CenturyLink Bonding, Grounding and Protection

Method & Procedure Field Operations Support FO-MP-2010-02-004 Issue 9 Date: 07/07/14

CenturyLink Bonding, Grounding and Protection

Information contained in this document is proprietary Unauthorized disclosure outside CenturyLink Corporation is prohibited

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harrysells

Text Box

Exhibit B-5


TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 OVERVIEW ...................................................................................................................................................3

2.0 EFFECTIVE DATE ........................................................................................................................................3

3.0 RELATED DOCUMENTS .............................................................................................................................3

4.0 SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS .......................................................................................................................4 5.0 PURPOSE OF ELECTRICAL PROTECTION ..............................................................................................4

6.0 DEFINITIONS ................................................................................................................................................4

7.0 CLASSIFICATION OF EXPOSED PLANT ...................................................................................................6

8.0 HIGH VOLTAGE PROTECTION – ELECTRIC SUPPLY LOCATION GUIDELINES ..................................8

9.0 BOND / GROUND WIRE INSTALLATION GUIDELINES ............................................................................9

10.0 AERIAL CABLE / PLANT PROTECTION AND JOINT FACILITY BONDING ......................................... 10 11.0 BONDING AND CLEARANCES FOR STRAND (MESSENGER) TO FOREIGN OWNED UTILITIES .... 19

12.0 RDW, MULTIPLE DISTRIBUTION WIRE AND SINGLE PAIR AERIAL DISTRIBUTION WIRE ............. 20

13.0 BURIED CABLE / PLANT PROTECTION AND JOINT FACILITY BONDING ......................................... 20

14.0 APPARATUSES EXTERNAL TO THE CABLE SHEATH/SHIELD .......................................................... 28

15.0 UNDERGROUND (MANHOLE) CABLE / PLANT PROTECTION ............................................................ 28

16.0 BONDING AND GROUNDING CENTRALIZED AIR PRESSURE PIPE SYSTEMS ................................ 29 17.0 CORROSION PROTECTION ..................................................................................................................... 30

18.0 SUBMARINE CABLE / PLANT PROTECTION ......................................................................................... 32

19.0 REPEATER / DOUBLER GROUNDING SYSTEM .................................................................................... 33

20.0 BONDING AND GROUNDING FIBER OPTICAL CABLES ...................................................................... 35

21.0 RESIDENTIAL /SMALL BUSINESS PROTECTION ................................................................................. 36

22.0 ONT / MDU BONDING AND GROUNDING .............................................................................................. 38 23.0 VIDEO – COAX BONDING AND GROUNDING ........................................................................................ 38

24.0 FTTC / ONU BONDING AND GROUNDING ............................................................................................. 38

25.0 COMMERCIAL BUILDING BONDING/GROUNDING ............................................................................... 39

26.0 CENTRAL OFFICE PROTECTION............................................................................................................ 40

27.0 GROUNDING AND PROTECTION FOR REMOTE ELECTRONIC SITES / CEV .................................... 43 28.0 MEASURING GROUND ROD RESISTANCE ........................................................................................... 43

29.0 MATERIAL AND SUPPLIES ..................................................................................................................... 44

30.0 STAND ALONE CELL TOWERS .............................................................................................................. 44

31.0 DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT .................................................................................................................... 45


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Method & Procedure Field Operations Support FO-MP-2010-02-004 Issue 9 Date: 07/07/14 1.0 OVERVIEW

Overview

Target Audience Business Operations Cable Maintenance Central Office CLEC Installation and Repair

Consumer Installation and Repair/SBHB

Contract Labor

Design Services Outside Plant Construction Impact/Benefit to the Regions

The purpose of this Method and Procedure is to describe potential electrical hazards that may be encountered in the outside plant network and how to properly Bond and Ground to provide protection. It also summarizes requirements which have been established to minimize transmission impairment and possible physical damage or injury to:

• CENTURYLINK, technicians, customers and the public • Customer property • Outside plant, central office and station equipment

The objective of this practice is to provide Engineers, Construction, Outside Plant Maintenance, Central Office, Business Markets and Network Services personnel with a ready reference to the "what" and "why" of electrical protection requirements that he/she must consider in day-to-day work assignments. Unusual field situations may require reference to more detailed information on specific subjects in CENTURYLINK Method and Procedures

Reason for Change N/A

2.0 EFFECTIVE DATE

Effective Date Expiration Date Upon Receipt Until Further Notice

3.0 RELATED DOCUMENTS

Document Name Document Number or Link Various Related documents have hyperlinks located throughout this

Method and Procedure


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Method & Procedure Field Operations Support FO-MP-2010-02-004 Issue 9 Date: 07/07/14 3.1 This document supersedes and voids the following:

Document Name

Century Tel CSP 200.009.002 - Grounding and Bonding of Cable and Wire Shields Embarq 638-150-002 - Electrical Protection and Grounding of Remote Electronics Site Embarq 638-150-004 - Fiber to the Curb (FTTC) Grounding and Protection Embarq 638-300-011 - Bonding and Grounding the Network – General

Embarq 638-900-902 - Bonding at Joint Use Facilities

4.0 SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

Due to the nature or working on Outside Plant telecommunication facilities, there is the potential for employees and equipment to come in contact with high voltages and currents that can cause serious bodily injury or death. Various safety requirements are to be employed during all bonding and grounding activities. These requirements include, but are not limited to:

• Foreign Voltage Detectors • High Voltage Rubber Gloves • High Voltage Rubber Mats / Blankets

5.0 PURPOSE OF ELECTRICAL PROTECTION

5.1 Electrical Protection

The term "Electrical Protection" as used in this text refers to the methods and devices for the control or mitigation of electrical voltages and currents of magnitudes that could possibly constitute a hazard to people, property and telephone plant

5.2 Outside Plant Facilities

Outside plant facilities may be exposed to the following sources of hazardous potentials and currents:

• Lightning • Accidental contact with power lines • Voltages induced into communication lines by fault currents in paralleling power lines • Voltages electro statically or electromagnetically induced into communication lines by normal

currents in paralleling power lines • Local earth potential rises due to the flow of lightning or power fault currents

6.0 DEFINITIONS

6.1 Definitions

The following is a list of terms used throughout this document regarding bonding, grounding and protection:

1. Bond: A bond is the electrical interconnecting of various components or segments of telephone

plant (i.e., interconnecting two or more strands, two or more cable shields, between strand and cable shield, etc.).


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NOTE: Bond connections to the MGNV/MGN from the Telco facility should always point towards earth/ground rod, not up towards the power company neutral.

2. Capacitor: A capacitor is a device which, when connected across an insulated joint, allows the flow of alternating current while preventing direct current passage.

3. Common Bonding: (Intersystem Bonding Termination) A device that provides a means for connecting communications system(s) grounding conductor(s) and bonding conductor(s) at the service equipment. (Examples: Telephone facilities, Commercial Power, Structural Metal, Water Piping, CATV, etc.) and has an accessible bonding termination point or grounding means, provided by the customer (NEC 250.94).

4. Floated Shield / Bond – Cable shield continuity is maintained cable to cable throughout a specific

area and no earth contact is made.

5. Fuse: A fuse is a circuit interrupting safety device designed for insertion into the circuit. When an abnormal current flow exceeds the rated current carrying capacity of the circuit a soft metal alloy in the fuse heats, melts and opens the circuit.

6. Fuse Link: The term "Fuse Link" is used to denote a length of relatively fine gauge conductor

prescribed for telephone circuitry at strategic points and designed to perform the fusing function, when needed, in conjunction with the use of "Fuseless Protectors." In a fuse link, the conductor itself melts and opens the circuit when subjected to abnormal currents. The most commonly used fuse links are:

o The AWG 24 gauge factory installed wire leads on the connecting blocks.

o The AWG 24 or AWG 26 factory installed cable stubs on various cable terminals,

terminal blocks and protectors.

7. Fuseless Protector: A device designed chiefly to permit momentary abnormal power surges on a telephone conductor to discharge (ARC) to ground through an air gap. Prolonged abnormal current flow in the conductor, however, heats and "operates" the protector block (closes the gap permanently), providing a low resistance path to ground for current. The "Fuse Link" now comes into play, heating, melting and cutting off the current flow.

8. Gas Tube Protector: The gas protector is composed of a glass envelope between two or three

metal electrodes and filled with gas. The spacing of the electrodes, gas type and pressure, are selected so that the gas will ionize at a specified voltage between the electrodes presenting a low impedance between them. When one electrode is grounded and the other electrode is connected to an electrical conductor when lightning hits, power surges or high voltages, which exceed the specified voltage, are discharged to ground. After the high voltage is removed, the gas will return to its original condition and the gas tube is back to normal ready to accept another hit.

9. Ground: A ground is an intentional connection between an electrical conductor or metallic

equipment component and earth. (Also known as “effectively” grounded as noted in the NESC) An effective ground is 25 ohms or less (NEC section 250.56) for electronic / commercial applications.

10. Insulated Joint: An insulated joint is a designed gap in the continuity of the outer sheath in lead

covered cables or the inner (metallic) shield of plastic covered cables. Insulated joints are used in corrosion areas to isolate the lead sheath underground cables from stray direct currents which


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may be picked up by the branch feeder and distribution cables through shield grounding at protected terminals and ties to the MGN System. Insulated joints are not intended, nor are they effective, for electrical protection against hazardous voltages.

11. Isolated Shield – Cable shield completely isolated and taped so no metallic contact can be made

to personnel or equipment

12. MGNV: Denotes the power company multi-grounded neutral vertical wire, usually originating at a pole mounted transformer or poles with power company devices, terminating on a ground rod or plate at the base of the power pole.

13. Protector Block: A Protector Block limits the voltage between conductors and ground by

providing a small air gap that will break down almost instantaneously and ground the circuit when the operating voltage is reached.

14. Shield Continuity: Shield continuity is the electrical continuity of the metallic shield of a cable throughout its length, including sheath openings for splices and terminals. It is necessary for both electrical protection and noise reduction.

15. Sneak Current Fuse: This fuse consists of two short heating wires, under spring tension, joined

together by a ball of solder. The fuse is designed to protect communications equipment, particularly PBX, from foreign currents too small (frequently less than one ampere) to operate other protective devices.

7.0 CLASSIFICATION OF EXPOSED PLANT

7.1 Exposed communications facilities are those facilities that are not isolated or guarded from power contacts, power induction and lightning. For the purpose of the Method and Procedure, all Telephone facilities are classified as exposed. Exposure is further defined as:

(a) Power Contacts Over 300 Volts. This includes:

• All aerial plant • Underground or buried plant connected to aerial plant • Buried plant placed at random separation with power circuits over 300 volts

(b) Lightning. This includes:

• All aerial plant • All underground plant • All buried plant

(c) Power Induction Over 300 Volts: Electromagnetic power induction occurs

whenever telephone plant and power lines occupy parallel routes. Induction of hazardous magnitudes may occur in telephone circuits during power line ground faults. It affects aerial, buried or underground plant.

(d) Earth Potential Rise Over 300 Volts: A hazardous rise in earth potential is most

likely to occur in the vicinity of power generating stations and substations. When a power fault occurs anywhere in the power system network, earth potentials may


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reach magnitudes of several thousand volts as the power line fault current surges back to its source through the ground. Telephone facilities and personnel in this environment may be exposed to hazardous voltages. Special protection design requirements apply to telephone plant in the vicinity of power generating stations, substations, electrical transmission towers and all other locations subject to abnormal rise in earth potentials (lightning hazard at microwave towers or cell towers).


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Method & Procedure Field Operations Support FO-MP-2010-02-004 Issue 9 Date: 07/07/14 8.0 HIGH VOLTAGE PROTECTION – ELECTRIC SUPPLY LOCATION GUIDELINES

8.1 Facilities Passing By and / or Serving Electric Supply Locations CenturyLink telecommunication cables facilities that pass by an electric supply location (substation, generation station) or that provide direct communication service to the electric supply location may require special bonding, grounding and protection measures. The CenturyLink Method and Procedure, “Design and Protection of Copper Cable Facilities Serving or Near Electric Supply Locations” provides detailed guidance for required protection, copper cable installation, OSP engineering, construction and maintenance. This document may be accessed by clicking the hyperlink below: http://toolbox.corp.intranet/nsl_handbook/sites/default/files/article/1322//FO-MP-2012-02-001.pdf

NOTE: the GPR and ZOI values of an electric supply location are determined by information that must be provided by the owner of the electric supply location. This information is to be requested by CenturyLink engineering from the local power company engineers (reference the above hyperlink). By clicking HERE, a copy of the Substation GPR/ZOI information form may be accessed and downloaded.

NOTE: In no case shall any station protector ground be removed from an approved ground medium where the station protector(s), Network Interface Device (NID) or Building Entrance Terminal (BET) are located within the exposed zone (ZOI) at residential or business locations.

8.2 Fiber Cables

Telephone facilities provided by fiber optic cables to electric supply locations, these fiber optic cables need to be all dielectric (no metallic components) from the splice point at the 300 volt ZOI location. Dielectric fiber placements will eliminate the need for isolation protective devices by eliminating any metallic path for GPR to follow back into other telephone cable facilities.

8.3 Cellular Service at Power Facilities

Cellular towers located within the confines of an electric supply location or on power high voltage transmission towers are to be treated in the same manner as facilities serving electric supply locations. High Voltage Protection (HVP) procedures must be followed in these situations as outlined above!


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http://toolbox.corp.intranet/nsl_handbook/sites/default/files/article/1322/FO-MP-2012-02-001.pdf

http://toolbox.corp.intranet/nsl_handbook/sites/default/files/article/658/FO-MP-2010-02-004-SubstationGPRZOI.xls

Method & Procedure Field Operations Support FO-MP-2010-02-004 Issue 9 Date: 07/07/14 9.0 BOND / GROUND WIRE INSTALLATION GUIDELINES

9.1 Routing

Installation of grounding and bonding wires must follow specific guidelines in order to provide and maintain low resistance, low impedance paths for electrical current to flow. Improper placement may cause surge currents to seek alternate ground sources and will not provide adequate electrical paths to properly protect technicians and or equipment from damage. In addition to the various grounding and bonding applications outlined within this document, installations of wires in all situations must not contain:

• Sharp bends o Sweeping bends of 45 degrees or less recommended

• Splicing not recommended o Exothermically welded or other type permanent splices only

• Pass through metallic pipes • All ground connections point towards earth

9.2 Connections

1) CenturyLink approved grounding hardware for aerial / buried applications o Flip-Tap to be used on galvanized messenger to connect AWG #6 copper o Various vise type clamps and bolt on clamps for ground rods, wire bonds, etc. o 2 hole compression for all ground bars

Cell sites, remotes, CO, commercial properties o See section 29 for ordering information, including recommended clamp / connector

applications

NOTE: All mechanical connectors and clamps outlined in bullet #1, placed above and or below grade, are to have a light coating of No-Ox corrosion inhibiting grease applied to the wire and connector PRIOR to installation.

2) Made Ground Electrodes (MGE)

o Exothermic welds on all MGE (Ground Grid) connection CO Remote Electronic Sites Repeater / Doubler locations

9.3 Sizing / Type

Each grounding / bonding situation requires different size / type of approved wire to be used. These various applications, and the appropriate wire to be utilized, are outlined within this Method and Procedure. The various wires are American Wire Gauge (AWG) including:

o #10 Insulated Solid Copper o #6 Solid Bare Copper o #6 Solid Insulated Copper o #2 Bare Tinned Solid Copper o #2 Bare Solid Copper

See section 29 for ordering information


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Method & Procedure Field Operations Support FO-MP-2010-02-004 Issue 9 Date: 07/07/14 10.0 AERIAL CABLE / PLANT PROTECTION and JOINT FACILITY BONDING

10.1 Effective Grounds

All exposed plant must be effectively grounded utilizing CenturyLink approved ground rods for the following reasons:

• Reduce shock hazards • Reduce electrical damage to telephone plant • Provide rapid de-energizing of power lines contacting telephone plant • Provide a path to ground for lightning • Reduce inductive noise

NOTE: Gas lines, water lines, down guys and anchor rods are not considered grounds and will not be used as such in our plant protection scheme.

10.2 Grounding and Bonding Applications

Aerial strands (messenger) shall be continuous, bonded together and grounded at a minimum of 1,000 foot intervals so that no point is more than 500 feet from a ground. The 1000 foot rule is the minimum grounding requirements, applicable on all aerial cable leads that are in a continuous run without laterals, risers, primary power crossings, MGNV or protected terminals. Additional grounds must be installed at:

• Laterals • Risers (including aerial inserts in buried facilities) • Primary power crossings • Protected terminals • First and last pole of an aerial lead, regardless of lead length • At all aerial, buried or underground building entrance cable locations • Repeater / Doubler locations • Intervals exceeding 1000 feet without an MGNV


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10.3 Ground and Bonding Material / Requirements

Use only AWG #6 bare solid copper ground wire for connecting aerial strand (messenger) to a ground electrode. Each ground electrode shall consist of a driven 5/8 inch diameter 8 foot copper clad ground rod(s) driven approximately 12 inches away from the pole and approximately 4 inches below ground grade in undisturbed earth.

NOTE: Ground rods installed at pole line locations need not be measured as noted below in excerpts from the 2007 National Electrical Safety Code NESC and RUS Bulletin 1751F-815:

NESC Rule 94B – Driven rods shall be not less than 8 feet in length: Longer or multiple rods may be used to reduce ground resistance NESC Rule 96C – No specific resistance readings need be taken at individual electrodes due to distributed cable route multiple ground locations. RUS Section 11.1 – Low impedance to ground is achieved by multiple ground locations

NOTE: Ground electrodes (rods) and their resistance MUST be correctly measured at CO and Remote Electronic Sites! NOTE: Prior to driving a ground rod as outlined above, a request for locate of all facilities must be made and completed in the area where the rod(s) is to be driven to prevent damage to water, gas, drain or sewer facilities. NOTE: When connecting the AWG #6 solid copper wires to the strand (messenger), only use the “Tap Clamp – Flip On” type clamp. This clamp in designed to eliminate corrosion caused by contact of two dissimilar metals (copper to galvanize). This clamp is available in CART.

See section 29 for link to Grounding, Bonding and Protection material approved for use.

10.4 MGNV Bonding and Grounding

Telephone facilities must be bonded / grounded to the power company Multi Grounded Neutral Vertical (MGNV) wire where present on all joint use facilities. The MGNV is considered an effective ground and a separate Telephone ground rod is not to be installed at these locations. NOTE: THIS APPLIES TO AERIAL CABLE FACILITIES ONLY. The use of an MGNV is allowed in aerial plant due to the strand (messenger) in aerial cable being exceptionally strong and continuous. It is the main surge / current carrying component of an aerial lead and use of the MGNV duplicates the protection and grounding effects of the power company neutral and associated earth grounds. NOTE: DO NOT remove or cut the Power Company “U” guard or covering on the MGNV wire when making a connection!


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10.5 Joint Use Poles The proper selection of ground locations on joint use pole lines with electrical power must result in a distance of no more than 500 feet between any portion of exposed cable plant and the nearest ground. Additional grounds must be placed if an MGNV is not present at:

• All Telephone or power company lateral / riser poles. • First and last pole of an aerial lead, regardless of lead length • Junction point between solely-owned and joint aerial plant. • Joint pole at which a cable continues buried or underground. • At all building entrance cable locations • Intervals exceeding 1000 feet without an MGNV

NOTE: Bond connections to the MGNV/MGN from the Telco facility should always point towards earth/ground rod, not up towards the power company neutral.

Below is an example of joint use bonding to the power company MGNV:

NOTE: ALL POWER COMPANY GROUND RODS, MULTI GROUNDED NEUTRAL VERTICAL (MGNV) WIRES, CABINETS, METER BOXES, ETC., MUST BE TESTED WITH AN APPROVED FOREIGN VOLTAGE DETECTOR AS PRESCRIBED IN CENTURYLINK SAFETY PRACTICES.


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10.6 Bonding

Bonding is another important protection element that prevents the build-up of hazardous voltages between the different grounding mediums (power facilities, CATV, municipal cables, etc) and eliminates any difference of potential between the various facilities. Common bonding equalizes the potentials as it is the difference in voltage which creates the hazard, not the amount of voltage. All telephone plant must be properly bonded. Strand-to-strand bonding is required to maintain strand continuity on all aerial cable at:

• Dead ends and corner poles where strand is not continuous. • The first and last poles on all CenturyLink aerial leads regardless of lead length • Where multiple strands are located on the same pole. • At all locations where a ground has been placed. • Locations where a power company MGNV has been placed. • All cable junctions and crossovers. • At all down guys install a bonded ground strap between the electric company ground, the

telephone cable messenger or cable shield (if installed) and the down guy wire. • Bond all guys to the strand.

10.7 CATV Bonding

CATV cables are usually attached at 1 foot separations from telephone cable plant strands. The CATV strand (messenger) is to be bonded to the telephone plant at all locations where CenturyLink facilities require bonding/grounding.

Below is an example of typical bonding between telephone and CATV facilities:

NOTE: It is also acceptable to make individual connections from each strand directly to the MGNV instead of going from strand to strand and then to the MGNV. NOTE: Bond connections to the MGNV/MGN from the Telco facility should always point towards earth/ground rod, not up towards the power company neutral.


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10.8 Additional CATV Bonding Requirements

In addition, power control or supervisory cables carrying communications voltages should be bonded as above. Arrangements for this should be coordinated with the CATV Company involved.

10.9 Shield-to-shield and shield-to-strand bonds

These bonds shall be made at every cable sheath opening. Terminals and splice cases on stalpeth, alpeth and figure-8 cables provide the necessary bond between the shield of the cable and strand. Bonding of splice openings shall be made with the equivalent of AWG #6 copper bonding braid or copper bonding bars. Do not use copper wire. NOTE: If splice closures and/or terminals do not provide sufficient bonds to meet CENTURYLINK standards, then additional bonds shall be placed. NOTE: In closures with multiple cables, the metallic shields are bonded together in a “daisy chained” manner to the strand (messenger). This is allowed in aerial plant ONLY as the intent is to bond the cable shields to the strand (messenger) to eliminate a difference of potential between the two metallic components. See the following diagrams for an illustration of aerial closure bonding.


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NOTE: It will not be necessary to place additional strand to metallic shield bonds on aerial exchange or interexchange cables. Metallic shield to strand bonds will be accomplished at splice closures, terminals, load coils, repeater housings and splices that were necessary at the time of construction. The cable sheath shall never be opened for the purpose of shield-to-strand bonding only. Reference CenturyLink Cable and Service Wire Shield Bond Connector Installation Method and Procedure by clicking the hyper link below:

http://toolbox.corp.intranet/nsl_handbook/sites/default/files/article/2733//FO-MP-2014-06-004.pdf

10.10 Maintaining Shield Continuity

The continuity of the shield of all cables through splices, splice cases, terminals, apparatus cabinets, etc., throughout the length of the cable, except where purposely broken by an insulating joint.

10.11 Temporary Cable Openings

Where temporary taped joints are made in aerial cable as in the case of trouble openings for the purpose of locating defective pairs, the continuity of the cable shield is to be maintained. Temporarily bonding the shields together or to the strand on each side is required to maintain shield continuity until the splice can be closed permanently.


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10.12 Insulating Joints

Insulating joints in cables may be specified for interrupting the electrical continuity of the shield for electrolysis or special protection purposes. In aerial cables, a strain insulator is required in the strand above the insulated joint.

10.13 Primary Power Crossings

From a protection standpoint, the most vulnerable power facility crossing location is at midpoint of a span. Bond (if more than one) and ground aerial cable strands (messenger) at all primary power crossings (this does not include power service drops). Grounds are to be placed at the nearest pole on each side of the power crossing, regardless of proximity of other grounds. Examples of bonding and grounding at primary power crossings are shown in the following illustrations:


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10.14 Primary Power Crossing – Joint Used Pole If the primary power crossing over an aerial cable is located on a joint use pole, a ground must be placed at the joint pole (if and MGNV is NOT present). (See the following illustration.)

NOTE: In the above illustrations, it’s recommended to place additional grounds on each side of the primary power contact pole, as shown on page 18, for additional protection.


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Method & Procedure Field Operations Support FO-MP-2010-02-004 Issue 9 Date: 07/07/14 11.0 BONDING and CLEARANCES FOR STRAND (MESSENGER) TO FOREIGN OWNED UTILITIES

11.1 Street Lights & Traffic Control Wires

Where street lights and or traffic control wires are mounted, vertical clearances shall be as follows: (Reference rule 238 of the 2007 NESC) ABOVE COMMUNICATION MESSENGERS (STRAND)

• Clearances between the pole attachments for street bracket diagonal supports down to the telephone cable shall be 20 inches for lamp brackets not effectively grounded and 6 inches for lamp brackets effectively grounded. The aerial strand (messenger) must be bonded to the support arm or bracket if it grounded.

• Where street lights are mounted above telephone cables, clearances shall be 12

inches from the cable to drip loops entering street light brackets from the surfaces of poles.

• A terminal box or other metallic housing is mounted on the pole; there shall be 20

inches of clearance from the bottom of the housing to the horizontal support arm of the street light bracket if the bracket is not effectively grounded. If the bracket is effectively grounded, the clearance shall be 4 inches. The aerial strand (messenger) must be bonded to the support arm or bracket if it grounded.

BELOW COMMUNICATION MESSENGERS (STRAND)

• Clearance from the telephone cable down to the horizontal support arm of the street

light bracket shall be 20 inches for foreign circuits under 150 V to ground; 40 inches for any voltage above 150 V to ground. The aerial strand (messenger) must be bonded to the support arm or bracket if it grounded.

• If a terminal box or other metallic housing is mounted on the pole between the

telephone cable and street light bracket, there shall be 20 inches of clearance from the bottom of the housing to the horizontal support arm of the street light bracket if the bracket is not effectively grounded. If the bracket is effectively grounded, the clearance shall be 4 inches. The aerial strand (messenger) must be bonded to the support arm or bracket if it grounded.

• Bridle rings, drive hooks or other drop attachments shall be at least 20 inches from

and metal parts of lamp brackets not effectively grounded and 4 inches for lamp brackets effectively grounded.


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Method & Procedure Field Operations Support FO-MP-2010-02-004 Issue 9 Date: 07/07/14 12.0 RDW, MULTIPLE DISTRIBUTION WIRE AND SINGLE PAIR AERIAL DISTRIBUTION WIRE

12.1 RDW Junctions

At the junction of cable and RDW, multiple distribution wire or single pair aerial distribution wire, the cable will be equipped with a protected cable terminal with 300 volt gas tube protection. The fuse link will be provided either through fusible terminal block wire leads, through factory installed fusible cable terminal stubs or through fusible bridle wire.

12.2 Grounding

A driven ground or MGNV is required at all cable and aerial wire junctions. At all junctions of cable and RDW, the RDW shall be equipped with an approved closure with all pairs terminated on six pair unprotected terminal blocks. All connections to the cable shall be made by cross-connecting with approved fusible wire from the closure to the protected terminal on the cable. The fuse link will be provided in the AWG #24 wire leads on the six pair terminal blocks, with the fusible bridle wire providing a back-up fuse link.

12.3 Bonding

The support wire for RDW shall be bonded to the support strand of the cable feeding the facility. The support wires for these type facilities shall be grounded at the same intervals as aerial cable.

13.0 BURIED CABLE / PLANT PROTECTION and JOINT FACILITY BONDING

13.1 GROUNDING Grounding of all copper conductor type cables will be accomplished in the following manner:

• A 5/8 inch diameter 8 foot section copper-clad ground rod(s) will be placed at all locations within the buried cable plant where the outside plant copper cable sheath or shield has been opened. (section 90 of the NESC) This includes, but not limited to:

o All buried enclosures o Pedestals o XC Cabinets o Terminals o Load coils o Branch slices o Repeater / Doubler sites o Loops pulled for future terminal locations o At the beginning and end of all cable leads regardless of length


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13.2 Ground Rod Placement

Place the ground rod in line with the back of the closure approximately one foot to the right in undisturbed soil when viewing the closure from the front a minimum of 4 inches below grade. Should this location not be possible due to conflicts, locate the rod within a one foot perimeter of the closure in undisturbed soil. Dig a trench for the AWG #6 bare copper wire from the rod to the buried enclosure. The trench should be a minimum of 8 inches deep and no more than 12 inches deep.

NOTE: Ground rods installed at pedestal / cross connect box locations need not be measured as noted below in excerpts from the 2007 National Electrical Safety Code NESC and RUS Bulletin 1751F-815:

NESC Rule 94B – Driven rods shall be not less than 8 feet in length: Longer or multiple rods may be used to reduce ground resistance NESC Rule 96C – No specific resistance readings need be taken at individual electrodes due to distributed cable route multiple ground locations. RUS Section 11.1 – Low impedance to ground is achieved by multiple ground locations

NOTE: Ground electrodes (rods) and their resistance MUST be correctly measured at CO and Remote Electronic Sites! NOTE: Prior to driving a ground rod as outlined above, a request for locate of all facilities must be made and completed in the area where the rod(s) is to be driven to prevent damage to water, gas, drain or sewer facilities.

13.3 Buried Facility Bonding

All pedestals, cross-connect boxes, terminals, etc., in addition to the placement of a ground rod(s) as noted in section 13.2, will also be bonded to adjacent buried power enclosures as required by the 2007 NESC, Section 384 A, B and C (see code excerpt below).384. Grounding and bonding (excerpt from 2007 NESC)

A. Cases and enclosures made of conductive material shall be effectively grounded or guarded.

B. Guards constructed of conductive material shall be effectively grounded.

C. Bonding should be provided between all aboveground metallic power and communications apparatus (pedestals, terminals, apparatus cases, transformer cases, etc.) that are separated by a distance of 1.8 m (6 ft) or less. For the purpose of this rule, pole grounds are not considered an aboveground metallic power apparatus and therefore not required to be bonded to the communication apparatus.

NOTE: Section 384.C above does NOT preclude CENTURYLINK from making connection(s) to aerial power pole MGNV’s. CENTURYLINK policy is to make the MGNV bond at all locations where the buried enclosure is within 6 feet of a power company MGNV. These connections should be made below grade to the MGNV or to the power company ground rod.


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NOTE: Under no circumstances is the MGNV clamp to the power company ground rod ever to be loosened for connecting the telephone AWG #6 bond!!

13.4 Identify All Grounds Connections

All ground wires are to properly identified (tagged) within the buried enclosure to comply with National Code: NESC section 385 utilizing a blank, self laminating tag. The following information is to be noted on each ground wire within a buried enclosure. This information is to be written on a blank self laminating tag and will include but not limited to:

• Date of ground rod placement • Number of rods placed • Measured resistance of rods in ohms • Labeled for the purpose of the ground wire (MGNV, Repeater / Doubler, Ground rod)

See section 29 for approved grounding material.

13.5 Ground Warning Tags

Yellow and Black warning tags (example below) will be placed at all ground sources: i.e.: MGNV/MGN, building steel, rods, etc. for all NID, BET, ONT, MDU, ONU and anywhere there is public access plus at all connections above or below grade. Place repair warning tag above last clamp holding the ground wire above ground level.

See section 29 for approved grounding material.

13.6 Grounding Intervals In all cases, no point on the cable shall be more than 1500 feet from a ground. (RUS Bulletin 1751F-815) The only exception to this rule is as follows: Fiber optic cables and buried interexchange cables. Fiber cables will be grounded at all splice and termination locations. Interchange cable grounding will be accomplished at existing repeater and/or load point locations or at any other pedestals which were deemed necessary by the engineer on the construction prints. In no case should the interexchange cable be looped or cut into a pedestal at any other location for the sole purpose of grounding.

13.7 Buried Cable Separation Random separation of cables between buried communication and buried supply cables is permitted in the following cases (Excerpts from 2007 NESC article 354 below):


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(a) Where the voltage of the power conductor does not exceed 550 volts phase to phase and 300 volts phase to ground.

(b) Where the voltage of the power conductors exceeds that specified in (a) above but does not exceed 20 KV to ground for grounded WYE circuits and not in excess of 5.3 KV phase to phase for ungrounded (delta systems).

Power facilities must be designed and operated so as to de-energize promptly in the event of a fault (phase to ground faults for WYE systems, phase to phase faults for delta systems). This requirement is met by concentric neutrals, bare sheath or jacketed metal sheath with an adjacent bare conductor. Delta power system cables used in buried random work must be of duplex or triplex concentric shield construction or single concentric cables maintained in close proximity to each other if operated at voltages in excess of 300 volts. Delta systems to be installed at random separation with communication cables are required to have a ground fault indicating system if operated at voltages above 300. Communication cables shall have a continuous metallic shield under the outer jacket Bonding between communication and effectively grounded power supply conductors shall be placed so that bond points are less than 1,000 feet apart.

13.8 Joint Facility Bonding – Buried to Buried

At the time a cable is placed, the telephone company shall attach an AWG #6 bare solid copper wire to the cable closure’s ground bar at the location shown on the work prints and leave a sufficient length of wire for the power company to terminate in the location shown on their work print to their adjacent power enclosure (transformer). Whenever possible, bonding between the telephone cable’s metallic shield and the power company neutral shall be made simultaneously and the bond verified at the time of installation.

When simultaneous bonding is not possible, the telephone company shall notify the power company that an AWG #6 bare solid copper bond wire has been attached to the telephone cables and sufficient wire left for connection to the electric facilities. After the power company has connected the AWG #6 bare solid copper bond wire to its multi-grounded neutral system, it should so notify the telephone company. NOTE: For alternate connection method, see page 24 for transformer tank connectors.

Reasonable effort should be made by the telephone company engineer to, in most cases, interconnect grounds at transformer locations when the power cables are buried. This should be coordinated with the local power company engineer. The interconnection should be made when power cables are buried jointly or in separate trenches 20 feet apart or less, regardless of length. Grounds should be interconnected at transformer locations. These include the continuously grounded primary neutral and/or grounding conductor, secondary and service neutrals, power cable shield or sheath, telephone cable shield or sheath and equipment grounds.


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NOTE: Bonding is required between metallic telephone company pedestals and above ground power facilities 6 feet apart or less, e.g., telephone and power pedestal closures mounted back to back or located 6 feet apart or less. See the illustration below:


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NOTE: The use of CenturyLink approved transformer clamps for attaching the AWG #6 solid copper wire from telephone pedestals to a power transformer pad is acceptable.

Three sizes of transformer clamps are available via CART: Two that fit the transformer “Lift Lug” and one designed to fit into the “Comm. Port”, located at the bottom of the transformer near the base, on newer style transformers. See the following photos for examples of the two types of transformers clamps:

NOTE: Not all transformers have the Comm port available and the “lift lug” is to be used only on transformers with the split top lid (hinged as in the attached photo above) so as not to impede the power company’s access.


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13.9 Cable in Ducts / Conduits

When power cables operating in excess of 300 volts phase to ground are installed in duct, the protection requirements of the following conduit options shall be followed:

• Metallic Conduit: The metallic shield of the cable shall be bonded to the metallic conduit where it enters and leaves the conduit. Exception: Where the length of the conduit is less than 150 feet, the bonds may be omitted providing the ground conductor is continuous through the conduit.

• Non-Metallic or Insulated Metallic Conduit: A separate bare ground conductor in

continuous contact with the earth shall be run exterior to and as close as practical to the conduit. This ground conductor shall be bonded to the neutral of the cable at each end of the conduit. Exception: Where the length of the conduit is less than 150 feet, the bare ground conductor may be omitted.

Where conduit is required for any condition in joint buried distribution systems, separate conduit for power and telephone wires must be provided. The trench bottom shall be reasonably level and free of stones, roots or other sharp surfaces that may damage the cables or pipe. Where this is impossible, a cushion of 3 inches of clean backfill shall be placed in the trench prior to placing the cables. Back-fill within 6 inches of the cables shall be free of stones or other debris. NOTE: For additional information concerning random lay or fixed separation with power cables, reference should be made to the CenturyLink buried OSP cable placement Method and Procedures.

13.10 Joint Facility Bonding – Buried to Aerial Power

When aerial power lines (exceeding 300 volts) other than house service triplex cables are in the same easement or alongside or crossover buried cable, the following grounding procedures will be adhered to:

• A ground is required at both ends of an exposure and at every closure within the paralleling exposure. Should the lead have minimal enclosures, additional enclosures may need to be placed so the frequency of grounds does not exceed 1,000 feet.

• If a telephone pedestal is placed within 6 feet of a power pole having a vertical multi-

grounded neutral wire (MGNV), also bond the enclosure to the multi-grounded neutral wire.

See the following illustration for detail of buried to aerial facility bonding.


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13.11 CATV Bonding

For buried telephone cables paralleling buried CATV cables, bonding the telephone pedestal to the CATV pedestal should be accomplished where telephone cables are buried with CATV cables in a common trench or separate trenches 10 feet or less apart, regardless of the length. Arrangements for this should be coordinated with the company involved and a representative of the Area Outside Plant Engineering and Construction office.


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Method & Procedure Field Operations Support FO-MP-2010-02-004 Issue 9 Date: 07/07/14 14.0 APPARATUSES EXTERNAL TO THE CABLE SHEATH/SHIELD

14.1 External Apparatus Apparatus external to the cable sheath include, but are not limited to:

• Load coil cases • Build Out Capacitors • Cross Connect Boxes • Apparatus cases • Induction Neutralizing Transformer • Harmonic Drains

14.2 External Apparatus Grounding

All external apparatus are to have an effective ground. In buried applications, this ground may be shared with the buried enclosure; both connected to the ground bar within the enclosure and properly tagged for identification. NOTE: At cross-connect boxes the shields of all cables entering the box shall be individually grounded at the cross connect ground bar.

14.3 External Apparatus Bonding These apparatuses should be bonded to the enclosure ground bar to provide a bond to the main cable.

15.0 UNDERGROUND (Manhole) CABLE / PLANT PROTECTION

15.1 Grounding There will be a ground rod(s) placed in all future load point and repeater / doubler site manholes and hand holes. NOTE: Prior to driving a ground rod as outlined above, a request for locate must be made and completed in the area where the rod is to be driven to prevent damage to water, gas, drain or sewer facilities. NOTE: It may be desirable to place the ground rod on the outside of the poured-in-place manhole.

15.2 Bonding Bond all lead sheathed cable and the shields of plastic sheathed cable together in every manhole, hand hole or pull box and bond to the grounded bonding ribbon. In intermediate manholes or pull through manholes where no sheath openings are made (plastic sheath cable only) bonds are not required provided it is not more than 3,000 feet to the nearest bond and ground. Ground rods are to be placed in all manholes containing repeaters/doubler and or load coils/build-outs.


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15.3 Joint-Use Manhole Protection

Where foreign cables/apparatuses appear in the same manhole with telephone cables, these foreign cables/apparatuses should be common bonded to the telephone metallic shields/apparatus as outlined in NESC section 90, rule 093D3-E3.

16.0 BONDING AND GROUNDING CENTRALIZED AIR PRESSURE PIPE SYSTEMS

16.1 Grounding and Bonding

• Air pipes shall be grounded at all pipe connections, with the distance between grounds not to exceed 1,000 feet. Connect ground ribbon to manhole ground point.

• Transducers shall be grounded to the manhole ground point. Bond transducer stub to the

cable from which pairs are being assigned for the alarm circuits.

• Manifolds shall be common bonded at the manhole ground point


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Method & Procedure Field Operations Support FO-MP-2010-02-004 Issue 9 Date: 07/07/14 17.0 CORROSION PROTECTION

17.1 Corrosion Definition

The term corrosion, as used in this section, is synonymous with electrolysis and applies to the electrochemical action that can take place under certain conditions between below-ground metallic objects and the earth. This action can cause erosion of the metal (e.g., holes may appear in lead cable sheathing). Corrosive effects on cable metallic sheath or shields, suspension strand and hardware in general due to chemical exposure (salt spray along sea coasts, fumes in industrial areas, etc.) are not covered in this section. NOTE: It is recognized that many electrical protection requirements implemented by this practice will possibly introduce a corrosive environment (galvanic action) for much of our cable plant. However, the engineer does not intend to sacrifice our electrical protection (bonding and grounding) requirements on the possibility of creating a minor corrosion problem. Should a minor corrosion problem result, we will approach and analyze each situation to determine the solution for controlling or mitigating the corrosion problem through the use of insulated joints and capacitors or the installation of cathodic protection systems. The corrosion problem is an entity of its own and will not be discussed in depth as part of this practice.

17.2 Underground / Manhole Corrosion

Underground telephone plant is subject mostly to the following two types of electrolytic corrosion: (a) Stray Current: In the operation of some direct current power systems (e.g. electric

railroads, welding generators, etc.), some of the currents return to their source via the earth. These returning currents will utilize any form of bare metal in contact with earth (such as lead sheaths on underground cables) to find the path of least resistance back to their source. Corrosion of the metal occurs at the points at which the currents reenter earth.

(b) Galvanic Action: When two different metals (or equivalent current carrying elements) are

placed in certain environments and then connected together, they will generate a direct current. A simple example of the generating of direct current by galvanic action is found in the flashlight battery, where the electrolytic filler provides the proper environment for the carbon rod and the zinc case. Connecting the two externally causes current to flow. In the process of current flow, the interior surface of the zinc case suffers corrosion. Similarly, placing lead sheath underground cable and the copper ground rods of a power company multi-grounded neutral system in moist earth (the electrolytic environment) will cause a flow of direct current between two metals (through earth) when they are connected externally. MGN and MGNV ties which we place for other protection reasons provide this external connection. Thus the lead sheath on our underground cables is exposed to corrosion from galvanic action.


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17.3 Bridge Attachments Corrosion

In some cases cables attached to steel or steel reinforced bridges may require insulating from the bridge structure for either electrolysis or special protection reasons. The construction drawings for a work activity will specify when and where to place them and the methods to be used. Cables and strand may be insulated from bridge structures by using wooden blocks or by placing insulating joints in the cable at both ends of the bridge. Since continuity of the cable shield is required, place an insulated bond wire around the insulated section of cable as shown in the following combined illustration:

Where cable is supported by suspension strand attached to the bridge and insulating joints are required in the cable shield, place strain insulators in the strand directly above the insulating joints. Then place a bond between the strand and cable shield and place an insulated bond wire around the insulated section of cable as shown in the following illustration:


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18.0 SUBMARINE CABLE / PLANT PROTECTION

• The steel armor in wire or taped-armored cables shall be bonded to the cables' lead sheath on each side of all splices, junctions and terminations.

• Where tape armored cable is spliced to standard underground cable or to submarine cable, the ends

of the tapes or armor wires shall be bonded to the cable shield on both sides of the splice.

• Bond the armor wires to the cable shield at the ends of the submarine cable.


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Method & Procedure Field Operations Support FO-MP-2010-02-004 Issue 9 Date: 07/07/14 19.0 REPEATER / DOUBLER GROUNDING SYSTEM

19.1 Grounding System Requirements Repeater/Doubler locations require the installation of a Made Ground Electrode (MGE) (Ground

grid) to provide adequate protection for these electronic apparatuses.

19.1.1 The grounding grid requires bare # 6 AWG solid copper conductors placed between the ground rods and between the closure/pedestal and grid to BOND all items to a common ground source (see diagram below).

19.1.2 Ground rods are to be a minimum of 5/8” x 8’ copper clad steel. 19.1.3 A bare or insulated AWG #6 solid copper wire is to be placed from the repeater / doubler

housing and exothermically connected to the ground grid. (see Note below for exceptions)

19.1.4 The top of the ground rods are to be a minimum of 24 inches below grade. Ground resistance values must be 25 ohms or less, with a 4 (four) ground rod minimum.

19.1.5 All ground wire connections to the ground rods are to be exothermically welded. See diagram below for an example of repeater/double grid installation.

NOTE: On repeaters/doublers with factory sealed, stranded ground wires than cannot be replaced with a # 6 AWG solid copper wire as outlined above, it is acceptable to utilize the factory installed ground wire by:


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1. In Aerial applications, connect the repeater/doubler factory sealed ground wire, pointing

towards earth, to the pole ground wire utilizing a “vise” ground clamp after the pole ground wire has been properly cleaned and a light coat of no-ox grease has been applied.

2. In Buried applications, connect the repeater/doubler factory sealed ground wire to the

ground bar inside the pedestal enclosure, tagging the ground wire to properly identify it.

19.2 Repeater / Double Stub Cable

Within the closure where the main cable and the repeater stub(s) splice, bond and ground the main cables normally and isolate the repeater / doubler stub shield in the splice.

19.3 300 V Protection All pairs terminating in repeater /doubler apparatus, to which circuits, alarm, talk or other voice frequency facilities assigned, will be protected with 300 Volt Gas protectors. Gas tube protectors are utilized both at the central office and in all repeater / doubler apparatus.

19.4 Joint Facility Locations

In addition to the installation of the ground grid, if carrier apparatuses are located on poles carrying primary electric power, the apparatus will be bonded to the power company MGNV. NOTE: Location of repeaters/doublers, however, on poles carrying electric power should be avoided if possible.


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Method & Procedure Field Operations Support FO-MP-2010-02-004 Issue 9 Date: 07/07/14 20.0 BONDING AND GROUNDING FIBER OPTICAL CABLES

20.1 Bonding and Grounding Description

Protection of fiber optical cable requires continuous shield /strength member continuity, effective bonding techniques and proper grounding to maintain high service reliability. Bonding and Grounding of outside Plant fiber optic cables follow all the procedures previously described in this Method and Procedure for aerial and buried cable facilities.

20.2 Protection at Central Offices and Repeater Stations

All fiber optical cable with metallic shield(s)/outer strength member(s) that enter into the central office/Field Repeater Station (FRS) environment and terminate on an optical cross-connect panel (Corning, etc.) must be electrically isolated and grounded at the point of entry. There must be no exceptions.

Electrical isolation at this point of entry is achieved by removing a section of the sheath/outer strength member. The field side of the cable shield(s)/strength member(s) is to be grounded to the central office OSP vault/FRS ground (whichever is applicable), this should be accomplished within 6 feet of the entry point. The office side at the central office vault/FRS entry point is to be isolated and grounded only at the optical cross-connect panel ground.

20.3 Fiber Cable Building Entrance

All fiber optical cable with metallic shield(s)/outer strength member(s) that enter the central office environment without terminating on optical cross-connect panels must be electrically grounded to the central office vault (OSP) ground at the point of entry. This should be accomplished within 6 feet of the entry point.


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Method & Procedure Field Operations Support FO-MP-2010-02-004 Issue 9 Date: 07/07/14 21.0 RESIDENTIAL /SMALL BUSINESS PROTECTION

21.1 Approved Ground Source The CenturyLink approved ground source is the power MGN / Meter Base. Ground connections shall under NO condition be made to natural or manufactured gas lines, gasoline or oil lines, power transmission towers, oil tanks, hot water pipes, fire sprinkler systems or water lines. NOTE: CenturyLink policy is NOT to use water pipes of any type for grounding the NID.

21.2 Ground Conductor Sizing

Minimum ground conductor sizes based on number of lines serving the customer location: • AWG # 10 for 1 – 6 lines • AWG # 6 for 7 or more lines • AWG # 6 for ONT with metallic strength members

21.3 Station Protection (NID)

The station protector/terminal shall be grounded to an MGN or Meter base with a solid insulated copper wire for distances up to and including 20 feet using the appropriate bond connector as shown in the diagram below.


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21.4 Ground Conductor Lengths Beyond 20 feet

For grounding conductors beyond 20 feet in length, drive a 5 foot 1/2 inch diameter rod a minimum of 4 inches below grade in undisturbed soil at the location of the NID. (NEC 800.100(B)(2)). Regardless of the number of lines serving the location, ground the protector/terminal to the telephone ground rod using AWG #6 solid copper wire and bond from the Telco ground rod to the MGN ground rod/wire using AWG #6 solid copper wire.

NOTE: The bond wire between the telephone ground and the power ground is to be: • Insulated if ABOVE grade • BARE if below grade.

See the following illustration for details:

NOTE: A driven 5 foot 1/2 inch diameter ground rod without MGN attachment can only be used if there is NO power service.

NOTE: For detailed NID installation procedures reference M&P 462-100-203 and CSP 600-002-002.

Hyperlink to be added when updated / revised NOTE: Prior to driving a ground rod as outlined above, a request for locate of all facilities must be made and completed in the area where the rod is to be driven to prevent damage to water, gas, drain or sewer facilities.


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21.5 Mobile Homes / Structures

Grounding and Protection of mobile homes is addressed in CenturyLink Method and Procedures “Mobile Structure Wiring” number 500-116-300 in the Resource Library

Hyperlink to be added when updated / revised

22.0 ONT / MDU BONDING AND GROUNDING

22.1 Approved Ground Source The CenturyLink approved ground source is the power MGN / Meter Base. Ground connections shall under NO condition be made to natural or manufactured gas lines, gasoline or oil lines, power transmission towers, oil tanks, hot water pipes, fire sprinkler systems or water lines. NOTE: CenturyLink policy is NOT to use water pipes of any type for grounding the NID.

22.2 ONT / MDU Ground Conductor Size

The ONT is to be grounded/bonded utilizing a minimum AWG #10 solid insulated wire.

NOTE: The Copper and/or Fiber cable shields/strength members, if utilized, must be properly bonded to the ONT / MDU ground lug.

22.3 ONT / MDU Ground Conductor Lengths Beyond 20 feet

For grounding conductors beyond 20 feet in length, follow CenturyLink establish guidelines as outlined in section 21.4 of this document. NOTE: Additional information regarding installation of ONT and related FTTX information may be found in CenturyLink Method and Procedure MP-2008-05-001. http://toolbox.corp.intranet/nsl_handbook/sites/default/files/article/649/FO-MP-2008-05-001.pdf

23.0 VIDEO – COAX BONDING AND GROUNDING

Coax cable must be grounded prior to entering the structure. Bonding and grounding is accomplished via a minimum AWG #10 insulated, solid copper wire connected from a ground block or splitter to the MGNV and or NID/ONT ground lug.

24.0 FTTC / ONU BONDING AND GROUNDING

Grounding and protection of Fiber To The Curb (FTTC) ONU’s requires the placement of a MGE (Ground Grid) and follow the same guidelines noted in Section 19 of this document regarding Repeater/Double Grounding.

o In addition to the MGE placement at the ONU, the ONU must be bonded to the power company MGN/MGNV if located within 6 feet of the ONU.


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25.0 COMMERCIAL BUILDING BONDING/GROUNDING

25.1 Approved Bonding/Grounding Location The outside plant cable entry point into the commercial building and location of the primary protection (BET) (NEC Article 800.90B) is to be as close as possible to the commercial AC service entry point.

25.2 Approved Bonding/Ground Sources

To equalize or limit ground potential differences between communication facilities and structural metal, commercial AC power, etc., all components within the building are to be common bonded. The interconnection of the various metallic systems is referred to as common bonding or grounding means and is the customer’s responsibility to ensure these connections are established.

NOTE: Telephone company personnel must ensure that these interconnections are in place PRIOR to installing service.

NOTE: At commercial properties, telephone technicians are NOT to establish a separate ground for any reason. Grounding of telecommunications equipment / facilities is accomplished by common bonding and grounding means as noted below:

• Bonding of the protected Building Entry Terminal (BET) to the commercial AC service MGN is required to meet the National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements as defined in 800.100D.

o Common bonding: Reference Common Bonding in the Definitions, section 6. The Bonding/Ground means it to be provided by the customer at the telephone cable service entry location.

25.3 Commercial Cable Entrances

All outside plant cables entering buildings (includes house cable) must be terminated on a protected Building Entrance Terminal (BET) and must have their metallic shields grounded to provide noise suppression and adequate protection of the customers' building. On all protected terminals inside the building, run an AWG #6 solid insulated copper ground wire from the designated common ground point to the ground lug of the BET. All house cable terminals within the building and beyond the initial protected terminal need not be protected.

25.4 Off Premise Extensions (OPX) Off Premise Extensions (OPX) requires that regular station protection on all lines entering and leaving the premises is installed. This includes central office lines, tie trunks and stations. NOTE: Reference the following CenturyLink Method and Procedures for additional information:

Special Service Grounding – MP2007-01-004 http://toolbox.corp.intranet/nsl_handbook/sites/default/files/article/685/FO-MP-2007-01-004.pdf

PBX, Key System Grounding and Bonding – 060-100-001

Hyperlink to be added when updated / revised


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Method & Procedure Field Operations Support FO-MP-2010-02-004 Issue 9 Date: 07/07/14 26.0 CENTRAL OFFICE PROTECTION

26.1 Cable Entrances- Single Duct Bank

The shields of all cables entering central office buildings must be grounded to the Cable Entrance Ground Bar (CEGB). The cable shield must be opened and bonded/grounded to the CEBG as near as point of entry as possible.

See the illustration below:

26.2 Cable Entrances- Multiple Duct Banks

Where there is more than one duct bank entrance to the central office, each entrance must be interconnected with an AWG #4/0 bare seven strand copper wire, connected to the CEGB and routed through the vault. All connection to the AWG 4/0 stranded wire will be routed so as to point towards the CEGB. .

Shield opening and bonding/grounding is accomplished as illustrated below:


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26.3 Cable Entrances- Extended Entrances

Where cables enter into a Central Office vaults, and the “TIP” cable splice is made away from the 6 feet grounding/bonding requirements, then the OSP cable shield is to be opened and bonded/grounded at the point of entry. This opening only opens the shield, leaving the pairs intact. The shield bond connector is installed as normal, and the “Spark Gap” created in this opening. The Tip cables are then spliced further away in the vault.

NOTE: Shield continuity must be maintained through the Tip splice as shown in the illustration below when applicable:

NOTE: For in-depth information for Central Office Protection, including AC and DC protection, refer to Method and Procedure 638-150-001 entitled “Central Office Grounding and Protection – Design, Installation and Maintenance” for Detailed Digital Office Protective Grounding Systems – 638-150-001

Hyperlinks to be added when updated / revised


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Method & Procedure Field Operations Support FO-MP-2010-02-004 Issue 9 Date: 07/07/14 27.0 GROUNDING AND PROTECTION FOR REMOTE ELECTRONIC SITES / CEV

Grounding and Protection of the various types of remotes electronic (pair gain) sites is addressed in CenturyLink Method and Procedures “Grounding and Protection of Remotes Electronic Sites” number MP-2010-02-002 and Electrical Protection and Grounding for Controlled Environmental Enclosures number 638-150-002 in the Resource Library.


28.0 MEASURING GROUND ROD RESISTANCE

The resistance of a ground electrode is determined by proper measurement. The appropriate test set the three-terminal ground resistance tester, is the only acceptable method and shall be used to determine resistance to earth. The following diagram illustrates the measurement technique known as the “62 % rule”. (62% of the distance between C1 and C2 will normally yield the most accurate reading.)

"THREE TERMINAL" EARTH-RESISTANCE TEST”

NOTE: The test method shown above provides results that indicate the measured resistance (in Ohms) to earth of the ground rod / electrode.


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Method & Procedure Field Operations Support FO-MP-2010-02-004 Issue 9 Date: 07/07/14 29.0 MATERIAL AND SUPPLIES

To access the listing of approved grounding, bonding and protection material, including description, recommended applications and SAP ordering information, click on the hyperlink below:

Bonding, Grounding and Protection Material

30.0 STAND ALONE CELL TOWERS

Existing and new cell tower stand alone locations are covered by “Cell Site Grounding / Bonding and Protection” available from the following link: http://toolbox.corp.intranet/nsl_handbook/sites/default/files/article/654/FO-MP-158-100-0401.pdf Telephone cable facilities serving cell towers are affected by similar exposure to GPR surge sources primary example the tower itself is little more than a lightning rod. Design Engineering resources are available from the following link: http://toolbox.corp.intranet/nsl_handbook/sites/default/files/article/537/NS-L-OSP-MP-07-0119.pdf


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https://doc-share.corp.intranet/livelink/llisapi.dll/13349122/Bonding%2C_Grounding_and_Protection_Material.xls?func=Edit.Edit&nodeid=13349122&ReadOnly=True&VerNum=-2&nexturl=%2Flivelink%2Fllisapi%2Edll%3Ffunc%3Dll%26objId%3D13347870%26objAction%3Dbrowse%26viewType%3D1


http://toolbox.corp.intranet/nsl_handbook/sites/default/files/article/537/NS-L-OSP-MP-07-0119.pdf


31.0 DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT

Document Management

AUTHORS

Author SME Name Telephone Number E-mail Address

X X Daniel Bodiot 239-337-0283 [email protected]

X Steve Payne 318-330-6329 [email protected]

X Don Dishman 660-429-3022 [email protected]

X Mark Wann 850-428-3671 [email protected]

X Greg Hoffman 913-768-5956 [email protected]

X Darrell Robinson 318-340-5610 [email protected]

X Monte Draper 913-791-4839 [email protected]

REVISIONS

Date Issue Section Revised By Comments

01/16/13 7 8.1 Roger Heydinger Update M&P link and the embedded power facility request excel form to align with updates to the HVP process form

01/16/13 8 Various Roger Heydinger Corrected several typographical errors throughout the document

7/7/14 9 10.9 Roger Heydinger Added hyperlink for Shied Bond M&P in section 10

APPROVAL

Name Title Date Approved Keith F. Carr Director – Operations Control 08/31/2010

Kenny Kopta Manager – Network Support 08/31/2010

Cliff Muselmann Manager – Process Management 08/31/2010


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mailto:[email protected]







CenturyLink Bonding, Grounding and Protection

Documents