Fiber Install Question
- Thread starter Dean83169
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petersonra
Senior Member
- Location
- Northern illinois
- Occupation
- Semi-retired engineer
The requirements for optical fiber cable installations are in article 770. If it is not there, the code does not care about it. IMO, under the parking lot qualifies as "outside the building".
hbiss
EC, Westchester, New York NEC: 2014
- Location
- Hawthorne, New York NEC: 2014
- Occupation
- EC
The Code doesn't cover that. I would pull it in conduit in a 24" deep trench.
-Hal
-Hal
Richterfan
Member
- Location
- Danbury,Ct
I know what I could do, but a lot of utilities in the area and really don’t want to dig further then I have to. Was thinking 12” in rigid.
- Location
- Bremerton, Washington
- Occupation
- Master Electrician
There is no burial depth requirement in the "low voltage" articles unless there is a reference to 300.5
However, someone digging often expects conduits to be 24" deep. I would recommend a warning ribbon and sand, better yet some CDF over the conduits.
What would happen if the fiber is hit by a fiber locator (backhoe bucket)? What is the cost to the business? What is the restoration plan?
However, someone digging often expects conduits to be 24" deep. I would recommend a warning ribbon and sand, better yet some CDF over the conduits.
What would happen if the fiber is hit by a fiber locator (backhoe bucket)? What is the cost to the business? What is the restoration plan?
DrSparks
The Everlasting Know-it-all!
- Location
- Madison, WI, USA
- Occupation
- Master Electrician and General Contractor
The only reason optical fiber is covered in the National Electric Code is because of its contribution to smoke in the event of a fire. Anything outside the building would not apply
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hbendillo
Senior Member
- Location
- South carolina
You might find some guidelines in BICSI (Building Industry Consulting Services International) which has comprehensive guidelines for telecommunications installations. Unless a jurisdiction or project cites it as the standard to meet it would just be guidelines. A government entity may have it's own standards. You would want to consider rigid versus PVC conduit or Concrete encased versus none. Barring an enforced standard you could probably do whatever you want but it may not be good engineering practice or judgement.
RumRunner
Senior Member
- Location
- SCV Ca, USA
- Occupation
- Retired EE
You don't say where you are located. You obviously are the contractor. There is no NEC requirement per se about fiber optic installation. The fiber optic mfg usually provides tech support.
Since I don't know where you are, I can cite some guidelines in terms how underground installs are handled here Southern Ca.
Before we dig we call DIG ALERT 811. Your state may have a similar service. It is free of charge.
Digging in any property is risky business at least in LA and out laying areas.
AKElectrician
Senior Member
- Location
- Soldotna, AK, USA
Bend radius is the big one I have dealt with. Manufacturers and AHJ should have that info. For instance a regular LB can be to tight.
Not sure if this will be pertinent for you (I'm in Canada)
Our outside fiber runs are governed by EIA/TIA standards. The company that owns the fiber should have specs (possibly more stringent) to those standards.
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