Trenching – CommScope Trunk & Distribution Cable User Manual
Page 47
Trenching
Trenching is accomplished with specialized trenching tractors which cut the trench and remove the soil in a
single action. A trench can be used to place multiple cables over long or short distances. Detailed equipment
operation and excavation procedures are specified by the construction equipment manufacturer.
All bores and crossings should be installed prior to the start of the trenching process.
Excavate the trench to the desired depth. Remove all rocks and large stones from the bottom of the trench to
prevent damage to the cable. Push some clean fill into the trench to cushion the cable as it is installed in the
trench.
Supplemental trenches should be made to all offset enclosure locations. Trench intersections should be
excavated to provide adequate space to make sweeping bends in the cable/conduit.
Place the cable trailers or cable reels in line with the trench to prevent any unnecessary bending of the cable.
Pay the cable off the bottom of the reel.
When routing cables to enclosure locations, leave adequate cable lengths for splicing. Bend the cables
carefully around corners and upward at enclosure locations. Cap the cable as needed.
Bury warning tape above the cable during the back-fill process.
Fill the trench and compact it as required. Tamp or flood the trench to provide compaction that will prevent the
trench from receding.
Underground Installation
5.6
Trenching