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4.0 Performance Verification/Test Procedures (Bellcore 4. & 5.)
4.1 Design and Fabrication Testing (Bellcore 4.1 & 5.1)
4.1.1 Metallic Corrosion and Chemical Resistance Test (Test Done beyond Bellcore's Requirement)
In addition to corrosion test described in section 3.1.5, four sets of the electrical shield bond connector,
strain relief clamps and aluminum plate were tested in eight different chemicals for six hours in each
chemical (a total of 48 hours) in consecutive order. The chemicals included-two cable filling compounds
(Flexgel 65° C and PE/PJ), three encapsulants (D Encapsulant, Caschem 126, and 3M™ 4442 High Gel),
and household ammonia, Black Flag Wasp and Hornet Spray, and Rainbow™ herbicide. All samples
showed no sign of degradation.
4.1.2 Non-Metallic — Chemical Resistance Test (Bellcore 4.1.2 & 5.1.2)
The requirements are that all materials should be spray and solvent resistant and should resist chemical
pollutants and not develop any stress cracks, stripping, molting, texture or color change when exposed to
the chemicals such as 3% sulfuric acid, .2N sodium hydroxide, Kerosene, and 10% Igepal CO-630. Four
assembled closure samples were immersed in the above mentioned four chemicals (one in each chemical)
for a period of 72 hours. The PST showed no sign of degradation except it showed expansion and gained
weight in Kerosene. Additional five samples were added to the Kerosene test. All samples maintained
their insulation resistance above the minimum requirement of 1 x 10
8
ohms after submerging in
Kerosene for 10 days.
4.1.3 Tools (Bellcore 4.1.3 & 5.1.3)
The use of specialized tools or equipment not normally at the craftspersons' disposal should be avoided.
This was confirmed by a review of installation instructions that this requirement was met, no special tools
are required to install these closures.
4.1.4 Cable Pull-Out Test (Bellcore 4.1.4 & 5.1.4)
Four closure samples were tested for cable pull-out with a 35 lb. (15.9 kg) weight hanging from each
cable for 15 seconds. The pass/fail criteria are no damage to the shield bond connector or discontinuity in
shield bond connection. The load time and pass/fail criteria were verified with Bellcore. In addition, the
load duration was extended to 20 minutes and the shield bond connection was still maintained.
4.1.5 Torsion Resistance Test (Bellcore 4.1.5 & 5.1.5)
Five closure samples (three in-line and two butt type) were tested for torsion resistance. Each sample
was clamped four inches (10.2 cm) from the closure end. All wire pairs were connected in series and
connected to a discontinuity monitor that could detect momentary circuitry opens of 10 microseconds or
longer. Each sample was then rotated 90° to each side until a wire is dislodged within the contacts or up
to a maximum of ten rotations to each side. For the in-line sample, the above test procedures were
repeated at the other end of the closure sample. The pass/fail criterion is that the sample should resist ten
rotations to each side of the service wire. All samples passed the torsion test with no electrical
discontinuity observed during and after the test.
4.1.6 Bend Resistance Test (Bellcore 4.1.6 & 5.1.6)
The same five samples tested for torsion resistance were used for bend resistance test. Each sample was
held in a fixed orientation. Each service wire was then bent 45° from the axis of the wire to both sides, in
a plane of the service wire pair, and in a plane perpendicular to the service wire pair. Again, all wire pairs
were connected in series and connected to a discontinuity monitor that could detect momentary circuitry
opens of 10 microseconds or longer. The pass/fail criterion is that the sample should resist ten wire bends
to each side of the service wire in each of the two planes. All samples passed the bend resistance test
with no electrical discontinuity observed during and after the test.
