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.