Quality Bulletin Number: 03-01

Quality Bulletin

To: All Installation Suppliers / Central Office Operations Representatives / Design Engineering Representatives / Quality Auditors / Technical Support Engineers / AMC Representatives

Date: Monday, February 10, 2003 From: QWEST Installation Quality Assurance

Subject: Conduit Fittings in the Qwest Central Office environment.

Action Required: YES: NO: 

Description of Bulletin: The purpose of this Bulletin is to reaffirm the Qwest Network Organization’s policy for AC conduit fittings for central offices within the regulated 14-state region. Fittings designed for 1” (and smaller) conduit used for the purpose of equipment task lighting and AC outlet arrangements that employ a mechanical means of installation (e.g., set screws) are strictly prohibited.

Compression-type fittings are still required in these applications. Where rigid aluminum conduit is used, then aluminum compression fittings shall be installed as well. This applies to both Qwest Network equipment and Qwest Real Estate building applications as well. All connectors and fittings for Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT) and rigid conduit must have insulated throats or insulated bushings. For those who have accessibility, further information regarding approved AC outlet and conduit arrangements can be obtained by referencing Qwest Technical Publication 77351 and the Qwest Common Systems Home Page: http://cpamc1.uswc.uswest.com/ecdnews/common_systems/1CSHOMEPAGE.HTML

It should be noted that within the central office locations are AC conduit arrangements that are engineered and installed specifically for building purposes. The Qwest Real Estate organization oversees these non-equipment, building-related conduit applications. The Real Estate group typically utilizes conduit that is larger than 1”. In these instances, and for central office building purposes, the use of steel or malleable iron set screw fittings is permitted. The only exception is above existing battery stands and power plants (where only Qwest-approved compression fittings are acceptable). The use of any type of diecast, zinc, or pressure-cast fittings is prohibited.

Acknowledgements to Diana Unser for her contribution to this Bulletin.

If you have any questions regarding AC conduit in Network applications, please feel free to call Diana directly at (303) 707-7559. For AC conduit in Real Estate applications, please contact Howard Cooper at (480) 831-4673.

Qwest Installation Quality Assurance Jeff Bostow 612-798-2460 mailto: [email protected]