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How to Choose Cable Enclosures

The following steps are required to select the correct pit, or surface ducting, and cover combination.

Cable runs often traverse through different urban environments. Specific consideration needs to be given to each individual enclosure.

Correct pit/surface ducting channel size must be selected - the following aspects of cable management need to be reviewed to choose right width, length and depth.

Important factors include:

  • Minimum depth coverage for cables
  • Purpose of pit
  • Is segregation of cables required?
  • Will pit be used for storage?
  • Other criteria

Correct pit/surface ducting channel size must be selected - the following aspects of cable management need to be reviewed to choose right width, length and depth.

Important factors include:

  • Minimum depth coverage for cables
  • Purpose of pit
  • Is segregation of cables required?
  • Will pit be used for storage?
  • Other criteria

Traffic & Loading

  • Traffic - Enclosures located in vehicular or non-vehicular areas. Possibility of non-deliberate traffic in non-vehicular areas exists.
  • Loading - Load standards are tool to enable objective comparison of products by providing independent measurement scale.

Durability

  • To ensure long life, enclosures - according to intended location - must be selected on basis of materials and correct installation.

Important to note:

  • Pits positioned along a cable route can typically cause various types of load scenarios
  • Each pit location should be individually considered

Cable enclosures must withstand foot or vehicular traffic, and protect humans and livestock against physical contact with potentially live parts through accidental contact, unauthorised access and injury from on-site manual handling.

Additionally, contents of enclosure must be adequately protected from ingress of water and foreign matter.

Important factors include:

  • Level of security required
  • Minimising chance of damaged cables making lids live
  • Earthing of pits
  • Slip resistance
  • Ingress of foreign matter
  • Manual handling
  • Water ingress

Installation & Maintenance

Correct method of installation is critical for enclosure's long term performance and structural integrity. Consideration must be given to ease of authorised access to enclosure.

Aesthetics & Identification

  • Should cover be discreet and match pavement surface?
  • Do contents need to be distinguished from other services?
  • Are there other unique requirements?

Important factors include:

  • Encasement
  • Conduit entry
  • Accessories
  • Access
  • Visual continuity
  • Pit marking