How is Fiber Optic Cable Installed Underground?
Fiber optic cable runs through most houses in the US. In fact, the Fiber Broadband Association suggests that it now occupies around 52% of homes and businesses in this country.
Clearly, it’s a huge part of our infrastructure. And, it’s understandable. Multiple areas of our lives depend on high-speed wi-fi, something that fiber optic can provide.
However, what is a fiber optic cable, and how is a fiber optic cable installed underground? Let’s take a look.
What is Fiber Optic Cable?
Fiber optic cable is a high-speed communication medium made from thin strands of glass or plastic. These strands can then transmit data using pulses of light, offering a higher bandwidth, faster speeds, and improved reliability than copper cables.
Why is Fiber Optic Cable Installed Underground?
To Protect the Cable from Environmental Damage
Installing fiber optic cable underground acts as a shield from harsh weather conditions. Not only this, but it protects it from UV radiation, falling trees, and animals. Simply, it reduces the chance of the cable becoming unusable from external damage.
To Avoid Interference with Above-Ground Infrastructure
In areas like dense urban areas, aerial installation is commonly unsafe. This is due to existing poles, power lines, and building limitations. Because of this, installing fiber optic underground is the only option to maintain safety and to avoid conflict with other services.
To Ensure Long-Term Stability and Lower Maintenance
Buried fiber cables are less likely to be disturbed, vandalized, or affected by accidental contact, something that is common during construction. As a result, while the initial installation is much more labour-intensive, the need for maintenance is reduced dramatically.
Steps to Installing Fiber Optic Cable Underground
When installing fiber optic cable underground, there’s typically a seven-step process:
- Site Survey
- Permitting
- Trenching or Boring
- Conduit Installation
- Cable Pulling
- Splicing and Termination
- Testing and Certification
1. Site Survey
The process begins with a site survey. During this, technicians assess the layout of the site, check for underground utilities, and identify the best route for trenching or boring.
2. Permitting
Once the technicians have a plan of action, they can then obtain the necessary permits needed to begin the work. This includes contacting local municipalities or utility boards.
3. Trenching or Boring
Depending on site conditions, trenches will be dug out to lay conduit. Other times, directional boring is used for less invasive installation. Generally, boring is used in areas where existing landscaping, driveways, or roads exist.
4. Conduit Installation
To house the fiber optic cable and to ensure it is protected, protective conduits, either PVC or HDPE, are placed underground. This is to protect the fiber optic cable from moisture, shifting soil, and physical damage.
5. Cable Pulling
After, the fiber optic cable is then pulled through the installed conduit. This should be done with precision, as the cable cannot bend or be stressed, as it could significantly affect signal quality.
6. Splicing and Termination
Once laid, the fiber cable is then spliced and connected to the endpoints. These include such things as network switches or distribution hubs.
7. Testing and Certification
The installation is then tested over several performance metrics. For example, signal strength, continuity, and data integrity. After testing, the installation will then get certified to ensure it meets both performance and warranty requirements.
How Deep is Fiber Optic Cable Buried?
The exact depth depends on soil type, regional building codes, and the type of protection.
However, it’s typically buried at the following depths:
- Residential or low-risk areas: 12 to 24 inches
- High-traffic or commercial zones: Up to 36 inches
- Under roads, concrete, or hard surfaces: Minimum of 18 inches, per NEC guidelines
Contact Us
If you’re looking for a fiber optic cable installation, contact our team at Beacon. We’ve been providing such services since 2002 and are happy to help both residential and commercial owners.