New pool constructed under existing fiber optics cable

[fandi]

Hello All,
A new pool is constructed under existing fiber optics cable. The straight down distance from the fiber optics cable to the water level is about 21ft.
Per 680.9 (Overhead conductor clearances), there are different clearance requirements for:
(B) Communications system: 10ft.
(C) Network-powered broadband Communications system: 22.5ft

Per NEC definition, there are two types of fiber optics: conductive and non-conductive.
So my question is: Are fiber optic cables considered communication cables (10ft requirement) or network-powered broadband communication cables (22.5ft requirement)?
Thanks.

 

[Rock86]

Hello All,
A new pool is constructed under existing fiber optics cable. The straight down distance from the fiber optics cable to the water level is about 21ft.
Per 680.9 (Overhead conductor clearances), there are different clearance requirements for:
(B) Communications system: 10ft.
(C) Network-powered broadband Communications system: 22.5ft

Per NEC definition, there are two types of fiber optics: conductive and non-conductive.
So my question is: Are fiber optic cables considered communication cables (10ft requirement) or network-powered broadband communication cables (22.5ft requirement)?
Thanks.

Fiber optic cables are discussed in both 805 and 830. In my opinion, you should investigate what the fiber is being used for and how it is constructed to determine which category it would fall under.

 

[tom baker]

Fiber optic is no voltage which is why the 10 ft clearance. Network powered has voltage from the network powering equipment in the home.
Is this pool on private property? The telecom provider can tell you what type of system. If public property then there are easements to address

 

[fandi]

Fiber optic is no voltage which is why the 10 ft clearance. Network powered has voltage from the network powering equipment in the home.
Is this pool on private property? The telecom provider can tell you what type of system. If public property then there are easements to address

The pool is on private property.

 

[tom baker]

It’s likely fiber, as network powered broadband is not common. Your area may have a franchise with a telecom provider, a few phone calls will track them down or look for a service drop and ask who the provider is

 

[zbang]

Side question- is there an easement under the fiber? A pool could complicate maintenance.

 

[tom baker]

And the easement may be restrictive on what is allowed

 

[Rock86]

Fiber optic is no voltage which is why the 10 ft clearance. Network powered has voltage from the network powering equipment in the home.
Is this pool on private property? The telecom provider can tell you what type of system. If public property then there are easements to address

Please correct me if I am wrong. From how i interpreted the code, it is not so much the fiber, it is the construction of the cable and how it is used that would make the difference. Of course, you can grab the glass while it emitting light and nothing will happen, but if the cable has metallic jacket and the jacket becomes energized, now there is an issue.

 

[PaulMmn]

The OP cited (C) Network-powered broadband Communications system: 22.5ft clearance. This isn't just fiber-- it's also power for any repeaters down the line, or fiber-to-copper interfaces. IE electricity on the cable!

 

[fandi]

Side question- is there an easement under the fiber? A pool could complicate maintenance.

the fiber optic cable is right above the wooden fence (property line). It's 7ft from the fence to the pool edge so the distance is less than 10ft.

 

[fandi]

Fiber optic company technician confirmed on the site that the cable does contain copper and therefore 22.5ft vertical clearance is required.

 

[zbang]

the fiber optic cable is right above the wooden fence (property line).

Unfortunately, that doesn't answer the easement question. One place I lived had the utility lines along the back fence, and we weren't supposed to erect permanent structures within 5'(?) of that line, or maybe it was 10' from each pole (it's been a while). This was part of the utility easement, not a zoning setback rule.

This shouldn't need to be the electrician's concern, but the GC's.