[Federal Register: April 21, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 76)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 20698-20703]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr21ap05-3]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Utilities Service
7 CFR Part 1728
Specifications and Drawings for 12.47/7.2 kV Line Construction
AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency delivering the
U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Utilities Programs,
is amending its regulations regarding RUS Bulletin 50-3, Specifications
Drawings for 12.5/7.2 kV Line Construction. This bulletin is currently
incorporated by reference in RUS regulations and the revised and
renumbered RUS Bulletin 1728F-804 would continue to be incorporated by
reference. This rule is necessary to provide the latest RUS
specifications, materials, equipment, and construction methods for RUS
electric borrowers to construct their rural overhead electric
distribution systems. RUS proposes to update, renumber and reformat
this bulletin in accordance with the agency's new publications and
directives system.
DATES: This rule will be effective October 21, 2005.
[[Page 20699]]
Incorporation by reference: RUS Bulletin 1728F-804, Specifications
and Drawings for 12.47/7.2 kV Line Construction, is approved for the
incorporation by reference by the Director, Office of the Federal
Register as of October 21, 2005.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. James L. Bohlk, Electric Engineer,
Distribution Branch, Electric Staff Division, Rural Utilities Service,
U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., STOP
1569, Washington, DC 20250-1569. Telephone: (202) 720-1967. Fax (202)
720-7491. e-mail: Jim.Bohlk@usda.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Executive Order 12866
This rule is exempted from the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) review for purposes of Executive Order 12866 and, therefore, has
not been reviewed by OMB.
Executive Order 12372
This final rule is excluded from the scope of Executive Order
12372, Intergovernmental Consultation, which may require consultation
with State and local officials. See the final rule-related notice title
``Department Programs and Activities Excluded from Executive Order
12372'' (50 FR 47034) advising that rural electrification loans and
loan guarantees are excluded from the scope of Executive Order 12372.
Executive Order 12988
This final rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988,
Civil Justice Reform. RUS has determined that this final rule meets the
applicable standards provided in section 3 of the Executive Order. In
addition, all state and local laws and regulations that are in conflict
with this rule will be preempted, no retroactive effect will be given
to this rule, and, in accordance with section 212(e) of the Department
of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6912 (e)),
administrative appeals procedures, if any are required, must be
exhausted before an action against the Department or its agencies may
be initiated.
Executive Order 13132, Federalism
The policies contained in this rule do not have any substantial
direct effect on states, on the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various levels of government. Nor does this
rule impose substantial direct compliance costs on State and local
governments. Therefore, consultation with states is not required.
Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification
It has been determined that the Regulatory Flexibility Act is not
applicable to this rule since the Rural Utilities Service is not
required by 5 U.S.C. 551 et seq. or any other provision of law to
publish a notice of final rule making with respect to the subject
matter of this rule.
Information Collection and Recordkeeping Requirements
This rule contains no additional information collection or
recordkeeping requirements approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act
of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35).
Unfunded Mandates
This final rule contains no Federal mandates (under the regulatory
provision of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. Chapter
25)) for State, local, and tribal governments or the private sector.
Thus, this final rule is not subject to the requirements of sections
202 and 205 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.
National Environmental Policy Act Certification
The Administrator of RUS has determined that this final rule will
not significantly affect the quality of the human environment as
defined by the National Environment Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321
et seq.). Therefore, this action does not require an environmental
impact statement or assessment.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
The program described by this final rule is listed in the Catalog
of Federal Domestic Assistance Programs under No. 10.850, Rural
Electrification Loans and Loan Guarantees. This catalog is available on
a subscription basis from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.
Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325, telephone number
(202) 512-1800.
Background
Pursuant to the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended (7
U.S.C. 901 et seq.), the Rural Utilities Services (RUS) is amended
Title 7 CFR Chapter XVII, Part 1728, Electric Standards and
Specification for Materials and Construction, by revising RUS Bulletin
50-3 (D-804), ``Specification and Drawings for 12.5/7.2 kV Line
Construction.'' This revised bulletin will be renumbered as RUS
Bulletin 1728F-804 and will be re-titled as, ``Specification and
Drawings for 12.47/7.2 kV Line Construction.'' RUS maintains a system
of bulletins that contains construction standards and specifications
for materials and equipment which must be utilized when system
facilities are constructed by RUS electric and telecommunication
borrowers in accordance with the RUS loan contract. These standards and
specifications contain standard construction units, material, and
equipment units used in RUS electric and telecommunication borrowers'
systems.
RUS Bulletin 50-3 provides standard construction drawings and
specification of 12.5/7.2 kV overhead electric distribution lines. RUS
is proposing to change the bulletin number room RUS Bulletin 50-3
(Standard D 804) to RUS Bulletin 1728F-804 (D 804). The change in the
bulletin number and reformatting is necessary to conform to RUS new
publications and directives system. This rule will incorporate the
bulletin by reference in 7 CFR 1728.97.
Changes to RUS Bulletin 50-3 (D 804)
RUS has made the following changes and additions to RUS Bulletin
50-3 (D-804) renumbering it as Bulletin 1728F-804:
(1) The new bulletin contains a total of 382 assemblies. (An
assembly is a construction unit which incorporates the description and
quantity of material needed to construct the assembly and a dimensioned
schematic diagram showing how the material needs to be arranged or
assembled to meet RUS specifications.) Bulletin 50-3 currently contains
a total of 257 assemblies. In both bulletins, more than one similar
assembly is often depicted on one drawing.
(2) Of the 382 total assemblies in the new bulletin, 215 are new
assemblies and 95 of these 215 new assemblies are new ``narrow
profile'' assemblies. The drawing numbers and titles of the 215 new
assemblies and the 24 new guide drawings of the new bulletin are
tabulated in Exhibit 4 at the end of new Bulletin 1728F-804.
(3) Of the 382 total assemblies in the new bulletin, 167 are
standard assemblies of present Bulletin 50-3 that are being redrawn,
renumbered, and re-used in new Bulletin 1728f-804. Of these 167 re-used
assemblies, 94 are previous standard assemblies with no material
changes, 37 are previous standard assemblies with only a change in the
number or type of washers, and 36 are previous standard assemblies with
other slight material changes.
(4) The new bulletin also contains 32 new guide drawings and 8
renumbered, redrawn and thus re-used guide drawings from Bulletin 50-3.
Present Bulletin 50-3 contains a total of 32
[[Page 20700]]
guide drawings. (A guide drawing is a dimensioned schematic diagram
that shows details of how the material of one or more assemblies needs
to be arranged or assembled to meet RUS specifications but does not
list the material required for construction.)
(5) A listing the 167 re-used assemblies and 8 re-used guide
drawings, with both their old numbers and their new assigned numbers,
and the required assembly material changes, are tabulated in new
Exhibit 3 at the end of new Bulletin 1728F-804. Exhibit 3 also lists
the 90 assemblies and 24 guide drawings that are being discontinued
from Bulletin 50-3.
(6) Each of the 382 assemblies and 40 guide drawings in new
Bulletin 1728F-804 are being given a new number in accordance with the
assembly numbering format as updated by RUS in 1998. In the updated
numbering format, each letter and number in the assembly or drawing
number has a functional meaning.
(7) New Exhibit 5 at the end of the new bulletin summarizes the new
RUS assembly numbering format and briefly explains the meanings of each
letter or number in the new assembly and drawing numbers.
(8) The assembly drawings, the 19 drawing indexes and Exhibit 3 of
new Bulletin 1728F-804 show the new assigned assembly numbers and the
old numbers (in parentheses) of the 167 re-used assemblies and 8 re-
used guide drawings from present Bulletin 50-3. RUS allows the
borrowers to use either the old or the new assigned assembly number,
but only for the 167 re-used standard assemblies and 8 re-used guide
drawings. The borrower is being required to make the slight material
changes to 73 of the re-used assemblies and to construct the assemblies
as depicted.
(9) The new bulletin is being reformatted into 19 separate sections
or categories. Each section contains an index of drawings and also the
construction drawings of assemblies designed to perform a similar
function. Several sections contain construction specifications
pertaining to the assemblies in that section.
(10) New tables are being added in the new bulletin that define
maximum line angles (contained in Exhibit 1), permitted unbalanced
conductor tensions on crossarm assemblies (contained in Exhibit 2), and
soil classification data (contained in Section F).
(11) Exhibit, 1 being added at the end of the new bulletin,
documents the formula and data used to determine the maximum line
angles in the tables. Also, Exhibit 2, being added at the end of the
new bulletin, documents the formula and data used to determine
permitted unbalanced conductor tensions on crossarm assemblies.
(12) Each drawing is being given a new, uniform, shorter, and more
descriptive title. Each drawing also has a new, uniform title block
that contains, when applicable, the primary voltage and number of
phases of the depicted assemblies.
(13) ``Design parameters'' which define and usually limit maximum
line angles or mechanical loading (tension) is being added, when
applicable, to the drawings of the new bulletin.
RUS is discontinuing 90 assemblies and 24 guide drawings presently
contained in Bulletin 50-3 for one or more of the following reasons:
They contain material no longer accepted by RUS for use by
RUS borrowers,
Either the spacing or the strength of the assembly no
longer meets the minimum requirements of RUS or the rules of the
National Electrical Safety Code (NESC),
They contain technical errors such as a neutral conductor
support that is not coordinated with the primary conductor support,
They are redundant of other assemblies or for other
reasons may no longer be needed, or
They require so many modifications that it is prudent that
they be discontinued and subsequently replaced with new assemblies.
RUS also is modifying and adding to the construction specifications
in present Bulletin 50-3 incorporate the following significant changes
in Bulletin 1728F-804:
(1) Compliance and specific references to the 2002 Edition of the
NESC,
(2) Definitions of and provisions for the use of large and extra
large conductors,
(3) Permission to lower the neutral conductor under specific
circumstances,
(4) Requirement to use a washer under the shoulder of 7.2kV
crossarm pins,
(5) Requirement to use a 3-inch (minimum) square, curved, washer
abutting the pole for primaries, neutrals and guys that deadend on
poles,
(6) Requirement to multiply applied loads by the appropriate NESC
overload factors,
(7) Minimum insulated spacing (wood and fiberglass) between primary
conductors and guys,
(8) Choice of arrester location on transformer assemblies,
(9) Requirement that all secondary and service wires be covered
conductors,
(10) Permission to use stirrups provided certain given criteria are
met,
(11) Permission to insulate guy wires provided certain given
criteria are met,
(12) Permission to modify assembly drawings without further
approval from RUS within certain given parameters, and
(13) New rights-of-ways clearing specifications.
RUS Responses to Comments
On February 12, 2004, RUS published a proposed rule in the Federal
Register at 69 FR 6926 to incorporate by reference new Bulletin 1728F-
804 into its rules and regulations. A copy of the proposed bulletin was
made available to the general public on the RUS website and through the
U.S. mail. Members of the public were allowed 60 days to furnish RUS
with written comments regarding the proposed bulletin. Subsequently,
employees of the following rural electric cooperatives and other
business firms furnished RUS with written comments, suggestions and
questions regarding the proposed bulletin:
(1) Adams Electric Cooperative, Inc.
(2) Allgeier, Martin and Associates, Inc.
(3) Cookson Hills & East Central Electric Cooperative.
(4) Harrison Rural Electric Membership Cooperative.
(5) Hi-Line Engineering, LLC.
(6) Minnesota Valley Cooperative Light and Power.
(7) Morgan County Rural Electric Association.
(8) National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
(9) Northern Neck Electric Cooperative.
In response to the comments and suggestions received, RUS has added
the following new assemblies and drawings to the bulletin:
Fifty-three assemblies with various combinations of secondary
brackets, swinging clevis', extension eyebolts and insulated extension
links to the A3, A5, B3, B5, C3 and C5 series of assemblies and also
added top views of assemblies to improve clarity, assemblies D1.5N and
D1.5NP to utilize offset neutral brackets on double circuit, narrow
profile assemblies, equipment assemblies R3.3 S2.3, Y3.1, and Y3.4,
guide drawing G1.2 (and consequently deleted some notes and the
schematic diagram on guide drawing G1.1), transformed the 9 ``tying
guides'' in Section L into 20 new assemblies, transformed guide
drawings E5.1G and
[[Page 20701]]
S1.1NG into assemblies, modified assemblies B4.2 and C4.2 to permit
line angles from 15 to 90 degrees, and transformed them into guide
drawings.
Also in response to the comments and suggestions received, RUS also
made the following changes and corrections:
(1) Corrected 85 errors and omissions pertaining to old assembly
numbers on the drawings, indexes, and exhibits,
(2) Changes the guy attachment location on 24 drawings to be
consistent with all of the other guyed assemblies,
(3) Changed the crossarm attachment location on 9 drawings so that
all crossarms are installed 18 inches from the top of the pole on all
assemblies to utilize standard pole drilling and to accommodate pole
top pins when needed,
(4) Added connectors (item ``p'') and jumper wires (item ``av'') to
the material lists on 18 drawings,
(5) Deleted notes referring to ``tying guides'' from 22 assemblies
because they were deemed not useful nor needed,
(6) Removed the note ``(When Req'd)'' referring to down guys from
12 drawings and added the same note to 5 drawings for the purpose of
accuracy and consistency,
(7) Added the ANSI class and size of spool insulator to the design
parameters of the 10 drawings that refer to the maximum line angles in
Tables VI and VII,
(8) Added or changed the distance from the face of the pole to the
nearest vertical jumper wired to 19 inches on 8 drawings to comply with
the rules of the NESC,
(9) Added an additional note in the design parameters utilizing
pre-assembled crossarms (item ``gj'') to multiply the manufacturer's
strength rating by the appropriate NESC strength factor to determine
the permitted loading on the assembly.
RUS also made the following changes to specific assembly drawings
in response to the comments and suggestions received:
Changed drawing numbers ``A1'', ``A2'' and ``N5'' to be
the same as the assembly numbers on the drawings to be consistent with
all of the other drawing numbers and removed ``Miscellaneous'' from the
drawing title,
Eliminating drawing ``A5'' and relocated its assemblies to
other drawings,
Corrected the line angle table reference errors in the
design parameters on drawings C1.3N, C2.3N and C2.3N,
Added a top view to assemblies A3.1, B3.1 and C3.1,
Increased the permitted line angle on assemblies A4.1,
B4.1, and C4.1 to the range of 90 to 175 degrees,
Deleted the note regarding down guys on the drawings of
assemblies A3.2, A3.3 and A4.1 because it was confusing. RUS added
information regarding the proper installation and location of guys to
the ``Specifications for Guying Assemblies,''
Corrected error in design parameters of drawing of
assembly C6.21 to refer to Note 2,
Changed the design parameters in the drawings of
assemblies C6.51 and A2.021 to reference Table B of Exhibit 2,
Deleted the un-referenced word ``ungrounded'' from guide
drawing G3.2G,
Added a note referencing NESC Table 232-2 to guide drawing
K4.1G,
Added crossarm mounting hardware to assembly S1.01 and a
note indicating that these switches may be installed on double deadend
crossarm assemblies,
Corrected the drafting errors pertaining to the conductors
on assembly Q1.1 and darkened the secondary conductors line on drawings
Q1.1, Q2.1 and Q3.1 to improve clarity,
Added a note to assembly drawings Q3.2 and Q3.3 requiring
customer-owned or maintained equipment be located a minimum for 5 feet
from the assembly,
Changed the materials on grounding assembly H1.1 to show
the installation of steel ground wire connecting to the anchor rod,
Added a note to drawing Q3.2 recommending PT's for
voltages over 240 volts,
Added a note to drawing S2.32 indicating that RUS accepted
pre-assembled switches may be used and to install them according to the
manufacturer's specifications,
Added notes to guide drawings D3.1G and D4.1G to adjust
material for only one neutral attachment subassembly and that the
minimum clearance between and guy and any primary conductor shall be 5
feet,
Modified assembly C5.22 so that the distance from the
neutral to the center phase conductor is 4 feet, 0 inches,
Changed the ground clearance to live parts on assembly
drawing Y1.1 to meet NESC requirements; the ground clearance to the
bottom of the regulator platform (which does not have braces) was found
to conform to the NESC and was not changed.
The following are RUS' responses to comments, suggestions and
questions that did not result in any additions or changes by RUS to the
proposed assemblies or drawings:
(1) RUS did not change any assembly numbers as suggested in some of
the comments, but did add the following to help borrowers understand
implement the new assembly numbers:
(a) A new paragraph on the title page of the bulletin states that
borrowers are required to use the new specification and drawings,
however the borrowers can choose to use the old assembly numbers for
167 specified assemblies that have duel numbers, and
(b) New Exhibit 5 at the end of the bulletin that summarizes the
new RUS assembly numbering format and the new numbers' designated
meanings. This exhibit also tells where additional information can be
found.
(2) RUS found it necessary to renumber the 167 re-used assemblies
so that all of the overhead distribution assembly numbers would have a
consistent meaning and a standard format. RUS believes that by allowing
the dual number system for a majority of the new assemblies, it will
aid the borrowers in implementing the new specifications.
(3) RUS recommends that borrowers keep copies of old Bulletin 50-3
for reference purposes and also keep all of their present assemblies in
their engineering and accounting records until (1) further guidance is
issued by RUS regarding the proper procedure to retire discontinued
assemblies and (2) updates and publishes Bulletin 1767B-2, ``Work Order
Procedure (Electric).''
(4) Whereas some borrowers may prefer not to turn any line angles
on tangent or small angle pole top assemblies, NESC rules and RUS
requirements are not violated if angles no greater than those
referenced in the design parameters on the drawings are turned on these
types of assemblies.
(5) Since the main purpose of the vertical style of narrow profile
pole top assemblies, (e.g., A1.4N) is not to ``straighten the line,''
there is no need to offset the neutral conductor in vertical line with
the primary conductor(s).
(6) Several drawings state that the depicted assembly is to be used
for NESC Grade B construction. The sixth paragraph in the ``General
Construction Specification'' explains some of the needs for Grade B
construction. Additional details regarding the rules of the NESC and
their applications are beyond the scope of this bulletin.
(7) Page 1 of Exhibit 1 presents the formula, numerical constants
and variables used to calculate the permitted line angles on pole top
assemblies. In part, the calculated angles are a function of the number
of pins installed on the
[[Page 20702]]
assembly and the RUS designated (allowed) loading on pin and insulator
subassemblies. RUS agrees that sometimes it is not readily apparent why
some types of pole top assemblies can accommodate larger angles than
other types of assemblies. All of the input data, calculations and
resulting permitted line angles have been reviewed and found to be
correct.
(8) The line angle on the drawing of assembly A4.1 is purposely
drawn at an angle less than 90 degrees to show the general range of
angles that can be used on this assembly.
(9) RUS believes that it is more convenient for most borrowers to
have A4.1 and A4.2 as separate assemblies instead of merging them into
one assembly.
(10) RUS agrees that guide drawing A5.7NG does not depict a
``squirrel friendly'' assembly. Nor is it raptor friendly. If squirrels
or raptors are perceived to be a problem in a borrower's specific
service area, then RUS recommends using of other assemblies (such as
crossarm assemblies) that are available in the new bulletin.
(11) If needed for raptor protection, borrowers may install offset
neutral brackets and may install the neutral on either side of the pole
of narrow profile assemblies without further approval from RUS if the
modified assemblies have a minimum of 4 feet of vertical clearance
between the neutral and the primary conductor directly above it.
(12) These specifications are minimum requirements, as a result,
borrowers may modify the anchor assembly drawings to show the diameter
of the anchor helixes and may modify the drawings of the pole top
assemblies to show the maximum permitted transverse loading without
approval from RUS,
(13) Borrowers may make copies, re-group and re-arrange the
assembly drawings of this bulletin for their own convenience and do not
need from RUS,
(14) An extension bracket (item ``fl'') is specified by RUS on
assembly R1.1 and other similar equipment assemblies to provide
climbing space for line workers. The extension bracket may be omitted
if the assembly is accessible for work from bucket trucks designed for
such work.
(15) The RUS assembly drawings do not show a pre-manufactured
platform for the installation of line regulators because these types of
platforms have not been accepted for listing in RUS Informational
Publication 202-1 (``List of Materials'').
(16) Assembly drawing Q4.1 shows the use of crossarms because a
cluster bracket for installing primary metering equipment has not been
accepted for listing in RUS Informational Publication 202-1.
(17) RUS believes that restricting conductors to 2,000 pounds is
unnecessarily too restrictive.
(18) RUS no longer permits pin type insulator to be installed in a
horizontal position, like in old assembly M5-4 because it has been
reported that horizontally installed pin insulators sometimes fill with
water and when the water froze the insulator cracked.
(19) A new statement was added in the ``Conductor Installation
Specifications'' stating that small conductors can be installed on
large conductor assemblies (number suffix ``L'') but that their
tensions cannot exceed the permitted loads shown design parameters on
the assembly drawings.
(20) Assemblies C5.22 and C5.32, whose crossarm mounting position
is different that the other crossarm assemblies and have limited
applications, are included in the new bulletin upon request by some RUS
borrowers.
(21) New single-phase and two-phase assemblies similar to proposed
assembly C5.71L for the application of large conductors or NESC Grade B
construction were not added to the bulletin because RUS perceives that
these additional assemblies would have very limited use.
(22) The suggestion to add several new large conductor assemblies
was not used. However, a statement was added in the ``General
Construction Specifications'' that makes it clear that borrowers may
modify standard crossarm assemblies to make them suitable for large
conductor construction without approval by RUS.
(23) New double deadend assemblies with conductor spacing the same
as proposed assemblies C5.22 and C5.32 was not used because these
assemblies are not RUS preferred construction and are reduntant of
other available assemblies.
(24) RUS added new alternative construction information and details
in the ``Specifications for Guying Assemblies'' for situations where a
down guy might need to be installed very close to the neutral conductor
on double deadend assemblies.
(25) RUS did not add a new double deadend crossarm assembly with a
manufactured crossarm assembly (item ``gj'') in which the neutral
deadends on the crossarm because this new assembly would have very
limited use.
(26) RUS did not add a new assembly with manufactured crossarm
assemblies and spacing the same as proposed assembly D6.91 because this
assembly would be redundant of new assembly D6.92, is relatively
expensive, and thus would have very limited use.
(27) RUS did not add a new, two-phase, feedthrough guide drawing
because it is unnecessary. When needed, jumper conductors and
connectors can be added to assembly B6.21 similar to that shown on
guide drawing C6.52G.
(28) RUS did not add any new double circuit assemblies with one
circuit installed above the other circuit because RUS has standardized
on the style of double circuit construction as shown on assembly
drawings in the new bulletin. The suggested alternative double circuit
design can be constructed using assemblies C1.11 and B1.14 with slight
material modifications.
(29) No changes were made regarding the guy attachments, bolts,
washers, bolt hole sizes, and the permitted loads of proposed
assemblies E1.1 and E1.1L. The comments appear to be the result of
misunderstanding. The 6,600 pound permitted load of assembly E1.1 is
based on the surface area of a 3-inch washer. The 8,500 pound permitted
load of assembly E1.1L is based on 85 percent of the RUS designated
load (capacity) of the guy attachment with a 4-inch washer. RUS has
(already) multiplied the RUS designated strength of the guy attachments
by the 0.85 factor to determine the permitted loads shown in the design
parameters on the drawings of these assemblies. Both sized washers have
thirteen-sixteenths inch bolt holes and can accommodate either a five-
eights inch or three-fourths inch bolt.
(30) The suggestion that an additional flat washer or a three-
fourth inch bolt be used with washers with thirteen-sixteenths inch
holes was not used because RUS has never received reports that five-
eighths inch bolts have slipped through the holes in standard washers.
(31) The reasons why old pole protection assemblies M2-1 and M2-2
were discontinued by RUS was added to the ``Specification for Guying
Assemblies,''
(32) RUS specifies the installation of anti-split bolts on all non-
tangent, primary pole-top assemblies that have double pole-top pins or
double post-type insulator brackets. Borrowers may install anti-split
bolts on other pole top assemblies at their own discretion; however,
the RUS permitted transverse loading on these assemblies must not be
increased. Some borrowers have reported to RUS that the installation on
anti-split bolts on all pole top assemblies to be advantageous,
especially on cedar poles.
[[Page 20703]]
(33) Where appropriate, borrowers may replace a cutout (item
``af'') and an arrester (item ``ae'') with a combination cutout/
arrester (item ``ax'') without additional review and approval by RUS.
The material for the assembly needs to be changed accordingly.
(34) Additional information was added to the ``Specifications for
Pole Top Assemblies'' stating that for NESC Grade B construction, the
permitted line angles referenced on the pole top assemblies may need to
be reduced based on the design engineer's calculations.
(35) Whereas the drawings for pole top assemblies do not show the
permitted transverse load on the assemblies, the subtitles of the
tables in Exhibit 1 referenced in the design parameters on the drawings
specify the permitted transverse loads.
(36) The alleged errors regarding the ``wild leg'' and the high
side grounding on guide drawing G3.1G were checked and determined to be
correct as drawn.
Electronic (pdf) copies of this final rule and the new bulletin are
available on the RUS Web site at http://www.usda.gov/rus/electric/regs/index.htm.
Electronic and printed copies of the bulletin are also
available from Publications Office, Program Development and Regulatory
Analysis, Rural Utilities Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400
Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250-1522.
List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 1728
Electric power, Incorporation by reference, Loan programs-energy,
Rural areas.
0
For reasons set out in the preamble, chapter XVII of title 7 of the
Code of Federal Regulations, is amended to read as follows:
PART 1728--ELECTRIC STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR MATERIALS AND
CONSTRUCTION
0
1. The authority citation for part 1728 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.; 7 U.S.C. 1921 et seq.; 6941 et
seq.
0
2. Section 1728.97 is amended by:
0
A. Revising the second sentence in paragraph (a), and
0
B. Amending paragraph (b) by removing the entries for Bulletin 50-3 and
Bulleting 50-6; and adding to the list of bulletins, in numerical
order, the entry for Bulletin 1728F-804.
These revisions are to read as follows:
Sec. 1728.97 Incorporation by reference of electric standards and
specifications.
(a) * * * The bulletins containing construction standards (50-4 and
1728F-803 to 1728F-811), may be purchased from the Superintendent of
Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. * * *
* * * * *
(b) List of Bulletins.
* * * * *
Bulletin 1728F-804 (D-804), Specification and Drawings for 12.47/
7.2 kV Line Construction October 2005.
* * * * *
Dated: March 28, 2005.
Curtis M. Anderson,
Acting Administrator, Rural Utilities Service.
[FR Doc. 05-7920 Filed 4-20-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-15-M