Fiber Optic Installation

gkhan2

i am new FIOS customer, switched from Optimum. Verizon sent a Tech and Contractor, Fletcher Kramer to install lines. contractor installed fiber optic line with cable buried only 6-8 inch below grade without conduit. I am a professional engineer and it makes no sense to why this contractor would burry fiber optic cable without conduit in generally landscape area.

retiredphonedude

NEC 830.47 governs the depth of network powered communications cables. Network powered is when the power feed is from the local CO or carrier hub. Saying that, anyone with any common sense would say it applies to communications cables period. You'll see three different depths listed in 830.47 table A 6 inches if in RMC or IMC metal conduit, twelve inches if in PVC and 18 inches if direct buried (no conduit). The contractors who bury the fiber will tell you 6 inches, which is correct if in the proper conduit. Now there's the information, getting them to follow it is a totally different issue as most all don't. Less depth equals more drops can be buried and more money made.