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TIA 
STANDARD 

 

 

 

Telecommunications 

 

Telephone Terminal Equipment 

 

Connector Requirements for 
Connection of Terminal Equipment to 
the Telephone Network

      

          

 

TIA-1096-A 

 

March 2008 

 
TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION   

 

 

 
 
 
 

 

 

 

   Representing the telecommunications industry in  
   association with the Electronic Industries Alliance    

 

   

 ANSI/TI A-1096-A 

    Approved: March 17, 2008 

 

Adopted by ACTA 
May 6, 2008

  

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PREFACE

 

 
This document, TIA-1096-A, 

Telecommunications – Telephone Terminal Equipment – Technical 

Requirements for Connection of Terminal Equipment to the Telephone Network,

 has been 

established pursuant to the Federal Communication Commission’s (“FCC”) Report and Order in 
the 2000 Biennial Review of Part 68 of the Commission’s Rules and Regulations, CC Docket No. 
99-216, FCC 00-400, adopted November 9, 2000 and released December 21, 2000 (“Order” or 
“R&O”).  The Order privatized the process by which technical criteria for the prevention of harm 
are established for customer premises or terminal equipment that may be sold for connection to 
the telephone network, and for the approval of such equipment to demonstrate compliance with 
the relevant technical criteria.  The Order directed the industry to establish the Administrative 
Council on Terminal Attachments (“ACTA”) as the balanced and open body that would assume 
the Commission’s Part 68 role for those items privatized in the Order (Section 68.602).  This 
document was created for submission to ACTA by the TIA Working Group TR-41.9.1

 

of 

Subcommittee TR-41.9, Technical Regulatory Considerations. It is intended to fulfill the FCC’s 
requirement to establish technical criteria for Telephone Terminal Equipment.  

 

Notice of Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability 

 
THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS 
AVAILABLE.”  SUCH INFORMATION IS DIRECTED SOLELY TO PROFESSIONALS WHO 
HAVE THE APPROPRIATE DEGREE OF EXPERIENCE TO UNDERSTAND AND INTERPRET 
ITS CONTENTS, AND ANY AND ALL USE OF OR RELIANCE UPON THIS INFORMATION IS 
AT THE USER’S OWN DISCRETION AND AT ITS OWN RISK. 
 
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FUNDAMENTAL ELEMENT OF THE USE OF THE INFORMATION AND DATA CONTAINED 
HEREIN, AND THIS INFORMATION WOULD NOT BE PUBLISHED BY ACTA WITHOUT SUCH 
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limitations before its use. 

 

(From Standards Proposal No. 3-

0235-RV1

, formulated under the cognizance of the 

TIA, TR

-41

 

User Premises Telecommunications Requirements

. TR-

41.9

 Subcommittee on

Technical and Administrative Regulatory Considerations

). 

 

        Published by 

 

©

TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION 

 

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Wilson 

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th

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OR RELATING TO ANY USE OF THE CONTENTS CONTAINED HEREIN, INCLUDING WITHOUT 
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    TIA-1096-A 

Table of Contents 

 

1

 

SCOPE AND APPLICATION ..........................................................................................1

 

1.1

 

S

COPE

......................................................................................................................1

 

1.2

 

A

PPLICATION

.............................................................................................................1

 

1.3

 

I

MPLEMENTATION 

D

ATES

...........................................................................................1

 

2

 

NORMATIVE REFERENCES..........................................................................................1

 

3

 

DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS ...................................................................................2

 

4

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS.........................................................................................2

 

4.1

 

G

ENERAL

..................................................................................................................2

 

4.2

 

U

NITS OF 

M

EASURE

..................................................................................................3

 

4.3

 

I

NDIVIDUAL 

P

LUGS AND 

J

ACKS

...................................................................................3

 

4.3.1

 

Miniature 6-Position Plug.....................................................................................4

 

4.3.2

 

Miniature 6-Position Jack ..................................................................................11

 

4.3.3

 

Miniature 8-Position Plug, Unkeyed: .................................................................14

 

4.3.4

 

Miniature 8-Position Series Jack .......................................................................21

 

4.3.5

 

50-Position Miniature Ribbon Plug ....................................................................24

 

4.3.6

 

50-Position Miniature Ribbon Jack ....................................................................29

 

4.3.7

 

3-Position Weatherproof Plug............................................................................33

 

4.3.8

 

3-Position Weatherproof Jack ...........................................................................34

 

4.3.9

 

Miniature 8-Position Plug, Keyed ......................................................................35

 

4.3.10

 

Miniature 8-Position Keyed Jack .......................................................................42

 

5

 

CONTACT REQUIREMENTS .......................................................................................45

 

5.1

 

H

ARD 

G

OLD 

C

ONTACTS

..........................................................................................45

 

5.1.1

 

Gold Surface Layer............................................................................................45

 

5.1.2

 

Nickel Barrier Layer ...........................................................................................45

 

5.2

 

C

ONTACTS 

U

SING 

A

LTERNATIVE 

M

ATERIALS

............................................................45

 

5.2.1

 

Sample Selection...............................................................................................46

 

5.2.2

 

Mating and Unmating Forces Test ....................................................................46

 

5.2.3

 

Durability Test....................................................................................................46

 

5.2.4

 

Contact Resistance ...........................................................................................47

 

5.2.5

 

Temperature and Humidity Cycling Test ...........................................................48

 

5.2.6

 

Mixed Flowing Gas Test ....................................................................................49

 

6

 

WIRING CONFIGURATIONS........................................................................................49

 

ANNEX A (Informative) – MODIFIED SO

2

 TEST METHOD ............................................... 50 

ANNEX B (Normative) – MIXED FLOWING GAS TEST..................................................... 51 

 

i

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TIA-1096-A 

List of Figures 

 

Figure 4-1: View of Miniature 6-Position Plug ......................................................................... 4

 

Figure 4-2: 6-Position Plug Mechanical Specification ............................................................. 5

 

Figure 4-3: 6-Position Plug Mechanical Specification (continued) .......................................... 6

 

Figure 4-4: 6-Position Plug Plug/Jack Contact Specification .................................................. 7

 

Figure 4-5: 6-Position Plug Minimum Plug Size...................................................................... 9

 

Figure 4-6: 6-Position Plug Maximum Plug Size................................................................... 10

 

Figure 4-7: 6-Position Jack Mechanical Specification........................................................... 11

 

Figure 4-8: 6-Position Jack Mechanical Specifications (continued) ...................................... 12

 

Figure 4-9: View of Miniature 8-Position Plug, Unkeyed....................................................... 14

 

Figure 4-10: 8-Position Unkeyed Plug Mechanical Specification.......................................... 15

 

Figure 4-11: 8-Position Unkeyed Plug, Mechanical Specification (continued)...................... 16

 

Figure 4-12: 8-Position Unkeyed Plug, Plug/Jack Contact Specification .............................. 17

 

Figure 4-13: 8-Position Unkeyed Plug, Minimum Plug Size ................................................. 19

 

Figure 4-14: 8-Position Unkeyed Plug, Maximum Plug Size  ............................................... 20

 

Figure 4-15: 8-Position Series Jack, Contact Specification .................................................. 21

 

Figure 4-16: 8-Position Series Jack, Mechanical Specification............................................. 21

 

Figure 4-17: 8-Position Series Jack, Mechanical Specification (continued).......................... 22

 

Figure 4-18: 50-Position Miniature Ribbon Plug ................................................................... 24

 

Figure 4-19: 50-Position Miniature Ribbon Plug Sizing Gauge............................................. 25

 

Figure 4-20: 50-Position Miniature Ribbon Plug Continuity Gauge ...................................... 26

 

Figure 4-21: 50-Position Miniature Ribbon Plug Hood Envelope.......................................... 28

 

Figure 4-22: 50-Position Miniature Ribbon Jack ................................................................... 29

 

Figure 4-23: 50-Position Miniature Ribbon Jack Sizing Gauge ............................................ 30

 

Figure 4-24: 50-Position Miniature Ribbon Jack Continuity Gauge ...................................... 31

 

Figure 4-25: 3-Position Plug, Plug Assembly........................................................................ 33

 

Figure 4-26: 3-Position Plug, Detail ...................................................................................... 33

 

Figure 4-27: 3-Position Jack, Detail ...................................................................................... 34

 

Figure 4-28: View of Miniature 8-Position Plug, Keyed......................................................... 35

 

Figure 4-29: 8-Position Keyed Plug, Mechanical Specification............................................. 36

 

Figure 4-30: 8-Position Keyed Plug, Mechanical Specification (continued).......................... 36

 

Figure 4-31: 8-Position Keyed Plug, Plug/Jack Contact Specification .................................. 38

 

Figure 4-32: 8-Position Keyed Plug, Maximum Plug Size  ................................................... 40

 

Figure 4-33: 8-Position Keyed Plug, Minimum Plug Size ..................................................... 41

 

Figure 4-34: View of Miniature 8-Position Keyed Jack ......................................................... 42

 

Figure 4-35: 8-Position Keyed Jack, Mechanical Specification ............................................ 43

 

Figure 5-1: Contact Resistance Connections ....................................................................... 48

 

Table B- 1: Environmental Severity Limits ............................................................................ 55

 

Figure B- 1: Chamber Zone Configuration............................................................................ 58

 

Figure B- 2: Control Coupon Locations................................................................................. 59

 

 

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    TIA-1096-A 

FOREWORD 

 (This foreword is not part of this Standard.) 

 

The requirements concerning mechanical characteristics and dimensions of the plug and 
jack connectors described in this document were originally contained in Subpart F of 
Part 68 of the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Rules.  When the 
Commission created the Administrative Council for Terminal Attachments (ACTA) in 
Report & Order FCC 00-400 on CC Docket No. 99-216, it turned over responsibility for 
maintaining most of the technical criteria in Part 68 to industry.  In compliance with one 
of the provisions of that Report & Order, the Telecommunications Industry Association 
(TIA) created Interim Standard IS-968 to provide an initial set of technical criteria 
identical to that which then existed in Part 68.  Thus, the Part 68, Subpart F connector 
requirements were included in TIA IS-968 that was adopted by the ACTA in 2001.  In 
2002, TIA IS-968 was superseded by TIA-968-A, which was also adopted by the ACTA. 

The original Part 68, Subpart F specifications included requirements that 6-position and 
8-position modular connector contacts provide a hard gold to hard gold interface, or 
equivalent, when a plug and jack were mated.  In Docket No. 88-57, the FCC requested 
the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) to develop a procedure for demonstrating the 
equivalency of alternative contact materials to hard gold.  In 1989, TIA Subcommittee 
TR-41.9 included such a procedure in its Telecommunications Systems Bulletin EIA/TIA 
TSB-31 on suggested Part 68 test methods. 

In its work to revise TSB-31-B, TR-41.9 was reminded that TSBs are intended to provide 
guidance, not contain mandatory requirements.  However, separating the test procedure 
from the requirements for determining the hard gold equivalence of alternative contact 
materials proved extremely challenging.  A solution was found by removing the 
requirements concerning mechanical characteristics and dimensions of the plug and jack 
connectors from TIA-968-A and combining them with test procedures and requirements 
for hard gold and alternative contact materials from TSB-31-B into this new standard, 
TIA-1096.   

An error was found in Figures 4-29 and 4-30 of TIA-1096 after it had been approved and 
submitted to ACTA for adoption.  Although the figures were identified as showing an 8-
position keyed plug, they actually depicted an un-keyed plug.  Further checking found 
this error first occurred in IS-968 and had continued to be perpetuated.  This revision of 
TIA-1096 corrects that error by properly depicting an 8-position keyed plug as originally 
shown in Subpart F of Part 68. 

This standard was produced by Subcommittee TR-41.9, Technical and Administrative 
Regulatory Considerations.  It was developed in accordance with ANSI and TIA 
procedural guidelines and represents the consensus position of the Subcommittee, 
which served as the formulating group.  It has also received the concurrence of 
Engineering Committee TR-41, User Premises Telecommunications Requirements. 

 

iii

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TIA-1096-A 

Subcommittee TR-41.9 acknowledges the written contributions and leadership provided 
by the following individuals to the development of this standard: 

 

Organization 

Representative 

Previous 

Version 

TIA-1096-A 

Littelfuse Phillip 

Havens 

9

 

Chair 

Mitel Greg 

Slingerland 

Chair 

– 

VTech Steve 

Whitesell Editor 

Editor 

Sprint Cliff 

Chamney 

9

 

– 

Thomson Roger 

Hunt 

9

 

– 

Verizon Trone 

Bishop 

9

 

9

 

 

 

 

Suggestions for improvement of this standard are welcome.  They should be sent to: 

 

Telecommunications Industry Association 

Engineering Department 

Suite 300 

2500 Wilson Boulevard 

Arlington, VA  22201 

 

 

iv

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TIA-1096-A 

1  SCOPE AND APPLICATION 

1.1 S

COPE

 

The technical criteria in this standard are intended to protect the telephone network from 
the harms defined by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Part 68, Section 
3 rules in Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations (47 CFR 68.3).  This standard 
specifies physical dimensions, mechanical characteristics, and contact material 
requirements for: 

1.  Carrier-installed jacks used at the demarcation point in accordance with 47 CFR 

68.105(a); 

2.  Plugs and jacks used with inside wiring in accordance with 47 CFR 68.213(b); 

3.  Plugs and jacks used to connect terminal equipment to wireline carrier networks. 

This standard outlines test methods for determining compliance with the requirements 
for hard gold contacts.  Additionally it outlines a test method for determining equivalency 
to hard gold plating performance for alternative contact materials. 

1.2 A

PPLICATION

 

Two categories of specifications are used in this standard, mandatory requirements and 
recommendations. Mandatory requirements are designated by the words "shall" and 
“shall not” and recommendations by the words "should" and “should not”. 

The notes to figures in clause 4 of this document contain mandatory requirements. 

This standard was specifically developed for submission to the Administrative Council for 
Terminal Attachments (ACTA).  It is intended to supersede the technical criteria in 
clause 6.1 of TIA-968-A and the criteria that clause references in clause 15 and 
Appendices D and E of TIA-TSB-31B. 

Testing of connectors for compliance with this standard should be carried out under 
normal laboratory conditions of 20°C to 25°C and 20% to 60% relative humidity unless 
otherwise specified. 

1.3 I

MPLEMENTATION 

D

ATES

 

The criteria in this revision of the standard may be applied to terminal equipment 
approved after publication of this document (TIA-1096-A) by the ACTA. 

The criteria in this revision of the standard shall be applied to terminal equipment 
approved 6 months after publication of this document (TIA-1096-A) by the ACTA. 

2  NORMATIVE REFERENCES 

The following standards contain provisions, which, through reference in this text, 
constitute provisions of this standard. At the time of publication, the editions indicated 
were valid. All standards are subject to revision, and parties to agreements based on this 

 

1

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TIA-1096-A 

standard are encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying the most recent 
editions of the standards indicated below. ANSI and TIA maintain registers of currently 
valid national standards. 

1. ASTM 

E384-05a, 

Standard Test Method for Microindentation Hardness of Materials

 

2. EIA-364-09C-1999, 

Durability Test Procedure for Electrical Connectors and Contacts

 

3. EIA-364-13B-1998, 

Mating and Unmating Forces Test Procedures for Electrical 

Connectors

 

4. EIA-364-53B-2000, 

Nitric Acid Vapor Test, Gold Finish Test Procedure for Electrical 

Connectors and Sockets

 

5. IEC 60512-2-1, 

Connectors for Electronic Equipment – Tests and Measurements – 

Part 2-1: Electrical Continuity and Contact Resistance Tests – Test 2a: Contact 
Resistance – Millivolt Level Method

 

6. T1.TR.5-1999, 

Network and Customer Installation Interface Connector Wiring 

Configuration Catalog

 

3  DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS 

For the purposes of this standard, the following definitions apply. 

go gauge:

 a gauge whose dimensions are such that the object being tested will be 

accepted. 

hard gold:

 An alloy consisting primarily of pure gold with a small amount of a hardening 

agent such as cobalt or nickel. 

mating force:

 The peak in-line force measured during insertion of a plug into its 

associated jack up to the point where the latching tab locks the plug in place. 

no-go gauge:

 a gauge whose dimensions are such that the object being tested will not 

be accepted. 

unmating force:

 The peak in-line force measured during removal of a plug from its 

associated jack with the latching tab unlocked from the jack. 

4  PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

4.1 G

ENERAL

 

The plugs and jacks described in this section represent the standard connectors to be 
used for connections to the telephone network.  The plug and jack designs shown are 
representative of generic types, and should not be interpreted as the only designs that 
may be used.  Design innovation and improvement is anticipated; but for 
interchangeability to be maintained, alternative designs shall be compatible with the 
plugs and jacks shown. 

Hardware used to mount, protect, and enclose standard jacks is not described.  The only 
requirement on connecting blocks, housings, dust covers, outdoor boxes, and the like 
that contain standard network jacks is that they shall accept standard plugs with 
cordage. 

 

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For special purpose applications, plugs may be made longer than shown or adapted for 
direct use on equipment or apparatus without cordage.  The sliding modular plug used 
on the back of many modular wall telephone sets is an example of such a special 
purpose application.  It is the responsibility of the designers and manufacturers of 
communication equipment who use such plugs to assure that they are compatible with 
the hardware used to mount standard jacks with which they plan to interface. 

 

4.2 U

NITS OF 

M

EASURE

 

US customary units were the original dimensional units used in designing the plugs and 
jacks specified by this document and are shown in parentheses throughout this section.  
The dimensions shown without parenthesis are in SI (Système International) units (i.e. 
the International System of measurement). 

The SI dimensional units are derived from the US customary units by multiplying inches 
by 25.4 to derive the exact conversion in millimeters with no rounding-off of the resulting 
decimal value.  The number of decimal places to which the conversion is taken is 
governed by the concept that when the calculated SI dimensional unit is divided by 25.4, 
the resulting inches calculation will be exactly that shown in the parenthesis (the original 
design dimension). 

The conversion to SI force units, Newtons (N), is rounded off to a number of decimal 
places that will result in the calculated SI force value being within less than 1% of the 
original US customary force unit value located adjacent in parenthesis (the original 
design value).  The rationale for this is to bring the force conversions to within the 
degree of accuracy of the force-measuring device and avoid the carrying of an 
unrealistic number of decimal places that would otherwise result from an exact 
conversion.   

4.3 I

NDIVIDUAL 

P

LUGS AND 

J

ACKS

 

The figures and corresponding notes in the following subclauses contain the mechanical 
and dimensional requirements for several different types of connectors.  If alternative 
designs are used, the interface dimensions between mating plugs and jacks shall be 
maintained. 

Where a hard gold to hard gold contact is specified, the hard gold surface shall meet the 
requirements of 5.1.  Where an alternative to hard gold contact material is allowed, the 
contact material shall be compatible with hard gold contacts meeting the requirements of 
5.1 and shall provide equivalent contact performance as specified in 5.2. 

 

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4.3.1 Miniature 

6-Position Plug 

 

NOTE:  This plug is depicted equipped with 4 contacts.  It may be fabricated with 2, 4, or 6 contacts. 

 

Figure 4-1: View of Miniature 6-Position Plug 

 

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SEE FIGURE 4-3 

CONTACT SEE
FIGURE 4-4 

*
*

SEE GAUGE REQUIREMENTS 
FIGURES 4-5 & 4-6 

 

Figure 4-2: 6-Position Plug Mechanical Specification 

 

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Figure 4-3: 6-Position Plug Mechanical Specification (continued) 

 

NOTES to Figures 4-2 and 4-3:  

1.  All plugs shall be capable of meeting the requirements of the go and no-go 

gauges shown in Figures 4-5 and 4-6. 

2.  Section BB applies to any jack contact receiving slot that does not contain a plug 

contact. 

3.  The major cordage cross section should be 2.5400 mm (0.100 in) max. thick by 

5.0800 mm (0.200 in) max. wide, with rounded corners.  It should exit the plug on 
the plug centerline.  Other cordage configurations are permitted but may inhibit 
the special features of some network jack enclosures. 

4.  The standard plug length shall be 11.6840 mm (0.460 in) max.  Plugs may be 

made longer than standard or adapted for direct use on special cords, adapters 
without cordage, and on apparatus or equipment.  Plugs longer than standard 
could inhibit the special features of some network jack enclosures.  It is the 
responsibility of the designers and manufacturers of communication equipment 
who use such plugs to assure that they are compatible with the hardware used to 
mount standard jacks with which they plan to interface. 

5.  A 12.0396 mm (0.474 in) minimum tab length shall be required.  A maximum tab 

length should be no longer than 13.2080 mm (0.520 in).  Longer tabs may be 
used with the same limitations as described in Note 4 to Figures 4-2 and 4-3.   

6.  To obtain maximum plug guidance when 6-position plugs are inserted in 8-

position jacks, the front plug nose should be extended to the 2.3368 mm (0.092 
in) maximum.   

7.  These dimensions shall apply to the location of jack contact receiving slots.  Plug 

contacts should be centered axially in these slots.   

 

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8.  The 6.0452/6.1722 mm (0.238/0.243 in) dimension normally shall be used to 

obtain maximum plug guidance in jacks with more than 6 contact positions.  A 
tolerance range of 5.9182/6.1722 mm (0.233/0.243 in) is permitted, but could 
create targeting problems in 8-position jacks.   

9.  The center rib centerline shall be coincident with the plug width 9.6520 mm 

(0.380 in) ref. center line within +/- 0.0762 mm (+/- 0.003 in). 

 

Figure 4-4: 6-Position Plug Plug/Jack Contact Specification 

 

 

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NOTES to Figure 4-4:  

1.  The plug/jack contact interface shall be hard gold to hard gold (see 5.1) and shall 

have a minimum gold thickness of 1.2700 µm (50 µin) on each side of the 
interface.  Alternative contact material that is compatible with hard gold and 
provides equivalent contact performance may be used under certain conditions 
(see 5.2).  The minimum contact force at the interface shall be 0.98 N (100 g).  A 
smooth, burr-free surface shall exist at the interface in the area shown.  Contact 
surface roughness shall be 0.8128 µm (32 µin) maximum. Compliance can be 
determined by observation with 10X magnification. Compare surface protrusions 
and burrs on the contact surface with a 32-µin, ground-surface-finish gauge. 

2.  The jack contact design is based upon 0.4572 mm (0.018 in) spring temper 

phosphor bronze round wire in the modular plug blade and jack contact interface.  
Other contact configurations that provide contact performance equal to or better 
than the preferred configurations and do not cause damage to the plug or jack 
are permitted.  The jack contact width should be 0.44958/0.49530 mm 
(0.0177/0.0195 in).  Deviations from the preferred jack contact width are 
permitted for round contacts as well as noncircular cross sectional shapes but 
they shall be compatible with existing plug configurations.  The requirements of 
Note 1 to Figure 4-4 shall apply to all possible contact areas. 

3.  The configuration of the plug contact and the front plastic of the plug shall 

prevent jack contacts from being damaged during plug insertion into jacks.   

4.  This nominal contact angle should be provided between plugs and jacks with the 

plug latched into the jack.  This angle shall be less than 24° to avoid loss of 
electrical contact between the plug and jack.  The nominal contact angle shall be 
greater than 13° to avoid interference between jack contacts and the internal 
plastic in the plug. 

5.  To avoid loss of electrical contact, the dimension from datum B to the highest 

point ‘‘X’’ should be 5.0800 mm (0.200 in) max.  A dimension greater than 5.3594 
mm (0.211 in) could result in loss of electrical contact between plugs and jacks.  
The 5.3594 mm (0.211 in) max. shall be considered an absolute maximum.   

6.  The 24° min. angle applies only to plugs with front plastic walls higher than 

4.8260 mm (0.190 in). 

 

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SEE NOTE 3

SEE NOTE 3 

Figure 4-5: 6-Position Plug Minimum Plug Size 

 

NOTES to Figure 4-5: 

1.  The plug shall not be capable of entering the gauge more than 1.778 mm (0.070) 

beyond datum -A- (see Figure 4-2) with 8.90 N (2.0 pounds) insertion force. 

2.  Dimensions not labelled as minimum or maximum shall be within ± 0.0508 mm 

(0.002). 

3.  6.604 mm (0.260 in) dimension shall be centrally located with respect to 9.7536 

mm (0.384 in) minimum and 9.5377 mm (0.3755 in) minimum dimensions within 
± 0.0508 mm (0.002 in). 

 

 

 

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Figure 4-6: 6-Position Plug Maximum Plug Size 

 

NOTES to Figure 4-6: 

1.  The plug shall be capable of insertion and latching into the gauge with 22.24 N (5 

pounds) or less insertion force.   Plug latching bar shall be depressed so as not 
to interfere with the plug entry.   After insertion and latching, plug shall be 
capable of removal, with the latch depressed, with a removal force of 44.48 N (10 
pounds) or less applied at an advantageous angle. 

2.  Dimensions not labelled as minimum or maximum shall be within ± 0.0508 mm (± 

0.002 in). 

3.  Dimensions (A) and (B) shall be centrally located with respect to 9.7536 mm 

(0.3840 in) max.  Jack opening width within ± 0.0254 mm (0.001 in). 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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4.3.2 Miniature 6-Position Jack 

 

 

 

 
 

NOTE: THIS JACK IS DEPICTED EQUIPPED WITH 4 CONTACTS.  IT MAY BE FABRICATED WITH 2, 4, OR 6 CONTACTS. 

FOR REQUIREMENTS OF CONTACTS 

MATED WITH PLUGS SEE CONTACT 
INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS 

IN FIGURE 4-4 
CONTACTS SHOWN AT REST 

SEE NOTE 9 

Figure 4-7: 6-Position Jack Mechanical Specification 

 

 

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Figure 4-8: 6-Position Jack Mechanical Specifications (continued) 

 

NOTES to Figures 4-7 and 4-8: 

1.  Front surface projections beyond the 1.2700 mm (0.050 in) min. shall be 

configured so as not to prevent finger access to the plug release catch 
(Reference Figure 4-2, 6-Position Plug, Mechanical Specifications).  A catch 
length greater than 1.2700 mm (0.050 in) should be used to provide greater 

 

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breakout strength.   

2.  Surface Z need not be planar or coincident with the surface under the plug 

release catch.  Surface Z projections shall not prevent insertion, latching, and 
unlatching of the standard 6-position plug of 4.3.1.   

3.  The indicated plug stop surface should be used.  If some other internal feature is 

used as a plug stop, it shall be located so that the axial movement of a latched 
plug is no greater than 1.1430 mm (0.045 in).   

4.  To prevent mistargeting between the plug and jack contacts, the jack contacts 

shall be completely contained in their individual contact zones, 0.7112 mm (0.028 
in) max. wide, where they extend into the jack openings.  There is no location 
requirement for jack contacts below these zones 5.8420 mm (0.230 in) max., but 
adequate contact separation shall be maintained to prevent electrical breakdown.  
These shaded contact zones shall be centrally located, (included all locating 
tolerances), about the jack opening width 9.8806 mm (0.389 in) Ref, (Datum -W-
).  Contacts located outside of these zones could result in mistargeting between 
the jack and plug contacts. 

5.  All inside and outside corners in the plug cavity shall be 0.3810 mm (0.015 in) 

radius max. unless specified.   

6.  These surfaces shall have 0°15’ maximum draft.   

7.  Relief inside the dotted areas on 3 sides of the jack opening is permitted.  The 

6.8326 mm (0.269 in) Ref and 9.8806 mm (0.389 in) Ref Gauge Requirements 
shall be maintained in each corner, (ref.  1.0160 mm (0.040 in) min), to assure 
proper plug/jack interface guidance.  There shall be a 0.8128 ± 0.1270 mm 
(0.032 ± 0.005) relief on the top side (opposite plug catch)  on jacks in 
connecting blocks which mount and connect portable wall telephones so as to 
assure interface with the special purpose sliding modular plug used on many wall 
telephone sets. 

8.  4.0640 mm (0.160 in) and 6.5278/6.8580 mm (0.257/0.270 in) dimensions shall 

be centrally located to jack opening width -W- within ± 0.1778 mm (± 0.007 in).   

9.  Minimum acceptable jack contact length.  When contact guide slots are used, the 

contacts shall always be contained inside the guide slots and the contacts shall 
move freely in the slots so as not to restrain plug insertion or damage jack 
contacts.   

10. Gauge Requirements:  

a.  GO: The jack shall be capable of accepting a 9.7536 mm x 6.7056 mm 

(0.3840 in x 0.2640 in) gauge and the gauge shall be capable of being 
removed with a maximum force of 8.9 N (2 pounds).   

b.  NO GO: The jack shall not accept either a 10.00760 mm x 6.45160 mm 

(0.3940 in x 0.254 in) horizontal width of opening gauge or a 6.95960 mm x 
9.5504 mm (0.2740 in x 0.376 in) vertical height of opening gauge.  However, 
if either gauge is accepted the force necessary to remove the gauge shall be 
minimum 0.83 N (3.0 ounces).   

c.  Removal force requirements shall not include forces contributed by contact 

springs nor shall external forces be applied to the jack that will affect these 
removal forces.   

 

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d.  Gauges shall have a 0.7620 mm (0.030 in) radius on the nose and a 0.3810 

mm (0.015 in) radius on all edges with clearance provided for contacts.   

 
 
 

4.3.3 Miniature 

8-Position Plug, Unkeyed: 

 

 

 

 

Figure 4-9: View of Miniature 8-Position Plug, Unkeyed 

 

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CONTACT SEE  
FIGURE 4-12 

SEE GAUGE REQUIREMENTS 
FIGURES 4-13 & 4-14 

 

Figure 4-10: 8-Position Unkeyed Plug Mechanical Specification 

 

 

 

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Figure 4-11: 8-Position Unkeyed Plug, Mechanical Specification (continued)  

 

NOTES to Figures 4-10 and 4-11:  

1.  All plugs shall be capable of meeting the requirements of the plug go and no-go 

gauges shown in Figures 4-13 and 4-14. 

2.  The standard plug height in the area shown shall be 8.0010 mm (0.315 in) 

maximum.  The standard plug length shall be 23.1140 mm (0.910 in) maximum.  
Plugs may be made longer than standard or adapted for direct use on special 
cords, adapters without cordage, apparatus or equipment.  Plugs longer and/ or 
higher than standard could inhibit the special features of some network jack 
enclosures.  It is the responsibility of the designers and manufacturers of 
communication equipment who use such plugs to assure that they are 
compatible with the hardware used to mount standard jacks with which they plan 
to interface. 

3.  A 14.6050 mm (0.575 in) minimum tab length shall be provided.  The maximum 

tab length should be no longer than 15.8750 mm (0.625 in).  Longer tabs may be 
used with the same limitations described in Note 2 to Figures 4-10 and 4-11.   

4.  To obtain maximum plug guidance in jacks, the front plug nose should be 

extended to the 2.3368 mm (0.092 in) maximum.   

5.  These dimensions shall apply to the location of jack contact receiving slots.  Plug 

contacts should be centered axially in these slots.  

6.  The center rib centerline shall be coincident with the plug width 11.6840 mm ref.  

(0.460 in ref.) centerline within 

±

 0.0762 mm (

±

 0.003 in). 

 

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Figure 4-12: 8-Position Unkeyed Plug, Plug/Jack Contact Specification 

 

 

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NOTES to Figure 4-12: 

1.  The plug/jack contact interface shall be hard gold to hard gold (see 5.1) and shall 

have a minimum gold thickness of 1.2700 µm (50 µin) on each side of the 
interface.  Alternative contact material that is compatible with hard gold and 
provides equivalent contact performance may be used under certain conditions 
(see 5.2).  The minimum contact force at the interface shall be 0.98 N (100 g).  A 
smooth, burr-free surface shall exist at the interface in the area shown.  Contact 
surface roughness shall be 0.8128 µm (32 µin) maximum. Compliance can be 
determined by observation with 10X magnification. Compare surface protrusions 
and burrs on the contact surface with a 32-µin, ground-surface-finish gauge. 

2.  The jack contact design is based upon 0.4572 mm (0.018 in) spring temper 

phosphor bronze round wire in the modular plug blade and jack contact interface.  
Other contact configurations that provide contact performance equal to or better 
than the preferred configurations and do not cause damage to the plug or jack 
are permitted.  Contact width should be 0.44958/0.49530 mm (0.0177/0.0195 in).  
Deviations from the desirable jack contact width are permitted for round contacts 
as well as noncircular cross sectional shapes but they shall be compatible with 
existing plug configurations.  The requirements of Note 1 to Figure 4-12 shall 
apply to all possible contract areas. 

3.  The configuration of the plug contact and the front plastic of the plug shall 

prevent jack contacts from being damaged during plug insertion into jacks. 

4.  This nominal contact angle should be provided between plugs and jacks with the 

plug latched into the jack.  This angle shall be equal to or less than 24° to avoid 
loss of electrical contact between the plug and jack.  The nominal contact angle 
shall be equal to or greater than 13° to prevent interference between jack 
contacts and the internal plastic in the plug. 

5.  To avoid loss of electrical contact, the dimension from datum B to the highest 

point ‘‘X’’ should be 5.0800 mm (0.200 in) max.  A dimension greater than 5.3594 
mm (0.211 in) could result in loss of electrical contact between plugs and jacks.  
The 5.3594 mm (0.211 in) max. shall be considered an absolute maximum. 

6.  The 24° min. angle shall apply only to plugs with front plastic walls higher than 

4.8260 mm (0.190 in). 

 

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SEE NOTE 3

SEE NOTE 3

 

Figure 4-13: 8-Position Unkeyed Plug, Minimum Plug Size 

 

NOTES to Figure 4-13: 

1.  The plug shall not be capable of entering the gauge more than 1.778 mm (0.070 

in) beyond datum-a- -A- (see Figure 4-10) with 8.90 N (2.0 pounds) insertion 
force. 

2.  Dimensions not labelled as minimum or maximum shall be within ± 0.0508 mm (± 

0.002 in). 

3.  6.2992 mm (0.248 in) dimension shall be centrally located with respect to 

11.7856 mm (0.464 in) minimum and 11.58240 mm (0.4560 in) minimum 
dimensions within ± 0.0508 mm (± 0.002 in). 

 

 

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Figure 4-14: 8-Position Unkeyed Plug, Maximum Plug Size  

 

NOTES to Figure 4-14: 

1.  The plug shall be capable of insertion and latching into the gauge with 22.24 N (5 

pounds) or less insertion force.   Plug latching bar shall be depressed so as not 
to interfere with the plug entry.   After insertion and latching, plug shall be 
capable of removal, with the latch depressed, with a removal force of 44.48 N (10 
pounds) or less applied at an advantageous angle. 

2.  Dimensions not labelled as minimum or maximum shall be within ± 0.0508 mm 

(0.002). 

3.  Dimensions (A) and (B) shall be centrally located with respect to 11.78560 mm 

(0.4640 in) max.   Jack opening width within ± 0.0254 mm (0.001 in). 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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4.3.4 Miniature 

8-Position Series Jack 

 

0.508 (.020) MIN 
SPACING AFTER 
PLUG INSERTION 

OTHER 
CONTACT
SPRINGS 

A

SHORTING

BUSS BAR

 

SECT. A-A 

Figure 4-15: 8-Position Series Jack, Contact Specification 

NOTE:  THIS JACK IS DEPICTED WITH 8 CONTACTS.  IT MAY BE FABRICATED WITH LESS THAN 8 CONTACTS. 

 FIGURE 4-12 

 

Figure 4-16: 8-Position Series Jack, Mechanical Specification 

 

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Figure 4-17: 8-Position Series Jack, Mechanical Specification (continued) 

 

NOTES to Figures 4-16 and 4-17: 

1.  Front surface projections beyond the 1.3970 mm (0.055 in) minimum shall be 

configured so as not to prevent finger access to the plug release catch 
(Reference Figures 4-2 and 4-10, 6 and 8-Position Plug, Mechanical 
Specifications).  A catch length greater than 1.3970 mm (0.055 in) should be 
provided for greater breakout strength and improved guidance when interfacing 
with a 6-position plug.   

2.  Surface Z need not be planar or coincident with the surface under the plug 

release catch.  Surface Z projections shall not prevent insertion, latching, and 
unlatching of the standard 8-position plug of 4.3.3

3.  The indicated plug stop surface should be provided.  If some other internal 

feature is used as a plug stop, it shall be located so that the axial movement of a 
latched plug is no greater than 1.1430 mm (0.045 in).   

 

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4.  To prevent mistargeting between the plug and jack contacts, the jack contacts 

shall be completely contained in their individual contact zones, (0.7112 mm 
(0.028 in) max. wide), where they extend into the jack openings.  There is no 
location requirement for jack contacts below these zones (5.8420 mm (0.230 in) 
max.), but adequate contact separation shall be maintained to prevent electrical 
breakdown.  These shaded contact zones shall be centrally located, (include all 
locating tolerances), about the jack opening width 11.9126 mm (0.469 in) Ref, 
(Datum -W-).  Contacts located outside of these zones could result in 
mistargeting between the jack and plug contacts.   

5.  All inside and outside corners in the plug cavity shall be 0.3810 mm (0.015 in) 

radius max. unless specified.   

6.  These surfaces shall have 0°15’ maximum draft.   

7.  Relief inside the dotted areas on both sides of the jack opening is permitted.  The 

6.8326 mm (0.269 in) Ref and 11.9126 mm (0.469 in) Ref Gauge Requirements 
shall be maintained in each of the corners indicated, (Ref.  1.5240 mm (0.060 in) 
min), to assure proper plug/jack interface guidance.   

8.  4.0640 mm (0.160 in) and 6.2992 mm (0.248 in) dimensions shall be centrally 

located to jack opening width -W- within ± 0.1270 mm (0.005 in).   

9.  The contact lengths shall be such that the contacts will always be contained 

inside the guide slots, and the contacts shall move freely in the slots so as not to 
restrain plug insertion or damage jack contacts.   

10. Gauge Requirements:  

a.  GO: The jack shall be capable of accepting an 11.7856 mm x 6.7056 mm 

(0.4640 in x 0.2640 in) gauge and the gauge shall be capable of being 
removed with a maximum force of 8.9 N (2.0 pounds).   

b.  NO GO: The jack shall not accept either a 12.0396 mm x 6.4516 mm (0.4740 

in x 0.254 in) horizontal width of opening gauge or a 6.9596 mm x 11.5824 
mm (0.2740 in x 0.456 in) vertical height of opening gauge.  However, if the 
gauge is accepted, the force necessary to remove the gauge shall be a 
minimum of 0.83 N (3.0 ounces).   

c.  Removal force requirements do not include forces contributed by contact 

springs nor shall external forces be applied to the jack that will affect these 
removal forces.   

d.  Gauges shall have a 0.7620 mm (0.030 in) radius on the nose and a 0.3810 

mm (0.015 in) radius on all edges with clearance provided for contacts.   

11. With no plug inserted, conductors 1 and 4 shall be bridged as well as conductors 

5 and 8.  With a miniature 8-position plug inserted into the jack, the bridge 
connectors shall be broken and a series connection shall be made in both sides 
of the line.  With a 6-position plug inserted, the bridged connections shall remain 
unbroken.   

12. The jack contact/bridging interface shall be hard gold to hard gold (see 5.1) and 

shall have a minimum gold thickness of 1.2700 µm (50 µin) on each side of the 
interface.  Alternative contact material that is compatible with hard gold and 
provides equivalent contact performance may be used under certain conditions 
(see 5.2).  The minimum hard gold contact bridging force shall be 0.294 N (30 g).     

 

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4.3.5 50-Position 

Miniature Ribbon Plug  

Figure 4-18: 50-Position Miniature Ribbon Plug 

 

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Figure 4-19: 50-Position Miniature Ribbon Plug Sizing Gauge 

 

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Figure 4-20: 50-Position Miniature Ribbon Plug Continuity Gauge 

 

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NOTES to Figures 4-18, 4-19 and 4-20: 

1.  Contact finish in the region of contact shall be gold, 0.7620 µm (30 µin) minimum 

thickness, and should be electrodeposited hard gold.  

2.  ‘‘Datum B’’ shall be the center line of contact cavities. 

3.  The center line of each contact shall be located within 0.2286 mm (0.009 in) of 

true position with respect to ‘‘Datum B’’. 

4.  Contact width at region of contact shall be (1.143 ± 0.0508) mm (0.04 ± 0.002 in). 

5.  Center line of shell dimension indicated shall be within 0.1270 mm (0.005 in) of 

‘‘Datum B’’. 

6.  Center line of barrier dimension indicated shall be within 0.1270 mm (0.005 in) of 

‘‘Datum B’’. 

7.   ‘‘Surface X’’ shall have a 0.1016 µm (4 µin) finish or better; finishing shall be 

done in the direction of the arrow. 

8.  A force of not more than 178 N (40 pounds) shall be sufficient to fully insert the 

plug onto the sizing gauge shown on Figure 4-18.  The plug is fully inserted when 
‘‘Surface A’’ of the plug touches ‘‘Surface A’’ of the sizing gauge. 

9.  After one insertion of the plug on the sizing gauge, Figure 4-19, a force of not 

more than 44.5 N (10 pounds) shall be sufficient to fully insert the plug on the 
continuity gauge shown in Figure 4-20.  The plug is fully inserted on the 
continuity gauge when ‘‘Surface A’’ of the plug touches ‘‘Surface A’’ of the 
continuity gauge. 

10. When the plug is fully inserted on the continuity gauge, Figure 4-20, after having 

been inserted once on the sizing gauge, Figure 4-19, all contacts of the plug shall 
electrically contact the continuity gauge as determined by an electrical continuity 
test which applies an open circuit voltage of not more than 10 Volts. Results 
greater than 200 

Ω

 indicate test failure. 

 

 

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Figure 4-21: 50-Position Miniature Ribbon Plug Hood Envelope 

 

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4.3.6  50-Position Miniature Ribbon Jack 

 

Figure 4-22: 50-Position Miniature Ribbon Jack 

 

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Figure 4-23: 50-Position Miniature Ribbon Jack Sizing Gauge 

 

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31

 

Figure 4-24: 50-Position Miniature Ribbon Jack Continuity Gauge 

 

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NOTES to Figures 4-22, 4-23 and 4-24: 

1.  Contact finish in the region of contact shall be gold, 0.7620 µm (30 µin) minimum 

thickness, and should be electrodeposited hard gold.  

2.   ‘‘Datum B’’ shall be considered the center line of contact cavities.   

3.  The center line of each contact shall be located within 0.2286 mm (0.009 in) of 

true position with respect to ‘‘Datum B’’. 

4.  Contact width at region of contact shall be 1.1430± 0.0508 mm (0.045±0.002 in). 

5.  Center line of shell dimension indicated shall be within 0.1270 mm (0.005 in) of 

Datum B’’.  

6.  Center line of cavity dimension indicated shall be within 0.1270 mm (0.005 in) of 

Datum B’’.  

7.  ‘‘Surface X’’ shall have a 0.1016 µm (4 µin) finish or better; finishing shall be 

done in the direction of the arrow.  

8.  A force of not more than 134 N (30 pounds) shall be sufficient to fully insert the 

jack onto the sizing gauge shown on Figure 4-23.  The jack is fully inserted when 
‘‘Surface A’’ of the jack touches ‘‘Surface A’’ of the sizing gauge.   

9.  After one insertion of the jack on the sizing gauge, Figure 4-23, a force of not 

more than 44.5 N (10 pounds) shall be sufficient to fully insert the jack on the 
continuity gauge shown in Figure 4-24.  The jack is fully inserted on the continuity 
gauge when ‘‘Surface A’’ of the jack touches ‘‘Surface A’’ of the continuity gauge. 

10. When the jack is fully inserted on the continuity gauge, Figure 4-24, after having 

been inserted once on the sizing gauge, all contacts of the jack shall electrically 
contact the continuity gauge as determined by an electrical continuity test which 
applies an open circuit voltage of not more than 10 volts. Results greater than 
200 

Ω

 indicate test failure. 

 

 

 

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4.3.7 3-Position 

Weatherproof 

Plug 

Contact blade material shall be brass, with minimum 7.62 µm (300 µin) thick nickel plating. 

 

Figure 4-25: 3-Position Plug, Plug Assembly 

 

 

Figure 4-26: 3-Position Plug, Detail 

 

 

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4.3.8 3-Position 

Weatherproof 

Jack 

 

 

2.7686 (.109)

3.9624 (.156) 

1.9812 (.078) 

4.9784 (.196) MAX 

1.1176 (.044) REF 

3.4036 

.134

 

       )

+.000 
 -.003 

         (

+.0000 

-.0762 

Contact blade material shall be brass, with minimum 7.62 µm (300 µin) thick nickel plating.   

 

Figure 4-27: 3-Position Jack, Detail 

 

 

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4.3.9 Miniature 

8-Position Plug, Keyed 

 

 

 

 

Figure 4-28: View of Miniature 8-Position Plug, Keyed 

 

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FIGURES 4-32 & 4-33 

FIGURE 4-31

DATUM

DATUM

Figure 4-29: 8-Position Keyed Plug, Mechanical Specification 

 

 

 

 

Figure 4-30: 8-Position Keyed Plug, Mechanical Specification (continued) 

 

 

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NOTES to Figures 4-29 and 4-30:   

1.  All plugs shall meet the requirements of the plug go and no-go gauges shown in 

Figures 4-32 and 4-33.   

2.  The standard plug height in the area shown shall be 8.0010 mm (0.315 in) 

maximum.  The standard plug length shall be 23.1140 mm (0.910 in) maximum.  
Plugs may be made longer than standard or adapted for direct use on special 
cords, adapters without cordage, apparatus or equipment.  Plugs longer and/ or 
higher than standard could inhibit the special features of some network jack 
enclosures.  It is the responsibility of the designers and manufacturers of 
communication equipment who use such plugs to assure that they are 
compatible with the hardware used to mount standard jacks with which they plan 
to interface. 

3.  The minimum tab length shall be 14.6050 mm (0.575 in).  The maximum tab 

length normally shall be no longer than 15.8750 mm (0.625 in).  Longer tabs may 
be used with the limitations described in Note 2 to Figures 4-29 and 4-30.   

4.  To obtain maximum plug guidance in jacks, the front plug nose should be 

extended to the 2.3368 mm (0.092 in) maximum.   

5.  These dimensions apply to the location of jack contact receiving slots.  Plug 

contacts should be centered axially in these slots.   

6.  The center rib centerline shall be coincident with the plug width, 11.6840 mm ref 

(0.460 in ref.) center line within ± 0.0762mm (± 0.003 in) 

 

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Figure 4-31: 8-Position Keyed Plug, Plug/Jack Contact Specification 

 

 

 

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NOTES to Figure 4-31:  

1.  The plug/jack contact interface shall be hard gold to hard gold (see 5.1) and shall 

have a minimum gold thickness of 1.2700 µm (50 µin) on each side of the 
interface.  Alternative contact material that is compatible with hard gold and 
provides equivalent contact performance may be used under certain conditions 
(see 5.2).  The minimum contact force at the interface shall be 0.98 N (100 g).  A 
smooth, burr-free surface shall exist at the inter-face in the area shown.  Contact 
surface roughness shall be 0.8128 µm (32 µin) maximum. Compliance can be 
determined by observation with 10X magnification. Compare surface protrusions 
and burrs on the contact surface with a 32-µin, ground-surface-finish gauge. 

2.  The jack contact design is based upon 0.4572 mm (0.018 in) spring temper 

phosphor bronze round wire in the modular plug blade and jack contact interface.  
Other contact configurations that provide contact performance equal to or better 
than the preferred configurations and do not cause damage to the plug or jack 
may be provided.  The jack contact width normally shall be 0.44958/0.49530 mm 
(0.0177/0.0195 in).  Deviations from the preferred jack contact width are 
permitted for round contacts as well as noncircular cross sectional shapes but 
such deviations shall be compatible with existing plug configurations.  The 
requirements of Note 1 to Figure 4-31 shall apply to all possible contact areas.   

3.  The configuration of the plug contact and the front plastic of the plug shall 

prevent jack contacts from being damaged during plug insertion into jacks.   

4.  This should be the nominal contact angle between plugs and jacks with the plug 

latched into the jack.  This angle shall be equal to or less than 24° to avoid loss 
of electrical contact between the plug and jack.  The nominal contact angle shall 
be equal to or greater than 13° to avoid interference between jack contacts and 
the internal plastic in the plug.   

5.  To avoid loss of electrical contact, the dimension from “Datum B” to the highest 

point “X” should be 5.0800 mm (0.200 in) max.  A dimension greater than 5.3594 
mm (0.211 in) could result in loss of electrical contact between plugs and jacks.  
The 5.3594 mm (0.211 in) max. shall be considered an absolute maximum.   

6.  The 25° min. angle shall apply only to plugs with front plastic walls higher than 

4.8260 mm (0.190 in). 

 

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Figure 4-32: 8-Position Keyed Plug, Maximum Plug Size  

 

NOTES TO Figure 4-32: 

1.  The plug shall be capable of insertion and latching into the gauge with 22.24 N (5 

pounds) or less insertion force.   Plug latching bar shall be depressed so as not 
to interfere with the plug entry.   After insertion and latching, plug shall be 
capable of removal, with the latch depressed, with a removal force of 44.48 N (10 
pounds) or less applied at an advantageous angle. 

2.  Dimensions not labelled as minimum or maximum shall be within ± 0.0508 mm (± 

0.002 in). 

3.  Dimensions (A) and (B) shall be centrally located with respect to 11.7856 mm 

(0.4640 in) max.  Jack opening width shall be within ± 0.0254 mm (± 0.001 in). 

 

 

 

 

 

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6.2992 

(0.248) MIN. 

11.5824 

(0.4560) 

SEE NOTE 3

SEE NOTE 3

 

Figure 4-33: 8-Position Keyed Plug, Minimum Plug Size 

 

NOTES to Figure 4-33: 

1.  The plug shall not enter the gauge more than 1.778 mm (0.070 in) beyond datum 

-A- (see Figure 4-29 with 8.90 N (2.0 pounds) insertion force. 

2.  Dimensions not labelled as minimum or maximum shall be within ± 0.0508 mm (± 

0.002). 

3.  6.2992 mm  (0.248 in) dimension shall be centrally located with respect to 

11.7856 mm (0.464 in) minimum and 11.5824 mm (0.4560 in) minimum 
dimensions within ± 0.0508 mm (0.002 in). 

 

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4.3.10 Miniature 8-Position Keyed Jack 

 

 

Figure 4-34: View of Miniature 8-Position Keyed Jack 

 

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FIGURE 4-31 

4-17

Figure 4-35: 8-Position Keyed Jack, Mechanical Specification 

 

NOTES to Figure 4-35:  

1.  Front surface projections beyond the 1.3970 mm (0.055 in) minimum shall be 

configured so as not to prevent finger access to the plug release catch 
(Reference Figure 4-30, 8-Position Plug, Mechanical Specifications).  A catch 
length should be greater than 1.3970 mm (0.055 in) to provide greater breakout 
strength and improved guidance when interfacing with a 6-position plug. 

2.  Surface Z need not be planar or coincident with the surface under the plug 

release catch.  Surface Z projections shall not prevent insertion, latching, and 
unlatching of the keyed 8-position plug of 4.3.9.   

3.  The indicated plug stop surface should be provided.  If some other internal 

feature is used as a plug stop, it shall be located so that the axial movement of a 
latched plug is no greater than 1.1430 mm (0.045) in.   

4.  To prevent mistargeting between the plug and jack contacts, the jack contacts 

 

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shall be completely contained in their individual contact zones 0.7112 mm (0.028 
in) max wide, where they extend into the jack openings.  There is no location 
requirement for jack contacts below these zones (5.8420 mm (0.230 in) max), but 
adequate contact separation shall be maintained to prevent electrical breakdown.  
These shaded contact zones shall be centrally located, (include all locating 
tolerances), about the jack opening width 11.9126 mm (0.469 in) Ref, (Datum–
W–).  Contacts located outside of these zones could result in mistargeting 
between the jack and plug contacts.   

5.  All inside and outside corners in the plug cavity shall be 0.3810 mm (0.015 in) 

radius max unless specified.   

6.  These surfaces shall have 0°15' maximum draft.   

7.  Relief inside the dotted areas on both sides of the jack opening shall be 

permitted.  The 6.8326 mm (0.269 in) Ref and 11.9126 mm (0.469 in) Ref Gauge 
Requirements shall be maintained in each of the corners indicated, (Ref.  1.5240 
mm (0.060 in) min), to assure proper plug/jack interface guidance.   

8.  4.0640 mm (0.160 in) and 6.2992 mm (0.248 in) dimensions shall be centrally 

located to jack opening width –W– within ± 0.1270 mm (± 0.005 in).   

9.  The contact lengths shall be such that the contacts will always be contained 

inside the guide slots and the contacts shall move freely in the slots so as not to 
restrain plug insertion or damage jack contacts.   

10. Gauge Requirements:  

a.  GO: The jack shall be capable of accepting an 11.78560 x 6.70560 mm 

(0.4640 x 0.2640 in) gauge and the gauge shall be capable of being removed 
with a maximum force of 8.9 N (2.0 pounds).   

b.  NO GO: The jack shall not accept either a 12.03960 x 6.4516 mm (0.4740 x 

0.254 in) horizontal width of opening gauge or a 6.95960 x 11.5824 mm 
(0.2740 x 0.456 in) vertical height of opening gauge.  However, if the gauge is 
accepted, the force necessary to remove the gauge shall be a minimum of 
0.83 N (3.0 ounces).   

c.  Removal forces shall not include forces contributed by contact springs nor 

shall external forces be applied to the jack that will affect these removal 
forces.   

d.  Gauges shall have a 0.7620 mm (0.030 in) radius on the nose and a 0.3810 

mm (0.015 in) radius on all edges with clearance provided for contracts. 

 

 

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5  CONTACT REQUIREMENTS 

5.1 H

ARD 

G

OLD 

C

ONTACTS

 

Note: The hard gold contact requirements in this clause are not intended 
to limit the contact interface to one that is produced by a plating process. 

5.1.1  Gold Surface Layer 

The gold surface layer in the specified contact interface area shall meet the following 
requirements: 

1.  The material content shall be 99% pure gold minimum. 

2.  The material density shall be 17 grams/cm

3

 minimum. 

3.  The minimum gold thickness in the specified interface area shall be 

a.  1.2700 µm (50 µin) for 6 and 8 position connectors, or 

b.  0.7620 µm (30 µin) for 50 position connectors. 

4.  The Knoop microindention hardness value shall be between 130 and 250 when 

measured in accordance with ASTM E384-05a using a load force of 0.245 N 
(25 g). 

5.  Test specimens shall exhibit no corrosion products having a diameter greater 

than 0.05 mm (0.002 in) when tested for porosity and other surface defects per 
EIA-364-53B. 

5.1.2  Nickel Barrier Layer 

A nickel barrier layer shall be used between the gold surface layer and the base metal.  
It shall meet the following requirements: 

1.  The material content shall be 99.5% pure nickel minimum, and no other single 

component shall be more than 0.2%. 

2.  The minimum nickel thickness shall be 1.2700 µm (50 µin). 

3.  The nickel barrier layer shall not crack when a contact sample is bent through a 

180° angle, with the plated surface away, around a mandrel whose diameter is 
equal to the thickness or diameter of the contact sample. 

5.2 C

ONTACTS 

U

SING 

A

LTERNATIVE 

M

ATERIALS

 

Alternative contact materials may be used for 6 and 8 position connectors provided they 
are compatible with hard gold contacts as specified in 5.1 and meet the equivalent 
performance requirements specified in this clause. 

An alternative contact material shall be defined by a specification and shall meet all of its 
documented design requirements.  The specification shall have sufficient detail to allow 
a competent independent laboratory to verify that the alternative material contact system 
complies with the design requirements.  An inadequate interface specification, one that 
is too general or omits necessary information, is reason for rejecting the proposed 
alternative material interface. 

 

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5.2.1 Sample 

Selection 

For evaluation purposes, samples of both plugs and jacks for both hard gold and 
alternative contact interface systems are required.  The samples of alternative contact 
interface systems shall include, in addition to the proposed new alternative contact 
system, samples of all alternative contact systems previously shown to be equivalent to 
the hard gold contacts defined in 5.1

The hard gold contact interface samples shall meet the requirement for a gold contact 
interface as defined in 5.1.  Test samples should have gold plating thicknesses as close 
as practical to the 1.2700 µm (50 µin) minimum permissible thickness.  No connector 
contacts with more than 1.5240 µm (60 µin) thick gold shall be used to evaluate 
alternative contact materials. 

Alternative material contact samples representative of production units shall be selected 
so that the physical parameters of the test sample parts are on the side of the tolerance 
that would produce the least favorable test results.  (An example would be the selection 
of parts with minimum plating thickness to produce minimum expected durability results.) 

All sample plugs and jacks shall meet the relevant mechanical and dimensional 
requirements described in 4.3

5.2.2  Mating and Unmating Forces Test 

The mating and unmating forces test shall be performed in accordance with EIA-364-
13B. Mating and unmating of the plug and jack shall be at a rate of 10mm/s (0.4 in/s). 
The following test procedure shall be used: 

(a) Select at least ten plug and jack sample pairs of each type for testing (e.g. 6-

position/6-conductor or 8-position/8-conductor connector). 

(b)  Insert plug into jack until latching tab locks. 

(c)  Remove plug from jack by depressing latching tab. 

(d)  Insert plug into jack until latching tab locks and measure mating force. 

(e)  Remove plug from jack by depressing latching tab and measure unmating force. 

(f)  Repeat step (b) and step (c) for 49 more cycles. 

(g)  Repeat steps (d) and step (e). 

The maximum mating force for each of the 10 samples shall not exceed 17.6 N (1.8 kg) 
and the maximum unmating force shall not exceed 7.35 N (0.75 kg). 

5.2.3 Durability 

Test 

The durability test shall be performed in accordance with EIA-364-09C. The following 
test procedure shall be used: 

(a) Select at least fifteen plug and jack sample pairs of each type for testing with a 

minimum of 60 contacts for each material combination. 

(b) Perform 250 mating/unmating cycles with a minimum interval between cycles of 

5 s.  Mating and unmating of the plug and jack shall be at a rate of 10 mm/s (0.4 
in/s).   

(c) Perform chemical tests to determine contact plating breakthrough. For nickel-

barrier plating systems, the modified sulfur dioxide (SO

2

) test method described 

 

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in Annex A should be used.  Another approved chemical test method is the Nitric 
Acid Vapor Test per EIA-364-53B. For other types of barrier plating systems, test 
methods applicable for the type of material should be used. 

(d)  When observed with 10x magnification, no more than 10% of the contacts tested 

shall be broken through in the wear track as indicated by products generated by 
the chemical reaction. 

5.2.4 Contact 

Resistance 

The contact resistance shall be determined before and after subjecting samples of 
connectors to the temperature and humidity cycling test of 5.2.5 and the mixed flowing 
gas test of 5.2.6. The following test procedure shall be used: 

(a) Select two sets of connector samples with at least 80 total contacts in each set 

(i.e., a total of 160 contacts). All contacts in a particular plug-jack combination 
shall be tested. 

(b) Precondition both sets of samples by performing five mating and unmating 

cycles. These preconditioning cycles are to be performed at 20

C +2

o

 C, with no 

cleaning of the contacts permitted. 

(c)  Determine the bulk resistance of the fixed connector between points A and B in 

Figure 5-1, by calculation or by measurement, for all contact pairs.  

(d) Determine the bulk resistance of the free connector between points B and C in 

Figure 5-1, by calculation or by measurement, for all contact pairs.  

(e) Measure the total mated connector resistance between points A and C in Figure 

5-1, following the requirements and procedures of IEC 60512-2-1 for all contact 
pairs. 

(f)  Calculate the contact resistance by subtracting the sum of the bulk resistances of 

the fixed and free connectors from the total mated connector resistance for all 
contact pairs.  

Contact resistance = R

AC

 - (R

AB

  + R

BC

(g) Subject one set of connector samples to the temperature and humidity cycling 

test of 5.2.5

(h)  Subject the other set of connector samples to the mixed flowing gas test of 5.2.6.  

(i)  Repeat steps (c) through (f) for both sets of samples. 

(j)  Determine the change in contact resistance by subtracting the initial resistance 

from the final resistance for each contact pair. 

(k)  For each set of samples, determine the average change in resistance for the four 

contact pairs that experience the greatest resistance increase. 

The initial contact resistance shall not exceed 20 milliohms for any contact pair. 

The average change in resistance for the four contact pairs with the greatest change in 
resistance as a result of the temperature and humidity cycling test of 5.2.5 shall not 
exceed 15 milliohms. 

The average change in resistance for the four contact pairs with the greatest change in 
resistance as a result of the mixed flowing gas test of 5.2.6 shall not exceed 10 
milliohms. 

 

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FREE CONNECTOR 

 

Figure 5-1: Contact Resistance Connections 

 

5.2.5  Temperature and Humidity Cycling Test 

Perform temperature and humidity cycling as follows: 

(a)  Without disturbing the connector contact points after the initial contact resistance 

measurement in step (f) of 5.2.4, place one set of connector samples in a 
temperature and humidity chamber.  

(b)  Cycle the chamber through the following test conditions: 

1.  30 minutes at 32° C (90° F) and 90% relative humidity; 

2.  Two hour transition to -40

C (-40

F) and any reasonable humidity; 

3.  30 minutes at -40

C (-40

F) and any reasonable humidity; 

4.  Two and one-half hour transition to 66° C (150° F) and 15% relative humidity; 

5.  30 minutes at 66° C (150° F) and 15% relative humidity; 

 

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6.  Two-hour transition back to 32° C (90° F) and 90% relative humidity. 

(c)  Repeat the temperature and humidity cycle of step (b) 49 times (i.e., all contacts 

are to be subjected to a total of 50 temperature and humidity cycles). 

(d) Allow 30 minutes for the samples to stabilize at room ambient temperature and 

humidity conditions.  The connectors shall not be moved or contact points 
disturbed during this time. 

Remeasure the contact resistance and determine the amount of resistance change as 
described in steps (i) through (k) of 5.2.4

5.2.6  Mixed Flowing Gas Test 

The following procedure shall be used: 

(a)  Without disturbing the connector contact points after the initial contact resistance 

measurement in step (f) of 5.2.4, place one set of connector samples in a 
suitable environmental test chamber. 

(b)  Perform mixed flowing gas test as described in Annex B. 

(c)  Allow two hours for the samples to stabilize at room ambient conditions. 

Remeasure the contact resistance and determine the amount of resistance change as 
described in steps (i) through (k) of 5.2.4

 

6  WIRING CONFIGURATIONS 

The connectors specified in this standard shall be wired in accordance with any of the 
applicable wiring configurations provided in T1.TR.5-1999.

 

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ANNEX A (Informative) – MODIFIED SO

2

 TEST METHOD 

The modified sulfur dioxide (SO

2

) test procedure consists of the following steps: 

(1) 

Wash samples in distilled water. 

(2) 

Rinse samples in isopropyl alcohol. 

(3) 

Allow samples to air dry (not blown). 

(4) 

Place 100 ml of sulfurous acid in a 10-liter desiccator and allow to stand for 30 
minutes. 

(5) 

Suspend samples in chamber for 24 hours at ambient temperature without 
touching solution. 

(6) 

After exposure, dry samples at 80

C for 10 minutes. 

(7) 

Prepare saturated dimethylglyoxime (DMG) solution in ethanol. 

(8) 

Mix one part of above with one part concentrated ammonium hydroxide. 

(9) 

Apply mixture of Step (h) to samples.  The solution should completely wet 
samples by aerosol spraying, immersion, or swabbing. 

(10)  Allow samples to air dry (not blown). 

(11)  Nickel exposure is indicated by a pink colored corrosion product. 

 

NOTE: After drying, white crystals on surface are dried DMG.  Nickel 
will show as a pink colored corrosion product while base metal would 
have shown as a corrosion product after exposure to sulfurous acid. 

 

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ANNEX B (Normative) – MIXED FLOWING GAS TEST 

B.1 G

ENERAL

 

In the evaluation of contact interfaces for gold equivalency, it is necessary to evaluate 
the contact interface performance when exposed to a corrosive atmosphere.  A 
corrosive atmosphere is best simulated by a mixed flowing gas test.  Since such a test 
has not yet been standardized, it is necessary to include a complete mixed flowing gas 
test procedure in this Document.   

The procedure selected is based upon Project TP-65 draft text developed by EIA 
Engineering Committee P5.1 and is representative of the type of test being conducted by 
the connector industry at present.  If a procedure for mixed flowing gas testing is 
standardized, it will be considered for use in replacing this annex 

B.1.1 Content 

This annex covers the test procedure for producing environmentally related corrosive 
atmospheres to determine the reaction of plated or unplated surfaces when exposed to 
different concentrations of flowing gas mixtures. 

B.1.2 Description 

Samples which are to be evaluated may be mated or unmated connectors, components, 
or experimental materials.  They are placed in an environmentally controlled chamber 
that is monitored by a gas analyzing system for controlled concentrations of the gas 
mixture.  Corrosion rates are monitored by silver and copper control coupons placed in 
the chamber for each test.  These control coupons are removed and analyzed using 
calometric reduction for factors related to amount and type of corrosive product growth 
to confirm severity control level. 

B.1.3 Safety 

This procedure involves the use of hazardous materials, operations, and equipment.  
This annex does not purport to address all of the safety concerns that may be 
associated with its use.  It is the responsibility of the user of this annex to consult and 
establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of 
regulatory limitations prior to use.  For specific precautions, see B.4. 

B.2 M

ATERIALS

 

(1) Control Coupons 

(a)  Copper sheet, oxygen free high conductivity, UNS C10200, 0.0127 mm 

(0.005 inch) thick, temper 0.5 hard. 

(b) 

Silver foil, pure fine grain, 0.0127 mm (0.005 inch) thick. 

(c) 

Acid, sulfuric, concentrated, AR grade. 

(d) Jewelers 

Rouge. 

(e) 

1,1,1 Trichloroethane, AR grade. 

 

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(f) 

Deionized or distilled water. 

(g) 

Hydrochloric Acid, AR grade. 

(h) 

Methanol, AR grade. 

(2) Exposure Materials 

(a) 

Nitrogen gas, pro-purified grade or better. 

(b) 

Nitrogen dioxide gas, chemically pure grade or better. 

(c) 

Hydrogen sulfide gas, chemically pure grade or better. 

(d) 

Chlorine gas, chemically pure grade or better. 

(e) 

Clean, dry and oil-free air. 

(f) 

Gas injection equipment, for example, Teflon permeation tubes. 

B.3 T

EST 

E

QUIPMENT

 

(1)  Coupon Evaluation Equipment 

(a) Coulometric 

Analyzer 

Coulometry for IMFG monitoring is limited to determination of sulfide and 
oxide films on copper, and sulfide and chloride films on silver.  Experience 
has shown that monitoring these films is usually sufficient to validate the 
IMFG environmental conditions of the chamber. 

(b) Weight 

gain 

equipment 

(c) Other 

NOTE: provided correlation with coulometric method has been 
demonstrated. 

(2) Environmental Chamber 

(a)  The environmental chamber is to consist of an enclosure made of 

noncorrosive, nonmetallic materials contained within a cabinet, oven, or 
incubator capable of maintaining the temperature within the specified 
ranges, see Table B-1.  A commercially available environmental chamber 
will suffice. 

(b) 

The constant temperature chamber for permeation tubes, if used, is to be 
capable of controlling the temperature within +1

C over a temperature 

range of 15-30

C. 

(3)  Source of clean dry air 

(4) Appropriate gas analysis equipment for calibrating and monitoring the gas 

concentrations in the chamber.  The gas analysis equipment is to be capable of 
the following accuracy: 

 

 Total 

Sulfur 

Analyzer 

+1 ppb at 20% upper range limit 

 

 

+4 ppb at 80% upper range limit 

 NO

2

 Analyzer 

+1 ppb at 20% upper range limit 

 

 

+4 ppb at 80% upper range limit 

 

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 Cl

2

 Analyzer 

+4% 

(5) Temperature and humidity monitoring equipment, capable of an accuracy of 

±0.5° C and ±1% relative humidity, respectively. 

B.4 S

AFETY AND 

H

EALTH 

C

ONSIDERATIONS

 

Do not perform these procedures unless the operator is fully trained in handling 
hazardous materials and knowledgeable of the appropriate precautions necessary to 
perform this test.  Appropriate safety and health representatives should be consulted for 
any other prerequisites or proper procedures prior to performing this specification.  The 
safety and environmental procedures to observe include, but are not limited to, the 
following items: 

(1) Material Safety Data Sheets with first aid information have been obtained for all 

chemicals used both in cleaning and testing. 

(2) The operator has received the Safety Sheets and become familiar with normal 

precautions for handling corrosive and toxic materials. 

(3) All necessary safety equipment is available including a properly functioning, well 

lighted fume hood, eyewash station/shower, large sink with running water, acid 
resistant glove and apron, chemical goggles and acid spill kit. 

(4) All chemicals have been properly labeled and will be properly stored in 

accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and 
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regulations. 

(5)  Arrangements for proper storage and disposal of chemicals have been made. 

B.5 S

AMPLE 

P

REPARATION

 

B.5.1  Control Coupon Preparation 

This is a critical process in conducting the test and therefore the same method should be 
used each time the test is performed.  Improper cleaning may introduce contaminants 
that can affect the corrosion rates and mechanisms. The following method has been 
found to produce reproducible results. 

WARNING! 

PERFORM ALL WORK WITH ACIDS, SOLVENTS, OR GASES 
IN A FUME HOOD.  CHEMICAL GOGGLES, OR FACE SHIELD, 
SHALL BE WORN.  OBSERVE PRECAUTIONS IN HANDLING 
CORROSIVE AGENTS. 

(1) Copper 

(a) 

Vapor degrease with 1,1,1 trichloroethane or equivalent for 1 minute. 

(b) 

Rinse thoroughly with methanol. 

(c) 

Rinse thoroughly with deionized or distilled water. 

(d) 

Etch with 15% solution of sulfuric acid at 50° C for 2 minutes. 

(e) 

Rinse with deionized or distilled water. 

(f) 

Dry with clean, dry, filtered air. 

 

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(2) Silver 

(a) 

Dip in concentrated hydrochloric acid for 2 minutes. 

(b) 

Rinse with deionized or distilled water. 

(c) 

Dry with clean, dry, filtered air. 

(d) 

Buff with jewelers rouge. 

(e) 

Ultrasonically clean with 1,1,1 trichloroethane or equivalent for 1 minute. 

(f) 

Repeat cleaning with fresh 1,1,1 trichloroethane. 

(g) 

Air dry (not blown). 

(h) 

Vapor degrease with 1,1,1 trichloroethane or equivalent for 1 minute. 

(i) 

Air dry (not blown). 

(j) 

Clean cathodically in a boiling solution of trisodium phosphate using an 
inert anode for 1 minute at a current of 1.0 ampere. 

(k) 

Rinse thoroughly with distilled or deionized water. 

(l) 

Dry with clean, dry, filtered air. 

NOTES:  

(1) 

Control coupons should be handled with clean forceps at all 
times with the exception the of buffing in Step (d) above. 

(2) 

Store coupons in a sealed container that has been filled with 
an inert gas (i.e., nitrogen), or an evacuated desiccator until 
used. 

B.5.2  Test Sample Preparation 

Samples are to be tested in the "as received condition" unless otherwise specified.  All 
surfaces that are not intended for exposure and could influence the various 
measurements are to be protected. 

B.6 P

ROCEDURE

 

B.6.1 Calibration 

WARNING! 

PERFORM ALL WORK WITH ACIDS, SOLVENTS, OR GASES 
IN A FUME HOOD.  CHEMICAL GOGGLES, OR FACE SHIELD, 
SHALL BE WORN.  OBSERVE PRECAUTIONS IN HANDLING 
CORROSIVE AGENTS. 

Prior to the start of a test, all gas concentration monitoring equipment is to be calibrated 
by the operator to known standards following procedures outlined by the equipment 
manufacturers. After start of the test, the monitoring equipment is to be calibrated at 
least every 5 days and on the final day of testing in order to ensure that the readings are 
accurate. 

NOTE: Some chlorine monitors cannot differentiate between chlorine and 
some other pollutant gases.  Those monitors will only require calibration 
prior to the beginning of testing and just after the final day of testing as 

 

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these are the only times that the other gases can be eliminated from the 
chamber to allow a determination of the chlorine levels. 

B.6.2 Pretest Procedures 

(1) Adjust humidity and temperature according to environmental severity class 

specified as indicated in Table B-1, without samples in chamber. 

(2) Allow chamber to stabilize for temperature and humidity without samples.  

Exchange rate is to be adjusted to provide 6 changes per hour. 

(3) Currently, chlorine concentration is to be adjusted and stabilized first; this gas 

cannot be monitored in combination with the other pollutants. 

(4) Figure B-1 defines the zone configuration of a typical test chamber.  Control 

coupons are to be placed in the shaded zones of Figure B-2.  Inert, noncorrosive 
materials are to be used for suspending the test samples and control coupons in 
the test chamber. 

(5) Place samples and control coupons in chamber as soon as possible after 

stabilization period. They are to be placed such that there is a minimum space of 
5.1 cm (2 inches) between samples, coupons and the chamber walls.  Random 
placement of the samples at the various measurement intervals throughout the 
test is important. 

(6)  Sample orientation is to be chosen to minimize obstruction of the air flow. 

(7)  Because of absorption of gases by the samples, allow chlorine concentrations to 

stabilize and adjust, if necessary, to the desired concentration. 

(8) The remaining pollutants (NO

2

 and H

2

S) are then to be introduced into the test 

chamber and adjusted for the concentrations of the requested exposure class in 
Table B-1. 

(9) Total reactive corrosion area of samples and control coupons compared to the 

volume in inner chamber is to be such that the concentrations of the gasses can 
be maintained throughout the test. 

 

Table B- 1: Environmental Severity Limits 

Pollutant Concentration (ppb) 

Environmental 

Class 

% Relative 

Humidity 

Temperature

°C 

Cl

2

NO

2

H

2

Discontinued as a test procedure 

II 70 

+2 30 

+2 10 

+3 200 

+50 10 

+5 

III 75 

+2 30 

+2 20 

+5 200 

+50 100 

+20 

IV 75 

+2 40 

+2 30 

+5 200 

+50 200 

+20 

 

 

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B.6.3 Test Procedures 

WARNING! 

PERFORM ALL WORK WITH ACIDS, SOLVENTS, OR GASES 
IN A FUME HOOD.  CHEMICAL GOGGLES, OR FACE SHIELD, 
SHALL BE WORN.  OBSERVE PRECAUTIONS IN HANDLING 
CORROSIVE AGENTS. 

(1) A recommended exposure time for the test samples is 20 days unless otherwise 

specified in the referencing document. 

(2) In many cases it may be advantageous to withdraw samples for periodic testing 

prior to the full time of the test.  After removal from the chamber, such samples 
are to be stabilized at ambient room temperature for a minimum of 2 hours, 
measured for appropriate response, and returned to the chamber if required. 
Such withdrawals are to be noted in the test report. 

(3) The interior of the environmental chamber is to be monitored daily for humidity, 

temperature, and pollutant concentration.  If adjustment is required, additional 
monitoring is to be performed.  Concentration of chlorine gas is to be adjusted 
only at the start of the test and checked at the completion of the test, since 
chlorine concentration cannot be analyzed in combination with the other 
pollutants.  However, the initial chlorine flow rate is to be maintained throughout 
the test. 

(4)  At the conclusion of the test, the test samples is to be removed from the chamber 

and stabilized at ambient room temperature for a minimum of 2 hours before 
making the final readings or measurements. 

B.6.4  Control Coupon Exposures 

WARNING! 

PERFORM ALL WORK WITH ACIDS, SOLVENTS, OR GASES 
IN A FUME HOOD.  CHEMICAL GOGGLES, OR FACE SHIELD, 
SHALL BE WORN.  OBSERVE PRECAUTIONS IN HANDLING 
CORROSIVE AGENTS. 

(1) A minimum of 3 coupons each of copper and silver, for each time interval and 

location in the test chamber, is to be placed in the chamber to monitor corrosion 
film growth rates.  A minimum of 3 coupons of each type are to be removed after 
an exposure time of 48 hours, and a minimum of another 3 coupons of each type 
after 95 hours.  A new set of coupons are to then be placed in the chamber to 
monitor the next major time interval, and again a minimum of 3 coupons of each 
type are to be removed after the 48 and 95 hour exposure time. 

(2)  Recommended major time intervals during a typical 20-day test are as follows: 

(a) 

between the 1st and 4th day of the test; 

(b) 

between the 9th and 12th day; and, 

(c) 

from the 16th through the 20th day. 

(3)  Control coupons are used to monitor the reaction rate in the chamber and not the 

deterioration of the test samples.  Coupons removed from the chamber are not to 
be returned to the chamber. 

 

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(4) Whenever possible, in order to minimize instability of the test conditions within 

the chamber, any test samples required to be removed on a certain day is to be 
removed at the same time as the control coupons are being removed or 
replaced. 

B.6.5  Control Coupon Evaluation 

Control coupons removed from the chamber are to be analyzed using any method in B.3 
to verify chamber conditions. 

B.7 D

OCUMENTATION

 

Data Sheets are to contain: 

(1)  title of test; 

(2) sample description; 

(3) test equipment; 

(4)  number of samples; 

(5) test procedure; 

(6)  actual pollutant concentrations used in the test (H2S, NO2, Cl2); 

(7) deviations from test conditions during sample exposure (charts to be supplied if 

necessary); 

(8)  date of test and name of operator. 

B.8 S

UMMARY

 

The following details are to be specified in the referencing document: 

(1)  number of samples to be tested; 

(2)  duration of exposure, if other than specfied in B.3, Step (1); 

(3)  test severity class; 

(4)  sample preparation and descriptions of product to be tested; 

(5)  sample measurement intervals. 

 

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Figure B- 1: Chamber Zone Configuration

 

 

 

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Figure B- 2: Control Coupon Locations 

 

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Document Outline