Burying Optical Cable

Some useful guidelines

The greatest danger to fibre optic cables is ‘dig-ins’ i.e. damage from third parties. Because of the high cost of breaks, some companies are putting in monitoring systems which set off alarms if there are any disturbances close to the cable.

At the very least, install the cable deep, below the usual utilities: water, gas and other cables typically with 3m of cove. If not in a duct, then bed it in sand or some non-abrasive material and put markers in the trench i.e. plastic tape so that anybody digging sees this before getting to the cable.

If the cable is being installed by guided drilling whereby a bore is made and the cable is pulled into it then this requires a different set of guidelines and controls on pull back loads etc.

Deal with soil movement which is pretty unlikely except in seismic zones by leaving the cable snaked in the trench to allow some movement without creating tension.

In locating the line, avoid slopes that could be prone to slips.

Where you pass through a wall or similar there needs to a proper “eye” put in the wall to allow the cable a degree of movement without damage. These are commercially available.

Clay House, Harnage, Shropshire, SY5 6EF Tel: 0845 3655061, Fax: 07005 982624, Email: info@bbnint.co.uk

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Burying Optical Cable

Some useful guidelines