Cable Laying and Termination

Study Notes

HDD (Horizontal Directional Drilling) method should be used to lay cables in DWC pipes or approved protection arrangements in busy areas, especially at road-crossings or rail-crossings.
Concrete large size ducts provided in station sections for signalling cables can be utilized for telecom cables, following due precautions.

Cables can be terminated in DP Box of approved type or through direct termination.
PIJF cables of various sizes shall be terminated through DP Box of approved type.

Jointing should be done by a skilled and experienced person using the correct RDSO specified jointing kit to ensure quality.
Jointing should be done under close supervision of telecom staff, and video recording may be used to ensure quality.
Thermo shrinkable jointing material shall be used for jointing armoured PIJF cable with thermo shrinkable jointing technique using RDSO's code of practice.
Different jointing kits are available for different sizes of cables (e.g. TSF-1, TSF-2, etc.).

Before laying, cables should be tested for insulation and continuity of the cores.
Continuity of armour and screen of the cable should be checked before laying.
Bedding and armouring of the cable should be inspected to ensure no damage during transit or storage.

Cable drums should be mounted on cable-wheels or axles for laying out cables.
The cable should be guided carefully into the trench by a party of labourers to avoid damage or bending.

While excavating earth for trenches or making pits, the Permanent Way Inspector or representative should be present.
In 'Quad' type cables, conductors diagonally opposite should form one circuit.
In telephone cables, electro-static and electro-magnetic induction between different pairs of conductors should be minimized.
RE cables containing paper and polythene insulated copper quads should be replaced at the earliest.

Different sizes of cables are specified for various telecommunication circuits, including outdoor underground and indoor cables.
Sizes of cables are specified based on the circuit for use, conductor diameter, and weight per kilometer.