As a manufacturer, we welcome challenges from our customers on the application of our products. Recently it was questioned whether ULW can be blown through microduct within a PIA trial. Following this, we have carried out documented and controlled trials and evaluated the results.

Trials and investigations 

Recent Hexatronic trials in UG duct networks initially indicated that the UK's favorite aerial PIA cable (Ultra Light Weight) could be installed into 14/10 TWD using a Plumett MiniJet to a distance in excess of 425m at roughly 65m/min without issue or detriment to optical performance.

ULW cable is a staple component of aerial PIA based network deployments, available in a range of fiber counts from 12f up to 96f, making it ideal for Feeder and Last Mile Fiber to The Home applications.
Traditional integration of aerial and UG duct network cables has been achieved via transition joints located at either the pole base or pole top to enable interconnectivity.

Documented and controlled trials on an IEC60794 test track have confirmed that Hexatronic ULW cable can successfully be installed into 14/10 TWD duct up to 1400m.

“Eliminating the additional transition joint from UG to aerial cable simplifies integration of UG and aerial networks, which is great news for operators deploying via PIA. By taking the ULW cable into the UG duct and back to the nearest access chamber, there is no need for a pole base or pole top transition joint – simplifying network integration and yielding savings on materials, labour and optical loss”, states Mark Nightingale, Solutions Manager at Hexatronic in the UK.

Would you like to find out more?

For an in-depth discussion on how best to capitalize on these benefits in respect of architecture, hardware, and network design please speak to one of our experts for further details.