This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER

contains regulatory documents having general

applicability and legal effect, most of which

are keyed to and codified in the Code of

Federal Regulations, which is published under

50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.

The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by

the Superintendent of Documents. Prices of

new books are listed in the first FEDERAL

REGISTER issue of each week.

Rules and Regulations Federal Register

20559 

Vol. 74, No. 85 

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Rural Utilities Service 

7 CFR Part 1755 

Telecommunications Policies on 

Specifications, Acceptable Materials, 

and Standard Contract Forms 

AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA. 

ACTION: Final rule. 

SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service, an 

agency delivering the United States 

Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) 

Rural Development Utilities Programs, 

hereinafter referred to as USDA Rural 

Development or the Agency, is revising 

its regulation: on fiber optic cable 

specifications used by borrowers, their 

consulting engineers, and cable 

manufacturers; updates the 

specifications to meet current industry 

standards; includes additional 

requirements in the specifications to 

meet the construction requirements of 

fiber-to-the-home construction; clarifies 

certain existing definitions; separates 

the regulation into two distinct 

specifications for cables covering 

backbone and distribution plant, as well 

as for service entrance cables covering 

subscribers’ drops; and includes new 

definitions. 

DATES: Effective Date: This final rule 

will become effective May 5, 2009 

Incorporation by Reference: The 

incorporation by reference of certain 

publications listed in this rule is 

approved by the Director of the Federal 

Register as of May 5, 2009. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Norberto Esteves, Chair, Technical 

Standards Committee ‘‘A’’ 

(Telecommunications), Advanced 

Services Division, USDA Rural 

Development Telecommunications 

Program, STOP 1550, Washington, DC 

20250–1550. Telephone: (202) 720– 

0699; Fax: (202) 205–2924; e-mail: 

norberto.esteves@wdc.usda.gov. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Executive Order 12866 

This rule is exempt from the Office of 

Management and Budget (OMB) review 

for purposes of Executive Order 12866 

and, therefore, has not been reviewed by 

OMB. 

Executive Order 12988 

This final rule has been reviewed 

under Executive Order 12988, Civil 

Justice Reform. USDA Rural 

Development has determined that this 

final rule meets the applicable standards 

provided in section 3 of the Executive 

Order. In addition, all state and local 

laws and regulations that are in conflict 

with this proposed rule will be 

preempted; no retroactive effect will be 

given to the rule, and, per section 212(e) 

of the Department of Agriculture 

Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 

6912(e)), administrative appeals 

procedures, if any are required, must be 

exhausted before an action against the 

Department or its agencies may be 

initiated. 

Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification 

USDA Rural Development has 

determined that this final rule will not 

have a significant economic impact on 

a substantial number of small entities, 

as defined by the Regulatory Flexibility 

Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). The standard 

USDA Rural Development 

telecommunications loan documents 

contain provisions on procurement of 

products and construction of 

telecommunications facilities purchased 

with loan funds. This ensures that the 

telecommunications systems financed 

with loan funds are adequate to serve 

the purposes for which they are to be 

constructed and that loan funds are 

adequately secured. USDA Rural 

Development borrowers, as a result of 

obtaining Federal financing, receive 

economic benefits that exceed any 

direct cost associated with complying 

with USDA Rural Development 

regulations and requirements. 

Information Collection and 

Recordkeeping Requirements 

The information collection and 

recordkeeping requirements contained 

in this final rule are cleared under 

control number 0572–0059 pursuant to 

the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 

(44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, as amended). 

Executive Order 13132 

This regulation will not have 

substantial direct effects on the States, 

on the relationship between the national 

government and the States, or on 

distribution of power and 

responsibilities among the various 

levels of government. Under Executive 

Order 13132, this final rule does not 

have sufficient federalism implications 

requiring the preparation of a 

Federalism Assessment. 

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance 

The program described by this final 

rule is listed in the Catalog of Federal 

Domestic Assistance Programs under 

No. 10.851, Rural Telephone Loans and 

Loan Guarantees and No. 10.857, Rural 

Broadband Access Loans and Loan 

Guarantees. This catalog is available on 

a subscription basis from the 

Superintendent of Documents, the 

United States Government Printing 

Office, Washington, DC 20402 or at 

http://www.cfda.gov. Telephone: (202) 

512–1800. 

Executive Order 12372 

This final rule is excluded from the 

scope of Executive Order 12372, 

Intergovernmental Consultation, which 

may require consultation with State and 

local officials. See the final rule-related 

notice titled ‘‘Department Programs and 

Activities Excluded from Executive 

Order 12372’’ (50 FR 47034), advising 

that USDA Rural Development Utilities 

Programs loans and loan guarantees are 

excluded from the scope of Executive 

Order 12372. 

Unfunded Mandates 

This final rule contains no Federal 

Mandates (under the regulatory 

provisions of Title II of the Unfunded 

Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 

Chapter 25)) for State, local, and tribal 

governments or the private sector. Thus, 

this final rule is not subject to the 

requirements of sections 202 and 205 of 

the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 

1995. 

National Environmental Policy Act 

Certification 

The Agency has determined that this 

final rule will not significantly affect the 

quality of the human environment as 

defined by the National Environmental 

20560 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 85 / Tuesday, May 5, 2009 / Rules and Regulations 

Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et 

seq.). Therefore, this action does not 

require an environmental impact 

statement or assessment. 

Background 

On July 17, 2007, the Agency 

published a proposed rule [72 FR 

39028] revising the current 

requirements for fiber optic cables of 7 

CFR 1755.900 codified in 1995. The 

comment period ended on September 

17, 2007. Comments were received from 

three companies by the due date. No 

changes in the regulations requirements 

have been made, except those in 

response to comments received. 

This final rule revises the current 

requirements for fiber optic cables of 7 

CFR 1755.900 codified in 1995 as well 

as minor editorial changes. The final 

rule sets the minimum performance 

requirements based on current industry 

standards. This revision was initiated to 

resolve problems the rural telecom 

industry is experiencing with cables 

manufactured under the existing 

specifications and reported by rural 

carriers and their consulting engineers. 

It addresses the buffer tube shrinkage 

caused by storage at low temperatures, 

which impairs fiber-to-the-home system 

performance, and sets new requirements 

for drop cables (cables with 12 or fewer 

fibers operating up to 100 meters (300 

feet)). 

Cables manufactured to these revised 

specifications will have lower average 

bi-directional loss at fusion splices, 

about 0.1 decibels (dB) instead of the 0.2 

dB currently required. For fiber-to-thehome applications the specification 

requires a maximum mid-span length of 

6.1 meters (20 feet) for cables used on 

mid-span applications with buffer tube 

storage. From a polarization mode 

dispersion standpoint, the maximum 

Statistical Parameter of Polarization 

Mode Dispersion (PMDQ) of 0.20 

Picosecond per nanometer times 

kilometer (ps/√km) specified will allow 

the deployment of higher-speed 

transmission systems at longer 

distances: 3,000 kilometers (km) (1,864 

miles) for digital systems operating at 10 

Gigabits per second (Gbps) and 80 km 

(50 miles) operating at 40 Gbps. These 

performance refinements are necessary 

because end-users deploying cable 

meeting this level of performance expect 

it to deliver high bit rate services during 

the useful economic life of these cables. 

The comments, recommendations, 

and responses are summarized as 

follows: 

The National Telecommunications 

Cooperative Association (NTCA) 

submitted one comment in support of 

the proposed rulemaking. 

Response: Rural Development 

appreciates the recommendations given 

by NTCA to this proposed regulation. 

Draka Comteq submitted one 

comment that addressed the following 

issues: 

(1) ‘‘To address proper field usage of 

optical fiber cable, we recommend 

adding the following statement in this 

specification: Installed cable must be 

properly terminated. This includes 

properly securing rigid strength 

members (i.e. central strength member) 

and clamping the cable and jacket. It is 

important that cable components be 

secured to prevent movement of the 

cable or components over the operating 

conditions. Positive stop central 

strength member (CSM) clamps must be 

used and the CSM must be routed as 

straight and as short as practical to 

prevent bowing or breaking of the CSM. 

The cable and jacket retention must be 

sufficient to prevent jacket slippage over 

the operating temperature range.’’ 

Response: The Agency agrees with 

this comment from Draka Comteq. The 

statement has been added to the 

specification under § 1755.900, 

(c)(1)(viii). 

(2) ‘‘Section 5, Fiber Optic Service 

Entrance Cable (1755.901): Due to the 

product and application differences, 

Draka recommends that a separate 

specification be used for drop cable. We 

recommend using the Rural 

Development Utilities Programs 

Specification for Fiber Optic Service 

Entrance Cables that was finalized last 

year. Key drop specification differences 

include: 

—Midspan tube storage should not be 

required 

—Jacket thickness specifications are 

different: 0.5 mm minimum thickness, 

0.30 mm over optional toning 

elements, 0.20 mm over any radial 

strength member not used as a 

primary strength member 

—Reel wrap: applies to only reels 

weighing more than 75 lbs. 

—Cable core: cylindrical core is not 

required (i.e. flat drop cable) 

—Figure 8 drop will use a small 

messenger.’’ 

Response: The Agency agrees with 

Draka Comteq’s comments. Section 

1755.901 has been added to make the 

cable requirements for drop cables a 

stand alone section based on the Rural 

Development Utilities Programs 

Specification for Fiber Optic Service 

Entrance Cables draft specification. 

TRW, Inc., submitted one comment 

which addressed the items as follows 

and expressed its support to the 

proposed regulation: 

1. ‘‘Reference § 1755.900(t)(15) Mid 

Span Test. Rural Fiber-to-the-Home 

systems in low density applications may 

include as many as 15 to 20 mid-span 

openings and in much of the USA are 

exposed to extreme temperature 

variations in the outside plant 

environment. Furthermore, an adequate 

length of fiber needs to be available to 

facilitate splicing in the confined space 

of pedestals and splice closures. It is 

also known that the various components 

of fiber cable are made of several types 

of materials and when such cables are 

opened at splice points the various 

materials are subject to differential 

expansion and contraction. It is 

essential that fiber optic cable be 

designed and proof tested to perform 

without degradation from temperature 

cycling throughout a service life of 20 to 

30 years. Therefore, in order not to 

jeopardize service due to increased 

attenuation over the life other plant, the 

maximum increase in optical 

attenuation allowed after cycle testing 

should not exceed .1 dB pre mid-span 

opening as proposed by RUS.’’ 

Response: The Agency agrees with 

this comment. It is the Agency’s 

viewpoint that the buffer tube needs to 

be designed so no attenuation losses 

occur due to micro-bending of the fibers 

caused by shrinking of the buffer tube 

in low temperature conditions that are 

within the cable operating temperatures 

range. The mid-span test has been 

revised and now calls for a maximum 

average loss of 0.05 dB. 

2. ‘‘Reference 

§ 1755.900(t)(15)(iv)(c)—Mid-Span Test. 

For the reasons stated in the preceding 

paragraph, the mid-span lengths 

specified for testing should not be less 

than 16 feet as proposed by RUS.’’ 

Response: The Agency agrees with 

this comment. The 16-foot mid-span 

opening was set originally based on the 

maximum opening recommended for 

use in the Agency accepted pedestals. 

The Agency has received test data from 

various manufacturers that performed 

this mid-span test using a 20-foot midspan opening. To allow a buffer, the 

specification has been changed to allow 

only a minimum mid-span opening of 

20 feet. 

3. ‘‘Reference 

§ 1755.900(t)(15)(iv)(E)—Mid-Span Test. 

For the reasons stated above the cable 

sample tested should be subjected to not 

less than 5 complete cycles as proposed 

by RUS.’’ 

Response: The Agency agrees. The 

Mid-Span Test now calls for 5 complete 

cycles. 

4. ‘‘Reference § 1755.900(b)(15)— 

Matched Cable: Should the wavelength 

1310, 1550 nm or both be stated?’’ 

Response: No, by not stating the 

wavelength, the requirement applies to 

Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 85 / Tuesday, May 5, 2009 / Rules and Regulations 20561 

both the 1310 nm MFD and 1550 nm 

MFD. 

5. ‘‘Reference § 1755.900(b)(15)— 

Matched Cable: Is the average bidirectional loss of .1 dB, expected at 

1310 nm, 1550 nm, or both? This 

question will come up as actual splice 

data is evaluated in the field.’’ 

Response: At both wavelengths, 

however, the fiber normally is tested at 

the wavelength that will be used for 

transmission. For local loop 

applications splice loss measurements 

should be conducted at 1310 nm since 

losses measured at this wavelength are 

generally higher than losses measured at 

1510 nm. For long haul application 

using non-zero-dispersion shifted fiber 

cable, such as ITU G.655 fiber, the 

splice loss measurement should be 

conducted at 1510 nm. The average bidirectional loss of a fusion splice to be 

≤ 0.1 dB is a goal and not every splice 

needs to meet this goal as long as the 

total budget loss for the link is met. 

6. ‘‘Reference § 1755.900(c)(4)—ADSS 

cables. Per NESC C2–2007, Table 232– 

1, the typical minimum sagged ground 

clearance should be stated as 4.7 m 

(15.5 feet) rather than 4.3 m (14 feet) as 

proposed.’’ 

Response: The ‘‘typical minimum 

sagged’’ ground clearance has been 

changed to 4.7 m (15.5 feet). 

7. ‘‘Reference § 1755.900(g)(3)— 

Optical Fiber Ribbon: There appears to 

be a typographical error in the 

paragraph, ‘‘manufactures’’ should be 

‘‘manufacturer.’’ 

Response: A correction was made. 

8. Reference § 1755.900(o) —Armor. 

Typographical errors, ‘‘mills’’ should be 

‘‘mils.’’ 

Response: A correction was made. 

9. ‘‘Reference § 1755.900(s)(1)—Zero 

Dispersion Optical Fiber Cable. 

Typographical errors, should be 

‘‘Table2/G.652.B’’ and ‘‘Table4/ 

G.652.D.’’ 

Response: A correction was made. 

10. Reference § 1755.900(y)(1)— 

Packaging * * * Typographical error, 

‘‘continues’’ should be ‘‘continuous.’’ 

Response: A correction was made. 

11. Clarification of definitions. 

Response: The Agency has added 

language to indicate reference materials 

available online and in a bulletin format 

on the Agency acceptance process and 

has added the definitions of the ‘‘List of 

Acceptable Materials’’ and ‘‘Accept/ 

Acceptance.’’ Additionally, the 

definition of ‘‘polarization mode 

dispersion’’ was revised for clarity and 

the definition of ‘‘birefringence’’ has 

been defined separately, rather than 

being incorporated into the definition of 

polarization mode dispersion. 

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 1755 

Incorporation by reference, Loan 

programs—communications, Reporting 

and recordkeeping requirements, Rural 

areas, Telecommunications, Telephone. 

■ For reasons set forth in the preamble, 

chapter XVII of title 7 of the Code of 

Federal Regulations, is amended as 

follows: 

PART 1755—TELECOMMUNICATIONS 

POLICIES ON SPECIFICATIONS, 

ACCEPTABLE MATERIALS, AND 

STANDARD CONTRACT FORMS 

■ 1. The heading of part 1755 is revised 

to read as set out above. 

■ 2. The authority citation for part 1755 

continues to read as follows: 

Authority: 7 U.S.C. 901 et seq., 1921 et 

seq., 6941 et seq. 

■ 3. Section 1755.900 is revised and 

§§ 1755.901, 1755.902, and 1755.903 are 

added to read as follows: 

§ 1755.900 Abbreviations and Definitions. 

The following abbreviations and 

definitions apply to §§ 1755.901 and 

1755.902: 

(a) Abbreviations. 

(1) ADSS All dielectric self-supporting; 

(2) ASTM American Society for Testing and 

Materials; 

(3) °C Centigrade temperature scale; 

(4) dB Decibel; 

(5) CSM Central strength member; 

(6) dB/km Decibels per 1 kilometer; 

(7) ECCS Electrolytic chrome coated steel; 

(8) EIA Electronic Industries Alliance; 

(9) EIA/TIA Electronic Industries Alliance/ 

Telecommunications Industry 

Association; 

(10) FTTH Fiber-to-the-Home; 

(11) Gbps Gigabit per second or Gbit/s; 

(12) GE General Electric; 

(13) HDPE High density polyethylene; 

(14) ICEA Insulated Cable Engineers 

Association, Inc.; 

(15) Km kilometer(s;) 

(16) LDPE Low density polyethylene; 

(17) m meter(s;) 

(18) Max. Maximum; 

(19) Mbit Megabits; 

(20) MDPE Medium density polyethylene; 

(21) MHz-km Megahertz-kilometer; 

(22) Min. Minimum; 

(23) MFD Mode-Field Diameter; 

(24) nm Nanometer(s;) 

(25) N Newton(s;) 

(26) NA Numerical aperture; 

(27) NESC National Electrical Safety Code; 

(28) OC Optical cable; 

(29) O.D. Outside Diameter; 

(30) OF Optical fiber; 

(31) OSHA Occupational Safety and Health 

Administration; 

(32) OTDR Optical Time Domain 

Reflectometer; 

(33) % Percent; 

(34) ps/(nm · km) Picosecond per nanometer 

times kilometer; 

(35) ps/(nm2 · km) Picosecond per 

nanometer squared times kilometer; 

(36) PMD Polarization Mode Dispersion; 

(37) RUS Rural Utilities Service; 

(38) s Second(s); 

(39) SI International System (of Units) 

(From the French Syste`me international 

d’unite ́ s); and 

(40) μm Micrometer. 

(b) Definitions. 

(1) Accept; Acceptance means Agency 

action of providing the manufacturer of 

a product with a letter by mail or 

facsimile that the Agency has 

determined that the manufacturer’s 

product meets its requirements. For 

information on how to obtain Agency 

product acceptance, refer to the 

procedures listed at http:// 

www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/ 

listing_procedures/ 

index_listing_procedures.htm, as well as 

additional information in RUS Bulletin 

345–3, Acceptance of Standards, 

Specifications, Equipment Contract 

Forms, Manual Sections, Drawings, 

Materials and Equipment for the 

Telephone Program, available for 

download at http://www.usda.gov/rus/ 

telecom/publications/bulletins.htm. 

(2) Agency means the Rural Utilities 

Service, an Agency which delivers the 

United States Department of 

Agriculture’s Rural Development 

Utilities Programs. 

(3) Armor means a metal tape 

installed under the outer jacket of the 

cable intended to provide mechanical 

protection during cable installation and 

environmental protection against 

rodents, termites, etc. 

(4) Attenuation means the loss of 

power as the light travels in the fiber 

usually expressed in dB/km. 

(5) Bandwidth means the range of 

signal frequencies that can be 

transmitted by a communications 

channel with defined maximum loss or 

distortion. Bandwidth indicates the 

information-carrying capacity of a 

channel. 

(6) Birefringence means the 

decomposition of a pulse of light 

entering the fiber into ‘‘two polarized 

pulses’’ traveling at different velocities 

due to the different refractive indexes in 

the polarization axes in which the 

electric fields oscillate. Different 

refractive indexes in the fiber may be 

caused by an asymmetric fiber core, 

internal manufacturing stresses, or 

through external stresses from cabling 

and installation of the fiber optic cable, 

such as bending and twisting. 

(7) Cable cutoff wavelength means the 

shortest wavelength at which only one 

mode light can be transmitted in any of 

the single mode fibers of an optical fiber 

cable. 

20562 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 85 / Tuesday, May 5, 2009 / Rules and Regulations 

(8) Chromatic Dispersion means the 

broadening of a light pulse as it travels 

down the length of an optical fiber, 

resulting in different spectral 

components of the light pulse traveling 

at different speeds, due to the fact that 

the index of refraction of the fiber core 

is different for different wavelengths. 

(9) Cladding means the outer layer of 

an optical fiber made of glass or other 

transparent material that is fused to the 

fiber core. The cladding concentrically 

surrounds the fiber core. It has a lower 

refractive index than the core, so light 

travelling in the fiber is maintained in 

the core by internal reflection at the 

core-cladding interface. 

(10) Core means the central region of 

an optical waveguide or fiber which has 

a higher refractive index than the 

cladding through which light is 

transmitted. 

(11) Cutoff Wavelength means, in 

single mode fiber, the shortest 

wavelength at which only the 

fundamental mode of an optical 

wavelength can propagate. 

(12) Dielectric Cable means a cable 

which has neither metallic members nor 

other electrically conductive materials 

or elements. 

(13) Differential Group Delay means 

the arrival time differential of the two 

polarized light components of a light 

pulse traveling through the optical fiber 

due to birefringence. 

(14) Graded Refractive Index Profile 

means the refractive index profile of an 

optical fiber that varies smoothly with 

radius from the center of the fiber to the 

outer boundary of the cladding. 

(15) List of Acceptable Materials 

means the latest edition of RUS 

Informational Publication 344–2, ‘‘List 

of Materials Acceptable for Use on 

Telecommunications Systems of RUS 

Borrowers.’’ This document contains a 

convenient listing of products which 

have been determined to be acceptable 

by the Agency. The List of Acceptable 

Materials is available on the Internet at 

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

materials/lstomat.htm. 

(16) Loose Tube Buffer means the 

protective tube that loosely contains the 

optical fibers within the fiber optic 

cable, often filled with suitable water 

blocking material. 

(17) Matched Cable means fiber optic 

cable manufactured to meet the 

requirement of this section for which 

the calculated splice loss using the 

formula below is ≤0.06 dB for any two 

cabled fibers to be spliced. 

LOSS (dB) = ¥10 LOG10 [4/(MFD1/ 

MFD2 + MFD2/MFD1)2], 

where subscripts 1 and 2 refer to any two 

cabled fibers to be spliced. 

(18) Mil means a measurement unit of 

length indicating one thousandth of an 

inch. 

(19) Minimum Bending Diameter 

means the smallest diameter that must 

be maintained while bending a fiber 

optic cable to avoid degrading cable 

performance indicated as a multiple of 

the cable diameter (Bending Diameter/ 

Cable Diameter). 

(20) Mode-Field Diameter means the 

diameter of the cross-sectional area of 

an optical fiber which includes the core 

and portion of the cladding where the 

majority of the light travels in a single 

mode fiber. 

(21) Multimode Fiber means an 

optical fiber in which light travels in 

more than one bound mode. A 

multimode fiber may either have a 

graded index or step index refractive 

index profile. 

(22) Numerical Aperture (NA) means 

an optical fiber parameter that indicates 

the angle of acceptance of light into a 

fiber. 

(23) Optical Fiber means any fiber 

made of dielectric material that guides 

light. 

(24) Optical Point Discontinuities 

means the localized deviations of the 

optical fiber loss characteristic which 

location and magnitude may be 

determined by appropriate OTDR 

measurements of the fiber. 

(25) Optical Waveguide means any 

structure capable of guiding optical 

power. In optical communications, the 

term generally refers to a fiber designed 

to transmit optical signals. 

(26) Polarization Mode Dispersion 

means, for a particular length of fiber, 

the average of the differential group 

delays of the two polarized components 

of light pulses traveling in the fiber, 

when the light pulses are generated 

from a sufficient narrow band source. 

The differential group delay varies 

randomly with time and wavelength. 

The term PMD is used in the industry 

in the general sense to indicate the 

phenomenon of birefringence (polarized 

light having different group velocities), 

and used specifically to refer to the 

value of time delay expected in a 

specific length of fiber. 

(27) PMDQ means the statistical upper 

bound for the PMD coefficient of a fiber 

optic cable link composed of M number 

of randomly chosen concatenated fiber 

optic cable sections of the same length. 

The upper bound is defined in terms of 

a probability level Q, which is the 

probability that a concatenated PMD 

coefficient value exceeds PMDQ. ITU G 

recommendations for fiber optic cables 

call for M = 20 and Q = 0.01%. This 

PMDQ value is the one used in the 

design of fiber optic links. 

(28) Ribbon means a planar array of 

parallel optical fibers. 

(29) Shield means a conductive metal 

tape placed under the cable jacket to 

provide lightning protection, bonding, 

grounding, and electrical shielding. 

(30) Single Mode Fiber means an 

optical fiber in which only one bound 

mode of light can propagate at the 

wavelength of interest. 

(31) Step Refractive Index Profile 

means an index profile characterized by 

a uniform refractive index within the 

core, a sharp decrease in refractive 

index at the core-cladding interface, and 

a uniform refractive index within the 

cladding. 

(32) Tight Tube Buffer means one or 

more layers of buffer material tightly 

surrounding a fiber that is in contact 

with the coating of the fiber. 

§ 1755.901 Incorporation by Reference. 

(a) Incorporation by Reference: The 

materials listed here are incorporated by 

reference where noted. These 

incorporations by reference were 

approved by the Director of the Federal 

Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 

552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. These 

materials are incorporated as they exist 

on the date of the approval, and notice 

of any change in these materials will be 

published in the Federal Register. The 

materials are available for purchase at 

the corresponding addresses noted 

below. All are available for inspection at 

the Rural Development Utilities 

Programs, during normal business hours 

at room 2849–S, U.S. Department of 

Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. 

Telephone (202) 720–0699, and e-mail 

norberto.esteves@wdc.usda.gov. The 

materials are also available for 

inspection at the National Archives and 

Records Administration (NARA). For 

information on the availability of these 

materials at NARA, call (202) 741–6030, 

or go to: http://www.archives.gov/ 

federal_register/ 

code_of_federal_regulations/ 

ibr_locations.html. 

(b) The American National Standards 

Institute/Institute of Electrical and 

Electronics Engineers, Inc. ANSI/IEEE 

C2–2007, The National Electrical Safety 

Code, 2007 edition, approved April 20, 

2006, (‘‘ANSI/IEEE C2–2007’’), 

incorporation by reference approved for 

§ 1755.902(a), § 1755.902(p), 

§ 1755.903(a), § 1755.903(k) and 

§ 1755.903(n). ANSI/IEEE C2–2007 is 

available for purchase from IEEE Service 

Center, 445 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 

08854, telephone 1–800–678–4333 or 

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

index.html. 

(c) The following Insulated Cable 

Engineers Association standards are 

Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 85 / Tuesday, May 5, 2009 / Rules and Regulations 20563 

available for purchase from the 

Insulated Cable Engineers, Inc. (ICEA), 

P.O. Box 1568, Carrollton, GA 30112 or 

from Global Engineering Documents, 15 

Iverness Way East, Englewood, CO 

80112, telephone 1–800–854–7179 

(USA and Canada) or 303–792–2181 

(International), or online at http:// 

global.ihs.com: 

(1) ICEA S–110–717–2003, Standard 

for Optical Drop Cable, 1st edition, 

September 2003 (‘‘ICEA S–110–717’’), 

incorporation by reference approved for 

§ 1755.903(a), § 1755.903(b), 

§ 1755.903(c), § 1755.903(d), 

§ 1755.903(e), § 1755.903(f), 

§ 1755.903(g), § 1755.903(l), 

§ 1755.903(n), § 1755.903(p), 

§ 1755.903(u); and 

(2) ANSI/ICEA S–87–640–2006, 

Standard for Optical Fiber Outside 

Plant Communications Cable, 4th 

edition, December 2006 (‘‘ANSI/ICEA 

S–87–640’’), incorporation by reference 

approved for § 1755.902(a), 

§ 1755.902(b), § 1755.902(c), 

§ 1755.902(d), § 1755.902(e), 

§ 1755.902(i), § 1755.902(l), 

§ 1755.902(m), § 1755.902(n), 

§ 1755.902(p), § 1755.902(q), 

§ 1755.902(r), § 1755.902(u), 

§ 1755.903(b), § 1755.903(g), 

§ 1755.903(l), § 1755.903(o), 

§ 1755.903(p), and § 1755.903(s). 

(d) The following American Society 

for Testing and Materials (ASTM) 

standards are available for purchase 

from ASTM International, 100 Barr 

Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West 

Conshohocken, PA 19428–2959. 

Telephone (610) 832–9585, Fax (610) 

832–9555, by e-mail at 

service@astm.org, or online at http:// 

www.astm.org or from ANSI, 1916 Race 

Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, 

telephone (215) 299–5585, or online at 

http://webstore.ansi.org/ansidocstore/ 

default.asp: 

(1) ASTM A 640–97, (Reapproved 

2002) ε1, Standard Specification for 

Zinc-Coated Steel Strand for Messenger 

Support of Figure 8 Cable, approved 

September 2002 (‘‘ASTM A 640’’), 

incorporation by reference approved for 

§ 1755.902(n); 

(2) ASTM B 736–00, Standard 

Specification for Aluminum, Aluminum 

Alloy and Aluminum-Clad Steel Cable 

Shielding Stock, approved May 10, 2000 

(‘‘ASTM B 736’’), incorporation by 

reference approved for § 1755.902(m) 

and § 1755.903(j); 

(3) ASTM D 4565–99, Standard Test 

Methods for Physical and 

Environmental Performance Properties 

of Insulations and Jackets for 

Telecommunications Wire and Cable, 

approved March 10, 1999 (‘‘ASTM D 

4565’’), incorporation by reference 

approved for § 1755.902(c), 

§ 1755.902(m), § 1755.903(c) and 

§ 1755.903(j); 

(4) ASTM D 4566–98, Standard Test 

Methods for Electrical Performance 

Properties of Insulations and Jackets for 

Telecommunications Wire and Cable, 

approved December 10, 1998 (‘‘ASTM D 

4566’’), incorporation by reference 

approved for § 1755.902(f), § 1755.902(t) 

and § 1755.903(t); and 

(5) ASTM D 4568–99, Standard Test 

Methods for Evaluating Compatibility 

Between Cable Filling and Flooding 

Compounds and Polyolefin Wire and 

Cable Materials, approved April 10, 

1999 (‘‘ASTM D 4568’’), incorporation 

by reference approved for § 1755.902(h). 

(e) The following 

Telecommunications Industry 

Association/Electronics Industries 

Association (TIA/EIA) standards are 

available from Electronic Industries 

Association, Engineering Department, 

1722 Eye Street, NW., Washington, DC 

20006; or from Global Engineering 

Documents, 15 Iverness Way East, 

Englewood, CO 80112, telephone 1– 

800–854–7179 (USA and Canada) or 

(303) 792–2181 (International), or online 

at http://global.ihs.com; or from TIA, 

2500 Wilson Blvd, Suite 300, Arlington, 

VA 22201, telephone 1–800–854–7179 

or online http://www.tiaonline.org/ 

standards/catalog: 

(1) TIA/EIA Standard 455–3A, FOTP– 

3, Procedure to Measure Temperature 

Cycling on Optical Fibers, Optical 

Cable, and Other Passive Fiber Optic 

Components, approved May 1989, 

(‘‘TIA/EIA Standard 455–3A’’), 

incorporation by reference approved for 

§ 1755.902(r). 

(2) [Reserved] 

(f) The following International 

Telecommunication Union (ITU) 

recommendations may be obtained from 

ITU, Place des Nations, 1211 Geneva 20, 

Switzerland, telephone +41 22 730 6141 

or online at http://www.itu.int/ITU-T/ 

publications/recs.html: 

(1) ITU–T Recommendation G.652, 

Series G: Transmission Systems and 

Media, Digital Systems and Networks, 

Transmission media characteristics— 

Optical fibre cables, Characteristics of a 

single-mode optical fibre and cable, 

approved June 2005 (‘‘ITU–T 

Recommendation G.652’’), 

incorporation by reference approved for 

§ 1755.902(b), § 1755.902(q), 

§ 1755.903(b) and § 1755.903(o); 

(2) ITU–T Recommendation G.655, 

Series G: Transmission Systems and 

Media, Digital Systems and Networks, 

Transmission media characteristics— 

Optical fibre cables, Characteristics of a 

non-zero dispersion-shifted single-mode 

optical fibre and cable, approved March 

2006 (‘‘ITU–T Recommendation 

G.655’’), incorporation by reference 

approved for § 1755.902(b) and 

§ 1755.902(q); 

(3) ITU–T Recommendation G.656, 

Series G: Transmission Systems and 

Media, Digital Systems and Networks, 

Transmission media characteristics— 

Optical fibre cables, Characteristics of a 

fibre and cable with non-zero dispersion 

for wideband optical transport, 

approved December 2006 (‘‘ITU–T 

Recommendation G.656’’), 

incorporation by reference approved for 

§ 1755.902(b) and § 1755.902(q); 

(4) ITU–T Recommendation G.657, 

Series G: Transmission Systems and 

Media, Digital Systems and Networks, 

Transmission media characteristics— 

Optical fibre cables, Characteristics of a 

bending loss insensitive single mode 

optical fibre and cable for the access 

network, approved December 2006 

(‘‘ITU–T Recommendation G.657’’), 

incorporation by reference approved for 

§ 1755.902(b) and § 1755.902(q); and 

(5) ITU–T Recommendation L.58, 

Series L: Construction, Installation and 

Protection of Cables and Other Elements 

of Outside Plant, Optical fibre cables: 

Special Needs for Access Network, 

approved March 2004 (‘‘ITU–T 

Recommendation L.58’’), incorporation 

by reference approved for § 1755.902(a). 

§ 1755.902 Minimum Performance 

Specification for Fiber Optic Cables. 

(a) Scope. This section is intended for 

cable manufacturers, Agency borrowers, 

and consulting engineers. It covers the 

requirements for fiber optic cables 

intended for aerial installation either by 

attachment to a support strand or by an 

integrated self-supporting arrangement, 

for underground application by 

placement in a duct, or for buried 

installations by trenching, direct 

plowing, and directional or pneumatic 

boring. 

(1) General. 

(i) Specification requirements are 

given in SI units which are the 

controlling units in this part. 

Approximate English equivalent of units 

are given for information purposes only. 

(ii) The optical waveguides are glass 

fibers having directly-applied protective 

coatings, and are called ‘‘fibers,’’ herein. 

These fibers may be assembled in either 

loose fiber bundles with a protective 

core tube, encased in several protective 

buffer tubes, in tight buffer tubes, or 

ribbon bundles with a protective core 

tube. 

(iii) Fillers, strength members, core 

wraps, and bedding tapes may complete 

the cable core. 

(iv) The core or buffer tubes 

containing the fibers and the interstices 

20564 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 85 / Tuesday, May 5, 2009 / Rules and Regulations 

between the buffer tubes, fillers, and 

strength members in the core structure 

are filled with a suitable material or 

water swellable elements to exclude 

water. 

(v) The cable structure is completed 

by an extruded overall plastic jacket. A 

shield or armor or combination thereof 

may be included under the jacket. The 

jacket may have strength members 

embedded in it, in some designs. 

(vi) Buried installation requires armor 

under the outer jacket. 

(vii) For self-supporting cable, the 

outer jacket may be extruded over the 

support messenger and cable core. 

(viii) Cables for mid-span applications 

for network access must be designed for 

easy mid-span access to the fibers. The 

manufacturer may use reversing 

oscillating stranding (SZ) described in 

section 6.4 of ITU–T Recommendation 

L.58, Construction, Installation and 

Protection of Cables and Other Elements 

of Outside Plant, 2004 (incorporated by 

reference at § 1755.901(f)). The cable 

end user is cautioned that installed 

cable must be properly terminated. This 

includes properly securing rigid 

strength members (i.e., central strength 

member) and clamping the cable and 

jacket. It is important that cable 

components be secured to prevent 

movement of the cable or components 

over the operating conditions. Central 

strength member (CSM) clamps must 

prevent movement of the CSM; positive 

stop CSM clamps are recommended. 

The CSM must be routed as straight and 

as short as practical to prevent bowing 

or breaking of the CSM. The cable and 

jacket retention must be sufficient to 

prevent jacket slippage over the 

operating temperature range. 

(2) The normal temperature ranges for 

cables must meet paragraph 1.1.3 of 

ANSI/ICEA S–87–640, Standard for 

Optical Fiber Outside Plant 

Communications Cable (incorporated by 

reference at § 1755.901(c)). 

(3) Tensile Rating. The standard 

installation tensile rating for cables is 

2670 N (600 1bf), unless installation 

involves micro type cables that utilize 

less stress related methods of 

installation, i.e., blown micro-fiber cable 

or All-Dielectric Self-Supporting (ADSS) 

cables (see paragraph (c)(4) of this 

section). 

(4) ADSS and Other Self-Supporting 

Cables. Based on the storm loading 

districts referenced in Section 25, 

Loading of Grades B and C, of ANSI/ 

IEEE C2–2007, National Electrical 

Safety Code, 2007 (incorporated by 

reference at § 1755.901(b)) and the 

maximum span and location of cable 

installation provided by the end user, 

the manufacturer must provide a cable 

design with sag and tension tables 

showing the maximum span and sag 

information for that particular 

installation. The information included 

must be for Rule B, Ice and Wind 

Loading, and when applicable, 

information on Rule 250C, Extreme 

Wind Loading. Additionally, to ensure 

the proper ground clearance, typically a 

minimum of 4.7 m (15.5 feet), the end 

user should factor in the maximum sag 

under loaded conditions, as well as, 

height of attachment for each 

application. 

(5) Minimum Bend Diameter. For 

cable under loaded and unloaded 

conditions, the cable must have the 

minimum bend diameters indicated in 

paragraph 1.1.5, Minimum Bend 

Diameter, of the ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)). For very small cables, 

manufacturers may specify fixed cable 

minimum bend diameters that are 

independent of the outside diameter. 

For cables having a non-circular crosssection, the bend diameter is to be 

determined using the thickness of the 

cable associated with the preferential 

bending axis. 

(6) The cable is fully color coded so 

that each fiber is distinguishable from 

every other fiber. A basic color scheme 

of twelve colors allows individual fiber 

identification. Colored tubes, binders, 

threads, strippings, or markings provide 

fiber group identification. 

(7) Cables must demonstrate 

compliance with the qualification 

testing requirements of this section to 

ensure satisfactory end-use performance 

characteristics for the intended 

applications. 

(8) Optical cable designs not 

specifically addressed by this section 

may be allowed if accepted by the 

Agency. Justification for acceptance of a 

modified design must be provided to 

substantiate product utility and long 

term stability and endurance. For 

information on how to obtain Agency 

product acceptance, refer to the 

procedures listed at http:// 

www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/ 

listing_procedures/ 

index_listing_procedures.htm, as well as 

additional information in RUS Bulletin 

345–3, Acceptance of Standards, 

Specifications, Equipment Contract 

Forms, Manual Sections, Drawings, 

Materials and Equipment for the 

Telephone Program (hereinafter ‘‘RUS 

Bulletin 345–3’’), available for 

download at http://www.usda.gov/rus/ 

telecom/publications/bulletins.htm. 

(9) All cables sold to RUS 

telecommunications borrowers for 

projects involving RUS loan funds must 

be accepted by the Agency’s Technical 

Standards Committee ‘‘A’’ 

(Telecommunications). Any design 

change to existing acceptable designs 

must be submitted to the Agency for 

acceptance. As stated in paragraph 8 

above, refer to the procedures listed at 

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

listing_procedures/ 

index_listing_procedures.htm as well as 

RUS Bulletin 345–3. 

(10) The Agency intends that the 

optical fibers contained in the cables 

meeting the requirements of this section 

have characteristics that will allow 

signals having a range of wavelengths to 

be carried simultaneously. 

(b) Optical Fibers. 

(1) The solid glass optical fibers must 

consist of a cylindrical core and 

cladding covered by either an 

ultraviolet-cured acrylate or other 

suitable coating. Each fiber must be 

continuous throughout its length. 

(2) Zero-dispersion. Optical fibers 

must meet the fiber attributes of Table 

2, G.652.B attributes, found in ITU–T 

Recommendation G.652 (incorporated 

by reference at § 1755.901(f)). However, 

when the end user stipulates a low 

water peak fiber, the optical fibers must 

meet the fiber attributes of Table 4, 

G.652.D attributes, found in ITU–T 

Recommendation G.652; or when the 

end user stipulates a low bending loss 

fiber, the optical fibers must meet the 

fiber attributes of Table 7–1, G.657 class 

A attributes, found in the ITU–T 

Recommendation G.657 (incorporated 

by reference at § 1755.901(f)). 

(3) Non-zero-dispersion. Optical fibers 

must meet the fiber attributes of Table 

1, G.656 attributes, found in ITU–T 

Recommendation G.656 (incorporated 

by reference at § 1755.901(f)). However, 

when the end user specifies 

Recommendation A, B, C, D, or E of 

ITU–T Recommendation G.655 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(f)), the optical fibers must 

meet the fiber attributes of ITU–T 

Recommendation G.655. 

(4) Multimode fibers. Optical fibers 

must meet the requirements of 

paragraphs 2.1 and 2.3.1 of ANSI/ICEA 

S–87–640 (incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)). 

(5) Matched cable. Unless otherwise 

specified by the buyer, all single mode 

fiber cables delivered to a RUS-financed 

project must be manufactured to the 

same MFD specification. However, 

notwithstanding the requirements of 

paragraphs (d)(2) and (d)(3) of this 

section, the maximum MFD tolerance 

allowed for cable meeting the 

requirements of this section must be of 

a magnitude meeting the definition of 

‘‘matched cable,’’ as defined in 

paragraph (b) of § 1755.900. With the 

Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 85 / Tuesday, May 5, 2009 / Rules and Regulations 20565 

use of cables meeting this definition the 

user can reasonably expect that the 

average bi-directional loss of a fusion 

splice to be ≤0.1 dB. 

(6) Buyers will normally specify the 

MFD for the fibers in the cable. When 

a buyer does not specify the MFD at 

1310 nm, the fibers must be 

manufactured to an MFD of 9.2 μm with 

a maximum tolerance range of ±0.5 μm 

(362 ± 20 microinch), unless the end 

user agrees to accept cable with fibers 

specified to a different MFD. When the 

end user does specify a MFD and 

tolerance conflicting with the MFD 

maximum tolerance allowed by 

paragraph (d)(5) of this section, the 

requirements of paragraph (d)(5) must 

prevail. 

(7) Factory splices are not allowed. 

(8) Coating. The optical fiber must be 

coated with a suitable material to 

preserve the intrinsic strength of the 

glass having an outside diameter of 250 

± 15 micrometers (10 ± 0.6 mils). 

Dimensions must be measured per the 

methods of paragraph 7.13 of ANSI/ 

ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by 

reference at § 1755.901(c)). The 

protective coverings must be free from 

holes, splits, blisters, and other 

imperfections and must be as smooth 

and concentric as is consistent with the 

best commercial practice. The diameter 

of the fiber, as the fiber is used in the 

cable, includes any coloring thickness 

or the uncolored coating, as the case 

may be. The strip force required to 

remove 30 ± 3 millimeters (1.2 ± 0.1 

inch) of protective fiber coating must be 

between 1.0 N (0.2 pound-force) and 9.0 

N (2 pound-force). 

(9) All optical fibers in any single 

length of cable must be of the same type, 

unless otherwise specified by end user. 

(10) Optical fiber dimensions and data 

reporting must be as required by 

paragraph 7.13.1.1 of ANSI/ICEA S–87– 

640 (incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)). 

(c) Buffers. 

(1) The optical fibers contained in a 

tube buffer (loose tube), an inner jacket 

(unit core), a channel, or otherwise 

loosely packaged must have a clearance 

between the fibers and the inside of the 

container sufficient to allow for thermal 

expansions of the tube buffer without 

constraining the fibers. The protective 

container must be manufactured from a 

material having a coefficient of friction 

sufficiently low to allow the fibers free 

movement. The loose tube must contain 

a suitable water blocking material. 

Loose tubes must be removable without 

damage to the fiber when following the 

manufacturer’s recommended 

procedures. 

(2) The tubes for single mode loose 

tube cables must be designed to allow 

a maximum mid-span buffer tube 

exposure of 6.096 meters (20 feet). The 

buyer should be aware that certain 

housing hardware may require cable 

designed for 6.096 meters of buffer tube 

storage. 

(3) Optical fibers covered in near 

contact with an extrusion (tight tube) 

must have an intermediate soft buffer to 

allow for thermal expansions and minor 

pressures. The buffer tube dimension 

must be established by the manufacturer 

to meet the requirement of this section. 

Tight buffer tubes must be removable 

without damage to the fiber when 

following the manufacturer’s 

recommended procedures. The tight 

buffered fiber must be strippable per 

paragraph 7.20 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)). 

(4) Both loose tube and tight tube 

coverings of each color and other fiber 

package types removed from the 

finished cable must meet the following 

shrinkback and cold bend performance 

requirements. The fibers may be left in 

the tube. 

(i) Shrinkback: Testing must be 

conducted per paragraph 14.1 of ASTM 

D 4565 (incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(d)), using a talc bed at a 

temperature of 95 °C (203 °F). 

Shrinkback must not exceed 5 percent 

of the original 150 millimeter (6 inches) 

length of the specimen. The total 

shrinkage of the specimen must be 

measured. (Buffer tube material meeting 

this test may not meet the mid-span test 

in paragraph (t)(15) of this section). 

(ii) Cold Bend: Testing must be 

conducted on at least one tube from 

each color in the cable. Stabilize the 

specimen to ¥30 ± 1 °C (¥22 ± 2 °F) 

for a minimum of four hours. While 

holding the specimen and mandrel at 

the test temperature, wrap the tube in a 

tight helix ten times around a mandrel 

with a diameter to be greater than five 

times the tube diameter or 50 mm (2 

inches). The tube must show no 

evidence of cracking when observed 

with normal or corrected-to-normal 

vision. 

Note to paragraph (c)(4)(ii): Channel cores 

and similar slotted single component core 

designs do not need to be tested for cold 

bend. 

(d) Fiber Identification. 

(1) Each fiber within a unit and each 

unit within the cable must be 

identifiable per paragraphs 4.2.1 and 

4.3.1 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)). 

(2) For the following items the colors 

designated for identification within the 

cable must comply with paragraphs 

4.2.2 and 4.3.2 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)): loose buffer tubes, tight 

tube buffer fibers, individual fibers in 

multi-fiber tubes, slots, bundles or units 

of fibers, and the units in cables with 

more than one unit. 

(e) Optical Fiber Ribbon. 

(1) Each ribbon must be identified per 

paragraphs 3.4.1 and 3.4.2 of ANSI/ 

ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by 

reference at § 1755.901(c)). 

(2) Ribbon fiber count must be 

specified by the end user, i.e., 2, 4, 6, 

12, etc. 

(3) Ribbon dimensions must be as 

agreed by the end user and 

manufacturer per paragraph 3.4.4.1 of 

ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by 

reference at § 1755.901(c)). 

(4) Ribbons must meet each of the 

following tests. These tests are included 

in the paragraphs of ANSI/ICEA S–87– 

640 (incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)), indicated in parenthesis 

below. 

(i) Ribbon Dimensions (ANSI/ICEA 

S–87–640 paragraphs 7.14 through 

7.14.2)—measures ribbon dimension. 

(ii) Ribbon Twist Test (ANSI/ICEA 

S–87–640 paragraphs 7.15 through 

7.15.2)—evaluates the ability of the 

ribbon to resist splitting or other damage 

while undergoing dynamic cyclically 

twisting the ribbon under load. 

(iii) Ribbon Residual Twist Test 

(ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 paragraphs 7.16 

through 7.16.2)—evaluates the degree of 

permanent twist in a cabled optical 

ribbon. 

(iv) Ribbon Separability Test (ANSI/ 

ICEA S–87–640 paragraphs 7.17 through 

7.17.2)—evaluates the ability to separate 

fibers. 

(5) Ribbons must meet paragraph 

3.4.4.6 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)), Ribbon Strippability. 

(f) Strength Members. 

(1) Strength members may be an 

integral part of the cable construction, 

but are not considered part of the 

support messenger for self-supporting 

optical cable. 

(2) The strength members may be 

metallic or nonmetallic. 

(3) The combined strength of all the 

strength members must be sufficient to 

support the stress of installation and to 

protect the cable in service. 

(4) Strength members may be 

incorporated into the core as a central 

support member or filler, as fillers 

between the fiber packages, as an 

annular serving over the core, as an 

annular serving over the intermediate 

jacket, embedded in the outer jacket, or 

20566 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 85 / Tuesday, May 5, 2009 / Rules and Regulations 

as a combination of any of these 

methods. 

(5) The central support member or 

filler must contain no more than one 

splice per kilometer of cable. Individual 

fillers placed between the fiber packages 

and placed as annular servings over the 

core must contain no more than one 

splice per kilometer of cable. Cable 

sections having central member or filler 

splices must meet the same physical 

requirements as un-spliced cable 

sections. 

(6) In each length of completed cable 

having a metallic central member, the 

dielectric strength between the shield or 

armor, when present, and the metallic 

center member must withstand at least 

15 kilovolts when tested per ASTM D 

4566 (incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(d)). The voltage must be 

applied for 3 seconds minimum; no 

failures are allowed. 

(g) Cable Core. 

(1) Protected fibers may be assembled 

with the optional central support 

member, fillers and strength members in 

such a way as to form a cylindrical 

group. 

(2) The standard cylindrical group or 

core designs commonly consist of 4, 6, 

12, 18, or 24 fibers. Cylindrical groups 

or core designs larger than the sizes 

shown above must meet all the 

applicable requirements of this section. 

(3) When threads or tapes are used in 

cables using water blocking elements as 

core binders, they must be a nonhygroscopic and non-wicking dielectric 

material or be rendered by the gel or 

water blocking material produced by the 

ingress of water. 

(4) When threads or tapes are used as 

unit binders to define optical fiber units 

in loose tube, tight tube, slotted, or 

bundled cored designs, they must be 

non-hygroscopic and non-wicking 

dielectric material or be rendered by the 

filling compound or water blocking 

material contained in the binder. The 

colors of the binders must be per 

paragraphs (f)(2) and (f)(3) of this 

section. 

(h) Core Water Blocking. 

(1) To prevent the ingress of water 

into the core and water migration, a 

suitable filling compound or water 

blocking elements must be applied into 

the interior of the loose fiber tubes and 

into the interstices of the core. When a 

core wrap is used, the filling compound 

or water blocking elements, as the case 

may be, must also be applied to the core 

wrap, over the core wrap and between 

the core wrap and inner jacket when 

required. 

(2) The materials or elements must be 

homogeneous and uniformly mixed; free 

from dirt, metallic particles and other 

foreign matter; easily removed; nontoxic 

and present no dermal hazards. The 

filling compound and water blocking 

elements must contain a suitable 

antioxidant or be of such composition as 

to provide long term stability. 

(3) The individual cable manufacturer 

must satisfy the Agency that the filling 

compound or water blocking elements 

selected for use is suitable for its 

intended application by submitting test 

data showing compliance with ASTM D 

4568 (incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(d)). The filling compound 

and water blocking elements must be 

compatible with the cable components 

when tested per ASTM D 4568 at a 

temperature of 80 °C (176 °F). The jacket 

must retain a minimum of 85% of its 

un-aged tensile and elongation values. 

(i) Water Blocking Material. 

(1) Sufficient flooding compound or 

water blocking elements must be 

applied between the inner jacket and 

armor and between the armor and outer 

jacket so that voids and air spaces in 

these areas are minimized. The use of 

flooding compound or water blocking 

elements between the armor and outer 

jacket is not required when uniform 

bonding, paragraph (o)(9) of this section, 

is achieved between the plastic-clad 

armor and the outer jacket. 

(2) The flooding compound or water 

blocking elements must be compatible 

with the jacket when tested per 

paragraphs 7.19 and 7.19.1 of ANSI/ 

ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by 

reference at § 1755.901(c)). The aged 

jacket must retain a minimum of 85% of 

its un-aged tensile strength and 

elongation values when tested per 

paragraph 7.19.2.3. The flooding 

compound must exhibit adhesive 

properties sufficient to prevent jacket 

slip when tested per paragraph 7.30.1 of 

ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 and meets 

paragraph 7.30.2 of ANSI/ICEA S–87– 

640 for minimum sheath adherence of 

14 N/mm for armored cables. 

(3) The individual cable manufacturer 

must satisfy the Agency by submitting 

test data showing compliance with the 

appropriate cable performance testing 

requirements of this section that the 

flooding compound or water blocking 

elements selected for use is acceptable 

for the application. 

(j) Core Wrap. 

(1) At the option of the manufacturer, 

one or more layers of dielectric material 

may be applied over the core. 

(2) The core wrap(s) can be used to 

provide a heat barrier to prevent 

deformation or adhesion between the 

fiber tubes or can be used to contain the 

core. 

(k) Inner Jackets. 

(1) For designs with more than one 

jacket, the inner jackets must be applied 

directly over the core or over the 

strength members when required by the 

end user. The jacket must be free from 

holes, splits, blisters, or other 

imperfections and must be as smooth 

and concentric as is consistent with the 

best commercial practice. The inner 

jacket must not adhere to other cable 

components such as fibers, buffer tubes, 

etc. 

(2) For armored and unarmored cable, 

an inner jacket is optional. The inner 

jacket may absorb stresses in the cable 

core that may be introduced by armor 

application or by armored cable 

installation. 

(3) The inner jacket material and test 

requirements must be the same as the 

outer jacket material, except that either 

black or natural polyethylene may be 

used and the thickness requirements are 

included in paragraph (m)(4) of this 

section. In the case of natural 

polyethylene, the requirements for 

absorption coefficient and the inclusion 

of furnace black are waived. 

(4) The inner jacket thickness must be 

determined by the manufacturer, but 

must be no less than a nominal jacket 

thickness of 0.5 mm (0.02 inch) with a 

minimum jacket thickness of 0.35 mm 

(0.01 inch). 

(l) Outer Jacket. 

(1) The outer jacket must provide the 

cable with a tough, flexible, protective 

covering which can withstand exposure 

to sunlight, to atmosphere temperatures, 

and to stresses reasonably expected in 

normal installation and service. 

(2) The jacket must be free from holes, 

splits, blisters, or other imperfections 

and must be as smooth and concentric 

as is consistent with the best 

commercial practice. 

(3) The jacket must contain an 

antioxidant to provide long term 

stabilization and must contain a 

minimum of 2.35 percent concentration 

of furnace black to provide ultraviolet 

shielding measures as required by 

paragraph 5.4.2 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)), except that the 

concentration of furnace black does not 

necessarily need to be initially 

contained in the raw material and may 

be added later during the jacket making 

process. 

(4) The raw material used for the 

outer jacket must be one of the types 

listed below. 

(i) Type L1. Low density, 

polyethylene (LDPE) must conform to 

the requirements of paragraph 5.4.2 of 

ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by 

reference at § 1755.901(c)). 

Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 85 / Tuesday, May 5, 2009 / Rules and Regulations 20567 

(ii) Type L2. Linear low density, 

polyethylene (LLDPE) must conform to 

the requirements of paragraph 5.4.2 of 

ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by 

reference at § 1755.901(c)). 

(iii) Type M. Medium density 

polyethylene (MDPE) must conform to 

the requirements of paragraph 5.4.2 of 

ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by 

reference at § 1755.901(c)). 

(iv) Type H. High density 

polyethylene (HDPE) must conform to 

the requirements of paragraph 5.4.2 of 

ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by 

reference at § 1755.901(c)). 

(5) Particle size of the carbon selected 

for use must not average greater than 20 

nm. 

(6) The outer jacketing material 

removed from or tested on the cable 

must be capable of meeting the 

performance requirements of Table 5.1 

found in ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)). 

(7) Testing Procedures. The 

procedures for testing the jacket 

specimens for compliance with 

paragraph (n)(5) of this section must be 

as follows: 

(i) Jacket Material Density 

Measurement. Test per paragraphs 7.7.1 

and 7.7.2 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)). 

(ii) Tensile Strength, Yield Strength, 

and Ultimate Elongation. Test per 

paragraphs 7.8.1 and 7.8.2 of ANSI/ 

ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by 

reference at § 1755.901(c)). 

(iii) Jacket Material Absorption 

Coefficient Test. Test per paragraphs 

7.9.1 and 7.9.2 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)). 

(iv) Environmental Stress Crack 

Resistance Test. For large cables 

(outside diameter ≥ 30 mm (1.2 inch)), 

test per paragraphs 7.10.1 through 

7.10.1.2 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)). For small cables 

(Diameter < 30 mm (1.2 inch)), test per 

paragraphs 7.10.2 through and 7.10.2.2 

of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640. A crack or 

split in the jacket constitutes failure. 

(v) Jacket Shrinkage Test. Test per 

paragraphs 7.11.1 and 7.11.2 of ANSI/ 

ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by 

reference at § 1755.901(c)). 

(8) Jacket Thickness. The outer jacket 

must meet the requirements of 

paragraphs 5.4.5.1 and 5.4.5.2 of ANSI/ 

ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by 

reference at § 1755.901(c)). 

(9) Jacket Repairs. Repairs are allowed 

per paragraph 5.5 of ANSI/ICEA S–87– 

640 (incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)). 

(m) Armor. 

(1) A steel armor, plastic coated on 

both sides, is required for direct buried 

cable manufactured under this section. 

Armor is optional for duct and aerial 

cable, as required by the end user. The 

plastic coated steel armor must be 

applied longitudinally directly over the 

core wrap or the intermediate jacket and 

have a minimum overlap of 3.0 

millimeters (118 mils), except for small 

diameter cables with diameters of less 

than 10 mm (394 mils) for which the 

minimum overlap must be 2 mm (79 

mils). When a cable has a shield, the 

armor should normally be applied over 

the shielding tape. 

(2) The uncoated steel tape must be 

electrolytic chrome coated steel (ECCS) 

and must meet the requirements of 

paragraph B.2.4 of ANSI/ICEA S–87– 

640 (incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)). 

(3) The reduction in thickness of the 

armoring material due to the corrugating 

or application process must be kept to 

a minimum and must not exceed 10 

percent at any spot. 

(4) The armor of each length of cable 

must be electrically continuous with no 

more than one joint or splice allowed in 

any length of one kilometer of cable. 

This requirement does not apply to a 

joint or splice made in the raw material 

by the raw material manufacturer. 

(5) The breaking strength of any 

section of an armor tape, containing a 

factory splice joint, must not be less 

than 80 percent of the breaking strength 

of an adjacent section of the armor of 

equal length without a joint. 

(6) For cables containing no flooding 

compound over the armor, the overlap 

portions of the armor tape must be 

bonded in cables having a flat, noncorrugated armor to meet the 

mechanical requirements of paragraphs 

(t)(1) through (t)(16)(ii) of this section. If 

the tape is corrugated, the overlap 

portions of the armor must be 

sufficiently bonded and the corrugations 

must be sufficiently in register to meet 

the requirements of paragraphs (t)(1) 

through (t)(16)(ii) of this section. 

(7) The armor tape must be so applied 

as to enable the cable to pass the Cable 

Low (¥30 °C (¥22 °F)) and High (60 °C 

(140 °F)) Temperatures Bend Test, as 

required by paragraph (t)(3) of this 

section. 

(8) The protective coating on the steel 

armor must meet the Bonding-to-Metal, 

Heat Sealability, Lap-Shear and 

Moisture Resistance requirements of 

Type I, Class 2 coated metals per ASTM 

B 736 (incorporated by reference in 

§ 1755.901(d)). 

(9) When the jacket is bonded to the 

plastic coated armor, the bond between 

the plastic coated armor and the outer 

jacket must not be less than 525 

Newtons per meter (36 pound-force) 

over at least 90 percent of the cable 

circumference when tested per ASTM D 

4565 (incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(d)). For cables with strength 

members embedded in the jacket, and 

residing directly over the armor, the 

area of the armor directly under the 

strength member is excluded from the 

90 percent calculation. 

(n) Figure 8 Aerial Cables. 

(1) When self-supporting aerial cable 

containing an integrated support 

messenger is supplied, the support 

messenger must comply with the 

requirements specified in paragraphs 

D.2.1 through D.2.4 of ANSI/ICEA S– 

87–640 (incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)), with exceptions and 

additional provisions as follows: 

(i) Any section of a completed strand 

containing a joint must have minimum 

tensile strength and elongation of 29,500 

Newtons (6,632 pound-force) and 3.5 

percent, respectively, when tested per 

the procedures specified in ASTM A 

640 (incorporated by reference in 

§ 1755.901(d)). 

(ii) The individual wires from a 

completed strand which contains joints 

must not fracture when tested per the 

‘‘Ductility of Steel’’ procedures 

specified in ASTM A 640 (incorporated 

by reference at § 1755.901(d)), except 

that the mandrel diameter must be equal 

to 5 times the nominal diameter of the 

individual wires. 

(iii) The support strand must be 

completely covered with a flooding 

compound that offers corrosion 

protection. The flooding compound 

must be homogeneous and uniformly 

mixed. 

(iv) The flooding compound must be 

nontoxic and present no dermal hazard. 

(v) The flooding compound must be 

free from dirt, metallic particles, and 

other foreign matter that may interfere 

with the performance of the cable. 

(2) Other methods of providing selfsupporting cable specifically not 

addressed in this section may be 

allowed if accepted. Justification for 

acceptance of a modified design must be 

provided to substantiate product utility 

and long term stability and endurance. 

To obtain the Agency’s acceptance of a 

modified design, refer to the product 

acceptance procedures available at 

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

listing_procedures/ 

index_listing_procedures.htm, as well as 

RUS Bulletin 345–3. 

(3) Jacket Thickness Requirements. 

Jackets applied over an integral 

messenger must meet the following 

requirements: 

20568 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 85 / Tuesday, May 5, 2009 / Rules and Regulations 

(i) The minimum jacket thickness at 

any point over the support messenger 

must meet the requirements of 

paragraph D.3 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)). 

(ii) The web dimension for selfsupporting aerial cable must meet the 

requirements of paragraph D.3 of ANSI/ 

ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by 

reference at § 1755.901(c)). 

(o) Sheath Slitting Cord. 

(1) A sheath slitting cord or ripcord is 

optional. 

(2) When a sheath slitting cord is used 

it must be capable of slitting the jacket 

or jacket and armor, at least one meter 

(3.3 feet) length without breaking the 

cord at a temperature of 23 ± 5 °C (73 

± 9 °F). 

(3) The sheath slitting cord must meet 

the sheath slitting cord test described in 

paragraph (t)(1) of this section. 

(p) Identification Markers. 

(1) Each length of cable must be 

permanently identified. The method of 

marking must be by means of suitable 

surface markings producing a clear 

distinguishable contrasting marking 

meeting paragraph 6.1.1 of ANSI/ICEA 

S–87–640 (incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)), and must meet the 

durability requirements of paragraphs 

7.5.2 through 7.5.2.2 of ANSI/ICEA 

S–87–640. 

(2) The color of the initial marking 

must be white or silver. If the initial 

marking fails to meet the requirements 

of the preceding paragraphs, it will be 

permissible to either remove the 

defective marking and re-mark with the 

white or silver color or leave the 

defective marking on the cable and remark with yellow. No further remarking is permitted. Any re-marking 

must be done on a different portion of 

the cable’s circumference where the 

existing marking is found and have a 

numbering sequence differing from any 

other marking by at least 3,000. Any reel 

of cable that contains more than one set 

of sequential markings must be labeled 

to indicate the color and sequence of 

marking to be used. The labeling must 

be applied to the reel and also to the 

cable. 

(3) Each length of cable must be 

permanently labeled OPTICAL CABLE, 

OC, OPTICAL FIBER CABLE, or OF on 

the outer jacket and identified as to 

manufacturer and year of manufacture. 

(4) Each length of cable intended for 

direct burial installation must be 

marked with a telephone handset in 

compliance with requirements of the 

Rule 350G of the ANSI/IEEE C2–2007 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(b)). 

(5) Each length of cable must be 

identified as to the manufacturer and 

year of manufacturing. The 

manufacturer and year of manufacturing 

may also be indicated by other means as 

indicated in paragraphs 6.1.2 through 

6.1.4 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)). 

(6) The number of fibers on the jacket 

must be marked on the jacket. 

(7) The completed cable must have 

sequentially numbered length markers 

in METERS or FEET at regular intervals 

of not more than 2 feet or not more than 

1 meter along the outside of the jacket. 

Continuous sequential numbering must 

be employed in a single length of cable. 

The numbers must be dimensioned and 

spaced to produce good legibility and 

must be approximately 3 millimeters 

(118 mils) in height. An occasional 

illegible marking is permissible when it 

is located within 2 meters of a legible 

making for cables marked in meters or 

4 feet for cables marked in feet. 

(8) Agreement between the actual 

length of the cable and the length 

marking on the cable jacket must be 

within the limits of +1 percent and ¥0 

percent. 

(9) Jacket Print Test. Cables must meet 

the Jacket Print Test described in 

paragraphs 7.5.2.1 and 7.5.2.2 of ANSI/ 

ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by 

reference at § 1755.901(c)). 

(q) Performance of a Finished Cable. 

(1) Zero Dispersion Optical Fiber 

Cable. Unless otherwise specified by the 

end user, the optical performance of a 

finished cable must comply with the 

attributes of Table 2, G.652.B attributes, 

found in ITU Recommendation G.652 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(f)). However, when the end 

user stipulates a low water peak fiber 

the finished cable must meet the 

attributes of Table 4, G.652.D attributes, 

found in ITU–T Recommendation 

G.652; or when the end user stipulates 

a low bending loss fiber, the finished 

cable must meet the attributes of Table 

7–1, G.657 class A attributes, found in 

ITU–T Recommendation G.657 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(f)). 

(i) The attenuation methods must be 

per Table 8.4, Optical attenuation 

measurement methods, of ANSI/ICEA 

S–87–640 (incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)). 

(ii) The cable must have a maximum 

attenuation of 0.1 dB at a point of 

discontinuity (a localized deviation of 

the optical fiber loss). Per paragraphs 

8.4 and 8.4.1 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)), measurements must be 

conducted at 1310 and 1550 nm, and at 

1625 nm when specified by the end 

user. 

(iii) The cable cutoff wavelength (gcc) 

must be reported per paragraph 8.5.1 of 

ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by 

reference in § 1755.901(c)). 

(2) Nonzero Dispersion Optical Fiber 

Cable. Unless otherwise specified by the 

end user, the optical performance of the 

finished cable must comply with the 

attributes of Table 1, G.656 attributes, 

found in ITU–T Recommendation G.656 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(f)). When the buyer specifies 

Recommendation A, B, C, D or E of 

ITU–T Recommendation G.655 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(f)), the finished cable must 

comply with the attributes of ITU–T 

Recommendation G.655. 

(i) The attenuation methods must be 

per Table 8.4, Optical attenuation 

measurement methods of ANSI/ICEA 

S–87–640 (incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)). 

(ii) The cable must have a maximum 

attenuation of 0.1 dB at a point of 

discontinuity (a localized deviation of 

the optical fiber loss). Per paragraphs 

8.4 and 8.4.1 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)), measurements must be 

conducted at 1310 and 1550 nm, and at 

1625 nm when specified by the end 

user. 

(iii) The cable cutoff wavelength (gcc) 

must be reported per paragraph 8.5.1 of 

ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by 

reference at § 1755.901(c)). 

(3) Multimode Optical Fiber Cable. 

Unless otherwise specified by the end 

user, the optical performance of the 

fibers in a finished cable must comply 

with Table 8.1, Attenuation coefficient 

performance requirement (dB/k), Table 

8.2, Multimode bandwidth coefficient 

performance requirements (MHz–km) 

and Table 8.3, Points discontinuity 

acceptance criteria (dB), of ANSI/ICEA 

S–87–640 (incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)). 

(4) Because the accuracy of 

attenuation measurements for single 

mode fibers becomes questionable when 

measured on short cable lengths, 

attenuation measurements are to be 

made utilizing characterization cable 

lengths. Master Cable reels must be 

tested and the attenuation values 

measured will be used for shorter ship 

lengths of cable. 

(5) Because the accuracy of 

attenuation measurements for 

multimode fibers becomes questionable 

when measured on short cable lengths, 

attenuation measurements are to be 

made utilizing characterization cable 

lengths. If the ship length of cable is less 

than one kilometer, the attenuation 

Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 85 / Tuesday, May 5, 2009 / Rules and Regulations 20569 

values measured on longer lengths of 

cable (characterization length of cable) 

before cutting to the ship lengths of 

cable may be applied to the ship 

lengths. 

(6) Attenuation must be measured per 

Table 8.4, Optical Attenuation 

Measurement Methods, of ANSI/ICEA 

S–87–640 (incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)). 

(7) The bandwidth of multimode 

fibers in a finished cable must be no less 

than the values specified in ANSI/ICEA 

S–87–640 (incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)), Table 8.2 per paragraphs 

8.3.1 and 8.3.2. 

(r) Mechanical Requirements. Fiber 

optic cables manufactured under the 

requirements of this section must be 

tested by the manufacturer to determine 

compliance with such requirements. 

Unless otherwise specified, testing must 

be performed at the standard conditions 

defined in paragraph 7.3.1 of ANSI/ 

ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by 

reference at § 1755.901(c)). The standard 

optical test wavelengths to be used are 

1550 nm single mode and 1300 nm 

multi-mode, unless otherwise specified 

in the individual test. 

(1) Sheath Slitting Cord Test. All 

cables manufactured under the 

requirements of this section must meet 

the Ripcord Functional Test described 

in paragraphs 7.18.1 and 7.18.2 of 

ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by 

reference at § 1755.901(c)). 

(2) Material Compatibility and Cable 

Aging Test. All cables manufactured 

under the requirements of this section 

must meet the Material Compatibility 

and Cable Aging Test described in 

paragraphs 7.19 through 7.19.2.4 of 

ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by 

reference at § 1755.901(c)). 

(3) Cable Low and High Bend Test. 

Cables manufactured under the 

requirements of this section must meet 

the Cable Low (¥30 °C (¥22 °F)) and 

High (60 °C (140 °F)) Temperatures 

Bend Test per paragraphs 7.21 and 

7.21.2 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)). 

(4) Compound Flow Test. All cables 

manufactured under the requirements of 

this section must meet the test described 

in paragraphs 7.23, 7.23.1, and 7.23.2 of 

ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by 

reference at § 1755.901(c)). 

(5) Cyclic Flexing Test. All cables 

manufactured under the requirements of 

this section must meet the Flex Test 

described in paragraphs 7.27 through 

7.27.2 of the ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)). 

(6) Water Penetration Test. All cables 

manufactured under the requirements of 

this section must meet paragraphs 7.28 

through 7.28.2 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)). 

(7) Cable Impact Test. All cables 

manufactured under the requirements of 

this section must meet the Cable Impact 

Test described in paragraphs 7.29.1 and 

7.29.2 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)). 

(8) Cable Tensile Loading and Fiber 

Strain Test. Cables manufactured under 

the requirements of this section must 

meet the Cable Loading and Fiber Strain 

Test described in paragraphs 7.30 

through 7.30.2 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)). This test does not apply 

to aerial self-supporting cables. 

(9) Cable Compression Test. All cables 

manufactured under requirements of 

this section must meet the Cable 

Compressive Loading Test described in 

paragraphs 7.31 through 7.31.2 of ANSI/ 

ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by 

reference at § 1755.901(c)). 

(10) Cable Twist Test. All cables 

manufactured under the requirements of 

this section must meet the Cable Twist 

Test described in paragraphs 7.32 

through 7.32.2 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)). 

(11) Cable Lighting Damage 

Susceptibility Test. Cables 

manufactured under the requirements of 

this section must meet the Cable 

Lighting Damage Susceptibility Test 

described in paragraphs 7.33 and 7.33.1 

of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated 

by reference at § 1755.901(c)). 

(12) Cable External Freezing Test. All 

cables manufactured under the 

requirements of this section must meet 

the Cable External Freezing Test 

described in paragraphs 7.22 and 7.22.1 

of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated 

by reference at § 1755.901(c)). 

(13) Cable Temperature Cycling Test. 

All cables manufactured under the 

requirements of this section must meet 

the Cable Temperature Cycling Test 

described in paragraph 7.24.1 of ANSI/ 

ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by 

reference at § 1755.901(c)). 

(14) Cable Sheath Adherence Test. All 

cables manufactured under the 

requirements of this section must meet 

the Cable Sheath Adherence Test 

described in paragraphs 7.26.1 and 

7.26.2 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)). 

(15) Mid-Span Test. This test is 

applicable only to cables of a loose tube 

design specified for mid-span 

applications with tube storage. Cable of 

specialty design may be exempted from 

this requirement when this requirement 

is not applicable to such design. All 

buried and underground loose tube 

single mode cables manufactured per 

the requirements in this section and 

intended for mid-span applications with 

tube storage must meet the following 

mid-span test without exhibiting an 

increase in fiber attenuation greater than 

0.1 dB and a maximum average increase 

over all fibers of 0.05 dB. 

(i) The specimen must be installed in 

a commercially available pedestal or 

closure or in a device that mimics their 

performance, as follows: A length of 

cable sheath, equal to the mid-span 

length, must be removed from the 

middle of the test specimen so as to 

allow access to the buffer tubes. All 

binders, tapes, strength members, etc. 

must be removed. The buffer tubes must 

be left intact. The cable ends defining 

the ends of the mid-span length must be 

properly secured in the closure to the 

more stringent of the cable or hardware 

manufacturer’s recommendations. 

Strength members must be secured with 

an end stop type clamp and the outer 

jacket must be clamped to prevent 

slippage. A minimum of 6.096 meters 

(20 feet) of cable must extend from the 

entry and exit ports of the closure for 

the purpose of making optical 

measurements. If a device that mimics 

the performance of pedestals or closures 

is used, the buffer tubes must be wound 

in a coil with a minimum width of 3 

inches and minimum length of 12 

inches. 

(ii) The expressed buffer tubes must 

be loosely constrained during the test. 

(iii) The enclosure, with installed 

cable, must be placed in an 

environmental chamber for temperature 

cycling. It is acceptable for some or all 

of the two 20 feet (6.096 meters) cable 

segments to extend outside the 

environmental chamber. 

(iv) Lids, pedestal enclosures, or 

closure covers must be removed if 

possible to allow for temperature 

equilibrium of the buffer tubes. If this is 

not possible, the manufacturer must 

demonstrate that the buffer tubes are at 

temperature equilibrium prior to 

beginning the soak time. 

(v) Measure the attenuation of single 

mode fibers at 1550 ± 10 nm. The 

supplier must certify the performance of 

lower specified wavelengths comply 

with the mid-span performance 

requirements. 

(vi) After measuring the attenuation of 

the optical fibers, test the cable sample 

per TIA/EIA Standard 455–3A 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(e)). Temperature cycling, 

measurements, and data reporting must 

conform to TIA/EIA Standard 455–3A. 

20570 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 85 / Tuesday, May 5, 2009 / Rules and Regulations 

The test must be conducted for at least 

five complete cycles. The following 

detailed test conditions must apply: 

(A) TIA/EIA Standard 455–3A 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(e)), Section 4.1—Loose tube 

single mode optical cable sample must 

be tested. 

(B) TIA/EIA Standard 455–3A 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(e)), Section 4.2—An Agency 

accepted 8 to 12 inch diameter optical 

buried distribution pedestal or a device 

that mimics their performance must be 

tested. 

(C) Mid-span opening for installation 

of loose tube single mode optical cable 

in pedestal must be 6.096 meters (20 

feet). 

(D) TIA/EIA Standard 455–3A 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(e)), Section 5.1—3 hours 

soak time. 

(E) TIA/EIA Standard 455–3A 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(e)), Section 5.2—Test 

Condition C–2, minimum ¥40 °C (¥40 

°F) and maximum 70° Celsius (158 °F). 

(F) TIA/EIA Standard 455–3A 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(e)), Section 5.7.2—A 

statistically representative amount of 

transmitting fibers in all express buffer 

tubes passing through the pedestal and 

stored must be measured. 

(G) The buffer tubes in the closure or 

pedestal must not be handled or moved 

during temperature cycling or 

attenuation measurements. 

(vii) Fiber cable attenuation measured 

through the express buffer tubes during 

the last cycle at ¥40 °C (¥40 °F) and 

+70 °C (158 °F) must not exceed a 

maximum increase of 0.1 dB and must 

not exceed a 0.05 dB average across all 

tested fibers from the initial baseline 

measurements. At the conclusion of the 

temperature cycling, the maximum 

attenuation increase at 23 °C from the 

initial baseline measurement must not 

exceed 0.05 dB which allows for 

measurement noise that may be 

encountered during the test. The cable 

must also be inspected at room 

temperature at the conclusion of all 

measurements; the cable must not show 

visible evidence of fracture of the buffer 

tubes nor show any degradation of all 

exposed cable assemblies. 

(16) Aerial Self-Supporting Cables. 

The following tests apply to aerial 

cables only: 

(i) Static Tensile Testing of Aerial 

Self-Supporting Cables. Aerial selfsupporting cable must meet the test 

described in paragraphs D.4.1.1 through 

D.4.1.5 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)). 

(ii) Cable Galloping Test. Aerial selfsupporting cable made to the 

requirements of this section must meet 

the test described in paragraphs D.4.2 

through D.4.2.3 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)). 

(s) Pre-connectorized Cable. 

(1) At the option of the manufacturer 

and upon request by the end user, the 

cable may be factory terminated with 

connectors. 

(2) All connectors must be accepted 

by the Agency prior to their use. To 

obtain the Agency’s acceptance of 

connectors, refer to product acceptance 

procedures available at http:// 

www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/ 

listing_procedures/ 

index_listing_procedures.htm as well as 

RUS Bulletin 345–3. 

(t) Acceptance Testing. 

(1) The tests described in the 

Appendix to this section are intended 

for acceptance of cable designs and 

major modifications of accepted 

designs. What constitutes a major 

modification is at the discretion of the 

Agency. These tests are intended to 

show the inherent capability of the 

manufacturer to produce cable products 

that have satisfactory performance 

characteristics, long life, and long-term 

optical stability but are not intended as 

field tests. After initial Rural 

Development product acceptance is 

granted, the manufacturer will need to 

apply for continued product acceptance 

in January of the third year after the year 

of initial acceptance. For information on 

Agency acceptance, refer to the product 

acceptance procedures available at 

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

listing_procedures/ 

index_listing_procedures.htm, as well as 

RUS Bulletin 345–3. 

(2) Acceptance. For initial acceptance, 

the manufacturer must submit: 

(i) An original signature certification 

that the product fully complies with 

each paragraph of this section; 

(ii) Qualification Test Data, per the 

Appendix to this section; 

(iii) A set of instructions for handling 

the cable; 

(iv) OSHA Material Safety Data Sheets 

for all components; 

(v) Agree to periodic plant 

inspections; 

(vi) A certification stating whether the 

cable, as sold to RUS 

Telecommunications borrowers, 

complies with the following two 

provisions: 

(A) Final assembly or manufacture of 

the product, as the product would be 

used by an RUS Telecommunications 

borrower, is completed in the United 

States or eligible countries (currently, 

Mexico, Canada and Israel); and 

(B) The cost of United States and 

eligible countries’ components (in any 

combination) within the product is 

more than 50 percent of the total cost of 

all components utilized in the product. 

The cost of non-domestic components 

(components not manufactured within 

the United States or eligible countries) 

which are included in the finished 

product must include all duties, taxes, 

and delivery charges to the point of 

assembly or manufacture; 

(vii) Written user testimonials 

concerning performance of the product; 

and 

(viii) Other nonproprietary data 

deemed necessary. 

(3) Re-qualification acceptance. For 

submission of a request for continued 

product acceptance after the initial 

acceptance, follow paragraph (v)(1) of 

this section and then, in January every 

three years, the manufacturer must 

submit an original signature 

certification stating that the product 

fully complies with each paragraph of 

this section, excluding the Qualification 

Section, and a certification that the 

products sold to RUS 

Telecommunications borrowers comply 

with paragraphs (v)(2)(vi) through 

(v)(2)(vi)(B) of this section. The tests of 

the Appendix to this section must be 

conducted and records kept for at least 

three years and the data must be made 

available to the Agency on request. The 

required data must have been gathered 

within 90 days of the submission. A 

certification must be submitted to the 

Agency stating that the cable 

manufactured to the requirements of 

this section has been tested per the 

Appendix of this section and that the 

cable meets the test requirements. 

(4) Initial and re-qualification 

acceptance requests should be 

addressed to: Chairman, Technical 

Standards Committee ‘‘A’’ 

(Telecommunications), STOP 1550, 

Advanced Services Division, Rural 

Development Telecommunications 

Program, Washington, DC 20250–1500. 

(5) Tests on 100 Percent of Completed 

Cable. 

(i) The armor for each length of cable 

must be tested for continuity using the 

procedures of ASTM D 4566 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(d)). 

(ii) Attenuation for each optical fiber 

in the cable must be measured. 

(iii) Optical discontinuities greater 

than 0.1 dB must be isolated and their 

location and amplitude recorded. 

(6) Capability Tests. The manufacturer 

must establish a quality assurance 

system. Tests on a quality assurance 

Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 85 / Tuesday, May 5, 2009 / Rules and Regulations 20571 

basis must be made as frequently as is 

required for each manufacturer to 

determine and maintain compliance 

with all the mechanical requirements 

and the fiber and cable attributes 

required by this section, including: 

(i) Numerical aperture and bandwidth 

of multimode fibers; 

(ii) Cut off wavelength of single mode 

fibers; 

(iii) Dispersion of single mode fibers; 

(iv) Shrinkback and cold testing of 

loose tube and tight tube buffers, and 

mid-span testing of cables of a loose 

tube design with tube storage; 

(v) Adhesion properties of the 

protective fiber coating; 

(vi) Dielectric strength between the 

armor and the metallic central member; 

(vii) Performance requirements for the 

fibers. 

(viii) Performance requirements for 

the inner and outer jacketing materials; 

(ix) Performance requirements for the 

filling and flooding compounds; 

(x) Bonding properties of the coated 

armoring material; 

(xi) Sequential marking and lettering; 

and 

(xii) Mechanical tests described in 

paragraphs (t)(1) through (t)(16)(ii) of 

this section. 

(u) Records Tests. 

(1) Each manufacturer must maintain 

suitable summary records for a period of 

at least 3 years of all optical and 

physical tests required on completed 

cable by section as set forth in 

paragraphs (v)(5) and (v)(6) of this 

section. The test data for a particular 

reel must be in a form that it may be 

readily available to the Agency upon 

request. The optical data must be 

furnished to the end user on a suitable 

and easily readable form. 

(2) Measurements and computed 

values must be rounded off to the 

number of places or figures specified for 

the requirement per paragraph 1.3 of 

ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by 

reference at § 1755.901(c)). 

(v) Manufacturing Irregularities. 

(1) Under this section, repairs to the 

armor, when present, are not permitted 

in cable supplied to the end user. 

(2) Minor defects in the inner and 

outer jacket (defects having a dimension 

of 3 millimeter or less in any direction) 

may be repaired by means of heat fusing 

per good commercial practices utilizing 

sheath grade compounds. 

(w) Packaging and Preparation for 

Shipment. 

(1) The cable must be shipped on 

reels containing one continuous length 

of cable. The diameter of the drum must 

be large enough to prevent damage to 

the cable from reeling and unreeling. 

The diameter must be at least equal to 

the minimum bending diameter of the 

cable. The reels must be substantial and 

so constructed as to prevent damage 

during shipment and handling. 

(2) A circumferential thermal wrap or 

other means of protection must be 

secured between the outer edges of the 

reel flange to protect the cable against 

damage during storage and shipment. 

The thermal wrap must meet the 

requirements included in the Thermal 

Reel Wrap Test, described below. This 

test procedure is for qualification of 

initial and subsequent changes in 

thermal reel wraps. 

(i) Sample Selection. All testing must 

be performed on two 450 millimeter (18 

inches) lengths of cable removed 

sequentially from the same fiber 

jacketed cable. This cable must not have 

been exposed to temperatures in excess 

of 38 °C (100 °F) since its initial cool 

down after sheathing. 

(ii) Test Procedure. 

(A) Place the two samples on an 

insulating material such as wood. 

(B) Tape thermocouples to the jackets 

of each sample to measure the jacket 

temperature. 

(C) Cover one sample with the 

thermal reel wrap. 

(D) Expose the samples to a radiant 

heat source capable of heating the 

uncovered sample to a minimum of 71 

°C (160 °F). A GE 600 watt photoflood 

lamp or an equivalent lamp having the 

light spectrum approximately that of the 

sun must be used. 

(E) The height of the lamp above the 

jacket must be 380 millimeters (15 

inches) or an equivalent height that 

produces the 71 °C (160 °F) jacket 

temperature on the unwrapped sample 

must be used. 

(F) After the samples have stabilized 

at the temperature, the jacket 

temperatures of the samples must be 

recorded after one hour of exposure to 

the heat source. 

(G) Compute the temperature 

difference between jackets. 

(H) The temperature difference 

between the jacket with the thermal reel 

wrap and the jacket without the reel 

wrap must be greater than or equal to 17 

°C (63 °F). 

(3) Cables must be sealed at the ends 

to prevent entrance of moisture. 

(4) The end-of-pull (outer end) of the 

cable must be securely fastened to 

prevent the cable from coming loose 

during transit. The start-of-pull (inner 

end) of the cable must project through 

a slot in the flange of the reel, around 

an inner riser, or into a recess on the 

flange near the drum and fastened in 

such a way to prevent the cable from 

becoming loose during installation. 

(5) Spikes, staples or other fastening 

devices must be used in a manner 

which will not result in penetration of 

the cable. 

(6) The arbor hole must admit a 

spindle 63.5 millimeters (2.5 inches) in 

diameter without binding. 

(7) Each reel must be plainly marked 

to indicate the direction in which it 

should be rolled to prevent loosening of 

the cable on the reel. 

(8) Each reel must be stenciled or 

lettered with the name of the 

manufacturer. 

(9) The following information must be 

either stenciled on the reel or on a tag 

firmly attached to the reel: Optical 

Cable, Type and Number of Fibers, 

Armored or Non-armored, Year of 

Manufacture, Name of Cable 

Manufacturer, Length of Cable, Reel 

Number, 7 CFR 1755.902, Minimum 

Bending Diameter for both Residual and 

Loaded Condition during installation. 

Example: Optical Cable, G.657 class 

A, 4 fibers, Armored, XYZ Company, 

1050 meters, Reel Number 3, 7 CFR 

1755.902. Minimum Bending Diameter: 

Residual (Installed): 20 times Cable 

O.D., Loaded Condition: 40 times Cable 

O.D. 

Appendix to § 1755.902 

FIBER OPTIC CABLES

BULLETIN 1753F–601(PE–90) QUALIFICATIONS TEST DATA

[Initial qualification and three year re-qualification test data required for TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM product acceptance. Please note 

that some tests may apply only to a particular cable design.] 

Paragraph Test Initial 

qualification 

3 Year 

re-qualification 

(e)(4)(i) .......................................... Shrinkback ........................................................................................... X ............................

(e)(4)(ii) .......................................... Cold Bend ............................................................................................ X ............................

(t)(1) ............................................... Sheath Slitting Cord ............................................................................. X ............................

20572 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 85 / Tuesday, May 5, 2009 / Rules and Regulations 

FIBER OPTIC CABLES—Continued 

BULLETIN 1753F–601(PE–90) QUALIFICATIONS TEST DATA

[Initial qualification and three year re-qualification test data required for TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM product acceptance. Please note 

that some tests may apply only to a particular cable design.] 

Paragraph Test Initial 

qualification 

3 Year 

re-qualification 

(t)(2) ............................................... Material Compatibility ........................................................................... X ............................

(t)(3) ............................................... Cable Low & High Bend ...................................................................... X X 

(t)(4) ............................................... Compound Flow ................................................................................... X ............................

(t)(5) ............................................... Cyclic Flexing ....................................................................................... X X 

(t)(6) ............................................... Water Penetration ................................................................................ X X 

(t)(7) ............................................... Cable Impact ........................................................................................ X X 

(t)(8) ............................................... Cable Tensile Loading & Fiber Strain ................................................. X X 

(t)(9) ............................................... Cable Compression ............................................................................. X ............................

(t)(10) ............................................. Cable Twist .......................................................................................... X X 

(t)(11) ............................................. Cable Lighting Damage Susceptibility ................................................. X ............................

(t)(12) ............................................. Cable External Freezing ...................................................................... X ............................

(t)(13) ............................................. Cable Temperature Cycling ................................................................. X X 

(t)(14) ............................................. Cable Sheath Adherence ..................................................................... X ............................

(t)(15) ............................................. Mid-Span .............................................................................................. X X 

(t)(16)(i) ......................................... Static Tensile Testing of Aerial Self-Supporting Cables ..................... X X 

(t)(16)(ii) ......................................... Cable Galloping ................................................................................... X ............................

(y)(2)(i) ........................................... Thermal Reel Wrap test ....................................................................... X ............................

§ 1755.903 Fiber Optic Service Entrance 

Cables. 

(a) Scope. This section covers Agency 

requirements for fiber optic service 

entrance cables intended for aerial 

installation either by attachment to a 

support strand or by an integrated selfsupporting arrangement, for 

underground application by placement 

in a duct, or for buried installations by 

trenching, direct plowing, directional or 

pneumatic boring. Cable meeting this 

section is recommended for fiber optic 

service entrances having 12 or fewer 

fibers with distances less than 100 

meters (300 feet). 

(1) General. 

(i) Specification requirements are 

given in SI units which are the 

controlling units in this part. 

Approximate English equivalent of units 

are given for information purposes only. 

(ii) The optical waveguides are glass 

fibers having directly-applied protective 

coatings, and are called ‘‘fibers,’’ herein. 

These fibers may be assembled in either 

loose fiber bundles with a protective 

core tube, encased in several protective 

buffer tubes, in tight buffer tubes, or 

ribbon bundles with a protective core 

tube. 

(iii) Fillers, strength members, core 

wraps, and bedding tapes may complete 

the cable core. 

(iv) The core or buffer tubes 

containing the fibers and the interstices 

between the buffer tubes, fillers, and 

strength members in the core structure 

are filled with a suitable material or 

water swellable elements to exclude 

water. 

(v) The cable structure is completed 

by an extruded overall plastic jacket. A 

shield or armor or combination thereof 

may be included under the jacket. This 

jacket may have strength members 

embedded in it, in some designs. 

(vi) For rodent resistance or for 

additional protection with direct buried 

installations, it is recommended the use 

of armor under the outer jacket. 

(vii) For self-supporting cable the 

outer jacket may be extruded over the 

support messenger and cable core. 

(viii) For detection purposes, the 

cable may have toning elements 

embedded or extruded with the outer 

jacket. 

(2) The cable is fully color coded so 

that each fiber is distinguishable from 

every other fiber. A basic color scheme 

of twelve colors allows individual fiber 

identification. Colored tubes, binders, 

threads, striping, or markings provide 

fiber group identification. 

(3) Cables manufactured to the 

requirements of this section must 

demonstrate compliance with the 

qualification testing requirements to 

ensure satisfactory end-use performance 

characteristics for the intended 

applications. 

(4) Optical cable designs not 

specifically addressed by this section 

may be allowed. Justification for 

acceptance of a modified design must be 

provided to substantiate product utility 

and long term stability and endurance. 

For information on how to obtain 

Agency’s acceptance of such a modified 

design, refer to the product acceptance 

procedures available at http:// 

www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/ 

listing_procedures/ 

index_listing_procedures.htm as well as 

RUS Bulletin 345–3. 

(5) The cable must be designed for the 

temperatures ranges of Table 1–1, Cable 

Normal Temperature Ranges, of ICEA 

S–110–717 (incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)). 

(6) Tensile Rating: The cable must 

have ratings that are no less than the 

tensile ratings indicated in paragraph 

1.1.4, Tensile Rating, of Part 1 of the 

ICEA S–110–717 (incorporated by 

reference at § 1755.901(c)). 

(7) Self-Supporting Cables: Based on 

the storm loading districts referenced in 

Section 25, Loading of Grades B and C, 

of ANSI/IEEE C2–2007 (incorporated by 

reference at § 1755.901(b)), and the 

maximum span and location of cable 

installation provided by the end user, 

the manufacturer must provide a cable 

design with sag and tension tables 

showing the maximum span and sag 

information for that particular 

installation. The information included 

must be for Rule B, Ice and Wind 

Loading, and when applicable, 

information on Rule 250C, Extreme 

Wind Loading. Additionally, to ensure 

the proper ground clearance, typically a 

minimum of 4.7 m (15.5 feet), the end 

user should factor in the maximum sag 

under loaded conditions as well as 

height of attachment for each 

application. 

(8) Minimum Bend Diameter: For 

cable under loaded and unloaded 

conditions, the cable must have the 

minimum bend diameters indicated in 

paragraph 1.1.5, Minimum Bend 

Diameter, of Part 1 of ICEA S–110–717 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)). For very small cables, 

manufacturers may specify fixed cable 

Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 85 / Tuesday, May 5, 2009 / Rules and Regulations 20573 

minimum bend diameters that are 

independent of the outside diameter. 

(9) All cables sold to RUS 

Telecommunications borrowers must be 

accepted by the Agency’s Technical 

Standards Committee ‘‘A’’ for projects 

involving RUS loan funds. All design 

changes to Agency acceptable designs 

must be submitted to the Agency for 

acceptance. Optical cable designs not 

specifically addressed by this section 

may be allowed, if accepted by the 

Agency. Justification for acceptance of a 

modified design must be provided to 

substantiate product utility and long 

term stability and endurance. For 

information on how to obtain the 

Agency’s acceptance of cables, refer to 

the product acceptance procedures 

available at http://www.usda.gov/rus/ 

telecom/listing_procedures/ 

index_listing_procedures.htm as well as 

RUS Bulletin 345–3. 

(10) The Agency intends that the 

optical fibers contained in the cables 

meeting the requirement of this section 

have characteristics that will allow 

signals, having a range of wavelengths, 

to be carried simultaneously. 

(11) The manufacturer is responsible 

to establish a quality assurance system 

meeting industry standards described in 

paragraph 1.8 of ICEA S–110–717 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)). 

(12) The cable made must meet 

paragraph 1.10 of ICEA S–110–717 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)). 

(b) Optical Fibers. 

(1) The solid glass optical fibers must 

consist of a cylindrical core and 

cladding covered by either an 

ultraviolet-cured acrylate or other 

suitable coating. Each fiber must be 

continuous throughout its length. 

(2) Optical fibers must meet the fiber 

attributes of Table 2, G.652.B attributes, 

of ITU–T Recommendation G.652 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(f)), unless the end user 

specifically asks for another type of 

fiber. However, when the end user 

stipulates a low water peak fiber, the 

optical fibers must meet the fiber 

attributes of Table 4, G.652.D attributes, 

of ITU–T Recommendation G.652; or 

when the end user stipulates a low 

bending loss fiber, the optical fibers 

must meet the fiber attributes of Table 

7–1, G.657 class A attributes, of ITU–T 

Recommendation G.657 (incorporated 

by reference at § 1755.901(f)). 

(i) Additionally, optical ribbon fibers 

must meet paragraph 3.3, Optical Fiber 

Ribbons, of Part 3 of ICEA S–110–717 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)). 

(ii) [Reserved] 

(3) Multimode fibers. Optical fibers 

must meet the requirements of 

paragraphs 2.1 and 2.3.1 of ANSI/ICEA 

S–87–640 (incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)). 

(4) Matched Cable. Unless otherwise 

specified by the buyer, all single mode 

fiber cables delivered to an Agencyfinanced project must be manufactured 

to the same MFD specification. 

However, notwithstanding the 

requirements indicated in paragraphs 

(d)(2) and (d)(3) of this section, the 

maximum MFD tolerance allowed for 

cables meeting the requirements of this 

section must be of a magnitude meeting 

the definition of ‘‘matched cable,’’ as 

defined in paragraph (b) of § 1755.900. 

With the use of cables meeting this 

definition the user can reasonably 

expect that the average bi-directional 

loss of a fusion splice to be ≤0.1 dB. 

(5) Buyers will normally specify the 

MFD for the fibers in the cable. When 

a buyer does not specify the MFD at 

1310 nm, the fibers must be 

manufactured to an MFD of 9.2 μm with 

a maximum tolerance range of ±0.5 μm 

(362 ± 20 microinch), unless the buyer 

agrees to accept cable with fibers 

specified to a different MFD. When the 

buyer does specify a MFD and tolerance 

conflicting with the MFD maximum 

tolerance allowed by paragraph (d)(4) of 

this section, the requirements of 

paragraph (d)(4) must prevail. 

(6) Factory splices are not allowed. 

(7) All optical fibers in any single 

length of cable must be of the same type 

unless otherwise specified by end user. 

(8) Optical fiber dimensions and data 

reporting must be as required by 

paragraph 7.13.1.1 of ANSI/ICEA S–87– 

640 (incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)). 

(c) Buffers/Coating. 

(1) The optical fibers contained in a 

buffer tube (loose tube) loosely 

packaged must have a clearance 

between the fibers and the inside of the 

container sufficient to allow for thermal 

expansions without constraining the 

fibers. The protective container must be 

manufactured from a material having a 

coefficient of friction sufficiently low to 

allow the fibers free movement. The 

design may contain more than one tube. 

Loose buffer tubes must meet the 

requirements of Paragraph 3.2.1, Loose 

Buffer Tube Dimensions, of Part 3 of 

ICEA S–110–717 (incorporated by 

reference at § 1755.901(c)). 

(2) The loose tube coverings of each 

color and other fiber package types 

removed from the finished cable must 

meet the following shrinkback and cold 

bend performance requirements. The 

fibers may be left in the tube. 

(i) Shrinkback: Testing must be 

conducted per ASTM D 4565 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(d)), paragraph 14.1, using a 

talc bed at a temperature of 95 °C. 

Shrinkback must not exceed 5 percent 

of the original 150 millimeter length of 

the specimen. The total shrinkage of the 

specimen must be measured. 

(ii) Cold Bend: Testing must be 

conducted on at least one tube from 

each color in the cable. Stabilize the 

specimen to ¥20 ± 1 °C for a minimum 

of four hours. While holding the 

specimen and mandrel at the test 

temperature, wrap the tube in a tight 

helix ten times around a mandrel with 

a diameter the greater of five times the 

tube diameter or 50 mm. The tube must 

show no evidence of cracking when 

observed with normal or corrected-tonormal vision. 

(3) Optical fiber coating must meet the 

requirements of paragraph 2.4, Optical 

Fiber Coatings and Requirements, of 

Part 2 of ICEA S–110–717 (incorporated 

by reference at § 1755.901(c)). 

(i) All protective coverings in any 

single length of cable must be 

continuous and be of the same material 

except at splice locations. 

(ii) The protective coverings must be 

free from holes, splits, blisters, and 

other imperfections and must be as 

smooth and concentric as is consistent 

with the best commercial practice. 

(iii) Repairs to the fiber coatings are 

not allowed. 

(d) Fiber and Buffer Tube 

Identification. Fibers within a unit and 

the units within a cable must be 

identified as indicated in paragraphs 4.2 

and 4.3 of Part 4 of ICEA S–110–717 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)), respectively. 

(e) Strength Members. 

(1) Combined strength of all the 

strength members must be sufficient to 

support the stress of installation and to 

protect the cable in service. Strength 

members must meet paragraph 4.4, 

Strength Members, of ICEA S–110–717 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)). Self supporting aerial 

cables using the strength members as an 

integral part of the cable strength must 

comply with paragraph C.4, Static 

Tensile Testing of Aerial SelfSupporting Cables, of ANNEX C of ICEA 

S–110–717. 

(2) Strength members may be 

incorporated into the core as a central 

support member or filler, as fillers 

between the fiber packages, as an 

annular serving over the core, as an 

annular serving over the intermediate 

jacket, embedded in the outer jacket or 

as a combination of any of these 

methods. 

20574 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 85 / Tuesday, May 5, 2009 / Rules and Regulations 

(3) The central support member or 

filler must contain no more than one 

splice per kilometer of cable. Individual 

fillers placed between the fiber packages 

and placed as annular servings over the 

core must contain no more than one 

splice per kilometer of cable. Cable 

sections having central member or filler 

splices must meet the same physical 

requirements as un-spliced cable 

sections. 

(4) Notwithstanding what has been 

indicated in other parts of this 

document, in each length of completed 

cable having a metallic central member, 

the dielectric strength between the 

optional armor and the metallic center 

member must withstand at least 15 

kilovolts direct current for 3 seconds. 

(f) Forming the Cable Core. 

(1) Protected fibers must be assembled 

with the optional central support 

member and strength members in such 

a way as to form a cylindrical group or 

other acceptable core constructions and 

must meet Section 4.5, Assembly of 

Cables, of Part 4 of ICEA S–110–717 

(incorporated by reference at 

1755.901(c)). Other acceptable cable 

cores include round, figure 8, flat or 

oval designs. 

(2) The standard cylindrical group or 

core designs must consist of 12 fibers or 

less. 

(3) When threads or tapes are used as 

core binders, they must be colored 

either white or natural and must be a 

non-hygroscopic and non-wicking 

dielectric material. Water swell-able 

threads and tapes are permitted. 

(g) Filling/Flooding Compounds and 

Water Blocking Elements. 

(1) To prevent the ingress and 

migration of water through the cable 

and core, filling/flooding compounds or 

water blocking elements must be used. 

(i) Filling compounds must be applied 

into the interior of the loose fiber tubes 

and into the interstices of the core. 

When a core wrap is used, the filling 

compound must also be applied to the 

core wrap, over the core wrap and 

between the core wrap and inner jacket 

when required. 

(ii) Flooding compounds must be 

sufficiently applied between the 

optional inner jacket and armor and 

between the armor and outer jacket so 

that voids and air spaces in these areas 

are minimized. The use of floodant 

between the armor and outer jacket is 

not required when uniform bonding, per 

paragraph l(9) of this section, is 

achieved between the plastic-clad armor 

and the outer jacket. Floodant must 

exhibit adhesive properties sufficient to 

prevent jacket slip when tested per the 

requirements of paragraphs 7.26 through 

7.26.2 of Part 7, Testing, Test Methods, 

and Requirements, of ANSI/ICEA S–87– 

640 (incorporated by reference at 

1755.901(c)). 

(iii) Water blocking elements must 

achieve equal or better performance in 

preventing the ingress and migration of 

water as compared to filling and 

flooding compounds. In lieu of a 

flooding compound, water blocking 

elements may be applied between the 

optional inner jacket and armor and 

between the armor and outer jacket to 

prevent water migration. The use of the 

water blocking elements between the 

armor and outer jacket is not required 

when uniform bonding, per paragraph 

(l)(10) of this section, is achieved 

between the plastic-clad armor and the 

outer jacket. 

(2) The materials must be 

homogeneous and uniformly mixed; free 

from dirt, metallic particles and other 

foreign matter; easily removed; nontoxic 

and present no dermal hazards. 

(3) The individual cable manufacturer 

must satisfy the Agency that the filling 

compound or water blocking elements 

selected for use is suitable for its 

intended application. 

(i) Filling/Flooding compound 

materials must be compatible with the 

cable components when tested per 

paragraph 7.16, Material Compatibility 

and Cable Aging Test, of Part 7 of ICEA 

S–110–717 (incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)). 

(ii) Water blocking elements must be 

compatible with the cable components 

when tested per paragraph 7.16, 

Material Compatibility and Cable Aging 

Test, of Part 7 of ICEA S–110–717 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)). 

(h) Core Wrap (Optional). 

(1) At the option of the manufacturer, 

one or more layers of non-hygroscopic 

and non-wicking dielectric material may 

be applied with an overlap over the 

core. 

(2) The core wrap(s) can be used to 

provide a heat barrier to prevent 

deformation or adhesion between the 

fiber tubes or can be used to contain the 

core. 

(3) When core wraps are used, 

sufficient filling compound must be 

applied to the core wraps so that voids 

or air spaces existing between the core 

wraps and between the core and the 

inner side of the core wrap are 

minimized. 

(i) Inner Jacket (Optional). 

(1) Inner jackets may be applied 

directly over the core or over the 

strength members. Inner jackets are 

optional. 

(2) The inner jacket material and test 

requirements must be the same as for 

the outer jacket material per paragraph 

(n) of this section, except that either 

black or natural polyethylene may be 

used. In the case of natural 

polyethylene, the requirements for 

absorption coefficient and the inclusion 

of furnace black are waived. 

(j) Armor (Optional). 

(1) A steel armor, plastic coated on 

both sides, is recommended for direct 

buried service entrance cable in gopher 

areas. Armor is also optional for duct 

and aerial cable as required by the end 

user. The plastic coated steel armor 

must be applied longitudinally directly 

over the core wrap or the intermediate 

jacket and must have an overlapping 

edge. 

(2) The uncoated steel tape must be 

electrolytic chrome coated steel (ECCS) 

with a thickness of 0.155 ± 0.015 

millimeters. 

(3) The reduction in thickness of the 

armoring material due to the corrugating 

or application process must be kept to 

a minimum and must not exceed 10 

percent at any spot. 

(4) The armor of each length of cable 

must be electrically continuous with no 

more than one joint or splice allowed 

per kilometer of cable. This requirement 

does not apply to a joint or splice made 

in the raw material by the raw material 

manufacturer. 

(5) The breaking strength of any 

section of an armor tape, containing a 

factory splice joint, must not be less 

than 80 percent of the breaking strength 

of an adjacent section of the armor of 

equal length without a joint. 

(6) For cables containing no floodant 

over the armor, the overlap portions of 

the armor tape must be bonded in cables 

having a flat, non-corrugated armor to 

meet the requirements of paragraphs 

(r)(1) and (r)(2) of this section. If the 

tape is corrugated, the overlap portions 

of the armor must be sufficiently 

bonded and the corrugations must be 

sufficiently in register to meet the 

requirements of paragraphs (r)(1) and 

(r)(2) of this section. 

(7) The armor tape must be so applied 

as to enable the cable to meet the testing 

requirements of paragraphs (r)(1) and 

(r)(2) of this section. 

(8) The protective coating on the steel 

armor must meet the Bonding-to-Metal, 

Heat Sealability, Lap-Shear and 

Moisture Resistance requirements of 

Type I, Class 2 coated metals per ASTM 

B 736 (incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(d)). 

(9) When the jacket is bonded to the 

plastic coated armor, the bond between 

the plastic coated armor and the outer 

jacket must not be less than 525 

Newtons per meter over at least 90 

percent of the cable circumference when 

tested per ASTM D 4565 (incorporated 

Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 85 / Tuesday, May 5, 2009 / Rules and Regulations 20575 

by reference at § 1755.901(d)). For 

cables with strength members 

embedded in the jacket, and residing 

directly over the armor, the area of the 

armor directly under the strength 

member is excluded from the 90 percent 

calculation. 

(k) Optional Support Messenger 

(Aerial Cable). 

(1) Integrated messenger(s) for selfsupporting cable must provide adequate 

strength to operate under the 

appropriate weather loading conditions 

over the maximum specified span. 

(2) Based on the storm loading 

districts referenced in Section 25, 

Loading of Grades B and C, of ANSI/ 

IEEE C2–2007 (incorporated by 

reference at § 1755.901(b)), and the 

maximum span and location of cable 

installation provided by the end user, 

the manufacturer must provide a cable 

design with sag and tension tables 

showing the maximum span and sag 

information for that particular 

installation. The information included 

must be for Rule B, Ice and Wind 

Loading, and when applicable, 

information on Rule 250C, Extreme 

Wind Loading. Additionally, to ensure 

the proper ground clearance, typically a 

minimum of 4.7 m (15.5 feet) the end 

user should factor in the maximum sag 

under loaded conditions as well as 

height of attachment for each 

application. 

(l) Outer Jacket. 

(1) The outer jacket must provide the 

cable with a tough, flexible, protective 

covering which can withstand exposure 

to sunlight, to atmosphere temperatures 

and to stresses reasonably expected in 

normal installation and service. 

(2) The jacket must be free from holes, 

splits, blisters, or other imperfections, 

and must be as smooth and concentric 

as is consistent with the best 

commercial practice. 

(3) Jacket materials must meet the 

stipulations of paragraph 5.4 of ANSI/ 

ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by 

reference at § 1755.901(c)), except that 

the concentration of furnace black does 

not necessarily need to be initially 

contained in the raw material and may 

be added later during the jacket making 

process. Jacket thickness must have a 

0.50 mm minimum thickness over the 

core or over any radial strength member 

used as the primary strength element(s), 

0.20 mm when not used as the primary 

strength member, and 0.30 mm over any 

optional toning elements. 

(4) Jacket Repairs must meet the 

stipulations of paragraph 5.5, Jacket 

Repairs, of ICEA S–110–717 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)). 

(5) Jacket Testing: The jacket must be 

tested to determine compliance with 

requirements of this section. The 

specific tests for the jacket are described 

in paragraphs 7.6 through 7.11.2 of Part 

7, Testing, Test Methods, and 

Requirements, of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)). 

(m) Sheath Slitting Cord (Optional). 

(1) A sheath slitting cord is optional. 

(2) When a sheath slitting cord is used 

it must be non-hygroscopic and nonwicking, or be rendered such by the 

filling or flooding compound, 

continuous throughout a length of cable 

and of sufficient strength to open the 

sheath over at least a one meter length 

without breaking the cord at a 

temperature of 23 ± 5 °C. 

(n) Identification and Length Markers. 

(1) Each length of cable must be 

permanently labeled OPTICAL CABLE, 

OC, OPTICAL FIBER CABLE, or OF on 

the outer jacket and identified as to 

manufacturer and year of manufacture. 

(2) Each length of cable intended for 

direct burial installation must be 

marked with a telephone handset in 

compliance with the requirements of the 

Rule 350G of ANSI/IEEE C2–2007 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(b)). 

(3) Mark the number of fibers on the 

jacket. 

(4) The identification and date 

marking must conform to paragraph 6.1, 

Identification and Date Marking, of 

ICEA S–110–717 (incorporated by 

reference at § 1755.901(c)). 

(5) The length marking must conform 

to paragraph 6.3, Length Marking, of 

ICEA S–110–717 (incorporated by 

reference at § 1755.901(c)). 

(o) Optical Performance of a Finished 

Cable. 

(1) Unless otherwise specified by the 

end user, the optical performance of a 

finished cable must comply with the 

attributes of Table 2, G.652.B attributes, 

found in ITU Recommendation G.652 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(f)). However, when the end 

user stipulates a low water peak fiber 

the finished cable must meet the 

attributes of Table 4, G.652.D attributes, 

found in ITU–T Recommendation 

G.652; or when the end user stipulates 

a low bending loss fiber, the finished 

cable must meet the attributes of Table 

7–1, class A attributes, of ITU–T 

Recommendation G.657 (incorporated 

by reference at § 1755.901(f)). 

(i) The attenuation methods must be 

per Table 8.4, Optical attenuation 

measurement methods, of ANSI/ICEA 

S–87–640 (incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)). 

(ii) The cable must have a maximum 

attenuation of 0.1 dB at a point of 

discontinuity (a localized deviation of 

the optical fiber loss). Per paragraphs 

8.4 and 8.4.1 of ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)), measurements must be 

conducted at 1310 and 1550 nm, and at 

1625 nm when specified by the end 

user. 

(iii) The cable cutoff wavelength (gcc) 

must be reported per paragraph 8.5.1 of 

ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by 

reference at § 1755.901(c)). 

(2) Multimode Optical Fiber Cable. 

Unless otherwise specified by the end 

user, the optical performance of the 

fibers in a finished cable must comply 

with Table 8.1, Attenuation coefficient 

performance requirement (dB/km), 

Table 8.2, Multimode bandwidth 

coefficient performance requirements 

(MHz-km), and Table 8.3, Points 

discontinuity acceptance criteria (d), of 

ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by 

reference at § 1755.901(c)). 

(3) Because the accuracy of 

attenuation measurements for single 

mode fibers becomes questionable when 

measured on short cable lengths, 

attenuation measurements are to be 

made utilizing characterization cable 

lengths. Master Cable reels must be 

tested and the attenuation values 

measured will be used for shorter ship 

lengths of cable. 

(4) Because the accuracy of 

attenuation measurements for 

multimode fibers becomes questionable 

when measured on short cable lengths, 

attenuation measurements are to be 

made utilizing characterization cable 

lengths. If the ship length of cable is less 

than one kilometer, the attenuation 

values measured on longer lengths of 

cable (characterization length of cable) 

before cutting to the ship lengths of 

cable may be applied to the ship 

lengths. 

(5) Attenuation must be measured per 

Table 8.4, Optical Attenuation 

Measurement Methods, ANSI/ICEA S– 

87–640 (incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)). 

(6) The bandwidth of multimode 

fibers in a finished cable must be no less 

than the values specified in Table 8.2 

per paragraph 8.3.1 of ANSI/ICEA S– 

87–640 (incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)). 

(p) Mechanical Requirements. 

(1) Cable Testing: Cable designs must 

meet the requirements of Part 7, Testing 

and Test Methods, of ICEA S–110–717 

(incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)), except for paragraph 7.15 

applicable to tight tube fibers. 

(2) Bend Test: All cables 

manufactured must meet the ‘‘Cable 

20576 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 85 / Tuesday, May 5, 2009 / Rules and Regulations 

Low and High Temperature Bend Test’’ 

described in Section 7.21 (paragraphs 

7.21, 7.21.1, and 7.21.2) of ANSI/ICEA 

S–87–640 (incorporated by reference at 

§ 1755.901(c)). 

(q) Pre-connectorized Cable 

(Optional). 

(1) At the option of the manufacturer 

and upon request by the end user, the 

cable may be factory terminated with 

connectors. 

(2) All connectors must be accepted 

by the Agency prior to their use. For 

information on how to obtain the 

Agency’s acceptance, refer to the 

product acceptance procedures 

available at http://www.usda.gov/rus/ 

telecom/listing_procedures/ 

index_listing_procedures.htm as well as 

RUS Bulletin 345–3. 

(r) Acceptance Testing and Extent of 

Testing. 

(1) The tests described in this section 

are intended for acceptance of cable 

designs and major modifications of 

accepted designs. What constitutes a 

major modification is at the discretion 

of the Agency. These tests are intended 

to show the inherent capability of the 

manufacturer to produce cable products 

that have satisfactory performance 

characteristics, long life, and long-term 

optical stability, but are not intended as 

field tests. For information on how to 

obtain the Agency’s acceptance, refer to 

the product acceptance procedures 

available at http://www.usda.gov/rus/ 

telecom/listing_procedures/ 

index_listing_procedures.htm as well as 

RUS Bulletin 345–3. 

(2) For initial acceptance, the 

manufacturer must submit: 

(i) An original signature certification 

that the product fully complies with 

each paragraph of this section; 

(ii) Qualification Test Data for 

demonstrating that the cable meets the 

requirements of this section; 

(iii) A set of instructions for handling 

the cable; 

(iv) OSHA Material Safety Data Sheets 

for all components; 

(v) Agree to periodic plant 

inspections; 

(vi) Agency’s ‘‘Buy American’’ 

Requirements. For each cable for which 

the Agency acceptance is requested, the 

manufacturer must include a 

certification stating whether the cable 

complies with the following two 

domestic origin manufacturing 

provisions: 

(A) Final assembly or manufacture of 

the product, as the product would be 

used by an Agency’s borrower, is 

completed in the United States or 

eligible countries. For a list of eligible 

countries, see http://www.usda.gov/rus/ 

telecom/publications/eligible.htm; and 

(B) The cost of United States and 

eligible countries’ components (in any 

combination) within the product is 

more than 50 percent of the total cost of 

all components utilized in the product. 

The cost of non-domestic components 

(components not manufactured within 

the United States or eligible countries) 

which are included in the finished 

product must include all duties, taxes, 

and delivery charges to the point of 

assembly or manufacture; 

(vii) Written user testimonials 

concerning performance of the product; 

and 

(viii) Other nonproprietary data 

deemed necessary by the Chief, 

Technical Support Branch 

(Telecommunications). 

(3) For continued Agency product 

acceptance, the manufacturer must 

submit an original signature 

certification that the product fully 

complies with each paragraph of this 

section and a certification stating 

whether the cable meets the two 

domestic provisions of paragraph 

(t)(2)(vi) above for acceptance by 

January every three years. The 

certification must be based on test data 

showing compliance with the 

requirements of this section. The test 

data must have been gathered within 90 

days of the submission and must be kept 

on files per paragraph (u)(1). 

(4) Initial and re-qualification 

acceptance requests should be 

addressed to: Chairman, Technical 

Standards Committee ‘‘A’’ 

(Telecommunications), STOP 1550, 

Advanced Services Division, Rural 

Development Utilities Program, 

Washington, DC 20250–1550. 

(s) Records of Optical and Physical 

Tests. 

(1) Each manufacturer must maintain 

suitable summary records for a period of 

at least 3 years of all optical and 

physical tests required on completed 

cable manufactured under the 

requirement of this section. The test 

data for a particular reel must be in a 

form that it may be readily available to 

the Agency upon request. The optical 

data must be furnished to the end user 

on a suitable and easily readable form. 

(2) Measurements and computed 

values must be rounded off to the 

number of places or figures specified for 

the requirement per paragraph 1.3 of 

ANSI/ICEA S–87–640 (incorporated by 

reference at § 1755.901(c)). 

(t) Manufacturing Irregularities. 

(1) Repairs to the armor, when 

present, are not permitted in cable 

supplied to the end user under the 

requirement of this section. The armor 

for each length of cable must be tested 

for continuity using the procedures of 

ASTM D 4566 (incorporated by 

reference at § 1755.901(d)). 

(2) Minor defects in the inner and 

outer jacket (defects having a dimension 

of 3 millimeter or less in any direction) 

may be repaired by means of heat fusing 

per good commercial practices utilizing 

sheath grade compounds. 

(3) Buffer tube repair is permitted 

only in conjunction with fiber splicing. 

(u) Packaging and Preparation for 

Shipment. 

(1) All cables must comply with 

paragraph 6.5, Packaging and Marking, 

of ICEA S–110–717 (incorporated by 

reference at § 1755.901(c)). 

(2) For cables shipped on reels a 

circumferential thermal wrap or other 

means of protection complying with 

section (w)(3) of this section must be 

secured between the outer edges of the 

reel flange to protect the cable against 

damage during storage and shipment. 

This requirement applies to reels 

weighing more that 75 lbs. The thermal 

wrap is optional for reels weighing 75 

lbs or less. 

(3) The thermal wrap must meet the 

requirements included in the Thermal 

Reel Wrap Test, described below in 

paragraphs (w)(3)(i) and (w)(3)(ii) of this 

section. This test procedure is for 

qualification of initial and subsequent 

changes in thermal reel wraps. 

(i) Sample Selection. All testing must 

be performed on two 450 millimeter (18 

inches) lengths of cable removed 

sequentially from the same fiber 

jacketed cable. This cable must not have 

been exposed to temperatures in excess 

of 38 °C (100 °F) since its initial cool 

down after sheathing. 

(ii) Test Procedure. 

(A) Place the two samples on an 

insulating material such as wood. 

(B) Tape thermocouples to the jackets 

of each sample to measure the jacket 

temperature. 

(C) Cover one sample with the 

thermal reel wrap. 

(D) Expose the samples to a radiant 

heat source capable of heating the 

uncovered sample to a minimum of 71 

°C (160 °F). A GE 600 watt photoflood 

lamp or an equivalent lamp having the 

light spectrum approximately that of the 

sun must be used. 

(E) The height of the lamp above the 

jacket must be 380 millimeters (15 

inches) or an equivalent height that 

produces the 71 °C (160 °F) jacket 

temperature on the unwrapped sample 

must be used. 

(F) After the samples have stabilized 

at the temperature, the jacket 

temperatures of the samples must be 

recorded after one hour of exposure to 

the heat source. 

Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 85 / Tuesday, May 5, 2009 / Rules and Regulations 20577 

(G) Compute the temperature 

difference between jackets. 

(H) The temperature difference 

between the jacket with the thermal reel 

wrap and the jacket without the reel 

wrap must be greater than or equal to 

17 °C (63 °F). 

(4) Cable must be sealed at the ends 

to prevent entrance of moisture. 

(5) The end-of-pull (outer end) of the 

cable must be securely fastened to 

prevent the cable from coming loose 

during transit. The start-of-pull (inner 

end) of the cable must project through 

a slot in the flange of the reel, around 

an inner riser, or into a recess on the 

flange near the drum and fastened in 

such a way to prevent the cable from 

becoming loose during installation. 

(6) Spikes, staples or other fastening 

devices must be used in a manner 

which will not result in penetration of 

the cable. 

(7) The minimum size arbor hole must 

be 44.5 mm (1.75 inch) and must admit 

a spindle without binding. 

(8) Each reel must be plainly marked 

to indicate the direction in which it 

should be rolled to prevent loosening of 

the cable on the reel. 

(9) Each reel must be stenciled or 

lettered with the name of the 

manufacturer. 

(10) The following information must 

be either stenciled on the reel or on a 

tag firmly attached to the reel: Optical 

Cable, Type and Number of Fibers, 

Armored or Nonarmored, Year of 

Manufacture, Name of Cable 

Manufacturer, Length of Cable, Reel 

Number, REA 7 CFR 1755.903. 

Example: Optical Cable, G.657 class 

A, 4 fibers, Armored. XYZ Company, 

1050 meters, Reel Number 3, REA 7 CFR 

1755.903. 

(11) When pre-connectorized cable is 

shipped, the splicing modules must be 

protected to prevent damage during 

shipment and handling. 

Dated: March 27, 2009. 

James R. Newby, 

Acting Administrator, Rural Utilities Service. 

[FR Doc. E9–9763 Filed 5–4–09; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 3410–15–P 

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION 

13 CFR Part 121 

RIN 3245–AF96 

Small Business Size Standards; 

Temporary Alternative Size Standards 

for 7(a) Business Loan Program 

AGENCY: Small Business Administration 

(SBA). 

ACTION: Interim final rule with request 

for comments. 

SUMMARY: The U.S. Small Business 

Administration (SBA) is temporarily 

amending the size eligibility criteria for 

loan assistance provided under its 7(a) 

Business Loan Program. This rule 

temporarily establishes the same 

alternative small business size standard 

that applies to SBA’s Certified 

Development Company (CDC) Program. 

The U.S. Congress passed and the 

President signed the American Recovery 

and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery 

Act). The purposes and goals of the 

Recovery Act are to promote economic 

recovery and to preserve and create jobs. 

SBA prepared this rule as an interim 

final rule, effective immediately, 

because it will help alleviate the 

pressing needs of many small 

businesses for financial assistance in the 

current economic environment. 

DATES: Effective Dates: This rule is 

effective on May 5, 2009. 

Comment Date: Comments on the 

interim final rule must be received on 

or before August 3, 2009. 

Applicability Dates: This rule applies 

to all 7(a) loan applications approved 

from May 5, 2009 through September 

30, 2010. 

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, 

identified by [RIN number 3245– 

[INSERT] by any of the following 

methods: 

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: http:// 

www.regulations.gov. Follow the 

instructions for submitting comments. 

• Mail: Carl J. Jordan, Acting Division 

Chief for Size Standards, U.S. Small 

Business Administration, 409 3rd Street, 

SW., 8th floor, Washington, DC 20416. 

• Hand Delivery/Courier: Carl J. 

Jordan, Acting Division Chief for Size 

Standards, U.S. Small Business 

Administration, 409 3rd Street, SW., 8th 

Floor, Washington, DC 20416. 

All comments will be posted on 

http://www.Regulations.gov. If you wish 

to include within your comment 

confidential business information (CBI) 

as defined in the Privacy and Use 

Notice/User Notice at http:// 

www.Regulations.gov and you do not 

want that information disclosed, you 

must submit the comment by either mail 

or hand delivery, and you must address 

the comment to the attention of Carl J. 

Jordan, Acting Division Chief for Size 

Standards. In the submission, you must 

highlight the information that you 

consider is CBI and explain why you 

believe this information should be held 

confidential. SBA will make the final 

determination, in its discretion, of 

whether the information is CBI and, 

therefore, will not be published. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For 

size standard questions please contact 

Carl J. Jordan, Acting Division Chief for 

Size Standards, (202) 205–6093, 

carl.jordan@sba.gov. For finance 

questions please contact Grady 

Hedgespeth, Director, Office of 

Financial Assistance, (202) 205–7562, 

grady.hedgespeth@sba.gov. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background Information 

The American Recovery and 

Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery 

Act), Public Law 111–05 was enacted on 

February 17, 2009, to among other 

things, promote economic recovery by 

preserving and creating jobs, and to 

assist those most impacted by the severe 

economic conditions facing the nation. 

SBA is one of several agencies that are 

intended to play a role in achieving 

these goals. SBA received funding and 

authority through the Recovery Act to 

modify its existing loan programs or 

establish new loan programs to help reinvigorate small business lending. 

SBA’s actions will increase access to 

affordable credit for small businesses 

through the agency’s 7(a) and 504 loan 

programs, unfreeze the secondary 

market for SBA guaranteed loans, help 

small businesses struggling with 

existing debt, and allow greater 

investment in high-growth small 

businesses. The changes to SBA’s 

programs by the Recovery Act include 

the following: (1) Temporary reduction 

or elimination of fees in the 7(a) and 504 

loan guarantee programs; (2) temporary 

authorization of up to a 90 percent 

guarantee on most 7(a) loans; (3) 

creation of a temporary Secondary 

Market Guarantee Authority to provide 

a Federal guarantee for pools of first lien 

504 loans that are to be sold to thirdparty investors; (4) new authority for 

refinancing community development 

loans under the 504 program; (5) 

revision of the job creation goals of the 

504 program; (6) simplification of the 

maximum leverage limits and aggregate 

investment limits required of Small 

Business Investment Companies; (7) 

temporary authority to provide loans on 

a deferred basis to viable small business 

concerns that have a qualifying small 

business loan and are experiencing 

immediate financial hardship; (8) 

temporary increase in the surety bond 

maximum amount; and (9) 

establishment of a Secondary Market 

Lending Authority to make loans to 

systemically important broker dealers in 

SBA’s 7(a) secondary market. 

To achieve its mandate under the 

Recovery Act and maximize credit 

available through its programs to