This article is about Copper Cable Underground Installation & Commissioning of OSP Outside Plant Telecommunication as per International Codes and standards.
Copper Cable Underground Installation & Commissioning | Telecommunication
Safety Precautions for Underground Installation
Verify and ensure that the proper work permit has been obtained prior commencing the work activity.
Verify that before entering manholes, tests is made for detection of hazardous gases using the appropriate gas testing equipment as outlined in GI-0002.708, Gas Testing Procedures and SAES-T-603.
Verify Prior to pre-entry tests, place warning devices, such as traffic cones, men-working signs, flags, and manhole guards, at the manhole. The work area protection setup operation shall be done with promptness to minimize exposure of personnel to traffic. (See SAES-T-603).
Verify that prior to MH entry, the MH is purged with power blower having a minimum output capacity of 14.1 cubic meters per minute for the period of time shown on the manhole ventilation chart (Table 1) of SAES-T-628 prior to entry. Minimum ventilation time in all situations must not be less than 5 minutes.
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General: Ensure that it is strictly prohibited to take matches, lighters, storage batteries or any items capable of producing a spark or flame (other than approved items or tools) into a manhole, or to use torches, lanterns, lighted cigars, cigarettes, pipes, furnaces, or other types of open flame within 3 meters of an open manhole even though tests indicate the absence of gas. Refer to GI-0002.100, Work Permit Procedures.
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Verify and ensure that hard hats, safety shoes and approved eye protection must be worn by all persons working in the manhole.
Setting Up Equipment for Underground Installation
General: In all cases, where cable is to be placed in main conduit, verify and ensure that the ducts is thoroughly cleaned before the pull line or cable is placed.
General: Verify that care is taken to prevent damage to existing cables in manholes when setting up the pulling apparatus or placing tools of any kind. Ensure that workers not stepping on cables or rack hooks when entering or leaving a manhole; always ensure the use of an approved ladder.
General: Verify that existing conduits is tested in both directions with an appropriate size mandrel prior to placing an underground cable.
Verify that the cable reel is loaded so that the cable is fed from the top of it (refer to GTE 628-100-201, Figure 10). In every instance caution must be exercised so that reverse cable bending is not encountered when placing the cable in the underground conduit system.
Verify that the trailer is located on the side of the manhole nearest the conduit section in which the cable is to be placed. Position the trailer so the cable is fed from the top of the reel, in a long arc, into the cable feeder and duct. (Refer to GTE 628-100-29, Figure 10).
Verify and insure that pulling swivel is being used when placing underground copper cables regardless of the method used. (refer to GTE 628-100-201, para. 3.4, issue 2 November 1991).
Placing the Copper Cable for Underground Installation
Verify and insure before starting underground placing work, all personnel shall know the communication signals that will be used. Personnel shall be stationed at the reel location during pulling activities to maintain proper reel rotation. (refer to GTE 628-100-201).
Verify that the first 20 feet of cable is generously lubricated to reduce initial duct friction. The amount of the lubricant required during the remainder of the pull should be determined by the conditions being encountered. Bends, long pulls, pulling through manholes, etc., may require more lubricant.
Verify that cable pull start slowly until at least two feet of it has entered the duct. From this point, the cable may be pulled, steadily and continuously, at the rate of 80 to 100 feet per minute.
“Verify and ensure that the following cable pulling tension limitations requirements are met:
a) The maximum pulling tension must not exceed the rated working load for winch ropes (i.e., 6,500 pounds for 7/16-inch non-rotating wire ropes).
b) The cable pulling tension must not exceed the maximum allowable pulling tension [T(max)] for the specific cable being placed. ”
Verify that the cable ends in the manhole upon completion of cable pulling are cleaned and placed on manhole hooks or tied to the racks with lashing wire (Refer to GTE 628-100-201, Figure 12).
Ensure that unnecessary bending of the cables in attaching them to cable hooks or racks is avoided and all cable bend radii are10 times the cable diameter or greater.
Cable Splicing and Identification
Verify that proper cable racking and preparation for cable opening for the type of splice closure involved is made prior cable splicing. (refer to GTE 632-100-213)
Verify and ensure that the proper bonding clips are installed on each cable end for making reliable electrical connections to the aluminum shield. (refer to GTE 632-100-218)
Verify and ensure that a proper splicing crimping tool is provided prior the start of the cable splicing operation. (refer to GTE 632-100-213)
Verify and ensure that proper type connecter is provided for the required cable splicing operation prior commencing the cable splicing activity.
If type AMP connectors to be use, ensure that at least one connector is checked for mechanical quality of crimp, with the crimp gauge, at the beginning and end of each shift and after every 100 pairs are connected. ( refer to GTE 632-100-213, para. 5).
If the 3M Scotchlok type UR, UG or UY discrete connectors are to be used, ensure that only standard E9 crimping tool (E9-E or E9-Y) is used during the cable splicing operation {the use of plier-type tools (needle-nose, wire cutters, etc.) cause incomplete crimp or connector damage. ( refer to GTE 632-100-202, para. 6)
Verify and ensure that the copper cable is properly identified using applicable KAUST cable designation symbols as specified in SAES-T-018.
Commissioning
Verify that all Pre-Commissioning Phase Quality Control Activities are complied.
Standards Codes and References for Copper Cable Underground Installation
1. SAES-T-628. Telecom. Underground cable.
2. SAES-T-632, Communications Cable Splicing.
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