Microduct Fiber Optic Cable Installation

There are primarily four ways to install direct buried microducts:

l  Using a machine or hand to excavate an area and install them directly into the ground.

l  Placing it into a slot-cut or micro trench.

l  Using a mole plow.

l  Integrating it into an existing duct.

Before you begin any of these installations, you will want to use a manufacturer-supplied tube cutter to cut the microduct. Do not use any other cutting tool. Next, you need to make sure a sealing plug covers both ends of the microduct. Putting this in place will prevent any water or dirt from contaminating the duct and possibly causing damage. Finally, you want to check to see if you've trapped the drawcord with the sealing plug.

Direct In-Ground Installations

Either manually or with a machine, you will excavate a trench to have a place to install the microduct. Place the microduct into the excavated ground and cover the trench back over with the soil you originally removed. Though it's a relatively simple installation, you can take the following tips as a guide the next time you want to use a direct in-ground installation.

Ensure you have buried the microduct deeply enough to not come into contact with tree roots, rodents, freezing groundwater or other utilities.

Avoid having an uneven trench. For easy installation, it should be level, so the microduct sits completely flat. Similarly, try not to have sharp bends present in the duct, for easy fiber installation.

Prevent damage from stones by placing a layer of clean fill at the bottom of the trench. This filling will help the microduct avoid sharp objects. Additionally, when filling in the rest of the trench after installing the microduct, fill the sides or above the microduct to prevent loose debris from landing directly onto the cabling and possibly causing damage.

Support the microduct by installing an access box, which will allow the microduct to keep its alignment where it passes through.

Micro Trench Installations

You'll need to use a micro trench if you need to install the microduct into a hard surface like a road or sidewalk. In these sorts of installations, you will hollow out a small trench in the surface, then use it to install the microduct wand cabling.

l  Clear all sides of the slot trench of any kind of debris. Along with clearing debris, you'll want to make sure to dry the trench if any liquid has entered it.

l  Level the bottom of the trench so the microduct can sit flat. Along with flattening the trench, try to avoid including any bend in the ducts. Following both of these tips will make the microduct easier to install.

l  Protect the microduct by including a shallow layer of soft filling at the bottom of the trench to avoid damage from stones. While you backfill, make sure to do so above the microduct to prevent harm. If you're especially concerned about damage, you can install a backer rod above the backfill.

Mole Plow Installations

A mole plow attaches to a tractor or excavator to cut into the ground with speed and precision. While the plow opens the ground, it will feed the microduct into it.

l  Make sure the ground is even, so the microduct stays level.

l  Check that any bends in the route are smooth and wide.

l  Only use a mole plow when no hard surfaces are present.

l  Use a vibrating plow if there are roots and small stones present.

l  Select a plow that holds the microduct with it. Without the machine automatically placing it in the hole, you'll leave it vulnerable to damage.

In-Duct Installations

If you already have larger ducts installed, you'll need to take several steps before you can install the microduct.

l  Check that there's enough space in the duct.

l  Compensate for the stretching that will occur as the microduct goes into the duct by letting there be some extra length.

l  Ensure there's enough space for the microduct to expand if the temperature is high.

l  Do not restrain the microduct until after 24 hours have passed. This wait will allow for the microduct to reach the same temperature as the jointing chamber and duct.

l  Avoid the microduct twisting while it gets pulled into the duct by using a swivel.

l  Distribute the pulling force over the initial section of the microduct with a pulling sock.