Override Installations
For underground duct and conduit that is at or near capacity with installed cables, an alternative to removing cables in order to free up conduit space is to utilize the extra space by overriding the existing cable in the conduit with MicroDucts.
What is an OverRide?
An OverRide is a fiber installation method which involves installing one or more MicroDucts over an existing cable in a conduit. OverRides have impact in areas where:
- Fiber needs to be added as quickly as possible
- New construction is expensive
- Permits are difficult to obtain
- A special engineering difficulty exists (e.g., a road crossing)
There are two main OverRide methods:
- Mechanical Insertion: uses a winch or rod to pull the MicroDucts.
- Air-Jetting: uses a Y-block to isolate the existing cable and high-speed air to install the MicroDucts.
The right method for you depends on:
- The material of your existing duct
- The size of your existing duct
- The space available inside
- The distance you need to deploy
Note – both these methods can also be used to subdivide an empty conduit.
Find out which method will help you to maximize the potential of your existing network:
Technical spotlight: Y-block
A Y-block isolates an existing cable so a conduit can be pressurized for jetting. The Y-block sits between the jetting machine and entrance to the existing conduit and all apparatus is divisible so that it can be installed around the existing cable. Always check you’re using appropriately sized seals for your conduit and cable.
Customer Outcomes
Over two decades, Dura-Line has worked with a multitude of customers to perform OverRides in scenarios including dense urban settings, intercity metro areas, and transcontinental networks – resulting in quick installation timelines and millions of dollars in cost savings.
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When you’re ready to upgrade your existing duct assets, make sure to take advantage of our online installation training.
Dura-Line Academy provides industry-leading training to design, deploy, and maintain networks flawlessly around the world.