Underground Vaults

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Installed Underground Pedestal Underground vaults or enclosures are used in all fiber optic networks that use GPON networks for FTTH or Fiber To The Home Deployments that are private or federal funded.

Underground vaults are used to link fiber optic cables or power, communications cables placed inside innerduct conduit.

The standard is to place an underground OSP polymer concrete vault or underground enclosure every 500- 1000 feet. Inside the vaults you will find fiber splice cases , the innerduct and “slack loop” that is excess fiber optic cable or other power or communications cable. This excess cable is to normally used as expansion ot to use if a cable is damaged between the vaults.

The size of the underground vault depends on several issues that range from current requirements to future proofing the fiber network. Typically you have one or more (HDPE) innerducts ranging in size from ¾ inch to 4 inches that are placed between vaults every 500- 1000 feet. The underground vaults range in many sizes and load or traffic ratings listed below.

Inside the vault you will find innerduct that is placed at each

In campus or enterprise environments these vaults can be more numerous in density that long linear fiber cable runs.

American Data provides our valued customers many different sizes depending on the network topology or design.

Handholes are underground vaults that provide access to fiber optic cable and other utilities for splicing & repairs.

They are often called pull boxes, splice boxes, underground enclosures or vaults.

Charles Fiber Pedestals & Enclosures

Four basic decisions are required when ordering handholes:

Material
Tier Rating
Size
Shape

Materials In Vaults

Polymer Concrete Vaults

Constructed of sand, aggregate and a bonding material, usually resin
Heaviest for its size; requires a backhoe & crew to set and move
Extremely durable and cost effective but shipping cost could be a factor
Resistant to water, chemicals and UV
Non metallic, non-conductive
Rated for Tier 15 to 22

Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Vaults

Constructed of high-strength fiberglass & resin for the box, then bonded to a polymer concrete support ring & lid
Lighter than polymer concrete by about 30%
Can be moved by two people but will require a backhoe & crew to set

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

The lightest weight – typically 50 – 75% lighter than polymer concrete
Easily managed by two people to move and set
Despite its weight, still constructed to have up to a Tier 22 rating and with a few modifications can achieve an H-20 rating
HDPE material can be drilled, allowing for modification in the field

Advanced Composite Material Vaults

40 to 60% lighter weight than polymer concrete
Can be easily moved in a pickup truck and set by two people
Drillable material
Stackable for shipping

Vault Tier Rating

Light Duty: Pedestrian traffic only
Tier 5: Sidewalk applications with occasional non-deliberate vehicular traffic
Tier 8: Sidewalk applications with non-deliberate vehicular traffic
Tier 15: Driveway, parking lot and off-roadway applications mostly free from heavy vehicle traffic
Tier 22: Driveway, parking lot and off-roadway applications with occasional non-deliberate heavy vehicular traffic
AASHTO H-20: Deliberate vehicular traffic applications

Tier rating information and image courtesy of Martin Enterprises.

Useful Options For Vault Applications

Consider these options when selecting the appropriate handhole for your application

Nameplates. Choose your company name for the nameplate, or the more generic labels of “communication,” “telecom” or “utilities”.

EMS Markers. A built-in EMS marker allows a locator to find the handhole when it’s buried under landscaping, snow, etc.

Easy-Locate System. An easily accessible port in the lid of the handhole that provides a ground bar for easy toning of the entire network.

Interior Rack Mounts. Support and organize slack cable or splice closures.

Vault Sizes

Many sizes are available, ranging from 12 x 12 x 12″ to 48 x 60 x 48″

Most common in telecom:

17 x 30 x 24″
24 x 36 x 24″
48 x 36 x 36″

Shapes

Rectangular

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American Tech Supply, a registered CCR contracting supply company has teamed up with Corning, Telect,Pencell, Century, AFL Telecommunications, Commscope, Highline, Draka USA, ADC, Carlon, Telco and several other leading fiber optic osp enclosure equipment manufacturers to offer our contractors, RBOC’s, FTTH buildout companies a complete array of OSP underground vaults, underground pull boxes, underground cabinets a & underground boxes at affordable prices.

We also national defense fiber optic security systems customers including any defense department or government entity a fiber optic intrusion prevention system called the Fiber Sentinel that will help prevent hackers or malicious intruders to break into our national defense using fiber optic technologies. We also carry a complete array of fiber optic enclosures to house all your fiber optic equipment inside the building as well as outside.

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