Broadband Residential Installation Specification

Broadband Residential Installation
Specification (BRIS)
ENTERPRISE STANDARD
Abstract:
This standard defines mandatory practices for all coaxial drop cable work performed when wiring
customer premises. Compliance with this document ensures the reliability of Comcast drop
systems and services, and the highest level of customer satisfaction.
Document Owner: Esteban Sandino

Contributor(s): Steve Stainbrook, Carl Hansen
Release Version: 002

Release Date: 2012-10-01
Approvals: Susan Adams, Northeastern Division

Dan Murphy, Central Division
John Heslip, West Division
Patrick O’Hare, Comcast Cable
Comcast Proprietary and Confidential

Information in this document is subject to change without notice. This document may contain sensitive confidential proprietary information
and trade secret information concerning Comcast. All recipients have an obligation not to disclose to any non-Comcast person or entity the
information contained herein. Partial or full disclosure, even inadvertent disclosure, of this information may cause irreparable damage to
Comcast. No part of this document may be reproduced in whole or in part, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by
any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, for any purpose, without the express written permission of
Comcast. If you are not the intended recipient of this document, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of
this document or its contents is strictly prohibited.
Comcast may have patents, patent applications, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property rights covering subject matter in this
document. The furnishing of this document does not grant any license to these patents, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual
property.
Copyright  2012 Comcast Corporation, All Rights Reserved

ENTERPRISE STANDARD
Broadband Residential Installation Specification (BRIS)
DOCUMENT CHANGE HISTORY

Version Description Date
001 Original release 2010-02-24
002 Updated release (See Detailed Change Log). 2012-10-01
Copyright © 2012 Comcast Corporation, All Rights Reserved Release Date: 2012-10-01
ENTERPRISE STANDARD
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DETAILED CHANGE LOG

Document Revision: 002
Approved: 2012-10-01
Summary: The document has been updated with the following :
Section Description
2 Must use only hardware approved by Comcast engineering
2.3 & Every Installation must use a ground block
6.2.1
2.13 & All outdoor connections must use weather and thread protection
3.3
2.4.2 All outside drop cables must be series 6 or greater
2.5.3 All new outdoor F- connectors must have a thread protector attached, pre-installed or
prepackaged to the connector.
3.2.1 All F-Connectors must be tighten to a minimum of 20 inch-pounds with the exception of CPE
4.2.1.1 For all new drop installations, approved drop clamps designed for dead-ending messengered
drop cable should be used for attaching drops
4.2.1.2 For legacy drop installations, drops attached with a properly installed 2-4-4 are acceptable. If
2-4-4 is not properly installed, it must be replaced with an approved drop clamp.
4.2.2 All minimum clearances must be adhered at all time
5.4.6 All underground installations require protective conduit installed at the house
6.2.1 All new installation require service distribution enclosure
6.2.2 All devices must be secured inside the service distribution enclosure
7 All installations must follow bonding and grounding guidelines
8.5.1 All newly installed outlets must be home run
9.1.1 A passive, un-amplified and balanced RF splitting distribution network shall always be the
installation of choice to feed all home outlets from the primary service distribution point in the
home.
9.1.2 A permanent, un-interrupted and un-amplified home-run cable connection must always exist
between the single, primary service distribution point in the home and the outlet connected to
the embedded Multimedia Terminal Adapter (eMTA) supporting Comcast Digital Voice (CDV)
or the outlet connected to any gateway supporting CDV
9.1.10 Connecting unused outlets at the single, primary service distribution point in the home must
be avoided to prevent potential RF egress/ingress points. Unused RF ports in the splitting
network at the primary service distribution point must be properly terminated. Only
terminators with internal 75-ohm resistors approved by Comcast Corporate Engineering shall
be used
9.1.11 RF signal amplification must be considered only as a last resort, and only after determining
that a passive splitting configuration will not support the minimum specified outlet RF signal
levels for each of the required outlets in the home.
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Section Description
9.1.11.3 Amplifiers capable of reverse gain must only be used when plant design dictates upstream
RF levels to be out of specifications
9.3.5 In the case where a customer has performed an SIK or the dwelling does not allow for
additional lines to be run the tech may use an unbalanced 3-way splitter to feed a 2-way
splitter. This exception is to ensure the RF levels are balanced at all CPE and shall insure
that RF levels at all other outlets still meet specifications outlined in Section 9.2
10.4.1 All unused tap ports must have a locking terminator
11.4 Always ensure all Comcast safety guidelines are strictly followed
DOCUMENT REFERENCES
ANSI/SCTE 01 2006, Specification for “F” Port, Female, Outdoor
ANSI/SCTE 02 2006, Specification for “F” Port, Female, Indoor
ANSI/SCTE 74 2003, Specification for Braided 75 Ω Flexible RF Coaxial Drop Cable
ANSI/SCTE 129 2007, Drop Passives: Bonding Blocks (Without Surge Protection)
ANSI/SCTE 153 2008, Drop Passives: Splitters, Couplers and Power Inserters
ANSI/SCTE 161 2009, Drop Amplifiers
CommScope Broadband Applications & Construction Manual Drop Cable
NFPA 70 National Electrical Code 2008 Edition
ENTERPRISE STANDARD
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GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ACRONYMS

Term / Acronym Definition
ANSI American National Standards Institute
Attached Thread Protector is a permanent part of the connector
AWG American Wire Gauge: A US standard specifying diameter of a round wire
usually made of copper and aluminum.
CDV Comcast Digital Voice
CHSI Comcast High-Speed Internet
CPE Customer Premises Equipment
dBmV Unit of RF signal strength – decibel-millivolt
DOCSIS Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification
FVD Foreign Voltage Detector
GHz Giga Hertz (1 billion Hertz)
MDU Multiple Dwelling unit
MHz Mega Hertz (1 million Hertz)
MoCA Multimedia over Coax Alliance
MTA Media Terminal Adapter
NEC National Electrical Code
NESC National Electrical Safety Code
OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration
PE cable jacket Polyethylene cable jacket
Pre-installed Thread Protector is shipped installed on to the nut of the connector
Pre-Packaged Thread protector and connector come shipped together in the same package
but not assembled on to the connector
PoE RF filter Point-of-Entry RF filter
QAM Quadrature Amplitude Modulation
QR cable CommScope Quantum Reach 75 Ohm coaxial cable
RTV Room Temperature Vulcanizing
SAHHC Standalone Home Health Check
SCTE Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers
SDU Single Dwelling Unit
SIK Self-Install Kit
SRO Special Request Order
VOM Volt-Ohm Meter
XOC eXcellence in Operations Center
ENTERPRISE STANDARD
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
DOCUMENT CHANGE HISTORY ................................................................................................... ii

DETAILED CHANGE LOG .............................................................................................................. iii
GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ACRONYMS .................................................................................... v
TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................................................................................. vi
1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 12
1.1 Scope of this Standard ................................................................................................. 12
2. Approved Cable and Hardware Specifications ..................................................................... 13
2.1 General ......................................................................................................................... 13
2.2 Bandwidth ..................................................................................................................... 13
2.3 Bonding and Ground Blocks ........................................................................................ 13
2.4 Cables .......................................................................................................................... 13
2.5 F-Connectors ................................................................................................................ 13
2.6 Drop Clamps ................................................................................................................ 14
2.7 F-81 Drop Splice Barrel Connectors ............................................................................ 14
2.8 F-81 Wall Plate Splice Barrel Connectors .................................................................... 14
2.9 Fasteners ..................................................................................................................... 14
2.10 Splitters ........................................................................................................................ 15
2.11 Preparation Tools ......................................................................................................... 15
2.12 Locking Terminators ..................................................................................................... 15
2.13 Thread Protectors......................................................................................................... 15
2.14 Wall Plates ................................................................................................................... 16
2.15 Drop Amplifiers ............................................................................................................. 16
3. Installation of F-Connectors and Other Passives ................................................................. 17
3.1 General ......................................................................................................................... 17
3.2 Tightening ..................................................................................................................... 17
3.3 Weatherproofing ........................................................................................................... 17
3.4 Traps and Filters .......................................................................................................... 18
3.5 Security Sleeves........................................................................................................... 19
3.6 RF Port Termination ..................................................................................................... 20
4. Aerial Drop Installation .......................................................................................................... 21
4.1 General ......................................................................................................................... 21
4.2 Attachment ................................................................................................................... 21
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4.3 Routing ......................................................................................................................... 26

4.4 Splicing ......................................................................................................................... 27
5. Underground Drop Installation .............................................................................................. 28
5.1 General ......................................................................................................................... 28
5.2 Attachment at the Tap (Vault / Pedestal) ..................................................................... 28
5.3 Bury Depth ................................................................................................................... 29
5.4 Drop Routing ................................................................................................................ 29
5.5 Risers ........................................................................................................................... 30
5.6 Splicing ......................................................................................................................... 30
5.7 Unburied Drops ............................................................................................................ 32
6. Service Distribution Point (Demarcation) .............................................................................. 34
6.1 General ......................................................................................................................... 34
6.2 With Enclosure ............................................................................................................. 35
6.3 Without Enclosure ........................................................................................................ 36
7. Bonding and Grounding ........................................................................................................ 39
7.1 General ......................................................................................................................... 39
7.2 Bonding Options at Fixed Dwellings ............................................................................ 40
7.3 Bonding at Mobile Homes ............................................................................................ 43
8. Home Wiring Installation ....................................................................................................... 45
8.1 General ......................................................................................................................... 45
8.2 Outdoor Cable Routing and Attachment ...................................................................... 45
8.3 Splicing ......................................................................................................................... 47
8.4 Home Entry .................................................................................................................. 48
8.5 Indoor Cable Routing ................................................................................................... 49
8.6 Wall Fishing .................................................................................................................. 51
8.7 Wall Plate Installation ................................................................................................... 51
9. In-Home Signal Configuration ............................................................................................... 53
9.1 General ......................................................................................................................... 53
9.2 RF Signal Level Ranges and Verification .................................................................... 54
9.3 Passive Drop Splitter Network Configurations ............................................................. 56
9.4 Drop Amplifiers Network Configuration ........................................................................ 58
10. Disconnects ...................................................................................................................... 60
10.1 General ......................................................................................................................... 60
10.2 Filters or Traps ............................................................................................................. 60
10.3 Thread Protectors......................................................................................................... 60
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10.4 Locking Terminators ..................................................................................................... 60

10.5 Tagging ........................................................................................................................ 61
10.6 Equipment .................................................................................................................... 61
11. Reconnects, Upgrades and Trouble Calls ........................................................................ 62
11.1 General ......................................................................................................................... 62
11.2 Replacement Requirements ......................................................................................... 62
11.3 Bonding and Grounding ............................................................................................... 63
11.4 Safety ........................................................................................................................... 63
12. Validation and Certification ............................................................................................... 64
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 4-1: Aerial Drop Clearances from Other Services ............................................................... 23
Table 4-2: Aerial Drop Minimum Clearances from Other Structures ............................................. 23
Table 9-1: Downstream RF and DOCSIS Parameters and Limit Sets .......................................... 54
Table 9-2: Upstream RF DOCSIS CMTS Receive Parameters .................................................... 55
Table 9-3: Ingress/Upstream Spectrum Test Limits ...................................................................... 55
Table 9-4: Signal Leakage Test Limits .......................................................................................... 55
Table 9-5: Passive Splitter Configuration ...................................................................................... 56
Table 9-6: Drop Amplifier Configurations ...................................................................................... 59
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 2-1: Attached and Pre-installed F-Port Thread Protector ................................................... 14
Figure 3-1: Threading F-Connector Following Installation of F-Port Thread Protector ................. 18
Figure 3-2: Filter length in an aerial installation ............................................................................. 18
Figure 3-3: Trap Installation at Aerial Tap ..................................................................................... 19
Figure 3-4: Trap Installation at Tap in Pedestal or Vault ............................................................... 19
Figure 3-5: Correct Installation of Security Sleeves with Thread Sealing Sleeves ....................... 20
Figure 3-6: Terminating Unused Aerial Tap Ports ......................................................................... 20
Figure 4-1: Using Cable Guard to Protect Feeder Cable from Span Clamp ................................. 21
Figure 4-2: Drop Attachment at the Strand ................................................................................... 22
Figure 4-3: Proper Routing and Attachment of Drop Cable .......................................................... 22
Figure 4-4: Aerial Drop Minimum Clearances ............................................................................... 23
Figure 4-5: Drop Connection at Aerial Tap .................................................................................... 24
Figure 4-6: Mid-Span Drop Attachment Using Drop Clamp Hardware ......................................... 24
Figure 4-7: Drop Clamp Hardware and Sample Installation .......................................................... 25
Figure 4-8: Aerial Drop Attachment at the House ......................................................................... 25
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Figure 4-9: Attaching Drop Cable to House Walls......................................................................... 26
Figure 5-1: Underground Drop Cable Entry into Pedestal or Vault ............................................... 29
Figure 5-2: Installations of underground cable .............................................................................. 30
Figure 5-3: Underground Splicing Rules ....................................................................................... 31
Figure 5-4: Sealing of Underground Splices ................................................................................. 32
Figure 6-1: Placement of Drop Cable inside Service Distribution Enclosure ................................ 34
Figure 6-2: Ground block with Filter .............................................................................................. 35
Figure 6-3: Ground block with 2-Way Splitter ................................................................................ 35
Figure 6-4: Ground block with 4-way Splitter ................................................................................ 35
Figure 6-5: Ground block with 8-Way Splitter ................................................................................ 35
Figure 6-6: Service Distribution Enclosure Installation .................................................................. 36
Figure 6-7: Single Outlet Example Installation 1 (No Service Distribution Enclosure) .................. 37
Figure 6-8: Single Outlet Example Installation 2 (No Service Distribution Enclosure) .................. 37
Figure 6-9: Two-Outlet Example Installation 1 (No Service Distribution Enclosure) ..................... 38
Figure 6-10: Two-Outlet Example Installation 2 (No Service Distribution Enclosure) ................... 38
Figure 6-11: Example 360-degree Loop Placement (NOT Allowed) ............................................. 38
Figure 7-1: Drop bonding option 1 – Highest Preference .............................................................. 40
Figure 7-2: Drop bonding option 2 – Bonding to Power Company Ground Wire .......................... 41
Figure 7-3: Drop bonding option 3 – Bonding to Power Company Ground Rod ........................... 41
Figure 7-4: Drop bonding option 4 – Bonding to Metallic Conduit ................................................. 42
Figure 7-5: Drop bonding option 5 – Bonding to Metallic Meter Cabinet Using Diamond Bar Clamp
....................................................................................................................................................... 42
Figure 7-6: Drop bonding option 6 – Bonding to Grounded Interior Metal Cold Water Piping
System ........................................................................................................................................... 43
Figure 7-7: Drop Bonding to the Tap at a Power Pedestal within 30 feet of a Mobile Home ........ 44
Figure 7-8: Drop Bonding to Mobile Home I-beam........................................................................ 44
Figure 8-1: Siding Clip Installation ................................................................................................. 46
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Figure 8-2: Rounding Corners with Specified Minimum Cable Bend Diameter ............................ 46
Figure 8-3: Routing Drop Cable along the Parapet in a Flat Roof ................................................ 47
Figure 8-4: Splicing from Underground Cable to Type CATV Indoor Cable Prior to Home Entry. 47
Figure 8-5: Exterior Wall Entry Hole .............................................................................................. 48
Figure 8-6: Drop Cable Drip Loop Forming and Home Entry (Exterior Walls) .............................. 49
Figure 8-7: Floor Entry Hole in Mobile Home ................................................................................ 49
Figure 8-8: Drilling Holes in Solid Wood Joists ............................................................................. 50
Figure 8-9: Drilling Holes in TJI Joists ........................................................................................... 50
Figure 8-10: Drilling Holes in Laminated Veneer Lumber Joists ................................................... 51
Figure 8-11: Wall Plate Mounting .................................................................................................. 51
Figure 8-12: Wall Plate Mounting Bracket Installation for Interior Walls ....................................... 52
Figure 9-1: Standard Passive Four-Outlet Customer Home Wiring Configuration ....................... 53
Figure 9-2: Acceptable Splitter Configurations in Four-Outlet Home Installations ........................ 56
Figure 9-3: Acceptable Splitter Configurations in Eight-Outlet Home Installations ....................... 57
Figure 9-4: Acceptable 3-way splitter usage in a four outlet scenario........................................... 57
Figure 9-5: 5 Port Amplifier with CDV Bypass ............................................................................... 58
Figure 9-6: 9 Port Amplifier with CDV Bypass ............................................................................... 58
Figure 9-7: Acceptable Amplifier Configuration for more than ten outlets.................................... 59
Figure 9-8: Standard Installation for Homes Requiring Drop Amplifiers ....................................... 59
Figure 10-1: Proper Drop Disconnect ............................................................................................ 61
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1. Introduction
Coaxial drop cable installations enables access to all Comcast services which includes: video,
broadband, and telephony (E911). Ensuring uniform quality, reliability and safety of these
connections in the home requires strict adherence to standard installation practices.
1.1 Scope of this Standard
The specifications in this document address all aspects of coaxial drop cable installation. This
standard covers residential (MDU, SDU, and Mobile home) installations and service work
including trouble call, Change of Service (COS), upgrade, and disconnects. This also includes
any home-based business. Its scope includes all the RF wiring from the tap to the customer
premise equipment (CPE).
An installer’s job includes many duties not covered in these specifications. Therefore, each
installer must also read, understand, and comply with Comcast standard safety practices and any
other procedures as may be contained in separate Comcast standards and/or policy manuals.
1.1.1 Deviations
Basic settings and configurations referenced in this document are the Comcast standard, and
may not be modified in their implementation. All Comcast employees and Comcast contractors
who perform installation work must follow the procedures and standards contained in these
specifications. Any deviations from the standards prescribed in this document shall be approved
by Comcast Corporate Engineering.
1.1.2 Pre-requisites
 Comcast University Communications Technician Training
 Comcast University Safety Training
 CommTech New Hire Training
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2. Approved Cable and Hardware Specifications
2.1 General
Only products approved by Comcast Corporate Engineering shall be used in the drop system.
2.2 Bandwidth
2.2.1 All passive and active equipment shall support a minimum forward bandwidth of 54
MHz to 1,002 MHz (1 GHz).
2.2.2 All passive and active equipment shall support a minimum return bandwidth of 5 MHz
to 42 MHz
2.3 Bonding and Ground Blocks
2.3.1 All ground blocks shall meet the minimum requirements of ANSI/SCTE 129 2007,
Drop Passives, Bonding Blocks (Without Surge Protection).
2.3.2 F-ports must have a non-threaded area at the base of the port to accommodate
weatherproofing devices.
2.3.3 The bonding wire attachment must accommodate wire sizes from #6 AWG to #14
AWG solid copper.
2.4 Cables
2.4.1 All drop cables used for RF signal distribution shall meet the minimum physical and
electrical requirements of ANSI/SCTE 74 2003, Specification for Braided 75 Ω
Flexible RF Coaxial Drop Cable, and must be approved by Comcast Corporate
Engineering.
2.4.2 Cables used for RF signal distribution in all new installations must be a minimum size
of Series 6 with a minimum foil-braid-foil, tri-shield configuration that includes a
bonded inner foil tape, outer foil tape bonded to the jacket, and at least 77% braid
coverage.
2.5 F-Connectors
2.5.1 All F-Connectors must meet the minimum mechanical and electrical specifications of
SCTE 123 2011, Specification for “F” Connector, Male, Feed-Through. All F-
Connectors must also meet any additional performance requirements as defined by
Comcast Corporate Engineering.
2.5.2 All F-connectors must be compression-type with 360-degree retention of the cable.
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2.5.3 All new outdoor F- connectors must have a thread protector attached, pre-installed or
prepackaged to the connector. See Figure 2-1
Attached Thread Protector Pre-Installed Thread protector
Figure 2-1: Attached and Pre-installed F-Port Thread Protector
2.6 Drop Clamps
2.6.1 Drop clamps must use only the cable’s messenger wire to support the drop and must
not crush or deform the coaxial cable in any way.
2.7 F-81 Drop Splice Barrel Connectors
2.7.1 F-81 drop splice barrel connectors shall meet the minimum requirements of
ANSI/SCTE 01 2006, Specification for “F” Port, Female, Outdoor.
2.7.2 F-81 drop splice barrel connectors must have a non-threaded area at the base of the
ports to accommodate weatherproofing devices.
2.8 F-81 Wall Plate Splice Barrel Connectors
2.8.1 F-81 indoor drop splice connectors shall meet the minimum requirements of
ANSI/SCTE 02 2006, Specification for “F” Port, Female, Indoor.
2.8.2 F-81 indoor drop splice connectors must have at least one end with threads all the
way to the base of the port to accommodate panel nuts and mounting to wall plates.
2.8.3 F-81 indoor drop splice connectors must never be used in an outdoor application.
2.9 Fasteners
2.9.1 Fasteners must not crush, deform, or damage the cable.
2.9.2 Where applicable, screw type fasteners are preferred over fasteners held in place with
nails or staples.
2.9.3 Metal staples must not be used on coaxial drop cables.
2.9.4 Clip guns (similar to a staple gun) that use a half-round plastic insert to prevent
crushing the cable are acceptable for use.
2.9.5 Plastic fasteners must be UV and ozone stable.
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2.9.6 Metallic fasteners and metallic components must not rust or otherwise discolor the
wood/siding when exposed to the environment.
2.10 Splitters
2.10.1 All passive devices (splitters) must meet the minimum mechanical and electrical
specifications of ANSI/SCTE 153 2008, Drop Passives: Splitters, Couplers and Power
Inserters. All splitters must also meet any additional performance and functional
requirements as defined by Comcast Corporate Engineering.
2.10.2 All F-ports must have a non-threaded area at the base of the port to accommodate
2.11 Preparation Tools
2.11.1 Drop cable preparation tools shall not be capable of field adjustments of the cutting
blades.
2.11.2 Cutting blades in all drop cable preparation tools shall be replaced monthly at
minimum.
2.11.3 Drop cable preparation tools must have a notch in the dielectric cutting blade to
prevent nicking or scoring of the center conductor.
2.11.4 Cable stops that are a component of any drop cable preparation tools shall NOT be
removed.
2.11.5 Compression tools used to attach fittings to the drop cable shall be inspected monthly
and replaced as required.
2.12 Locking Terminators
2.12.1 Locking or security terminators must have an internal 75-ohm resistor to terminate the
signal.
2.12.2 All Locking Terminator ports must be sealed to prevent moisture contamination of any
disconnected drop while threaded on the Locking Terminator.
2.13 Thread Protectors
2.13.1 Thread protectors, also known as sealing sleeves, must be used on all outdoor F-
connector interfaces to protect the threads from moisture contamination.
2.13.2 Thread protectors (sealing sleeves) that are not permanently installed on to the
connector must have a uniform internal inside diameter through the full length of the
thread protector. This allows the thread protector to be installed from either direction
and ensures secure compression of the sleeve over a variety of female F-port lengths.
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2.13.3 Pre-attached connector seals are allowed if the seal accommodates all attachment
requirements.
2.14 Wall Plates
2.14.1 Wall plates must have a 7/16-inch hex recess molded into the wall plate to hold the F-
81 and prevent it from turning.
2.15 Drop Amplifiers
2.15.1 Drop amplifiers shall meet the minimum requirements of ANSI/SCTE 161 2009, Drop
Amplifiers, and any additional performance and functional requirements as defined by
2.15.2 F-ports must have a non-threaded area at the base of the port to accommodate
2.15.3 All amplifiers must be single-housing style (i.e. Integrating both RF splitting and RF
gain stages within the same housing).
2.15.4 All amplifiers must have an external passive port on the input side of the amplifier and
prior to any gain stages. The RF signal loss of this passive port shall not exceed that
of an equivalent internal two-way splitter, when referenced to the RF input signal level
into the amplifier. The passive port shall be dedicated to the device providing CDV
services.
2.15.5 Amplifiers with a passive port must include a mechanism to properly terminate the
internally amplified legs when DC power is removed from the amplifier
2.15.6 Amplification on the forward path must be unity gain
2.15.7 Amplifiers must have five or nine RF output ports including the passive output port,
one power port, and one input port
2.15.8 All amplifiers must be capable of remote powering. This allows the amplifier to be
powered via one of the connected output drop cables
2.15.9 The amplifier power supply transformer must have a mounting tab to secure the
device to a wall outlet.
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3. Installation of F-Connectors and Other Passives
3.1 General
3.1.1 All connector installations on existing or new drop cable must be performed only after
ensuring the drop is disconnected from live plant to minimize inadvertent injection of
noise or other interference into a live network.
3.1.2 Drop cable and connector installation shall be performed according to the connector
manufacturer’s preparation and installation instructions.
3.2 Tightening
3.2.1 All connections, EXCEPT those on Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), must be
wrench-tightened to a minimum of 20 inch-pounds. This includes splitters, traps,
locking terminators, and wall plates.
3.2.2 F-connectors on all Comcast-provided CPE must be securely tightened. This is

accomplished by either:
o Use of a torque-enhancing device designed specifically for indoor applications; or
o Use of a torque-limiting wrench designed specifically for use on CPE and limited
to a maximum of 10 inch-pounds of torque.
3.3 Weatherproofing
3.3.1 All outdoor F-connector interfaces, including those inside pedestals, equipment
enclosures and any non-climate controlled environment must be sealed to prevent
moisture contamination of the threads.
3.3.2 Silicon compounds must NOT be used to seal or weatherproof outdoor F-connector
threads.
3.3.3 A thread sealing sleeve or thread protector must be installed onto all outdoor F-ports.
3.3.4 Thread protectors must be able to protect port lengths according to SCTE Standard
0.500”
3.3.5 Traps and filters not having a pre-installed, prepackaged or attached thread protector
will require a separate thread protector to be installed for use on the SCTE Standard
port length of 0.500”. See Section 3.4.
3.3.6 Prepackaged and pre-installed thread protectors must be pushed onto the outdoor F-
port until it rests completely against the base of the F-port. See Figure 3-1.
3.3.7 The F-connector must be threaded onto the outdoor F-port and wrench-tightened to a
minimum of 20 inch-pounds to ensure the F-connector pushes against the end of the
thread protector for proper sealing. See Figure 3-1.
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Figure 3-1: Threading F-Connector Following Installation of F-Port Thread Protector
3.3.8 Heat-shrinkable tubing must NEVER be used.
3.3.9 Thread protectors or other sealing devices must NOT be used on indoor connectors
on CPE.
3.4 Traps and Filters
3.4.1 Traps and filtersmust be weatherproofed as described in Section 3.3 with the correct
size thread protection on both ends.
3.4.2 In an aerial installation, the length of a trap/filter which is installed on a tap must not
exceed the length of a locking terminator. If that length is exceeded, a jumper
between the aerial tap port and trap must be used. See Figure 3-2
Figure 3-2: Filter length in an aerial installation
3.4.3 In an underground installation, a jumper must be used between the tap port and the
trap. See Figure 3-4.
3.4.4 When the trap is attached to a jumper, thread protectors must be installed on both
ends of the F-81 barrel connector to seal the trap and the F-connector.
3.4.5 In an aerial installation when a jumper is used, a trap that is installed on a drop must
be attached to the strand or to a trap hanger bracket. Traps must be positioned and
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attached so that there is no strain on the drop and to ensure the minimum bend radius
of the drop cable is maintained at all times. See Figure 3-3.
Figure 3-3: Trap Installation at Aerial Tap
3.4.6 In underground installations, traps must be attached to the feeder cable, pedestal
stake or to a trap holder bracket. Traps must be positioned and attached so that there
is no strain on the drop. See Figure 3-4.
CORRECT INCORRECT
Figure 3-4: Trap Installation at Tap in Pedestal or Vault
3.5 Security Sleeves
3.5.1 When security sleeves are required for outdoor applications, the security sleeves must
be compatible with the use of thread sealing sleeves to weatherproof the interface.
See Figure 3-5.
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3.5.2 Security sleeves must NOT be used with air-shrink tubing.
Security Security
Sleeve Sleeve
Sealing Sealing
Sleeve Sleeve
F-Connector F-Connector
Female F-Port Female F-Port
CORRECT INCORRECT
Figure 3-5: Correct Installation of Security Sleeves with Thread Sealing Sleeves
3.6 RF Port Termination
3.6.1 All unused tap ports must be terminated using locking terminators with internal 75-
ohm resistors.
3.6.2 All disconnected drop cable F-connectors must be threaded and tightened onto the
locking terminator. See Figure 3-6.
Figure 3-6: Terminating Unused Aerial Tap Ports
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4. Aerial Drop Installation
4.1 General
4.1.1 All aerial drops must meet the requirements of Article 820 of the National Electrical
Code (NEC) at a minimum.
4.1.2 Cables used for aerial installations must have an integral self-supporting strength
member (i.e. always use messengered drop cable).
4.1.3 Cables used for aerial installations must have a non-flowing flooding compound on the
braid wires. Use of alternate dry corrosion resistant treatments must be approved by
4.1.4 Series-6 drop cable must be used for all aerial drops up to 150 feet long.
4.1.5 Series-11 or QR-320 cable is permissible only for aerial drops greater than 150 feet in
length in situations where its use will improve RF forward signal levels to within
acceptable ranges as defined in Section 9 of this standard, and will therefore eliminate
the need for RF signal amplification in the home.
4.2 Attachment
4.2.1 General
4.2.1.1 For all new drop installations, approved drop clamps designed for dead-ending
messengered drop cable should be used for attaching drops. See Figure 4-6 and
Figure 4-7.
4.2.1.2 For legacy drop installations, drops attached with a properly installed 2-4-4 are
acceptable. If 2-4-4 is not properly installed, it must be replaced with an approved
drop clamp.
4.2.1.3 Span clamps must only be attached to the strand.
4.2.1.4 Span clamps must NEVER be placed over the lashing wire.
4.2.1.5 To prevent cable damage, cable guards must be used over hardline cable
everywhere the hardline cable is lashed up to the strand and is close to the span
clamp location. See Figure 4-1.
Figure 4-1: Using Cable Guard to Protect Feeder Cable from Span Clamp
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4.2.1.6 Drop cable must NEVER be attached to any hardware not owned by Comcast.
4.2.2 Minimum Clearances
4.2.2.1 The drop cable must be tensioned to match the sag of the power drop. If there is
no power drop reference, the drop cable must be tensioned for a minimum of 6
inches of sag for every 50 feet in length.
4.2.2.2 A minimum 30-inch square climbing space from the center of the pole must be
maintained at all times. See Figure 4-2 and Figure 4-3
4.2.2.3 When attaching the drop cable to the opposite side of the pole from the tap, a
minimum 5-inch-diameter drip loop half circle must be left from the drop cable grip
to the strand . See Figure 4-2
6”
Figure 4-2: Drop Attachment at the Strand
Figure 4-3: Proper Routing and Attachment of Drop Cable
4.2.2.4 Vertical clearances from other services must be maintained as indicated in Table
4-1 and Figure 4-4
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4.2.2.5 Minimum clearances above roads, driveways, walkways and other structures must
be maintained as indicated in Table 4-2 and Figure 4-4.
Figure 4-4: Aerial Drop Minimum Clearances
Table 4-1: Aerial Drop Clearances from Other Services
Service At the Pole Mid-span At the House

Clearance from Power 40 inches 24 inches 12 inches
Clearance from Phone or other 12 inches 6 inches 6 inches
Telecommunications providers
Table 4-2: Aerial Drop Minimum Clearances from Other Structures
Location Clearance
Over roads, streets, alleys; nonresidential driveways; parking lots and other areas 18 feet
subject to truck traffic.
Over residential driveways:
a) Subject to truck traffic 15.5 feet
b) Residential driveways not subject to truck traffic or where attachment to the
structure does not permit service drops to meet (a) above 11.5 feet
Above sidewalks or other pedestrian traffic areas 10 feet
Above Roofs
a) Above roofs not accessible to pedestrians 3 feet
b) All points above a flat roof 10.5 feet
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4.2.3 Attachment at the Tap
4.2.3.1 When connecting drops to a tap, F-connector installation, trap installation,

weatherproofing, termination, and tightening guidelines outlined in Section 3 must
be followed.
4.2.3.2 A minimum 5-inch-diameter drip loop half circle must be left from the drop cable
grip to the aerial tap port. See Figure 4-5.
4.2.3.3 A drop address and service tag must be placed on every aerial drop. See Figure
4-5. Each customer’s drop requires a service tag which indicates their address as
well as active/disconnect status.
Figure 4-5: Drop Connection at Aerial Tap
4.2.3.4 To accommodate future direct attachment of the aerial drop to the tap port, the
aerial drop cable must be of sufficient length to reach the tap port without a trap in
place. Under no circumstances must the cable be looped 360 degrees.
4.2.4 Attachment at Mid-Span
4.2.4.1 Mid-span attachments must ALWAYS be installed from the pole to the mid-span
point, and then to the house.
4.2.4.2 Messengered drop cable must be attached to the multi-span clamp using approved
drop clamp hardware, and following a technique similar to the one used to attach
the drop cable to a house hook. See Figure 4-6.
Figure 4-6: Mid-Span Drop Attachment Using Drop Clamp Hardware
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4.2.5 Attachment at the House
4.2.5.1 The messenger drop cable must be attached to the drop clamp and house hook
per manufacturer’s installation instructions. See Figure 4-7 below
Figure 4-7: Drop Clamp Hardware and Sample Installation
4.2.5.2 Aerial service drops must NEVER be attached to the power service mast.
4.2.5.3 Aerial service drops must NEVER be attached to TV antennas, chimneys, lightning
rods, or gutters.
4.2.5.4 House hooks must ALWAYS be installed into a stud/rafter or other suitable support
material, with the drop run at right angles to the hook whenever possible to prevent
the hook from pulling out. See Figure 4-8.
Figure 4-8: Aerial Drop Attachment at the House
4.2.5.5 After attaching the aerial drop cable to the house hook, the messenger wire must
be removed from the house hook attachment to the ground block location without
damaging the cable. See Figure 4-8.
4.2.5.6 A minimum 5-inch-diameter drip loop half circle must be made before fastening or
clipping the cable to the house wall as shown in Figure 4-8.
4.2.5.7 Clips must be spaced every 18 to 24 inches horizontally, and 30 to 36 inches

vertically. See Figure 4-9 for a full view showing how aerial drop cable attaches to
house walls.
ENTERPRISE STANDARD
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Service
distribution
enclosure
Figure 4-9: Attaching Drop Cable to House Walls
4.3 Routing
4.3.1 Aerial drops must not rub on any tree branches or other obstructions, and must
maintain safe vertical clearances.
4.3.2 Aerial drops must not interfere with climbing space at the pole.
4.3.3 Aerial drop routing must follow the power service drop wherever possible.
4.3.4 Aerial drop cable must NEVER cross property lines outside of the municipal right-of-
way, and should always avoid cable trespass. A mid-span drop attachment should be
used to avoid cable trespass.
4.3.5 Crossing swimming pools and utility lines with the aerial drop must be avoided
4.3.6 Drop cable must be attached to the UNDERSIDE of the strand and feeder cable with
cable ties. The strand must be followed even if the feeder cable expansion loop is
encountered. Do not put the drop cable on the expansion loop.
4.3.7 Drop cable must NEVER be tied to the top side of the strand or pole hardware to
prevent damage by animals or falling debris.
4.3.8 Cable ties used to attach drop cable to the underside of the strand must be snug
enough to remain in place but must NEVER be pulled so tight that the drop cable is
deformed.
4.3.9 Drop cable must NEVER be run around the back side of the pole or left hanging
loose. See Figure 4-3.
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4.4 Splicing
4.4.1 All new aerial drop cable between the tap and the grounding point at the house or
building entrance must be free of splices or splits.
4.4.2 Temporary aerial drop cable restorations are allowed only ONE splice between the
tap and the span clamp.
4.4.3 Temporary aerial drop cable restorations are allowed only ONE splice between the
house attachment and the ground block.
4.4.4 Aerial drop cable must always be splice-free between the span clamp and the house
attachment.
4.4.5 Permanent drop cable restorations always require full cable replacement to maintain
splice-free aerial drops.
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5. Underground Drop Installation
5.1 General
5.1.1 All underground drops must meet the requirements of Article 820 of the National
Electrical Code (NEC) at a minimum.
5.1.2 Cables used for underground installations must have a polyethylene (PE) cable
jacket.
5.1.3 Cables used for underground installations must have a flowing, self-healing flooding
compound on the braid wires.
5.1.4 Series-6 drop cable must be used for underground drops up to 150 feet long.
5.1.5 Series-11 or QR-320 cable is permissible only for underground drops greater than 150
feet in length in situations where its use will improve RF forward signal levels to within
acceptable ranges as defined in Section 9 of this standard, and will therefore eliminate
the need for RF signal amplification in the home.
5.1.6 All new construction homes must have conduit or cable-in-conduit installed in the
trench.
5.1.7 All new underground installations and cable replacements must have the cable
installed in an approved conduit.
5.1.8 All underground drop bores and installations shall comply with national, state and
local laws.
5.1.9 All pedestals must ALWAYS be closed and locked.
5.1.10 All technicians are required to follow local process for reporting the need of repair or
replacement of pedestals with missing or damaged lids.
5.2 Attachment at the Tap (Vault / Pedestal)
5.2.1 When connecting drops to a tap, F-connector installation, trap installation,

weatherproofing, termination, and tightening guidelines outlined in Section 3 must be
followed.
5.2.2 A drop address and service tag must be placed on every underground drop.Each
customer’s drop requires a service tag which indicates their address as well as
active/disconnect status. See Figure 5-1 .
5.2.3 To accommodate future direct attachment of the underground drop to the tap port,
the underground drop cable must be of sufficient length to reach the tap port without a
trap in place. Under no circumstances must the cable be looped 360 degrees.
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5.3 Bury Depth
5.3.1 Conduit for underground drops must be buried to a minimum depth of 8 inches.
5.4 Drop Routing
5.4.1 Underground drop cable must NEVER cross property lines outside of the municipal
right of way (i.e. avoid cable trespass).
5.4.2 Underground drop cable must enter the pedestal or vault from underneath the
enclosure. The drop cable must NEVER be routed through the lid or otherwise. See
Figure 5-1.
Figure 5-1: Underground Drop Cable Entry into Pedestal or Vault
5.4.3 The shortest route possible must be used for all underground drops on customer’s
property. The rear easement must be used if the pedestal is on the adjoining
property. When routing the underground drop parallel to lot lines, routing must stay 4
feet away from those lines.
5.4.4 Underground drop cable must not cross any garden space.
5.4.5 Underground drop cable must extend a minimum of 12 inches above the tap at the
pedestal or vault, and a minimum of 12 inches past the ground block at the house for
installation.
5.4.6 In all installations all underground drops emerging from the ground must have
physical protection (cable guard or conduit) to a point at least 4 feet above ground or
until reaching the service enclosure location at the house. The protective conduit or
molding must also extend at least 8 inches below ground at the house. See Figure
5-2.
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Figure 5-2: Installations of underground cable
5.4.7 The end of all underground drop conduit or molding at the house and pedestal must
be sealed from water penetration with the use of Room Temperature Vulcanizing
(RTV) sealant, duct cap, or other acceptable means.
5.5 Risers
5.5.1 Underground drop cables routed down a pole must have physical protection, cable
guard or conduit, to a point at least 8 feet above ground and to at least 8 inches below
ground.
5.5.2 Cable guard or conduit for drop cables routed down a pole must be securely attached
to the pole using appropriate clamps or fasteners.
5.6 Splicing
5.6.1 All newly buried underground drop cable between the tap and the grounding point at
the house or building entrance must be free of splices or splits.
5.6.2 Full cable replacement where possible to maintain splice-free underground drops
must remain the preferred option when performing cable restorations.
5.6.3 Underground drop cable restorations requiring splicing must allow only ONE splice in
any cable shorter than 60 feet and not crossing a driveway. See Figure 5-3.
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5.6.4 Underground drop cable restorations requiring splicing must allow only ONE splice in
any cable section shorter than 60 feet between the tap spigot and a driveway, or
between a driveway and the grounding point at the building entrance (usually at the
customer’s service ground). See Figure 5-3.
Figure 5-3: Underground Splicing Rules
5.6.5 Underground drop cable restorations requiring splicing must allow only TWO splices
in any cable longer than 60 feet and not crossing a driveway. See Figure 5-3.
in any cable section longer than 60 feet between the tap spigot and a driveway, or
between a driveway and the grounding point at the building entrance. See Figure 5-3.
in any cable section between driveways (independent of length). See Figure 5-3.
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5.6.8 The number of splices allowed for underground drop cable restoration must include
existing and new splices. In cases where the number of splices has already reached
the allowed number, the underground drop cable must be restored by replacing the
damaged section so that the above rules are maintained. For example, if a damaged
point is located between driveways on one side of (not between) two existing splices,
the underground drop cable must be replaced from the damage point to the farthest
splice. Thus only two splices remain in that cable section. See Figure 5-3.
5.6.9 Underground drop cable splices must NEVER be placed under driveways or
sidewalks. If a cable is damaged under a sidewalk or driveway, new cable must be
placed for that portion and must be spliced a minimum of 12 inches from the edge of
the sidewalk or driveway. Extra cable at the splice locations must be left to prevent
pull-out caused by frost heaving. See Figure 5-3.
5.6.10 Any underground drop cable which requires splicing must be sealed from moisture
contamination or contact with the soil in an approved encapsulating device of
sufficient length to completely cover the splice and both connectors. See Figure 5-4.
5.6.11 Air-shrinkable or heat-shrinkable tubing must NEVER be used for sealing buried drop
splices.
Figure 5-4: Sealing of Underground Splices
5.7 Unburied Drops
5.7.1 All systems must have a process in place to track unburied drops (i.e. temporary
drops, in the billing system under the appropriate special request order (SRO) code
whenever conditions prohibit immediate burial of the drop); this process must also
include securing proper customer authorization to allow running of a temporary
unburied drop.
5.7.2 All temporary drops must be run along an existing fence line or other route to
minimize the potential for third parties tripping over or entangling themselves in the
drop.
5.7.3 All effort must be made to ensure temporary drops are not laid across pedestrian
walkways or traffic paths. If it is not possible to run the temporary drop along an
existing fence line, or if the temporary drop must be ran in locations where pedestrian
traffic cannot be prohibited, the temporary drop must be marked with fluorescent flags
or wrapped with caution tape. Rubber cord covers and u-type hold downs must also
be used to minimize the potential for third parties tripping over or entangling
themselves in the drop.
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5.7.4 Underground drop cable installations for all temporary drops must be completed as
soon as weather and ground conditions permit, with a target completion timeframe of
no later than 30 days after the temporary drops are installed.
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6. Service Distribution Point (Demarcation)
6.1 General
6.1.1 The service distribution point outside the home shall establish the boundary between
the outside network drop cable and the internal home distribution wiring. It is the point
where the drop is bonded to the structure’s primary power grounding system BEFORE
any customer equipment is connected. Thus it must be located in close proximity to
the power company service equipment, and with access to the building grounding
electrode
6.1.2 Service distribution point must be installed in a location that is easily accessible by
technicians.
6.1.3 When connecting drops at the service distribution point, F-connector installation, trap
installation, weatherproofing, and tightening guidelines outlined in Section 3 must be
followed
6.1.4 Drop cable must be fastened or clipped every 18 to 24 inches if routed horizontally,
and fastened or clipped every 30 to 36 inches if routed vertically.
6.1.5 When cutting input and output cables for placement at the service distribution point,
enough cable must be left to make a minimum 5-inch-diameter drip loop on each
cable. The minimum bend radius of the drop cable or ground wire at the service
distribution point must be maintained at all times. See Figure 6-1 and Figure 6-7
Service
distribution
enclosure
5” min
Service-specific
filter or trap
5” min
Figure 6-1: Placement of Drop Cable inside Service Distribution Enclosure
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6.2 With Enclosure
6.2.1 All new installations must have a service distribution enclosure installed on the side of
the house that will contain at a minimum the ground block plus any service-specific
filters or traps. The service distribution enclosure may also contain any balanced
splitters if the only installation option is to feed more than a single outlet from outside
the house. See Figure 6-2, Figure 6-3, Figure 6-4. And Figure 6-5
6.2.2 All devices must be secured inside the service distribution enclosure.
Figure 6-2: Ground block with Filter Figure 6-3: Ground block with 2-Way Splitter
Figure 6-4: Ground block with 4-way Splitter Figure 6-5: Ground block with 8-Way Splitter
6.2.3 The service distribution enclosure must be attached securely to a wall outside the
house, from four to five feet above the ground, and a minimum of one foot from the
utility meter and breaker box. See Figure 6-6.
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6.2.4 The service distribution enclosure must be secured to the house using materials
appropriate to the house siding type.
6.2.5 For mobile home installations, the service distribution enclosure must be mounted to
the service pole.
6.2.6 All cables and wires must enter the service distribution enclosure from the bottom of
the enclosure. Cables must NOT run through the lid or door of the enclosure.
Service
distribution
enclosure
Figure 6-6: Service Distribution Enclosure Installation
6.3 Without Enclosure
6.3.1 Existing installations without a service distribution enclosure must have the drop cable
securely routed from where the cable first attaches to the house to the ground block
location. Drop cable must be routed and fastened to maintain the minimum bend
radius of the cable at all times.
6.3.2 Cable fasteners and usage must be as prescribed in Section 2.9 of this specification.
6.3.3 For all installations without a service distribution enclosure, a minimum of 5-inch-
diameter loops not exceeding 270 degrees must be formed before fastening the cable
ENTERPRISE STANDARD
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to the house wall at the ground block location. Installation examples are illustrated in
Figure 6-7, Figure 6-8, Figure 6-9, and Figure 6-10.
Figure 6-7: Single Outlet Example Installation 1 (No Service Distribution Enclosure)
Figure 6-8: Single Outlet Example Installation 2 (No Service Distribution Enclosure)
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Figure 6-9: Two-Outlet Example Installation 1 (No Service Distribution Enclosure)
Figure 6-10: Two-Outlet Example Installation 2 (No Service Distribution Enclosure)
6.3.4 NEVER place full 360-degree loops anywhere along the routing of the drop cable for
new installations without service distribution enclosures. See Figure 6-11.
Figure 6-11: Example 360-degree Loop Placement (NOT Allowed)
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7. Bonding and Grounding
7.1 General
7.1.1 A Foreign Voltage Detector (FVD) shall be used to check for voltage before
connecting any equipment to the RF or electrical network. No work can proceed if a
foreign voltage has been detected. A supervisor must be notified.
7.1.2 No network-powered devices shall be part of residential service installations. Network

power shall stop at the tap and shall not be present in the drop. Thus the provisions of
Article 830 of the National Electrical Code (NEC) 2008 Edition as of this printing DO
NOT apply.
7.1.3 Grounding of all aerial and underground drops for residential service installations shall
be done in accordance with the provisions of Article 820 of the National Electrical
Code (NEC) 2008 Edition as of this printing. All applicable NEC, National Electrical
Safety Code (NESC) and local codes shall be followed when bonding the drop
system.
7.1.4 Bonding of all aerial and underground drops shall be from the ground block installed
at the service distribution point OUTSIDE the home to the structure’s primary power
grounding system.
7.1.5 All drop cables and hardware used in residential service installations shall meet all the
listing requirements of NEC Article 820. Only bonding hardware approved by
Comcast Corporate Engineering shall be used.
7.1.6 The grounding conductor, i.e., ground wire, shall be solid copper and shall be
insulated and listed as suitable for this purpose per the requirements of NEC Article
820.
7.1.7 The grounding conductor shall be #12 AWG solid copper for bonding Series-6 drop
cable to ensure a current-carrying capacity approximately equal to that of the outer
conductor of typical Series-6 tri-shield drop cable.
7.1.8 The grounding conductor shall be #6 AWG solid copper for bonding Series-11 or QR-
320 drop cable to ensure a current-carrying capacity approximately equal to that of
the outer conductor of typical Series-11 or QR-320 drop cable.
7.1.9 The grounding conductor shall not exceed #6 AWG size.
7.1.10 The grounding conductor shall be run from the ground block to the grounding
electrode in as straight a line as practical per the requirements of NEC Article 820.
7.1.11 The length of the grounding conductor or ground wire shall be as short as practical,
not to exceed 6.0 m (20 ft.) in length per the requirements of NEC Article 820.
7.1.12 In situations where the grounding conductor would exceed 6.0 m (20 ft.) in length, a
new grounding electrode shall be established. The new grounding electrode MUST
be bonded to the structure’s primary power grounding system with #6 AWG solid
copper per the requirements of NEC Article 820.
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7.1.13 The ground block and bonding location for the drop shall be installed on the outside of
the house or structure, or inside the service box or enclosure attached to the side of
the house if one is present, and must be securely attached with two screws.
7.1.14 The grounding conductor shall be attached first to the structure’s primary power
grounding system with the appropriate size clips or fasteners. A DO NOT REMOVE
tag shall be placed on all grounding conductors at the point of attachment to the
primary power grounding system.
7.1.15 The drop shall always be bonded and grounded BEFORE any customer equipment is
connected.
7.1.16 A supervisor must be notified if none of the bonding options listed in this standard can
be installed, and before completing an installation or connecting any customer
equipment to the drop system. An installation cannot proceed prior to proper bonding
of the drop.
7.2 Bonding Options at Fixed Dwellings
The bonding options are presented in order of priority from the most preferable (bonding option 1,
Section 7.2.1) to the least preferable (bonding option 6, Section 7.2.6).
7.2.1 Bonding option 1: The drop shall be bonded to the structure’s electrical service if a
#6 AWG solid copper stub bonded to the structure’s electrical service equipment has
been made externally available on the outside of the house or structure. The
grounding conductor shall be run from the ground block to the #6 AWG solid copper
stub, and bonded to the stub using the appropriate and approved bonding clamp. See
Figure 7-1.
Service
distribution
#6 AWG solid enclosure
copper
stub provided by
electrician during
construction
Figure 7-1: Drop bonding option 1 – Highest Preference
7.2.2 Bonding option 2: The drop shall be bonded to the power company ground
conductor (ground wire). The ground wire is typically a bare #6 AWG solid copper
conductor that runs from the main power cabinet to the grounding electrode (ground
rod). A parallel or vise-type clamp made to connect a #12 AWG solid copper wire to a
ENTERPRISE STANDARD
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#6 AWG solid copper wire, or similarly approved hardware that will not damage the
ground wire, must be used to bond the drop to the power company grounding
conductor. See Figure 7-2.
Drop ground
wire
Figure 7-2: Drop bonding option 2 – Bonding to Power Company Ground Wire
7.2.3 Bonding option 3: The drop shall be bonded directly to the power company
grounding electrode (ground rod) if the grounding conductor is not accessible. A
separate approved ground rod clamp must always be used when attaching to the
ground rod. The existing power company ground clamp MUST NEVER be loosened
or disturbed, and the drop grounding conductor must never be attached under the
same clamp as the utility power grounding conductor. See Figure 7-3.
Drop
ground
wire
Drop
Figure 7-3: Drop bonding option 3 – Bonding to Power Company Ground Rod
7.2.4 Bonding option 4: The drop shall be bonded to the grounded metal conduit of the
power mast, or the metal conduit between the power meter and the circuit breaker
cabinet, using an appropriate and approved bonding strap. Paint, rust and corrosion
must be removed from the conduit before attaching a bonding clamp, strap or wire.
ENTERPRISE STANDARD
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See Figure 7-4. The metallic composition of the bonding strap and the conduit must
match (i.e. a galvanized bonding strap must be used on galvanized metallic conduit).
Service
distribution
enclosure
DROP GROUND
Figure 7-4: Drop bonding option 4 – Bonding to Metallic Conduit
7.2.5 Bonding option 5: The drop may be bonded to the metallic meter cabinet using an
appropriate and approved clamp. Always check local electrical codes first as some
jurisdictions do not permit this bonding method. The bonding attachment MUST NOT
be made to the electrical equipment door or other movable components of the metallic
meter cabinet. See Figure 7-5.
Figure 7-5: Drop bonding option 5 – Bonding to Metallic Meter Cabinet Using Diamond Bar Clamp
o Electrical equipment boxes or cabinets must never be opened for any reason.
Always refer the job to a licensed electrician if the ground must be accessed
inside an electrical cabinet.
7.2.6 Bonding option 6: The drop may be bonded to the GROUNDED interior metal cold
water piping system using an appropriate and approved pipe ground clamp. Bonding
to metal cold water pipe is acceptable ONLY when the bond can be made within five
ENTERPRISE STANDARD
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feet of where the metal underground cold water pipe enters the structure, AND the
metal underground cold water pipe has been in direct contact with the ground for 10
feet or more prior to the point of entrance to the structure. See Figure 7-6.
o It is NEVER acceptable to bond the drop to the external cold water faucet.
o A volt-ohm meter (VOM) shall always be used to verify that the interior metal
water piping system is properly grounded (i.e. verify a measured resistance of
less than 25 ohms, and to verify continuity between the bonding point and the
common house ground before implementing bonding option 6).
o If a water meter is present, #6 AWG copper wire must be used to “jump” across
the meter. This #6 AWG ground wire must be bonded to the metal cold water
pipe using the appropriate bonding clamps immediately before and immediately
after the water meter.
Figure 7-6: Drop bonding option 6 – Bonding to Grounded Interior Metal Cold Water Piping System
7.3 Bonding at Mobile Homes
7.3.1 The bonding options for mobile homes are presented in order of priority from the most
preferable to the least preferable
7.3.2 If the power service equipment is within 9.0 m (30 ft.) of the mobile home, drop
bonding options and preference must be as described in Section 7.2.1 (most
preferred), through 7.2.6 (less preferred). Always refer to local codes.
o If the tap pedestal location is co-located with a power pedestal and both are
within 30 feet of the mobile home, drop bonding to the tap is permissible (least
preferred option) and must use #6 AWG grounding conductor (ground wire). See
Figure 7-7.
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Drop
bonding wire
Cable
Pedestal
Drop cable to
mobile home
#6 AWG
ground wire
from cable pedestal
Figure 7-7: Drop Bonding to the Tap at a Power Pedestal within 30 feet of a Mobile Home
7.3.3 If the power service equipment is more than 9.0 m (30 ft.) of the mobile home,
bonding the drop to an effectively grounded metal I-beam underneath the mobile
home is required. Bonding must be done using #6 AWG grounding conductor and an
approved bonding clamp. Always refer to local codes. See Figure 7-8.
Service distribution enclosure

Drop
ground
Figure 7-8: Drop Bonding to Mobile Home I-beam
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8. Home Wiring Installation
8.1 General
8.1.1 The service distribution point outside the home shall establish the boundary between
the outside network drop cable and the internal home distribution wiring. All interior
wiring begins from the service distribution point or outside enclosure for new
installations.
8.1.2 All interior wiring after the service distribution enclosure or after the point of bonding at
the ground block must use type CATV indoor cable except where a higher-rated
cable, riser or plenum, is required. Type CATV indoor cable shall meet all the listing
requirements of NEC Article 820. This classification will be visibly marked on the
outside of the cable. Unmarked cables do not meet the NEC requirements and must
not be used inside the premises.
o NOTE: To minimize the effects of moisture on the braid wires and shielding, the
use of type CATV indoor cable with corrosion inhibiting and/or non-flowing
moisture blocking compounds on the braid wires is also allowed. This type of
cable is NOT to be confused with underground flooded cable, and must be
approved by Comcast Corporate Engineering.
8.1.3 Type CATVR riser cable shall be used in the vertical run of a shaft or from floor to
floor in multiple dwellings units, and shall meet all the listing requirements of NEC
Article 820.
8.1.4 Type CATVP plenum cable must be used in environmental air handling plenums and
ducts, and shall meet all the listing requirements of NEC Article 820.
8.1.5 Messengered or PE jacketed underground flooded cable must never be used inside
the customer premises.
8.1.6 Cables not approved or not certified by Comcast Engineering for outdoor use must
never be used for exterior wiring as they are not UV/ozone stable and will deteriorate
when installed outdoors.
8.2 Outdoor Cable Routing and Attachment
8.2.1 Cable routing must follow the natural lines of the structure and must be done to
minimize the visibility of the cable.
8.2.2 Drop cable must NEVER be attached to water pipes, gas lines, commercial power
lines or any other structure where it might interfere with other services or utilities.
8.2.3 Drop cable must be routed and fastened to maintain the minimum bend radius of the
cable at all times.
8.2.4 Drop cable must be fastened or clipped every 18 to 24 inches if routed horizontally,
and fastened or clipped every 30 to 36 inches if routed vertically.
ENTERPRISE STANDARD
45
8.2.5 Cable fasteners and usage must be as prescribed in Section 2.9 of this specification.
Where applicable, screw type fasteners are preferred over fasteners held in place with
nails or staples.
8.2.6 When routing cables on aluminum or vinyl siding, the appropriate vertical or horizontal
siding clips must be used always. DO NOT make holes in the siding. See Figure 8-1.
Figure 8-1: Siding Clip Installation
8.2.7 When routing of cable requires a change in direction or rounding of corners, always
make a minimum 5-inch-diameter bend in the drop cable. NEVER make a 90-degree
square corner with the drop cable to avoid damage to the cable. See Figure 8-2.
Figure 8-2: Rounding Corners with Specified Minimum Cable Bend Diameter
ENTERPRISE STANDARD
46
8.2.8 When routing drop cable from the outside service distribution point or enclosure to the
home entry point for homes built with a flat roof, do not lay cable on the roof. The only
exception will be if there is a barrier extending above the roof surface forming a
parapet. If a parapet is available, drop cable must be run along the top inside edge
and fastened above the roofing material 3” to 4” below the edge of the parapet.
NEVER drill through the roof. The drop cable must be then run over the edge of the
parapet and down the wall to the home entry point. See Figure 8-3. Local and OSHA
safety guidelines for rooftop work must be followed at all times.
Parapet
From service distribution enclosure To home entry point
Figure 8-3: Routing Drop Cable along the Parapet in a Flat Roof
8.2.9 When routing drop cable from the outside service distribution point or enclosure to the
home entry point, drop cable must NEVER be routed through a window or a vent pipe.
8.3 Splicing
8.3.1 All new drop cable between the service distribution point and the entry to the home
must be free of splices or splits.
8.3.2 When routing drop cable underground from the outside service distribution point or
enclosure to the home entry point, an approved sealing encapsulating device of
sufficient length must be used to completely cover the splice and both connectors as
the drop cable is changed from underground cable to type CATV indoor rated cable
prior to home entry. NEVER use underground cable into the house. See Figure 8-4.
Figure 8-4: Splicing from Underground Cable to Type CATV Indoor Cable Prior to Home Entry
ENTERPRISE STANDARD
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8.4 Home Entry
8.4.1 To prevent water damage, all exterior entry holes must be drilled so that the outside of
the hole is slightly lower than the hole on the inside of the wall. See Figure 8-5.
8.4.2 Outside entry hole drilling direction must consider the home outside construction
material. Drilling shall be from the inside out for wood siding, and from the outside in
for all other material including metal, slate, stucco, hard asphalt or brick.
8.4.3 Always check on the inside of the crawl space or basement for plumbing, electrical
wires, gas lines and any other hazards prior to drilling.
8.4.4 Drilling of a foundation wall is prohibited unless all other means for cable entry into the
home are exhausted. Supervisor approval is required in such situations.
8.4.5 An outside feed-through bushing is required to be installed over the drop cable.
8.4.6 All outside entry holes must be sealed with RTV sealant or caulked around the inside
edge of the feed-through bushing and around the drop cable going into the bushing.
This will prevent water, cold air and insects from entering through the outside wall.
See Figure 8-5.
Figure 8-5: Exterior Wall Entry Hole
8.4.7 A minimum of 5-inch-diameter drip loops must be formed below all outside entry holes
anywhere drop cable enters the house, before fastening the cable to the house wall,
and BEFORE insertion through any outside entry hole. See Figure 8-6.
8.4.8 Drop cable MUST ALWAYS enter the home from below the level of the outside entry
hole, NEVER from above the entry hole, to prevent moisture from traveling down the
cable and into the home or any connections. See Figure 8-6.
ENTERPRISE STANDARD
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Figure 8-6: Drop Cable Drip Loop Forming and Home Entry (Exterior Walls)
8.4.9 Entry holes in mobile homes must be through the floor only. Never drill through the
outside wall of a mobile home.
8.4.10 Always install a wall bushing in a floor entry hole for mobile homes before inserting
the cable. See Figure 8-7
Figure 8-7: Floor Entry Hole in Mobile Home
8.5 Indoor Cable Routing
8.5.1 All new outlets must be home run to the central primary service distribution point.
ENTERPRISE STANDARD
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8.5.2 Never run drop cable under carpets, over or through door frames, or through
windows.
8.5.3 Jumpers between the wall plate and the CPE should not be more than 6 feet long. If
the equipment is located more than 6 feet away from the outlet, the cable must be
securely fastened in order to eliminate any safety hazard.
8.5.4 Drop cable routed through a basement must be routed parallel or perpendicular to the
floor joists, NEVER diagonally. If running cable parallel to the joists, the cable must be
attached to the side of the joist.
8.5.5 Drop cable routed through a basement must NEVER be attached to the bottom of the
floor/ceiling joists.
8.5.6 If a suspended ceiling is in use, cables must not lay directly on the ceiling. All cables
must be securely attached to the joists above the ceiling
8.5.7 Drop cable routed through a basement perpendicularly to the floor/ceiling joists must
be routed through holes drilled at least 2 inches from the bottom of the joist.
8.5.8 Drilling through the middle one-third of any floor/ceiling solid wood joist span will
weaken the solid wood joist and is PROHIBITED. See Figure 8-8.
Figure 8-8: Drilling Holes in Solid Wood Joists
8.5.9 Drop cable routed through a basement perpendicularly to TJI joists with perforated
knockouts must ONLY be routed through holes drilled in the web section of the joist,
or use the perforated knockouts in the web of the joist. NEVER cut or notch the upper
or lower flange of a TJI joist. See Figure 8-9.
Figure 8-9: Drilling Holes in TJI Joists
8.5.10 Drop cable routed through a finished or partially finished basement perpendicularly to
laminated veneer lumber joists must only be routed through holes drilled as indicated
in Figure 8-10.
ENTERPRISE STANDARD
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Figure 8-10: Drilling Holes in Laminated Veneer Lumber Joists
8.5.11 Drop cable routed perpendicularly to any floor/ceiling joists in basements must
NEVER be routed through joist holes occupied by any other electrical wires.
8.6 Wall Fishing
8.6.1 All national safety precautions and local market and Division policies must be followed
when wall fishing to place cable up or down inside existing walls. Always identify the
location of any pipes, electrical wires, phone lines and any other hazards prior to
drilling or fishing a wall.
8.6.2 All wall fishes must be done in accordance with local, state, federal codes, the
National Electrical Code (NEC), all Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) codes and requirements, and Comcast safety policies.
8.7 Wall Plate Installation
8.7.1 Wall plates must be level mounted at the same height as the electrical outlets in the
room and no closer than 6” from any electrical outlet. See Figure 8-11.
8.7.2 Wall plates must be the same color as the electrical outlet plates in the room.
8.7.3 Wall plates must come with F-81 barrel connectors. The barrel connector must be
mounted with the hexagonal portion of the barrel set in the hexagonal recess in the
wall plate to prevent the barrel from turning when a connector is installed or removed.
Figure 8-11: Wall Plate Mounting
8.7.4 Wall plate mounting brackets must be used on all interior walls. See Figure 8-12.
ENTERPRISE STANDARD
51
Figure 8-12: Wall Plate Mounting Bracket Installation for Interior Walls
ENTERPRISE STANDARD
52
9. In-Home Signal Configuration
9.1 General
9.1.1 A passive, un-amplified and balanced RF splitting distribution network shall always be
the installation of choice to feed all home outlets from the primary service distribution
point in the home.
9.1.2 A permanent, un-interrupted and un-amplified home-run cable connection must

always exist between the single, primary service distribution point in the home and the
outlet connected to the embedded Multimedia Terminal Adapter (eMTA) supporting
Comcast Digital Voice (CDV), or the outlet connected to any gateway supporting
CDV.
9.1.3 A permanent, un-interrupted home-run cable connection established between the

single, primary service distribution point in the home and every wired outlet inside the
home shall always be the configuration of choice.
9.1.4 Series-6 cable must be used from the single, primary service distribution point in the
home to every wired outlet inside the home.
9.1.5 RF splitting network makes no use of directional couplers, or splitters with uneven
splitting losses per output port.
9.1.6 Every new customer installation must have a minimum of four outlets. This
requirement has been established to ensure proper support for the later activation of
additional CPE devices by customers using a Self-Install Kit (SIK), or by another
Comcast installation technician. See Figure 9-1.
Primary Service Point-of-Entry

Distribution Point Filter as Required
MTA
Figure 9-1: Standard Passive Four-Outlet Customer Home Wiring Configuration
ENTERPRISE STANDARD
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9.1.7 All existing customer installations must be checked for proper RF signal levels during
reconnect or routine service activity, and must be repaired if not meeting the
specifications in this standard.
9.1.8 For home installations that also require installation of advanced customer terminals
relying on the frequency spectrum above 1 GHz for terminal to terminal
communications INSIDE the home, (MoCA), a Point-of-Entry (PoE) RF filter shall
always be installed at the input to the main service distribution point to maintain the
best performance of the MoCA network. See Figure 9-1, and Figure 9-8 for required
PoE filter replacement.
9.1.9 Only PoE RF filters approved by Comcast Corporate Engineering shall be installed
where required.
9.1.10 Unused RF ports in the splitting network at the primary service distribution point must
be properly terminated. Only terminators with internal 75-ohm resistors approved by
Comcast Corporate Engineering shall be used.
9.1.11 RF signal amplification must be considered only as a last resort, and only after
determining that a passive splitting configuration will not support the minimum
specified outlet RF signal levels for each of the required outlets in the home.
9.1.11.1 Amplifiers must ONLY be installed at the primary service distribution point
9.1.11.2 Forward amplification is required when forward RF parameters at the CPE do not
meet the minimum Comcast specifications. All wiring configurations outlined in this
section must be performed prior to installing an amplifier as outlined in Section 9.2.
9.1.11.3 Reverse amplification is required when reverse RF parameters at the CPE do not
meet the minimum Comcast specifications. All wiring configurations outlined in this
section must be performed prior to installing an amplifier. Extreme care must be
taken to ensure that upstream ingress is within Comcast specifications as outlined
in Section 9.2.
9.1.11.4 Ensure that plant performance is within Comcast specifications prior to installing
an amplifier.
9.2 RF Signal Level Ranges and Verification
The following tables (see Table 9-1, Table 9-2, Table 9-3 and Table 9-4 below) detail acceptable
RF readings for all outlets in the home as well as ingress and signal leakage limits at the home:
Table 9-1: Downstream RF and DOCSIS Parameters and Limit Sets
Test Method
Value at
Test Parameter RF Meter Test SAHHC CPE Units
1 Analog Video Maximum Level X 15 dBmV
2 Analog Video Minimum Level X 0 dBmV
3 Digital 256 QAM Maximum Level X X 10 dBmV
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Test Method
Value at
Test Parameter RF Meter Test SAHHC CPE Units
4 Digital 256 QAM Minimum Level X X -8 dBmV
5 MER 256 QAM Minimum Threshold X 35 dB
6 BER Pre-FEC Minimum Threshold X < 1.0E-07 N/A
7 BER Post-FEC Minimum Threshold X < 1.0E-09 N/A
1
8 DOCSIS Transmit Pwr Maximum Level X X ≤ 53 dBmV
9 Drop Health (Scout Flux) X Pass N/A
10 Downstream SNR Minimum Level X 35 dB
11 Upstream SNR Minimum Level X 31 dB
12 Legacy STB Upstream Power Maximum X 57 dBmV
Level
NOTE: Local Engineering / XOCs shall define equivalent pass/fail limits at the Tap for each of the
parameters listed above
Table 9-2: Upstream RF DOCSIS CMTS Receive Parameters
Test Method
Value at
Test Parameter RF Meter Test SAHHC CMTS Units
13 Upstream Receive Power Minimum Level X -2 dBmV
14 Upstream Receive Power Maximum Level X +2 dBmV
Table 9-3: Ingress/Upstream Spectrum Test Limits
Test Parameter Value at Tap or Units

Ground Block
15 Upstream Ingress Maximum Threshold (5 – 45 MHz) -30 dBmV
Table 9-4: Signal Leakage Test Limits
Test Parameter Value at Customer Units

Premise
16 Leakage index maximum value 10 uV/m
9.2.1 Following drop installation, bonding and grounding per the specifications in this
standard, RF measurements shall be taken and recorded per standard Comcast
practice.
1
Test will fail at anything above 53.0 dBmV (i.e. 53.1 = Fail, 53.0 = Pass)
ENTERPRISE STANDARD
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9.2.2 RF measurements taken at the tap port shall be compared against expected tap port
signal level ranges as defined in current engineering network designs for each market.
9.2.3 RF downstream and DOCSIS signal level measurements taken at the outlet for all
carrier frequencies will reflect tap output levels, less any passive splitter attenuation
and cable attenuation induced by the length of the drop to the ground block and each
individual outlet.
9.2.4 If measured RF parameters at the tap do not fall within expected market engineering
network design tolerances, an RTM ticket shall be opened with the appropriate
eXcellence in Operations Center (XOC) following Comcast standard operating
procedures.
9.3 Passive Drop Splitter Network Configurations
9.3.1 The table below outlines the passive splitter configuration requirements for the
number of outlets in any given house.
9.3.2 For installations in houses where a single four-way or eight-way splitter at a primary
service distribution point to support home-run connections to every outlet is not
possible, the cascading of signal splitters is permitted to a maximum of two on an
exception basis only. This ensures the resulting splitter cascade is functionally
equivalent to a single four-way or single eight-way signal splitter. See Table 9-5
(Alternative Configuration) as well as Figure 9-2 and Figure 9-3.
Table 9-5: Passive Splitter Configuration
# of Outlets Splitter Configuration Alternative Configuration

2-4 4-Way splitter 2-Way feeding into (2) 2-Ways. See Figure 9-2
5-8 8-Way Splitter 2-Way feeding into (2) 4-Ways. See Figure 9-3
9+ Requires Amplification. See Section 9.4
or
(Ideal)
(Exceptions only)
Figure 9-2: Acceptable Splitter Configurations in Four-Outlet Home Installations
ENTERPRISE STANDARD
56
or
(Ideal)
(Exceptions only)
Figure 9-3: Acceptable Splitter Configurations in Eight-Outlet Home Installations
9.3.3 After completing the passive splitter configuration, downstream RF and DOCSIS
parameters and limit sets must fall within the values set in Table 9-1 and Table 9-2
9.3.4 If a customer installation requires activation on only two outlets, and RF signal levels
are not sufficient for a minimum four-outlet installation, the installation can proceed as
an exception using a single two-way splitter at the primary service distribution point to
feed the two active outlets in the home.
9.3.5 In the case where a customer has performed an SIK or the dwelling does not allow for
additional lines to be run the tech may use an unbalanced 3-way splitter to feed a 2-
way splitter as shown in Figure 9-4. This exception is to ensure the RF levels are
balanced at all CPE and shall insure that RF levels at all other outlets still meet
specifications outlined in Section 9.2
Figure 9-4: Acceptable 3-way splitter usage in a four outlet scenario
9.3.6 If RF signal levels at each installed outlet still fall below the minimum required levels
even under the two-outlet exception scenario, an RTM ticket shall be opened with the
appropriate eXcellence in Operations Center (XOC) HFC Service Desk following
Comcast standard operating procedures.
ENTERPRISE STANDARD
57
9.3.7 If RF signal levels measured at each installed outlet fall below the minimum RF levels
specified in Table 9-1 and Table 9-2 for the specified carrier frequencies, and the
customer installation requires initial activation of three or more outlets in the home,
replacement of drop cable from tap port to ground block with Series-11 or QR-320
cable of lower attenuation is permissible as a possible remedy to improve outlet RF
levels as outlined in Section 4.1.5 and 5.1.5 of this specification.
9.3.8 If drop cable replacement is not an option to improve outlet RF levels for a proper
four-outlet passive wiring configuration, then a drop amplifier will be required to
maintain minimum level requirements at the outlet. Refer to Section 9.4.
9.4 Drop Amplifiers Network Configuration
Forward and return RF drop amplifiers in the home shall only be installed after exhausting all
other remediation options to improve RF parameters as listed in Table 9-1,Table 9-2 ,Table 9-3
and Table 9-4. See Table 9-6 below.
9.4.1 When amplification is required, the passive port of the amplifier must always be
dedicated to the eMTA supporting CDV service, or the outlet connected to any
gateway supporting CDV. See Figure 9-8 below.
9.4.2 Only five or nine-port amplifiers with passive Voice port are acceptable for use in
situations requiring amplification. See Figure 9-5 and Figure 9-6.
9.4.3 There shall be no amplification or additional splitters between the passive output port
of the amplifier and the voice MTA or gateway supporting CDV services.
9.4.4 All non-voice services shall be supported from the non-passive (amplified) outputs of
the amplifier. See Figure 9-8 below.
Figure 9-5: 5 Port Amplifier with CDV Bypass Figure 9-6: 9 Port Amplifier with CDV Bypass
ENTERPRISE STANDARD
58
Table 9-6: Drop Amplifier Configurations
# of Outlets Amplifier Required

2-4 N/A
5 5-Port
6-9 9-Port
10 2-Way feeding into (2) 5-Port
11+ 2-Way feeding into (2) 9-Port
Figure 9-7: Acceptable Amplifier Configuration for more than ten outlets
Figure 9-8: Standard Installation for Homes Requiring Drop Amplifiers
ENTERPRISE STANDARD
59
10. Disconnects
10.1 General
10.1.1 All system policies to contact and notify customers of a pending service disconnect
must be followed at all times.
10.1.2 All address and service tags must be checked for accuracy prior to a service
disconnect to confirm that the drop does indeed go the physical address where
service is to be terminated.
10.1.3 All service distribution enclosures, pedestals and vaults must be securely closed after
a service disconnect.
10.2 Filters or Traps
10.2.1 Any service-specific filters or traps must be removed during a service disconnect from
either the service distribution enclosure on the side of the house, or at the tap if an
outside service distribution enclosure has not been used.
10.3 Thread Protectors
10.3.1 The proper size sealing sleeve or thread protector must be installed on the ground
block output port in the service distribution enclosure, on the tap ports and on any
Locking Terminator ports as described in Section 3 of this standard.
10.4 Locking Terminators
10.4.1 Locking Terminators with internal 75-ohm resistors must be installed during a service
disconnect to terminate the output of the ground block in the service distribution
enclosure on the side of the house, or to terminate all unused tap ports. See Figure
10-1.
10.4.2 All disconnected drops must be connected to the port end of the Locking Terminator,
and must be threaded and wrench-tightened to a minimum of 20 inch-pounds onto the
Locking Terminator ports a described in Section 3 of this standard.
10.4.3 For taps in a pedestal where the pedestal is not large enough to attach the
disconnected drop to the Locking Terminator and still maintain the minimum bend
radius of the cable, use a drop saver plug-type device or approved encapsulating
device to seal and protect the disconnected cable and connector.
ENTERPRISE STANDARD
60
Figure 10-1: Proper Drop Disconnect
10.5 Tagging
10.5.1 Any active service tags must be removed and replaced with inactive service tags
following a service disconnect.
10.5.2 The drop address tag must not be removed following a service disconnect.
10.6 Equipment
10.6.1 When necessary all company owned equipment must be retrieved and all appropriate
forms must be completed.
ENTERPRISE STANDARD
61
11. Reconnects, Upgrades and Trouble Calls
11.1 General
Every technician must ensure that each home they visit meets the requirements listed in this
standard.
11.2 Replacement Requirements
11.2.1 Aerial Drops
If found, the following must be replaced:

 All non-messenger aerial drop cables
 All Series 59 size aerial drop cables
 Aerial drop cables that have a splice between the tap and bonding location
 All aerial drop cables with copper braid wires
 All aerial drop cables that have a solid dielectric material
 All aerial drop cables that do not have the inner foil bonded to the dielectric
 All aerial drop cables that exhibit significant physical damage
11.2.2 Underground Drop

 All underground drop cables with copper braid wires
 All underground drop cables that have a solid dielectric material
 All underground drop cables that do not have an underground flooding compound applied to
the braid
 All underground drop cables that do not have the inner foil bonded to the dielectric
 All underground drop cables that do not have a polyethylene (PE) jacket
 All underground drop cables where the number of splices between the tap and the grounding
point at the house or building entrance exceeds the requirements in Section 5.6 of this
specification
11.2.3 Premises Drop Cable

 All premises drop cables with copper braid wires
 All premises drop cables that have a solid dielectric material
 All drop cables that do not have the inner foil bonded to the dielectric
 All Series 59 size indoor drop cables interfering with proper RF signal reception (must be
replaced with new Series 6 drop cable)
11.2.4 Connectors

 All hex-crimp type connectors
ENTERPRISE STANDARD
62
 All screw-on type connectors (i.e. connectors that thread onto the drop cable)
 All push-on type connectors
 All external non-weather-tight connectors must be replaced or weather proofed
o Thread sealing sleeves of the appropriate length must be installed onto all external
connections including inside pedestals and service distribution enclosures.
 All connectors that are corroded, moist or wet inside, have a black center conductor, or show
other signs of moisture contamination inside the connector
11.2.5 Passive Devices

 Any splice or passive device that appears corroded, that is moist or wet inside, or that shows
any other signs of moisture contamination; in such cases, the connector as well as the
device it was connected to shall be replaced
 Any splitter or passives with a bandwidth of less than 1,002 MHz (1 GHz)
 Any splitter or passives that do not support a minimum return bandwidth of 5 MHz to 42 MHz
11.3 Bonding and Grounding
11.3.1 Always rework all drop components to meet the most recent bonding and grounding
requirements including all applicable NEC, National Electrical Safety Code (NESC)
and local codes.
11.3.2 Replace any unapproved ground blocks and whenever possible upgrade to a more
preferred bonding option per Section 7.2 of this specification.
11.3.3 Do not replace bonding clamps just because they are not the type currently used on
new installations.
11.4 Safety
11.4.1 Always upgrade the drop to eliminate any potential safety hazards.
11.4.2 Always ensure that the drop meets all clearance requirements for height and climbing
space, and upgrade the drop as necessary to bring it into compliance with Section 4
of this standard.
ENTERPRISE STANDARD
63
12. Validation and Certification
Specific instructions and methods to validate compliance of all broadband residential installations
with the requirements in this standard are covered under a separate Comcast standard.
ENTERPRISE STANDARD
64

Broadband Residential Installation Specification

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Document Owner: Esteban Sandino

Release Version: 002

Approvals: Susan Adams, Northeastern Division

Comcast Proprietary and Confidential

Copyright  2012 Comcast Corporation, All Rights Reserved

DOCUMENT CHANGE HISTORY

DETAILED CHANGE LOG

Summary: The document has been updated with the following :

ANSI/SCTE 01 2006, Specification for “F” Port, Female, Outdoor

ANSI/SCTE 02 2006, Specification for “F” Port, Female, Indoor

ANSI/SCTE 74 2003, Specification for Braided 75 Ω Flexible RF Coaxial Drop Cable

ANSI/SCTE 161 2009, Drop Amplifiers

CommScope Broadband Applications & Construction Manual Drop Cable

NFPA 70 National Electrical Code 2008 Edition

GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ACRONYMS

DOCUMENT CHANGE HISTORY ................................................................................................... ii

4.3 Routing ......................................................................................................................... 26

10.4 Locking Terminators ..................................................................................................... 60

Table 4-1: Aerial Drop Clearances from Other Services ............................................................... 23

Table 9-2: Upstream RF DOCSIS CMTS Receive Parameters .................................................... 55

Table 9-3: Ingress/Upstream Spectrum Test Limits ...................................................................... 55

Table 9-4: Signal Leakage Test Limits .......................................................................................... 55

Table 9-5: Passive Splitter Configuration ...................................................................................... 56

Table 9-6: Drop Amplifier Configurations ...................................................................................... 59

Figure 2-1: Attached and Pre-installed F-Port Thread Protector ................................................... 14

Figure 3-2: Filter length in an aerial installation ............................................................................. 18

Figure 3-3: Trap Installation at Aerial Tap ..................................................................................... 19

Figure 3-4: Trap Installation at Tap in Pedestal or Vault ............................................................... 19

Figure 3-6: Terminating Unused Aerial Tap Ports ......................................................................... 20

Figure 4-2: Drop Attachment at the Strand ................................................................................... 22

Figure 4-3: Proper Routing and Attachment of Drop Cable .......................................................... 22

Figure 4-4: Aerial Drop Minimum Clearances ............................................................................... 23

Figure 4-5: Drop Connection at Aerial Tap .................................................................................... 24

Figure 4-7: Drop Clamp Hardware and Sample Installation .......................................................... 25

Figure 4-8: Aerial Drop Attachment at the House ......................................................................... 25

Figure 4-9: Attaching Drop Cable to House Walls......................................................................... 26

Figure 5-2: Installations of underground cable .............................................................................. 30

Figure 5-3: Underground Splicing Rules ....................................................................................... 31

Figure 5-4: Sealing of Underground Splices ................................................................................. 32

Figure 6-2: Ground block with Filter .............................................................................................. 35

Figure 6-3: Ground block with 2-Way Splitter ................................................................................ 35

Figure 6-4: Ground block with 4-way Splitter ................................................................................ 35

Figure 6-5: Ground block with 8-Way Splitter ................................................................................ 35

Figure 6-6: Service Distribution Enclosure Installation .................................................................. 36

Figure 6-11: Example 360-degree Loop Placement (NOT Allowed) ............................................. 38

Figure 7-1: Drop bonding option 1 – Highest Preference .............................................................. 40

Figure 7-4: Drop bonding option 4 – Bonding to Metallic Conduit ................................................. 42

Figure 7-8: Drop Bonding to Mobile Home I-beam........................................................................ 44

Figure 8-1: Siding Clip Installation ................................................................................................. 46

Figure 8-5: Exterior Wall Entry Hole .............................................................................................. 48

Figure 8-7: Floor Entry Hole in Mobile Home ................................................................................ 49

Figure 8-8: Drilling Holes in Solid Wood Joists ............................................................................. 50

Figure 8-9: Drilling Holes in TJI Joists ........................................................................................... 50

Figure 8-10: Drilling Holes in Laminated Veneer Lumber Joists ................................................... 51

Figure 8-11: Wall Plate Mounting .................................................................................................. 51

Figure 9-2: Acceptable Splitter Configurations in Four-Outlet Home Installations ........................ 56

Figure 9-3: Acceptable Splitter Configurations in Eight-Outlet Home Installations ....................... 57

Figure 9-4: Acceptable 3-way splitter usage in a four outlet scenario........................................... 57

Figure 9-5: 5 Port Amplifier with CDV Bypass ............................................................................... 58

Figure 9-6: 9 Port Amplifier with CDV Bypass ............................................................................... 58

Figure 10-1: Proper Drop Disconnect ............................................................................................ 61

1.1 Scope of this Standard

2. Approved Cable and Hardware Specifications