shall comply with

the requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph

7.2.14.

3.8 Mechanical Requirements:

3.8.1 Impact Test:

3.8.1.1 All NMR aerial service wires manufactured in accordance

with Paragraph 3 of this specification shall comply with the

unaged impact test specified in Paragraph 2.6.1.1 of this

specification.

3.8.1.2 All NMR aerial service wires manufactured in accordance

with Paragraph 3 of this specification shall comply with the aged

impact test specified in Paragraph 2.6.1.2 of this specification.

3.8.2 Abrasion Resistance Test: All NMR aerial service wires

manufactured in accordance with Paragraph 3 of this specification

shall comply with the abrasion resistance test specified in

Paragraph 2.6.2 of this specification.

3.8.3 Static Load Test: All NMR aerial service wires

manufactured in accordance with Paragraph 3 of this specification

shall comply with the static load test specified in Paragraph

2.6.3 of this specification.

3.8.4 Elongation Test: All NMR aerial service wires

manufactured in accordance with Paragraph 3 of this specification

shall comply with the elongation test specified in ANSI/ICEA

S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 8.1.7.

3.8.5 Plasticizer Compatibility Test: All NMR aerial service

wires manufactured in accordance with Paragraph 3 of this

specification shall comply with the plasticizer compatibility

test specified in Paragraph 2.6.4 of this specification.

3.9 Environmental Requirements:

3.9.1 Cold Temperature Handling Test:

3.9.1.1 All NMR aerial service wires manufactured in accordance

with Paragraph 3 of this specification shall comply with the

unaged cold temperature handling test specified in Paragraph

2.7.1.1 of this specification.

3.9.1.2 All NMR aerial service wires manufactured in accordance

with Paragraph 3 of this specification shall comply with the aged

cold temperature handling test specified in Paragraph 2.7.1.2 of

this specification.
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3.9.2 Light Absorption Test: All NMR aerial service wires

manufactured in accordance with Paragraph 3 of this specification

shall comply with the light absorption test specified in

Paragraph 2.7.2 of this specification.

3.9.3 Flammability Test: All NMR aerial service wires

manufactured in accordance with Paragraph 3 of this specification

shall comply with the flammability test specified in Paragraph

2.7.4 of this specification.

3.9.4 Wire Listing: All NMR aerial service wires manufactured

in accordance with Paragraph 3 of this specification shall comply

with the listing requirements specified in Paragraph 2.7.5 of

this specification.

3.10 Ripcord (Optional):

3.10.1 A ripcord may be used in the NMR aerial service wire

structure at the option of the manufacturer unless specified by

the end user.

3.10.2 When a ripcord is used it shall comply with the

requirements specified in ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraphs 4.2

through 4.2.3.

3.11 Identification Marker: Each length of NMR aerial service

wire shall be identified in accordance with ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-

1993, Paragraphs 9.1 through 9.1.4. When surface marking is

employed, the color of the initial marking shall be either white

or silver.

3.12 Length Marking (Optional):

3.12.1 Sequentially numbered length marking of the completed NMR

aerial service wire may be used at the option of the manufacturer

unless specified by the end user.

3.12.2 When sequentially numbered length markings are used, the

length markings shall be in accordance with Paragraph 2.9.2 of

this specification.

3.13 Durability of Marking: The durability of the marking of

the NMR aerial service wire shall comply with the requirements

specified Paragraph 2.10 of this specification.
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Page 18

4. REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO BOTH CCSR AND NMR AERIAL SERVICE

 WIRES

4.1 Acceptance Testing:

4.1.1 The tests described in this specification are intended for

acceptance of wire design and major modifications of accepted

designs. What constitutes a major modification is at the

discretion of RUS. These tests are intended to show the inherent

capability of the manufacturer to produce wire products having

long life and stability.

4.1.2 For initial acceptance, the manufacturer shall:

a. Certify that the product fully complies with

each paragraph of this specification;

b. Agree to periodic plant inspections by RUS;

c. Certify whether the product complies with the

domestic origin manufacturing provisions of the

"Buy American" requirements of the Rural

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

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

d. Submit at least three written user testimonials

concerning field performance of the product; and

e. Provide any other nonpropriety data deemed necessary

by the Chief, Outside Plant Branch

(Telecommunications).

4.1.3 In order for RUS to consider a manufacturer's request that

a product be requalified, the manufacturer shall certify not

later than June 30 of the year in which requalification is

required, that the product:

a. Fully complies with each paragraph of this

specification; and

b. Does or does not comply with the domestic origin

manufacturing provisions of the REA Buy American

provisions. The required certifications shall be

dated within 90 days of the submission.

4.1.4 Initial and requalification acceptance requests should be

addressed to: Chairman, Technical Standards Committee "A"

(Telecommunications), Telecommunications Standards Division,

Rural Utilities Service, Stop 1598, Washington, DC 20250-1598.
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Page 19

4.2 Extent of Testing:

4.2.1 Tests on 100 percent of completed wire:

4.2.1.1 Each conductor in the completed CCSR and NMR aerial

service wire shall be tested for continuity in accordance with

ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraphs 7.1.1 and 7.2.1,

respectively;

4.2.1.2 Each conductor in the completed CCSR and NMR aerial

service wire shall be tested for shorts in accordance with

ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraphs 7.1.1 and 7.2.1,

respectively; and

4.2.1.3 Each length of completed CCSR and NMR aerial service

wire shall be tested for insulation imperfections in accordance

Paragraph 2.5.7 and Paragraph 3.2.5 of this specification,

respectively.

4.2.2 Capability Tests: Tests on a quality assurance basis

shall be made as frequently as is required for each manufacturer

to determine and maintain compliance with:

4.2.2.1 Performance of the conductors;

4.2.2.2 Performance of the conductor insulation and jacket

material;

4.2.2.3 Sequential marking and lettering;

4.2.2.4 Mutual capacitance, capacitance unbalance, attenuation,

and crosstalk;

4.2.2.5 Conductor resistance, resistance unbalance, and

insulation resistance;

4.2.2.6 Dielectric strength and fusing coordination;

4.2.2.7 Impact, abrasion, static load, elongation, and

plasticizer compatibility tests; and

4.2.2.8 Cold temperature handling, light absorption, low

temperature separation, and flammability tests.

4.3 Summary of Records of Electrical and Physical Tests:

4.3.1 Each manufacturer shall maintain suitable summary of

records for a period of at least 3 years for all electrical and

physical tests required on completed wire as set forth in

Paragraph 4.2 of this specification. The test data for a

particular lot of aerial service wire shall be in a form such

that it may be readily available to the purchaser or to RUS upon

request.
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Page 20

4.3.2 Measurements and computed values shall be rounded off to

the number of places or figures specified for the requirement

according to ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 1.3.

4.4 Manufacturing Irregularities:

4.4.1 Repairs to the insulation of CCSR aerial service wires are

not permitted in wires supplied to end users under this

specification.

4.4.2 Repairs to the jacket of NMR aerial service wires are not

permitted in wires supplied to end users under this

specification.

4.5 Splicing: Splicing of completed CCSR and NMR aerial service

wires shall comply with the requirement specified in ANSI/ICEA

S-89-648-1993, Paragraph 8.1.1.

4.6 Preparation For Shipment:

4.6.1 CCSR and NMR aerial service wire shall be shipped either

in coils or on reels.

4.6.2 When CCSR and NMR aerial service wires are shipped on

reels the following provisions shall apply:

4.6.2.1 The diameter of the drum shall be large enough to

prevent damage to the wire from reeling and unreeling. The reels

shall be substantial and so constructed as to prevent damage to

the wire during shipment and handling;

4.6.2.2 A waterproof corrugated board or other suitable means of

protection accepted by RUS prior to its use may be applied to the

reel. If the waterproof corrugated board or other suitable

material is used for protection, it shall be suitably secured in

place to prevent damage to the wire during storage and handling.

The use of the waterproof corrugated board or other suitable

means of protection shall be at the option of the manufacturer

unless specified by the end user;

4.6.2.3 The outer end of the wire shall be securely fastened to

the reel head so as to prevent the wire from becoming loose in

transit. The inner end of the wire shall be securely fastened in

such a way as to make it readily available if required for

electrical testing. Spikes, staples, or other fastening devices

which penetrate the conductor insulation of the CCSR aerial

service wire and jacket of the NMR aerial service wire shall not

be used. The method of fastening the wire ends shall be accepted

by RUS prior to their use;

4.6.2.4 Each length of wire shall be wound on a separate reel;
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4.6.2.5 Each reel must be plainly marked to indicate the

direction in which it should be rolled to prevent loosening of

the wire on the reel; and

4.6.2.6 Each reel shall be stenciled or labeled on either one or

both sides with the following information:

a. Customer order number;

b. Manufacturer's name and product code;

c. Factory reel number and year of manufacture;

d. Gauge of conductors and pair size of wire;

e. Length of wire; and

f. RUS designation letter "K".

4.6.3 When CCSR and NMR aerial service wires are shipped in

coils the following provisions shall apply:

4.6.3.1 The diameter of the coil shall be large enough to

prevent damage to the wire from coiling and uncoiling;

4.6.3.2 The nominal length of the wire in a coil shall be 305

meters (1,000 feet). No coil shall be less than 290 meters

(950 feet) long or more than 460 meters (1.500 feet) long;

however, 25 percent of the total number of coils may be less than

305 meters (1,000 feet);

4.6.3.3 The coils of wire shall be wound securely with strong

tape in four separate evenly spaced places;

4.6.3.4 The coils may be protected from damage by wrapping the

coil with heavy paper, burlap, or other suitable material

accepted by RUS prior to its use. The use of the heavy paper,

burlap, or other suitable means of protection shall be at the

option of the manufacturer unless specified by the end user; and
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Page 22

4.6.3.5 Each coil shall be tagged with the following

information:

a. Customer order number;

b. Manufacturer's name and product code;

c. Year of manufacture;

d. Gauge of conductors and pair size of wire;

e. Length of wire; and

f. RUS designation letter "K".

4.6.4 In lieu of wrapping the coil with heavy paper, burlap, or

other suitable material, the coil may be packaged in a moisture

resistant carton.

4.6.5 When the coils are shipped in moisture resistant cartons,

each carton shall be marked with the information specified in

Paragraph 4.6.3.5 of this specification.

4.6.6 Other methods of shipment may be used if accepted by RUS

prior to their use.

4.6.7 When NMR aerial service wire is shipped, the ends of the

wire shall be sealed in accordance with ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-1993,

Paragraph 9.2.