NS201

All Dielectric Self Supporting Fibre Optic Cabling for Installation

on Distribution Assets

February 2008

SUMMARY

Network Standard NS201 is Ausgrid’s specification for the design and installation of Aerial All Dielectric Self Supporting Fibre Optic Networks.

ISSUE

For issue to all Ausgrid and Accredited Service Providers’ staff involved with the design and construction of underground sub-transmission lines forming part of Ausgrid’s network, and for general reference by field, technical and engineering staff.

Ausgrid maintains a copy of this and other Network Standards together with updates and amendments on www.ausgrid.com.au.

Where this standard is issued as a controlled document replacing an earlier edition, remove and destroy the superseded document.

DISCLAIMER

As Ausgrid’s standards are subject to ongoing review, the information contained in this document may be amended by Ausgrid at any time.

It is possible that conflict may exist between standard documents. In this event, the most recent standard shall prevail.

This document has been developed using information available from field and other sources and is suitable for most situations encountered in Ausgrid. Particular conditions, projects or localities may require special or different practices. It is the responsibility of the local manager, supervisor, assured quality contractor and the individuals involved to ensure that a safe system of work is employed and that statutory requirements are met.

Ausgrid disclaims any and all liability to any person or persons for any procedure, process or any other thing done or not done, as a result of this Standard.

Note that compliance with this Network Standard does not automatically satisfy the requirements of a Designer Safety Report. The designer must comply with the provisions of the WHS Regulation 2011 (NSW - Part 6.2 Duties of designer of structure and person who commissions construction work) which requires the designer to provide a written safety report to the person who commissioned the design. This report must be provided to Ausgrid in all instances, including where the design was commissioned by or on behalf of a person who proposes to connect premises to Ausgrid’s network, and will form part of the Designer Safety Report which must also be presented to Ausgrid. Further information is provided in Network Standard (NS) 212 Integrated Support Requirements for Ausgrid Network Assets.

INTERPRETATION

In the event that any user of this Standard considers that any of its provisions is uncertain, ambiguous or otherwise in need of interpretation, the user should request Ausgrid to clarify the provision. Ausgrid’s interpretation shall then apply as though it was included in the Standard, and is final and binding. No correspondence will be entered into with any person disputing the meaning of the provision published in the Standard or the accuracy of Ausgrid’s interpretation.

Network Standard NS201

All Dielectric Self Supporting Fibre Optic Cabling for Installation on Distribution Assets

February 2008

CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Purpose............................................................................................................ 1 1.2 Scope ............................................................................................................... 1 1.3 References and other relevant standards........................................................ 1

2 COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................... 2

3 DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS........................................................................ 2 3.1 Abbreviations ................................................................................................... 2 3.2 Definitions......................................................................................................... 3

4 REGULATORY ISSUES .............................................................................................. 4 4.1 Asbestos........................................................................................................... 4 4.2 Environment ..................................................................................................... 4 4.3 Council ............................................................................................................. 4 4.4 Roads and Traffic Authority.............................................................................. 4 4.5 Other Notices ................................................................................................... 4

5 TYPICAL AUSGRID POLE CONSTRUCTION ............................................................ 5

6 EXCLUSIONS.............................................................................................................. 5

7 POLE CLASSIFICATIONS........................................................................................... 6 7.1 Normal Shared Use Poles................................................................................ 6 7.2 Special Shared Use Poles ............................................................................... 6 7.3 Defective and Condemned Poles .................................................................... 7

8 MINIMUM CLEARANCES............................................................................................ 7 8.1 ADSS Minimum Clearances from Aerial Fixed Attachments ........................... 7 8.2 ADSS Minimum Clearances from Ground ....................................................... 8

9 ADSS MATERIALS SELECTION................................................................................. 9 9.1 Cable Selection ................................................................................................ 9 9.2 Fibre Optic Cable Markings.............................................................................. 9 9.3 ADSS Splice Enclosures.................................................................................. 9 9.4 Pit Construction.............................................................................................. 10 9.5 UGOH Construction ....................................................................................... 10 9.6 ADSS Fitting Selection................................................................................... 11 9.7 ADSS Pole Attachments ................................................................................ 14 9.8 Cable Coils ..................................................................................................... 15 9.9 Vibration Dampers ......................................................................................... 17 9.10 Cable Downleads ........................................................................................... 17 9.11 Abrasion Protection........................................................................................ 17 9.12 Cross Arms..................................................................................................... 17 9.13 Concrete and Steel Poles .............................................................................. 18 9.14 Fibre Optic Warning Notice ............................................................................ 20

10 CABLE CONSTRUCTION GUIDELINES................................................................... 20 10.1 Cable Stringing Sheaves................................................................................ 20

10.2 Route Survey ................................................................................................. 20 10.3 Pole Preparation ............................................................................................ 21 10.4 Cable Stringing Techniques........................................................................... 21 10.5 Sag and Tension ............................................................................................ 21 10.6 Relocating Assets .......................................................................................... 21 10.7 Cable Care ..................................................................................................... 22 10.8 Make Ready Work.......................................................................................... 22 10.9 Types of Make Ready Work........................................................................... 22

11 RECORDING OF NETWORK ASSETS..................................................................... 22 11.1 Recording Of Other Organisations’ Installations............................................ 23

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1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose This document provides an overview of the minimum requirements that are to be used when constructing an All Dielectric Self Supporting (ADSS) circular fibre optic cabling system attached to Ausgrid assets.

An optical cable network must provide a very high service level for continuity of both internal control networks and other services. Installation must be carried out by experienced personnel in a professional manner in order to minimize the risk of subsequent failure.

1.2 Scope The intent of this document is to provide a general guide to the technical issues that must be addressed in the design and construction of an ADSS communications network on Ausgrid assets. It is neither practical nor possible to cover every issue that may arise during a network rollout. In the event that clarification is required the reader must contact the Manager, Engineering Standards and Research.

1.3 References and other relevant standards NUS174C Environmental Handbook for Construction and Maintenance

NUS100 Field Recording of Network Assets

NEG TC01 All Dielectric Self Supporting (ADSS) Cable on Poles - Design Guidelines

NS203 Planning and Design Standards for Electrical Network Telecommunications Assets

NS204.2.1 Communications Pits – Specifications and Installation Guidelines

AS7000 Overhead Line Design

ENA NENS 04-2006

National guidelines for safe approach distances to electrical and mechanical apparatus

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2 COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS Design and construction shall:

comply with all relevant provisions of applicable legislation, regulations and industry codes of practice including any relevant Codes;

comply with any other Australian Standards at the time relevant to the telecommunications industry and the electricity industry;

comply with such other codes, procedures or standards as agreed between the Parties from time to time; and

comply with Ausgrid documents including but not limited to Network Standards, Network Management Plan and Electrical Safety Rules as relevant and appropriate.

be aware of and reference NEG-TC01, All Dielectric Self Supporting Cable on Poles – Design Guidelines

3 DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

3.1 Abbreviations ABC Aerial Bundled Cable

ADSS All Dielectric Self Supporting cable

AS Australian Standards

CMEN Common Multiple Earth Neutral

EPR Earth Potential Rise

ES Electrical Standard

GIS Geographic Information System

HFC Hybrid Fibre Coaxial cable network

HV High Voltage

IM Integral Messenger

kN kilo Newton

kV kilo Volt

LFI Low Frequency Induction

LV Low Voltage

NS Network Standard

WH&S Work Health and Safety

PE Photo Electric (Cell)

PSTN Public Switched Telephone Network

UGOH Underground to Overhead transition structure

XLPE Cross-linked polyethylene

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3.2 Definitions ADSS All Dielectric Self Supporting fibre optic cable which is

nonconductive, self supporting and is capable of being erected under tension between supports. It does not require a separate catenary.

Catenary A separately constructed strength member attached to a pole to which communications equipment and cable may be attached. This also includes that part of an integral bearer cable which is used to support wires and cables which are enclosed in a cover or sheath.

Down Traffic Side (of a pole)

The side of the pole on the far side of the on-coming traffic (with pole and on-coming traffic on same side of road).

Earth Potential Rise The potential with respect to remote earth potential to which a location rises due to the flow of current in the earth.

High Voltage High voltage is normally more than 1,000 volts AC or 1500 volts DC

Hybrid Fibre Copper Telco network cable consisting of copper co-axial and fibre optics.

Low Voltage Low voltage is normally more than 50 volts AC or 120 volts ripple free DC but is not more than 1,000 volts AC or 1500 volts DC.

Low Frequency Induction The generation of induced voltages in conductors inductively coupled to a power line due to 50 Hz currents flowing in the power line and using the earth as a return path.

Make Ready Work The work which is required to be carried out prior to or at the time when equipment is being attached to a pole in order to ensure compliance with the requirements of this document or the requirements of other relevant authorities.

Normal Shared Use Shared use of a pole under conditions which comply with this document and do not unduly stress the pole. This does not include poles which are specifically listed as Special Shared Use poles.

Pole Pole owned by Ausgrid.

Project Manager The person managing the design and construction of the relevant ADSS project.

Special Shared Use Shared use of poles of a type specified by Ausgrid and as defined in this document.

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4 REGULATORY ISSUES

All work carried out on Ausgrid’s network and/or its poles must be in accordance with Ausgrid’s Electrical Safety Rules.

Design and construction must comply with all relevant provisions of applicable legislation, regulations and industry codes of practice as well as any relevant Australian and International Standards, as detailed in Standards Clause and Work Health and Safety Clause of the Design and Deployment Agreement.

4.1 Asbestos All materials and equipment used for construction of Ausgrid’s assets are to be free from asbestos and / or asbestos related products. Suppliers are expected to comply with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) together with the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (NSW) and confirm in writing that all products supplied to Ausgrid contain no asbestos related materials.

4.2 Environment ADSS project plans shall consider the environmental impacts of the proposed installation and satisfy the requirements of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. An Environmental Impact Assessment may be required before works can commence. Refer to NUS174 – Environmental Procedures, for further information regarding environmental issues. Alternatively, contact Ausgrid.

4.3 Council Relevant local councils must be informed, in writing, with a minimum of 40 days notice, of any Ausgrid plans to construct aerial communications infrastructure. Councils must be asked to advise if special zoning or consent requirements apply to the proposed works in the relevant area.

4.4 Roads and Traffic Authority The Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) must be informed of any works that may cause interruption on an RTA controlled road, and the appropriate permits must be obtained prior to the commencement of works.

4.5 Other Notices Some projects may require prior consultation and notices with other authorities including: Rail Infrastructure Corporation, Australian Rail Track Corporation and TransGrid.

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5 TYPICAL AUSGRID POLE CONSTRUCTION

The majority of the Ausgrid poles are desapped or treated hardwood poles with some poles being of a spun concrete construction with internal metal strength members.

In addition to the power network assets, the poles are also used for supporting a number of other types of equipment such as public street lighting, special lighting, supporting road and street signs and traffic signal equipment. There may also be other private and public communications networks which can utilise both copper and optic fibre based cables. In addition there are a number of HFC networks which involve stranded cable, fibre optic cable, co-axial cable and network components. Some poles support mobile phone transmitter units, which emit high frequency electromagnetic radiation and may require disconnection prior to working on the pole1. Refer to the owner of the installation using the 24-hour number attached to the equipment.

6 EXCLUSIONS

This Network Standard describes the requirement for the aerial communications systems deployed with cable that is circular in cross-section and entirely non-conductive (all-dielectric). Excluded are cabling systems that contain conductive cable components such as metallic armouring, integral bearer wires or metallic catenary supports.

This Network Standard does not describe the requirements for ADSS to be installed in areas of extreme pollution. ADSS must not be installed without prior consultation with Ausgrid in areas where there is a perceived risk that extreme pollution may cause the outer sheath of the cable to become conductive and be subject to electrical tracking or other electric field effects.

Some specific pole types will require modifications to the normal attachment to the pole to facilitate safe access and operation of the power system equipment such as air break switches, pole mounted transformers.

Service poles should not be used for main communications lines.

1 Refer to NS102, Working on Poles with Mobile Phone Transmitter Installations

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7 POLE CLASSIFICATIONS

Not all poles within the area serviced by Ausgrid are owned by Ausgrid2. The Project Manager is responsible for confirming the ownership of any pole. Plans from Ausgrid’s GIS may provide an indication of those poles owned by Ausgrid.

Poles proposed to be used for the construction of the communication network can be classified as being one of three types, i.e.

Normal Shared Use

Special Shared Use

Defective and Condemned poles.

During the route planning and design process the classification for each pole along the desired route (i.e. Normal, Special or Condemned) shall be determined.

7.1 Normal Shared Use Poles Normal Shared Use poles are those where the conditions of this document have been met and pole calculations have confirmed that a pole of a certain height and residual strength can support the additional loads applied by the proposed attachments.

7.2 Special Shared Use Poles Where a nominated pole does not meet the conditions of a Normal Shared Use pole, it will be classed as a Special Shared pole. In the case of Special Shared Use poles all applications will be subject to the conditions described in this document and steps shall be taken to demonstrate that the pole will not be unduly stressed by the addition of ADSS apparatus.

A pole is a Special Shared Use pole if it is of uncertain condition or in an unbalanced or highly loaded condition. The following would also be considered as Special Shared Use Poles:

staked pole, (refer to NS145 Pole Inspection and Treatment Procedures, a reinforced (nailed or splinted) pole, a pole with the original foundation supplemented with a structural support system).

limited life pole, (refer to NS145 Pole Inspection and Treatment Procedures, for definition).

stayed pole, (where a stay wire or wires are used between the pole and a support point to adequately counter the resultant conductor tension).

stay pole, (an additional pole providing suitable leverage to which a stay wire is attached to counter conductor tension).

steel pole supporting overhead mains

steel street lighting column

pole supporting electrolysis drainage cables or associated equipment

pole supporting public transport conductor or associated equipment

pole on which a strained configuration is employed (Tension Structure)

2 Common-Use Pole. Refer to NS145. A pole belonging to another public utility or authority, on which Ausgrid’s wires are attached. The pole is mainly used to carry conductors belonging to the owner of the pole.

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The installation of ADSS fittings on Special Shared use poles may require the relocation of existing plant, or the construction of additional overhead infrastructure, such as a cross arm or stand-off bracket.

It is recommended to avoid locating ADSS terminations on Special Shared Use poles.

7.3 Defective and Condemned Poles From NS-145, “Pole Inspection and Treatment Procedures”, August 2006:

Defective / condemned poles can be identified in the following manner:

Defective Poles – A single 75mm wide highly visible orange band secured around the pole at least 2.4m above ground but below 3m, encircling the whole pole, marked with Black “X X X”s

Condemned Poles – A single orange band as above, plus a permanently marked “X” painted 1.8 m above ground on opposite sides of the pole with slashes ‘/’ ‘\’ at least 500 mm long, using white paint.

Condemned poles must be removed from service or stabilised without undue delay. If you find a pole you consider to be dangerous, you must report it immediately to the Ausgrid Supervisor/Contract Officer/Customer Service Office to ensure appropriate action is taken.

In the case of a condemned pole the Project Manager shall organise that the pole be replaced as part of the Make Ready Work program prior to installation of any further infrastructure.

8 MINIMUM CLEARANCES

8.1 ADSS Minimum Clearances from Aerial Fixed Attachments The Ausgrid Electrical Safety Rules sets out the minimum safe working distances from live exposed conductors. In all cases the latest revision of the Electrical Safety Rules must be observed.

The table below shows the minimum clearances of the aerial cabling system from other overhead plant at the closest point in the span, with conductors at maximum sag:

ADSS below the conductors up to and including 33kV

Minimum clearance at maximum sag

Below conductors lowest point at max sag for cables attached to the same poles

300 mm

Below conductors lowest point at max sag for cables attached to separate poles

500 mm

Above conductors at minimum sag 200 mm

Notes:

1. For voltages 66kV and above, the cable manufacturer shall be asked to advise as to the cable placement, which minimises electric field effects, based upon the

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overhead electricity construction. The cable manufacturer may suggest the use of an anti-tracking cable sheath and/or corona coils.

In considering the point of attachment for ADSS cables, the designer, Project Manager and installer shall consider:

Electrical Safety Rules

The minimum clearances 8.1 and 8.2 of this Network Standard.

Aim to maximize above ground clearance

The visual amenity of the installation.

Risk of damage to the ADSS cable during tree trimming.

Access requirements for future repairs and maintenance of the ADSS cable and other aerial plant.

The mid-span clearance of the cable considering the sag of ADSS and overhead conductors

Please also refer to NEG TC 01, ADSS Cables on Poles – Design Guidelines.

8.2 ADSS Minimum Clearances from Ground Network Location Minimum Clearance from

Ground (mm)

Over any part of a carriageway of a primary road

6500

Over land, other than the carriageway of a road, which is traversable by road vehicles on land zoned industrial

6500 (see note 2)

Over any part of a carriageway of a road 6500

Over land, other than the carriageway of a road, which is traversable by road vehicles or agricultural machinery

6000

Over a residential driveway and any other part of a footpath

5500

Over land which is not or should not be traversed by road vehicles or agricultural machinery

5000

Over deep water (> 2m depth) allowing sailing craft*

15,000 (see note 3) above MHW

Over shallow water (<= 2 m deep) not allowing sailing craft*

8,000 (see note 3) above MHW

Notes:

1. Some local councils and private land-holders impose minimum clearances different from those in the above table. The Project Manager shall confirm with the relevant authorities whether different clearances are required.

2. Over land in industrial areas, in particular driveways where LV cables exist, the ADSS can be installed below 6500mm PROVIDED the ADSS cables are located a minimum of 125mm higher than the LV cable.

3. *The NSW Maritime Crossing Guide must be referred to for ADSS installations with water crossings. The installer must adhere to any clearance implied or

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mandated by this Guide. The Manager – Engineering Standards and Research can advise Ausgrid’s nominated expert for this document. Note that alterations may be required to existing signage should there be any change to safety clearance.

9 ADSS MATERIALS SELECTION

9.1 Cable Selection The cable must have an UV stabilised black outer sheath.

The cable shall be selected to match the environmental conditions and maximum span over which it will be deployed.

Environmental impacts shall be considered in the cable evaluation. Preference should be given to designs with cables of a smaller minimum bending radius and outer diameter.

Where the cable is to be installed in an area known to be subject to attacks from birds, rodents or insects, an appropriate armouring shall be selected.

Where the cable is to be installed on infrastructure carrying voltages above 33kV, the cable manufacturer shall be provided with drawings of the overhead construction and asked if an anti-tracking sheath is recommended for the proposed installation.

9.2 Fibre Optic Cable Markings The ADSS cable sheath shall be marked as follows:

AUSGRID FIBRECOUNT FIBRETYPE CABLE DESIGN CABLE TYPE METRE MARK (a vertical line) BATCH NUMBER TICKET NUMBER MONTH/YEAR Ausgrid FIBRE OPTIC CABLE Ausgrid FIBRE OPTIC CABLE

Note that “Ausgrid FIBRE OPTIC CABLE” shall be repeated continuously along the sheath until the next metre mark.

An example cable marking is shown below:

9.3 ADSS Splice Enclosures Splice enclosures must accommodate a minimum of four cable entries.

Splice enclosures may either be installed in a pit or mounted on a pole. Pit installed splice enclosures are recommended for areas of particular environmental sensitivity.

Visual amenity must be considered when selecting pole-mounted splice enclosures.

All pole-mounted splice enclosures shall be UV stabilised.

An IP 68 rating is the minimum rating for all outdoor ADSS splice enclosures.

Splice enclosures using a grommet and gland cable sealing system, rather than tape wrapping of the cable is the preferred type. One splice enclosure which meets

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all the Ausgrid requirements, at the time of writing this document is the Fibreguard 600 enclosure supplied by Preformed Line Products Australia.

Tape Wrapped Sealing Grommet/Gland Sealing

Tape Wrapped Sealing Grommet and Gland Sealing

9.4 Pit Construction Refer to NS204.2.1 “Communications Pits – Specifications and Installation Guidelines” for more detailed requirements on the specification and installation of pits.

9.5 UGOH Construction Refer to Ausgrid Network Standard NS127 which details maximum number of UGOH’s on a pole (including telco UGOHs), placement, mechanical protection, etc.

Mechanical protection (i.e. top hat) shall be used at the base of the pole and also in any other areas on the pole where the ADSS cable is exposed to damage from physical impact. If practical, the downlead cable shall be mechanically protected. This mechanical protection below the overhead mains is to prevent damage by pole platforms and ladders.

Care shall be taken to ensure that the items attached to a pole cannot be used as a means of climbing the pole.

ADSS cable may be run underground provided that it is duct installed (as opposed to direct buried), the maximum pulling tension of the cable is not exceeded, the cable used includes a water blocking compound and the cable is termite resistant.

UGOHs may be required for underground sections of ADSS cabling, or where a coil or splice enclosure is to be pit installed.

The conduit elbow used to bring the duct up the pole must have a greater radius than the minimum bend radius of the cable under load.

An UGOH construction is illustrated below.

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ADSS UGOH Construction (See NS204.2.1 Communication Pits for Communication Assets for detail)

9.6 ADSS Fitting Selection ADSS Fittings for each pole shall be selected to match the line deviation over the span.

Fittings must be designed for the span length over which they will be used. Note that fitting designs typically change for ranges up to 200m, 350m and 600m.

The ADSS Hanger and Double-Yoke Hanger fittings are pictured below. Standard fittings are used for spans up to 200m. Structural Rods are added to standard fittings for spans greater than 200m and less than 350m. Long-span fittings are required for spans between 350m and 600m.

The ADSS Hanger is the standard ADSS fitting for short-span (< 200m) installations. This fitting is preferred as, when used, the ADSS cable can be unhooked from the pole easily, and temporality relocated to an alternative position, to facilitate access to overhead plant.

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ADSS Double Yoke Fitting – Line Deviation 60 Degrees Max

ADSS Hanger – Line Deviation 30 Degrees Max

The ADSS Support (pictured below) may be used in place of an ADSS Hanger for short span installations; however the Hanger is the preferred fitting. With the cushions removed, the support can be used in place of a stringing sheave, to facilitate cable installation.

Structural Rods added for 200m < Spans

<350m

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ADSS Support – Line Deviation 30 Degrees Max

ADSS Double Termination Fitting – Line Deviation greater than 60 Degrees

ADSS Hanger Fitting – Line Deviation Max 30 Degrees, 350m < Span < 600m

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ADSS Double Yoke Hanger Fitting – Line Deviation Max 60 Degrees, 350m < Span < 600m

ADSS Double Termination Fitting – Line Deviation greater than 60 Degrees, 350m < Span < 600m

The shackles, chain and other fittings used for the long-span terminations must be rated at 70kiloNewton. Long-span terminations must use tongue bolts, rather than hook-bolts. Structural rods used for long-span fittings are longer than those used for shorter spans.

9.7 ADSS Pole Attachments For wooden pole installations, with a span of less 200m, the ADSS pole attachment may consist of a single coach screw with a hooked end. The coach screw must be of a length and diameter recommended by the fitting manufacturer as appropriate for short-span ADSS installation.

Coach screws must be inserted into the pole using an approved method3.

All steelwork, including bolts passing through timber, shall be hot dipped galvanised to AS-1650 (Hot dipped galvanising on ferrous articles) and/or as appropriate AS-1214 (Hot dipped galvanised coatings on threaded fasteners )

All galvanised bolts shall be coated before installation on their threaded section with a KOPR-KOTE anti-seize lubricant, stockcode H19942.

After tightening nuts on their bolt, the thread immediately behind the nut must be burred to prevent loosening.

Readers are advised to make themselves aware of the specific OH&S requirements when working on CCA (treated) poles.

3 Extract from Network Standard NS122, Pole Mounted Substation Construction

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The preferred location for pole-mounted ADSS Splice Enclosures is the down-traffic side of the pole. However, the location shall be selected with consideration given to the visual amenity of the installation, future access by means of a ladder or otherwise and current or planned additions to the pole.

9.8 Cable Coils A coil of minimum 40m length must be installed with each splice enclosure. To facilitate repairs, relocations and future break-outs, a minimum 40m folded figure 8 coil must also be installed at least every 500 metres in urban areas and every 1000 metres in rural areas for each ADSS installation. This includes the coils co-located with splice enclosures. When planning coil locations, it is recommended to consider the areas most likely to be subject to cable damage such as road crossings. Coil installation requires a double termination fitting. Coils can be conveniently located where a double termination fitting is otherwise required.

Overhead Fibre Optic Coil Storage

NOTES

Coils may be either pit installed or mounted on a loop bracket

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The minimum distance above ground for the bottom of the coil is 4000 mm. The maximum height is to suit retrieval by unqualified4 staff and to suit the available ladders

Coil brackets for ADSS loop storage shall conform to the minimum no-load bend radius of the cable. The bracket manufacturer should be informed of the specification of the selected cable.

The coil bracket shall be mounted below the splice enclosure, with approximately 90 degrees rotation between the two fixtures.

The coil must be suitably secured to the bracket with cable ties and the bottom of the coil must be secured to avoid swinging in the wind.

Location of Fibre Optic and Splice Enclosure

The bottom of the coil stored on the bracket shall have a minimum 4000mm clearance from the ground.

4 As defined in the Ausgrid Electrical Safety Rules (table 5.1).

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ADSS Coil Bracket

9.9 Vibration Dampers Vibration dampers are not required for spans less than 75m. A minimum of two vibration dampers should be installed for each span over 75m, where the span is not sufficiently shielded from Aeolian vibration by trees, buildings or other structures.

For spans greater than 200m, more than two vibration dampeners may be required per span.

9.10 Cable Downleads Cable attached to the pole shall be secured in place with down-lead cushions

Care should be taken when tightening downlead cushions. Over-tightening cushions can lead to cable damage.

A minimum of 2 downlead cushions must be used on each pole requiring a downlead.

9.11 Abrasion Protection The cable shall be protected from abrasion. Abrasion protection is required from poles at dead ends and in locations where the ADSS may rub against installed plant eg. at stay cables

9.12 Cross Arms

Cross arm design – Dielectric Support

Cross arms may be required in order to maintain the necessary clearance from other structures. Applicable designs are shown below:

Note that the fitting may also be attached below the cross-arm.

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Cross arm design – Suspension Hanger

9.13 Concrete and Steel Poles Stainless steel bands shall be used to fix ADSS fittings to steel and concrete poles. Bands must be of a specification recommended by the ADSS fitting manufacturer, as appropriate for the installed fitting. The minimum width for stainless steel bands is 12mm.

Note: Engineering Standards and Research are currently investigating a method of isolating the stainless steel bands from the galvanised pole in order to overcome galvanic action and ‘rust’ stains.

Confirm the current status of this investigation prior to undertaking any work on steel poles5.

5 One solution that would be satisfactory is to fabricate a gasket of 1 or 2mm thick, black “Neoprene” (polychloroprene ) for fitting between the stainless steel band and the pole.

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ADSS Fittings, Concrete and Steel Poles

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9.14 Fibre Optic Warning Notice A fibre optic warning notice must be installed wherever fibre cable enters a fibre optic splice enclosure, or wherever a fibre cable enters and exits a pit.

Refer to NS204.2.1 “Communications Pits – Specifications and Installation Guidelines” for more detailed requirements on specifying and installing pits.

10 CABLE CONSTRUCTION GUIDELINES

10.1 Cable Stringing Sheaves Single wheel stringing sheaves are recommended to assist with cable stringing. Stringing sheaves shall be selected as to match the minimum full-load bend radius of the cable. The diameter of the stringing sheave shall be measured from the bottom groove of the device, not the outer flanges. Unlined rollers are recommended for ADSS cables. Stringing sheaves shall be inspected to ensure they are free from burrs and other defects, prior to use.

On bends of approximately 90 degrees, stringing sheaves shall be installed such that they will remain parallel to the ground during installation.

The dielectric ADSS support, with the cushion inserts removed, can be used in place of a stringing sheave for straight sections.

10.2 Route Survey A route survey should be conducted, to determine the appropriate cable route, type and number of required fittings, necessary make-ready-work, required stringing sheaves and cable installation technique. Road crossings and busy intersections shall be avoided.

Refer to Mains Overhead NEG OH04 for design guidance for the route

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10.3 Pole Preparation All poles should be dressed with the necessary fittings before stringing takes place.

10.4 Cable Stringing Techniques The Project Manger shall decide the most appropriate installation technique and drum locations subsequent to the Route Survey. The Project Manger shall consider planned splice locations when deciding the best site to situate cable drums.

Care must be taken to avoid contact between the ADSS network under construction and Ausgrid’s power networks (for example. there is a possibility of contact between ADSS preformed fittings and bare LV or HV conductors during the installation of ADSS terminations).

Where possible, it is recommended that ADSS preformed termination rods are installed on the ground, prior to attaching them to poles. The Project Manager shall determine if automatic reclose facilities are being used on power lines where the ADSS is being constructed. If so, the Project Manager should consider requesting that this facility be suspended during the construction phase.

The Project Manager shall request standard installation instructions and manuals, for the cable and fittings used from the suppliers.

10.5 Sag and Tension The installation tension and sag tension is dependent upon cable properties, environmental conditions and the line angle between consecutive structures. The cable manufacturer will provide sag tension tables for the cable appropriate to different installation situations. These tables shall be used to determine acceptable sag and tension prior to, during and after installation.

Some installations will require a cable to be strung at a higher tension than normal, in order to meet clearance requirements. For these installations, the cable manufacturer must be advised of the desired sag, so that a cable can be specially designed to meet the requirements.

The specified short and long term tension limits must not be exceeded at any time.

It is important to remember that the mass and coefficient of expansion for ADSS cable is different from other cables. Therefore the preferred sag profile of the ADSS cable must match the profile of existing overhead cabling during common temperature conditions.

When cable is being installed close to existing overhead cabling, the Project Manager shall take care to avoid clashing between cables under windy conditions.

The installation of ADSS cable increases the load on a pole. The Project Manager shall consider the effects of additional loading on the pole, caused by the installation of ADSS cable. Where necessary, the Project Manager shall arrange to carry out pole and wind loading calculations, in accordance with AS7000 Overhead Line Design. Refer to NEG TC03.

The cable must be tensioned at each dead-end termination. The cable shall not be cut at the reel until all tensioning is complete.

An ADSS lashing rod used in the ADSS dead-end termination and attached to a tensioning device can be used to tension the cable.

10.6 Relocating Assets Any holes resulting from the removal or adjustment of overhead apparatus shall be securely plugged, by an approved method such as inserting 14mm Preschem rods into the hole and then plugging it at either end with CCA-treated timber plugs.

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10.7 Cable Care The number of cable splices shall be minimised. The cable must not be cut at every ADSS termination pole.

Cut ADSS cable shall be capped with a mastic-lined heat-shrink end-cap. If a cable has not been capped in such a weatherproof fashion, 1m of cable shall be removed before the cable is spliced.

10.8 Make Ready Work This involves the movement or replacement of power network assets to ensure that this communications network can comply with the minimum clearance requirements.

The Project Manager should consider whether Make Ready Work can be avoided by optimising the route for the ADSS cabling.

10.9 Types of Make Ready Work Typically the power related work may involve the following:

Tree Trimming and Pruning

Cable re-tensioning

Replacement of open wire construction with ABC

Street lighting conductor/circuits removal and installation of PE cell controlled lights

Pole inspection and/or replacement

Placing conductors (bare/insulated) in conduit, normally on poles

Cross arm raising

Providing neutral bonds if required

Movement/replacement of customer service leads.

11 RECORDING OF NETWORK ASSETS

Network Standard NUS100 - Field Recording of Network Assets and NS104 Network Project Design Plans, provides details of requirements which must be followed by Ausgrid personnel, Accredited Service Providers and contractors to Ausgrid, for recording site specific details of infrastructure and services work.

Overhead and underground infrastructure work and network additions and alterations must be notified as completed, by the Project Manager or Supervisor.

As-built alterations to design plans must be highlighted on the plans and approved by the Ausgrid Network Inspector or Ausgrid Project Manager/Co-ordinator.

All completed plans and field recordings, and other documents which record network additions and alterations, including, but not limited to:

Installation of poles for road crossings

Installation of mid-span poles

Installation of pits and conduits

pillar and pillar standard relocations or replacements with different type

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changes to services resulting from any of the above changes

changes resulting in altered cable and conductor ratings.

must be collected, collated and checked by the Project Manager or Supervisor responsible for the project, certified and signed as complete and returned as indicated in Network Standard NUS100, to reach the Geographic Information Officers for the relevant area, for updating of Ausgrid’s Geographic Information System.

11.1 Recording Of Other Organisations’ Installations Where other organisations’ installations are constructed on or in components of Ausgrid’s network, or are constructed on or in sites designated for Ausgrid’s network installations, those installations must be recorded in the relevant Ausgrid recording systems.

Examples of other organizations’ installations which must be recorded include:

cables in Ausgrid’s conduits

other services in dedicated roadway sites

other services in sites designated for Ausgrid tenure for network purposes, such as distribution substation sites owned or leased attachments and equipment on Ausgrid’s poles, (record in iAMS ‘Poles and Pillars’ and ‘Street Lighting’ where relevant).

Ausgrid.

This document must not be reproduced in whole or in part or converted to machine readable form or stored in a computer or imaging system without the written permission of Ausgrid.

Revision History

Initial issue: 24/11/2006 This edition 15/02/08

Document Control

Authorised By: Terry Lampard Date: 15/02/08

for Manager – Standards & Communications

Document Number: NS201

UNCONTROLLED COPY