RUS Specification for Telecommunications Cable Splicing Connectors

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service

7 CFR Part 1755

RUS Specification for Telecommunications Cable Splicing

Connectors

AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) proposes to amend its

regulations on Telecommunications Standards and Specifications for

Materials, Equipment, and Construction, by rescinding RUS Bulletin 345-

54, RUS Specification for Telephone Cable Splicing Connectors, PE-52,

and codifying the revised specification, RUS Specification for

Telecommunications Cable Splicing Connectors. The revised specification

will update the relevant engineering and technical requirements for

telecommunications splicing connectors including provisions for

mechanical fiber optic splicing connectors.

DATES: Comments concerning this proposed rule must be received by RUS

or be postmarked no later November 23, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Comments should be mailed to Orren E. Cameron III, Director,

Telecommunications Standards Division, Rural Utilities Service, U.S.

Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, STOP 1598,

Washington, DC 20250-1598. RUS requests an original and three copies of

all comments (7 CFR part 1700). All comments received will be made

available for public inspection at room 2835, South Building, U.S.

Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, STOP 1598

Washington, DC 20250-1598 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through

Friday, except holidays, (7 CFR 1.27(b)).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Charlie I. Harper, Jr., Chief, Outside

Plant Branch, Telecommunications Standards Division, Rural Utilities

Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW,

STOP 1598, Washington, DC 20250-1598, telephone (202) 720-0667.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Executive Order 12866

This proposed rule has been determined to be not significant for

the purposes of Executive Order 12866 and therefore has not been

reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

Executive Order 12988

This proposed rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988,

Civil Justice Reform. RUS has determined that this proposed rule meets

the applicable standards provided in section 3 of the Executive Order.

In accordance with the Executive Order and the rule: (1) All state

and local laws and regulations that are in conflict with this rule will

be preempted; (2) no retroactive effect will be given to the rule; and,

(3) administrative proceedings are required to be exhausted prior to

initiating litigation against the Department. (See 7 U.S.C. 6912).

Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification

The Administrator of RUS has determined that this proposed rule

will not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small

entities, as defined by the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et

seq.), and therefore, the Regulatory Flexibility Act does not apply to

this rule. This proposed rule involves standards and specifications,

which may increase the short-term direct costs to the RUS borrower.

However, the long-term direct economic costs are reduced through

greater durability and lower maintenance cost over time.

Information Collection and Recordkeeping Requirements

The information collection and recordkeeping requirements contained

in this proposed rule were approved by OMB pursuant to the Paperwork

Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C Chapter 35, as amended) under control

number 0572-0059. Comments concerning these requirements should be

directed to F. Lamont Heppe, Jr., Director, Program Development and

Regulatory analysis, USDA, RUS, Stop 1522, Washington, DC 20250-1522.

National Environmental Policy Act Certification

The Administrator of RUS has determined that this proposed rule

will not significantly affect the quality of the human environment as

defined by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C.

4321 et seq.). Therefore, this action does not require an environmental

impact statement or assessment.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

The program described by this proposed rule is listed in the

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance programs under No. 10.851, Rural

Telephone Loans and Loan Guarantees, and No. 10.852, Rural Telephone

Bank Loans. This catalog is available on a subscription basis from the

Superintendent of Documents, United States Government Printing Office,

Washington, DC 20402.

Executive Order 12372

This proposed rule is excluded from the scope of Executive Order

12372, Intergovernmental Consultation, which may require consultation

with State and local officials. A final rule related notice entitled,

``Department Programs and Activities Excluded from Executive Order

12372'' (50 FR 47034) excludes RUS and RTB loans and loan guarantees,

and RTB bank loans, to governmental and nongovernmental entities from

coverage under this Order.

Unfunded Mandates

This proposed rule contains no federal mandates (under the

regulatory provision of Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act)

for State, local, and tribal governments or the private sector. Thus

this proposed rule is not subject to the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.

Background

RUS issues publications titled ``Bulletin'' which serve to guide

borrowers regarding already codified policy, procedures, and

requirements needed to manage loans, loan guarantee programs, and the

security instruments which provide for and secure RUS financing. RUS

issues standards and specifications for the construction of

telecommunications facilities financed with RUS loan funds. RUS is

proposing to rescind Bulletin 345-54, ``RUS

[[Page 51019]]

Specification for Telephone Cable Splicing Connectors, PE-52,'' and to

codify the revised standard at 7 CFR 1755.521, ``RUS Specification for

Telecommunications Cable Splicing Connectors.''

RUS Bulletin 345-54 (PE-52) contains mechanical and environmental

requirements, desired design features, and test methods for evaluation

of copper cable splicing connectors. Because of technological

advancements made in materials used to fabricate copper cable splicing

connectors and test methods used to demonstrate the functional

reliability of copper cable splicing connectors over the past 25 years,

the current mechanical and environmental performance requirements and

test methods for evaluating the reliability of copper cable splicing

connectors specified in the current specification have become outdated.

To allow RUS borrowers to take advantage of these improved materials

and test methods, the current specification will be revised to update

the mechanical and environmental performance requirements and test

methods used to evaluate the reliability of copper cable splicing

connectors.

The current specification does not include a section for evaluating

the mechanical, electrical, and environmental reliability of mechanical

fiber optic splicing connectors because at the time the specification

was written, no such requirements were needed because no such type of

splicing connectors existed. Since that time, splicing connectors

designed for use with fiber optic cables have been fabricated. Since

RUS borrowers are providing telecommunication services over fiber optic

cables, the current specification will be revised to include end

product performance requirements and test methods used to evaluate the

mechanical, electrical, and environmental reliability of splicing

connectors designed for use with fiber optic cables.

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 1755

Loan programs-telecommunications, Reporting and recordkeeping

requirement, Rural areas, Telecommunications.

For reasons set out in the preamble, RUS proposes to amend Chapter

XVII of title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows:

PART 1755--TELECOMMUNICATIONS STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR

MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION.

1. 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.

Sec. 1755.97 [Amended]

2. Section 1755.97 is amended by removing the entry RUS Bulletin

345-54 from the table.

3. Section 1755.98 is amended by adding the entry 1755.521 to the

table in numerical order to read as follows:

Sec. 1755.98 List of telephone standards and specifications included

in other 7 CFR parts.

* * * * *

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Section Issue date Title

------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * * * *

1755.521...................... [Effective date RUS Specification for

of final rule]. Telecommunications

Cable Splicing

Connectors.

* * * * * * *

------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. Section 1755.521 is added to read as follows:

Sec. 1755.521 RUS specification for telecommunications cable splicing

connectors.

(a) Scope. (1) The purpose of this specification is to inform

manufacturers and users of copper cable splicing connectors and

mechanical fiber optic splicing connectors of the engineering and

technical requirements that are considered necessary for satisfactory

performance in rural outside plant environments. Included are the

relevant electrical, mechanical, optical, and environmental

requirements, desired design features, and test methods for evaluation

of copper cable splicing connectors and fiber optic splicing

connectors.

(2) All connectors purchased after this specification takes effect,

for projects involving RUS loan funds subject to this specification,

must have been accepted by RUS Technical Standards Committee ``A''

(Telecommunications).

(i) Connectors that have been previously accepted by Technical

Standards Committee ``A'' (Telecommunications) prior to the effective

date of this specification must qualify to this specification.

Manufacturers will be given up to nine months to qualify to this

specification after the effective date.

(ii) All changes in design of connectors must be submitted to RUS

for acceptance. RUS will be the sole authority on what constitutes a

design change.

(3) American Society for Testing and Materials Specifications

(ASTM) G 21-90, Practice for Determining Resistance of Synthetic

Polymeric Materials to Fungi; ASTM A 276-91a, Specification for

Stainless and Heat-Resisting Steel Bars and Shapes; and ASTM D 4566-94,

Standard Test Methods for Electrical Performance Properties of

Insulations and Jackets for Telecommunications Wire and Cable,

referenced in this section are pending approval of incorporation by

reference by the Office of the Federal Register. Copies of ASTM

standards are available for inspection during normal business hours at

RUS, room 2843, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence

Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-1598 or at the Office of the Federal

Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC

20001. Copies are available from ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, W.

Conshohocken, Pennsylvania 19428-2959, telephone number (610) 832-9585.

(4) Electronics Industries Association Standards (EIA)-455-4A,

Fiber Optic Connector/Component Temperature Life; EIA-455-6A, Cable

Retention Test Procedure for Fiber Optic Cable Interconnecting Devices;

EIA-455-21, Mating Durability of Fiber Optic Interconnecting Devices;

EIA-455-34, Interconnection Device Insertion Loss Test; and EIA-455-

171, Attenuation by Substitution Measurement--for Short-Length

Multimode Graded-Index and Single-Mode Optical Fiber Cable Assemblies,

referenced in this section are pending approval of incorporation by

reference by the Office of the Federal Register. Copies of EIA

standards are available for inspection during normal business hours at

RUS, room 2843, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence

Avenue, SW.,

[[Page 51020]]

Washington, DC 20250-1598 or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800

North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC 20001. Copies are

available from Global Engineering Documents, 15 Inverness Way East,

Englewood, CO 80112, telephone number (303) 792-2181.

(5) Electronic Industries Association/Telecommunications Industries

Association Standards (EIA/TIA)-455-3A, Procedure to Measure

Temperature Cycling Effects on Optical Fibers, Optical Cable, and Other

Passive Fiber Optic Components; EIA/TIA-455-12A, Fluid Immersion Test

for Fiber Optic Components; and EIA/TIA-455-107, Return Loss for Fiber

Optic Components, referenced in this section are pending approval of

incorporation by reference by the Office of the Federal Register.

Copies of EIA/TIA standards are available for inspection during normal

business hours at RUS, room 2843, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400

Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-1598 or at the Office of

the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700,

Washington, DC 20001. Copies are available from Global Engineering

Documents, 15 Inverness Way East, Englewood, CO 80112, telephone number

(303) 792-2181.

(6) Telecommunications Industries Association/Electronics

Industries Association Standards (TIA/EIA)-455-5B, Humidity Test

Procedure for Fiber Optic Components; and TIA/EIA-455-11B, Vibration

Test Procedure for Fiber Optic Components and Cables, referenced in

this section are pending approval of incorporation by reference by the

Office of the Federal Register. Copies of TIA/EIA standards are

available for inspection during normal business hours at RUS, room

2843, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington DC 20250-1598 or at

the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW.,

suite 700, Washington DC. Copies are available from Global Engineering

Documents, 15 Inverness Way East, Englewood, CO 80112, telephone number

(303) 792-2181.

(b) Materials. (1) The plastic components used in splicing

connectors shall be resistant to chemical attack, fungus growth, and

growth of contaminating films as specified in ASTM G 21-90. Metallic

materials used in splicing connectors shall have a corrosion resistance

equivalent to nickel-chrome stainless steel in accordance with ASTM A

276-91a.

(2) All splicing connectors shall be filled.

(3) The manufacturer shall demonstrate that a quality assurance

program, satisfactory to RUS, is in place to guarantee all material and

product specifications are met. The program shall include the

following:

(i) Incoming inspection of raw materials;

(ii) In-process inspection of the splice components;

(iii) Final inspection of the splice product;

(iv) Calibration procedures for all test equipment used in the

qualification of the product; and

(v) Recall procedures in the event out-of-calibration equipment is

identified.

(c) Performance criteria and test procedures for copper cable

splicing connectors.--(1) General Information. (i) Copper cable

splicing connectors have the function of splicing one or more

combinations of No. 19 through No. 26 American Wire Gauge (AWG) copper

conductors. Cable used for these tests shall be RUS accepted.

(ii) The manufacturer shall specify the wire gauge range for the

connector or connectors submitted to RUS for acceptance. The stripping

of conductor insulation shall not be permitted.

(iii) The manufacturer shall specify the splicing configuration for

the connector, i.e., inline, butt, tap, or other.

(iv) The manufacturer shall perform adequate inspections and tests

to demonstrate that copper cable splicing connectors and their

components comply with RUS requirements.

(v) Unless otherwise specified, all tests shall be performed at a

temperature of 24 3 deg.C (75 5 deg.F) and a

relative humidity (RH) of up to 55 percent (%).

(2) Test samples. (i) Unless otherwise specified, all test samples

shall be assembled for each connector type as follows:

(A) Largest specified gauge wire connected with largest specified

gauge wire;

(B) Smallest specified gauge wire connected with smallest specified

gauge wire; and

(C) Smallest specified gauge wire connected with largest specified

gauge wire. For connectors which can connect more than 2 wires,

assemble the greatest number of smallest gauge wires connected with one

of the largest gauge wires.

(ii) For each test required, 5 samples from each of the categories

in paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section shall be tested. A total of 15

samples will be needed for each test.

(iii) The test results for each sample shall be submitted in

tabulated form.

(3) Connection resistance test. (i) Thirty (30) 4 inch (in.) [102

millimeter (mm)] pieces shall be cut from appropriate gauged wire and

assembled in the connectors in accordance with paragraph (c)(2) of this

section using the connector manufacturer's instructions. For resistance

measurements, expose the copper conductors of the test leads by

removing 0.5 in. to 1 in. (12 mm to 25 mm) of insulation from the end

of the test leads.

(ii) Fifteen (15) 8 in. (203 mm) pieces shall be cut from the

appropriate gauged wire for use as control wire samples.

(iii) The resistance of each test sample and a corresponding

control wire shall be measured and recorded. The resistance of each

test sample shall not exceed the resistance of the corresponding

control wire sample by more than 7 percent.

(iv) Each test sample shall be held and each connector shall be

twisted 90 degrees around the wire axis once in each direction. After

twisting, the resistance of the test sample shall be measured and

recorded. The resistance of each test sample shall not exceed the

resistance of the corresponding control wire sample by more than 9

percent.

(4) Heat-cold cycling test. (i) After completion of the connection

resistance test, the test samples shall be subjected to the heat-cold

cycling test.

(ii) The test samples shall be placed in an environmental test

chamber and exposed to the temperature cycle of Figure 1 for five

complete cycles. The step function nature of the temperature changes

may be achieved by insertion and removal of the test samples from the

chamber. The soak time at each temperature shall be four hours. The

test samples shall be removed from the test chamber at the conclusion

of the five-cycle period and shall be allowed to return to room

temperature. Figure 1 is as follows:

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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24SE98.025

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(iii) No measurements shall be made at this time.

(5) Vibration. (i) After the completion of the heat-cold cycling

test, the test samples shall be subjected to the vibration test.

(ii) A vibration machine shall be used which produces a simple

harmonic motion having .06 inch (1.52 mm) maximum total excursion,

cycling from 10 to 55 to 10 Hertz within 1 minute. A monitoring circuit

shall be used which is capable of detecting momentary opens of 10

microseconds or longer.

(iii) Each test sample shall be supported by a pegboard as

indicated in Figure 2, which is attached to the vibration machine. The

test samples and monitoring circuit shall be electrically connected in

series. Wires shall not be cut short. Figure 2 is as follows:

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24SE98.026

[[Page 51023]]

(iv) The test samples shall be vibrated for a total of 3 hours, 1

hour in each of the 3 mutually exclusive planes as indicated in Figure

3. The direct current (dc) through the test samples shall be monitored

for any fluctuations or momentary opens. Fluctuations or momentary

opens shall be less than or equal to 10 microseconds. Figure 3 is as

follows:

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24SE98.027

[[Page 51024]]

(v) After completion of the vibration test, the test samples shall

be removed from the vibration machine and the connection resistance of

each test sample shall be measured. The resistance of each test sample

shall not exceed the resistance of the corresponding control wire

sample by more than 13 percent.

(vi) The test samples may be discarded after completion of the

vibration test.

(6) Insulation resistance--humidity cycle. (i) Thirty (30) 15 in.

(381 mm) pieces shall be cut from the appropriate gauged wire and

assembled in the connectors in accordance with paragraph (c)(2) of this

section using the connector manufacturer's instructions. For insulation

resistance measurements, expose the copper conductors of the test leads

by removing 0.5 in. to 1 in. (12 mm to 25 mm) of insulation from the

ends of the test leads. The exposed copper conductors of the test leads

shall be twisted together as indicated in Figure 4 as follows:

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24SE98.028

[[Page 51025]]

(ii) The test samples shall be placed in an environmental test

chamber at 95 3% RH and temperature cycled per Figure 5

for a period of 30 days. Figure 5 is as follows:

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24SE98.029

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[[Page 51026]]

(iii) After the test samples have been allowed to stabilize at room

temperature and humidity, the insulation resistance of the test sample

leads to ground shall be greater than or equal to 100,000 megohms when

tested in accordance with ASTM D 4566-94 using a test voltage of 250

volts dc.

(7) Insulation resistance--water soak: (i) Thirty (30) 15 in. (381

mm) pieces shall be cut from the appropriate gauged wire and assembled

in the connectors in accordance with paragraph (c)(2) of this section

using the connector manufacturer's instructions. For insulation

resistance measurements, expose the copper conductors of the test leads

by removing 0.5 in. to 1 in. (12 mm to 25 mm) of insulation from the

ends of the test leads. The exposed copper conductors of the test leads

shall be twisted together as indicated in Figure 4.

(ii) A solution of distilled or tap water and sodium chloride (5

percent by weight) shall be prepared and placed in a glass container.

(iii) The connectors of the test samples shall be immersed in the

solution except for the twisted test leads of the test samples. A

copper electrode shall be inserted into the solution.

(iv) After the system (immersed connectors and solution) has

stabilized for 2 hours, the first insulation resistance measurement of

the test sample leads to the copper electrode shall be taken. The

insulation resistance shall be performed in accordance with ASTM D

4566-94 using 100 volts dc.

(v) The test samples shall be removed from the solution after 72

hours and allowed to stabilize at room temperature and humidity for an

additional 72 hours. The procedure shall be repeated for a total of 5

cycles. Insulation resistance measurements of the test sample leads to

the copper electrode shall be taken for each day that the test samples

are immersed in solution. Report resistance readings in megohms. The

insulation resistance shall be performed in accordance with ASTM D

4566-94 using 100 volts dc.

(vi) The insulation resistance of the test sample leads to the

copper electrode shall be greater than or equal to 100 megohms.

(8) Dielectric breakdown (dry). (i) Thirty (30) 15 in. (381 mm)

pieces shall be cut from the appropriate gauged wire and assembled in

the connectors in accordance with paragraph (c)(2) of this section

using the connector manufacturer's instructions. For dielectric

breakdown measurements, expose the copper conductors of the test leads

by removing 0.5 in. to 1 in. (12 mm to 25 mm) of insulation from the

ends of the test leads. The exposed copper conductors of the test leads

shall be twisted together.

(ii) An alternating current (ac) power source capable of applying

8,000 volts in 500 volt root-mean-squared per second (rms/s) steps

shall be used. The unit shall be equipped with a circuit breaker to

disconnect the power source at breakdown and a voltmeter to indicate

the rms voltages.

(iii) The high voltage lead of the power source shall be attached

to the test sample lead and the ground voltage lead of the power source

shall be attached to ground. The voltage shall be applied to the test

sample in 500 volt rms/s steps until either breakdown or 8,000 volts

rms is reached. The dielectric strength shall be recorded in rms

voltage at the point of breakdown. Breakdown occurring at less than

2,500 volts rms shall constitute a failure.

(iv) The dielectric breakdown test shall be repeated for all the

remaining test samples prepared in accordance with paragraph (c)(8)(i)

of this section. The test results shall be reported for each test

sample.

(9) Dielectric breakdown (wet). (i) Thirty (30) 15 in. (381 mm)

pieces shall be cut from the appropriate gauged wire and assembled in

the connectors in accordance with paragraph (c)(2) of this section

using the connector manufacturer's instructions. For dielectric

breakdown measurements, expose the copper conductors of the test leads

by removing 0.5 in. to 1 in. (12 mm to 25 mm) of insulation from the

ends of the test leads. The exposed copper conductors of the test leads

shall be twisted together.

(ii) A solution of distilled or tap water and sodium chloride (5

percent by weight) shall be prepared and placed in a glass container.

(iii) An alternating current (ac) power source capable of applying

8,000 volts in 500 volt root-mean-squared per second (rms/s) steps

shall be used. The unit shall be equipped with a circuit breaker to

disconnect the power source at breakdown and a voltmeter to indicate

the rms voltages.

(iv) The connectors of the test samples shall be immersed in the

solution except for the twisted test leads of the test samples. Insert

a copper ground electrode into the solution. The high voltage lead of

the power source shall be attached to the test sample lead and the

ground voltage lead of the power source shall be attached to ground.

The voltage shall be applied to the test sample in 500 volt rms/s steps

until either breakdown or 8,000 volts rms is reached. The dielectric

strength shall be recorded in rms voltage at the point of breakdown.

Breakdown occurring at less than 2,500 volts rms shall constitute a

failure.

(v) The dielectric breakdown test shall be repeated for all the

remaining test samples prepared in accordance with paragraph (c)(9)(i)

of this section. The test results shall be reported for each test

sample.

(10) Current Cycle: (i) Twenty (20) 4 in. (102 mm) pieces shall be

cut from the appropriate gauged wire and assembled in the connectors in

accordance with paragraph (c)(2) of this section using the connector

manufacturer's instructions. For the current cycling, only the first

two types of samples specified in paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section

shall be used for a total of ten (10) samples to be tested. For the

current cycling test, expose the copper conductors of the test leads by

removing 0.5 in. to 1 in. (12 mm to 25 mm) of insulation from the ends

of the test leads.

(ii) A rack with mounting lugs spaced 5 in. (127 mm) apart shall be

used for the test. The test leads of the first five (5) test samples

shall be carefully bent and straightened so that the test samples lie

approximately midway between the mounting lugs. The test leads between

the mounting lugs shall be under no tension. The ends of the test leads

shall be soldered to the mounting lugs. The test setup shall be as

shown in Figure 6. Figure 6 is as follows:

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(iii) The first set of five (5) test samples shall be connected in

series with an ammeter and a power source. The power source shall be

adjusted to the ``Initial'' current specified in Table 1. The voltage

drop across each test sample at the mounting lugs shall be measured.

The power source shall then be adjusted to the ``Test'' current

specified in Table 1. The ``Test'' current shall be applied to the test

samples for 45 minutes and then off for 15 minutes. The application of

the ``Test'' current for a period of 45 minutes on and a period of 15

minutes off shall constitute one (1) cycle. Fifty (50) current cycles

shall be applied to the test samples.

Table 1.--Test Currents

------------------------------------------------------------------------

``Initial''

and Test

Wire size (AWG) ``Final'' current

current (amps)

(amps)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

19............................................ 11 14

22............................................ 9 11

24............................................ 4.5 5.6

26............................................ 3 3.8

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(iv) At the completion of the fifty (50) cycles, the current on the

test samples shall be reduced to the ``Final'' current indicated in

Table 1. The voltage drop across each test sample at the lug shall be

measured and compared with the initial measurements specified in

paragraph (c)(10)(iii) of this section. An increase in the voltage drop

greater than 5 percent for each test sample shall constitute failure.

(v) The second set of five (5) samples shall be tested in

accordance with the procedures specified in paragraphs (c)(10)(iii) and

(c)(10)(iv) of this section. The connectors shall be tested using the

appropriate current for the specific wire size indicated in Table 1.

(11) Tensile test. (i) Thirty (30) 10 in. (254 mm) pieces shall be

cut from appropriate gauged wire and assembled in the connectors in

accordance with paragraph (c)(2) of this section using the connector

manufacturer's instructions.

(ii) Three (3) samples of each control wire gauge shall be tested

using a tensile machine with a jaw separation speed of 2 in. (51 mm)

per minute, to determine average breaking strength of each control wire

gauge.

(iii) Each test sample assembled in accordance with paragraph

(c)(11)(i) of this section shall be tested for either ``Pull-out'' or

``Break'' using a tensile machine with a jaw separation speed of 2 in.

(51 mm) per minute. The test setup for the ``Pull-out'' or ``Break''

test shall be in accordance with Figure 7. The ``Pull-out'' or

``Break'' shall not be less than 60 percent of the average breaking

strength of each control wire size recorded in paragraph (c)(11)(ii) of

this section. For the five (5) test samples that include the largest

and smallest gauge wires, the ``Pull-out'' or ``Break'' measurement

shall be compared to the smallest control wire gauge breaking strength

recorded in paragraph (c)(11)(ii) of this section. Figure 7 is as

follows:

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(d) Performance criteria and test procedures for mechanical fiber

optic splices--(1) Mechanical fiber optic splices shall be classified

according to their functions listed below. (i) Passive splicing--

mechanically joining two fibers.

(ii) Tunable splicing--mechanically joining two fibers using an

active loss measuring system for adjusting splice elements for the

lowest loss during assembly.

(iii) Mass splicing--mechanically joining multiple fibers

simultaneously.

(2) A mechanical fiber optic splice shall be so constructed that

when assembled it shall have a resistance to optical decoupling. The

mechanical splice assembly shall not optically decouple at less than a

specified value of axial tension.

(3) Optical requirements for multimode and single mode optical

splices shall be in accordance with Table 2. Methods of test to

determine insertion and return loss shall be in accordance with EIA-

455-34, EIA-455-171, or EIA/TIA-455-107.

Table 2.--Optical Requirements; Mechanical Fiber Optic Splices

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Single mode Multimode

--------------------------------------------------------

Splice type Insertion loss Insertion Loss

[Decibels (dB)] Return Loss (dB) (dB)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Passive................................................ 0.20 -35 0.15

Tunable................................................ 0.05 -35 0.15

* Mass................................................. 0.50 -35 0.15

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Loss results for mass splicing techniques must be averaged.

(4) Mechanical fiber optic splices shall be capable of resisting

mechanical stresses associated with installation and service without

impairment of the splice integrity.

(5) Single mode and multimode mechanical fiber optic splices shall

be tested for mechanical reliability in accordance with the test

methods specified in Table 3. After each mechanical test, the single

mode and multimode mechanical fiber optic splices shall be in

accordance with the requirements specified in Table 2 of paragraph

(d)(3) of this section.

Table 3.--Mechanical Tests; Mechanical Fiber Optic Splices

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Test Procedure Requirement

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Re-coupling durability (if appropriate).......... EIA-455-21 25 Cycles.

Fiber Retention.................................. EIA-455-6A 0.45 Kilograms Force (1.0

Pounds).

Vibration........................................ TIA/EIA-455-11B 10-55 Hertz, 10 Grams.

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(6) Single mode and multimode mechanical fiber optic splices shall

be tested for environmental reliability in accordance with the test

methods specified in Table 4. After each environmental test, the single

mode and multimode mechanical fiber optic splices shall be in

accordance with the requirements specified in Table 2 of paragraph

(d)(3) of this section.

Table 4.--Environmental Tests; Mechanical Fiber Optic Splices

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Test Procedure Requirement

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Humidity......................................... TIA/EIA-455-5B >90% Relative Humidity, 40

deg.C, 240 Hours.

Thermal Cycling.................................. EIA/TIA-455-3A -40 deg.C to 80 deg.C, 100

Cycles.

Water Immersion.................................. EIA/TIA-455-12 40 deg. C, 240 Hours.

Material Aging................................... EIA-455-4A 84 deg. C, 2000 Hours.

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(e) Packaging, identification, and documentation. (1) The packaging

shall include identification of the manufacturer, splice model number,

and date of manufacture. All necessary parts shall be shipped in one

container unless significant advantages to the user will result

otherwise.

(2) Complete documentation shall be included with the packaging to

provide the following information:

(i) Use and application;

(ii) Set-up and assembly;

(iii) Testing;

(iv) Repair;

(v) Field installation;

(vi) Auxiliary Equipment; and

(vii) Storage Instructions.

(f) RUS acceptance procedure. (1) The tests described in this

specification are required for acceptance of product designs and major

modifications of accepted designs. All modifications shall be

considered major unless otherwise declared by RUS. These tests are

intended to demonstrate the capability of the manufacturer to produce

splice components which meet service requirements of RUS

Telecommunications borrowers.

(2) For initial acceptance the manufacturer shall:

(i) Certify that the product fully complies with each paragraph of

this specification, and submit supporting test data;

(ii) Submit catalog numbers for the splice;

(iii) Submit quality assurance data which is representative of at

least three production lots and which demonstrate the reliability of an

ongoing quality assurance program;

(iv) Certify whether the product complies with the domestic origin

manufacturing provisions of the ``Buy American'' Requirement of the

Rural Electrification Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C 903 note), as amended (the

``REA Buy American Provision'');

(v) Submit at least three user testimonials concerning field

performance of the product;

(vi) Submit descriptive information concerning the splice;

[[Page 51031]]

(vii) Submit assembly and usage instructions for the splice;

(viii) Submit product identification information;

(ix) Submit information concerning the packaging and shipment of

the splice to customers;

(x) Submit an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Material Safety Data Sheet for the appropriate splice components;

(xi) Submit one production sample of the splice;

(xii) Submit one sample of a completed splice;

(xiii) Agree to provide plant inspections by RUS; and

(xiv) Provide any other nonproprietary data deemed necessary by the

Chief, Outside Plant Branch (Telecommunications).

(3) Requalification of a manufacturer's product shall be required

every 2 years after initial acceptance of that product. In order for

RUS to consider a manufacture's request that a product be requalified,

the manufacturer shall certify, that the product:

(i) Fully complies with each paragraph of this specification; and

(ii) Does or does not comply with the domestic origin manufacturing

provisions of the REA ``Buy American'' provisions. The required

certifications shall be dated within 90 days of the submission.

(4) Initial and requalification acceptance requests should be

addressed to: Chairman, Technical Standards Committee ``A''

(Telecommunications), Telecommunications Standards Division, Rural

Utilities Service, 1400 Independence Ave, SW, STOP 1598, Washington, DC

20250-1598.

Dated: September 17, 1998.

Jill Long Thompson,

Under Secretary, Rural Development.

[FR Doc. 98-25575 Filed 9-23-98; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3410-15-P