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Trenching across a lawn

n1ckk1ng2 — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 18:31:04 GMT

Given that the position of the pavement outlet for FTTP is by no means optimal (if only I'd known it was imminent), I'm guessing OpenReach will want to make the shortest trench to my house wall then surface run a fibre to the ingress point.

Can anyone please advise if the fibre used can be buried directly, or is a pipe needed? Whichever, how wide/deep is needed for the trench? I'll try to dig it myself if not too deep... Presumably the cable could be pulled through a flexible pipe (about 9 metres long) and then buried.

What will OpenReach provide?

Thanks

Re: Trenching across a lawn

stevebrass — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 19:24:04 GMT

I used plastic overflow pipe -21.5 mm diameter.
Buried it about 200mm deep

You’ll need to join sections to broach your distance . Either solvent weld the joints or tape them up securely

Thread some stout rope through and jobs done . You can thread the rope through section by section

The cable is sheathed and well protected and can be sunk into the earth bare I think

Re: Trenching across a lawn

n1ckk1ng2 — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 19:18:32 GMT

OpenReach turned up on spec - fortunately I was in. They used a spade to cut a shallow slot in my lawn, but my hand-trenching tool (ex-army) made enlarging the slot easier. The fibre used is the same as for running from a pole, so, strong for tension, but it needs protection underground: they use a (coiled up) pipe just sufficient diameter for two fibres such that it can make gentle turns. It rises tidily out of the way where I want it.

Re: Trenching across a lawn

stevebrass — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 21:46:27 GMT

A good result.