scope:

The scope of this standard is to provide testing and verification standards for the commonly used hardware, primarily couplers, and enclosures, for broadband over power line (BPL) installations, and provide standard installation methods to enable compliance with applicable codes and standards. This standard does not cover repeater/node hardware, data transmission, protocols, or other aspects of BPL related to the internal workings of this technology.

Purpose

The BPL industry in the United States is in its infancy. For this technology to become widespread, standards must be put in place that will enable utilities to quickly develop a BPL program without the tedious task of investigating every possible hardware solution for safety and usability. A BPL standard will give both the utilities and the BPL industry the ability to confidently pursue a BPL installation. In addition, because of the nature of BPL, non-utility personnel will be working in close proximity to areas that are commonly considered off-limits to all personnel except for qualified linemen. The purpose of this standard is to provide the boundaries of what is strictly the working area for linemen only in the utility environment, and detail construction practices that enable adherence to applicable codes and standards.