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SECTION 16710:

GUIDELINE SPECIFICATION FOR

COMMUNICATION CIRCUIT

31/01/06

REV

DATE

I Issued for Use

KINGDOM
OFSAUDIARABIA
RoyalCommission
forJubaU&Yanbu

DESCRIPTION

PREPARED BY

RC APPROVED

~f!J1461oo11
cw.4~~1ii4fJ1

4:J~~1

SECTION 16710
COMMUNICATION CIRCUIT

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Item No

Title

PART 1

GENERAL............................................................................................................ 1

1.01

DESCRIPTION OF WORK .................................................................................. 1

1.02

SECTION INCLUDES .......................................................................................... 1

1.03

RELATED SECTIONS ......................................................................................... 1

1.04

REFERENCES..................................................................................................... 1

1.05

DEFINITIONS....................................................................................................... 3

1.06

SUBMITTALS....................................................................................................... 4

1.07

QUALITY CONTROL ........................................................................................... 5

1.08

HEALTH AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS...................................................... 5

1.09

SERVICE CONDITIONS...................................................................................... 5

1.10

FACTORY TESTING ........................................................................................... 6

1.11

COORDINATION ................................................................................................. 7

1.12

DELIVERY, HANDLING AND STORAGE ........................................................... 7

PART 2

PRODUCTS ......................................................................................................... 8

2.01

GENERAL ............................................................................................................ 8

2.02

EXTERIOR CONDUCTOR CABLES ................................................................... 8

2.03

INTERIOR CONDUCTOR CABLES .................................................................. 13

2.04

FIBER OPTIC CABLES ..................................................................................... 16

2.05

HYBRID POWER AND COMMUNICATION CABLES....................................... 21

2.06

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY PROTECTOR REQUIREMENTS .................... 21

PART 3

EXECUTION ...................................................................................................... 22

3.01

GENERAL .......................................................................................................... 22

3.02

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS .................................................................................. 22

Rev 0

Page No

Contract No:

SECTION 16710
COMMUNICATION CIRCUIT

TABLE OF CONTENTS (Contd.)

Item No

Title

Page No

3.03

SETTING UP...................................................................................................... 23

3.04

INSTALLATION OF FIBER OPTIC CABLES..................................................... 25

3.05

GROUNDING ..................................................................................................... 29

3.06

TESTING AND COMMISSIONING .................................................................... 29

Rev 0

ii

Contract No:

SECTION 16710
COMMUNICATION CIRCUIT

PART 1

GENERAL

1.01 DESCRIPTION OF WORK

A.

This Section specifies the manufacture, testing and installation of underground

communication cables and in building cables used primarily for voice frequency
transmission. This Section includes conductor cables and fiber optic cables.

B.

Where works interface with Saudi Telecommunication Company (STC), the

equipment/materials and installation shall comply with STC standards latest revision,
and shall be reviewed and approved by the STC.

1.02 SECTION INCLUDES

A.

This Section includes exterior and interior conductor cables for communication, fiber
optic cables, hybrid power and communication cables and primary and secondary
protector requirements.

1.03 RELATED SECTIONS

A.

Section 01320

Construction Progress Documentation

B.

Section 01330

Submittal Procedures

C.

Section 01410

Regulatory Requirements

D.

Section 01450

Quality Control

E.

Section 01650

Product Delivery Requirements

F.

Section 01660

Product Storage and Handling Requirements

G.

Section 01810

Commissioning

H.

Section 16060

Grounding and Bonding

I.

Section 16720

Telephone and Intercommunication Equipment

J.

Section 16726

Installation of Telecommunication Facilities

K.

Section 16740

Communication and Data Processing Equipment

L.

Section 16820

Sound Reinforcement

1.04 REFERENCES
A.

Rev 0

The referred codes and standards are intended to provide an acceptable level of
quality for materials and products. In case of conflict between these standards and
the text of this Specification, the Specification text shall govern.

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Contract No:

SECTION 16710
COMMUNICATION CIRCUIT

B.

The latest revision of the referred codes and standards shall be used wherever
applicable. In case of conflict, the Contractor shall propose equipment conforming to
one group of codes and standards.

C.

STC

D.

Rev 0

Saudi Telecommunication Company Specifications

1.

STC 9730-500.100

Fiber Optic Cable, Underground Placing Procedures

2.

STC 9730-501.150

Fiber Optic Cable, Description and Preparation for

Jointing

ASTM

American Society for Test and Materials

1.

ASTM B3

Standard Specification for Soft or Annealed Copper

Wire

2.

ASTM D93

Standard Test Methods for Flash-Point by PenskyMartens Closed Cup Tester-IP Designation

3.

ASTM D150

Standard Test Methods for AC Loss Characteristics

and Permittivity (Dielectric Constant) of Solid
Electrical Insulation

4.

ASTM D257

Standard Test Methods for DC Resistance or

Conductance of Insulating Materials

5.

ASTM D412

Standard Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and

Thermoplastic Elastomers -Tension

6.

ASTM D470

Standard Test Methods for Crosslinked Insulations

and Jackets for Wire and Cable

7.

ASTM D573

Standard Test Method for Rubber-Deterioration in an

Air Oven

8.

ASTM D618

Standard Practice for Conditioning Plastics for

Testing

9.

ASTM D746

Standard Test Method for Brittleness Temperature of

Plastics and Elastomers by Impact

10.

ASTM D924

Standard Test Method for Dissipation Factor (or

Power Factor) and Relative Permittivity (Dielectric
Constant) of Electrical Insulating Liquids

11.

ASTM D1047

Standard Specification for

Jacket for Wire and Cable

12.

ASTM D1169

Standard Test Method for Specific Resistance

(Resistivity) of Electrical Insulation Liquids

13.

ASTM D1203

Standard Test Methods for Volatile Loss From

Plastics Using Activated Carbon Methods

2 of 29

Poly(Vinyl

Chloride)

Contract No:

SECTION 16710
COMMUNICATION CIRCUIT

E.

14.

ASTM D1248

Standard Specification for Polyethylene Plastics

Extrusion Materials For Wire and Cable

15.

ASTM D1535

Standard Practice for Specifying Color by Munsell

System

16.

ASTM D1603

Standard Test Method for Carbon Black In Olefin

Plastics

17.

ASTM D1693

Standard Test Method for Environmental StressCracking of Ethylene Plastics

18.

ASTM D1784

Standard Specification for Rigid Poly(Vinyl Chloride)

(PVC) Compounds and Chlorinated Poly(Vinyl
Chloride) (CPVC) Compounds

19.

ASTM D2219

Standard Specification for Poly(Vinyl Chloride)

Insulation for Wire and Cable, 60C Operation

20.

ASTM D2240

Standard Test Method

Durometer Hardness

TIA/EIA
1.

F.

1.
G.

H.

I.

IEC 60708

ISO 527

Low-Frequency Cables with Polyolefin Insulation and

Moisture Barrier Polyolefin Sheath

Plastic-Determination of Tensile Properties

National Fire Protection Association

NFPA 70

RUS
1.

Standard Test Procedure for Fiber Optic Fibers,

Cables, Transducers, Sensors, Connecting and
Terminating Devices, and Other Fiber Optic
Components

International Standard Organization

NFPA
1.

Property-

International Electrotechnical Commission

ISO
1.

Rubber

Telecommunication Industry Association/Electronic Industries

Association

TIA/EIA-455-B

IEC

for

National Electric Code

Rural Utility Services

RUS PE-90

Specification for Totally Filled Fiber Optic Cable

1.05 DEFINITIONS
A.

Rev 0

attenuation: A measure of the decrease in energy transmission or loss of light

expressed in decibel (dB). In optical fibers, attenuation is primarily due to absorption
and scattering losses.

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SECTION 16710
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B.

coating: A layer of composite plastic material covering the fiber to provide

mechanical protection.

C.

multimode fiber (MMF): A fiber that allows more than one optical mode to
propagate. Used for shorter distances; usually a larger diameter fiber of plastic or
other low-cost material.

D.

operating wavelength: The light wavelength at which a system is specified,

normally expressed in nanometers (nm). Most single mode fibers can operate at
1300 or 1550 nm.

E.

optical link loss budget:

optical fiber system.

F.

single mode fiber (SMF): A fiber that supports the propagation of only one mode.
Used for maximum distances; usually a small, precise diameter (8 to 9 microns) fiber
of monolithic quartz.

G.

splice loss: The amount of loss of light energy caused by angular misalignment,
fiber end separation or lateral displacement of fiber axes.

H.

wave division multiplexing (WDM): Multiplexing of signals by transmitting them at

different wavelengths through the same fiber.

Total losses allowed for satisfactory operation of an

1.06 SUBMITTALS
A.

B.

Rev 0

The Contractor shall submit to the Royal Commission, under the provision of
SECTION 01330, the following items for review and approval before commencing
Work:
1.

Detailed dimensioned Shop Drawings.

2.

Manufacturers data sheets indicating the necessary installation dimensions,

weights and materials.

3.

Factory test reports.

4.

Certificate of compliance stating that the materials used conform to all

requirements of this Specifications.

5.

A list of manufacturers of all items indicated for under this Specification.

6.

Copies of catalogs of all equipment to be furnished.

7.

Manufacturers suggested list of 2 years spare parts.

8.

Operation and Maintenance Manuals.

9.

Quality program as specified in SECTION 01450.

After installation and commissioning of the equipment, the Contractor shall submit
the following:

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Contract No:

SECTION 16710
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1.

As-built drawings of complete system.

2.

All test results and commissioning reports to show all tests specified have
been performed and all requirements have been met.

3.

Field test report.

1.07 QUALITY CONTROL

A.

The Contractor shall be responsible for the quality of work and shall develop and
proposed the methods of construction and testing such as to achieve the specified
quality to the approval of the Royal Commission in accordance with
SECTION 01450.

1.08 HEALTH AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

A.

All works undertaken in relation to this Specification are to be completed in full

accordance with the respective health and safety requirements established by the
following:
1.

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

a)

2.

Royal Commission Regulations

a)

3.

Standards, Contractual Conditions, and Health and Safety Systems.

Contractor
a)

B.

Legislation, Regulation, Standards and Codes.

Health and Safety Standards and Systems as accepted by the Royal

Commission.

In the absence of any of the above, best accepted industry practice shall be
employed throughout.

1.09 SERVICE CONDITIONS

A.

All the equipment/materials installed indoor shall be suitable for continuous operation
under the following service conditions:
1.

Rev 0

Ambient Air Temperature

a)

A maximum of 40C.

b)

A minimum of 0C.

c)

Average temperature, measured over a period of 1 month, is a

maximum of 35C.

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SECTION 16710
COMMUNICATION CIRCUIT

2.

B.

a)

For a period of 24 hours, does not exceed 95%.

b)

For a period of 1 month, does not exceed 90%.

All the equipment/materials installed outdoor shall be suitable for continuous

operation under the following service conditions:
1.

C.

Relative Humidity (Average Value)

Ambient Air Temperature

a)

A maximum of 50C.

b)

A minimum of 0C.

c)

Average temperature, measured over a period of 1 month, is a

maximum of 45C.

2.

Altitude is less than 1000 m, unless a higher altitude is specified in Contract

Drawings.

3.

Average Value of the Relative Humidity

a)

For a period of 24 hours, does not exceed 95%.

b)

For a period of 1 month, does not exceed 90%.

c)

Relative humidity may be temporarily 100%.

Strong winds frequently occur during frontal passages in winter and during
sandstorms in summer. Sustained wind velocities are of the order of 15 m/s with
gusts recorded as high as 43 m/s.

1.10 FACTORY TESTING

Rev 0

A.

All the equipment/material shall be tested at factory. The Contractor shall notify the
Royal Commission in writing not less than 30 days prior to the scheduled starting
date of the factory tests.

B.

The Royal Commission reserves the right of deputing their representative for
witnessing the factory test.

C.

Upon completion of factory test, and before shipment of the equipment/material, the
Contractor shall submit 5 certified copies of test reports not later than 10 days after
the completion of all factory tests for review/approval of the Royal Commission.

D.

On arrival at site the equipment/material shall be checked per the Royal Commission
approved Contractors Quality Manual.

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SECTION 16710
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1.11 COORDINATION
A.

The Contractor shall be held responsible for the proper coordination of all phases of
the work under this Contract.

B.

It shall be the responsibility of the Contractor to coordinate the work and equipment
as specified herein with work to be performed and equipment to be furnished under
other Sections of the specifications in order to assure a complete and satisfactory
installation.

C.

The Contractor is responsible for obtaining any required permits/work authorization

under this contract.

1.12 DELIVERY, HANDLING AND STORAGE

A.

The Contractor shall deliver, handle and store equipment and material units in
accordance with SECTIONS 01650 and 01660, as well as the following
requirements:
1.

Rev 0

The Contractor shall:

a)

Ensure equipment and materials are delivered to site originally packed,

securely wrapped and labeled by manufacturer in unopened containers.
Protect materials during delivery to comply with manufacturers direction.

b)

Store materials at building site strictly according to manufacturers

instruction.

c)

Avoid damage or distortion of the materials during handling and

shipment or transportation.

d)

Be responsible for damages of equipment/materials occurring during

transportation or storage of the product.

e)

Fill in forms required by Contract Quality Manual.

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SECTION 16710
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PART 2

PRODUCTS

2.01 GENERAL
A.

All goods and products covered by these Specifications shall be procured when
available from an in-Kingdom manufacturer. Procurement of all goods and products
manufactured out-of-Kingdom must be approved by the Royal Commission.

B.

All materials for subterranean use shall suffer no deterioration from corrosive
elements found in the ground. Those materials used above ground shall suffer no
deterioration from constant exposure to direct sunlight.

C.

Telecommunication cables used for in voice frequency transmission shall comply with
the specification of SECTION 16726.

2.02 EXTERIOR CONDUCTOR CABLES

A.

General Requirement
1.

An exterior cable conductor containing a joint, made during manufacture, shall

have a tensile strength of not less than 90% of that of an adjacent equal length
of conductor not containing a joint.

2.

The tensile strength shall be a minimum of 200 MPa. The percentage of

permanent elongation after completion of testing shall be as shown in
Table 2A.

TABLE 2A:

CONDUCTOR AND INSULATION DIMENSIONS AND MECHANICAL

PROPERTIES

Dimensions

3.

Rev 0

Mechanical

Conductor
Diameter

Insulated Conductor
Diameter

Conductor Elongation

Nominal (mm)

Nominal (mm)

Minimum (%)

0.40

0.71

12

0.50

0.90

14

0.65

1.15

15

0.90

1.57

15

For any length of unloaded cable the loop conductor resistance shall not
exceed the values given in Table 2B.

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SECTION 16710
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TABLE 2B:

CONDUCTOR DC RESISTANCE OF UNLOADED CABLE

Conductor
Diameter
(mm)
0.40

Average DC Resistance for

all Pairs (/km) at 20C

Maximum DC Resistance of
any one Pair (/km) at 20C

144

150

0.50

92

96

0.65

54

57

0.90

28

30

TABLE 2C:

B.

Pair Number

Conductor A

Conductor B

White

Blue

Orange

Green

Brown

Grey

Red

Blue

Orange

Green

Brown

10

Grey

11

Black

Blue

12

Orange

13

Green

14

Brown

15

Grey

16

Yellow

Blue

17

Orange

18

Green

19

Brown

20

Grey

21

Violet

Blue

22

Orange

23

Green

24

Brown

25

Grey

Conductor Insulation
1.

Rev 0

COLOR SCHEME FOR PAIRS WITHIN 25 PAIR UNIT

Each conductor shall be insulated with a cellular, colored insulating grade

polyethylene, conforming to ASTM D1248.

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SECTION 16710
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C.

D.

Rev 0

2.

The cells produced by the expanding process shall be uniformly distributed

circumferentially and shall be substantially non-intercommunicating.

3.

The nominal thickness of the insulation shall be such that the electrical and
mechanical requirements of this Specification are met.

4.

The insulation shall be colored as shown in Table 2C. The colors shall be
readily identifiable and durable.

5.

The maximum melt flow index shall be 0.5.

Core Wrapping
1.

The core shall be wrapped with a continuous layer or layers of a nonhygroscopic dielectric material, forming a compact and circular core. The
wrapping shall have a minimum overlap of 30% of the wrapping width or 5 mm
whichever is greater. If required for manufacturing reasons, the centre core
may be similarly wrapped.

2.

The wrapping shall not adhere to the insulation or the shield.

3.

An identification tape, durably marked at 900 mm maximum intervals with the

manufacturers name or code and the year of manufacture of the cable, shall
be placed longitudinally, straight or in a spiral, under or over the wrapping.

Filling
1.

The interstices between conductors and core wrapping shall be filled with a
water repellant compound such that migration of moisture into the cable is
effectively prevented.

2.

The filling compound must not have any harmful effect on the other materials
of which the cable is made and must not change or blur the colors of the
insulated conductors and identification markers.

3.

The filling compound shall be easily removable from the insulated conductors
without damage to the insulation, must not emit hazardous or unpleasant
vapor and not contain skin irritants or poison.

4.

The filling compound must not influence the long-term stability of the electrical
properties of the cable.

5.

The filling compound proprieties are as follow:

a)

The drop point shall not be lower than 80C.

b)

The flash point shall not be less than 230C.

c)

There shall be no separation of the constituents forming the compound

with time or at the expected operating temperatures.

d)

The volume resistivity shall not be less than 1012 .m.

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Contract No:

SECTION 16710
COMMUNICATION CIRCUIT

E.

F.

e)

The dielectric constant shall not exceed 2.2.

f)

The dissipation factor shall not exceed 0.0015.

g)

The thermal expansion of the compound shall be such that no internal

stresses are set up within the cable under extreme temperatures.

Shielding
1.

The shield shall consist of a 0.2 mm 0.025 mm aluminum tape coated on

both sides with a protective plastic coating which will bond to the outer
polyethylene sheath. Minimum thickness of coating shall be 0.03 mm.

2.

The tape shall be applied longitudinally with an overlap joint of at least 6 mm

and shall be electrically continuous throughout the cable length.

Outer Polyethylene Sheath

1.

The sheath shall consist of a tough, weather resistant, high molecular weight
polyethylene compound meeting the requirements of ASTM D1248.

2.

The sheath shall be circular, free from pinholes, joints, mended places or other
defects. For cables with a nominal diameter greater than 25 mm, the ellipticity
of the outer circumference shall not exceed the ratio 1:1.2.

3.

The average thickness at any cross-section shall not be less than 90% of the
specified thickness. The minimum spot thickness shall be not less than 70% of
the specified thickness.

4.

The nominal thickness of the sheath shall depend on the overall thickness of
the cable as shown in Table 2D.

5.

Resistance to environmental stress cracking shall not allow more than

2 failures from 10 tested specimens.

6.

The carbon black content shall be 2.5 0.5% by weight.

7.

The water vapor permeation rate shall not exceed (0.13 D) grams per
100 m per week, where D is the internal diameter of the polyethylene sheath in
millimeters.

8.

Maximum cable diameters shall be as shown in Table 2E.

TABLE 2D:

Rev 0

SHEATH THICKNESS

External Diameter of Cable Core (mm)

Nominal Thickness of Sheath (mm)

Up to 25

1.5

25 to 35

1.8

36 to 40

2.0

40 to 65

2.5

65 to 85

2.8

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TABLE 2E:

MAXIMUM CABLE DIAMETER

Maximum Cable Diameter (mm)

For Conductor Size

Number of
Pairs

9.

G.

H.

0.4 mm

0.5 mm

0.65 mm

0.9 mm

20

11

12.5

15

19.5

50

15

17.5

21.5

29

100

19.5

23.5

29.5

39.5

200

26

31.5

40.5

54

300

31

38

48

65

600

42

52.5

67

900

51

63

1200

58.5

72.5

1500

65.5

1800

71.5

Sequentially numbered length markers should be placed at regular intervals of

not more than 1 m longitudinally on the sheath. The number shall not be less
than 3 mm in height and spaced to produce good legibility.

Pulling Eye
1.

A pulling eye shall be securely attached to one end of the cable.

2.

The attachment shall have sufficient strength that no damage will be caused to
the cable by pulling up to 400 m through an unplasticized polyvinyl chloride
(UPVC) duct with a single 90 bend of 4.6 m minimum radius at 200 m.

Pairing
1.

Two insulated conductors shall be uniformly twisted together to form a pair.

2.

The lay shall be different for each pair in a unit and shall not exceed 200 mm in
length.

3.

The cable pair characteristics shall be as follow:

a)

Mutual Capacitance and Capacitance Unbalance

1)

b)

The average mutual capacitance shall not exceed 44 2 nF/km. Not

more than 1% of the pairs shall have a value of mutual capacitance
exceeding 50 nF/km.
1)

Rev 0

Mutual capacitance and capacitance unbalance measurements

shall be made at 1 kHz 200Hz. During the measurement, the
shield and all conductors other than those under test shall be
connected to earth.

For capacitance unbalance, the measurements shall be corrected

as follows:

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Contract No:

SECTION 16710
COMMUNICATION CIRCUIT

(a)

Lengths less than 100 m being considered as 100 m. The

measured values shall be divided by

1 L
L
+

2 500 500

c)

(b)

where L is the length of the cable under test in meter.

(c)

Not more than 1% of the corrected capacitance unbalance

measurement between pairs shall exceed 150 pF/500 m.

Resistance Unbalance
1)

The resistance unbalance between two conductors of a pair

should be less than 4% of the single wire resistance or 2% of the
pair loops resistance values. Table 2F shows the maximum
resistance unbalance.

2)

Resistance unbalance shall be calculated with the following

formula:

R (%) =

Rmax Rmin
100
Rmax + Rmin

Where:
Rmax = Resistance in ohms for conductor with higher resistance
value
AND
Rmin = Resistance in ohms for conductor with lower resistance
value.
TABLE 2F:

MAXIMUM RESISTANCE UNBALANCE

Copper Conductor
Diameter (mm)
0.4
0.5
0.65
0.9
d)

Max. Resistance Unbalance (%)

Average

Individual

1
0.75
0.75
0.75

2.5
2.5
2.0
2.0

Insulation Resistance
1)

The insulation resistance shall not be less than 2500 Mkm at

20C.

2.03 INTERIOR CONDUCTOR CABLES

A.

General Requirements
1.

Rev 0

Telecommunication interior cables used for in voice frequency transmission

13 of 29

Contract No:

SECTION 16710
COMMUNICATION CIRCUIT

shall comply with the specification of SECTION 16726.

B.

C.

2.

An interior cable conductor containing a joint, made during manufacture, shall

have a tensile strength of not less than 90% of that of an adjacent equal length
of conductor not containing a joint.

3.

Telecommunication cables for use in voice frequency transmission internal to

buildings shall:
Be flame retardant construction,

b)

Be covered with jacketing grade PVC,

c)

Consist of a non-hygroscopic inner wrapping, AND

d)

Be color coded PVC insulated copper conductors, formed into twisted

pairs, cabled into layers or formed into units.

4.

All cable conductors in any single length of cable shall be of the same gage.
Each conductor shall be continuous throughout its length.

5.

Joints made in the conductors during the manufacturing process shall either be
butt brazed using a silver alloy solder and non-acid flux or butt welded. The
joints shall be as small and smooth as is consistent with good commercial
practice and shall be free from lumps or sharp projections.

Conductor Insulation
1.

Each conductor shall be covered with a continuous layer of colored semi-rigid

insulating grade PVC.

2.

The PVC insulation removed from or tested on the conductor removed from
the finished cable, shall be capable of meeting the following performance
requirements:
a)

Tensile Strength

176 kg/cm2.

b)

Elongation

125% minimum.

c)

Shrink Back

1.58 mm maximum for 5 of 6 samples;

6.35 mm maximum for remaining sample.

d)

Adhesion

1.36 kg maximum.

e)

Cold Bend

No failures.

f)

Compression

272 kg minimum

Core Wrapping
1.

Rev 0

a)

Core wrapping shall be as specified in par. 2.02 C.1 and 2.

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SECTION 16710
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D.

E.

F.

Conductor Identification
1.

The PVC compound used for conductor insulation shall be colored so that
each insulated conductor may be positively identified from every other
insulated conductor in the cable unit.

2.

The colors of insulated conductors supplied in accordance with this

Specification shall fall within the limits of standards of color as defined by
IEC 60708.

Jacketing
1.

A non-hygroscopic and non-wicking slitting cord shall be laid longitudinally

over the cable core or core covering, if present, directly beneath the jacket.

2.

The jacket slitting cord shall be continuous throughout a length of cable and
shall have sufficient strength to open the jacket without fracture of the cord
itself.

3.

The cable core and slitting cord shall be covered with a continuous layer of
jacketing grade PVC.

4.

The jacket shall be as tight on the cable core as is consistent with good
commercial practice. It shall be smooth, free from openings and other defects.

5.

The nominal thickness of the jacket shall not be less than 0.89 mm for cables
containing 50 insulated conductors or less, and 1.14 mm for cables containing
more than 50 insulated conductors. The minimum average thickness shall not
be less than 90% of the nominal and a minimum spot thickness shall not be
less than 70% of the nominal.

Electrical Properties
1.

Conductor Resistance
a)

2.

Insulation Resistance
a)

3.

The insulation resistance between any insulated conductor and all other
insulated conductors tied together and grounded shall not be less than
500 M.km at 20C.

Dielectric Withstand Voltage

a)

Rev 0

The DC resistance of any conductor in any length of cable shall not

exceed 153 /km for 0.4 conductors, or 96 /km for 0.5 conductors at
a temperature of 20C.

In each length of completed cable, the insulation between conductors

shall be capable of withstanding a DC potential of 1500 V for minimum
of 60 seconds.

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Contract No:

SECTION 16710
COMMUNICATION CIRCUIT

4.

5.

Capacitance Unbalance
a)

The individual pair to pair capacitance unbalance within a sub-unit shall

not exceed 150 pF for any length of 500 m at a frequency of 1000 Hz
200 Hz.

b)

The individual pair to pair capacitance unbalance between adjacent subunits or units shall not exceed 50 pF for any length of 500 m at a
frequency of 1000 Hz 200 Hz.

Mutual Capacitance
a)

6.

The individual pair to pair mutual capacitance shall not exceed 90 nF/km
at a frequency of 1000 Hz 200 Hz.

Crosstalk Loss
a)

The rms crosstalk loss as measured on the completed cable at a

frequency of 150 kHz shall not be less than 67.9 dB/km. The rms
calculation shall be based on the combined total of all pair combinations.

2.04 FIBER OPTIC CABLES

A.

General
1.

Rev 0

As a part of each telecommunications work order or project, detail schematic

drawings shall be prepared for each fiber optic span or cable route, showing
the following information:
a)

Cable manufacturer.

b)

Vendor number.

c)

Cable size (number of fibers).

d)

Cable type (filled or air core).

e)

Cable make-up (dielectric or non-dielectric).

f)

Type of fiber (multimode or single-mode).

g)

Dispersion shifted or non-dispersion shifted.

h)

Transmission characteristics (dB loss/km at given wavelength and for

multimode bandwidth/km).

i)

Dispersion specification in ps/(nm.km)

j)

Fiber packaging (single fiber/loose buffer; multiple fiber/loose buffer;

tight buffer, channel/groove or ribbon type, and color code).

k)

Splice-to-splice cable lengths.

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2.

B.

l)

Location of marker posts and signs.

m)

Location of splice positions in manholes.

n)

Duct/subduct allocations.

o)

Outdoor/indoor cable terminating points.

p)

Optical fiber distribution frame allocation.

For an individual link, the cable shall be the same type to ensure the same
performance characteristics. This is to ensure compatibility in terms of the
fiber geometrical parameters, attenuation and dispersion.

Exterior Fiber Optic Cables

1.

Basic Design Requirements

a)

1)

0.5 dB/km or less at wavelength = 1,300 nm.

2)

0.3 dB/km or less at wavelength = 1,550 nm.

b)

Fiber optic cables may include an integral metallic armor if required for
direct buried applications.

c)

Underground fiber optic cables shall be all dielectric (non-metallic).

d)

The minimum bending radius for fiber optic cable is:

1)

Ten times the cable diameter when the cable is not under tension.

2)

Twenty times the cable diameter when the cable is under tension.

e)

The pulling tension on fiber optic cables shall not exceed 2.57 kN
(600 pounds) unless greater pulling tensions are specifically approved
by the cable manufacturer. When fiber optic cable is pulled, it shall be
pulled in a straight line. The cable shall never be bent or wrapped
around the hand or any other object as it is pulled. Only vendor
approved equipment or methods shall be used.

f)

Fiber optic cable design and construction lengths shall allow sufficient
length for:

g)

Rev 0

The maximum attenuation of each fiber within a cable, when normalized

to a length of 1 km, shall be:

1)

Racking in pull-through manholes.

2)

Slack at splice points minimum of 3 m.

3)

Central office and other building cabling.

4)

Slack for future splice or drop points minimum of 3 m.

To keep future new cable openings to a minimum, underground fiber

optic cable splices shall be located at points where future branch splices
will be required, in so far as it is practical to do so. Underground fiber
optic cables shall not be cut for splicing convenience.

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h)

2.

Subduct Engineering
a)

C.

A 100 mm (4 in.) diameter underground conduit that is being set up for

fiber optic cable placement shall contain:
1)

Three subducts, two nos. 37.5 mm (1 in.) - inside diameter - and

one no. 25 mm (1 in.) - inside diameter, OR

2)

Four nos. 25 mm (1 in.) - inside diameter - subducts.

3)

Subducts shall have pull rope or pulling tape inside.

b)

If a subduct is to be direct buried, it shall be rigid PVC or heavy-walled

polyethylene.

c)

The 3 subducts, which are placed inside a 100 mm (4 in.) conduit shall
be different colors. The colors shall be orange, green, and white.

Interior Fiber Optic Cables

1.

Rev 0

CAUTION: All fusion splices shall be made outside manholes and at

least 3 m away from the manhole opening. Mechanical splices may be
made either in or out of manholes.

Basic Design Requirements

a)

All fiber optic cables for inter-building and intra-building (building

distribution system - riser and plenum applications) shall be multimode,
graded-index, optical waveguide fiber.

b)

Fiber optic cables placed inside all buildings shall comply with the fire
protection requirements of NEC Article 770.

c)

The optical fibers shall consist of a solid glass cylindrical core and
cladding covered by Ultra Violet (UV) acrylate or equivalent coating.

d)

All fiber optic cables installed as wiring within buildings shall be air-core,
Optical Fiber Non-conductive Plenum (OFNP) or Optical Fiber Nonconductive Riser (OFNR) type, with or without a non-metallic moisture
barrier and shall be listed as being suitable for the purpose and as being
resistant to the spread of fire in accordance with the NEC Article 770
Section 770-51.

e)

Inter-building or entrance fiber optic cables shall be either air-core or

poly-ethylene sheath filled cables with or without metallic moisture
barrier. All filled cables and cables with metallic strength member or
moisture barrier shall be terminated and grounded in accordance with
the NEC codes.

f)

The multimode fiber cores shall have graded (parabolic) refractive index
profiles with core diameters of 62.5 3 micrometers when measured in
accordance with EIA-455. The core non-circularity of fibers shall not
exceed 6% when measured in accordance with either EIA-455.

g)

The cladding diameter of the glass fiber shall be 125 2 micrometers

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when measured in accordance with EIA-455.

2.

Rev 0

h)

The cladding diameter of the fiber shall be nominally concentric with the
fiber core. The cladding concentricity error shall not exceed 6% when
measured in accordance with EIA-455. The cladding non-circularity shall
not exceed 2% when measured in accordance with either EIA-455.

i)

The Numerical Aperture of the fiber shall be 0.275 0.015 when

measured in accordance with EIA -455.

j)

The attenuation of the fibers within the cable shall not exceed 4 dB/km
at 850 nm and 1.5 dB/km at 1300 nm when measured in accordance
with EIA -455.

k)

Attenuation discontinuities in the fiber's length shall not exceed 0.2 dB at

1300 20 nm when measured in accordance with EIA-455.

l)

Measurement of the attenuation shall be conducted at the wavelength

specified for application and must be expressed in dB/km.

m)

The minimum bandwidth of the fiber cable shall be 160 MHz.km at

850 nm and 500 MHz.km at 1300 nm when measured in accordance
with EIA-455.

n)

The optical fibers shall be coated with one or more plastic materials or
compositions to preserve the intrinsic strength of the glass. The coating
diameter shall be at least 250 15 micrometers when measured in
accordance with EIA-455.

o)

The coating concentricity error shall not exceed 16% when measured in
accordance with EIA-455.

Other Design Consideration

a)

The Micro-bending attenuation of the fiber shall not exceed 0.30 dB

when measured at 1300 20 nanometers when measured in
accordance with EIA-455.

b)

The individual fiber shall withstand tensile stress of minimum 0.35 GPa
(50 kpsi) for approximately one second when measured in accordance
with EIA-455.

c)

The maximum force required to remove 25 mm of protective fiber

coating shall not exceed 13 N when measured in accordance with
EIA-455.

d)

The color designations for fiber and buffer tube identification shall be in
accordance with RUA PE-90, Section-4.

e)

The outer cable jacket shall be marked at regular intervals (not to

exceed 2 m) with the following information:
1)

As required by NEC Article-770 (Table-770-50).

2)

Name of manufacturer.

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D.

3)

Year of manufacture.

4)

Number of fibers in the cable.

5)

Sequentially numbered length markers in meters.

Wave Division Multiplexing (WDM)

1.

WDM shall be used in case of need of increasing transmission capacity of a

fiber optic.

2.

If WDM is going to be used, it shall have the following specification:

a)

Operating Wavelengths:

1310/1550 nm, 980/1550 nm and

850/1300 nm.

b)

Thermal Stability (Peak to Peak): < 0.20 dB.

c)

Directivity:

50 dB (SMF only).

d)

Operating Temperature:

- 40 to + 85C (- 20 to + 70C for PVC

cable).

e)

Storage Temperature:

- 55 to + 85C.

f)

Insertion loss and isolation specification shall be as specified in

Table 2G.

g)

Bandwidth and polarization stability specification shall be as specified tin

Table 2H.

TABLE 2G: INSERTION LOSS AND ISOLATION SPECIFICATIONS

Type

Typical (db)

Peak Isolation (dB)

1310/1550 nm Standard

0.25

> 20

1310/1550 nm High
Isolation

1.0

> 40

1850/1300 nm MMF

1.0

16

TABLE 2H: BANDWIDTH AND POLARIZATION STABILITY SPECIFICATIONS

Rev 0

Type

Bandwidth (nm)

Polarization Stability
(dB)

1310/1550 nm Standard

20

< 0.10

1310/1550 nm High
Isolation

40

< 0.20

1850/1300 nm MMF

10

N/A

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2.05 HYBRID POWER AND COMMUNICATION CABLES

A.

Hybrid power and communication cables shall be in accordance with NEC 780
and 800.

B.

Hybrid cable consisting of power, communication and signaling conductors shall be

permitted under a common jacket.

C.

The jacket shall be applied so as to separate the power conductors from the
communication and signaling conductors.

D.

An optional outer jacket shall be permitted to be applied.

E.

The signaling conductors shall not be smaller than 24 AWG copper.

F.

Hybrid cables shall be rated for 600 V minimum as specified by NEC 800.

G.

Composite cable of power and fiber optic shall not be used unless approved in writing
by the Royal Commission.

2.06 PRIMARY AND SECONDARY PROTECTOR REQUIREMENTS

A.

The primary and secondary protector requirements shall be in accordance with

NEC 800.

B.

Primary Protector

C.

Rev 0

1.

The primary protector shall consist of an arrester connected between each line
conductor and ground in an appropriate mounting.

2.

Primary protector terminals shall be marked to indicate line and ground as

applicable.

Secondary Protector
1.

The secondary protector shall provide means to safely limit currents to less
than the current-carrying capacity of indoor communication wires and cable,
telephone set line cords and communications terminal equipment having ports
for external wire line communication circuits.

2.

Any over-voltage protection, arresters or grounding connection shall be

connected on the equipment terminals side of the secondary protector currentlimiting means.

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PART 3

EXECUTION

3.01 GENERAL
A.

The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining any required permits.

B.

All equipment used to transport and place the cable shall be subject to the Royal
Commission approval.

C.

The Contractor shall be responsible for providing operating and supervisory

personnel with adequate knowledge and experience.

D.

All work shall be done in a workmanlike manner by competent personnel under the
supervision of personnel who have prior experience in the placing of
telecommunication cables including fiber optic cables.

E.

A set of working drawings shall also be at the site at all times during the works. All
work shall be subject to acceptance by the Royal Commission.

F.

Deviations from the Contract Drawings and specifications shall not be permitted,
except upon prior written permission of the Royal Commission.

G.

Installation of Conductor
SECTION 16726.

Cables

shall

comply

with

the

specification

of

3.02 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

A.

All cables and accessory materials used in the construction of the work shall be
handled with care. These facilities shall not be:
1.

Rev 0

Trampled upon, run over by vehicles, pulled along the ground or floor, over
fences or metal fittings.

B.

The cable on each drum shall be inspected for cuts, kinks or other damage.
Disposition of damaged items shall be to the satisfaction of the Royal Commission.

C.

The Contractor shall take all necessary precautions to protect property and public
and shall provide adequate warning signs, lights, barricades and no-parking signs in
case of installing exterior cables.

D.

When working in jointing chambers or in overhead racks or cable grid, care shall be
taken to prevent damage to cables in setting up the pulling apparatus or in placing
tools or hardware. Cables shall not be stepped on under any circumstances.

E.

No personnel will be allowed to enter a jointing chamber when there is a moving

winch line in the chamber and while working in the jointing chamber, no open flame is
to be taken.

F.

Cable drums which are delivered to the work location and are not to be set up
immediately for placing operations shall be securely blocked, or secured to a
substantial support to prevent rolling.

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3.03 SETTING UP

Rev 0

A.

The Contractor shall remove any water from the jointing chambers and shall depose
of such water in a manner approved by the Royal Commission.

B.

The Contractor shall verify distances between joints before cutting cable in specific
lengths, including slack for jointing and racking.

C.

The location assignment for each individual cable for any section shall be as
specified on the Contract Drawings. Cables shall not be placed in locations other
than those specified on the Contract Drawings without prior written approval of the
Royal Commission.

D.

It shall be the Contractors responsibility to clean the ducts assigned for occupancy
using a suitable mandrel and cylindrical brush. The use of compressed air for
preliminary cleaning is encouraged but is not acceptable in lieu of brush cleaning.

E.

Ducts which will not pass a mandrel shall be reported to the Royal Commission in
writing with a recommendation for correction.

F.

Drums shall be rolled in the direction indicated by the arrows painted on the drum
flanges.

G.

Cable drums shall be set up on a stand that minimizes friction. The drum shall be
leveled and brought into proper alignment so that the cable pays off from the top of
the drum in a long smooth bend.

H.

Pulling-In and Placing

1.

The Contractor shall inspect the equipment set up prior to beginning each
cable pulling to avoid an interruption once pulling has started.

2.

The pulling rope shall be attached to the pulling eye of the cable by means of a
keystone link and swivel or equivalent means. A correctly sized cable grip or
other approved alternate shall be used if no pulling eye exists.

3.

Cables shall be pulled-in using a device giving a smooth pull.

4.

Twisting of cables shall be avoided in case of simultaneous pulling-in of two

cables in one duct. In no event will a cable be placed in a duct with an existing
cable without written permission from the Royal Commission.

5.

A cable feeder guide of suitable dimensions shall be used between the cable
drum and the face of the duct to protect the cable and guide it into the duct.
The cable shall not be bent at any location in a radius less than 10 times the
cables outside diameter.

6.

The mechanical stress placed upon a cable during installation shall be such
that the cable is not permanently twisted, stretched or deformed. The cable
manufacturers recommended pulling tensions shall not be exceeded. The
coefficients of friction for PVC/polyethylene are set out in Table 3A.

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TABLE 3A:

COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION

High Density Poly

Cable
PVC

I.

Rev 0

Low Density Poly

Dry Cable

Lubricated

Dry Cable

Lubricated

0.312

0.131

0.363

0.155

7.

The pulling tension shall be calculated by the Contractor for each length
pulled.

8.

The cable shall be carefully inspected for sheath defects during pulling
operation. If defects are noticed, the pulling operation shall be stopped
immediately and the Royal Commission will determine what corrective action
shall be taken.

9.

The cable shall be lubricated with the lubricant recommended by the cable
manufacturer. Under no circumstances shall other cable lubricants be used.
Soap lubricants or lubricants containing soap are definitely harmful to
polyethylene sheathed cable.

10.

Cable placement shall be stopped immediately if the cable on a drum binds.

The cause of the binding must be cleared to the satisfaction of the Royal
Commission before the pulling-in operation is continued.

11.

Cable joints in the duct shall not be permitted, except multiple conductor plugin connectors that may be used in junction boxes.

12.

Sufficient cable shall be provided in each jointing chamber to properly rack and
joint the cables as shown on the Contract Drawings. At pull through jointing
chambers, sufficient additional cable shall be pulled from the end where the
reel is set up using the proper size split grip.

Racking
1.

On completion of pulling-in, the cables shall be properly set on bearers around

the jointing chamber walls, in all jointing chambers. Proper racking is defined
as leaving sufficient cable in a jointing chamber so that a new splice may be
made without adding additional cable.

2.

Cables to be jointed shall be placed on bearers of the minimum length to

adequately support the cable as delineated below:
a)

The bearer closest to the duct at both ends shall be slotted to accept a
restrainer strap.

b)

The cable shall be restrained on the bearers so that when the splice
case is placed either:
1)

The cable is no more than 5 mm from the vertical rack; OR

2)

The splice case is at least 25 mm but not more than 75 mm from

the wall of the jointing chamber.

3)

Sufficient length of the cable shall be placed such that after

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restraining, the jointing may be done in the bay between the

vertical racks.
3.

Restraining of the cable shall be accomplished in such a manner as to avoid

possible injury to the cable sheath.

4.

Prior to commissioning tests, the Contractor shall securely attach a tag,

composed of either lead or durable plastic, to each cable entering or leaving
the jointing chamber:
a)

The proper code letter, designating the exchange from which the cable
serves.

b)

The cable number.

c)

The complete pair count contained within the sheath. At junction or

taper points a tag bearing the above information shall be affixed to each
cable entering and leaving the splice closure.

3.04 INSTALLATION OF FIBER OPTIC CABLES

A.

B.

Rev 0

General
1.

All environmental conditions (petroleum, petroleum based products, thermal,

chemical, mechanical, electrical conditions, etc.), which could be detrimental to
the fiber optic cable when it is installed, shall be identified and all necessary
action taken to protect the cable from the potential hazards in its environment.

2.

All fiber optic cables within buildings shall be installed in accordance with
NEC Article 770, and marked in accordance with Table 770-50.

3.

The Contractor shall not use power cable runways (AC or DC) to support
optical cables.

4.

The Contractor shall avoid a route that would stack future cables in excess of
225 kg/m on top of fiber cables.

5.

The minimum bending radius of fiber optics shall not be exceeded.

6.

The Contractor shall make a field survey of all proposed fiber optic cable
installation routes to determine if there are traffic or parking problems or other
unsafe conditions at proposed splice and cable pulling locations. Check each
manhole, through which the cable will pass, to confirm that adequate space is
available for pulling, racking and splicing the cable. Determine if other
conditions exist in the field that would require change of the tentative design.

7.

Scrap pieces of fiber are dangerous and can penetrate the skin. The
Contractor shall dispose of bare fiber properly by using the sticky side of a
piece of tape to pick up and discard any loose ends in a container. Scrap
pieces of fiber shall be cleared up from the work site and properly discarded
before leaving a work site.

Subduct Placement

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1.

When a design calls for installing fiber optic cable in an underground conduit
system, always place the fiber optic cable inside a subduct. If the conduit
system does not have existing subducts in one of its ducts, 3 or 4 subducts
shall be placed in one of the existing ducts. It shall be remembered that one
spare main duct shall be left vacant for operations and maintenance purposes.

2.

When placing subduct, the following shall be considered:

a)

Do not allow the pulling length of underground subduct to exceed

455 m.

b)

Station additional personnel at pull-through manholes to:

2)

Alert the pulling personnel in the event of a mishap.

3)

Help with lubricating the subduct as it is pulled in.

Use a 380 mm minimum bending radius during installation.

d)

At pull through manholes, conduit offset shall be 230 mm or less.

e)

Lubricate the subduct throughout the pull by applying generous

amounts of lubricant (use lubricant recommended by subduct
manufacturer) at the:
1)

Feeding end.

2)

Pull-through locations.

In addition to the standard underground placing tools, the following

special tools and equipment are required:
1)

Subduct reels.

2)

Lashing wire (to be used to secure cable grip on subducts).

3)

A number of 25 mm (1 in.) dowels or larger based on subduct

size (wood or plastic) or scrap copper cable (to be used for
plugging the pulling end of each subduct for a distance of 300 to
450 mm to prevent subduct from collapsing during the pulling
operation).

4)

Portable 2-way radios (minimum of 2) or other reliable

communications ability.

g)

Position subduct reels so that the subduct is alternately pulled from the
top of one reel and the bottom of the next reel to keep the subducts
from twisting during installation.

h)

Plug all subduct ends to prevent water, dirt, etc. from entering the
subduct.

Subduct Placement in Occupied Ducts

a)

Rev 0

Help guide subduct into the opposing duct.

c)

f)

3.

1)

When optional fiber cables or subducts need to be placed in ducts

occupied by other types of cables:

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C.

2)

Copper cables shall not be pulled after the fiber has been
installed.

Subduct shall not be cut or spliced for a minimum of 24 hour after placement to
allow for subduct shrinkage. Subduct splices shall only be made inside the
manhole between the cable vertical racks. Threaded, self-tapping type subduct
couplers shall be used to splice subducts.

Splicing Fiber Optic Cables

1.

During the splicing operations, fibers shall be handled carefully to avoid

introducing flaws, breaking or scratching the fiber surface or in any way
damaging the fibers (sharp bends, crushing forces, etc.).

2.

Splicing fibers shall be with an approved fusion splicing equipment or

approved mechanical splices. Fiber optic splices shall be tested for splice loss
as splices are being made, using an approved Optical Time Domain
Reflectometer (OTDR) or local injection detection.

3.

Before beginning the splicing operation, the following shall be considered:

4.

Rev 0

A minimum of 2 no. 25 mm (1 in.) subducts shall be placed.

Subduct Cutting and Splicing

1.

D.

1)

a)

The cable shall be secured in an optical fiber splice organizer.

b)

All metallic members of the cable shall be bonded and grounded. The
measured ground resistance shall be 25 or less.

c)

To prevent fiber damage, buffer tubes and fibers shall be handled

carefully, when bending and placing in the organizer.

Comply with the following when splicing fiber optic cables:

a)

When splicing the fibers, the Contractor shall follow the manufacturer's
instruction for the splicing equipment being used.

b)

An approved buffer stripper shall be used.

c)

The fiber coating stripper used shall be approved for the specific size
fiber being stripped.

d)

To minimize damage to the bare fiber, excessive wiping (more than

5 times) shall be avoided. Before cleaving, the fiber shall be wiped
twice with a new tissue dampened with 90% grade alcohol to remove
any coating debris from the stripped fiber.

e)

The fiber shall be cleaved with an approved cleaving tool. Hand scribes
shall not be used for cleaving.

f)

If required, the fiber shall be wiped after cleaving to remove dirt or

grease.

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COMMUNICATION CIRCUIT

5.
E.

F.

Racking of Joint Boxes in Manhole

1.

When splicing is performed inside a manhole, a straight joint can be obtained

by selecting a housing with cable inlets on both sides.

2.

No excess cable has to be coiled and clamped on the manhole wall.

3.

The joint box is fitted securely to the cable brackets through a joint support.

4.

In congested manhole, where splicing inside the manhole is not possible, it is

advisable to perform splicing above ground.

5.

In order to simplify the installation and handling of excess cable, housing with
inlets on one side shall be used.

6.

The joint box and the cable slack can be clamped directly to the wall observing
the minimum bending radius

7.

In case of very congested manholes, where there is no place for clamping the
slack as described in par. 3.04 E.6, the cable slack shall be placed in a shape
of loop behind the cable support on both walls of the manhole.

8.

The fiber optic cables shall be attached to the end walls of the manhole above
the duct formation with cable straps.

9.

The cable straps shall be placed about 45 cm apart.

10.

In the case of cutting fiber cable between manholes, the slack can be pulled in
the duct towards the break and repairs may be effected without having to
replace the fiver optic cable section.

11.

In manhole or handhole, place the cable away from the opening to avoid
hazard.

Link Loss Budget Requirements

1.

Rev 0

Non-metallic splice organizers shall be used for organizing fibers at splice

points. Installation shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

During the design stage a link loss budget shall be prepared and included with
the project proposal and design packages. The link loss budget shall include:
a)

Total fiber attenuation (loss).

b)

Splice loss (including pigtail splices, if pigtails are used).

c)

Connector loss.

d)

Wave Division Multiplex (WDM) losses, if used.

e)

A margin for light source aging as per manufacturer's specification.

f)

Link loss margin of 3 dB minimum for restoration splices.

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2.

The calculated dB loss cannot exceed the operating range of the terminal
equipment that will be installed. Measured end-to-end loss should measure
less than the calculated loss. Fibers that measure a higher loss than the link
loss budget will not be accepted.

3.05 GROUNDING
A.

Grounding of conductor cables

SECTIONS 16726 and 16060.

B.

Grounding Fiber Optic

shall

comply

with

the

specification

of

1.

Metallic members of fiber optic cables, which enter buildings, shall be

grounded within 15 m of the point of entry. If metallic conduit is used, the
conduit shall be bonded (at each end) to the fiber optic metallic members and
connected to the building ground.

2.

When underground fiber optic cables containing metallic members are placed
(after receiving proper approval), the metallic members shall be bonded and
grounded at all splice points to the manhole ground, which shall be 25 or
less.

3.06 TESTING AND COMMISSIONING

A.

Inspection of the Contractors work shall be carried out and signed records of test
shall be prepared and submitted for review by the Royal Commission.

B.

After a cable splice is completed and before the splice closure is filled, each pair of
the cable shall be checked for opens, shorts, crosses, reversals, transpositions, splits
and grounds. Continuity of both pairs and shield shall be confirmed. If any faults are
found, that are not listed as manufacturing defects, the cable joint shall be checked
and the fault shall be corrected.

C.

On completion of the installation of an entire length of cable, as shown on the

Contractor Drawings, the appropriate tests shall be conducted and recorded. The test
record shall form part of the cable hand-over information.

D.

Random sample tests may be carried out by the Royal Commission.

E.

The tensile strength and elongation shall be tested as described in ISO 527.

F.

The test results shall be recorded and signed by the testing technician and forwarded
to the Royal Commission with the request for Initial Acceptance.

G.

Initial Acceptance shall only be granted following a satisfactory inspection of the

works by the Royal Commission and correction of any defects noted during both the
testing and inspection of the final works.

H.

Commissioning shall be in accordance with SECTION 01810.

END OF SECTION

Rev 0

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