(Item nid)

In addition to the information required under the general acceptance procedures, include the following information in a request for initial acceptance of network interface devices (NIDs).

Product Description

The manufacturer should include detail regarding the type of protection included and, if of the gas tube variety, should include the gas tube duty class for which the product should be considered for acceptance, i.e., light, medium, heavy or maximum duty per RUS Bulletin 345-83, "RUS Specification for Gas Tube Surge Arresters - PE-80."

Conformance to Standards

Manufacturers should certify compliance of its product to a recognized Network Interface Device standard such as, but not limited to, the Telcordia Technologies GR-49, "Outdoor Telephone Network Interface Devices." In addition, the manufacturer should submit certified information detailing conformance with the following two paragraphs below. All NIDs should obtain the acceptance of a recognized testing laboratory as required by the National Electrical Code. Photocopies of the reports and letters of approval of such laboratories should be submitted with all requests for RUS consideration:

1. Gas tube arrester assemblies (including backup air gaps, fail short mechanisms, etc.) shall meet all the requirements of  RUS Bulletin 345-83 as light, medium, heavy or maximum duty units, as specified by the purchaser, when installed on the protector in which they are to be used.  The requirements for capacitance (paragraph 4.2.2 of RUS Bulletin 345-83) are waived; and
   
   
2. Carbon block air gap arrester assemblies shall meet the requirements of RUS Bulletin 345-78 for station protection applications, when installed on the protector in which they are to be used.

Norberto Esteves
norberto.esteves@usda.gov