This practice is intended to assist engineers, LDC’and installers in determining the suitability of gas pipelines for a secondary use as carriers for optical fiber systems. It must be kept in mind that the primary use of the gas pipelines is to deliver natural gas to the end customer. Any secondary use of the system shall have minimal impact on its primary function. It is up to the engineer to decide upon the order of operations and any exceptions that may be involved in the selection process.

Before the selection procedure begins, the LDC must have developed an explicit agreement authorizing an installer to place optical fiber cables within their piping system.

The relevant LDC engineers should also be cognizant of how the installation of optical fiber cable will impact the future gas deliverability, operation, maintenance, and rehabilitation needs of the pipelines to be used as carriers of optical fiber systems.

1.1 This practice specifically addresses the criteria for determining the suitability of natural gas pipelines for use as conduits for optical fiber cable systems, as opposed to standards for the operation and maintenance of such a system.

1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values provided in parentheses are for information purposes only.

1.3 This practice does not apply to natural gas transmission lines.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.