Optical Fibre Cable Route

Design Specifications
ICT COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

Document Number: COM 20-01

Issue number: 1
Status: Approved
Approver: N. Zeinert
Date of approval: 17/11/2020
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Optical Fibre Cable Route Design Specifications

REVISION HISTORY

Version Date Description By

1 17/11/2020 Original Issue RC/UH

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ 4
1.1 BACKGROUND ....................................................................................................................... 4
1.2 PURPOSE ............................................................................................................................... 4
1.3 SCOPE .................................................................................................................................... 4
1.4 INTENDED AUDIENCE ........................................................................................................... 5
1.5 PROJECT COMMUNICATIONS PROTOCOL ........................................................................ 5
1.6 ABBREVIATIONS .................................................................................................................... 6
1.7 DEFINITIONS .......................................................................................................................... 6
2. APPLICABLE STANDARDS .......................................................................................... 8
2.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.................................................................................................. 8
3. MATERIAL SPECIFICATION ....................................................................................... 10
3.1 DESIGN SERVICE PROVIDER RESPONSIBILITIES .......................................................... 10
3.2 OPTICAL FIBRE CABLE (BACKBONE) ............................................................................... 10
3.3 OPTICAL FIBRE CABLE (AUSNET SERVICES SITE LEAD-INS) ....................................... 10
3.4 OPTICAL FIBRE CONNECTORS ......................................................................................... 11
3.5 OPTICAL FIBRE TERMINATION PANELS FOR INDOOR USE .......................................... 11
3.6 OPTICAL FIBRE SPLICE ENCLOSURES FOR OUTDOOR USE ....................................... 12
3.7 COMMUNICATIONS PITS .................................................................................................... 13
3.8 COMMUNICATIONS CONDUIT ............................................................................................ 13
3.9 MANUFACTURED COMPONENTS, MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT (GENERAL) ........... 14
4. DESIGN SPECIFICATION............................................................................................ 15
4.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS................................................................................................ 15
4.2 OFC ROUTE DESIGN DOCUMENTATION .......................................................................... 17
4.3 AERIAL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................................... 18
4.4 CIVIL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS ......................................................................................... 21
APPENDIX A. POLE LOADING AND CLEARANCE SAMPLE SPREADSHEETS ........ 25
APPENDIX B. POLE CALCULCATION SUMMARY SPREADSHEET ........................... 26

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND

1.1.1 The use of optical fibre cable (OFC) for communications purposes is a significant
component of strategic communications links. For example, AusNet Services uses
OFC links to Terminal Stations and Zone Substations to support equipment
monitoring and controlling the AusNet Services electricity transmission and
distribution network. OFC is also used within the AusNet Services electricity
distribution area by third parties for communications such as computer based local
and wide area networks that support both voice and data communications.
1.1.2 The need to find cost effective solutions to build and expand OFC networks means
that attaching OFC to electricity distribution poles is the preferred method of
construction.

1.2 PURPOSE

1.2.1 The purpose of this document is to specify the requirements for the design of OFC
routes (underground and aerial) and in particular where the OFC is attached to
AusNet Services electricity distribution poles.
1.2.2 Please note the following exclusions:
1.2.2.1. Requirements specific to the use of electricity transmission towers to support
OFC (i.e. optical ground wire OFC) are not covered in this document; and

1.2.2.2. Requirements specific to the use of electricity distribution poles not owned by
AusNet Services are not covered in this document.

1.3 SCOPE

1.3.1 This document outlines the AusNet Services requirements applicable to:
1.3.1.1. design of AusNet Services OFC backbone links using aerial and/or
underground construction methods;

1.3.1.2. design of OFC lead-ins to AusNet Services sites, e.g. Terminal Stations and
Zone Substations using aerial and/or underground construction methods.

1.3.1.3. specifying as part of the OFC route design, AusNet Services approved
construction material;

1.3.1.4. specifying as part of the OFC route design, the AusNet Services approved
methods of attachment of OFC to AusNet Services electricity poles (distribution
network only); and

1.3.1.5. design of AusNet Services OFC backbone network demarcation points for third
party access.

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1.4 INTENDED AUDIENCE

1.4.1 This document is relevant to AusNet Services OFC construction projects and is to
be used by:
1.4.1.1. AusNet Services Project Managers;

1.4.1.2. AusNet Services Lead Engineers;

1.4.1.3. Design Service Providers; and

1.4.1.4. any other personnel engaged by AusNet Services or by the Design Service
Provider as required for OFC construction projects.

1.5 PROJECT COMMUNICATIONS PROTOCOL

1.5.1 AusNet Services will appoint a Project Manager and Lead Engineer for each OFC
construction project.
1.5.2 The appointed AusNet Services Project Manager will be the single point of contact
for all administrative and technical matters pertaining to the design component of the
OFC construction project.
1.5.3 The Lead Engineer must be consulted for all technical matters pertaining to the OFC
construction project.
1.5.4 The Design Service Provider must provide a single point of contact for all
administrative and technical matters pertaining to the design component of the OFC
construction project.
1.5.5 The AusNet Services Project Manager will coordinate meetings and
communications between the AusNet Services Lead Engineer and the Design
Service Provider when required.
1.5.6 Figure 1 outlines the project communications protocol required by AusNet Services:

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FIGURE 1: AUSNET SERVICES COMMUNICATIONS PROTOCOL

AUSNET SERVICES

Project Manager Lead Engineer

Design Service Installation Service

Provider Provider

Installation Service
Materials Supplier
Provider

1.6 ABBREVIATIONS

1.6.1 ADSS : All Dielectric Self Supporting

1.6.2 FTP : Fibre Termination Panel
1.6.3 GIS : Geographical Information System
1.6.4 MMOF : Multi-Mode Optical Fibre
1.6.5 NZDSF : Non-Zero Dispersion-Shifted Fibres
1.6.6 OFC : Optical Fibre Cable
1.6.7 OTDR : Optical Time Domain Reflectometer
1.6.8 SMOF : Single Mode Optical Fibre

1.7 DEFINITIONS

1.7.1 Installation Service Provider – Contractor, typically a specialist OFC construction

company, engaged by AusNet Services or third party to construct OFC backbone
network segments and site lead-ins. The Installation Service Provider will be
responsible for managing all subcontractors engaged by the Installation Service
Provider and as a consequence be responsible for the quality of work and
adherence to the specifications identified in this document by all project personnel
including subcontractors.
1.7.2 Lead Engineer – AusNet Services engineer responsible for reviewing and approving
all OFC route designs and in particular aerial route designs. The Lead Engineer will
be responsible for reviewing and approving OFC test results. The Lead Engineer will

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also be responsible for all technical matters pertaining to the supply and installation
of OFC project related material.
1.7.3 Design Service Provider – Contractor engaged by AusNet Services (or third party
vendor) to provide a detailed OFC route design for OFC backbone links and/or
AusNet Services site lead-ins.
1.7.4 Project Manager – AusNet Services Project Manager or representative engaged by
AusNet Services responsible for overall project coordination, which may also include
arranging for quality assurance reviews of the Installation Service Provider
performance with respect to ensuring compliance to the design, material and
construction specifications.
1.7.5 Third Party OFC Network Access Point – Point of access in the AusNet Services
OFC backbone network where third party allocated fibres may be accessed by the
third party.
1.7.6 AusNet Services Pole – AusNet Services electricity distribution network pole
(excludes transmission towers).
1.7.7 Major Road – Any road or proposed road classed as a Freeway, State Highway or
Main Road as defined in the latest version of the VicRoads Country Street Directory
of Victoria. Any road or proposed road classed as a Freeway, Tollway, Primary
Road, Secondary Road, Over-Dimensional Route or Docks Road as defined in the
latest version of the Melway Greater Melbourne Street Directory.
1.7.8 Land Traversable by Vehicles - Any ground area utilised as part of a normal
business activity for the passage or parking of vehicles. This includes farm
paddocks, car parks, hard surfaced areas of industrial or commercial premises,
loading/unloading bays, parking areas in public parks and ovals, domestic driveways
and any other areas that have been made ready specifically for the purpose of the
passage or parking of vehicles.

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2. APPLICABLE STANDARDS

2.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

2.1.1 The Design Service Provider shall develop OFC route designs in accordance with
the most recent revisions of all applicable standards, including but not limited to:
2.1.1.1. The Electrical Safety (Installation) Regulations 2009, amended, details of which
can be found on the link, as follows:

http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/Domino/Web_Notes/LDMS/LTObject_Store/lto
bjst8.nsf/DDE300B846EED9C7CA257616000A3571/EB28C74DA47B5B4DCA
257CDE001BE9E6/$FILE/09-164sra005%20authorised.pdf

2.1.1.2. The Electricity Industries “Green Book” (contact AusNet Services for details).

2.1.1.3. Building Regulations

2.1.1.4. Australian Standards

2.1.1.5. Requirements of the Australian Communications and Media Authority

2.1.1.6. Requirements of the Energy Safe Victoria

2.1.1.7. All applicable statutory requirements

2.1.1.8. Any installation guidelines published by the manufacturer of the equipment to

be installed

2.1.1.9. Cable manufacturers’ recommended installation specifications, especially

regarding hauling tensions and bend radii (a copy of the specifications are to be
supplied to AusNet Services prior to the commencement of work)

2.1.2 Without limiting Section 2.1.1, the Design Service Provider must adhere to the
following standards, as specified in Table 1.

TABLE 1: CONSTRUCTIONS STANDARDS

Standard Description
AS/NZS 61386.1:2015 Conduit systems for cable management – General requirements
AS/NZS IEC 60825.1:2014 Safety of laser products - Equipment classification and requirements
AS/NZS IEC 60825.14:2011 Safety of laser products - A user's guide
Safety of laser products - Safety of optical fibre communication systems
AS/NZS IEC 60825.2:2011
(OFCS)
Electrical installations (known as the Australian/New Zealand Wiring
AS/NZS 3000:2007
Rules)
Information technology - Generic cabling for customer premises (ISO/IEC
AS/NZS 3080:2013
11801:2011, MOD)
AS 3084:2003/Amdt Telecommunications installations – Telecommunications pathways
1:2007 and spaces for commercial buildings.
AS 3959:2009 Construction of Buildings in Bushfire-prone Areas
Installation of Underground Utility Services and Pipelines within Railway
AS 4799:2000
Boundaries
AS/CA S008:2010 Requirements for Customer Cabling Products

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Standard Description
AS/CA S009:2013 Installation Requirements for Customer Cabling (Wiring Rules)
S.R. No. 164/2009 Electricity Safety (Installations) Regulations 2009
Circuits on Same Pole Line
EVX9/140/56 Midspan Circuit to Circuit
Vertical Separation
ITU.T G Series International Telecommunications Union series of standards on Fibre
The purpose of the Act is to establish a coordinated management
system for public roads that will promote safe and efficient State and
Victorian Government Road
local public road networks and the responsible use of road reserves for
Management Act 2004
other legitimate purposes, such as the provision of utility services and
public transport.

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3. MATERIAL SPECIFICATION

3.1 DESIGN SERVICE PROVIDER RESPONSIBILITIES

3.1.1 The Design Service Provider shall ensure that the requirements listed in the Material
Specification (Section 3 of this document) are applied in conjunction with the
remainder of this document to the design of OFC backbone links and OFC lead-ins
to AusNet Services sites.

3.2 OPTICAL FIBRE CABLE (BACKBONE)

3.2.1 OFC of non-metallic construction shall be used for OFC backbone installations
(aerial and underground).
3.2.2 The type of OFC and associated core count will be specified in the Scope of Works
documentation to be issued for each OFC construction project.
3.2.3 The OFC may consist of any combination of SMOF cores and NZDSF cores as
specified by AusNet Services.
3.2.4 SMOF cores shall comply with ITU-T Recommendation G.652D for 9 micron,
singlemode fibre and be suitable for use with transmission systems operating at
1310 nm and 1550 nm.
3.2.5 NZDSF cores shall comply with ITU-T Recommendation G.655 for 10 micron Non-
Zero Dispersion-Shifted fibre and be suitable for use with transmission systems
operating at 1550 nm and 1625 nm.
3.2.6 All optic fibre cables shall comply with AS/CA S008:2010 Requirements for
Customer Cabling Products.
3.2.7 All external aerial cable shall be of the ADSS type and have a BLACK coloured
sheath and shall be UV stabilised.
3.2.8 All underground cable shall be UV stabilised.
3.2.9 All exposed underground cable shall be UV protected, e.g. installed in UV stabilised
flexible conduit.
3.2.10 To identify the OFC owner, all OFC shall have “AusNet Services” indelibly marked
on the outer sheath.
3.2.11 AusNet Services reserves the right to supply all OFC required for the construction of
the AusNet Services OFC backbone network and OFC lead-ins to AusNet Services
sites.
3.2.12 The Installation Service Provider shall submit proof of compliance of the offered
OFC in the form of manufacturer assurances for approval by AusNet Services
before construction is to begin.

3.3 OPTICAL FIBRE CABLE (AUSNET SERVICES SITE LEAD-INS)

3.3.1 OFC of non-metallic construction shall be used for OFC lead-in installations to
AusNet Services sites (aerial and underground).

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3.3.2 The type of OFC and associated core count will be specified in the Scope of Works
documentation to be issued for each OFC construction project.
3.3.3 The OFC may consist of any combination of SMOF cores and NZDSF cores as
specified by AusNet Services.
3.3.4 SMOF cores shall comply with ITU-T Recommendation G.652D for 9 micron,
singlemode fibre and be suitable for use with transmission systems operating at
1310 nm and 1550 nm.
3.3.5 NZDSF cores shall comply with ITU-T Recommendation G.655 for 10 micron Non-
Zero Dispersion-Shifted fibre and be suitable for use with transmission systems
operating at 1550 nm and 1625 nm bands.
3.3.6 All optic fibre cables shall comply with AS/ACIF S008:2010 Requirements for
Customer Cabling Products
3.3.7 All external aerial cable shall be of the ADSS type and have a BLACK coloured
sheath.
3.3.8 All underground cable shall be UV stabilised.
3.3.9 All exposed underground cable shall be UV protected (e.g. installed in UV stabilised
flexible conduit).
3.3.10 To identify the OFC owner all OFC shall have “AusNet Services” indelibly marked
on the outer sheath.
3.3.11 AusNet Services reserves the right to supply all OFC required for the construction of
the AusNet Services OFC backbone network and OFC lead-ins to AusNet Services
sites.
3.3.12 The Installation Service Provider shall submit proof of compliance of the offered
OFC in the form of manufacturer assurances for approval by AusNet Services
before construction is to begin.

3.4 OPTICAL FIBRE CONNECTORS

3.4.1 All fibre terminations shall be of the SC type with an angled polished connector
(APC) in a single connector configuration.
3.4.2 OFC pigtail splicing shall be of the fusion type.
3.4.3 The Installation Service Provider shall submit full details of the proposed connector
and associated components for approval by AusNet Services before construction is
to begin.
3.4.4 The maximum optical attenuation per each mated connector shall not exceed
0.50dB.

3.5 OPTICAL FIBRE TERMINATION PANELS FOR INDOOR USE

3.5.1 Unless otherwise specified, fibre termination panels for indoor use shall comply with
the following minimum requirements:
3.5.1.1. Shall be 19” rack mount, type AFL FRE-(1, 2, 3) RU-MOD-S (Static Sliding
Enclosure) with angled coupler panels or equivalent (subject to AusNet
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Services approval). The fibre termination panels shall be sized and equipped
with adequate capacity to terminate ALL cores in the installed OFC.

3.5.1.2. The angled coupler panels shall support single SC type angle polished
connector (APC) couplers

3.5.1.3. ONLY twelve (12) core splice trays shall be used with ONLY once splice per
tray slot.

3.5.1.4. Shall be provided with patch cord support offering full protection of patch leads
and connectors.

3.5.1.5. Fibre termination panels shall include the provision for fibre storage, fibre
routing and labels for cable identification.

3.5.1.6. Fibre termination panels shall be supplied with a cable management tray or
similar to provide support for spliced through fibres and unterminated fibres.

3.5.1.7. The Installation Service Provider shall submit full details of the proposed fibre
termination panels, for approval by AusNet Services before construction is to
begin.

3.5.1.8. Wall mounted fibre termination boxes may be used as directed by AusNet
Services. The wall mounted fibre termination boxes shall not be smaller than
type AFL FEW-MOD-24-C with flat coupler panels or equivalent.

3.5.1.9. Wall mounted fibre termination boxes shall support single SC type angle
polished connector (APC) couplers.

3.5.1.10. Wall mounted fibre termination panels shall be fitted with lockable doors and/or
cover panels.

3.5.1.11. The Installation Service Provider shall submit full details of the proposed wall
mounted fibre termination boxes for approval by AusNet Services before
construction is to begin.

3.6 OPTICAL FIBRE SPLICE ENCLOSURES FOR OUTDOOR USE

3.6.1 Unless otherwise specified optical fibre splice enclosures for outdoor use shall
comply with the following minimum requirements:
3.6.1.1. Splice enclosures shall be Tyco FIST-GC02 BC6-NV type enclosure or
equivalent (subject to AusNet Services approval).

3.6.1.2. Splice enclosures shall be fully equipped with the appropriate splice organiser
trays.

3.6.1.3. Splice enclosures shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s

installation instructions.

3.6.1.4. OFC ends installed into splice enclosures shall be installed in the following
manner:

3.6.1.4.1. Strip and prepare optical fibre cable(s) into splice closure.

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3.6.1.4.2. Layoff 6 optical fibres per splice organiser tray.

3.6.1.4.3. Maximum of six splices per splice organiser tray.

3.6.1.5. OFC splicing shall be of the fusion type.

3.6.1.6. All outdoor splice enclosures are to be installed in communications pits unless
otherwise specified by AusNet Services. Where this is not practical (due to the
congestion of existing underground assets), the Installation Service Provider
shall contact AusNet Services to discuss alternate options.

3.7 COMMUNICATIONS PITS

3.7.1 Communications pits at road crossings, rail crossings, cable loops and splice
joint locations shall be ‘P8 type’ with a minimum external size of L 1365mm x W
610mm x D 895mm.
3.7.2 All remaining communications pits shall be ‘P6 type’ with a minimum external size of
L 1365mm x W 610mm x D 670mm or ‘P5 type’ with a minimum external size of L
705mm x W 450mm x D 660mm. This applies only to pits installed for construction
purposes where there is no requirement to leave a cable loop or install a splice joint.
3.7.3 Communications pits shall be provided with a seepage hole cast into the bottom
surface to allow the disbursement of any accumulated water.
3.7.4 P8 and P6 type communications pits shall be supplied with two spreader bars.
Spreader bars are not required for P5 type pits.
3.7.5 Each communications pit shall be fitted with a lockable one piece steel pit lid.
3.7.6 Load Class rating of pits and lids will be appropriate for the location that each pit is
installed, e.g. PVC pits with standard concrete lids for non-trafficable areas.
3.7.7 All communications pits shall be installed with pit lids indelibly labelled with “AusNet
Services Comms”.

3.8 COMMUNICATIONS CONDUIT

3.8.1 Only non-metallic conduit specifically manufactured for communications purposes

shall be used.
3.8.2 Communications conduit shall comply with AS/CA S008:2010 Requirements for
Customer Cabling Products.
3.8.3 Unless otherwise specified, all conduits are to be a minimum of 50mm internal
diameter except inside cable trenches where a minimum of 25mm internal diameter
can be used depending on the size of the OFC.
3.8.4 All conduit bends will be of the large radius type taking into consideration the
minimum bend radius under load of the OFC to be installed.
3.8.5 Conduit used under rail tracks is to be Class 12 or equivalent for open trench
construction or Class 9 high density poly ethylene (HDPE) continuous where a bore
is carried out (VicTrack requirement).

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3.9 MANUFACTURED COMPONENTS, MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT (GENERAL)

3.9.1 All manufactured system components, articles, materials and equipment are to be
applied, installed, connected, erected, terminated, adjusted, used, cleaned and
calibrated in strict conformity with manufacturers' printed directions.
3.9.2 All load bearing fixings shall be of appropriate size for the anticipated load plus a
50% safety factor.
3.9.3 All fixings shall be corrosive resistant and shall be the same or of more noble
material so that they will not be preferentially corroded.
3.9.4 All supports shall be approved by the manufacturer for the intended purpose under
this Specification.

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4. DESIGN SPECIFICATION

4.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

4.1.1 The following requirements must be taken into consideration when developing an
OFC route design:
4.1.1.1. New OFC installations are to be supported on AusNet Services poles where
possible.

4.1.1.2. The OFC shall not be attached to HV or LV crossarms unless approved by

AusNet Services.

4.1.1.3. OFC joints and OFC service loops shall be installed underground in
communications pits and not on AusNet Services poles unless approved by
AusNet Services.

4.1.1.4. If AusNet Services allows OFC joints or OFC service loops to be installed on
AusNet Services poles, they are to be attached to concrete poles and not
wooden poles, unless approved by AusNet Services.

4.1.1.5. OFC shall be attached to the footpath side of the AusNet Services poles where
possible, particularly for wooden poles, to facilitate future pole replacements.
The exception to this requirement is if there are existing cables such as
earth cables and other communications cables attached to the road side
of the AusNet Services poles.

NOTE: If the OFC will be strung to poles owned by other distribution business,
recommendations in the EVX9/64 drawings series shall be followed.

4.1.1.6. OFC routes which traverse Major Roads, as defined in Section 1.7.7 of this
document, are to be installed underground.

4.1.1.7. Unless otherwise advised by AusNet Services, the OFC backbone route design
shall include two physically diverse lead-in cable access points coming off two
separate AusNet Services poles to each proposed AusNet Services site.

4.1.1.8. Details of approved OFC pole attachment methods and aerial to underground
transitions are provided in the following AusNet Services drawings, as specified
in Table 2:

TABLE 2: OFC POLE ATTACHMENT METHODS

Drawing Number Title

ADSS Fibre Optic Cable
Intermediate & Angle Type 1 – Up to 25 Degrees
EVX9/64/38
Wood & Concrete Pole
Preferred Arrangement
ADSS Fibre Optic Cable
Intermediate & Angle Type 1 – Up to 25 Degrees
EVX9/64/38/1
Wood & Concrete Pole Preferred Arrangement
Material Schedule

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ADSS Fibre Optic Cable

Intermediate & Angle Type 1 – Up to 25 Degrees
EVX9/64/38/2
Wood & Concrete Pole
Alternative Arrangement
ADSS Fibre Optic Cable
Intermediate & Angle Type 1 – Up to 25 Degrees
EVX9/64/38/3
Wood & Concrete Pole - Alternative Arrangement
Material Schedule
ADSS Fibre Optic Cable
Intermediate & Angle Type 1 – Up to 25 Degrees
EVX9/64/38/2
Wood & Concrete Pole
Alternative Arrangement
ADSS Fibre Optic Cable
Angle Type 2 – 25 to 50 Degrees
EVX9/64/39
Wood Pole
Preferred Arrangement
ADSS Fibre Optic Cable
Angle Type 2 – 25 to 50 Degrees
EVX9/64/39/1
Wood Pole
Alternative Arrangement
ADSS Fibre Optic Cable
Angle Type 2 – 25 to 50 Degrees
EVX9/64/39/2
Concrete Pole
Preferred Arrangement
ADSS Fibre Optic Cable
Angle Type 2 – 25 to 50 Degrees
EVX9/64/39/3
Concrete Pole
Alternative Arrangement
ADSS Fibre Optic Cable
Angle Type 2 – 25o to 50o – Wood & Concrete Pole
EVX9/64/39/4
Preferred and Alternative Arrangement
Material Schedule
ADSS Fibre Optic Cable
EVX9/64/40 Angle Type 3 – Greater than 50 Degrees
Wood & Concrete Poles
ADSS Fibre Optic Cable
Angle Type 3 – Greater than 50 Degrees
EVX9/64/40/1
Wood & Concrete Pole
Material Schedule
ADSS Fibre Optic Cable
Additional Cable Loop for Maintenance
EVX9/64/41
Strain Construction
Wood & Concrete Poles
ADSS Fibre Optic Cable
Additional Cable Loop for Maintenance
EVX9/64/41/1
Strain Construction – Wood & Concrete Poles
General Notes

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ADSS Fibre Optic Cable

Additional Cable Loop for Maintenance
EVX9/64/41/2
Strain Construction – Wood & Concrete Poles
Material Schedule
ADSS Fibre Optic Cable
EVX9/64/42 &
Minimum Separation from HV/LV Conductors
EVX9/64/42/1
Intermediate Constructions
ADSS Fibre Optic Cable
EVX9/64/43
Cable Head Pole
ADSS Fibre Optic Cable
Cable Head Pole Mounting
EVX9/64/43/1
Wood & Concrete Pole
Material Schedule
ADSS Fibre Optic Cable
EVX9/64/44
Substation Pole
ADSS Fibre Optic Cable
EVX9/64/44/1 Substation Pole
Material Schedule
ADSS Fibre Optic Cable
EVX9/64/45 Splice Point – Underground
Wood Pole
ADSS Fibre Optic Cable
EVX9/64/45/1 Splice Point – Underground
Concrete Pole
ADSS Fibre Optic Cable
EVX9/64/45/2 Joint Enclosure in Underground Pit – Splice Point
Wood Pole Shown
ADSS Fibre Optic Cable
OH to OH Continuation – Splice Underground
EVX9/64/45/3
Wood & Concrete Pole
Material Schedule
ADSS Fibre Optic Cable
EVX9/64/46 Overhead to Underground Transition
Wood Pole
ADSS Fibre Optic Cable
EVX9/64/46/1 Overhead to Underground Transition
Concrete Pole
ADSS Fibre Optic Cable
Overhead to Underground Transition
EVX9/64/46/2
Joint Enclosure in Underground Pit – Splice Point
Wood Pole Shown
ADSS Fibre Optic Cable
OH to UG Transition – Splice Underground
EVX9/64/46/3
Wood & Concrete Pole
Material Schedule

4.2 OFC ROUTE DESIGN DOCUMENTATION

4.2.1 The Design Service Provider shall submit for approval detailed OFC route design
documentation, including aerial and civil components, and the method of
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construction applicable to the relevant AusNet Services poles used to support the
OFC.
4.2.2 OFC route design documentation shall include as a minimum:
4.2.2.1. Pole field survey sheets;

4.2.2.2. Method of pole attachment proposed for each pole;

4.2.2.3. Pole loading designs and calculations;

4.2.2.4. Clearance heights;

4.2.2.5. Exact location of all communications pits with respect to property and road
boundaries;

4.2.2.6. AusNet Services pole numbers on which the OFC is to be attached;

4.2.2.7. OFC link route with respect to its location in the road reserve (i.e. north side or
south side of a roadway), unless specifically stated; and

4.2.2.8. Quantity and location of pits, OFC service loops and splice enclosures required
to facilitate construction of the OFC link.

4.3 AERIAL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

4.3.1 General Requirements

4.3.1.1. The OFC aerial route shall be designed to maintain clearance from existing
electrical and communications services in the following manner:

4.3.1.1.1. Firstly and at a higher precedence, in accordance with the design

requirements as specified in Section 4 of this document; and

4.3.1.1.2. Secondly and at a lower precedence, in accordance with current

electrical authority regulations and communications authority
regulations, including but not limited to the documents listed in Section 2
of this document.

4.3.1.2. Consideration shall be given to the average distance between AusNet Services
poles along the proposed route to determine if short span ADSS cable, medium
span ADSS cable or long span ADSS cable is required.

4.3.2 Design Criteria

4.3.2.1. All pole strength calculations must reference the pole number, i.e. LIS number,
its allowable loading (both short and long term) and in tabular form demonstrate
the new pole loading is within the short and long term loading limits for the pole.
Refer to sample pole loading spreadsheets in Appendix A and Appendix B.

4.3.2.2. All circuit, ground and structure clearances must conform to the AusNet
Services design criteria as detailed in Table 3, Table 4 and Table 5 below.
Refer to sample OFC clearance spreadsheets in Appendix A.

4.3.2.3. All clearance requirements identified in this document refer to VERTICAL

clearance.
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4.3.2.4. The lowest circuit conductor type and stringing must be identified together with
the nominated point of attachment for the OFC. For example, the lower circuit
conductor type and stringing must be determined and included in the Field
survey sheet submitted to AusNet Services for approval.

4.3.2.5. Underslung LV cross arm attachment, if allowed by AusNet Services, is subject

to nominated structure and mid span circuit clearances being obtained and the
proposed method of attachment must comply with AusNet Services drawings
EVX9/64/38/2, EVX9/64/38/3 and EVX9/64/44.

4.3.2.6. OFC clearance spanning waterways (e.g. creek, river, reservoir, etc.) shall as a
minimum comply with the requirements stated in the Electricity Safety
(Installations) Regulations 2009. That is, “An aerial line must not, at any time be
closer than 13,500 millimetres to the surface of any water accessible to boats
with masts”. The clearances required by the authority responsible for the
waterway shall take precedence if the clearance requirement is greater than
13.5m.

4.3.2.7. Identify spans between which vegetation may need to be cleared to achieve an
unobstructed pathway for the OFC. AusNet Services is to be advised of
locations where vegetation needs to be cleared.

4.3.2.8. The proposed OFC route must be agreed with AusNet Services after
consideration of known network augmentations, pole relocations and proposed
movement of assets to underground, are taken into account.

TABLE 3: MIDSPAN CCT TO CCT CLEARANCE

UPPER CCT
SEPARATION APPLICABLE
CCT DESCRIPTION DESIGN TEMP SOURCE
(mm) STANDARDS
(Degrees C)
NOT AUSNET
EARTH TO UPPER (NEW) OFC --- EVX9/140/56
PERMITTED STANDARD
AUSNET
(E) OFC TO UPPER (NEW) OFC 200 5 EVX9/140/56
STANDARD
AUSNET
(NEW) OFC TO UPPER LV 200 35 EVX9/140/56
STANDARD
(NEW) OFC TO UPPER 6.6KV, AUSNET
600 55 EVX9/64/42/1
11KV, 22KV STANDARD
AUSNET
(NEW) OFC TO UPPER 66KV 1800 80 EVX9/64/42/1
STANDARD

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TABLE 4: MINIMUM MIDSPAN GROUND CLEARANCE FOR ADSS

CLEARANCE APPLICABLE
CCT DESCRIPTION SOURCE
(mm) STANDARDS
OVER DIMENSIONAL ROUTES AND
7000 AUSNET STANDARD EVX9/64/42/1
TRACTION TRACKS
OVER CARRIAGEWAYS 5500 AUSNET STANDARD EVX9/64/42/1
OVER OTHER THOROUGHFARES,
4600 AUSNET STANDARD EVX9/64/42/1
KERB LINES AND WALKWAYS
OVERHEAD FREEWAY CROSSINGS NOT PERMITTED AUSNET STANDARD EVX9/64/42/1

TABLE 5: MINIMUM CONSTRUCTION SEPARATION AT THE POLE

CLEARANCE APPLICABLE
CCT DESCRIPTION SOURCE
(mm) STANDARDS
SHARED USER’s COMMUNICATIONS
300 AUSNET STANDARD EVX9/64/42/1
CABLES
INSULATED SERVICE CABLES 380 AUSNET STANDARD EVX9/64/42/1
BARE LV MAINS O/H CIRCUIT 600 AUSNET STANDARD EVX9/64/42/1
FSD 600 AUSNET STANDARD EVX9/64/42/1
FOLCB 380 AUSNET STANDARD EVX9/64/42/1
LV ABC MAINS OH CIRCUIT 600 AUSNET STANDARD EVX9/64/42/1
6.6KV, 11KV, 22KV O/H CIRCUITS 1800 AUSNET STANDARD EVX9/64/42/1
66KV O/H CIRCUITS 3300 AUSNET STANDARD EVX9/64/42/1

4.3.1 Road Crossings

4.3.1.1. OFC routes which traverse Major Roads, as defined in Section 1.7.7 of this
document, are to be installed underground.

4.3.1.2. AusNet Services may request that aerial route designs traversing other roads
not defined in Section 1.7.7 be amended to include a civil component if the risk
of the OFC being damaged is deemed by AusNet Services to be unacceptable.

4.3.1.3. Underground road crossings will include a communications pit at the aerial to
underground transition point on at least one side of the road crossing.

4.3.1.4. Where aerial OFC routes crossing roadways are approved by AusNet Services
the design must include OFC termination assemblies on the poles on both sides
of the road crossing.

4.3.1.5. At least one OFC service loop will also need to be installed within the vicinity of
the road crossing.

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4.4 CIVIL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

4.4.1 General Requirements

4.4.1.1. All underground cable shall be contained within P63 (50mm internal diameter)
communications conduits, unless otherwise specified e.g.inside cable trenches
where a minimum of 25mm internal diameter can be used depending on the
size of the OFC..

4.4.1.2. All conduits installed by trenching method shall be laid at a minimum cover
depth of 600mm. The trench shall be backfilled with the same excavated
material and consolidated to finished ground level.

4.4.1.3. Within a VicTrack property boundary, e.g. rail corridor, conduits shall be laid at
a minimum cover depth of 650mm measured from the top of the installed
conduit.

4.4.1.4. Where there is a requirement to traverse underneath VicTrack railway tracks,

the clearance depth shall be a minimum of 1200mm below the level of the
railway tracks.

4.4.1.5. In addition to VicTrack Access Telecommunications Services –

Communications Cable Installation Specification (TS-SP-013 - check with
VicTrack for latest revision), conduit installations and track crossings in rail
corridors shall comply with Australian Standard AS4799:2000: Installation of
Underground Utility Services and Pipelines within Railway Boundaries.

4.4.1.6. Where transitions are required between an AusNet Services pole and a pit (pole
riser), a suitable mechanical barrier (pole guard) shall be installed on the
AusNet Services pole, to a minimum height of 2.4 metres above ground level, to
protect the conduit and OFC. Refer to the relevant AusNet Services drawings
as listed in Table 2.

4.4.1.7. Pole riser MUST be installed on the footpath side of the pole or on the opposite
side of the pole to the direction of the vehicle traffic flow e.g. east side of pole
for traffic travelling in westbound lane.

4.4.1.8. Where new OFC utilises existing AusNet Services trunking pits within a
Terminal Station or Zone Substation site, the OFC shall be installed in rigid sub-
ducting infrastructure (except for bends which can be flexible) and the sub-
ducting infrastructure to be attached (where possible) to the inside wall of the
trunking pits.

4.4.2 Communications Pits

4.4.2.1. All communications pit installation locations including construction pits must be
approved by AusNet Services in writing prior to the installation commencing.

4.4.2.2. Along the underground OFC route, communications pit shall be installed where:

4.4.2.2.1. Change in direction occurs

4.4.2.2.2. OFC Service Loop is required

4.4.2.2.3. Underground Splice Enclosure is required

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4.4.2.2.4. Change in conduit sizes occurs

4.4.2.3. Where Section 4.4.2.2 will not be in effect, communications pit shall be installed
for every 250 metres (maximum) along the underground fibre route.

4.4.2.4. Precise communications pit locations shall be described in the detailed design
taking into consideration surrounding infrastructure, underground services and
consultation with AusNet Services.

4.4.2.5. Communications pits shall be installed a minimum of one (1) metre from back of
kerb unless approved by AusNet Services.

4.4.2.6. Communications pits shall be installed a minimum of two (2) metres clear from
the base of any AusNet Services pole or tramway pole.

4.4.2.7. The Installation Service Provider may offer alternative design solutions due to
physical limitations or local site conditions. Any alternatives must be approved
by AusNet Services in writing prior to installation.

4.4.2.8. For ease of access to conduct maintenance, OFC joints and OFC service loops
should not be located at road intersections but at least one bay away from the
intersection.

4.4.2.9. Communications pits at road crossings, rail crossings, cable loops and splice
joint locations shall be ‘P8 type’ with a minimum external size of L 1365mm x W
610mm x D 895mm.

4.4.2.10. All remaining communications pits shall be ‘P6 type’ with a minimum external
size of L 1365mm x W 610mm x D 670mm or ‘P5 type’ with a minimum external
size of L 705mm x W 450mm x D 660mm. This applies only to pits installed for
construction purposes where there is no requirement to leave a cable loop or
install a splice joint.

4.4.2.11. All cable and conduit entries into pits must be through the ends of the
communications access pit. Side entries will not be acceptable.

4.4.2.12. The Installation Service Provider shall submit details of all proposed
communications pits, lids and any supporting information for AusNet Services’s
written approval prior to any installation commencing.

4.4.3 OFC Service Loops

4.4.3.1. OFC service loops are required at AusNet Services network access points to
facilitate lead-in connections, third party network access points to facilitate third
party network connections and at strategic locations for maintenance purposes.

4.4.3.2. OFC service loops will be installed in communications pits and not on AusNet
Services poles unless otherwise approved by AusNet Services.

4.4.3.3. OFC service loops shall be installed at locations, taking into consideration
surrounding infrastructure (both aerial and underground) and future OFC
connections, i.e. at major road intersections.

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4.4.3.4. OFC service loops are to be installed at no less than one (1) kilometre intervals
in built up areas (e.g. urban, suburban areas, regional centres and country
towns).

4.4.3.5. OFC service loops installed in built up areas shall be at least forty (40) metres in
length.

4.4.3.6. OFC service loops are to be installed at no less than two (2) kilometre intervals
in areas other than built up areas.

4.4.3.7. OFC service loops installed in areas other than built up areas shall be at least
one hundred (100) metres in length. If the size of the OFC is such that a service
loop of 100m is impractical, then the service loop should be as large as possible
without causing the cable to be damaged.

4.4.3.8. OFC service loops shall be installed where the OFC route changes direction,
such as at road intersections.

4.4.3.9. Where OFC joints are installed an OFC service loop of twenty (20) metres will
be left on each segment of OFC entering the joint.

4.4.4 Third Party Network Access Points

4.4.4.1. Typically the Third Party Network Access Point will consist of two
communications pits, located in a public access area.

4.4.4.2. Third Party OFC Network Access Points will not be located within AusNet
Services sites.

4.4.4.3. The first communications pit will be owned by AusNet Services and will support
a splice enclosure. The splice enclosure will be used as a breakout point from
the OFC backbone network for third party fibres. Only AusNet Services and its
approved representatives will be allowed to access the AusNet Services
communications pit.

4.4.4.4. A short OFC tail will be installed between the splice enclosure in the AusNet
Services communications pit and a second (third party owned) communications
pit. This segment of OFC will be owned by AusNet Services. The third party will
have unrestricted access to the second communications pit for third party OFC
network activities.

4.4.4.5. The segment of communications conduit between the two communications pits
will be owned by AusNet Services.

4.4.4.6. Typical layout of a Third Party Network Access Point is described in Figure 2
below:

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TABLE 3: TYPICAL THIRD PARTY NETWORK ACCESS POINT LAYOUT

Third Party Pit with SP AusNet Pit with

SP AusNet Pole
OFC Joint OFC Joint

2m (min) 2m (min)

1m (min)

Back of Kerb

4.4.5 Use of Third Party Infrastructure

4.4.5.1. The use of third party infrastructure, such as ducting and conduit, may be
considered if there are no AusNet Services poles available to support the OFC
and the cost of underground infrastructure is deemed to be prohibitive.

4.4.5.2. The Installation Service Provider shall consult with AusNet Services to
determine the viability of using third party infrastructure to support the OFC
before submitting the OFC route design to AusNet Services for approval.

4.4.5.3. OFC route designs using third party infrastructure shall comply with the
installation requirements, standards and guidelines specified by the third party
infrastructure owner.

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8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

10
POLE ROUTE

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APPENDIX A.
AusNet Services

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COMMENT

ATTACHMENT TYPE

POLE No

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X-ARM HEIGHT
TURE
STRUC

FOC ATTACHMENT HEIGHT

STRUCTURE SEPERATION
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00

LOWEST CCT CONDUCTOR TYPE

POLE LOADING AND CLEARANCE SAMPLE SPREADSHEETS

LOWEST CCT CONDUCTOR

MIDSPAN AT AMBIENT TEMP
LOWEST CCT CONDUCTOR
MIDSPAN AT DESIGN TEMP
S
SP
AN
MID

(66kV=100, LV ABC=75, HV=65,

LV+AE=50)
25 of 26

FOC MIDSPAN AT DESIGN TEMP

FOC/CONDUCTOR SEPERATION
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00

POLE No

X-ARM HEIGHT
E
STRU
CTUR

FOC ATTACHMENT HEIGHT

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0

STRUCTURE SEPERATION
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APPENDIX B. POLE CALCULCATION SUMMARY SPREADSHEET

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