In a message dated 1/12/99 10:37:45 Eastern Standard Time,
[email protected] writes:
> I am looking for a short form summary of the reasons for the FCC
> specification for using 50 millionths gold contacts on modular jacks and
> connectors.
> This is something quite old and most manufacturers now make standard
> parts with something like selective plating to .000015 probably because
> it works just fine. Old habits seem to never die so I would like to know
> if this has real practical technical advantages and if it is really an
> important requirement other that it may be a absolute regulatory
> requirement. In fact, someone might wish to comment on whether it really
> is a current requirement.
Paul,
Long time, no speak. This question comes up again and again. When I
was at
the last TIA / Part 68 meeting in NM in Feb 1998 they talked about it.
Initially this was required by FCC Docket 88-57. A second issue of this
docket was released in June 1997.
Plugs & Jacks are to have 50 microns of gold or Equivalent. The
equivalent
part is tested based upon a procedure in TIA TSB-31-B Appendix E. Therefore,
if a manufacturer can design a jack with a different material and meet the
requirements of this appendix, then it is considered Part 68 compliant.
The main reason for the plating is seacoast installations because of
salt air
corrosion. Hope this helps and things are going well.
Regards,
Larry K. Stillings
President
Compliance Worldwide, Inc.
66 Baptist Road
PO Box 233
Canterbury, NH 03224
603-783-4775
www.cw-inc.com
