ANSI/TIA-758-B-2012

APPROVED: MARCH 27, 2012

Customer-Owned Outside Plant

Telecommunications Infrastructure
Standard

TIA-758-B March 2012

(Revision of TIA-758-A)

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 ANSI/TIA-758-B

Customer Owned Outside Plant

Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard
Table of Contents
FOREWORD ................................................................................................................................................vii
1 SCOPE .................................................................................................................................................. 1
2 NORMATIVE REFERENCES ................................................................................................................ 1
3 DEFINITION OF TERMS, ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS, AND UNITS OF MEASURE ........... 3
3.1 General ........................................................................................................................................... 3
3.2 Definitions ....................................................................................................................................... 3
3.3 Acronyms and abbreviations .......................................................................................................... 6
3.4 Units of measure ............................................................................................................................ 8
3.5 Symbols .......................................................................................................................................... 8
4 CABLING INFRASTRUCTURE ............................................................................................................. 9
4.1 General ........................................................................................................................................... 9
4.2 Customer owned OSP cabling infrastructure overview .................................................................. 9
4.2.1 Pathways and spaces .............................................................................................................. 9
4.2.2 Customer owned OSP cabling ................................................................................................. 9
4.3 Topology ....................................................................................................................................... 12
4.3.1 Entrance point diversity.......................................................................................................... 12
4.3.2 Entrance route diversity ......................................................................................................... 12
4.4 Recognized Cabling ..................................................................................................................... 15
4.5 Choosing media ............................................................................................................................ 15
4.6 Bonding and grounding ................................................................................................................ 15
4.7 Environmental Considerations...................................................................................................... 15
5 PATHWAYS AND SPACES ................................................................................................................ 16
5.1 Pathways ...................................................................................................................................... 16
5.1.1 Subsurface pathways ............................................................................................................. 16
5.1.1.1 General ............................................................................................................................ 16
5.1.1.2 Conduit/duct .................................................................................................................... 16
5.1.1.2.1 General ....................................................................................................................... 16
5.1.1.2.2 Conduit Type .............................................................................................................. 17
5.1.1.2.3 Lengths between pulling points .................................................................................. 17
5.1.1.2.4 Bends ......................................................................................................................... 17
5.1.1.2.5 Number of bends ........................................................................................................ 17
5.1.1.2.6 Drain slope ................................................................................................................. 18
5.1.1.2.7 Innerduct ..................................................................................................................... 18
5.1.1.2.8 Duct plugs ................................................................................................................... 18
5.1.1.2.9 Bridge crossings ......................................................................................................... 18
5.1.1.3 Utility tunnels ................................................................................................................... 19
5.1.1.3.1 General ....................................................................................................................... 19
5.1.1.3.2 Planning ...................................................................................................................... 19
5.1.2 Direct-buried .......................................................................................................................... 20
5.1.3 Aerial pathways ...................................................................................................................... 20
5.1.3.1 General ............................................................................................................................ 20
5.2 Spaces .......................................................................................................................................... 20
5.2.1 Maintenance holes ................................................................................................................. 21
5.2.1.1 General ............................................................................................................................ 21
5.2.1.2 Location ........................................................................................................................... 23
5.2.1.3 Type ................................................................................................................................. 24
5.2.1.4 Sizing ............................................................................................................................... 24

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5.2.1.5 Covers ............................................................................................................................. 25

5.2.2 Handholes .............................................................................................................................. 25
5.2.2.1 General ............................................................................................................................ 25
5.2.2.2 Location ........................................................................................................................... 25
5.2.2.3 Sizing ............................................................................................................................... 26
5.2.2.4 Covers ............................................................................................................................. 26
5.2.3 Pedestals and cabinets .......................................................................................................... 26
5.2.3.1 General ............................................................................................................................ 26
5.2.3.2 Ground level pedestals and cabinet criteria .................................................................... 26
5.2.3.2.1 Installation requirements ............................................................................................ 27
5.2.3.3 Pole or wall mounted cabinets ........................................................................................ 27
5.2.3.4 Environmentally controlled cabinets ................................................................................ 27
5.2.4 Vaults ..................................................................................................................................... 27
5.2.4.1 Vault criteria..................................................................................................................... 27
5.2.4.2 Installation requirements ................................................................................................. 28
5.2.5 Entrance Facilities .................................................................................................................. 28
5.2.5.1 General ............................................................................................................................ 28
5.2.5.2 Seismic considerations .................................................................................................... 28
5.2.5.3 Entrance location considerations .................................................................................... 28
5.3 Entrance pathway facilities ........................................................................................................... 28
5.3.1 Underground .......................................................................................................................... 28
5.3.2 Direct-buried .......................................................................................................................... 29
5.3.3 Aerial ...................................................................................................................................... 29
5.3.4 Tunnels .................................................................................................................................. 30
5.3.5 Wireless ................................................................................................................................. 30
5.3.5.1 Line of sight ..................................................................................................................... 30
5.3.5.2 Cable pathways ............................................................................................................... 30
5.3.5.3 Location ........................................................................................................................... 30
5.3.5.4 Support structures ........................................................................................................... 30
5.3.5.4.1 General ....................................................................................................................... 30
5.3.5.4.2 Towers ........................................................................................................................ 30
5.3.5.4.3 Non-penetrating wireless transmission/reception device mounts .............................. 30
5.3.5.4.4 Penetrating wireless transmission/reception device mounts ..................................... 31
5.3.5.4.5 Electrical design considerations ................................................................................. 31
5.4 Entrance point .............................................................................................................................. 31
5.4.1 General .................................................................................................................................. 31
5.4.2 Conduit entrance design guidelines ....................................................................................... 31
5.4.2.1 Penetration and termination ............................................................................................ 31
5.4.2.2 Drainage .......................................................................................................................... 31
5.4.2.3 Gas, water and vermin .................................................................................................... 31
5.4.2.4 Pull box ............................................................................................................................ 31
6 CABLING ............................................................................................................................................. 34
6.1 Twisted-pair cabling ...................................................................................................................... 34
6.1.1 Twisted-pair cable .................................................................................................................. 34
6.1.1.1 General ............................................................................................................................ 34
6.1.1.2 Cable performance .......................................................................................................... 34
6.1.1.3 Cable construction types ................................................................................................. 34
6.1.1.4 Aerial (self-support and lashed) ...................................................................................... 34
6.1.1.5 Buried service wire .......................................................................................................... 34
6.1.1.6 Aerial service wire ........................................................................................................... 35
6.1.1.7 Screened cable (internally) .............................................................................................. 35
6.1.2 OSP connecting hardware for balanced twisted-pair cables ................................................. 35
6.1.2.1 General ............................................................................................................................ 35
6.1.2.2 Environmental compatibility ............................................................................................. 35
6.1.2.3 Materials .......................................................................................................................... 35

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6.1.2.4 Transmission ................................................................................................................... 35

6.1.2.5 Terminal block requirements ........................................................................................... 35
6.1.2.5.1 General ....................................................................................................................... 35
6.1.2.5.2 Wire compatibility ....................................................................................................... 36
6.1.2.5.3 Wire pair identification ................................................................................................ 36
6.1.2.5.4 Test points .................................................................................................................. 36
6.1.2.5.5 Mounting ..................................................................................................................... 36
6.1.2.5.6 Stub cable ................................................................................................................... 36
6.1.2.6 Cross-connect block requirements .................................................................................. 36
6.1.2.6.1 General ....................................................................................................................... 36
6.1.2.6.2 Wire compatibility ....................................................................................................... 36
6.1.2.6.3 Wire pair identification ................................................................................................ 36
6.1.2.6.4 Wire termination ......................................................................................................... 37
6.1.2.6.5 Test points .................................................................................................................. 37
6.1.2.6.6 Terminal density ......................................................................................................... 37
6.1.2.6.7 Wiring harness ............................................................................................................ 37
6.1.2.7 Building entrance terminals ............................................................................................. 37
6.1.2.7.1 General ....................................................................................................................... 37
6.1.2.7.2 Non-protected terminals ............................................................................................. 37
6.1.2.7.3 Protected terminals..................................................................................................... 37
6.1.2.8 Splicing connectors ......................................................................................................... 37
6.1.2.8.1 General ....................................................................................................................... 37
6.1.2.8.2 Materials ..................................................................................................................... 39
6.1.2.8.3 Transmission .............................................................................................................. 39
6.1.2.8.4 Tensile strength .......................................................................................................... 39
6.1.2.8.5 Insulation resistance ................................................................................................... 39
6.1.2.8.6 Salt fog exposure........................................................................................................ 39
6.1.3 OSP twisted-pair cross-connect jumpers............................................................................... 40
6.1.4 Additional installation requirements ....................................................................................... 40
6.1.4.1 Cable splices for BBOSP ................................................................................................ 40
6.1.4.2 Bridge-taps ...................................................................................................................... 40
6.1.4.3 Binder group integrity ...................................................................................................... 40
6.1.4.4 Cable bend radius ........................................................................................................... 40
6.1.5 OSP twisted-pair testing ........................................................................................................ 40
6.2 Coaxial cabling ............................................................................................................................. 41
6.2.1 General .................................................................................................................................. 41
6.2.2 75 coaxial cable ................................................................................................................. 41
6.2.2.1 General ............................................................................................................................ 41
6.2.2.2 Cable performance .......................................................................................................... 41
6.2.3 75 coaxial connecting hardware ........................................................................................ 41
6.2.3.1 General ............................................................................................................................ 41
6.2.4 75 coaxial cable installation requirements ......................................................................... 41
6.2.5 75 coaxial cable testing ...................................................................................................... 41
6.3 Optical fiber cabling ...................................................................................................................... 42
6.3.1 General .................................................................................................................................. 42
6.3.2 Optical fiber cable performance ............................................................................................. 42
6.3.3 Optical fiber cable construction types .................................................................................... 42
6.3.3.1 Duct cables ...................................................................................................................... 42
6.3.3.2 Armored cables ............................................................................................................... 42
6.3.3.3 Aerial cables .................................................................................................................... 42
6.3.3.3.1 Self-supporting cables ................................................................................................ 42
6.3.3.4 Indoor/outdoor cables ...................................................................................................... 43
6.3.3.5 Drop cables ..................................................................................................................... 43
6.3.4 Optical fiber connecting hardware ......................................................................................... 43
6.3.4.1 Optical fiber splicing ........................................................................................................ 43
6.3.4.1.1 Splicing methods ........................................................................................................ 43

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6.3.4.1.2 Attenuation ................................................................................................................. 43

6.3.4.1.3 Return loss ................................................................................................................. 43
6.3.4.1.4 Mechanical protection ................................................................................................ 43
6.3.4.2 Optical fiber connectors ................................................................................................... 44
6.3.5 Cabling Practices ................................................................................................................... 44
6.3.6 Optical fiber patch cords and cross-connect jumpers ............................................................ 44
6.3.7 Optical fiber cable installation requirements .......................................................................... 44
6.3.8 Optical fiber cable testing....................................................................................................... 44
6.3.9 Optical fiber inside terminals .................................................................................................. 44
6.3.9.1 General ............................................................................................................................ 44
6.3.9.2 Fiber storage and organizing housings ........................................................................... 44
6.3.9.3 Fiber distribution units utilizing optical fiber connectors .................................................. 44
6.3.9.4 Fiber distribution units utilizing fiber splicing techniques ................................................ 45
6.3.9.5 Fiber splice module housing ............................................................................................ 45
6.4 Pressurization of air-core twisted pair cables ............................................................................... 45
6.4.1 General .................................................................................................................................. 45
7 CABLING ENCLOSURES ................................................................................................................... 46
7.1 General ......................................................................................................................................... 46
7.2 Materials ....................................................................................................................................... 46
7.3 Copper twisted-pair splice closures .............................................................................................. 46
7.3.1 General .................................................................................................................................. 46
7.3.2 Common test for copper closures .......................................................................................... 46
7.3.3 Aerial copper closures/terminals ............................................................................................ 46
7.3.3.1 Application ....................................................................................................................... 47
7.3.3.2 Special testing ................................................................................................................. 47
7.3.4 Buried service wire copper closures ...................................................................................... 47
7.3.4.1 Application ....................................................................................................................... 47
7.3.4.2 Special tests .................................................................................................................... 48
7.3.5 Buried/underground/vault copper splice closures .................................................................. 48
7.3.5.1 Splice configurations ....................................................................................................... 48
7.3.5.2 Closure housing............................................................................................................... 48
7.3.5.3 Installation requirements ................................................................................................. 48
7.3.5.4 Special tests .................................................................................................................... 49
7.4 Optical fiber .................................................................................................................................. 49
7.4.1 General .................................................................................................................................. 49
7.4.2 Optical fiber splice closure ..................................................................................................... 49
7.4.2.1 General ............................................................................................................................ 49
7.4.2.2 Application ....................................................................................................................... 50
7.4.2.3 Criteria ............................................................................................................................. 51
7.4.2.3.1 Splice configurations .................................................................................................. 51
7.4.2.3.2 Common tests ............................................................................................................ 51
7.4.2.3.3 Installation requirements ............................................................................................ 51
7.4.2.4 Free-breathing optical fiber closures ............................................................................... 52
7.4.2.4.1 Special testing ............................................................................................................ 52
7.4.2.4.2 Sealed aerial closures ................................................................................................ 52
7.4.2.4.3 Vented aerial closures ................................................................................................ 52
7.4.2.5 Underground closures ..................................................................................................... 52
7.4.2.6 Direct-buried closures ..................................................................................................... 52
7.4.2.6.1 Special tests ............................................................................................................... 53
7.4.2.7 Shield isolation/grounding closure................................................................................... 53
7.4.2.8 Pedestal optical fiber closure .......................................................................................... 53
7.4.2.8.1 Special tests ............................................................................................................... 53

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ANNEX A (NORMATIVE) OSP Symbols .................................................................................................... 54

A.1 General ......................................................................................................................................... 54
ANNEX B (NORMATIVE) Physical location and protection of below-ground cable plant .......................... 59
B.1 General ......................................................................................................................................... 59
B.2 Requirements ............................................................................................................................... 59
B.2.1 Cable installation planning ..................................................................................................... 59
B.2.2 Location.................................................................................................................................. 60
B.2.2.1 Depth of plant .................................................................................................................. 60
B.2.2.2 Joint construction ............................................................................................................ 60
B.2.2.3 Separations from foreign structures ................................................................................ 60
B.2.2.4 Permanent markings ....................................................................................................... 61
B.2.2.4.1 Uniform Color Code ......................................................................................................... 61
B.2.3 Riser poles ............................................................................................................................. 62
B.2.4 Building entrances ................................................................................................................. 62
B.2.5 Underwater cable crossings .................................................................................................. 62
B.2.6 Railroad crossings ................................................................................................................. 62
B.2.7 Bridge crossings .................................................................................................................... 63
B.2.8 Tunnel installations ................................................................................................................ 63
B.2.9 Highway accommodations ..................................................................................................... 64
B.2.10 Excavating responsibilities and procedures........................................................................... 64
B.2.10.1 Damage prevention laws ................................................................................................. 64
B.2.10.1.1 Regulations ............................................................................................................ 64
B.2.10.1.2 Call before you dig responsibilities ...................................................................... 64
B.2.10.1.3 One Call Bureau...................................................................................................... 65
B.2.10.2 Other information sources ............................................................................................... 65
B.2.10.2.1 Central Registries ...................................................................................................... 65
B.2.10.2.2 Other records and references .................................................................................... 65
B.2.10.3 Recommended procedures for excavators ..................................................................... 65
B.2.10.3.1 Notification of facility owners .................................................................................. 65
B.2.10.3.2 Excavation marking ................................................................................................ 66
B.2.10.3.3 Commencement of work ........................................................................................ 66
B.2.10.3.4 Protection of marking ............................................................................................. 66
B.2.10.3.5 Use of nondestructive excavation methods ........................................................... 66
B.2.10.3.6 Backfilling ............................................................................................................... 66
B.2.10.3.7 Damaged facilities .................................................................................................. 66
B.2.10.3.8 Unknown or unmarked facilities ............................................................................. 66
B.2.10.3.9 Codes and regulations ........................................................................................... 66
B.2.10.4 Recommended procedures for facility owners ................................................................ 66
B.2.10.4.1 Central registries .................................................................................................... 66
B.2.10.4.2 Marking of facilities ................................................................................................ 67
B.2.10.4.3 Marking of owners facilities .................................................................................... 67
B.2.10.4.4 Marking exceptions ................................................................................................ 67
B.2.10.4.5 Offset staking and marking .................................................................................... 67
B.2.10.4.6 Special situations ................................................................................................... 67
B.2.10.4.7 Call for assistance .................................................................................................. 67
B.2.10.4.8 Marking materials ................................................................................................... 67
B.2.11 Damage restoration ............................................................................................................... 67
B.3 As-built facility location record ............................................................................................... 69
ANNEX C (INFORMATIVE) BIBLIOGRAPHY ............................................................................................ 70

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List of Tables
Table 1 Areas of OSP and BBOSP cabling applications ......................................................................... 34
Table 2 Test sequence for twisted-pair splicing connectors .................................................................... 38
Table 3 References for copper closures common test methods ............................................................. 46
Table 4 References for aerial copper closures/terminals test methods ................................................... 47
Table 5 References for buried service wire copper closures test methods ............................................. 48
Table 6 References for buried/underground/vault copper splice closures test methods ......................... 49
Table 7 References for optical fiber closures common test methods ...................................................... 51
Table 8 References for free-breathing optical fiber splice closures test methods ................................... 52
Table 9 References for direct-buried optical fiber splice closures test methods ..................................... 53
Table 10 References for pedestal optical fiber closure test methods ...................................................... 53
Table 11 Depth of plant ............................................................................................................................ 60
Table 12 Depth of electrical supply cable ................................................................................................ 60
Table 13 Minimum separations from foreign structures ........................................................................... 61
Table 14 Uniform color code .................................................................................................................... 62

List of Figures
Figure 1 Illustrative relationship between the TIA-568-C Series and other relevant TIA standards ........ viii
Figure 2 Typical customer-owned OSP elements ................................................................................... 10
Figure 3 Typical customer-owned OSP link ............................................................................................. 11
Figure 4 Example of campus star topology.............................................................................................. 13
Figure 5 Example campus/building cabling topology ............................................................................... 14
Figure 6 Example of innerduct ................................................................................................................. 18
Figure 7 An example of components that may be found in a utility tunnel. ............................................. 19
Figure 8 Example of maintenance hole ................................................................................................... 22
Figure 9 Maintenance hole placement at an intersection ........................................................................ 24
Figure 10 Handhole.................................................................................................................................. 25
Figure 11 Discrete and multiple pair connectors ..................................................................................... 38
Figure 12 Example in-line and butt splice ................................................................................................ 40
Figure 13 Typical optical fiber splice closure used in OSP ...................................................................... 50

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FOREWORD
(This foreword is not considered part of this Standard.)
This Standard was developed by TIA Subcommittee TR-42.4.
Approval of this Standard
This standard was approved by TIA Subcommittee TR 42.4, TIA Technical Engineering Committee
TR-42, and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
ANSI/TIA reviews standards every 5 years. At that time, standards are reaffirmed, rescinded, or revised
according to the submitted updates. Updates to be included in the next revision should be sent to the
committee chair or to ANSI/TIA.
Contributing organizations
More than 70 organizations within the telecommunications industry contributed their expertise to the
development of this Standard (including manufacturers, consultants, end users, and other organizations).
Documents superseded
This is the third issue of this Standard. This Standard replaces ANSI/TIA-758-A dated May 5, 2004.
Significant technical changes from previous edition
Guidelines for the physical location and protection of below-ground cable plant have been added
References are revised to the appropriate standards
The annex referring to cabling lengths for specific applications is now referred to ANSI/TIA-568-
C.0
Relationship to other TIA standards and documents
The following are related standards regarding various aspects of structured cabling that were developed
and are maintained by Engineering Committee TIA TR-42. An illustrative diagram of the TIA-568-C Series
relationship to other relevant TIA standards is given in figure 1.
Generic Telecommunications Cabling for Customer Premises (ANSI/TIA-568-C.0)
Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Standard (ANSI/TIA-568 C.1)
Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Standard; Part 2: Balanced Twisted-Pair
Cabling Components (ANSI/TIA 568 C.2)
Optical Fiber Cabling Components Standard (ANSI/TIA-568 C.3)
Commercial Building Standard for Telecommunications Pathways and Spaces (TIA 569 B)
Residential Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard (ANSI/TIA 570 B)
Administration Standard for Commercial Telecommunications Infrastructure (ANSI/TIA 606 A)
Commercial Building Grounding (Earthing) and Bonding Requirements for Telecommunications
(ANSI J STD 607 A)
Building Automation Systems Cabling Standard for Commercial Buildings (ANSI/TIA 862)
Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard for Data Centers (ANSI/TIA 942)
Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard for Industrial Premises (ANSI/TIA 1005)

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Common Premises Component

Standards Standards Standards

ANSI/TIA-568-C.0
ANSI/TIA-568-C.1
Generic
Commercial Building
Telecommunications
Telecommunications
Cabling for Customer
Cabling Standard
Premises

TIA-569-B ANSI/TIA-568-C.2
ANSI/TIA-570-B Balanced Twisted-
Commercial Building
Residential Pair
Standard for
Telecommunications Telecommunications
Telecommunications
Infrastructure Cabling and
Pathways and
Standard Components
Spaces
Standard
ANSI/TIA-606-A ANSI/TIA-758-B
Administration Customer-Owned
Standard for Outside Plant ANSI/TIA-568-C.3
Commercial Telecommunications Optical Fiber Cabling
Telecommunications Infrastructure Components
Infrastructure Standard Standard

ANSI/TIA-607-B ANSI/TIA-942
Telecommunications Telecommunications
Grounding (Earthing) Infrastructure
and Bonding for Standard for Data
Customer Premises Centers

ANSI/TIA-862
Building Automation ANSI/TIA-1005
Systems Cabling Telecommunications
Standard for Infrastructure
Commercial Standard for
Buildings Industrial Premises

Figure 1 Illustrative relationship between the TIA-568-C Series and other relevant TIA standards
The following documents may be useful to the reader
a) National Electrical Safety Code
(IEEE C2)
b) National Electrical Code
(NFPA 70)
c) Building Officials and Code Administrators (BOCA) :
The BOCA Basic Building Code

viii
 ANSI/TIA-758-B

Useful supplements to this Standard are the Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI)
Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual (TDMM), the Customer owned Outside Plant Methods
Manual, and the Cabling Installation Manual. These manuals provide practices and methods by which
many of the requirements of this Standard are implemented.
Other references are listed in annex C.
Annexes
Annex A and B are normative and considered as requirements of this Standard. Annex C is informative
and not considered as requirements of this Standard.
Introduction
General
Telecommunications, as used in this Standard, refers to all forms of information (e.g., voice, data, video,
alarm, environmental control, security, audio).
Purpose
The purpose of this Standard is to enable the planning and installation of an outside plant structured
cabling system infrastructure.
This Standard establishes the recommendations and requirements used in the design of the
telecommunication pathways and spaces, and the cabling installed between buildings or points in a
customer-owned campus environment.
Customer-owned campus facilities are typically termed "outside plant" (OSP). For the purpose of this
Standard they are termed, customer-owned OSP.
Stewardship
Telecommunications infrastructure affects raw material consumption. The infrastructure design and
installation methods also influence product life and sustainability of electronic equipment life cycling.
These aspects of telecommunications infrastructure impact our environment. Since building life cycles are
typically planned for decades, technological electronic equipment upgrades are necessary. The
telecommunications infrastructure design and installation process magnifies the need for sustainable
infrastructures with respect to building life, electronic equipment life cycling and considerations of effects
on environmental waste. Telecommunications designers are encouraged to research local building
practices for a sustainable environment and conservation of fossil fuels as part of the design process.
Mandatory and advisory terms
In accordance with TIA Engineering Manual, two categories of criteria are specified; mandatory and
advisory. The mandatory requirements are designated by the word "shall"; advisory requirements are
designated by the words "should, "may", or "desirable", which are used interchangeably in this Standard.
Mandatory criterion generally applies to performance and compatibility requirements. Advisory criterion
represents "above minimum" goals.
Metric equivalents of US customary units
The dimensions in this Standard are metric or US customary with soft conversion to the other.
Life of this Standard
This Standard is a living document. The criteria contained in this Standard are subject to revisions and
updating as warranted by advances in building construction techniques and telecommunications
technology.

ix
1 1 SCOPE
2 This Standard specifies minimum requirements for customer-owned OSP telecommunications facilities in
3 a campus environment. This standard specifies the cabling, pathways and spaces to support the cabling.
4 Customer-owned OSP cabling extends between separated structures including the terminating
5 connecting hardware at or within the structures. The OSP pathway includes the pathway through the
6 point of entry into the building space. Customer-owned OSP pathways may include aerial, direct-buried,
7 underground (e.g., duct), and tunnel distribution techniques.
8 The OSP cabling specified by this Standard is intended to support a wide range of applications (e.g.,
9 voice, data, video, alarms, environmental control, security, audio) on commercial, industrial, institutional
10 and residential sites.
11 This standard applies to all campuses, regardless of the size or population.
12 2 NORMATIVE REFERENCES
13 The following standards contain provisions that, through reference in this text, constitute provisions of this
14 Standard. At the time of publication, the editions indicated were valid. All standards are subject to
15 revision, and parties to agreements based on this Standard are encouraged to investigate the possibility
16 of applying the most recent editions of the standards published by them. ANSI and TIA maintain registers
17 of currently valid national standards published by them.
18 a) ANSI O5.1.2008, Wood Poles - Specifications & Dimensions
19 b) ANSI/ICEA S-84-608-2007, Telecommunications Cable, Filled Polyolefin Insulated Copper
20 Conductor
21 c) ANSI/ICEA S-85-625-2007, Aircore, Polyolefin Insulated, Copper Conductor Telecommunications
22 Cable
23 d) ANSI/ICEA S-86-634-2004, Buried Distribution & Service Wire, Filled Polyolefin Insulated,
24 Copper Conductor
25 e) ANSI/ICEA S-89-648-2006, Telecommunications Aerial Service Wire
26 f) ANSI/ICEA S-98-688-2006, Broadband Twisted Pair, Telecommunications Cable Aircore,
27 Polyolefin Insulated Copper Conductors
28 g) ANSI/ICEA S-99-689-2006, Broadband Twisted Pair Telecommunications Cable Filled, Polyolefin
29 Insulated Copper Conductors
30 h) ANSI-J-STD-607-A (2002), Commercial Building Grounding (Earthing) and Bonding
31 Requirements for Telecommunications
32 i) ANSI/SCTE 15 2006, Specification for Trunk, Feeder and Distribution Coaxial Cable
33 j) ANSI/SCTE 91 2009, Specification for 5/8-24 RF & AC Equipment Port, Female
34 k) ANSI/SCTE 92 2007, Specification for 5/8-24 Plug, (Male), Trunk & Distribution Connectors
35 l) ANSI/TIA-568-C.0 (2009), Generic Telecommunications Cabling for Customer Premises
36 m) ANSI/TIA-568-C.2 (2009), Balanced Twisted-Pair Telecommunications Cabling and Components
37 Standard
38 n) ANSI/TIA-568-C.3 (2008), Optical Fiber Cabling Components Standard
39 o) American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), A Guide for
40 Accommodating Utilities within Highway Right-of-Way (2005)
41 p) American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), Standard
42 Specifications for Highway Bridges (2002)

1
43 q) American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA), Manual for
44 Railway Engineering (2009)
45 r) Association of American Railroads (AAR), Recommended Practices for Communication Lines
46 Crossing the Tracks of Railroads
47 s) ASTM B117-09, Standard Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus
48 t) ASTM C478-09, Standard Specification for Precast Reinforced Concrete Manhole Sections
49 u) ASTM C857-07, Standard Practice for Minimum Structural Design Loading for Underground
50 Precast Concrete Utility Structures
51 v) ASTM C858-10, Standard Specification for Underground Precast Concrete Utility Structures
52 w) ASTM C890-06, Standard Practice for Minimum Structural Design Loading for Monolithic or
53 Sectional Precast Concrete Water and Wastewater Structures
54 x) ASTM C891-09, Standard Practice for Installation of Underground Precast Concrete Utility
55 Structures
56 y) ASTM C913-08, Standard Specification for Precast Concrete Water and Wastewater Structures
57 z) ASTM C1037-08, Standard Practice for Inspection of Underground Precast Concrete Utility
58 Structures
59 aa) ASTM C1433-10, Standard Specification for Precast Reinforced Concrete Monolithic Box
60 Sections for Culverts, Storm Drains, and Sewers
61 bb) ASTM D543-06, Standard Practices for Evaluating the Resistance of Plastics to Chemical
62 Reagents
63 cc) ASTM D635-10, Standard Test Method for Rate of Burning and/or Extent and Time of Burning of
64 Plastics in a Horizontal Position
65 dd) IEEE C2-2007, National Electrical Safety Code
66 ee) MIL-STD-188-124B (December 2000), Grounding, Bonding and Shielding for Common Long
67 Haul/Tactical Communications Systems Including Ground Based Communications Electronics
68 Facilities and Equipments
69 ff) NEMA TC 2-2003, Electrical Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Tubing and Conduit
70 gg) NEMA TC 6 & 8-2003, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Plastic Utilities for Underground Installations
71 hh) RUS Telecommunications Engineering and Construction Manual, Section 644, Number 03,
72 Design and Construction of Underground Cable (1983)
73 ii) Telcordia GR-326 (2010), Generic Requirements for Single-Mode Optical Connectors and
74 Jumper Assemblies
75 jj) Telcordia GR-771 (2008), Generic Requirements for Fiber Optic Splice Closures
76 kk) Telcordia GR-3151 (2007), Generic Requirements for Copper Splice Closures
77 ll) Telcordia TR-NWT-000979 (1991), Generic Requirements for Wire Connectors
78 mm) TIA-569-B (2004), Commercial Building Standard for Telecommunications Pathways and
79 Spaces
80 nn) TIA-590-A (1997), Standard for Physical Location and Protection of Below Ground Fiber Optic
81 Cable Plant
82 oo) UL 497 Edition 7 (2009), Standard for Protectors for Paired-Conductor Communications Circuits

2
83 3 DEFINITION OF TERMS, ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS, AND UNITS OF MEASURE
84 3.1 General
85 The generic definitions in this clause have been formulated for use by the entire family of
86 telecommunications infrastructure standards. Specific requirements are found in the normative clauses of
87 this Standard.
88 3.2 Definitions
89 For the purposes of this Standard, the following definitions apply.
90 adapter: A device that enables, any or all of the following:
91 (1) different sizes or types of plugs to mate with one another or to fit into a telecommunications
92 outlet,
93 (2) the rearrangement of leads,
94 (3) large cables with numerous conductors to fan out into smaller groups of conductors, and
95 (4) interconnection between cables.
96 administration: The method for labeling, identification, documentation and usage needed to implement
97 moves, additions and changes of the telecommunications infrastructure.
98 aerial cable: Telecommunications cable installed on aerial supporting structures such as poles, sides of
99 buildings, and other structures.
100 backbone: 1) A facility (e.g., pathway, cable or bonding conductor) for Cabling Subsystem 2 and Cabling
101 Subsystem 3. 2) A facility (e.g., pathway, cable or conductors) between any of the following spaces:
102 telecommunications rooms, telecommunications enclosures, common telecommunications rooms, floor
103 serving terminals, entrance facilities, equipment rooms, and common equipment rooms. 3) in a data center,
104 a facility (e.g. pathway, cable or conductors) between any of the following spaces: entrance rooms or
105 spaces, main distribution areas, horizontal distribution areas, telecommunications rooms.
106 backbone cable: See backbone.
107 bonding: The permanent joining of metallic parts to form an electrically conductive path that will ensure
108 electrical continuity and the capacity to conduct safely any current likely to be imposed.
109 bridged tap: The multiple appearances of the same cable pair at several distribution points.
110 building backbone: Pathways or cabling between telecommunications service entrance rooms, equipment
111 rooms, telecommunications rooms, or telecommunications enclosures within a building.
112 building entrance area: See entrance room or space (telecommunications).
113 buried cable: A cable installed under the surface of the ground in such a manner that it cannot be removed
114 without disturbing the soil.
115 cabinet: A container that may enclose connection devices, terminations, apparatus, wiring, and equipment.
116 cabinet (telecommunications): An enclosure with a hinged cover used for terminating telecommunications
117 cables, wiring and connection devices.
118 cable: An assembly of one or more insulated conductors or optical fibers, within an enveloping sheath.
119 cable sheath: A covering over the optical fiber or conductor assembly that may include one or more metallic
120 members, strength members, or jackets.
121 cabling: A combination of all cables, jumpers, cords, and connecting hardware.
122 Cabling Subsystem 1: Cabling from the equipment outlet to Distributor A, Distributor B, or Distributor C.
123 Cabling Subsystem 2: Cabling between Distributor A and either Distributor B or Distributor C (if Distributor
124 B is not implemented).

3
125 Cabling Subsystem 3: Cabling between Distributor B and Distributor C.
126 campus: The buildings and grounds having legal contiguous interconnection.
127 campus backbone: Cabling for interconnecting telecommunications spaces between buildings.
128 channel: The end-to-end transmission path between two points at which application-specific equipment is
129 connected.
130 commercial building: A building or portion thereof that is intended for office use.
131 conduit: (1) A raceway of circular cross-section. (2) A structure containing one or more ducts.
132 conduit system: Any combination of ducts, conduits, maintenance holes, handholes and vaults joined to
133 form an integrated whole.
134 connecting hardware: A device providing mechanical cable terminations.
135 cross-connect: A facility enabling the termination of cable elements and their interconnection or
136 cross-connection.
137 cross-connection: A connection scheme between cabling runs, subsystems, and equipment using patch
138 cords or jumpers that attach to connecting hardware on each end.
139 crossover: The junction unit at the point of intersection of two cable trays, raceways, or conduit (pathways)
140 on different planes.
141 Distributor A: Optional connection facility that is cabled between the equipment outlet and Distributor B or
142 Distributor C in a hierarchical star topology.
143 Distributor B: Optional intermediate connection facility that is cabled to Distributor C in a hierarchical star
144 topology.
145 Distributor C: Central connection facility in a hierarchical star topology.
146 device, as related to protection: A protector, a protector mount, a protector unit, or a protector module.
147 direct-buried cable: A telecommunications cable designed to be installed under the surface of the earth, in
148 direct contact with the soil.
149 distribution Pipeline: A gas pipeline other than a transmission gas pipeline.
150 duct: (1) A single enclosed raceway for conductors or cables. See also conduit, raceway. (2) A single
151 enclosed raceway for wires or cables usually used in soil or concrete. (3) An enclosure in which air is
152 moved. Generally part of the HVAC system of a building.
153 end user: The owner or user of the premises cabling system.
154 entrance facility (telecommunications): An entrance to a building for both public and private network
155 service cables (including wireless) including the entrance point of the building and continuing to the entrance
156 room or space.
157 entrance point (telecommunications): The point of emergence for telecommunications cabling through an
158 exterior wall, a floor, or from a conduit.
159 excavation: Any operation in which earth, rock, or other material in the ground is moved, removed, or
160 otherwise displaced by means of any tools, equipment, or explosives, and includes, but is not limited to,
161 digging, augering, drilling, trenching, scraping, plowing, boring, or tunneling.
162 excavator: The person, company, or business that does the excavating.
163 excavation site: The specific location where excavation work is to be performed.
164 facility owner: The utility, firm, agency, or individual that is responsible for the fiber optic facility's
165 operation and maintenance.
166 ground: A conducting connection, whether intentional or accidental, between an electrical circuit (e.g.,
167 telecommunications) or equipment and the earth, or to some conducting body that serves in place of earth.

4
168 grounding conductor: A conductor used to connect the grounding electrode to the building's main
169 grounding busbar.
170 handhole: A structure similar to a small maintenance hole in which it is expected that a person cannot enter
171 to perform work.
172 infrastructure (telecommunications): A collection of those telecommunications components, excluding
173 equipment, that together provide the basic support for the distribution of all information within a building or
174 campus.
175 innerduct: A nonmetallic raceway, usually circular, placed within a larger raceway.
176 interconnection: A connection scheme that employs connecting hardware for the direct connection of a
177 cable to another cable without a patch cord or jumper.
178 jumper: 1) An assembly of twisted-pairs without connectors, used to join telecommunications circuits/links
179 at the cross-connect. 2) A length of optical fiber cable with a connector plug on each end.
180 link: A transmission path between two points, not including terminal equipment, work area cables, and
181 equipment cables.
182 listed: Equipment included in a list published by an organization, acceptable to the authority having
183 jurisdiction, that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed equipment, and whose listing states
184 either that the equipment or material meets appropriate standards or has been tested and found suitable for
185 use in a specified manner.
186 maintenance hole (telecommunications): A vault located in the ground or earth as part of an underground
187 duct system and used to facilitate placing, connectorization, and maintenance of cables as well as the
188 placing of associated equipment, in which it is expected that a person will enter to perform work.
189 media (telecommunications): Wire, cable, or conductors used for telecommunications.
190 multimode optical fiber: An optical fiber that carries many paths of light.
191 optical fiber cable: An assembly consisting of one or more optical fibers.
192 outside plant: Telecommunications infrastructure designed for installation exterior to buildings.
193 patch cord: 1) A length of cable with a plug on one or both ends. 2) A length of optical fiber cable with a
194 connector on each end.
195 patch panel: A connecting hardware system that facilitates cable termination and cabling administration
196 using patch cords.
197 pathway: A facility for the placement of telecommunications cable.
198 pull tension: The pulling force that can be applied to a cable.
199 raceway: Any enclosed channel designed for holding wires or cables.
200 reinforced concrete: A type of construction in which steel (reinforcement) and concrete are combined, with
201 the steel resisting tension and the concrete resisting compression.
202 service entrance: See entrance facility (telecommunications).
203 sheath: See cable sheath.
204 shield: A metallic layer placed around a conductor or group of conductors.
205 single-mode optical fiber: An optical fiber that carries only one path of light.
206 space (telecommunications): An area used for housing the installation and termination of
207 telecommunications equipment and cable, e.g., common equipment rooms, equipment rooms, common
208 telecommunications rooms, telecommunications rooms, telecommunications enclosures, work areas, and
209 maintenance holes/handholes.
210 splice: A joining of conductors, meant to be permanent.

5
211 splice box: An enclosed space between pathways intended to house a cable splice.
212 splice closure: A device used to protect a splice.
213 star topology: A topology in which telecommunications cables are distributed from a central point.
214 support strand (messenger): A strength element used to carry the weight of the telecommunications
215 cable.
216 telecommunications: Any transmission, emission, and reception of signs, signals, writings, images, and
217 sounds, that is information of any nature by cable, radio, optical, or other electromagnetic systems.
218 telecommunications entrance facility: See entrance facility (telecommunications).
219 telecommunications entrance point: See entrance point (telecommunications).
220 telecommunications infrastructure: See infrastructure (telecommunications).
221 telecommunications media: See media (telecommunications).
222 telecommunications room: An enclosed architectural space designed to contain telecommunications
223 equipment, cable terminations, or cross-connect cabling.
224 telecommunications service entrance: See entrance facility (telecommunications).
225 telecommunications space: See space (telecommunications).
226 terminal: (1) A point at which information may enter or leave a communications network. (2) The input-
227 output associated equipment. (3) A device by means of which wires may be connected to each other.
228 termination position: A discrete element of connecting hardware where telecommunications conductors
229 are terminated.
230 tip and ring: Respective designators for the positive (ground) conductor and negative (battery) conductor of
231 a pair.
232 tolerance zone: The zone where excavation is to be performed with hand tools or nondestructive tools until
233 the facility is exposed or the maximum depth of the intended excavation is reached. Damage prevention
234 laws usually specify the location of this zone.
235 topology: The physical or logical arrangement of a telecommunications system.
236 transmission pipeline A gas pipeline between storage and distribution facilities. A transmission pipeline
237 usually operates at a pressure of 862 kPa (125 psi) or more, or at a hoop stress of 20 percent or more of its
238 specified minimum yield strength regardless of its operating pressure.
239 underground cable: A telecommunications cable designed to be installed under the surface of the earth in
240 a trough or duct that isolates the cable from direct contact with the soil.
241 utility tunnel: An enclosed passageway, usually placed between buildings, for the distribution of utility
242 services.
243 wire: An individually insulated solid or stranded metallic conductor.
244 work area A building space where the occupants interact with telecommunications terminal equipment.
245 3.3 Acronyms and abbreviations
246 AASHTO American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
247 ADSL asymmetrical digital subscriber Line
248 AHJ authority having jurisdiction
249 ANSI American National Standards Institute
250 APWA American Public Works Association
251 AREMA American Railway Engineering Association

6
252 ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials
253 AWG American Wire Gauge
254 BBOSP Broadband Outside Plant
255 BOCA Building Officials and Code Administrators
256 BRI basic rate interface
257 CSA Canadian Standards Association International
258 EIA Electronic Industries Alliance
259 FCC Federal Communications Commission
260 FDDI fiber distributed data interface
261 FDU fiber distribution unit
262 FHWA Federal Highway Administration
263 FOCIS Fiber Optic Connector Intermateability Standard
264 HDSL high bit-rate digital subscriber line
265 ICEA Insulated Cable Engineers Association
266 IDC insulation displacement connector
267 IEC International Electrotechnical Commission
268 IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
269 IHROW Interstate Highway Right-Of-Way
270 ISDN integrated services digital network
271 ISO International Organization for Standardization
272 LAN local area network
273 MH maintenance hole
274 MPD multiple plastic duct
275 NEC National Electrical Code
276 NEMA National Electrical Manufacturers Association
277 NESC National Electrical Safety Code
278 NFPA National Fire Protection Association
279 OC optical carrier
280 OCSI One-Call Systems International
281 OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration
282 OSP outside plant
283 OTDR optical time domain reflectometer
284 PCM pulse code modulation
285 PE Polyethylene
286 PVC polyvinyl chloride
287 RUS Rural Utilities Service
288 SCTE Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers

7
289 SONET Synchronous Optical Network
290 TDMM Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual
291 TIA Telecommunications Industry Association
292 TSB Telecommunications System Bulletin
293 UL Underwriters Laboratories Inc
294 ULCC Utility Location and Coordination Council
295 UTP unshielded twisted-pair
296 UV ultra-violet
297 VDSL very high bit-rate digital subscriber line
298 X cross-connect
299 3.4 Units of measure
300 dB decibel
301 C degrees Celsius
302 F degrees Fahrenheit
303 ft feet, foot
304 in inch
305 km kilometer
306 kPa kilopascal
307 Mb/s megabits per second
308 m meter
309 mi mile
310 mm millimeter
311 psi pounds per square inch
312 V volt
313 m micron or micrometer
314 ohm
315 3.5 Symbols
316 See normative annex A for a partial list of OSP symbols.

8
317 4 CABLING INFRASTRUCTURE
318 4.1 General
319 The function of customer-owned OSP cabling infrastructure is to provide interconnections between
320 building entrance facilities, structures on a campus, or telecommunications pedestals or cabinets.
321 Customer-owned OSP cabling consists of the backbone cables, splices, terminations, and patch cords or
322 jumpers used for backbone-to-backbone interconnection. The customer-owned OSP cabling
323 infrastructure shall meet the requirements of the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) and applicable codes.
324 4.2 Customer owned OSP cabling infrastructure overview
325 4.2.1 Pathways and spaces
326 Many types of pathways and spaces may be required to route cabling between campus buildings,
327 structures, or outdoor telecommunications pedestal or cabinets. Figure 2 illustrates a variety of
328 customer-owned OSP pathways and spaces. There are two basic types of cable pathway systems:
329 underground and aerial (with exceptions for surface and above-ground conduit following the route of
330 another above-ground utility).
331 Underground pathways and spaces may be dedicated for cable placement (e.g., direct-buried cable,
332 buried duct/conduit, maintenance holes, handholes and shared spaces such as a utility tunnel providing
333 other services).
334 Aerial pathways and spaces may consist of poles, messenger wire, anchoring guy wires, splice
335 closures and terminals. Self-supporting cables, which include a messenger wire, may also be
336 used.
337 4.2.2 Customer owned OSP cabling
338 Customer-owned OSP cabling consists of recognized cable terminated with conforming connecting
339 hardware and protective devices, as required. Customer-owned OSP connecting hardware may be
340 located on the exterior or interior of a building, or in an outdoor telecommunications pedestal or cabinet.
341 Figure 2 illustrates a typical OSP cabling layout.
342 NOTES:
343 1 - The customer-owned OSP link can have intermediate splices (e.g., reducing a copper
344 twisted-pair feeder cable to distribution cables).
345 2 - Optical fiber cables may pass through a building entrance facility as a part of the cable route.
346 For example figure 3 shows a cable from building C passing through the building A entrance
347 splice point location to the destination at the outdoor telecommunications pedestal D.

9
 CUSTOMER CAMPUS

BLDG.
"F"
UTILITY PIER "G"
TUNNEL

BLDG.
"A"

DB

BLDG.
"D"

BLDG.
"B"

DB
LOCAL EXCHANGE CARRIER

BLDG.
"C"
BLDG.
CAMPUS PATHWAYS : "E"

DUCT SYSTEMS
DIRECT BURY DB
AERIAL
CAMPUS PROPERTY LINE
TUNNEL
348 CONDUIT / TRAY
349
350 Figure 2 Typical customer-owned OSP elements
351

10
 Example of Campus

Building B
Building C

P P

Telecom. Room
Work Area

Equipment
Room

Outdoor Building A
Telecommunications
Pedestal D
(3)
P

P P Work Area

P
(2)
Entrance Facility

Property Line

Local Exchange Carrier

Symbols
Basic Campus Link
Cable

(2) (2)
P P Fiber optic cable

Building /
Building Cable splice
Outdoor Pedestal

Notes:

(1) This is a specific example, not all elements required

(2) Protective device as required
(3) Separate or mixed media connections
352
353 Figure 3 Typical customer-owned OSP link
354

11
355 4.3 Topology
356 This standard establishes a structure for customer-owned OSP cabling based on the generic cabling
357 system structure in ANSI/TIA-568-C.0.
358 Figure 4 illustrates an example of a campus with a star backbone topology. In this example, building A is
359 the center of the star with backbone cables (part of Cabling Subsystem 2 or 3 in ANSI/TIA-568-C.0)
360 extending to other campus buildings (B, C, D, E, F) and an outdoor telecommunications pedestal (G).
361 This example also illustrates an optical fiber backbone cable passing from building A to building F
362 through an intermediate building (E).
363 NOTES:
364 1 - An advantage of the star topology is that it provides the opportunity for centralized
365 administration and management.
366 2 - In the example, Figure 4 shows building A providing a point of service for an
367 up-link/microwave communications to a second campus. The backbone cables can be utilized for
368 distributing these applications from A to all, or just selected buildings. If these services terminate
369 at another building B versus A, the designer should size the backbone to extend these
370 applications from B to A.
371 3 - Campus telecommunications applications require use of both building and campus backbone
372 cabling. Figure 5 shows the relationship between the campus star backbone and the building
373 backbones of building E. This illustrates the building cabling topology from an individual work
374 area through the building backbone cabling to the campus backbone main interconnect facility in
375 building A.
376 Although customer-owned OSP cabling in a star topology is advantageous, it may not always be feasible;
377 the distances between buildings may exceed maximum allowable cable lengths. In these cases it may not
378 be possible to cable the buildings in a star topology.
379 A large campus should be designed in a hierarchical star configuration. Each campus segment may
380 connect to a hub location that would support the area as a star topology. These hub locations may be
381 connected with other topologies to support equipment and technologies normally used for wide area
382 applications (e.g., SONET, point-to-point microwave, leased lines).
383 Diversity should be provided where security, continuity of service, or other special needs exist.
384 4.3.1 Entrance point diversity
385 By developing diverse building entrance points, a catastrophic failure at one point around a buildings
386 perimeter will not interrupt the entirety of the buildings telecommunications service. When entrance point
387 diversity is developed, entrance points should be established distant from each other, preferably entering
388 the building from two or more different streets.
389 4.3.2 Entrance route diversity
390 By developing diverse building entrance routes, a catastrophic failure along one entrance route will not
391 interrupt the entirety of a buildings telecommunications service. When entrance route diversity is
392 developed, entrance routes should be separated by the greatest possible distance.

12
 Example of campus star topology (1)

Campus outside cable plant logical diagram

Access / Service
A
Provider (AP/SP)
Uplink / Microwave
Communications

Wide area cable

To 2nd campus

B C D E F G

Campus block diagram

Access / Service Uplink / microwave
Provider (AP/SP) communications

Building A
Building B
Entrance Equipment
Facility (EF) Room (ER)
EF (2)

P P P P P
P

Wide area cable to

2nd campus

EF EF EF
P P P
P

Building C Building D Building E Outdoor

Pedestal G

EF
P
Symbols

Conductive cable

Notes: Building F Fiber optic cable

(1) This is a specific example, not all elements required

(2) Protective device as required Cable splice

Protective device
P
(as required)

Termination
393
394 Figure 4 Example of campus star topology
395

13
 Example of campus cabling topology

Building A Building B
EF
APS/SPS MC P
ILEC
Outdoor
P P Telecommcunications
Pedestal F

P
P
APS/SPS

CLEC Building C
EF

Building D
EF

Abbreviations

APS Access Provider Space Building E

CLEC Competitive Local Exchange Carrier
CP Consolidation Point
EF Entrance Facility
EF/ER CP
ER Equipment Room
IC Intermediate Cross-connect TR
ILEC Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier
P
MC Main Cross-connect
MUTOA Multi-User Telecommunications Outlet Assembly
SPS Service Provider Space
TR Telecommunications Room
TR

Symbols MUTOA

Conductive cable

Fiber optic cable

IC/ER TR

Cable splice

Protective device
P
(as required)

Cross-connect

Telecommunications
Outlet
396
397 Figure 5 Example campus/building cabling topology
398

14
399 4.4 Recognized Cabling
400 Customer-owned OSP cabling must support a wide range of services and site sizes. Therefore, more
401 than one transmission medium is recognized. This standard specifies recognized transmission media that
402 may be used individually or in combination. The recognized media include:
403 a) 100-ohm balanced twisted-pair cabling (ANSI/TIA-568-C.2);
404 b) multimode optical fiber cabling (ANSI/TIA-568-C.3);
405 c) single-mode optical fiber cabling (ANSI/TIA-568-C.3) optical fiber cable; and
406 d) 75 ohm coaxial (proposed ANSI/TIA-568-C.4).
407 The specific performance characteristics for recognized cables, associated connecting hardware, cross-
408 connect jumpers and patch cords are specified herein.
409 4.5 Choosing media
410 Media choices must be made depending upon the characteristics of the applications, and distance.
411 Where a single cable type may not satisfy all user requirements, it will be necessary to use more than one
412 media type in the OSP cabling. Where possible, the different media should use the same physical
413 pathway architecture and space for connecting hardware. In making this choice, factors to be considered
414 include:
415 a) flexibility with respect to supported services;
416 b) required useful life of backbone cabling; and
417 c) site size and user population.
418 4.6 Bonding and grounding
419 Bonding and grounding systems are an integral part of the specific signal or telecommunications cabling
420 system that they protect. In addition to helping protect personnel and equipment from hazardous
421 voltages, a proper bonding and grounding system may reduce EMI to and from the telecommunications
422 cabling. Improper bonding and grounding may allow propagation of induced voltages that could disrupt
423 other telecommunications circuits.
424 Bonding and grounding shall meet the appropriate requirements and practices of applicable authorities
425 and codes. Additionally, grounding and bonding within buildings shall conform to ANSI-J-STD-607-A
426 requirements and the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) between buildings.
427 Customer-owned OSP installation may be required to comply with additional higher level
428 requirements. This may include military or commercial applications, or specific specific grounding
429 and bonding practices not required by this standard, such as MIL-STD-188-124B-200 18 DEC
430 2000.
431 4.7 Environmental Considerations
432 Environmental classifications have been developed for the purpose of describing areas in which cabling
433 infrastructure is placed. The specifications of MICE include: M - mechanical; I - ingress; C - climatic; and,
434 E - electromagnetic. Compatibility with the environment can be achieved with enhanced cabling
435 components or through protection, separation or isolation. ANSI/TIA-568-C.0 provides thresholds for
436 environmental conditions. MICE 1 (M1I1C1E1) generally relates to environmentally controlled areas such
437 as commercial building offices, MICE 2 (M2I2C2E2) generally relates to a light industrial environment and
438 MICE 3 (M3I3C3E3) generally relates to an industrial environment. The classification for areas with mixed
439 environments may be described by including the classification level for each variable as a subscript (e.g.,
440 M1I2C3E1). If a cabling system component crosses an environmental boundary, the component or
441 mitigation technique should be selected to be compatible with the worst case environment to which it is
442 exposed.

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443 5 PATHWAYS AND SPACES
444 5.1 Pathways
445 Telecommunications pathways are used to interconnect spaces such as buildings, pedestals, cabinets,
446 maintenance holes, handholes, and towers. These pathways may consist of aerial, direct-buried, or
447 underground, or a combination of these. Underground or direct-buried pathways are generally preferred
448 over aerial pathways because of aesthetics and security. Of the two, underground pathways (e.g.,
449 conduits, ducts, etc.) are generally preferred over direct-buried because of security, ease of future cable
450 installation and maintenance.
451 Telecommunications pathways shall be specified to support the initial and anticipated wireline and
452 wireless telecommunications needs of the total area served. Accommodations should be made for
453 diverse APs.
454 In determining the total number of pathways required, the planner shall consider:
455 a) type and use of building;
456 b) growth;
457 c) difficulty of adding pathways in the future;
458 d) alternate entrance; and
459 e) type and size of cables likely to be installed.
460 5.1.1 Subsurface pathways
461 5.1.1.1 General
462 Subsurface pathways shall meet applicable codes. In the absence of applicable codes, follow the most
463 current version of the NESC. The following is a sample list of construction elements that need to be
464 considered in the design and installation of subsurface pathways:
465 a) excavation;
466 b) clearances and separations from other utilities;
467 c) required depth;
468 d) buried street crossings;
469 e) encasing;
470 f) trenching;
471 g) boring (pipe pushing);
472 h) plowing;
473 i) backfill;
474 j) restoration;
475 k) horizontal directional drilling (HDD);
476 l) above ground obstructions; and
477 m) environmental considerations.
478 5.1.1.2 Conduit/duct
479 5.1.1.2.1 General
480 Underground conduit structures consists of pathways for the placements of telecommunications cable
481 between points of access. Underground installation of ducts/conduits shall be achieved by trenching,
482 boring, or plowing.

16
483 5.1.1.2.2 Conduit Type
484 Examples of conduit types include:
485 a) EB-20 For encasement in concrete;
486 b) EB-35 For encasement in concrete;
487 c) DB-60 For direct burial or encasement in concrete;
488 d) DB-100 For direct burial or encasement in concrete;
489 e) DB-120 For direct burial or encasement in concrete;
490 f) Rigid Nonmetallic Conduit Schedule 40 For direct burial or encasement in concrete;
491 g) Rigid Nonmetallic Conduit Schedule 80 For direct burial or encasement in concrete;
492 h) Multiple Plastic Duct (MPD) For direct burial or installation in conduit;
493 i) Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC) For direct burial or encasement in concrete;
494 j) Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC) For direct burial or encasement in concrete;
495 k) Fiberglass Duct For direct burial or encasement in concrete;
496 l) Innerduct Polyethylene (PE) For direct burial or installation in conduit;
497 m) Innerduct Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) For direct burial or installation in conduit;
498 n) PVC coated steel conduit (PSC), NEMA RN-1; galvanized rigid steel conduit with factory applied
499 external 40 mil PVC coating and urethane interior coating;
500 Encased buried (EB-20) and direct-buried (DB-60) conduit shall meet NEMA standard TC-6. Encased
501 buried (EB-35) and direct-buried (DB-120) conduit shall meet NEMA standard TC-8. Schedule 40 and
502 Schedule 80 Rigid Nonmetallic conduit shall meet NEMA standard TC-2.
503 Non-metallic conduits shall be encased in concrete of minimum 17225 kPa (2500 lb/in ) compressive
2

504 strength where vehicular traffic (i.e., automotive, railway) is above the pathway, or where a bend or
505 sweep in excess of 15 degrees is placed.
506 5.1.1.2.3 Lengths between pulling points
507 The section length of conduit shall not exceed 183 m (600 ft) between pulling points.
508 5.1.1.2.4 Bends
509 Where bends are required, manufactured bends should be used whenever possible. Bends made
510 manually shall not reduce the internal diameter of the conduit. All bends shall be sweeps with a minimum
511 radius of six times the internal diameter for conduits up to 2 inch and ten times the internal diameter for all
512 conduits larger than 2 inch.
513 5.1.1.2.5 Number of bends
514 For the purposes of this sub-clause, the following definitions apply:
515 a) 90-Degree Bend: any radius bend in a piece of pipe that changes direction of the pipe
516 90-degrees.
517 b) Kick: a bend in a piece of pipe, usually less than 45-degrees, made to change the direction of the
518 pipe.
519 c) Offset: two bends, usually having the same degree of bend, made to avoid an obstruction
520 blocking the run of the pipe.
521 d) 90-Degree Sweep: a bend that exceeds the manufacturers standard size 90-degree bend; (e.g.,
522 610 mm [24 in] is manufacturers standard for 102 mm [4 in] conduit and does not meet bend
523 radius requirements) (resolved editorially).

17
524 e) Back-to-back 90-degree Bend: any two (2) 90-degree bends placed closer together than 3 m
525 (10 ft) in a conduit run.
526 No section of conduit shall contain more than two 90-degree bends, or equivalent between pull points
527 (e.g. handholes, maintenance holes, and vaults). If there is a reverse (U-shaped) bend in the section, a
528 pull box shall be installed. Back-to-back 90-degree bends shall be avoided. Pull planning tools can assist
529 in the design of a conduit system (e.g., RUS, Telecommunications Engineering and Standards Division
530 644 Issue #3, Design and Construction of Underground Cable, pulling lubricant manufacturer software).
531 5.1.1.2.6 Drain slope
532 Underground conduit should be installed such that a slope exists at all points of the run to allow drainage
533 and prevent the accumulation of water. A drain slope of no less than 10 mm per meter (.125 in per foot) is
534 desirable when extending conduit away from building structures. Where conduit extends between
535 maintenance holes, a slope of 10 mm per meter (.125 in per foot) should extend from the middle of the
536 span to each maintenance hole.
537 5.1.1.2.7 Innerduct
538 Innerduct (also known as subduct) is typically a nonmetallic or fabric mesh type pathway and may be
539 placed within a duct to facilitate initial and subsequent placement of multiple cables in a single duct (see
540 figure 6).

541
542 Figure 6 Example of innerduct
543 5.1.1.2.8 Duct plugs
544 Ducts shall be sealed to resist liquid and gas infiltration at all maintenance holes and building entrance
545 point locations.
546 5.1.1.2.9 Bridge crossings
547 The diversity of bridge construction makes it impracticable to prescribe a singular standard method for
548 conduit placement. There are certain fundamentals to consider when placing conduit within or externally
549 attached to these structures. Temperature variations require compensation for expansion and contraction
550 of bridge structures. Even relatively small concrete structures have one or more floating spans.
551 Bridge crossings shall meet the requirements of the AHJ and applicable codes. The basic requirements
552 for design are as follows:
553 a) Attachments to bridges shall be made with the approval of the AHJ.
554 b) Axial movement of up to 76 mm (3 in) at each expansion point should be compensated for by
555 providing sliding joints (slip sleeves), either at a bridge abutment or a maintenance hole wall if the
556 maintenance hole is in close proximity to the bridge.
557 c) Attachments should be flexible with each section being left with a provision for slight movement
558 under load.
559 d) Conduit placement on the structure should be placed on the down-stream side of the structure
560 and utilizing the structure for protection from floating debris in flood conditions.
561 e) The clearance of the conduit structure shall be no less than that of the bridge.

18
562 When routing requires crossing of bridged space, all placement methods should be considered in addition
563 to incorporation into or attachment to the bridge structure.
564 Catenary aerial construction, underwater crossing, and coffer dam stream bed construction are often
565 viable crossing methods.
566 5.1.1.3 Utility tunnels
567 5.1.1.3.1 General
568 Utility tunnels are typically used for delivery of utilities such as electric, steam, water and
569 telecommunications. Tunnels may be used as a telecommunications pathway for customer-owned OSP
570 to interconnect buildings, or as a pathway to the property line. The telecommunications pathways within
571 the tunnels may consist of duct, tray, or wireway. Cables placed in tunnels shall have the appropriate
572 sheath properties for the environment and shall be clearly marked. See figure 7 for an example of
573 components that may be found in a utility tunnel.

Stea
m Monorail

Telecommunications
Cables

Power,
Low Voltage Future Utility
Space
Power,
High Voltage

Wat Ga
er s

574
575 Figure 7 An example of components that may be found in a utility tunnel.
576 5.1.1.3.2 Planning
577 Tunnels are planned for all utilities that they will house. The location of telecommunications pathways
578 within a tunnel shall be planned to ensure accessibility and separation from other services.
579 Telecommunications pathways in tunnels incorporate the following:
580 a) Corrosion-resistant pathways and associated hardware should be used.
581 b) Metal pathways shall be bonded per applicable code.
582 c) Separation from electrical facilities shall be per applicable code.

19
583 d) The pathway shall have the ability to withstand temperatures to which it may be exposed.
584 e) When used, pull boxes, splice boxes, and splice closures shall be readily accessible.
585 5.1.2 Direct-buried
586 Direct-buried cable is installed under the surface of the ground in such a manner that it cannot be
587 removed without disturbing the soil. Direct burying of cable is achieved by trenching, boring or plowing.
588 Those responsible for existing utilities shall be consulted when determining the cable route. Consideration
589 should be given to the route, method of installation, terrain and landscape.
590 Suitable marking should be used to identify the location of the direct-buried cable and to protect the cable
591 so that it is not inadvertently damaged during other construction activities.
592 5.1.3 Aerial pathways
593 5.1.3.1 General
594 An aerial facility consists of poles, support strand, cable and supporting hardware. Aerial cable is installed
595 between supporting structures such as poles, buildings and other structures. Aerial cable is typically
596 lashed to a cable-support strand (messenger). Aerial cable can also be supported by an integral support
597 strand or a cable that has strength members providing load distribution.
598 Telecommunications aerial construction shall meet applicable codes, in the absence of applicable codes
599 follow the NESC and ANSI O5.1. The following is a sample list of construction elements that need to be
600 considered in the design and installation of aerial plant:
601 a) Pole class and length
602 b) Buried length of the pole
603 c) Guying of poles
604 d) Pole braces
605 e) Pole spacing
606 f) Slack span
607 g) Pole to building span
608 h) Grounding
609 i) Clearance and separation
610 j) Pole attachment
611 k) Lashing
612 l) Riser Protection
613 m) Messenger strand
614 n) Strand size and tension
615 o) Cable sag
616 5.2 Spaces
617 Spaces in OSP construction typically consist of maintenance holes, handholes, pedestals, cabinets, and
618 vaults. Maintenance holes are typically used as points of access for pulling and splicing cable. Handholes
619 are smaller than maintenance holes and are typically used as cable pulling points. Precast maintenance
620 holes and handholes are generally placed in new construction. Pedestals are generally used to provide
621 access to splices, interconnects and cable. Cabinets are used in buried and aerial construction as
622 cross-connect points. Vaults provide grade level or below grade environmental protection, security and
623 quick access to the splice cases, excess cable and distribution equipment.

20
624 5.2.1 Maintenance holes
625 5.2.1.1 General
626 Maintenance holes are concrete, steel or cast iron units provided with a removable lid that permits
627 internal access via ladder or rungs to the housed components. They accommodate cable, splice closures,
628 racking systems, and electronic equipment (e.g. environmental monitoring equipment, pumps).
629 Maintenance holes shall be installed on a gravel base of sufficient depth to allow for drainage and
630 stability. Where maintenance holes are installed in roadways, the lid (cover) shall support heavy vehicular
631 traffic (See figure 8).
632 Maintenance holes are used to facilitate placing and splicing of cables. Maintenance holes shall be
633 equipped with: corrosion-resistant cable racks, which are grounded; pulling irons; and a sump for
634 drainage. Telecommunications maintenance holes shall not be shared with electrical installations other
635 than those needed for telecommunications equipment.
636 Precast maintenance holes shall conform to the applicable ASTM standards:
637 ASTM C 478, Standard Specification for Precast Reinforced Concrete manhole Sections
638 ASTM C 789, Standard Specification for Precast Reinforced Concrete Box Sections for Culverts, Storm
639 Drains, and Sewers
640 ASTM C 850, Standard Specification for Precast Reinforced Concrete Box Sections for Culverts, Storm
641 Drains, and Sewers with Less Than 2 Ft of Cover Subjected to Highway Loadings
642 ASTM C 857, Standard Practice for Minimum Structural Design Loading for Underground Precast Utility
643 Structures
644 ASTM C 858, Standard Specification for Underground Precast Concrete Utility Structures
645 ASTM C 890, Standard Practice for Minimum Structural Design Loading for Monolithic or Sectional
646 Precast Concrete Water and Wastewater Structures
647 ASTM C 891, Standard Practice for Installation of Underground Precast Concrete Utility Structures
648 ASTM C 913, Standard Specification for Precast Concrete Water and Wastewater Structures
649 ASTM C 1037, Standard Practice for Inspection of Underground Precast Concrete Utility Structures
650 Maintenance holes shall meet applicable code requirements. In the absence of applicable codes, follow
651 the NESC. The following list is a sampling of maintenance hole construction items.
652 a) identification;
653 b) working height;
654 c) Size (LxWxH);
655 d) Covers and frames;
656 e) ladders;
657 f) sump-hole;
658 g) grounding rod;
659 h) exposed straps required for bonding to the grounding system as required by applicable electrical
660 codes or practice for all metallic reinforcing members (e.g., ladders and cable racks).
661

21
 Figures courtesy of BICSI

662

663
664 Figure 8 Example of maintenance hole
665

22
666 5.2.1.2 Location
667 When determining maintenance hole locations, consideration should include ground topography, soil
668 conditions, location of the maintenance hole relative to surrounding structures, personnel access, and the
669 difficulty in using the maintenance hole for placing and splicing cable. Maintenance holes shall be placed
670 when the conduit or duct section length exceeds 183 m (600 ft).
671 The recommended placement of maintenance holes in close proximity to intersections is placement within
672 the right of way, but outside of the traveled portion of the street. Maintenance holes should not be placed
673 within 15.2 m (50 ft) of the curb radius or right of way line of the intersecting road (See figure 9).
674 In determining the location of a maintenance hole at an intersection, consideration should be given to:
675 a) impaired traffic flow;
676 b) physical risk to telecommunications personnel during installation/maintenance operations;
677 c) physical risk to pedestrians due to impaired vision by themselves and drivers of vehicles;
678 d) risk of damage to telecommunications vehicles;
679 e) accessibility of maintenance holes during storm outage conditions; and
680 f) congestion of buried utilities in intersections.
681 Where maintenance holes are placed in the traveled portion of the road, the preferred location is 1.5 m
682 (5 ft) from the curb.
683

23
684

NOTE (2)

NOTE (1)
MAXIMUM
30 DEGREE
R/W

SWEEP BEND

R/W RIGHT OF WAY (R/W)

WALK WAY

VEHICLE SENSOR

R/W R/W
R/W

NOTE (1)

R/W

NOTES:
1) MINIMUM 15.2 m (50 ft.).
2) MAINTENANCE HOLE
PLACED 1.5 m (5 ft.)
FROM CURB PREFERRED.

685 Figure 9 Maintenance hole placement at an intersection

686 5.2.1.3 Type
687 a) Type A end-wall entrance only
688 b) Type B see handhole (sub clause 4.2.2)
689 c) Type J end and sidewall entrance
690 d) Type V shaped like a V with one end-wall and two side-wall entrances
691 5.2.1.4 Sizing
692 The size of a maintenance hole shall be specified to include the ultimate duct structure capacity and the
693 need for equipment located in the maintenance hole.

24
694 5.2.1.5 Covers
695 Maintenance hole covers shall meet the requirements of the environmental conditions of the location that
696 they are placed. These include types for heavy vehicular traffic (e.g., type B, SB) and those for lighter
697 loads (e.g., type R).
698 5.2.2 Handholes
699 5.2.2.1 General
700 Handholes are used to facilitate placing of cables in a conduit system. A handhole shall not be used in
701 place of a maintenance hole or in a main conduit system. Splicing may be accommodated in handholes
702 depending upon cable type and size. Handholes shall have provisions for drainage (e.g., drain holes,
703 open bottom, sump-hole). Telecommunications handholes shall not be shared with electrical installations
704 other than those needed for telecommunications equipment. (See figure 10)
705 Handholes shall meet applicable code requirements. In the absence of applicable codes, follow the
706 NESC. The following list is a sampling of handhole construction items.
707 a) identification;
708 b) access;
709 c) covers.

710
711 Figure 10 Handhole
712 5.2.2.2 Location
713 When determining handhole locations, considerations should include ground topography, soil conditions,
714 location of the hole relative to surrounding structures, personnel access, and the difficulty in using the
715 handhole for placing cable. Handholes may be placed when the bends exceed either two 90-degree
716 bends or a total of 180-degrees; or the section length of conduit requires a pull point for ease of cable
717 installation.
718 Conduit entering the handhole should be aligned on opposite walls of the hole at the same elevation.

25
719 5.2.2.3 Sizing
720 A handhole shall not exceed 1.2 m (4 ft) in length by 1.2 m (4 ft) in width by 1.2 m (4 ft) depth and should
721 not be used in runs of more than three trade size 103 (trade size 4) conduits.
722 5.2.2.4 Covers
723 Handhole covers should be the same nominal size as the handhole.
724 5.2.3 Pedestals and cabinets
725 5.2.3.1 General
726 Pedestals and cabinets are the housings that store splice closures and terminals. They provide above
727 grade environmental protection, security and quick access to splice closures, terminals, excess cable,
728 and optical fiber equipment. Pedestals and cabinets may be mounted directly in the ground, on concrete
729 pads, on mounting feet, on poles or floor stands.
730 These housings may include a locking device or hasp, adjustable mounting bracket or panel to secure
731 taps, splitters, couplers, line extenders, amplifiers interdiction devices, hardware package, reels for cable
732 storage, warning label, grounding and bonding provisions, identification, manufacturers markings, cable
733 knockouts and grommets.
734 The following should be considered when selecting pedestals and cabinets:
735 a) cable bend radii >15 times the cable diameter;
736 b) accommodate 4 cables;
737 c) accommodate both inline and butt splice closures;
738 d) security -- special bolts, keys and security alarm monitoring;
739 e) flood control provisions;
740 f) weather tight seals/gaskets/grommets;
741 g) optical fiber cable storage to permit moving the splice closure to a working location;
742 h) ventilation for environmental control and/or heat extraction (forced air fan optional);
743 i) resistant to rodent and insect intrusion;
744 j) environmentally controlled cabinets include fans, heaters and thermostats;
745 k) color options;
746 l) impact resistance (vandalism);
747 m) resistance to dust intrusion;
748 n) resistance to water spray; and
749 o) chemical resistance.
750 5.2.3.2 Ground level pedestals and cabinet criteria
751 Pedestals and cabinets shall meet the following criteria.
752 a) Corrosion resistance of metal components. ASTM B 117 salt spray test for (30) days;
753 b) Ultraviolet (UV) degradation of nonmetallic components. ASTM G 53 for (90 days - UVB-313
754 lamps);
755 c) Resistance to flame or fire RUS Specification PE-35;
756 d) Fungus resistance (ASTM 21);
757 e) UL Listed as type 3R (vented) or type 4 or 4x (non-vented); and
758 f) Grounding/Bonding provisions shall meet national and local electrical codes.

26
759 5.2.3.2.1 Installation requirements
760 Installation of pedestals should be such that water drainage will continue after the installation. In some
761 instances the soil grading will be sufficient, while in other instances gravel may have to be placed in the
762 bottom of the pedestal. The location of the pedestal should be away from traffic conditions that could
763 cause injury to personnel, yet it should be easily accessible for maintenance.
764 5.2.3.3 Pole or wall mounted cabinets
765 Pole or wall mounted cabinets shall be constructed of corrosion resistant metal or nonmetallic materials.
766 Access to the housed components is typically achieved through doors or removal of a portion of the
767 housing. Special mounting brackets are used to secure cabinets to utility poles or building walls.
768 5.2.3.4 Environmentally controlled cabinets
769 Environmentally controlled cabinets are designed to provide a suitable environment for the satisfactory
770 performance of electronic equipment. They typically provide for air circulation with fans and are
771 thermostatically controlled for heating and cooling. The air conditioning units may be internally rack
772 mounted or be physically attached to the exterior of the cabinet.
773 These cabinets should be corrosion resistant. Access to the splice case, optical fiber equipment and, in
774 some cases, excess cable housed within is typically achieved through doors.
775 The surface mounted pedestals and cabinets are mounted either directly in the ground or on concrete
776 pads.
777 5.2.4 Vaults
778 Vaults are open or closed bottom housings that provide grade level or below grade environmental
779 protection, security and quick access to the splice cases, excess cable and distribution equipment.
780 The following should be considered when selecting vaults:
781 a) cable bend radii >15 times the cable diameter;
782 b) accommodate 4 cables;
783 c) accommodate both inline and butt splice closures;
784 d) security -- special bolts, keys and security alarm monitoring;
785 e) flood control provisions;
786 f) stackable for shipping (vaults);
787 g) provisions for extensions to accommodate grade level changes (maintenance holes and vaults);
788 h) non-conductive and non-flammable materials;
789 i) provision to relocate without service interruption (vaults);
790 j) resistant to rodent and insect intrusion;
791 k) hardware for supporting closures and cable;
792 l) color options;
793 m) terminators or grommet provisions; and
794 n) skid resistant cover.
795 5.2.4.1 Vault criteria
796 Vaults shall meet the following criteria.
797 a) Corrosion resistance of metal components. ASTM B 117 salt spray test for (30) days;
798 b) Chemical resistance of nonmetallic components (gasoline, kerosene, acid/base etc.) ASTM D
799 543;

27
800 c) UV degradation of nonmetallic components. ASTM G 53 for (90 days - UVB-313 lamps);
801 d) Resistance to flame or fire RUS Specification PE-35 or ASTM D 635; and,
802 e) Loading requirements
803 i. Light duty (pedestrian traffic only), designed for protected areas only. (Test load 1361 kg
804 [3000 lb] over 254 mm by 254 mm [10 in by 10 in] area with 13 mm [0.5 in]maximum
805 deflection);
806 ii. HS5, designed for sidewalk applications and for occasional non-deliberate traffic. (test
807 load 5118 kg (11284 lb) over 254 mm by 254 mm [10 in by 10 in] area with 13 m [0.5 in]
808 maximum deflection);
809 iii. HS-10, designed for driveways, parking lots and off road application subject to occasional
810 non-deliberate heavy vehicles. (test load 10 237 kg [22 568 lb.] over 254 mm by 254 mm
811 [10 in by 10 in] area with 13 mm [0.5 in] maximum deflection); and,
812 iv. HS-20, designed for deliberate heavy vehicular traffic.
813 5.2.4.2 Installation requirements
814 Installation of vaults should be such that water drainage will continue after the installation. In some
815 instances the soil grading will be sufficient, while in other instances gravel may have to be placed at
816 specified depths. The vault may be located below grade, in which case locator stakes or location devices
817 should be employed. The location of the vault should be away from traffic conditions that could cause
818 injury to personnel, yet it should be easily accessible for maintenance.
819 5.2.5 Entrance Facilities
820 5.2.5.1 General
821 The entrance facility consists of the telecommunications service entrance to the building, including the
822 entrance through the building wall, and continuing to the entrance room or space. The entrance facility
823 may contain the building pathways that link to the equipment room or common equipment room (CER),
824 and to other buildings in campus situations. Wireless device entrances may also constitute part of the
825 entrance facility.
826 5.2.5.2 Seismic considerations
827 Specifications for entrance facilities shall accommodate the applicable seismic zone requirements.
828 5.2.5.3 Entrance location considerations
829 Consideration should be given to the facility, the occupants and users telecommunications wireline and
830 the wireless connectivity needs. Where access to both wireline and wireless services is required, the
831 entrance facilities may require adjustment in size, quantity, and location. Mechanical fixtures (e.g., piping,
832 ductwork, pneumatic tubing) not related to the support of the entrance facility should not be installed in,
833 pass through, or enter the telecommunications entrance facility.
834 Access providers and service providers shall be contacted to establish their requirements and explore
835 alternatives for delivering service. The location of other utilities, such as electrical, water, gas, and sewer,
836 shall be considered in the selection of the telecommunications entrance facility location.
837 Diverse entrance facilities should be provided where security, continuity of service, or other special needs
838 exist.
839 When locating wireless transmission or reception device fields, line-of-sight interference and signal
840 interference should be avoided.
841 5.3 Entrance pathway facilities
842 5.3.1 Underground
843 An underground facility is a component of the entrance facility consisting of conduit, duct, and trough, and
844 may include maintenance hole(s) (see figure 11).

28
845 Underground entrance preplanning shall include land development, topographical limitations, and grading
846 of underground facility to permit drainage. The facility may require venting of gaseous vapors. Vehicular
847 traffic shall be considered in order to determine depth of cover over the facility and whether concrete
848 encasement is necessary.
849 It is recommended that underground telecommunications facilities not be in the same vertical plane as
850 other utilities, such as water or power that share the same trench. Utility services should be located
851 horizontally with respect to each other, and shall be in compliance with applicable code.

852
853 NOTES:
854 1. Placing depth as required by local code.
855 2. A-D: steel conduit crossing disturbed earth.
856 3. Slope conduit towards maintenance hole.
857 4. Conduit ends to be plugged at time of placing (both ends).
858 5. Leave one or more spare duct from A-D, capped at A for future use.
859 Figure 11 Typical Underground entrance
860 5.3.2 Direct-buried
861 A direct-buried facility is a component of the entrance facility where the telecommunications cables are
862 completely encased in the earth. Direct burial is achieved by trenching, augering, boring, or plowing. The
863 designer should consider that although direct-buried may be initially economical, the cable plant cannot
864 be supplemented or replaced easily.
865 5.3.3 Aerial
866 An aerial facility is a component of the entrance facility consisting of poles, cable-support strand, and
867 support system. When contemplating the use of aerial facilities, consider:
868 a) aesthetics of the building and surrounding location;
869 b) storm loading;
870 c) applicable codes;
871 d) clearances and separation (e.g. electrical, road, sidewalk);
872 e) mechanical protection;
873 f) span lengths;
874 g) building attachments;

29
875 h) future cable plant reinforcement; and
876 i) number of cables involved.
877 5.3.4 Tunnels
878 The service entrance to a building in a campus environment may be via a utility tunnel.
879 5.3.5 Wireless
880 5.3.5.1 Line of sight
881 Wireless transmission/reception device placement is critical to its performance. Obstructions to a
882 wireless transmission/reception device function can take many forms including radio frequencies,
883 electrical, and physical objects. Obstructions may be on the same platform, on an adjoining building, or
884 be located some distance away. Wireless transmission/reception devices should be in line of sight with
885 their target systems.
886 5.3.5.2 Cable pathways
887 Cable pathways from tower-mounted wireless transmission/reception devices should be consolidated
888 where possible on the tower, and remain consolidated along their route to the access provider space. To
889 limit the effect of signal strength reduction associated with excessive cable lengths, the most direct route
890 between the wireless transmission/reception device and the en-trance facility shall be followed. To
891 protect cables from environmental damage and isolate cables from pedestrian traffic, they should be
892 placed inside conduit or in cable tray, or be other-wise secured from physical damage.
893 5.3.5.3 Location
894 Depending upon function and site conditions, wireless service transmission/reception spaces may be
895 located at the buildings upper rooftop, outside walls, or on lower roof setbacks. Wireless service
896 transmission/reception points may also be located inside the building (e.g., behind windows). Wherever
897 possible, wall-mounted wireless transmission/reception device support structures should be mounted at a
898 minimum of 2 m (80 in) above surfaces where foot traffic may occur. Consideration should be given to
899 prevention, where practicable, of signal interference resulting from vapor and heat shimmer.
900 5.3.5.4 Support structures
901 5.3.5.4.1 General
902 A structural engineer should be consulted in the design and placement of wireless transmission/reception
903 device support structures.
904 5.3.5.4.2 Towers
905 Where the location or height of the building makes it a desirable wireless transmission/reception device
906 site, consideration should be given to installation of a tower on the building roof. Towers are desirable
907 because they allow efficient use of limited rooftop space, and offer significant flexibility regarding space
908 planning. Multiple access providers and other users may share space on a single tower.
909 5.3.5.4.3 Non-penetrating wireless transmission/reception device mounts
910 Wireless transmission/reception devices that are of limited weight and size may be installed on mounts
911 that are not fastened to the building structural members. These types of wireless transmission/reception
912 device mounts are often referred to as sled mounts, ballast mounts, or non-penetrating wireless
913 transmission/reception device mounts. These mounts remain secured to the rooftop by their own weight
914 plus addition of dead weights to keep the wireless transmission/reception device in place. The amount of
915 weight (ballast) required is calculated with consideration given to loading created by wind and ice buildup
916 on the wireless transmission/reception device and supporting system. In some cases, these mounts are
917 tethered for increased stability.

30
918 5.3.5.4.4 Penetrating wireless transmission/reception device mounts
919 Wireless transmission/reception device mounting systems that penetrate either the rooftop or walls of a
920 building are commonly employed. The primary considerations with such systems are the loading that the
921 system places on the structure, and waterproofing of any penetration points.
922 5.3.5.4.5 Electrical design considerations
923 Electrical service shall be sized to adequately provide power to equipment that may include, but is not
924 limited to, wireless device lighting, de-icing, and motor-operated equipment. Where mandated by the
925 AHJ, automatic switchover to standby power shall be provided. Electrical requirements should be
926 specified by an electrical engineer, dependent upon the complexity of the installation.
927 5.4 Entrance point
928 5.4.1 General
929 An entrance point is the point of emergence of telecommunications cabling through an exterior wall,
930 through a floor, or from a conduit.
931 5.4.2 Conduit entrance design guidelines
932 Conduit entrances consist of several metric designator 103 (trade size 4) conduits and, optionally, several
933 metric designator 53 (trade size 2) conduits. In general, metric designator 53 (trade size 2) conduits
934 should be considered for use with small diameter (e.g., 13 mm (0.5 in)) cables such as optical fiber and
935 CATV cable, while metric designator 103 (trade size 4) conduit should be considered for use with larger
936 diameter, multipair copper cables. An innerduct that is rated in accordance with AHJ may also be placed
937 within metric designator 103 (trade size 4) conduit to facilitate smaller diameter cables such as optical
938 fiber and coaxial cable.
939 As a minimum, three metric designator 103 (trade size 4), with at least one spare metric designator 103
940 (trade size 4), conduits shall be placed for each entrance point.
941 5.4.2.1 Penetration and termination
942 The conduit shall extend to undisturbed earth a minimum of 600 mm (24 in) beyond the exterior of the
943 foundation (see figure 12 and figure 13). When terminated at the inside of the building wall, the conduit
944 shall be reamed and bushed. When terminated at the inside of the building wall, the conduit shall have a
945 smooth bell-shaped finish unless it extends to a remote entrance room, space, or area. The conduit or
946 sleeve shall be securely fastened to the building.
947 NOTE Some nonmetallic innerduct commonly used for underground or outside plant
948 construction may not have the appropriate fire safety characteristics for use as a pathway
949 within the building. Some non-metallic innerduct commonly used for underground or
950 outside plant construction may be unlisted (not have the appropriate fire safety
951 characteristics) for use as a pathway within the building.
952 5.4.2.2 Drainage
953 The conduit shall slope downwards towards the exterior (see figure 12). Where water infiltration is
954 anticipated, an exterior drainage box shall be installed at the entrance point.
955 5.4.2.3 Gas, water and vermin
956 All conduits shall be plugged to restrict infiltration of gas, water, and vermin. To further ensure that gases
957 do not enter the building, a venting system may need to be installed external to the building.
958 5.4.2.4 Pull box
959 A pull box shall be installed inside the building at the entrance point for cable pulling and splicing when:
960 a) the building conduit is extended from the entrance conduit; or
961 b) warranted by excessive conduit length; or
962 c) the quantity of bends exceeds the equivalent of two 90 degree bends.

31
963 Pull boxes shall be provided in conduit building pathways as specified in ANSI/TIA-569-C. Pull box sizing
964 shall be based on guidelines in ANSI/TIA-569-C.
350 mm
(14 in)
50 mm (2 in) 50 mm (2 in)
concrete concrete

75 mm (3 in)
concrete

400 mm 50 mm (2 in)
(16 in) concrete

conduit / duct

Reinforcing bars

Section View

965
Exterior of building wall
Final grade
50 mm
(2 in) 500 mm
600 mm
600 mm (20 in)
(24 in)
(24 in)

Bell shaped or
reamed and bushed Suitable reinforcing
metallic sleeve
50 mm (typical)
(2 in)
600 mm
(24 in)
225 mm
(9 in)
Interior of
building wall

Side View

966
967 Figure 12 Example of entrance conduit or sleeve termination
968

32
 Ground level Backfill area

Metal sleeve should be

long enough to reach 600 mm (24 in) 50 mm
undisturbed earth minimum (2 in)

200 mm
(8 in)

Adapter to
nonmetal duct
Smooth surface
Metal sleeve
100 mm (4 in)

969
970
971 NOTE: Slope sleeves downward 10 mm per m (o.125 in per ft) away from the building
972 Figure 13 Encased entrance conduit termination

33
973 6 CABLING
974 6.1 Twisted-pair cabling
975 6.1.1 Twisted-pair cable
976 6.1.1.1 General
977 Covered herein are the requirements for multi-pair customer-owned OSP twisted-pair cables that are
978 used in campus environments. The cables shall consist of 19 AWG (0.9 mm), 22 AWG (0.64 mm),
979 24 AWG (0.5 mm) or 26 AWG (0.4 mm) thermoplastic insulated solid copper conductors in one of the
980 following designs. Specifications shall be crafted in a manner that directs the installation of customer-
981 owned OSP telecommunications cables to be in accordance with the AHJ and applicable codes.
982 6.1.1.2 Cable performance
983 Filled OSP cables shall meet the requirements of ANSI/ICEA S-84-608. Air core OSP cables shall meet
984 the requirements of ANSI/ICEA S-85-625. Enhanced performance filled OSP cables, referred to as
985 Broadband Outside Plant (BBOSP), shall meet the requirements of ANSI/ICEA S-99-689. Enhanced
986 performance air core OSP cables shall meet the requirements of ANSI/ICEA S-98-688.
987 OSP cables are intended for the distribution of signals to carry voice and data. Enhanced performance
988 BBOSP cables are intended for the distribution of signals to carry voice, high-speed data, and video.
989 6.1.1.3 Cable construction types
990 OSP and BBOSP cabling is installed in aerial, duct (underground), and direct-buried applications. The
991 type of cable chosen for various installations should follow applications as given in table 1.
992 Table 1 Areas of OSP and BBOSP cabling applications
Cable Type Aerial Underground Direct-buried
1 3
Filled R R R
2
Air Core S S N
993 R = Recommended
994 S = Suitable
995 N = Not Recommended
996 NOTES
997 1 - Both filled and air core OSP can be installed in the aerial plant providing the filled cable
998 contains an 80 C (176 F) rated filling compound.
999 2 - When pressurized per sub-clause 6.4.
1000 3 - A filled cable with cellular insulation is lighter and has a smaller diameter than a similar filled
1001 cable containing solid insulation.
1002 6.1.1.4 Aerial (self-support and lashed)
1003 Self-supporting cable shall incorporate an integral support messenger into the cable design. OSP cable
1004 intended for aerial use without a support messenger integrated into its design shall be lashed to a support
1005 messenger.
1006 6.1.1.5 Buried service wire
1007 Buried service wire is intended for use when extending from the distribution cable terminal to the entrance
1008 facility of a structure with limited cable needs. Buried service wire shall meet the requirements of
1009 ANSI/ICEA S-86-634. The maximum length of buried service wire shall not exceed 213 m (700 ft).
1010

34
1011 6.1.1.6 Aerial service wire
1012 Aerial service wire is intended for use when extending from the distribution cable terminal to the entrance
1013 facility of a structure with limited cable needs. Aerial service wire shall meet the requirements of
1014 ANSI/ICEA S-89-648. The maximum length of aerial service wire shall not exceed 213 m (700 ft). The
1015 maximum span length shall not exceed 60 m (200 ft).
1016 6.1.1.7 Screened cable (internally)
1017 Internally screened OSP cable is intended primarily for use with pulse code modulation (PCM)
1018 transmission. One or more screens separate cable pairs within the core into compartments (i.e., one
1019 containing the transmit pairs, and the other the receive pairs) for improved crosstalk performance over
1020 conventional OSP cable. Screened cable shall meet the requirements of ANSI/ICEA S-84-608 for filled
1021 cable, and ANSI/ICEA S-85-625 for air core cable.
1022 6.1.2 OSP connecting hardware for balanced twisted-pair cables
1023 6.1.2.1 General
1024 Specified herein are mechanical, environmental, and transmission performance requirements for
1025 connecting hardware for outside use that are consistent with the OSP twisted-pair cables described in
1026 sub clause 5.1.1. The connecting hardware includes terminal blocks that are used for transition from
1027 distribution cable to service wire, and cross-connect blocks that are used for cross-connection between
1028 feeder and distribution cables.
1029 6.1.2.2 Environmental compatibility
1030 Connecting hardware for OSP twisted-pair cabling shall be fully functional for continuous use within the
1031 temperature range of -40 C to 70 C (-40 F to 158 F). Means for connecting and removing wires shall
1032 be functional from -18 C to 50 C (0 F to 122 F). Terminals shall be resistant to corrosion from moisture
1033 and atmosphere, UV degradation, insecticides and herbicides.
1034 6.1.2.3 Materials
1035 Metal components shall be resistant to or protected against general corrosion and forms of localized
1036 corrosion, including stress corrosion cracking and pitting. They shall not produce significant galvanic
1037 corrosion effects, in wet or humid conditions, or on other metals likely to be present in pedestal terminal
1038 closures or aerial cable terminals.
1039 Plastic parts shall be resistant to fungi, heat, solvents, and stress cracking agents, and be compatible with
1040 metals and other materials such as conductor insulation and filling compounds used in the manufacture of
1041 cable. Plastic materials shall be non-corrosive to metals and shall resist deterioration when exposed to
1042 chemical pollutants and sunlight.
1043 6.1.2.4 Transmission
1044 The transmission requirements of connecting hardware used in the OSP shall comply with connecting
1045 hardware requirements of ANSI/TIA-568-C.2.
1046 6.1.2.5 Terminal block requirements
1047 6.1.2.5.1 General
1048 Terminal blocks provide a means to connect service wire to distribution cable. Terminals are provided
1049 with a means for connecting each terminal pair to the distribution cable, and a means for connecting the
1050 service wire to the terminal block. It is desirable that OSP terminal blocks be of the insulation
1051 displacement contact (IDC) type. Terminal blocks may have a stub cable to provide conductors between
1052 the terminal block and connection point to the cable. Terminal blocks are typically available in increments
1053 of 5- or 6-pair, from 5- to 50-pairs. Terminal blocks are used in a variety of environments, including
1054 flooding areas, and may be sealed to function when immersed in water. They are typically housed in an
1055 enclosure that is intended to shield the terminal block from moisture and sun exposure. The following
1056 requirements apply to connecting hardware used as terminal blocks in OSP.

35
1057 6.1.2.5.2 Wire compatibility
1058 Terminal blocks shall be compatible with the service wire used for an application. Service wire is available
1059 in 26, 24, 22, and 19 AWG copper and 18 1/2 AWG copper clad steel. The terminal block manufacturer
1060 shall designate the recommended wire gauges for each block. A terminal block shall meet electrical
1061 requirements for the smallest designated gauge after connecting and disconnecting the largest
1062 designated gauge.
1063 6.1.2.5.3 Wire pair identification
1064 A means for identifying individual terminal pairs shall be provided. In addition, the polarity of tip and ring
1065 of each pair shall be identified.
1066 6.1.2.5.4 Test points
1067 All terminal blocks shall allow access to test points for each pair without disconnecting the service wire from
1068 the terminal or puncturing the wire insulation.
1069 NOTE High impedance probes are needed to use the test access points for live high
1070 frequency applications.
1071 6.1.2.5.5 Mounting
1072 The terminal blocks shall be designed to allow secure fastening to a steel or plastic backboard. Required
1073 fasteners shall be provided.
1074 6.1.2.5.6 Stub cable
1075 When a stub cable is used to connect the terminal block to the distribution or feeder cable, the stub cable
1076 shall use standard color-coding to indicate individual pairs and tip and ring.
1077 6.1.2.6 Cross-connect block requirements
1078 6.1.2.6.1 General
1079 Cross-connect blocks are used in OSP to connect feeder pair to distribution pair. They are typically
1080 located inside cross-connect cabinets, where a feeder cable(s) enter and one or more distribution cables
1081 exit. Each pair of the feeder cable is connected to a pair of contacts on a feeder cross-connect block.
1082 Each pair of the distribution cable is connected to a pair of contacts on a distribution cross-connect block.
1083 Feeder pairs are connected to distribution pairs with jumper wires between the feeder block and
1084 distribution block. It is desirable that cross-connect blocks for OSP cable pairs be of the IDC type.
1085 Cross-connect blocks are typically available in multiples of 10- or 25-pair. Cross-connect blocks in the
1086 outside environment are subjected to: temperature and humidity extremes; industrial or coastal
1087 atmospheres; and applied chemicals such as insecticides, herbicides, cleaners, and other solvents.
1088 6.1.2.6.2 Wire compatibility
1089 Cross-connect blocks shall be compatible with the feeder cable, distribution cable, and jumper wire used.
1090 Feeder and distribution cable is available in 26, 24, 22, and 19 AWG copper. Jumper wire may be 26, 24,
1091 or 22 AWG copper. The cross-connect block manufacturer shall designate the recommended cable and
1092 wire gauges for each block. A jumper connection to a cross-connect block shall meet electrical
1093 requirements for the smallest designated gauge after connecting and disconnecting the largest
1094 designated gauge.
1095 6.1.2.6.3 Wire pair identification
1096 Terminals shall locate tip on the left and ring on the right for horizontal spacing, or tip above the ring
1097 terminal for vertical spacing. A means for identifying individual terminal pairs shall be provided, either on
1098 the block or an adjacent surface. Removable red markers shall be available for attachment to a pair
1099 termination to designate special circuits. These markers shall withstand all environmental exposure
1100 required for the block without becoming unserviceable.

36
1101 6.1.2.6.4 Wire termination
1102 The cross-connect block shall be designed to eliminate the possibility of electrical shorts between any two
1103 terminals during jumper wire placement.
1104 6.1.2.6.5 Test points
1105 All terminals shall allow access to test points for each pair without disconnecting the jumper wire from the
1106 terminal or puncturing the wire insulation.
1107 6.1.2.6.6 Terminal density
1108 Terminals shall be arranged in a compact connecting hardware field consistent with the need to perform
1109 jumper operations.
1110 6.1.2.6.7 Wiring harness
1111 When a wiring harness is used to connect the cross-connect block to the distribution cable, the cable
1112 shall use standard color-coding to indicate individual pairs and to indicate tip and ring polarity.
1113 6.1.2.7 Building entrance terminals
1114 6.1.2.7.1 General
1115 Listed herein are the requirements for building entrance terminals located at the cabling entrance to
1116 building facilities where the transition between inside and outside environments occur. Outside terminals
1117 are typically used when the entrance connection is located in a closure on an outside wall of a building.
1118 Inside terminals are used when the outside cable will be connected to the inside distribution cabling
1119 system. Building entrance terminals are available in sizes such as 2-pair, 4-pair, 6-pair, and multiples of
1120 10- and 25-pair. It is desirable that terminal blocks used for building entrance terminals be of the IDC
1121 type.
1122 6.1.2.7.2 Non-protected terminals
1123 Specifications for non-protected terminal connections inside the building are given in ANSI/TIA-568-C.2.
1124 6.1.2.7.3 Protected terminals
1125 Protected terminals shall meet the primary protection requirements of UL 497, the mechanical and
1126 reliability requirements of this Standard, and ANSI/TIA-568-C.2. In addition, the protected terminals shall
1127 meet the transmission requirements for the appropriate category of ANSI/TIA-568-C.2.
1128 6.1.2.8 Splicing connectors
1129 6.1.2.8.1 General
1130 This specification describes characteristics and specifies requirements for hardware to splice OSP cables.
1131 Most splicing connectors use insulation displacement technology to allow efficient splicing of cables
1132 without stripping insulation. Single wire connectors (discrete) can be used to join or bridge tap (half-tap)
1133 one wire to a through wire and accommodate 26 through 19 AWG wire. Multiple pair connectors
1134 (modules) may be used to splice up to twenty-five wire pairs, and typically splice multiple wires, from 26 to
1135 22 or 19 AWG. Both the discrete and multiple pair connectors shall be provided in both dry and moisture
1136 resistant forms for use in all OSP splicing environments (see figure 14 for examples of discrete and
1137 multiple pair connectors).
1138

37
1139

1140 Figure 11 Discrete and multiple pair connectors

1141 Important characteristics of splicing connectors for OSP are consistently low connection resistance, high
1142 insulation resistance, robustness, resistance to moisture and corrosion, and ease of installation.
1143 Connector manufacturers shall provide suitable application tooling and any auxiliary products that may be
1144 required to ensure the maintenance and reliability of the connectors in all OSP environments. The test
1145 sequence for splicing connectors is shown in table 2.
1146 Table 2 Test sequence for twisted-pair splicing connectors
Min Sample, Appendix
Test Group ID Test Method
contacts Reference
A 100 A.2 IEC 512-2
Contact resistance
B 100
A 100 A.3 IEC 512-2
Insulation resistance
B 100
IEC-68-2-14
Thermal shock A&B 100 each A.6
TM Nb
IEC-68-2-38
Humidity/temp cycle A&B 100 each A.9
TM Z/AD
IEC 68-2-6
Vibration D&E 100 each A.7
TM Fc
IEC 68-2-14
Stress relaxation F&G 100 each A.8
TM Ba
Telcordia
Torsion H&J 10 each A.10
TR-NWT-979
Telcordia
Tensile strength K&L 12 each A.11
TR-NWT-979
Insulation resistance Telcordia
M&N 100 each A.12
(immersion) TR-NWT-979
Salt fog P&R 100 each A.13 ASTM B117
IEC 512-2
Dielectric withstand voltage S&T 100 each A.4 Test 4a
Method C
1147
1148

38
1149 6.1.2.8.2 Materials
1150 Metal components shall be resistant to or protected against general corrosion and forms of localized
1151 corrosion, including stress corrosion cracking and pitting. They shall not produce significant galvanic
1152 corrosion effects, in wet or humid conditions, on other metals likely to be present in their use environment.
1153 Insulating materials shall perform their designed electrical and mechanical functions and shall be resistant
1154 to fungi, heat, and cable cleaning solvents. They must be compatible with metals and other materials
1155 such as conductor insulation and filling compounds used in the manufacture of cable. Plastic materials
1156 shall be non-corrosive to metals and shall resist deterioration when exposed to chemical pollutants and
1157 sunlight.
1158 All connector filling compounds and sealants shall be compatible with other connector and cable
1159 materials, and shall be resistant to fungi. They shall conform to safety and toxicology requirements at the
1160 time of manufacture.
1161 Materials used for hand tools and for multiple wire connector splicing tools shall be compatible with other
1162 materials used in the environment.
1163 6.1.2.8.3 Transmission
1164 Markings on splicing hardware should include designation of transmission performance at the discretion
1165 of the manufacturer or the approval agency. The markings, if any, shall be visible during installation. It is
1166 suggested that the markings consist of:
1167 a) Cat 3 for category 3 components
1168 b) Cat 5 for category 5 components
1169 c) Cat 5e for category 5e components
1170 d) Cat 6 for category 6 components
1171 e) Cat 6A for augmented category 6 components
1172 6.1.2.8.4 Tensile strength
1173 Tensile strength of a splice is established by measuring the force required to break the wire terminated in
1174 a splice connector when a load is applied axially to the wire in the direction of wire entry to the splice
1175 connector. This is compared to the breaking strength of an unspliced segment of the same wire.
1176 Minimum breaking strength for a spliced 19 AWG wire shall be 60 percent of 19 AWG wire breaking
1177 strength. Minimum breaking strength for spliced wires of smaller gauges shall be 75 percent of the control
1178 wire breaking strength.
1179 6.1.2.8.5 Insulation resistance
1180 Immersion testing is required for those devices that are intended to be designated for severe service
1181 conditions. Filled or moisture resistant connector samples shall be immersed in tap water for a period of
1182 one week, The insulation resistance shall then be measured between each conductor and the water bath
with 250 V (dc) applied. Not more than 10 percent shall be less than 10 , not more than 25 percent
6
1183
shall be less than 10 and the remainder shall be greater than 10 . All samples shall be restorable to
8 9
1184
greater than 10 after drying. Those that fall below 10 shall be inspected for corrosion. The presence
9 8
1185
1186 of corrosion is considered a failure.
1187 6.1.2.8.6 Salt fog exposure
1188 Terminated (or spliced) filled samples shall be exposed to salt fog per ASTM B 117 for a period of
1189 48 hours. The resistance though each splice shall not increase by more than 2 m as a result of this
1190 exposure.
1191

39
1192 6.1.3 OSP twisted-pair cross-connect jumpers
1193 Proper selection and installation of cross-connect jumper wire used between cross-connect blocks is
1194 essential to the overall performance of the network. Cross-connect jumper wire shall be wire of the same
1195 or higher transmission category as the cross-connect block. The twist shall be maintained to within 13 mm
1196 (0.5 in) of the entry into the cross-connect block.
1197 6.1.4 Additional installation requirements
1198 6.1.4.1 Cable splices for BBOSP
1199 There are two types of splices as illustrated in figure 15. The butt splice method is preferred. An in-line
1200 splice method can also be used if the conductors are spaced close together, i.e., no open loops. The
1201 amount of untwisting of the conductor pairs shall be kept at 13 mm (0.5 in) maximum. This can be
1202 achieved by twisting the two conductors together after the splice is formed. For optimum performance,
1203 pair splices should be staggered within the splice closure.

Butt splice In-line splice

1204
1205 Figure 12 Example in-line and butt splice
1206 6.1.4.2 Bridge-taps
1207 While bridge-taps have been used for low frequency analog circuits, they are not recommended for OSP
1208 cabling. Bridge-taps can cause severe transmission impairment for high frequency digital circuits.
1209 6.1.4.3 Binder group integrity
1210 25-pair binder groups should not be split between connecting hardware points.
1211 6.1.4.4 Cable bend radius
1212 The minimum bend radius for non-gopher resistant OSP twisted-pair cable during installation shall not be
1213 less than 10 times the cable diameter, and after installation shall not be less than 8 times the cable
1214 diameter.
1215 The minimum bend radius for gopher resistant OSP twisted-pair cable during installation shall not be less
1216 than 15 times the cable diameter, and after installation shall not be less than 10 times the cable diameter.
1217 6.1.5 OSP twisted-pair testing
1218 The basic field test parameters for OSP twisted-pair cabling are:
1219 a) DC loop resistance
1220 b) Wire map
1221 c) Continuity to remote end
1222 d) Shorts between two or more conductors
1223 e) Crossed pairs
1224 f) Reversed pairs
1225 g) Split pairs
1226 h) Any other mis-wiring
1227

40
1228 Additional test parameters to support high-speed digital or analog (i.e., VDSLx) services include:
1229 a) Capacitive Balance
1230 b) Attenuation to 18 MHz
1231 c) Longitudinal Balance to 18 MHz
1232 d) Metallic Noise to 18 MHz
1233 e) Impulse Noise to 18 MHz
1234 f) TDR test to identify & locate bad splices, splits, and bridged taps
1235 6.2 Coaxial cabling
1236 6.2.1 General
1237 Coaxial cable used in backbone OSP applications is 75 semi-rigid cable referred to as trunk, feeder
1238 and distribution coaxial cable. The cable is available in sizes ranging from 10 mm to 29 mm (0.412 in to
1239 1.160 in) in diameter. Since attenuation is related to the diameter of the cable, larger cables are selected
1240 for longer installations or when it is desired to reduce the number of amplifiers in a link. 5/8-24 connecting
1241 hardware is available for each particular cable size. As outlined by ANSI/SCTE 92 2007 Specification for
1242 5/8-24 Plug, (Male), Trunk and Distribution Connectors and ANSI/SCTE 91 2009 Specification for 5/8-24
1243 RF & AC Equipment Port, Female . This cabling may be used in aerial, direct-buried or underground
1244 applications.
1245 6.2.2 75 coaxial cable
1246 6.2.2.1 General
1247 Mechanical and electrical requirements for 75 trunk, feeder and distribution coaxial cable are found in
1248 the Society of Cable telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) document ANSI/SCTE 15 2006 Specification
1249 for Trunk, Feeder and Distribution Coaxial Cable. Requirements for both disc/air and foam dielectric cable
1250 designs are included in this document.
1251 6.2.2.2 Cable performance
1252 The cable shall meet requirements for mechanical and electrical transmission performance as specified in
1253 ANSI/SCTE 15 2006 Specification for Trunk, Feeder and Distribution Coaxial Cable.
1254 6.2.3 75 coaxial connecting hardware
1255 6.2.3.1 General
1256 5/8-24 connecting hardware is designed to fit each particular cable size and type. The cable manufacturer
1257 should provide information regarding connecting hardware that is compatible with the cable. Connecting
1258 hardware includes connector adapters, taps, splitters, amplifiers and directional couplers.
1259 6.2.4 75 coaxial cable installation requirements
1260 Installation practices as described in SCTE document Recommended Practices for Coaxial Cable
1261 Construction and Testing, Issue 1, Section 1 shall be followed.
1262 6.2.5 75 coaxial cable testing
1263 The minimum test requirements for 75 coaxial cable shall include a continuity test for the center
1264 conductor and shield. Due to the variety of designs encountered in OSP construction, it is not possible to
1265 establish link or channel requirements for these applications. The installer may test the following
1266 parameters; however, pass/fail criteria are not established by this Standard:
1267 a) Attenuation
1268 b) Length
1269 c) Characteristic impedance

41
1270 d) Return loss
1271 e) DC loop resistance
1272 6.3 Optical fiber cabling
1273 6.3.1 General
1274 This sub-clause specifies requirements for an optical fiber cabling system (e.g., cable, connectors,
1275 splices, connecting and protective hardware, etc.) for customer-owned OSP. The recognized cables shall
1276 contain multimode fibers, single-mode fibers or a combination of these fiber types. For cables with both
1277 types of optical fibers, some means of segregating the fibers by type shall be employed. Requirements for
1278 bandwidth and system length should be considered before specifying the fiber type. Additionally, it is
1279 recommended that spare capacity be included to support present and future applications. As
1280 requirements for bandwidth continue to grow, consideration should be given to installing single-mode
1281 optical fiber in addition to multimode optical fiber.
1282 6.3.2 Optical fiber cable performance
1283 OSP optical fiber cable shall meet the performance requirements of ANSI/TIA-568-C.3.
1284 6.3.3 Optical fiber cable construction types
1285 OSP optical fiber cable shall meet the physical requirements of ANSI/TIA-568-C.3.
1286 Optical fiber cables are available in several designs with many jacketing options. In many cases, a
1287 non-armored cable is referred to as a duct cable. An all-dielectric cable has no metallic or conductive
1288 components such as a metallic central member, metallic strength member(s), armor or copper wires.
1289 6.3.3.1 Duct cables
1290 Duct cables are generally non-armored cables. All-dielectric versions, which incorporate a nonmetallic
1291 central member, are available and are suitable for duct or conduit placement. These cables are ideal for
1292 duct, tunnel or aerial installations.
1293 6.3.3.2 Armored cables
1294 Armored cables are generally similar to duct cables, but have a steel armor layer added under the outer
1295 cable jacket. The armor is usually added to increase the rodent resistance of a direct-buried cable,
1296 however the armor also serves as an extra layer of protection against other factors, such as very rocky
1297 soil.
1298 6.3.3.3 Aerial cables
1299 Aerial cables typically have the same cable construction as duct cables. Self-supporting cables are
1300 typically duct cables with modifications to the duct cable design to simplify the aerial installation.
1301 All-dielectric optical cables are recommended in this application since these cables are not as susceptible
1302 to lightning strikes, are not subject to induced voltages and are not required to be grounded as are cables
1303 with metallic components.
1304 6.3.3.3.1 Self-supporting cables
1305 These cables are designed to be installed without the need for a pre-installed messenger. If properly
1306 installed, these cables can be installed in less time than lashing a conventional duct cable to a metallic
1307 messenger.
1308 6.3.3.3.1.1 Figure 8 cables
1309 These self-supporting cables incorporate a duct or armored cable and a messenger in a common sheath.
1310 6.3.3.3.1.2 All-dielectric, self-supporting cables
1311 These concentric cables have a duct cable core with a layer of strength members that allows installation
1312 without a separate messenger wire. Typically, there are length limitations depending upon location (due
1313 to the NESC wind and ice loading conditions), and special mounting hardware is required. As these
1314 cables are all-dielectric, no grounding is required.

42
1315 6.3.3.4 Indoor/outdoor cables
1316 Some cables are available that can be installed in both outdoor and indoor locations. These cables shall
1317 be water-blocked and UV resistant cables. The cable jackets are made of a flame retardant material
1318 which, allows the cables to pass the NEC flame test requirements for indoor installation and carry a cable
1319 flame rating (e.g., riser rated).
1320 6.3.3.5 Drop cables
1321 Drop cables are typically small diameter, low fiber count cables with limited unsupported span distances
1322 (when used in an aerial application). They are used to feed a small number of fibers from a higher fiber
1323 count cable into a single location.
1324 6.3.4 Optical fiber connecting hardware
1325 6.3.4.1 Optical fiber splicing
1326 6.3.4.1.1 Splicing methods
1327 Typical splicing methods include fusion and mechanical and are intended for use in a variety of
1328 environments such as in maintenance holes, utility vaults, aerial or open trench. Splicing may be used to
1329 join individual fibers (250 m or 900 m), fiber ribbons or ribbonized fibers.
1330 6.3.4.1.1.1 Fusion splicing
1331 Fusion splicing is a method of fusing two fibers together with an electric arc. Since the fibers are basically
1332 welded together, it is possible to get an environmentally stable optical fiber connection. For this reason,
1333 fusion splicing is recommended for optical fiber connections in the OSP.
1334 6.3.4.1.1.2 Mechanical splicing
1335 A typical mechanical splice (see figure 16) incorporates a gripping mechanism to prevent fiber separation,
1336 a means for fiber alignment, and includes index-matching gel. Depending on the design, the mechanical
1337 splices may be reusable. Because the mechanical splices depend on a physical contact between two
1338 cleaved fiber ends, these splices may be more sensitive to large variations in temperature.

1339
1340 Figure 16 Example of a mechanical splice
1341 6.3.4.1.2 Attenuation
1342 The splice optical insertion loss shall meet the performance requirements of ANSI/TIA-568-C.3.
1343 6.3.4.1.3 Return loss
1344 Splices shall meet the return loss performance requirements of ANSI/TIA-568-C.3.
1345 6.3.4.1.4 Mechanical protection
1346 Each fusion or mechanical splice shall be protected in a splice protection sleeve and splice tray or similar
1347 protective device that will mount inside a closure or an enclosure. The tray shall store and organize the
1348 fibers and splices, protect the fibers, and prevent the fibers from exceeding the minimum bend radius.

43
1349 Stripped optical fiber should be protected with a heat shrink or silicone adhesive to prevent exposure to
1350 moisture.
1351 6.3.4.2 Optical fiber connectors
1352 Optical fiber connectors shall meet the requirements of ANSI/TIA-568-C.3. Care should be used in
1353 choosing the correct optical fiber connector for the intended environment.
1354 6.3.5 Cabling Practices
1355 OSP optical fiber cabling practices shall meet the requirements of ANSI/TIA-568-C.0.
1356 6.3.6 Optical fiber patch cords and cross-connect jumpers
1357 In environmentally conditioned spaces, patch cords and jumpers shall meet the requirements of
1358 ANSI/TIA -568-C.3.
1359 6.3.7 Optical fiber cable installation requirements
1360 The location and protection of the optical fiber cable shall comply with ANSI/TIA-590-A. All metallic
1361 components of the cable, except for metallic transmission media, shall be bonded to each other and to
1362 ground.
1363 The minimum bend radius for OSP (including indoor/outdoor) shall meet the requirements according to
1364 ANSI/TIA-568-C.0.
1365 6.3.8 Optical fiber cable testing
1366 Testing of OSP optical fiber cabling shall be conducted according to ANSI/TIA-568-C.0.
1367 6.3.9 Optical fiber inside terminals
1368 6.3.9.1 General
1369 Optical fiber inside terminals shall meet the requirements of the ANSI/TIA-568-C.3 standard.
1370 6.3.9.2 Fiber storage and organizing housings
1371 Fiber storage and organizing housings typically involve fiber and fiber splice storage, as well as fiber
1372 distribution and fiber cross connection.
1373 The following should be considered when selecting fiber storage and housings:
1374 a) Cable bend radii > 15 times the cable diameter;
1375 b) Fiber bend radii > 38 mm (1.5 in);
1376 c) Modular fiber connector loading provision to allow for expansion;
1377 d) Vertical and horizontal cable accessibility for expansion;
1378 e) Accommodate both 483 mm (19 in) and 584 mm (23 in) wide equipment racks;
1379 f) Accommodate single sided wall mount available;
1380 g) Cable entry ports providing for strain relief;
1381 h) Provisions for electrically bonding/grounding cables; and
1382 i) Storage for excess fiber slack.
1383 Fiber distribution units featuring full front access may be used for restricted space installations.
1384 6.3.9.3 Fiber distribution units utilizing optical fiber connectors
1385 These enclosures house and organize groups of fibers. Fibers are typically spliced to factory prepared
1386 connector pigtails that are loaded into patch panels. These splices are stored within the fiber distribution
1387 unit (FDU). Connections between cables are typically accomplished using connectorized jumpers.

44
1388 6.3.9.4 Fiber distribution units utilizing fiber splicing techniques
1389 The splice format FDU are used where higher performance connections are desired (lower insertion loss
1390 and lower back reflection). The enclosures house and organize groups of spliced fibers.
1391 6.3.9.5 Fiber splice module housing
1392 Splice module housings are used when directly splicing to the incoming fibers. Typically, these
1393 enclosures house and organize groups of fibers and accommodate splice trays, but have no patch panel
1394 capability.
1395 6.4 Pressurization of air-core twisted pair cables
1396 6.4.1 General
1397 Air-core cable installed in subsurface pathways shall be pressurized. Air-core aerial cable should not be
1398 pressurized; rather, it should be vented.
1399 Air pressure shall be maintained at any point along the cable route to a minimum of 1.5 psi plus 0.43 psi
1400 per foot of hydrostatic head (e.g., a cable is 2134 mm [7 ft] below the surface in a maintenance hole and
1401 the hole fills with water, there will be 7 times 0.43 [or 3 psi] of water pressure on the cable).
1402 There are three basic types of cable pressurization: static pressure, a single feed system and a dual feed
1403 system. Dual feed systems are recommended. Dual feed systems pump air into the cables at different
1404 points along the cable route. In a dual feed system, pressurized air converges on a leak from both
1405 directions by supplying positive air pressure on both sides of the leak.
1406 Where dry air pressure systems are deployed, consideration should be given to:
1407 a) cable manufacturers recommendations;
1408 b) compressor size;
1409 c) dryer;
1410 d) manifolds, flow meters and cut-off valves;
1411 e) location of air feeds and air pipes;
1412 f) pneumatic resistance of the cable;
1413 g) monitoring system;
1414 h) alarm systems (e.g., transducers) ; and
1415 i) air plugs.

45
1416 7 CABLING ENCLOSURES
1417 7.1 General
1418 Enclosures are used in OSP construction to enclose splices. These enclosures are commonly known as
1419 splice cases, or closures.
1420 7.2 Materials
1421 Metal components shall be resistant to or protected against general corrosion and forms of localized
1422 corrosion, including stress corrosion cracking and pitting. They shall not produce significant galvanic
1423 corrosion effects, in wet or humid conditions, on other metals likely to be present in pedestal terminal
1424 closures or aerial cable terminals.
1425 Non-metallic components shall be appropriate to the environment in which they are installed. They should
1426 be resistant to fungi, heat, solvents, and stress cracking agents and compatible with metals and other
1427 materials such as conductor insulation and filling compounds used in the manufacture of cable.
1428 Non-metallic materials shall be non-corrosive to metals and shall resist deterioration when exposed to
1429 chemical pollutants and sunlight.
1430 7.3 Copper twisted-pair splice closures
1431 7.3.1 General
1432 Closures protect copper splices from environmental hazards. Outdoor closures may be installed in
1433 pedestals, maintenance holes, and on poles and cable messenger strands.
1434 The expected worst-case operating environment for a splice closure is described at temperatures
1435 between -40C and 80C (-40F and 176F). At these temperatures it is necessary that the closure not
1436 experience any functional degradation that could affect the performance of the closure. In addition, there
1437 are several extreme environmental and mechanical conditions to which a closure may be subjected in
1438 certain deployment configurations. These include flood water or chemical exposure, sub-immersion in ice,
1439 and exposure to steam or fire.
1440 7.3.2 Common test for copper closures
1441 Common tests for copper closures are referenced in Telcordia documents. These documents are listed in
1442 table 3.
1443 Table 3 References for copper closures common test methods
Test Test method reference
Bonding and grounding TR-NWT-000014
Section 4.1.4, and 5.1.4
Metallic Corrosion & Chemical TR-NWT - 000014
Resistance Section 4.1.5, and 5.1.5
Nonmetallic Corrosion & Chemical TR-NWT-000014
Resistance Section 4.1.6, and 5.1.6
Fungus Growth TR-NWT-000251
Section 4.3.2, and 5.3.2
1444
1445 7.3.3 Aerial copper closures/terminals
1446 Aerial cable closures or terminals are housings constructed of either metallic or nonmetallic materials,
1447 varying in size and configuration to suit a variety of OSP applications. The basic functional objective of an
1448 aerial cable closure/terminal is to provide access to terminated cable pairs for the purpose of connecting
1449 service wires. The aerial cable closures/terminals are designed with internal facilities to accommodate
1450 splicing, connecting service wires for residential and business customers, bonding and grounding
1451 hardware and terminal block mounting arrangements. The housing provides for the appropriate entry of
1452 the cables from either or both ends.

46
1453 7.3.3.1 Application
1454 Aerial cable closures/terminals are intended for use on strand, pole or wall-mounted applications.
1455 Strand-mounted closures/terminals are designed for in-line installation, and some designs may be
1456 self-contained to fit over a sheath opening. Self-contained aerial cable terminals include a terminal block
1457 with a fusible-link stub cable for splicing to selected pairs of a distribution cable in a limited access splice
1458 chamber. The terminals of this terminal block may be accessible in a separate chamber where service
1459 drop wires may be connected.
1460 Other aerial cable terminals may provide only a ready-access type of housing with a terminal block and
1461 fusible-link stub attachable to any of the distribution cable pairs. Some terminals intended for strand
1462 mounting may also be pole mounted, where, for example, a terminal is mounted at a dead end or at an
1463 aerial-to-buried transition.
1464 Terminal blocks contained within the aerial cable terminal as well as those that are separate may contain
1465 electrical protection. For strand-mounted terminals, the suspension strand remains intact and provides
1466 mechanical integrity to support both the distribution cable and the aerial cable terminal. In addition, all
1467 metal supporting members and all electrical shields and ground wires of all terminals shall be electrically
1468 bonded so that hazardous voltages are directed to ground. For self-contained terminals, shield openings
1469 in the distribution cable shall be bridged by means of bond clamps and bonding wire assemblies. All
1470 bonding connections and members shall provide a current carrying capacity at least equivalent to that of
1471 #6 AWG wire.
1472 7.3.3.2 Special testing
1473 Special tests for aerial copper closures/terminals are referenced in Telecordia documents. These
1474 documents are listed in table 4.
1475 Table 4 References for aerial copper closures/terminals test methods
Test Test method

Salt Fog TR-NWT 000014, Section 4.3.1, and 5.3.1

Ultra Violet Resistance TR-NWT 000014, Section 4.3.3, and 5.3.3
Weather-tightness TR-NWT 000014, Section 4.3.5, and 5.3.5
Water Intrusion Resistance TR-NWT 000014, Section 4.3.6, and 5.3.6
Hi Humidity Effects TR-NWT 000014, Section 4.3.7, and 5.3.7
Bond Clamp Pullout Test TR-NWT 000014, Section 4.4.1, and 5.4.1
Cable Pullout Test TR-NWT 000014, Section 4.4.2., and 5.4.2
Impact TR-NWT 000014, Section 4.4.3, and 5.4.3
Hinge Flexing TR-NWT 000014, Section 4.4.5, and 5.4.5
Seals and Gaskets, Thermal Aging TR-NWT 000014, Section 4.3.4, and 5.3.4
1476
1477 7.3.4 Buried service wire copper closures
1478 Service wire splices are used to join lengths of underground service wire. The splice and closure shall be
1479 compatible with the wires. The splice and closure shall maintain the mechanical, electrical, and
1480 environmental characteristics for forty years.
1481 7.3.4.1 Application
1482 Buried service wire closures shall mitigate problems of external and internal water. Protection is to be
1483 provided by sealing all entering cables and drop wires in a shell without the use of secondary
1484 encapsulants for protection. However, the materials used should be compatible with encapsulants so that
1485 they may be used as secondary protection if desired. All of the component sealants and parts shall be
1486 compatible with petroleum jelly and other types of filling compounds.

47
1487 7.3.4.2 Special tests
1488 Special tests for buried service wire copper closures are referenced in Telcordia document
1489 TR-NWT-000251. See table 5.
1490 Table 5 References for buried service wire copper closures test methods
Test Test method
Cable Pullout TR-NWT-000251, Section 4.1.4., and 5.1.4
Torsion Resistance TR-NWT-000251, Section 4.1.5, and 5.1.5
Bending Resistance TR-NWT-000251, Section 4.1.6, and 5.1.6
Temperature Cycling with Humidity TR-NWT-000251, Section 4.2.2, and 5.2.2
Impact TR-NWT-000251, Section 4.3.3.1, and 5.3.3.1
Drop Test TR-NWT-000251, Section 4.3.3.2, and 5.3.3.2
Water Immersion TR-NWT-000251, Section 4.3.5, and 5.3.5.1
Thermal Shock TR-NWT-000251, Section 4.3.5, and 5.3.5.2.
Freeze/Thaw Cycling in Wet Sand TR-NWT-000251, Section 4.3.6, and 5.3.6
Water Head TR-NWT-000251, Section 4.3.7, and 5.3.7
Sealant (Encapsulant) TR-NWT-000251, Section 4.3.8, and 5.3.8
1491
1492 7.3.5 Buried/underground/vault copper splice closures
1493 A splice closure provides the means to restore integrity of the cable sheath following a sheath opening for
1494 the purpose of wire joining, installation of an isolation gap, capacitor, pressure dam, the repair of a
1495 damaged sheath, or the closing of initial gaps between sheaths at splice points. The splice closure must
1496 restore the cable sheath's electrical and mechanical properties. For the purpose of this Standard, the term
1497 splice closure shall include bonding hardware, sealing materials and the closure housing. Waterproof
1498 splice closures are used primarily to enclose cable in direct-buried and underground applications.
1499 7.3.5.1 Splice configurations
1500 Splice closures are classified according to the configurations that cables may enter the closure, as
1501 follows:
1502 a) Straight - an opening is provided for only one cable to enter each end of the closure.
1503 b) Branch - openings are provided for two cables to enter each end of the closure.
1504 c) Butt - openings are provided such that two cables enter one end of the closure and no cable
1505 enters the other end of the closure.
1506 d) Special application - opening adapters are provided to allow multiple cable entry.
1507 7.3.5.2 Closure housing
1508 The closure housing shall be compatible with all materials used in the construction of cable, filling
1509 compounds, bonding and grounding devices, chemicals, and sealants, which the closure would contact
1510 under normal use. Secondary corrosion protection should not be required.
1511 7.3.5.3 Installation requirements
1512 The closure construction (e.g., size, weight) and installation procedures shall be suitable for handling by
1513 one craftsperson. On-site assembly or disassembly of the closure prior to installation should be
1514 minimized. Bonding, grounding and other sub-assemblies where practical should be factory assembled.
1515 The closure should be installed to allow re-entering without destruction of the housing unless such
1516 destruction is economically justified. If reusable, the closure components should be immediately reusable,
1517 without factory or service center refurbishing and with minimum field rehabilitation work. The use of
1518 specialized tools or equipment not normally at craftsperson's disposal should be avoided, unless for
1519 protection from tampering.
1520

48
1521 The following should be considered when selecting splice closures:
1522 a) A closure or series of closures should be suitable for installation over cut or through (uncut) cable,
1523 and usable on 254 mm to 533 mm (10 in to 21 in) sheath openings (but not necessarily limited to
1524 these openings).
1525 b) The series of closures should accept cables of 15 mm to 86 mm (0.6 in to 3.4 in) OD, and have
1526 splice cavity diameters from 25 mm to 228 mm (1 in to 9 in) (or equivalent cross-sectional areas if
1527 not round).
1528 c) The closures should be usable for straight, branch or butt splice configurations.
1529 d) Replacement and special application parts shall be readily available.
1530 e) The use of specially-ordered non-catalog stock parts should be avoided.
1531 f) All sizes of the closure and its intended encapsulant as system must not generate any exothermic
1532 condition that will damage the housing, cable insulation or connectors.
1533 g) The closure housing shall be sufficiently sealed to prevent encapsulant leakage. Provisions shall
1534 be made which will indicate that the closure is properly filled with encapsulant after the
1535 encapsulant has cured.
1536 7.3.5.4 Special tests
1537 Special tests for buried/underground/vault copper splice closures are referenced in Telcordia documents.
1538 These documents are listed in table 6.
1539 Table 6 References for buried/underground/vault copper splice closures test methods
Test Test method
Bond Clamp Pullout Test TR-NWT-000014, Section 4.4.1., and 5.4.1
Sealant (Encapsulant) TR-NWT-000251, Section 4.3.8, and 5.3.8
Compression PUB 55004, Section 4.72.A, and 5.42.A
Impact PUB 55004, Section 4.72.B, and 5.42.B
Closure to Cable Integrity PUB 55004, Section 4.72.C, and 5.42.C
Water Immersion Test PUB 55004, Section 4.75.A, and 5.61
1540
1541 7.4 Optical fiber
1542 7.4.1 General
1543 Outdoor terminal hardware (e.g., environmental connecting hardware enclosures and splice cases) are
1544 used for storage and protection from direct exposure to moisture, corrosive elements or mechanical
1545 damage of optical fiber connections in an outdoor environment. Typical applications include underground
1546 installation, direct buried, above ground pedestals, and mounting directly on poles, strands or racks.
1547 Closures should accommodate various cable constructions and splice capacities for discrete and mass,
1548 mechanical and fusion optical fiber splices.
1549 7.4.2 Optical fiber splice closure
1550 7.4.2.1 General
1551 An optical fiber splice closure, and the associated hardware, intended to restore the mechanical and
1552 environmental integrity of an optical fiber cable following a splicing operation. In addition, a splice closure
1553 provides the necessary facilities for organizing and storing optical fiber and splices. Optical fiber closures
1554 shall be able to be re-entered and watertight. See figure 17 for a typical optical fiber splice closure used in
1555 the OSP.
1556 The expected operating environment for an optical fiber splice closure is between 40 C and 70 C
1557 (-40 F and 158 F). At these temperatures it is necessary that the closure not experience any functional
1558 degradation that could affect the performance of the closure. In addition there are several extreme
1559 environmental and mechanical conditions to which a closure may be subjected in certain deployment

49
1560 configurations. These include flood water or chemical exposure, sub-immersion in ice, and exposure to
1561 steam or fire.
1562 Closures protect optical fiber splices from environmental hazards. Outdoor closures may be installed in
1563 pedestals, handholes, maintenance holes, and on poles and cable messenger strands. They shall be
1564 sized by calculating the number of splices, the amount and the density of the optical fiber and whether the
1565 cables are installed at one end or both ends of the splice closure. Optical fiber closures shall be capable
1566 of bonding and grounding cable shields and closures as required by applicable codes.

1567 Figure 13 Typical optical fiber splice closure used in OSP

1568 7.4.2.2 Application
1569 Splice closures are used to provide environmental protection for exposed cable cores (sheath removed)
1570 and exposed fibers. All have the capacity to house splice trays for protection of fibers. They are used to
1571 protect through splices (continuation of a run), branch splices or to splice "drop" fibers to nodes.
1572 The following should be considered when selecting optical fiber splice closures:
1573 a) Cable bend radii;
1574 b) Fiber bend radii 38 mm (1.5 in);
1575 c) Accommodate 4 cables;
1576 d) Accommodate both inline and butt cable entry (inline cable entries are located at opposite ends of
1577 closure; butt cable entries are located at the same end of the closure);
1578 e) Accommodate uncut feeder cable for tap/drop applications;
1579 f) Have integral strand attachment hangers;
1580 g) Accommodate offset hanging below existing coaxial cable;
1581 h) Accommodate bonding/grounding (#6 AWG equivalent);
1582 i) Must accommodate splicing trays to match closure capacity (splice trays are typically ordered
1583 separately); and
1584 j) No special tools required.
1585

50
1586 7.4.2.3 Criteria
1587 Optical fiber closures shall meet the following criteria:
1588 a) Corrosion resistance of metal components. ASTM B 117 salt spray test for (30) days;
1589 b) Chemical resistance of nonmetallic components (gasoline, kerosene, acid/base etc.);
1590 c) Ultra-violet degradation of nonmetallic components. ASTM G 53 for (90 days - UVB-313 lamps)
1591 days;
1592 d) Resistance to water/moisture ingress (as required by application);
1593 e) Pressurization test: maintain 5 psi for 5 minutes and check for leakage (Sealed closures only);
1594 f) Impact resistance (vandalism);
1595 g) Effect of condensation (Temperature/humidity cycle);
1596 h) Fungus resistance (ASTM 21); and
1597 i) No light loss from cable clamping or cable movement.
1598 7.4.2.3.1 Splice configurations
1599 There are two principle cabling configurations for optical fiber splice closures, butt closures and in-line
1600 closures. Butt closures permit cables to enter the closure from one end only. This design may also be
1601 referred to as a dome closure. These closures can be used in a variety of applications including branch
1602 splicing. The second type of closure is an in-line configuration. In-line closures provide for the entry of
1603 cables at both ends of the closure. They can be used in a variety of applications including branch splicing
1604 and taut-sheath cable access. In-line closures can also be used in a butt configuration by restricting cable
1605 access to one end of the closure.
1606 7.4.2.3.2 Common tests
1607 Common tests for optical fiber closures are referenced in Telcordia document GR-771-CORE. See table
1608 7.
1609 Table 7 References for optical fiber closures common test methods
Test Test method
Bond Clamp Retention GR-771-CORE 5.2.1, 6.2.1
AC Fault Test GR-771-CORE 5.2.2., 6.2.2
Cable Clamping GR-771-CORE 5.3.1, 6.3.1
Sheath Retention GR-771-CORE 5.3.2, 6.3.2
Cable Flexing GR-771-CORE 5.3.3., 6.3.3
Cable Torsion GR-771-CORE 5.3.4, 6.3.4
Vertical Drop GR-771-CORE 5.3.5, 6.3.5
Central Member Protrusion GR-771-CORE 5.3.8, 6.3.8
Thermal Aging GR-771-CORE 5.4.1, 6.4.1
Assembly GR-771-CORE 5.4.2, 6.4.2
Temperature and Humidity GR-771-CORE 5.4.3, 6.4.3
Chemical Resistance GR-771-CORE 5.4.8, 6.4.8
Fungus Resistance GR-771-CORE 5.4.10, 6.4.10
1610
1611 7.4.2.3.3 Installation requirements
1612 Optical fiber splice closures shall be accessible for maintenance personnel and maintenance vehicles. A
1613 location for the closure should be chosen that is away from high traffic or conditions that could cause
1614 damage to the closure or injury to personnel.
1615 When using armored cable, the armor shall be bonded and grounded per applicable code. This is
1616 accomplished with the use of a bonding connector that is attached to the armor of the cables. A bonding

51
1617 wire is connected between all of the cables in the closure. Grounding wires are run from the connectors to
1618 the attachment on the closure. The closure is then grounded to a grounding bar or wire.
1619 7.4.2.4 Free-breathing optical fiber closures
1620 Free-breathing closures provide all of the features and functions expected of a typical splice closure in an
1621 enclosure that prevents the intrusion of wind-driven rain, dust and insects. Such a closure, however,
1622 permits the free exchange of air with the outside environment. Therefore, it is possible that condensation
1623 will form inside the closure. Thus, it is necessary to provide adequate drainage to prevent the
1624 accumulation of water inside the closure. Deployment of free-breathing closures in OSP should be
1625 restricted to aerial and ground-level applications where there is no risk of water immersion or exposure to
1626 chemicals.
1627 7.4.2.4.1 Special testing
1628 Special tests for free-breathing optical fiber splice closures are described in Telcordia document
1629 GR-771-CORE. See table 8.
1630 Table 8 References for free-breathing optical fiber splice closures test methods
Test Test method
Compression at 45 kg (100 lb) GR-771-CORE 5.3.6, 6.3.6
Impact at 68 N-m (50 ft-lb) GR-771-CORE 5.3.7, 6.3.7
Weather-tightness GR-771-CORE 5.4.5., 6.4.5
Water Resistance: Wind-driven rain GR-771-CORE 5.4.6, 6.4.6
Corrosion Resistance: Salt fog GR-771-CORE 5.4.7, 6.4.7
Ultraviolet Resistance GR-771-CORE 5.4.9, 6.4.9
Rodent Resistance GR-771-CORE 5.5.3, 6.5.3
1631
1632 7.4.2.4.2 Sealed aerial closures
1633 The sealed aerial closures are commonly the same closures used for underground applications with the
1634 addition of aerial hanger hardware. The sealed aerial closures shall be designed to provide an air tight
1635 protective enclosure for the storage of fiber and fiber splices.
1636 7.4.2.4.3 Vented aerial closures
1637 Vented aerial closures are designed to provide a weather tight protective enclosure for the storage of
1638 optical fiber and fiber splices. Air vents are provided to permit the free exchange of atmospheric air and to
1639 allow the drainage of any moisture or condensation.
1640 7.4.2.5 Underground closures
1641 Underground closures are designed to provide air tight/water tight protection for fiber and fiber splices.
1642 Sealing is accomplished with mastic materials, gaskets or heat reactive materials. These closures shall
1643 be used in applications where temporary or permanent water submergence may occur. This includes
1644 below ground vaults, maintenance holes, handholes and pedestals located in low ground locations.
1645 7.4.2.6 Direct-buried closures
1646 Direct-buried closures are designed to provide a water tight protective enclosure for the storage of fiber
1647 and fiber splices. These closures typically achieve splice protection by means of a nonmetallic closure
1648 body and a curable encapsulate to allow re-entry. Provisions are made to keep the encapsulant away
1649 from direct contact with the fiber.
1650 Hermetically sealed closures (HSCs) provide all of the features and functions expected of a typical splice
1651 closure in an enclosure that prevents the intrusion of liquid and vapor into the closure interior. This is
1652 accomplished through the use of an environmental sealing system such as rubber gaskets mastics or hot-
1653 melt adhesives. Following installation, an HSC can be pressurized in the field to check the integrity of the
1654 environmental seal. HSCs represent the most robust environmental protection available for optical fiber

52
1655 splice closures. HSCs are generally required for deployment in the buried or underground plant and in
1656 any other deployment scenario where exposure to chemicals or corrosive agents is expected.
1657 HSCs shall be equipped with a fitting capable of accommodating an air valve to permit pressurization of
1658 the closure for the purpose of verifying the integrity of the closure seal.
1659 7.4.2.6.1 Special tests
1660 Special tests for direct-buried optical fiber splice closures are described in Telcordia document
1661 GR-771-CORE. See table 9.
1662 Table 9 References for direct-buried optical fiber splice closures test methods
Test Test method
Compression at 135 kg (300 lb) GR-771-CORE 5.3.6, 6.3.6
Impact at 440 N(100 ft-lb) GR-771-CORE 5.3.7, 6.3.7
Freeze/Thaw GR-771-CORE 5.4.4, 6.4.4
Water Resistance; 6.1 m (20 ft) water head GR-771-CORE 5.4.6, 6.4.6
Corrosion Resistance: Acidified saltwater GR-771-CORE 5.4.7, 6.4.7
1663
1664 7.4.2.7 Shield isolation/grounding closure
1665 Shield isolation/grounding closures are designed to provide an air tight/water tight protective enclosure for
1666 an optical fiber cable sheath opening. The closures function not as splice locations but only as access
1667 points for shield isolation and/or shield grounding.
1668 7.4.2.8 Pedestal optical fiber closure
1669 Pedestal optical fiber closures contain a splice closure that is located inside a ground-level pedestal. Its
1670 primary mechanical strength comes from a pedestal. The pedestal is flood resistant and resistant to wind
1671 driven rain, in which case the splice closure may be free-breathing.
1672 7.4.2.8.1 Special tests
1673 Special tests for pedestal optical fiber splice closures are described in Telcordia document
1674 GR-771-CORE. See table 10.
1675 Table 10 References for pedestal optical fiber closure test methods
Test Test method
Compression at 45 kg (100 lb) GR-771-CORE 5.3.6, 6.3.6
Weather-tightness GR-771-CORE 5.4.5, 6.4.5
Water Resistance: 3 m (10 ft) water head GR-771-CORE 5.4.6, 6.4.6
Corrosion Resistance: salt fog GR-771-CORE 5.4.7, 6.4.7
Ultraviolet Resistance GR-771-CORE 5.4.9, 6.4.9

53
1676 ANNEX A (NORMATIVE) OSP SYMBOLS

1677 This annex is normative and is considered part of this Standard.

1678 A.1 General
1679 The following symbols shall be used in the design of customer-owned OSP. Documentation shall be
1680 accompanied by a legend specifying all symbols used.
1681
1682 Existing cable
1683 Proposed cable
1684 Future cable
X X X X X X X X
1685 To be removed
B
1686 Buried cable
BJ
CEG
1687 Buried in joint trench
1688 (C=CATV, E=Electric, G=Gas)
MH 1 MH 2
1689 Underground duct or cable in duct
BKMA-300 PR
1690 Gauge, type and size
SUBM
1691 Submarine Cable

BKMA-300PR BKMA-200PR
1692 Change in cable size, gauge, count or type

310 m 103 m
BKMA-300PR
1693 Point on cable (other than splice), where a division of
1694 measurement or point of record is required

1695 Existing straight splice

1696 Proposed straight splice

Enc
1697 Encapsulated splice

1698 Cable loop no splice involved

1699 Pairs cut and ends cleared in splice enclosure

1700 Cable cut, ends cleared and capped

1701 Insulating joint

54
 Address
Type

53A4-50P P1345
1-50
Count
1702 Fixed-count terminal

NC 25 A1 P1346
51-75
1703 Fixed-count terminal with cable protection

PM PM

1704 Interface with moisture plug

1705 Case with factory equipped stub

LC
1706 Load coils and case

1707 Repeater station two way

1708 Capacitor (wire diagram)

1709 Optical fiber cable

1710 Multiplexer

1711 Fixed count terminal block spliced to cable

1712 Ready access type connecting block; pairs terminated on a

1713 fixed count basis

1714 Protected fixed count type terminal block spliced

1715 Protected block spliced to cables with pairs terminated on a

1716 ready access type connecting block

1717 Optical fiber cable termination

55
 CMDW-6 PR
1718 One 6-pair Multiple Drop Wire
B 5 B5 PR
1719 Buried wire

1720 Non-protected wire terminal

1721 Protected wire terminal

1722 Ground

MGNV

1723 Ground to multiground neutral vertical

1724 Power multigrounded neutral

TGR

1725 Telecommunications ground rod

PNB

1726 Power neutral bond

Cable Bond
Cable
1727 Bond between separate cable strands

1728 Existing pole

56
 Pole number

P 1375
25' 7 Length and Class
1729 Proposed Pole

(P 1375)
(25' 41) Year originally set
1730 Pole to be removed

Steel

1731 Non-wood pole

1732 Anchor only

1733 Guy only

1734 Anchor and guy

1735 Anchor and insulated guy

1736 Sidewalk anchor and guy

PB
1737 Push Brace

1738 Anchor and guy owned by others

P1388

1739 Underground conduit, manhole and subsidiary conduit to

1740 pole
Type

(3659mm x 1524mm x 1921mm)

12' x 5' x 6'6"
1741 Proposed maintenance hole type, length, width, headroom
1742 and type of frame and cover
175m (574') W-W
12 PVC-40
102mm (4in)
1743 Trench meters of conduit and type of duct
A
PL 70m (230') BKMA 400 PR
1744 Placing stamp

57
 1

1745 Splice and splice number

125

1746 Transferred pairs in splice

58
1747 ANNEX B (NORMATIVE) PHYSICAL LOCATION AND PROTECTION OF BELOW-GROUND CABLE
1748 PLANT

1749 This annex is normative and is considered part of this Standard.

1750 B.1 General
1751 As fiber optic cables have become increasingly common in communications construction, much publicity
1752 has been given to instances of cable cuts resulting in loss of service, and to fixing of responsibility. Much
1753 publicity has also been given to the fact that physically small fiber optic cables can carry enormously
1754 greater numbers of communication circuits than do copper conductor cables of comparable size.
1755 The contracting industry has been alarmed by the difficulty of determining and verifying the presence and
1756 location of fiber optic facilities and the total impact of cable cuts. The communications facility operators
1757 are also concerned about the number of cuts that have been occurring, and they want to reduce service
1758 interruptions.
1759 This annex specifies the depth at which below-ground cables must be placed and separated from other
1760 underground facilities. It covers other protective measures that should be observed to reduce the
1761 probability of damage resulting from work operations in the vicinity of such cables. The annex also
1762 recommends responsibilities and procedures for damage-prevention activities on the part of excavators
1763 and facility owners.
1764 The annex addresses cables that are directly buried, placed in duct, in non navigable waterways, or in
1765 transition from underground to aerial structures. It further specifies the location-marking and physical and
1766 operational protection of such cables.
1767 This annex does not address installation methods or existing cable plant, nor does it cover aerial,
1768 building, and submarine cables, or cables placed in navigable waterways.
1769 B.2 Requirements
1770 Component requirements for duplex and array connector systems, as described in this clause, are
1771 specified in ANSI/TIA-568-C.3.
1772 B.2.1 Cable installation planning
1773 The facility owner is responsible for correct route design and installation of the cable. Cable plant should
1774 be constructed in accordance with plans and specifications prepared under the supervision of a qualified
1775 engineer. The proper design of a cable below-ground route is important, this being the first step in
1776 avoiding damage to that cable by future work operations performed in the area.
1777 The following guidelines are provided to convey additional advice and information and to emphasize that
1778 cable placement should be in accordance with this Annex and recognized industry installation
1779 procedures. They should not be taken as all-inclusive and may not be applicable to all installations.
1780 Plans for the location and installation of below-ground cable should be made using information
1781 obtained from a field survey.
1782 The installation plans should identify the fiber cable facility's route, placing and depth information,
1783 and information sufficient to locate other subsurface structures. Special measures to be taken for
1784 known conflicts and obstructions should be provided, and nearby structures that can assist as
1785 landmarks for route identification and future facility location should be shown and noted.
1786 In recognition of possible right of way congestion, the route design should take into account
1787 interference between the present installation and future subsurface structures.
1788 Once the route is planned, right of way and required permits should be obtained, recognizing
1789 needs for access, work area, equipment enclosures, and future maintenance. Land acquisition
1790 rights and permission should be obtained before installation work begins.

59
1791 When appropriate for the project, the facility owner should conduct a preconstruction meeting with
1792 involved local government agencies, contractors and other utilities to cover construction plans,
1793 schedules, sequence of operations, and other concerns.
1794 The facility owner should conduct inspections as necessary to ensure that the installation is in
1795 accordance with the approved plans.
1796 As built facility location records should be maintained by the facility owner. Location record
1797 information should be available for reference when other parties or government agencies are
1798 planning work in the area to allow them to plan to avoid damage or conflicts with the cable
1799 facilities. As built records cannot be expected to reflect subsequent changes in landscape, public
1800 works, landmarks, or foreign underground structures. Such records cannot be considered as a
1801 substitute for field locating and marking of the fiber cable as required in B.2.10.4.
1802 B.2.2 Location
1803 B.2.2.1 Depth of plant
1804 Buried or conduit plant as described in table 11 shall be installed so that a minimum depth of cover as
1805 shown in the table is obtained. In conditions where this depth is not feasible or permitted, additional
1806 physical protection should be afforded the facility. Deviations from these requirements may lead to
1807 additional risks and must be evaluated on an individual case basis.
1808 Table 11 - Depth of plant
Minimum cover
Facility
mm (in.)
Toll, trunk cable 750 (30)
Feeder, distribution cable 600 (24)
Service/drop lines 450 (18)
Underground conduit (see NOTE) 750 (30)
1809 NOTE Main conduit runs (or routes), with maintenance hole access. For other duct
1810 applications, depth requirements for buried plant shall apply.
1811 B.2.2.2 Joint construction
1812 Depth of cover for power cables is governed by National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) Rule 353D. For
1813 joint facilities, the minimum depth of cover shall be determined either from table 11 above, or table 12,
1814 whichever depth is greater.
1815 Table 12 - Depth of electrical supply cable
Maximum Voltage Phase-to-Phase, Depth of Cover,
Volts mm (in.)
0 to 600 600 (24)
601 to 50,000 750 (30)
50,001 and above 1070 (42)
1816
1817 Additional requirements for random separation of power cables and communications cables at the same
1818 depth with no deliberate separation between them are covered in NESC Rule 354C. Where conduit is
1819 required for short special conditions in buried distribution systems, separate ducts for power and
1820 communications facilities must be provided as covered in NESC Rule 341A6.
1821 B.2.2.3 Separations from foreign structures
1822 The minimum desirable separation between existing foreign structures and communications cables (or
1823 underground conduit containing communications cables) should be as shown in table 13.
1824

60
1825
1826 Table 13 - Minimum separations from foreign structures
Electric-light, power, or other conduits Other foreign services: gas, water, oil, etc.
75 mm (3 in.) of concrete 300 mm (12 in.) from transmission pipelines
100 mm (4 in.) of masonry 150 mm (6 in.) from local distribution pipelines
300 mm (12 in.) of earth
(Unless greater separations are required by state or local regulations)
1827
1828 These clearances are necessary to provide sufficient space for maintenance of foreign structures,
1829 although they may be subject to adjustment to meet particular conditions. Questions that occur regarding
1830 any reduction of these clearances should be discussed with a responsible representative of the owning
1831 company.
1832 B.2.2.4 Permanent markings
1833 Either permanent above-ground markers or underground warning tape, or both, are recommended to
1834 identify the general location of the facility route. These devices, however, cannot be relied upon to
1835 determine the precise location of the underground facility.
1836 Permanent markers should be placed at line-of-sight intervals so that the direction of the route is clearly
1837 indicated. These markers should be visible from the adjoining marker, but separated by no more than 300
1838 m (1000 ft.), if land use permits. Markers are usually placed at right-of-way boundaries, utility or vehicular
1839 crossings, or at other locations dictated by local conditions. These markers should be identified with the
1840 name of the facility owner and one or more telephone contact numbers to obtain the precise facility
1841 location.
1842 Where a warning tape is used, it should be buried at least 300 mm (12 in.) above the cable and should
1843 not deviate more than 450 mm (18 in.) from the outside edge of the facility. Care must be exercised
1844 during its placing to ensure proper final positioning of the tape. The use of warning tape above service or
1845 drop lines on private property is optional.
1846 Warning tapes should have sufficient tensile strength and elongation properties so that when encountered
1847 in excavating they are not easily broken and will stretch significantly before breaking. Extended periods of
1848 burial in soil should not degrade their mechanical characteristics, color, or markings. Tapes with metallic
1849 coatings will generally exhibit less elongation than dielectric tapes. Tapes should be at least 50 mm (2 in.)
1850 wide and colored orange in accordance with the Uniform Color Code of the American Public Works
1851 Association (APWA) Utility Location and Coordination Council (ULCC). The tape should be marked with
1852 warning information identifying the type of facility that is below. Additional information is desirable to show
1853 specific contact information and to identify the facility owner. No quantitative performance characteristics
1854 for tape can be stated, since no industry annex specification for warning tape is known to exist. Warning
1855 tape, when used, should not be relied upon as a primary locating device for the cable.
1856 B.2.2.4.1 Uniform Color Code
1857 An APWA guide that has been accepted as a national convention for the color-coded temporary marking
1858 of subsurface facilities to prevent accidental damage by those excavating nearby. The Uniform Color
1859 Code was developed by the Utility Location and Coordination Council (ULCC) and adopted by the APWA
1860 to both mark and identify subsurface facilities. This color code is also recommended for permanent
1861 above-ground and below-ground markings. The colors assigned and types of facility are specified in table
1862 14.
1863

61
1864 Table 14 - Uniform color code
Color Facility
Red Electric power lines and conduit
Yellow Gas, oil, steam, and petroleum lines
Blue Water, irrigation, and slurry lines
Green Sewer and drain lines
Orange Communication lines, including fiber optic cable
White Proposed excavation
Pink Temporary survey markings
1865
1866 B.2.3 Riser poles
1867 Cables on riser poles should have mechanical protection such as a duct or U guard on the pole extending
1868 from the ground for approximately 2.5 meters (8 feet). This mechanical protection should extend below
1869 ground level via a conduit bend to the specified burial depth of the cable (see table 12). Risers should be
1870 located on the pole in the safest position with respect to possible traffic damage and climbing space. For
1871 added cable protection above the U guard or duct, the fiber cable may be placed in innerduct extending
1872 above the U guard up and onto the supporting aerial strand. From an underground conduit, this innerduct
1873 may be run from the maintenance hole, through the subsidiary duct and U guard onto the supporting
1874 aerial strand.
1875 B.2.4 Building entrances
1876 Buried fiber cable may enter a building at the same depth as the facility (see table 12) through the
1877 building wall via a duct. Entrance to a building may also be made above ground. The exposed fiber cable
1878 should be secured to the building and mechanically protected with conduit, innerduct, or U guard.
1879 B.2.5 Underwater cable crossings
1880 The Army Corps of Engineers regulates activities involving interstate waters and associated marshes and
1881 tributaries; intrastate waters, which could affect interstate or foreign commerce; and the territorial seas for
1882 a seaward distance of 5 km (3 mi.). The Corps is responsible for work up to the headwaters of freshwater
1883 streams, wetlands, swamps, and lakes.
1884 The Corps' Regional District Engineer will advise applicants as to the types of permits required for
1885 proposed work. Any of the Corps' District Engineers, located in many major cities of the country, will
1886 advise and inform applicants of the requirements to obtain permits for activities in waters under their
1887 jurisdiction. A pamphlet titled Regulatory Program Applicant Information is available and provides
1888 permit information. The address for the Headquarters of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is:
1889 Headquarters, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - CECW-OR
1890 20 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.
1891 Washington, D.C. 20314-1000
1892 202-761-0660
1893 In addition, even where a Corps permit is required, an environmental review and permit from a state or
1894 local agency, or both, may also be required. The state and local agencies should be contacted to ensure
1895 compliance with environmental review statutes and regulations. Permission or easements from property
1896 owners may also be required.
1897 B.2.6 Railroad crossings
1898 A railroad must be notified of a planned cable crossing their railroad tracks or property. The facility owner
1899 is responsible for the engineering and construction of the railroad crossing, including preparing a
1900 subsurface profile of the construction site. The chief engineer of the railroad should be consulted to
1901 determine the approved methods of crossing the railroad.
1902 For assistance in preparing the design details and plans of underground crossings and railroad bridge
1903 crossings, which must be approved by the railroad, reference may be made to Recommended Practices

62
1904 for Communication Lines Crossing the Tracks of Railroads, Part 1 B 1, of the Association of American
1905 Railroads. The Association's address is:
1906 Association of American Railroads
1907 425 Third Street
1908 SW Suite 1000
1909 Washington, DC 20024
1910 Tel. (202) 639 2100
1911 www.aar.org
1912 Where additional details for the encasing of conduit are needed, contact the American Railway
1913 Engineering Association (AREMA) at the above address, telephone (202) 639 2100. The AREMA Manual
1914 for Railroad Engineering, chapter 1, part 5, covers steel pipe encasement specifications.
1915 Work must be done at a time when it will not interfere with proper and safe use or operation of the
1916 property and tracks of the railroad company. Arrangements have to be made with the duly authorized
1917 representative of the railroad company for the date and time to begin work.
1918 B.2.7 Bridge crossings
1919 The diversity of bridge designs and structures makes it impractical to prescribe installation standards for
1920 cable bridge crossings. Conduit is normally used to provide the structure and mechanical protection for
1921 these cable crossings.
1922 Each bridge crossing must be individually designed to conform to local conditions and constraints
1923 imposed at the bridge site. The design of the conduit assembly and associated support structure, or cable
1924 attachment, should be consistent with pertinent local regulations controlling bridge construction. Where
1925 no guidelines exist for structural design, reference should be made to Annex Specifications for Highway
1926 Bridges, published by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).
1927 The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) address is:
1928 AASHTO
1929 444 N. Capital St., NW
1930 Suite 225
1931 Washington, D.C. 20001
1932 Tel. (202) 624 5800
1933 The design of bridge cable crossings must be compatible with the cable approach, must ensure that the
1934 cable is not subject to damage by normal bridge use, and must maintain the required clearances over
1935 railroads or other traveled ways crossed. Separation of the fiber cable from other utilities on the bridge
1936 should be in accordance with the provisions of the National Electrical Safety Code or other appropriate
1937 regulations.
1938 Attachment should not be made to the bridge until approval is secured from the proper authority.
1939 B.2.8 Tunnel installations
1940 Each tunnel will have its own unique environmental and administrative requirements. To ensure
1941 continued use of the tunnel for a cable facility, written permission and agreement should be obtained from
1942 the tunnel regulatory authority, or owner(s). Such permit agreements should cover installation methods as
1943 well as administrative and operating rules for this occupancy and accommodation. Each situation must be
1944 evaluated in accordance with the tunnel's basic use, environment, and presence of other utilities to
1945 minimize the possibility of damage to the cable.
1946 Installation standards for tunnels cannot be limited to mechanical and structural aspects alone. In the
1947 National Electrical Safety Code, Section 39, requirements are listed for environmental factors that should
1948 be observed and other applicable requirements contained in Part 3 of the Code. Also, suitable corrosion
1949 resistant markers or cable tags showing appropriate facility owner operator information should be placed
1950 to facilitate visual identification of the fiber cable.

63
1951 B.2.9 Highway accommodations
1952 All states, and many political subdivisions, have statutes or regulations that permit and define the use and
1953 occupancy of public highways and streets. Franchise agreements may also specify the legal rights
1954 covering the placement of utility facilities in highway right of way.
1955 A basic reference for highway utility use is A Guide for Accommodating Utilities Within Highway Right of
1956 Way, issued by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). It
1957 may be referred to and used to the extent that it is consistent with state and local laws and policies for
1958 accommodating utility facilities in highway right of way.
1959 The guidelines for placement of cables in highway rights of way are to be interpreted to the extent that
1960 they are consistent under the responsible highway authority's rules, codes, and regulations.
1961 Highway design and type, soil conditions, traffic levels and patterns, and zoned land use restrictions will
1962 affect the ultimate cable installation accommodations along specific highway rights of way.
1963 For interstate highway right of way (IHROW) accommodation, the Federal Highway Administration
1964 (FHWA) authorizes state highway agencies to approve individual requests for the installation of
1965 designated facilities in the IHROW. Each state's policies and procedures for authorization of IHROW
1966 utility accommodation must be approved by the FHWA. A state has the latitude to permit, or not permit,
1967 certain classes of facility in the IHROW.
1968 B.2.10 Excavating responsibilities and procedures
1969 B.2.10.1 Damage prevention laws
1970 Most states have damage prevention laws that address the responsibilities of excavators and facility
1971 owners. These laws are intended to ensure safe work operations and reduce the possibility of damage to
1972 existing subsurface facilities.
1973 B.2.10.1.1 Regulations
1974 The state damage prevention laws now vary as to facilities or services covered, time for advanced
1975 notification to facility owners before actual excavation starts, size of tolerance zone, specifying use of the
1976 Utility Location and Coordination Council (ULCC) uniform color code for temporary facility location
1977 marking, facility owner registration at a local government office and/or required participation in a one call
1978 bureau, and specifying a penalty clause for not following the regulations. Reference should be made to
1979 the specific state law in effect. In addition, the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration
1980 (OSHA) under the Code of Federal Regulations, title 29, chapter XVII in subpart P, Excavations, section
1981 1926.651, states that The estimated location of utility installations, such as sewer, telephone, fuel,
1982 electric, water lines, or any other underground installations that reasonably may be expected to be
1983 encountered during excavation work, shall be determined prior to opening an excavation. The regulation
1984 also states that utilities shall be advised of proposed work before the start of an actual excavation. No
1985 details or procedures are specified for doing these functions required under OSHA regulations for
1986 prevention of accidental underground facility damage.
1987 Local government regulations may require compliance with local procedures in addition to state
1988 regulations. For example, some cities require an excavator to show the one call bureau's serial number,
1989 received by the excavator when the call is made to the bureau, in order to obtain any associated highway
1990 permit.
1991 Facility owners and excavators should be knowledgeable about the specific laws and regulations
1992 governing damage prevention methods and procedures for their operating areas. If both parties follow not
1993 only the letter but the intent of such laws, it will minimize accidental damage to subsurface cable facilities
1994 and thereby reduce liability exposure of the excavators, and service interruptions.
1995 B.2.10.1.2 Call before you dig responsibilities
1996 Both parties, excavators and facility owners, bear responsibility for the successful operation of the call
1997 before you dig damage prevention program. This requires that each underground facility owner should
1998 belong to the one call bureau(s) that cover their operating area(s), and that each excavator should
1999 contact the one call bureau before excavation begins.

64
2000 B.2.10.1.3 One Call Bureau
2001 An organization established by two or more agencies or companies to provide one telephone number for
2002 excavators, utilities, public agencies, and private citizens to call to notify facility owners of their intent to
2003 excavate. Calling the one call bureau is intended to be the means of notifying all participating facility
2004 owners to locate and mark their facilities in the vicinity of the proposed work to prevent facility damage by
2005 the excavator.
2006 A one call bureau may serve an entire state. Some states have several one call bureaus covering specific
2007 areas. The Common Ground Alliance (CGA) publishes an annual directory that gives the names,
2008 addresses, and telephone numbers of all one call bureaus. A copy of this directory may be obtained by
2009 contacting:
2010 Common Ground Alliance
2011 1421 Prince Street
2012 Alexandria, VA 22314
2013 Telephone: 703-836-1709
2014 Facsimile: 309-407--2244
2015 Excavators and owners may also obtain further information concerning programs and publications from
2016 the CGA headquarters.
2017 B.2.10.2 Other information sources
2018 Listed below are various information sources available to an excavator, in addition to one call bureaus, to
2019 determine the facility owners to be notified before excavation begins at a site.
2020 B.2.10.2.1 Central Registries
2021 Where state laws or local regulations do not require facility owners to join a one call bureau, or in the few
2022 areas not served by a one call bureau, the excavator must check central registries (county or township
2023 record centers) to identify all facility owners and notify them before excavation work is started. State
2024 damage prevention laws generally cover central registration.
2025 B.2.10.2.2 Other records and references
2026 In states where there is no damage prevention statute, other government records and references must be
2027 used to identify facility owners so that they can be notified before excavation work begins. Utility operating
2028 franchise areas may be obtained from the state regulatory commission, state corporation commission, or
2029 attorney general's office, or directly from the utility. Local political subdivision tax records and public works
2030 department plat records may be referred to for other classes of facility owners, such as private
2031 corporations, government networks, etc.
2032 B.2.10.3 Recommended procedures for excavators
2033 To avoid accidental damage to existing subsurface cable as well as to other facilities, it is recommended
2034 that excavators follow these procedures. All of the following steps may or may not be specified in a state's
2035 damage prevention law, but it is recommended that they be followed by the excavator to decrease the
2036 likelihood of damage to facilities.
2037 B.2.10.3.1 Notification of facility owners
2038 The excavator should notify all possibly affected facility owners of details of the excavation site start date;
2039 the work to be performed; and the excavator's name, address, and telephone number. The use of the one
2040 number call bureau is the preferred method for the possibly affected facility owners to receive notices.
2041 Where a one call bureau does not exist, other sources to determine facility owners to notify are needed
2042 (see B.2.10.2.2). Such notification should be done within the required number of working days, per the
2043 state damage prevention law, before the start of excavation site work. If there is no specified excavator
2044 notification lead time, a minimum of two, or a maximum of ten working days notice should be provided
2045 before the excavation site start date. Under emergency or hazardous conditions, the excavator may
2046 proceed without prior facility owner(s) notification, using extreme caution to prevent facility damage, and
2047 should notify them as soon as possible.

65
2048 B.2.10.3.2 Excavation marking
2049 Where feasible, the excavator should mark or indicate the area or direction of the proposed excavation,
2050 using a color that will not conflict with the ULCC's uniform color code. White is recommended. This will
2051 guide the facility owner(s) to locate and mark their facility at the proper excavation location. The facility
2052 markings should also indicate the name, initials, or logo of the excavator.
2053 B.2.10.3.3 Commencement of work
2054 The excavator may proceed with the excavation on the stated start date only after all existing facility
2055 locations have been marked, or the excavator has been notified by the owners that no facility is located at
2056 the excavation site, or if a facility owner has not responded within the time allowed.
2057 B.2.10.3.4 Protection of marking
2058 The temporary facility marking or staking (or both) placed by the owner to locate the facility should be
2059 protected and preserved by the excavator after excavating begins, until these markings are no longer
2060 required for safe excavation near the below-ground facility. Where such markings cannot be reasonably
2061 maintained due to circumstances beyond the excavator's control, the facility owner should be contacted
2062 for assistance or re-marking.
2063 B.2.10.3.5 Use of nondestructive excavation methods
2064 The excavator should use hand or nondestructive tools within the tolerance or safety zone to expose the
2065 facility. The width of this zone, if not specified by the state damage prevention law, should be 450 mm (18
2066 in.) from the edges of the facility per the owner's marking (see figures 1 and 2). If the facility cannot be
2067 located within the tolerance zone, the owner should be notified.
2068 B.2.10.3.6 Backfilling
2069 The excavator, when backfilling, should avoid damage to the facility from equipment, rocks, rubble, other
2070 heavy or sharp objects, heavy loads, or excessive force.
2071 B.2.10.3.7 Damaged facilities
2072 The excavator should immediately report discovery of a damaged facility, or if it is otherwise at risk of
2073 failure, to the owner.
2074 B.2.10.3.8 Unknown or unmarked facilities
2075 The excavator should report discovery of an unknown or unmarked facility. If the owner cannot be
2076 determined, notify the one call bureau or the facility owners listed on a central registry list.
2077 B.2.10.3.9 Codes and regulations
2078 Excavators should comply with all other applicable OSHA, state, and local codes and regulations, and
2079 accepted industry practices.
2080 B.2.10.4 Recommended procedures for facility owners
2081 The following are the facility owners' responsibilities that are recommended to minimize the likelihood of
2082 accidental damage to subsurface fiber cable facilities. Even though the following steps may not be
2083 specified in damage prevention laws and regulations, it is recommended that they be followed by the
2084 facility owner to decrease the likelihood of damage to facilities.
2085 B.2.10.4.1 Central registries
2086 The facility owner, when required by state law or regulations, should register with the central registry of
2087 the city, town, or county. In addition, whether or not required by law to register, each facility owner should
2088 become a member of the one call bureau(s) covering the area(s) of the owner's operation.
2089

66
2090 B.2.10.4.2 Marking of facilities
2091 When notification of excavation is made as stated in B.2.10.3.1, owners should complete marking of the
2092 facility location within two working days of notification, or by a mutually agreed-upon date. If not otherwise
2093 specified by state law or other regulations, all facilities within 3 meters (10 feet) of the excavation site
2094 should be located and marked. The owner should notify the excavator when no facility will be affected by
2095 the excavation.
2096 B.2.10.4.3 Marking of owners facilities
2097 Facility owners should clearly ground-mark their facility's location and route if the facility is within 3 meters
2098 (10 feet) of the excavation site. The ULCC Uniform Color Code temporary marking color should be used
2099 to mark the centerline of the facility. Markings should include the name, initials, or logo of the owner, and
2100 the width of the facility where that width is greater than 50 mm (2 in.). (Orange is the ULCC-specified
2101 marking color for all communication facilities, which includes fiber optic cable.) The facility location
2102 markings should be made above and in line with the facility, not placed at an angle over the facility, to
2103 allow for correct determination of the tolerance zone. Stakes, where used to supplement surface
2104 markings, should be clearly identified with the ULCC Uniform Color Code orange on at least the top 150
2105 mm (6 in.) of the stake. (See figures 14 and 15). The owner should notify the excavator when marking is
2106 complete.
2107 B.2.10.4.4 Marking exceptions
2108 The owner should notify the excavator if the facility cannot be marked before the excavation start date.
2109 The owner should arrange with the excavator for a prompt new marking completion date or schedule, as
2110 may be specified by state law. If requested by the excavator, the owner may assign an on site
2111 representative to provide facility locating services until normal facility marking has been completed.
2112 B.2.10.4.5 Offset staking and marking
2113 Where conditions exist that will not allow centerline facility marking, offset staking and marking should be
2114 used. This marking will clearly indicate distance and direction of the facility from the offset stakes.
2115 B.2.10.4.6 Special situations
2116 Where marking or staking cannot be used or is insufficient, the operator should designate the facility
2117 location during an on site meeting with the excavator. The facility should be exposed sufficiently to verify
2118 its location and direction, or its location should be determined by other means that are mutually
2119 agreeable.
2120 B.2.10.4.7 Call for assistance
2121 The facility owner should respond promptly to an excavator's call for assistance in facility locating, review
2122 of markings, identification of an unknown facility, damage, or other emergency request.
2123 B.2.10.4.8 Marking materials
2124 Selection of the materials and methods used to apply the ULCC Uniform Color Code temporary markings
2125 should be such that the markings will remain in place until no longer required by the excavator. The
2126 facility owner should respond promptly when notified by the excavator that a facility's markings have not
2127 been preserved.
2128 B.2.11 Damage restoration
2129 Facility owners should be prepared to restore cable damage. The way to meet a service emergency is to
2130 prepare in advance for handling it. Each damage case presents different situations, circumstances, and
2131 conditions that should be handled and coordinated for rapid service restoration.
2132 No listing can be expected to cover the specific handling of all types of damage cases. The owner should
2133 establish overall procedures and routines with appropriate practices for each operation essential to the
2134 restoration work.
2135

67
2136 The generic items and procedures for restoration work include:
2137 Spare-cable requirements for restoration and repair work lengths, type, quality, inventory, and
2138 availability, based on network layouts and design
2139 Network records, maps, installed-facility measurement data, requirements, and availability
2140 needed for rapid and effective restoration of service
2141 Splicing restoration kits tools, materials, test-set availability and inventory
2142 Trained facility personnel
2143 Restoration site procedures based on temporary or permanent restoration requirements:
2144 a) for temporary restoration, protect the site until permanent restoration is made
2145 b) make facility test measurements of both temporary and permanent restoration
2146 c) request assistance of excavator if required.
2147 Complete
FIBER CABLE MARKING
reports and documentation. AND TOLERANCE ZONE
2148 For Facility Less Than 50 mm (2 in) Wide

NAME, INITIALS OR
LOGO, FACILITY
OWNER/OPERATOR
CL
STAKE or FLAG
GT

TOLERANCE ZONE
450 mm + 450 mm = 900 mm
450 mm 450 mm
* *
(18 in ) (18 in )

* = Refer to local code, as

tolerance zone distance
may be specified under
Damage Prevention Law
FIBER CABLE = ULCC Color Code Orange

C
L
2149
2150 Figure 14 Fiber cable marking and tolerance zone, facility less than 50 mm (2 in.) wide

68
 FIBER CABLE MARKING AND TOLERANCE ZONE
For Facility Over 50 mm (2 in) Wide
NAME, INITIALS OR
LOGO, FACILITY
OWNER/OPERATOR

CL
FLAG or STAKE
GT
600 FACILITY WIDTH

TOLERANCE ZONE
450 mm + 600 mm + 450 mm = 1.5 m
450 mm 450 mm
* *
(18 in ) (18 in )

* = Refer to local code, as

tolerance zone distance
FIBER CABLE may be specified under
IN DUCT BANK Damage Prevention Law
= ULCC Color Code Orange
600 mm
(24 in )
2151
2152 Figure 15 Fiber cable marking and tolerance zone, facility over 50 mm (2 in.) wide
2153 B.3 As-built facility location record
2154 This record contains physical location information and details needed to assist in locating the fiber optic
2155 cable. Details should also include the location of abrupt deviations taken from the cable's normal planned
2156 route and placing depth. Such deviations, caused by foreign underground structures or geological
2157 obstructions, whether planned in advance or uncovered during the cable installation should be recorded
2158 when:
2159 horizontal deviations made from the facility's route extend beyond the tolerance zone specified in
2160 the applicable damage prevention law or, where none is specified, by an equivalent 450-mm (18-
2161 in.) tolerance zone from either side of the facility (see figures 18 and 19).
2162 any vertical deviation that results in a depth less than the design minimum, or a depth exceeding
2163 the design minimum by 300 mm (12 in.) or more.
2164 The measurements giving the location and extent of such deviations should be noted either when the
2165 route is planned, or reported at the time the obstruction is discovered during installation of the facility

69
ANNEX C (INFORMATIVE) BIBLIOGRAPHY

This annex is informative only and is not part of the Standard.

This annex contains information on the documents that are related to this document. Many of the
documents are in print and are distributed and maintained by national or international standards
organizations. These documents can be obtained through contact with the associated standards body or
designated representatives. The applicable electrical code in the United States is the National Electrical
Code.
ANSI/TIA-455, Test Procedures for Fiber Optic Fibers, Cables and Transistors
ANSI/TIA-472CAAA, Detail Specification for All Dielectric (Construction 1) Fiber Optic
Communications Cable for Indoor Plenum Use, Containing Class Ia, 62.5 mm Core
Diameter/125 mm Cladding Diameter Optical Fiber(s)
ANSI/TIA-472DAAA, Detail Specification for All Dielectric Fiber Optic Communications Cable
for Outside Plant Use Containing Class Ia, 62.5 mm Core Diameter125 mm Cladding
Diameter/250 mm Coating Diameter Optical Fiber(s)
ANSI/TIA-492AAAA, Detail Specification for 62.5 m Core Diameter/125 m Cladding Diameter
Class Ia Multimode, Graded-Index Optical Waveguide Fibers
ANSI/TIA-492BAAA, Detail Specification for Class IVa Dispersion-Unshifted Single-mode
Optical Waveguide Fibers Used in Communication Systems
ANSI/TIA-526-7, Optical Power Loss Measurements of Installed Single-mode Fiber Cable
Plant
ANSI/TIA-526-14, Optical Power Loss Measurements of Installed Multimode Fiber Cable
Plant
ANSI/TIA-598, Color Coding of Optical Fiber Cables
ANSI/TIA-604-3, FOCIS 3 Fiber Optic Connector Intermateability Standard
ANSI/TIA-604-2, Focus to FOCIS, Fiber Optic Connector Intermateability Standard
ANSI/IEEE C 62.11, Metal Oxide Surge Arrestors for AC Power Circuits
ANSI X3.166-1990, ANSI Standard for Token Ring FDDI Physical Layer Medium Dependent
(PMD)
ASTM B539-90, Measuring Contact Resistance of Electrical Connections (Static Contacts)
EIA-492A000, Sectional Specification for Class Ia Multimode, Graded-Index Optical
Waveguide Fibers
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Washington D.C., "The Code of Federal
Regulations, FCC 47 CFR 68 (1982 issue or latest revision)
FOTP-203 (TIA-455-203), Launched Power Distribution Measurement Procedure for Graded
Index Multimode Fiber Transmitters
FOTP-204 (TIA-455-204), Measurement of Bandwidth on Multimode Fiber
IEEE 802.3-1990 (also known as ANSI/IEEE Std 802.3-1990 or ISO 8802-3: 1990 (E),
Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) Access Method and
Physical Layer Specifications
IEEE 802.4, Standard for Local Area Network Token Passing Bus Access Method, Physical
Layer Specification

70
 IEEE 802.5-1992 (also known as ANSI/IEEE Std 802.5-1992), Token Ring Access Method
and Physical Layer Specifications
IEEE 802.7, (also known as) Recommended Practices for Broadband Local Area Networks
NEMA-250-1985, Enclosures for Electrical Equipment (1000 Volts Maximum)
Society of Cable telecommunications Engineers, Inc., Document #IPS-SP-001, Flexible RF
Coaxial Dropcable Specification
TIA-492AAAC, Detail specification for 850-nm laser-optimized, 50-m core diameter/125-m
cladding diameter class 1a graded-index multimode optical fibers

71
The organizations listed below can be contacted to obtain reference information.
ANSI
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)11 W 42 St.
New York, NY 10032
USA
(212) 642-4900
ASTM
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
100 Barr Harbor Drive
West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959
USA
(610) 832-9500
BICSI
BICSI
8610 Hidden River Parkway
Tampa, FL 33637-1000
USA
(800) 242-7405
CSA
Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
178 Rexdale Blvd.
Etobicoke, (Toronto), Ontario
Canada M9W 1R3
(416) 747-4363
EIA
Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA)
2500 Wilson Blvd., Suite 400
Arlington, VA 22201-3836
USA
(703) 907-7500
FCC
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Washington, DC 20554
USA
(301) 725-1585
Federal and Military Specifications
US Department of Commerce

72
 National Technical Information Service (NTIS)
5285 Port Royal Road
Springfield, VA 22161
USA
ICEA
Insulated Cable Engineers Association, Inc. (ICEA)
P.O. Box 1568
Carrollton, GA 30112
USA
(770)830-0369
IEC
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
Sales Department
PO Box 131
3 rue de Varembe
1211 Geneva 20
Switzerland
+41 22 34 01 50
IEEE
The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, Inc (IEEE)
IEEE Service Center
445 Hoes Ln., PO Box 1331
Piscataway, NJ 08855-1331
USA
(732) 981-0060
IPC
The Institute for Interconnecting and Packaging Electronic Circuits
3451 Church Street
Evanston, IL 60203
USA
ISO
International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
1, Rue de Varembe
Case Postale 56
CH-1211 Geneva 20
Switzerland
+41 22 34 12 40

73
NOTE: Also obtainable from ANSI
NEMA
National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)
1300 N. 17th Street, Suite 1847
Rosslyn, VA 22209
USA
(703) 841-3200
NFPA
National Fire Protection Association
Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02269
USA
(617) 770-3000
SCTE
Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers
140 Philips Rd.
Exton, PA 19341-1318
USA
(800) 542-5040
TIA
Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA)
2500 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300
Arlington, VA 22201-3836
USA
(703) 907-7700
Telcordia
One Telcordia Drive
Piscataway, NJ 08854-4157
USA
(732) 699-2000
UL
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL)
333 Pfingsten Road
Northbrook, IL 60062
USA
(312) 272-8800

74
THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION
TIA represents the global information and communications technology (ICT)
industry through standards development, advocacy, tradeshows, business
opportunities, market intelligence and world-wide environmental
regulatory analysis. Since 1924, TIA has been enhancing the
business environment for broadband, wireless, information
technology, cable, satellite, and unified communications.

TIA members products and services empower communications

in every industry and market, including healthcare, education,
security, public safety, transportation, government, the utilities.
TIA is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).