United States

Department of

Agriculture

Rural

Utilities

Service

RUS Bulletin 1753F-152

RUS Form 515c

September 2001

Specifications and

Drawings for

Construction of

Aerial Plant
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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service

BULLETIN 1753F-152

SUBJECT: Specifications and Drawings for Construction of

Aerial Plant, RUS Form 515c

TO: All Telecommunications Borrowers

Roberta D. Purcell 8/21/01

Roberta D. Purcell Date

Assistant Administrator

Telecommunications Program

RUS Telecommunications Staff

EFFECTIVE DATE: September 17, 2001

OFFICE OF PRIMARY INTEREST: Outside Plant Branch,

Telecommunications Standards Division.

AVAILABILITY: This bulletin supersedes RUS Bulletin 345-153,

Specifications and Drawings for Construction of Pole Lines,

Aerial Cables and Wires, RUS Form 515f, issued May 25, 1989.

This bulletin can be accessed via the Internet at

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

PURPOSE: This specification provides Contractors, Engineers, and

RUS Borrowers with assembly unit descriptions, materials,

construction and installation, and drawings for aerial plant

associated with RUS Form 515, Telecommunications System

Construction Contract.

Incorporated by reference in 7 CFR 1755.97
RUS Bulletin 1753F-152

Specifications and Drawings for Construction of

Aerial Plant, RUS Form 515c

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

List of Changes................................................ i

Part I – Description of Assembly Units and Proposal and

Contract Sections ......................................... 1

Part II – Specifications and Materials........................ 14

1. Scope ................................................. 14

2. General ............................................... 14

3. Poles ................................................. 14

4. Miscellaneous ......................................... 14

Part III – Specifications for Construction and Installation... 14

1. General ............................................... 14

2. Pole Lines ............................................ 15

3. Mounting Hardware and Guys ............................ 17

4. Anchors ............................................... 17

5. Self Supporting Fiber Optic Cable ..................... 18

6. Suspension Strand ..................................... 19

7. Filled Aerial Cable ................................... 20

8. Filled Aerial Cable Placement ......................... 20

9. Cable Splicing and Terminals .......................... 22

10. Clearing Right-of-Way ................................. 23

List of Construction Drawings and Plans....................... 24

INDEX

ASSEMBLY UNITS:

Cable Plant, Aerial

CABLE:

Aerial Cable Plant Construction

Assembly Units

CONSTRUCTION:

Aerial Cable Plant

Fiber Optic Cable Plant

POLES LINES:

Design of

POLES:

Numbering

RIGHT-OF-WAY:

Clearing and Trimming Assembly Units

SPECIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS:

Outside Plant

WIRE:

Seven Wire Aluminum Clad Steel Strand

Steel, 7 Wire Galvanized Strand
Bulletin 1753F-152

Page i

LIST OF CHANGES

1. Modification of Pole Units from Section 1 to Section A.

2. Elimination of Section C and Section CF.

3. Addition of Section CFO, Self Supporting Filled Fiber Optic

Cable Assembly Units.

4. Modification of CO and CW units as follows:

(a) Provide for compensation on a per foot basis;

(b) Redefined compensation to include the sum of the

cable distances between supporting structures as

indicated by the sequential foot markings;

(c) Specified utility grade galvanized steel strand as

the default type.

5. Elimination of suffixes "N" and "R" under Section HA. For

ready access splice closures specified under the "R" suffix,

a new unit designated HR was created.

6. Addition of Section HR, Ready Access Splice Closure Assembly

Unit.

7. Modification of Section HC as follows:

(a) Redefined unit to provide compensation on a single

pair basis;

(b) Created HC5 unit in order to provide compensation

for terminating cable pairs on a terminal block

within a ready access closure.

8. Modification of Section HO to provide compensation for

testing a fiber.

9. Elimination of section PC and section PDS.

10. Modification of Section PE to indicate utility grade

galvanized steel as the default type.

11. Elimination of Section PG. The terminal blocks are now

included under Section PM.

12. Modification of PM21 and PM22 to provide for a more

generalized description.

13. Addition of PM25, Filled Terminal Block Assembly Unit.

14. Modification of Section R to provide compensation on a per

foot basis.
Bulletin 1753F-152

Page ii

15. In part III, section 2, elimination of information on pole

facing.

16. In part III, the Figure 8 cable was changed to describe Self

Supporting Fiber Optic Cable.

17. In part III, eliminated references to load coils,

pressurized cable, and air-core cable.

For editorial or other minor technical changes, refer to the body

of the document.
Bulletin 1753F-152

Page 1

Part I - DESCRIPTION OF ASSEMBLY AND PROPOSAL AND

CONTRACT SECTIONS

The Contractor’s Proposal form is divided into sections and the

sections approved for construction shall be listed in the

Construction Agreement by the Owner. The sections are as follows:

Section A - Pole Units

Section CFO - Self Supporting Filled Fiber Optic Cable

Assembly Units

Section CO - Aerial Filled Fiber Optic Cable Assembly 

Units

Section CW - Aerial Filled Copper Cable Assembly

Units

Section HA - Aerial Splice Closure Assembly Units

Section HC - Copper Splicing Assembly Units

Section HO - Fiber Optic Splicing Assembly Units

Section HR - Ready Access Closure Assembly Units

Section PE - Guy Assembly Units

Section PF - Anchor Assembly Units

Section PM - Miscellaneous Assembly Units

Section R - Right-of-Way Clearing and Trimming Units

Section W - Rearrangement Units

Section XX - Nonreusable Materials Removal Units

Section XZ - Reusable Materials Removal Units

Each assembly unit includes only the materials listed on the

corresponding Installation and Construction Guide Drawings or

description of unit where no drawing exists. The various

installation and construction units, which are included in this

Proposal and upon which quotations are required, are defined by

the following descriptions:

Section A - POLE UNITS

Consists of one (1) pole in place. It does not include the pole

top assembly units or other parts attached to the pole. Poles

shall be of the height and class as designated by the Engineer.

The pole plan, species of timber, kind of preservative and method

of treatment are designated in the Proposal.

Example:

 A35-7 A 35 foot [10.7 meters (m)] class 7 pole.
Bulletin 1753F-152

Page 2

Section CFO – SELF SUPPORTING FILLED FIBER OPTIC CABLE

ASSEMBLY UNITS

Consists of one (1) foot (0.305 m) of self supporting filled fiber

optic cable in place including all supporting hardware, cable

guards, insulating tapes, and bonding of the armor (when present)

and supporting member in accordance with the Construction Sheets.

A. The length of the self supporting cable measured for

compensation purposes includes the sum of the cable distances

between supporting structures as indicated by the sequential

foot markings.

B. This unit does not include labor and material for fiber

splicing, splice closures, housings, or organizers. The

labor and material for these items are provided for in other

units.

C. This unit includes the spiraling of the self supporting cable

in accordance with the method shown in the Construction

Sheets.

Each self supporting filled fiber optic cable unit is listed in

accordance with the number of optical fibers. Each unit is

prefixed by the letters CFO. The following illustration indicates

the method of designating the material required.

 CFO16 A self supporting filled fiber optic

cable with 16 fibers.

Section CO - AERIAL FILLED FIBER OPTIC CABLE ASSEMBLY UNITS

Consists of one (1) foot (0.305 m) of aerial filled fiber optic

cable in place including supporting messenger of galvanized steel

strand, lashing wire, attachments to strand, bonding of the armor

(when present) and strand in accordance with the Construction

Sheets.

Options designated by the following suffixes apply:

Suffix Description

 A Aluminum-clad steel strand.

 C Class C galvanized steel utility grade strand for

corrosion areas.
Bulletin 1753F-152

Page 3

 D Two or more cables are to be initially lashed to

the same suspension strand.

 E Cables are lashed to existing strand and cable(s).

A. The length of aerial cable measured for compensation purposes

includes the sum of the cable distances between supporting

structures as indicated by the sequential foot markings.

B. This unit does not include labor and material for fiber

splicing, splice closures, housings or organizers. The labor

and material for these items are provided for in other units.

C. Class A galvanized steel utility grade strand shall be

provided unless another type is specified by the appropriate

suffix.

Each aerial filled fiber optic cable assembly unit is listed in

accordance with the number of optical fibers. Each unit is

prefixed by the letters CO. The following illustrations indicate

the method of designating the material required.

CO16(6M) An aerial filled fiber optic cable with 16 fibers,

supported by 6000 pound (lbs) [26,688 Newtons (N)]

Class A galvanized steel utility grade strand.

CO8E An aerial filled fiber optic cable with 8 fibers,

lashed to existing strand and cables(s).

Section CW - AERIAL FILLED COPPER CABLE ASSEMBLY UNITS

Consists of one (1) foot (0.305 m) of aerial filled copper cable

in place including supporting messenger of galvanized steel

strand, lashing wire, attachments to strand, bonding of the shield

and strand in accordance with the Construction Sheets.

Options designated by the following suffixes apply:

Suffix Description

 A Aluminum-clad steel strand.

 C Class C galvanized steel utility grade strand is

required for corrosion areas.

 D Two or more cables are to be initially lashed to

the same suspension strand.

 E Cables are to be lashed to existing strand and

cable(s).
Bulletin 1753F-152

Page 4

 H Screened cable designated for T1 carrier systems.

 H1C Screened cable designated for T1C carrier systems.

A. This unit includes labor and material for installation of the

splice closure, and other labor and materials for straight

splicing cables of the same size and gauge required only for

the purpose of joining such cables in one continuous length

(reel ends).

B. When specified in the Proposal, this unit includes the

spiraling of cable around the suspension strand at the

locations shown on the Construction Sheets.

C. The length of aerial cable measured for compensation purposes

includes the sum of the cable distances between supporting

structures as indicated by the sequential foot markings.

D. Where aerial cables are supported by separate through-bolts

on the same pole, messenger bonds required as shown on the

Construction Sheets are included as a part of this unit.

E. Class A galvanized steel utility grade strand shall be

provided unless another type is specified by the appropriate

suffix.

Each aerial filled copper cable assembly unit is listed in

accordance with the number of pairs and gauge of conductors. Each

unit is prefixed by the letters CW. The following illustrations

indicate the method of designating the material required.

CW50-24(6M) A 50-pair, 24-gauge aerial filled copper cable

supported by 6000 lbs (26,688 N) Class A

galvanized steel utility grade strand.

CW50-24(6M)C A 50-pair, 24-gauge aerial filled copper cable

supported by 6000 lbs (26,688 N) Class C

galvanized steel utility grade strand.

Section HA - AERIAL SPLICE CLOSURE ASSEMBLY UNITS

Consists of an aerial splice closure and the closure

manufacturer’s provided encapsulating material if required,

installed in place and the labor and material for setting up in

preparation for installing the closure, such as, opening the

sheath or jacket of the cable, bonding of cable shields, filling

the closure if required, closing the closure, and, when

applicable, pressure testing, all in accordance with the

manufacturer's instructions. It also includes all necessary

hardware items to support the cable adjacent to the closure and to
Bulletin 1753F-152

Page 5

terminate the lashing wire. Cable splicing shall be compensated

under the appropriate splicing units.

The assembly units are defined as follows:

HAC( ) Aerial Free-Breathing, Nonfilled Closure – A freebreathing, nonfilled splice closure with pair count

and gauge for each cable to be spliced.

HAF( ) Aerial Filled Closure – A filled splice closure

with pair count and gauge for each cable to be

spliced.

HAP( ) Aerial Pressurized Closure – A pressurized splice

closure with pair count and gauge for each cable to

be spliced.

For Fiber Optic applications use the following suffix:

Suffix Description

 O Splice closure and organizer for fiber optic

cables. The closure manufacturer shall specify the

appropriate organizer.

The following illustrations indicate the method of designating the

material required.

HAC(100-24) Aerial free-breathing, nonfilled splice

closure enclosing two cable ends with same

pair count and gauge.

HAF(100-24)(50-24) Aerial filled splice closure enclosing two

cable ends with different pair counts.

HACO(24) Aerial free-breathing, nonfilled fiber optic

splice closure and organizer capable of

accommodating a minimum of 24 fibers.

HAP(100-24) Aerial pressurized splice closure enclosing

two cable ends with same pair count and gauge.

HAPO(12) Aerial pressurized fiber optic splice closure

and organizer capable of accommodating a

minimum of 12 fibers.
Bulletin 1753F-152

Page 6

Section HC - COPPER SPLICING ASSEMBLY UNITS

HC1 Consists of the labor and material necessary in the wire

work and splicing of one (1) cable pair in any cable,

including any non-working pair in an existing cable in

accordance with RUS Splicing Standard Bulletin 1753F-401

(PC-2) using individual mechanical splicing connectors.

The splice may be straight, bridged, or pieced out and

bridged. Pairs that are to be tested, capped, or tested

and capped, when specified by the Engineer are considered

to be part of this unit. Only those pairs on which

splicing, testing, and/or capping operations are

performed are counted and each pair is counted only once

at each location. On aerial inserts, each end of the

fuse link is considered as a splice.

HC3 Consists of the labor and material necessary in the wire

work and splicing of one (1) cable pair in any cable,

including any non-working pair in an existing cable in

accordance with RUS Splicing Standard Bulletin 1753F-401

(PC-2) using splicing modules. The splice may be

straight, bridged or pieced out and bridged. Pairs that

are to be tested, capped, or tested and capped, when

specified by the Engineer are considered to be part of

this unit. Only those pairs on which splicing, testing,

and/or capping operations are performed are counted and

each pair is counted only once at each location. On

aerial inserts, each end of the fuse link is considered as

a splice.

HC5 Consists of the labor and material necessary for

terminating one (1) pair on a terminal block within a

ready access closure, including a non-working pair in

existing cables in accordance with RUS Splicing Standard

Bulletin 1753F-401 (PC-2). Pairs that are to be tested,

when specified by the Engineer, are considered to be part

of this unit.

Section HO - FIBER OPTIC SPLICING ASSEMBLY UNITS

Consists of all labor and material necessary to splice and/or

test one (1) glass fiber in any cable in accordance with RUS

Splicing Standard Bulletin 1753F-401(PC-2). The labor shall

include initial measurement, minimizing the attenuation, splicing

and stowing the spliced fiber in a fiber organizer. The labor

and material for the fiber organizer is part of the appropriate

splice closure unit.
Bulletin 1753F-152

Page 7

Suffix Description

HO1 Fusion Splice

HO2 Mechanical Splice

HO3 Connector Splice

Section HR – READY ACCESS SPLICE CLOSURE ASSEMBLY UNITS

Consists of a ready access closure containing unprotected filled

terminal blocks installed in place and includes the labor and

material for setting up in preparation for installing the ready

access closure, such as, opening the sheath or jacket of the

cable, bonding of cable shields, and closing the closure in

accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. It also includes

all necessary hardware items to support the cable adjacent to the

closure and to terminate the lashing wire. Cable splicing shall

be compensated under the appropriate splicing units. When

protected filled terminal blocks are to be specified, the unit

shall be suffixed by the letter "P".

Ready access closures not containing filled terminal blocks shall

be suffixed with the letter "U". Under this option, installation

of filled terminal blocks shall be compensated under other units.

The assembly units are defined as follows:

HR1( )( ) A straight splice ready access closure.

HR2( )( ) A branch splice ready access closure.

The first set of parentheses shall indicate the main cable

diameter (dia.), in inches (in.) [millimeters (mm)], as shown in

the illustration. The second set of parentheses shall indicate

the number of terminals within the ready access closure. When the

unit is suffixed with the letter "U" the second set of parentheses

is not applicable.

The following illustrations indicate the method of designating the

material required.

HR1(2.0)(12) Ready access closure, accommodating a straight

splice with a maximum cable diameter of 2.0

in. (50.8 mm), and equipped with filled

terminal blocks with a total of 12

terminations.
Bulletin 1753F-152

Page 8

HR2(1.0)(6) Ready access closure, accommodating a branch

splice with a maximum cable diameter of

1.0 in. (25.4 mm), and equipped with filled

terminal blocks with a total of 6

terminations.

HR1(2.0)U Ready access closure, accommodating a straight

splice with a maximum cable diameter of 2.0

in. (50.8 mm), without any terminal blocks

installed.

Section PE - GUY ASSEMBLY UNITS

Consists of strand and hardware; and insulators or ground

connection where required. For guying purposes, when a cable

messenger strand is extended one or more spans to a deadend

structure, the strand in each such span shall be considered as an

overhead guy for the appropriate size of strand used.

The assembly units are defined as follows:

 PE1-2 Down Guy for 6M strand

 PE1-3 Down Guy for 10M strand

 PE1-4 Down Guy for 16M strand

 PE1-2G Down Guy, Ground Connection Type for 6M strand

 PE1-3G Down Guy, Ground Connection Type for 10M strand

 PE1-4G Down Guy, Ground Connection Type for 16M strand

 PE2-2 Overhead Guy for 6M strand

 PE2-3 Overhead Guy for 10M strand

 PE2-4 Overhead Guy for 16M strand

 PE2-2G Overhead Guy, Ground Connection Type for 6M strand

 PE2-3G Overhead Guy, Ground Connection Type for 10M strand

 PE2-4G Overhead Guy, Ground Connection Type for 16M strand

Note: When the above Guy Assembly Units are to be installed on

existing poles, the assembly unit designation is prefixed by the

letter "N".

Unless otherwise indicated by an additional suffix, the strand

furnished on the Project will be seven-wire, Class A galvanized

steel utility grade. The following suffix may be used:

Suffix Type of Strand

 A Aluminum - Clad steel

 C Class C galvanized steel utility grade
Bulletin 1753F-152

Page 9

Section PF – ANCHOR ASSEMBLY UNITS

Consists of the anchor with rod, complete and in place, ready for

attaching the guy strand.

The assembly units are defined as follows:

PFl-3 Expanding Anchor - 6,000 lbs (26,688 N)

PFl-5 Expanding Anchor - 10,000 lbs (44,480 N)

PFl-7 Expanding Anchor - 16,000 lbs (71,168 N)

PF2-3 Plate Anchor - 6,000 lbs (26,688 N)

PF2-5 Plate Anchor - 10,000 lbs (44,480 N)

PF2-7 Plate Anchor - 16,000 lbs (71,168 N)

PF3-3 Screw Anchor - 6,000 lbs (26,688 N)

PF3-5 Screw Anchor - 10,000 lbs (44,480 N)

PF3-7 Screw Anchor - 16,000 lbs (71,168 N)

PF5-3 Rock Anchor - 3/4 in. dia. (19 mm) rod

PF5-4 Rock Anchor - 1 in. dia. (25.4 mm) rod

PF6-3 Swamp Anchor - 10 in. dia. (254 mm)

PF6-4 Swamp Anchor - 12 in. dia. (305 mm)

PF6-5 Swamp Anchor - 15 in. dia. (381 mm)

Note: When twineye rods are required for the above anchor

assembly units, the unit designation is suffixed by the letter

"A".

Section PM - MISCELLANEOUS ASSEMBLY UNITS

Consists of all labor and materials to construct and install the

units defined individually below required for the installation and

construction of the aerial portions of the Project:

PM1 Pole Lightning Protection Assembly

PM2 Pole Ground Assembly

PM2-1 Auxiliary Ground Rod Assembly

PM2A Ground wire assembly for bonding aerial cable

strand or support wire to electric system neutral

or pole ground assembly.

PM4 Cable Extension Arm (Short)

PM4A Cable Extension Arm (Long)

PM5 Pole Stepping Assembly

PM6 One Wood Pole Key
Bulletin 1753F-152

Page 10

PM7 Two Wood Pole Keys

PM8 One Wood Key and One Metal Expanding Key

PM9 Two Wood Keys and One Metal Expanding Key

PM11 Guy Guard

PM12( ) Consists of all labor and material to install a

sidewalk guy arm. The guy, guy guard and anchor

assembly units will be specified separately. The

length in feet (meters) of a single piece of

2 in.(50.8 mm) galvanized steel pipe shall be

indicated in the parentheses.

PM14 Push Brace Accessories

PM21 Cable Entrance – Consists of the necessary labor

and material to terminate copper and/or fiber

optic outside plant cables as shown on the

detailed drawings as specified by the Engineer.

PM22 Grounding System – Consists of the necessary labor

and material to construct a grounding system as

shown on the detailed drawings as specified by the

Engineer. This unit shall include all ground

electrodes, trenching, backfilling, bonding the

auxiliary ground electrodes to each other and to

the primary ground electrodes, and bonding to the

master ground bar (MGB).

PM25( ) Filled Terminal Block Assembly Unit - Consists of

an unprotected filled terminal block, mounted in

place in a ready access closure (separately

specified) and connected to the conductors of the

cable as specified by the Engineer. Splicing of

the cable conductors shall be in accordance with

RUS Splicing Standard Bulletin 1753F-401 (PC-2).

The pair count of the terminal block shall be

indicated in the parentheses. When protected

filled terminal blocks are to be specified, the

unit shall be suffixed by the letter "P".

PM52 Pole Marking, Per Pole, Route and Pole Number.
Bulletin 1753F-152

Page 11

Section R - RIGHT-OF-WAY CLEARING AND TRIMMING UNITS

Aerial Plant

A. Clearing Units are defined as follows:

R1-5 Is one (1) foot (0.305 m) in length and 5 feet

(1.52 m) in width (to be measured on one side of

the pole line) of actual clearing of right-of-way.

The unit applies to clearing right-of-way along new

or existing telecommunications pole lines and along

existing power pole lines. This includes clearing

of underbrush, tree removal, and such tree trimming

as may be required to leave an unobstructed rightof-way from the ground up on one side of the line

of poles carrying wire or cable. The length of

actual clearing shall be measured in a straight

line parallel to the line between poles and across

the maximum dimension of foliage cleared (not

trunk) projected to the ground line. All trees and

underbrush across the width of the right-of-way

shall be considered to be grouped together as a

single length in measuring the total length of

clearing. Lengths along the right-of-way in which

no trees are to be removed or trimmed or underbrush

cleared shall be omitted from the total

measurement. This unit includes the removal, or

topping (cutting out the top of the tree so that if

the remaining portions of the tree fall, they will

not endanger the line) at the option of the

Contractor, of danger trees outside of the rightof-way when so designated by the Engineer. (Danger

trees are defined as dead or leaning trees, which,

in falling, would affect the operation of the

line.) The Contractor shall not remove or trim

shade, fruit, or ornamental trees unless so

directed by the Engineer.

R1-10 Identical to R1-5 except that width is 10 feet

(3.05 m).

R2-5 Identical with R1-5, except that width 10 feet

(3.05 m); to be measured 5 feet (1.52m) on each

side of the pole line.

R2-10 Identical with Rl-5, except that width 20 feet (6.1

m), to be measured 10 feet (3.05m) on each side of

the pole line.

Note: The letter "M" added as a suffix to the above "R" units

designates units for reclearing existing right-of-way. With the
Bulletin 1753F-152

Page 12

exception of the substitution of the word "reclearing" for

"clearing", the remaining description of the "R" assembly units

applies for the units suffixed with the letter "M".

B. The Trimming Unit is defined as follows:

R3-5 Is one (1) foot (0.305 m) in length and consists of

the trimming of foliage and branches from trees

growing on or adjacent to the right-of-way so as to

provide a clearance of not less than 5 feet (1.52

m) in all directions from telecommunications cable.

This unit is measured parallel to the pole line

across the maximum width of foliage trimmed. All

trees, underbrush or shrubbery across the width

trimmed shall be considered to be grouped together

as a single length in measuring the total length of

trimming. Lengths along the right-of-way in which

no trimming is performed shall be omitted from the

total measurement. Any trimming included in Rl or

R2 right-of-way clearing units, shall not be

considered a part of the measurement of the unit.

The Contractor shall not trim any shade, fruit or

ornamental trees unless so directed by the

Engineer. When so designated by the Engineer, a

tree may be trimmed of its branches with the trunk

left extending into the zone to be trimmed.

Section W - REARRANGEMENT UNITS

Specific rearrangement units shall be designated and described by

the Engineer on the "List of Special Arrangement Units" table of

RUS Form 515. Existing plant assembly units to be rearranged are

designated by a prefix "W".

Section XX - NONREUSABLE MATERIALS REMOVAL UNITS

These units cover the furnishing of all labor for the removal of

construction assembly units from existing lines, and

transportation of the removed materials for proper disposal. The

Contractor will be permitted to use the most economical method of

removing these units. The removal units are designated by the

prefix "XX" followed by the assembly unit designation of the unit

to be removed.

Section XZ - REUSABLE MATERIALS REMOVAL UNITS

These units cover the furnishing of all labor for the removal of

construction assembly units from existing lines and all labor and

transportation of the removed materials to a location designated

by the Owner. The Contractor will be charged by the Owner for
Bulletin 1753F-152

Page 13

the materials removed under this section at the unit material

values shown in column 2 of the "Value and Disposition of Units

to be Removed" table of RUS Form 515. The number of units to be

charged to the Contractor and the extended value of these units

are shown in columns 3 and 4. Such charges will be placed against

the Contractor as assembly units are removed and the unit

material values will be deducted from the total value of assembly

units constructed on this project for determination of the work

accomplished for purposes of the monthly progress payments to the

Contractor. Of the assembly units listed in the "Value and

Disposition of Units to be Removed" table to be removed from

existing lines certain units are to be reused in the construction

of the project. The quantity of such units to be reused is

listed in the "Value and Disposition of Units to be Removed"

table, column 5. These units where installed in the project will

be inventoried as new assembly units and compensated for at the

unit bid prices. The quantity of assembly units listed in column

6 of the "Value and Disposition of Units to be Removed" table is

the maximum quantity of removed assembly units that are to be

returned to the Owner for credit which will be allowed at the

unit material prices in column 2. Column 7 indicates the

extended value of the units to be returned to the Owner. The

Contractor will be allowed credit for assembly units listed in

column 6 which, in the opinion of the Engineer, have not been

damaged by the Contractor in removal and handling. Such credits

will be allowed the Contractor as the assembly units are returned

to a location designated by the Owner and shall be added to the

total value of installed assembly units for determination of work

accomplished for the purposes of the monthly progress payments to

the Contractor. The removal units are specified by the prefix

"XZ" followed by the assembly unit designation of the existing

assembly unit to be removed.
Bulletin 1753F-152

Page 14

Part II - SPECIFICATIONS FOR MATERIALS

1. SCOPE

This part of the specification is concerned with the various

materials required for the construction of the outside aerial

cable plant of the rural telecommunications system as shown on the

Plans, Specifications, and Construction Sheets.

2. GENERAL

All materials used in the construction of the rural

telecommunications system except those listed in Paragraph 4 below

shall be listed in RUS Informational Publication (IP)

344-2, "List of Materials Acceptable for Use on Telecommunications

Systems of RUS Borrowers," unless specific written approval has

been granted by the Administrator.

3. POLES

3.1 The pole plan, method of treatment, kind of preservative and

general procedure applying to all poles shall be in accordance

with the latest RUS specifications for these items in effect at

the time the bids are received. All poles shall be framed in

accordance with the framing guide attached to the specifications.

3.2 Poles shall be of the length and American National Standards

Institute, Inc. (ANSI) class specified in the Proposal.

4. MISCELLANEOUS

Items which do not appear in RUS IP 344-2, "List of Materials

Acceptable for Use on Telecommunications Systems of RUS

Borrowers," shall be of a quality suitable for the application for

which they are intended.

Part III - SPECIFICATIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION

1. GENERAL

1.1 All construction and installation work shall be done in a

thorough and workmanlike manner in accordance with the Plans,

Specifications and Construction Sheets and shall be subject to

acceptance by the Owner and the Administrator.

1.2 All material to be used in construction of the Project shall

be stored so as to be protected from deteriorating effects of the

elements.
Bulletin 1753F-152

Page 15

1.3 All guy strand, suspension strand, aerial cables, and

accessory materials used in the construction of the Project shall

be handled with care. Each reel of aerial cable shall be

inspected for damage. All damage shall be repaired to the

satisfaction of the Engineer and in accordance with the methods or

other instructions described in the appropriate paragraphs of Part

III. If reel wrap is present, the reel wrap shall remain intact

on the reel until the cable is ready to be placed.

1.4 Deviations from the Plans, Specifications and Construction

Sheets shall not be permitted except upon written permission of

the Engineer.

1.5 The latest revision of the National Electrical Safety Code

(NESC) and the National Electrical Code (NEC) shall be followed in

every case except where local regulations are more stringent, in

which case local regulations shall govern.

1.6 The Contractor shall maintain conductor polarity (tip and

ring) identification at the main distributing frame, cable

terminals, wire terminals, terminal blocks, and in the service

entrance, all in accordance with the Specifications and

Construction Sheets (see guide drawing 815).

2. POLE LINES

2.1 Poles shall be handled carefully. Damaged poles shall not be

used.

2.2 The pole hole shall be of sufficient diameter to permit the

pole to settle freely to the bottom of the hole without trimming

the butt and still have sufficient space between the pole and the

sides of the hole to permit proper tamping of the backfill at

every point around the pole, and throughout the entire depth of

the hole.
Bulletin 1753F-152

Page 16

2.3 The setting depth, in feet (or meters), for poles of various

lengths shall be as follows:

Length of Setting Setting

Pole in Soil in Solid Rock

20 (6.10) 4.0 (1.22) 3.0 (0.91)

25 (7.62) 5.0 (1.52) 3.5 (1.07)

30 (9.14) 5.5 (1.68) 3.5 (1.07)

35 (10.67) 6.0 (1.83) 4.0 (1.22)

40 (12.19) 6.0 (1.83) 4.0 (1.22)

45 (13.72) 6.5 (1.98) 4.5 (1.37)

50 (15.24) 7.0 (2.13) 4.5 (1.37)

55 (16.76) 7.5 (2.29) 5.0 (1.52)

60 (18.29) 8.0 (2.44) 5.0 (1.52)

2.4 The "Setting in Soil" depth as shown in paragraph 2.3, shall

apply where poles are to be set in soil only; where there is a

layer of soil more than 2 feet (0.61 m) in depth over solid rock;

or where the pole in solid rock is not substantially vertical or

the diameter of the hole at the surface of the rock exceeds

approximately twice the diameter of the pole at the same level.

2.5 The "Setting in Solid Rock" depth as shown in paragraph 2.3,

shall apply where solid rock is encountered at the ground line and

where the hole is substantially vertical, approximately uniform in

diameter, and large enough to permit the use of tamping bars the

full depth of the hole.

2.6 Where there is a layer of soil 2 feet (0.61 m) or less in

depth over solid rock, the depth of the hole shall be the depth of

the soil in addition to the depth specified in paragraph 2.3 under

"Setting in Solid Rock," provided, however, that such depth shall

not exceed the depth specified under "Setting in Soil."

2.7 On sloping ground the depth of the hole shall be measured

from the low side of the hole. Where a pole is to be set on the

side of a steep grade where soil erosion appears to be a

consideration, the hole should be one (1) foot (0.305 m) deeper

than specified in paragraph 2.3 under "Setting in Soil."

2.8 When an earth boring machine is employed for holes for guyed

poles, the bottom of the hole shall be thoroughly tamped to

compact any loose earth that may be present.

2.9 All holes shall be backfilled with soil or small rock and all

pole holes in rock shall be inspected and approved by the Engineer

before being backfilled.
Bulletin 1753F-152

Page 17

2.10 Backfill shall be thoroughly tamped the full depth of the

pole hole. Earth must be banked around the pole to a minimum

height of 6 in. [15.24 centimeters (cm)] above ground level.

2.11 Holes in soil for poles at unguyed corners where the pole

will not be keyed shall be one (1) foot (0.305 m) deeper than the

"Setting in Soil" depth as shown in paragraph 2.3. For holes in

solid rock the "Setting in Solid Rock" depth will apply.

2.12 The Contractor shall be responsible for setting poles in

alignment according to the staking sheets. If the Contractor

should find stakes out of alignment, the Engineer shall, upon

request of the Contractor, realign the stakes according to the

construction sheets.

2.13 Poles shall be set plumb except at corners where they shall

be set and raked against the load so that the pole top will be in

line after the load is applied. The rake in pole shall not exceed

6 in. (15.24 cm) for each 10 feet (3.05 m) of pole length after

the conductors are installed at the required tension. Deadend

shall be set so as to be plumb and in line after the load it

applied.

2.14 Pole lightning protection shall be a #6 AWG bare copper wire

installed in accordance with assembly unit drawing PM1.

3. MOUNTING HARDWARE AND GUYS

3.1 All bolts employed for the mounting of hardware items on

poles shall be long enough to fully engage the nut (including

locknut, where applicable) but shall not extend more than 2 in.

(50.8 mm) beyond the nut after the nut is tightened. The ends of

bolts shall not be cut.

3.2 The Engineer shall determine all guy locations and shall

specify the type of guy. Guys shall be installed before

conductors or cable suspension strands are placed.

4. ANCHORS

4.1 Anchor assembly units shall be installed at locations

designated on the construction sheets.

4.2 All anchors and rods shall be in line with the load and shall

be so installed that the eye of the rod is above grade. Not more

than 6 in. (152 mm) of rod shall remain out of the ground after

the load is applied.
Bulletin 1753F-152

Page 18

4.3 When an expansion type anchor is used, the anchor shall be

fully expanded and shall be expanded into undisturbed earth before

backfilling the anchor hole.

4.4 Backfill shall be thoroughly tamped the full depth of all

anchor holes.

4.5 Rock anchors shall be placed in accordance with the detailed

instructions of the Engineer. Where a rock is encountered below

the surface of the ground, instructions from the Engineer shall be

obtained before placing an anchor at that location.

5. SELF SUPPORTING FIBER OPTIC CABLE

5.1 Where physical obstructions make it necessary to pull cable

along the line from a stationary reel, cable stringing blocks

shall be used to support the cable during all placing and

tensioning operations. Ladders, cable cars and other equipment

shall not be placed on or against the cable.

5.2 Splicing of the optical fibers shall be performed in

accordance with RUS Splicing Standard Bulletin 1753F-401 (PC-2).

Splicing of the support member shall be performed in accordance

with the method specified by the Engineer.

5.3 During installation, maximum pulling tension and minimum

bending radius of the self supporting fiber optic cable shall not

exceed the cable manufacturer's recommendations.

5.4 Initial stringing tension, maximum permissible span length,

and sagging shall be in accordance with the cable manufacturer's

recommendations.

5.5 Self supporting fiber optic cable shall be spiraled in

accordance with the method shown on Construction Guide Drawing

250-1. Spiraling of the cable shall be performed within 24 hours

of the tensioning operation.

5.6 The insulation shall not be removed from the support member

except at bonding and ground points; and at points where ends of

the support member are terminated in splicing and deadend devices.

5.7 The support member of self supporting fiber optic cable shall

be made electrically continuous throughout its entire length.

5.8 At junctions between self supporting fiber optic cable and

aerial fiber cable, or buried fiber cable, the support messenger

shall be bonded to the aerial cable strand or buried cable armor.
Bulletin 1753F-152

Page 19

5.9 The support member of self supporting fiber optic cable shall

be grounded at locations specified by the Engineer by connecting

the support wire to a pole ground wire as shown on the

Construction Sheets.

5.10 When specified by the Engineer, the insulation of the

support member at deadend fittings, splices and bridged grounding

connections shall be restored in accordance with the method shown

in Construction Guide Drawing 360.

5.11 Damaged portions of the self supporting fiber optic cable

shall be cut out and the support member spliced in accordance with

the method specified by the Engineer.

6. SUSPENSION STRAND

6.1 The cable shall be installed within a reasonable time after

the strand is installed and tensioned. If a delay in installing

cable in excess of 24 hours is encountered, temporary dampers

shall be installed on the strand.

6.2 When tensioning strand the cable suspension clamps shall be

loose enough to allow free movement of the strand.

6.3 Suspension strand shall be placed in accordance with the

Construction Sheets and shall be tensioned in accordance with

instructions, which shall be furnished, to the Contractor by the

Engineer.

6.4 The suspension strand shall be placed on the roadside of the

pole line unless otherwise directed by the Engineer.

6.5 In tangent construction, the lip of the suspension strand

clamp shall point toward the pole. At angles in the line, the

suspension strand clamp lip shall point away from the load.

6.6 In level construction the suspension strand clamp shall be

placed in such a manner that it shall hold the strand below the

through-bolt. At points where there is an up-pull on the strand,

the clamp shall be so placed that it shall support the strand

above the through-bolt.

6.7 When a thimbleye bolt is used both to mount the suspension

strand clamp and to make the guy attachment, the size of the

suspension strand clamp shall be governed by the size of the

thimbleye bolt required for the guy.

6.8 The air temperature at the time and place of tensioning the

strand shall be determined by means specified by the Engineer.
Bulletin 1753F-152

Page 20

6.9 The suspension strand shall be made electrically continuous

throughout its entire length as indicated on the Construction

Sheets.

6.10 Suspension strands shall be bonded to other bare cable

suspension strands, and guys on the same pole and grounded by

connection to ground leads at locations specified by the Engineer

and in the manner specified by the Engineer. Where the strand is

to be grounded to a multigrounded neutral on a pole which does not

carry a vertical pole ground wire, a #6 AWG bare copper wire shall

be left coiled and taped to permit it to be extended up the pole

and connected to the multiground neutral by a representative of

the power company.

7. FILLED AERIAL CABLE

7.1 The Contractor and Engineer shall jointly inspect all reels

of cable for damage prior to installation.

7.2 Cable ends shall be kept sealed at all times, i.e., during

transportation, in storage, and during cable placement to prevent

moisture entry into the cable core. Acceptable cable end caps

shall be used for this purpose.

7.3 Cable shall be taken from the reel only as it is placed.

Bends of small radii and twists shall be avoided in handling

cable.

7.4 If the jacket is deformed in handling the cable, the Engineer

shall be notified. If directed by the Engineer, the deformed

section of the jacket shall be removed; the insulation and

conductors shall be examined and if damaged shall be repaired.

The opening in the jacket shall then be closed by means of a

suitable enclosure. Repairs so made shall be done in accordance

with appropriate specifications.

8. FILLED AERIAL CABLE PLACEMENT

8.1 During placing operations, copper cables shall not be bent in

a radius less than 10 times the outside diameter of the cable and

fiber optic cables shall not be bent in a radius less than 20

times the outside diameter of the cable. Temporary supports where

necessary, shall be placed sufficiently close together and proper

tensioning of the cable shall be employed to prevent bending in

excess of the above requirements.

8.2 In those instances where spiraling of cable is involved, the

mounting of closures for purposes of splicing and distribution
Bulletin 1753F-152

Page 21

shall be accomplished after the spiraling operation has been

completed.

8.3 Cable guards shall be applied over the cable at points of

potential abrasion such as at supports, and in locations where

tree trimming is not permitted.

8.4 Cable shall be lashed with lashing wire to the suspension

strand by means of a suitable lashing machine.

8.5 The pitch of the lashing wire may be from 10 to 15 in.

(254 to 381 mm) but must be constant for any section of cable of

the same size and gauge. For cables of 3/4 in. (19 mm) or larger

in diameter, the lashing wire shall be placed with a tension of 35

to 40 lbs (156 to 178 N). Cables having a smaller diameter less

than 3/4 in. (19 mm) shall be lashed with a lashing wire tension

of 18 to 25 lbs (80 to 111 N).

8.6 During the placing operation, precautions shall be taken to

prevent slippage of the cable sheath or jacket over the core.

8.7 The cable shall be snug against the suspension strand

throughout the span. It shall be supported in a position directly

below the strand insofar as possible, except where spiraling has

been specified. Where more than one cable is placed on a strand,

the cables shall be arranged as shown on the Construction Sheets

so that the cables are snug against the suspension strand and

against each other.

8.8 The lashing wire shall be terminated at each pole and the

cable shall be supported and protected at the suspension clamp in

accordance with the Construction Sheets.

8.9 At lashing wire terminating points, the tension placed in the

lashing wire by the lashing machine shall be maintained. No slack

in the lashing wire shall be permitted to run into the span.

8.10 When lashing wire is spliced in a span, the splice shall be

made by means of a compression type splicing sleeve. The

completed splice shall be placed on the strand in such a position

that it shall not result in damage to the cable sheath or jacket.

8.11 Where suspension strand attachments such as suspension

strand cross-over, suspension strand pull-offs, etc., are

encountered in the span, a positive separation shall be provided

between the suspension strand attachment and the cable, and the

cable shall be supported and protected in accordance with the

Construction Sheets.
Bulletin 1753F-152

Page 22

8.12 At splices where the cable is not cut, no slack shall be

left in the cable. So that no slack can run into the span, the

lashing wire shall be securely clamped to the strand until the

splice is completed, at which time the lashing wire shall be

terminated in accordance with the Construction Sheets.

8.13 At cut splices in the cable, sufficient overlap shall be

provided to permit splicing without piecing out the conductors.

8.14 Spiraling of lashed cable where specified shall be performed

in accordance with the method shown on the Construction Guide

Drawing 250. Spiraling of the cable shall be performed within 48

hours of the tensioning operation.

8.15 Where the new cable is to be lashed to existing strand and

cable(s), the preceding requirements for placement of lashed cable

shall also be adhered to, except as modified and/or supplemented

as follows:

8.15.1 The cable shall be lashed to the existing strand and

cable(s) so that it and the existing cable(s) shall be as snug

against the existing strand as is practicable.

Note: If the existing cable is spiraled, the spiraling shall

first be removed. The existing cable after unspiraling and the

new cable shall then be lashed, without either being spiraled, to

the existing strand in the same lashing operation.

8.15.2 The lashing wire shall be terminated on both sides of all

splices and devices in/on the existing cable where interference

with the lashing operation is encountered.

8.15.3 Cable spacers and cable straps, as required, shall be used

at all points of lashing wire termination to maintain proper

separation and support for the new cable.

8.15.4 Spacers shall be added to the existing suspension clamp

mountings, where required, to maintain proper separation between

the cable and the surface of the pole.

8.15.5 Ready-access closures to be installed on the new cable(s)

shall be equipped with extension fittings so that they will be

located below and separate from the existing cable.

8.16.6 The existing lashing wire, fittings and attachments shall

be adjusted as necessary to maintain proper security of the new

cable and the existing cable, and to maintain adequate separations

and clearances.
Bulletin 1753F-152

Page 23

9. CABLE SPLICING AND TERMINALS

9.1 Splicing for copper cable and fiber optic cable shall be in

accordance with RUS Splicing Standard Bulletin 1753F-401 (PC-2).

9.2 Aerial cable terminals and ready-access closures equipped

with filled terminal blocks shall be installed in accordance with

the Construction Sheets and connected in accordance with the cable

schematic drawings furnished by the Engineer. Splicing shall be

performed in accordance with RUS Splicing Standard Bulletin 1753F401 (PC-2).

10. CLEARING RIGHT-OF-WAY

10.1 In clearing the right-of-way, trees shall be removed or

trimmed and underbrush cleared in accordance with the Construction

Sheets. Trees fronting the side of the right-of-way shall be

trimmed symmetrically unless otherwise directed by the Engineer.

10.2 Dead trees beyond the right-of-way, which would strike the

line in falling, shall be removed.

10.3 Leaning trees beyond the right-of-way which would strike the

line in falling and which would require topping if not removed,

may be removed or topped at the option of the Contractor; however,

the Contractor shall trim and not remove shade, fruit, or

ornamental trees unless otherwise directed by the Engineer.
Bulletin 1753F-152

Page 24

LIST OF CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS AND PLANS

Assembly Unit Drawings

HR1 Ready-Access Enclosure, Lashed

 Cable Straight Splice

HR2 Ready-Access Enclosure, Lashed

 Cable Branch Splice

PE1-2, PE1-3, and PE1-4 Down Guy

PE1-2G, PE1-3G, and PE1-4G Down Guy, Ground Connections

PE2-2, PE2-3, and PE2-4 Overhead Guy

PE2-2G, PE2-3G, and PE2-4G Overhead Guy, Ground Connections

PF1-3, PF1-5, and PF1-7 Expanding Anchor Assembly

PF3-3, PF3-5, and PF3-7 Screw Anchor Assembly

PF5-3 and PF5-4 Rock Anchor Assembly

PF6-3, PF6-4, and PF6-5 Swamp Anchor Assembly

PM1 Pole Lightning Protection Assembly

PM2 Pole Ground Assembly

PM2-1 Auxiliary Ground Rod Assembly

PM2A Ground Wire Assembly

PM4 Cable Extension Arm Assembly (Short)

PM4A Cable Extension Arm Assembly (Long)

PM5 Pole Stepping Assembly

PM6 and PM7 Pole Key Assemblies

PM8 and PM9 Pole Key Assemblies

PM12 Sidewalk Guy Arm Assembly

PM14 Push Brace Accessories

PM52 Pole Marking

Construction Guide Drawings

201 Suspension Strand Mounting

201-1 Self Supporting Filled Fiber Optic Cable Support

202 Suspension Strand Mounting (Pull Away from Pole)

202-1 Suspension Strand Mounting (Pull Against Pole)

202-3 Self Supporting Filled Fiber Optic Cable Support,

 Corner
Bulletin 1753F-152

Page 25

203 Suspension Strand Mounting (Corners)

203-1 Self Supporting Filled Fiber Optic Cable Support,

 Corner

204 Suspension Strand Deadend

206 Branch Suspension Strand

207 Branch Suspension Strand

208 Suspension Strand Pull-Off

209-1 Suspension Strand Bonding

211 False Deadend

212 Strand Layouts

214 Arrangement Details of Cables at Pole Supports

241 Lashed Cable Support at Pole

242 Lashing Wire Terminations

243 Lashing Wire Terminations at Suspension Strand 

 Crossovers

250 Method of Spiraling Aerial Cable

250-1 Method of Spiraling Self Supporting Filled Fiber

 Optic Cable (Figure 8 Design)

312-1 Aerial Plastic Cable, Details of Wire

 Connections to Terminal blocks

360 Method of Restoring Insulation on

 Support Member of Self Supporting Filled

 Fiber Optic Cable (Figure 8 Design)

812 Guy Hook, Details of Installation

815 Conductor Polarity (Tip and Ring) Diagram

 (Aerial Plant)

NOTE: On the Assembly Unit or Guide Drawings an asterisk (*) in

the ITEM column indicates items that are no longer listed in RUS

IP 344-2, "List of Materials Acceptable for Use on

Telecommunications Systems of RUS Borrowers."