Our objective is to maintain a local network that can adapt to changing demands, without having to engineer changes to the existing underground and overhead cable systems. Simply, we want as far as possible to provide access to new services without having to dig up roads to do it. This involves a number of design and technical issues.
Having had years of experience in designing duct layouts and by mapping current trends, we can realistically assess what communications your site will need - today and tomorrow. This provides the foundation for defining the main infrastructure around the development.
Our main network is provided in 90mm PVC duct (D54). How much of this is used will depend on the amount of cable required to feed the site now, and what may be required to support further phases of construction.
When providing duct to housing, there is a limit of four duct tees and a maximum length from the jointing chamber of 80 metres. This is the maximum length of cable that we are able to pull through the ducting, should we need to replace it in the future.
The number and size of Openreach jointing chambers is determined by the number of duct ways to be taken from the chamber and the maximum distance that cable can be pulled in. The type of cables used can also affect the number and sizes of the chambers needed to service the development.
All Openreach jointing chambers must be built to Openreach standards, using the relevant CN construction diagrams. This will ensure that the chambers are durable and built to the standard demanded by the Highways Authority.
We try to position jointing chambers and other network elements where they will cause the least problems for people and traffic when the box is open for installation and maintenance.
When we are providing service to a block of flats, we place a 90mm duct into the optimum position to service all the dwellings and provide good maintenance access. To avoid unsightly surface wiring, separate 6-wire cables are run from the 90mm duct into each flat. These cables are usually installed by the site electrician when the flats are built.
When providing infrastructure to business units, we will provide 90mm ducts into an agreed position in the construction.
All Openreach ducts entering a building must be fitted with gas seals. Your Openreach newSite representative can provide more information about this when they visit your site.
Current regulations require the internal Distribution Point (DP) to be located within two metres from the duct entry point within the building. If you wish for the DP to be provided in an alternative location you will need to provide a cable tray to the desired location. Openreach will charge the developer for any additional internal cabling and necessary cable jointing/terminations beyond the duct entry point.
The Openreach network extends as far as the DP. Internal wiring beyond the DP is the responsibility of the customer to arrange. Openreach can assist in the provision of internal wiring - please see making the infrastructure work for you.
