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Do I need to have inspection/access points when laying underground cable?

  • 02-02-2025 5:22pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 192 ✭✭


    I need to lay a new underground electric and intercom cable for electric gates, the original was laid above ground and just very poorly installed overall. I'm planning on using Wavin 50mm ESB Ducting.

    The total run is about 210 meters. Should I have an inspection/access point or above ground junction box along the run, if so, how often?

    Access point would probably make pulling the cable easier too.



Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 165 ✭✭Hobby farmer


    No need, but if it makes your life easier then do. Just make sure and lay good ducting that if you need to replace or run additional cables in future you can.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 192 ✭✭98-00


    Thanks for that. I plan on leaving a length on ployprop. down the ducting, 50mm diameter should leave enough room for this.

    I'm hoping to reuse the cable I already have, though I think they might be a bit short, no spare was left by the original installer.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,443 ✭✭✭monseiur


    The ESB 50mm ducting comes in 50 metre rolls so you'll have a few joints. Buy the ducting a few weeks in advance and roll them out as it will take them some time to straighten out - unless of course your're using the pipe duct. If using the roll pull all cables, poly rope etc. thru above ground before placing in open trench. Back fill roughly 300mm over duct then place safety tape before completing the back filling.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,881 ✭✭✭The Continental Op


    210m is a long pull. Think I've done further but it was in continuous 50mm ducting and only a single phone cable.

    I'd be wary about reusing cable if its anything less than perfect because it will add to the friction in the pull.

    If you can get everything in the ducting above ground then you don't need any access points but if you plan on pulling the cable through then I'd would put in at least one access point halfway and maybe another at any significant curves.

    I've normally seen gates done with armoured cable and not duct.

    Wake me up when it's all over.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,224 ✭✭✭Dr_Colossus


    Given the length (210m) what sort of intercom cable are you running as Cat6 typically has a max of 100m so you'll likely need a repeater mid way or a switch to enhance the signal. For that kind of length you could consider fibre but that makes terminations difficult.



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,227 ✭✭✭✭Lumen


    Consider using a PoE extender, but not sure what waterproof rating you'd want. IP67 at a minimum, or ideally IP68. I guess you could use an enclosure. I'd definitely want access to that via a riser, and using a riser might help to avoid immersion and therefore make IP67 viable.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,881 ✭✭✭The Continental Op


    Don't think the OP is using any TCP/IP device? Just an intercom? Any Cat5e and above is good for 300m provided you don't need a fast connection. You might get 30% packet loss over 300m but TCP/IP will just retransmit until it gets it right. Now I'm not recommending 300m runs but I know they can work and there are situations were they are an option.

    Wake me up when it's all over.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,227 ✭✭✭✭Lumen


    Good point. In 2025 I'd expect high definition video on an "intercom" installation, but maybe this is just a cabling fix.



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