The Openreach network is designed to be as flexible as possible to help meet the changing needs of key stakeholders such as the Highways Agency and the Health & Safety Executive.
But wherever possible we want to avoid the need for disruptive changes to the existing underground and overhead cable systems. Put simply, we want to provide open access to new telecommunications services without having to dig up roads to do it.
To help us achieve this, there are a number of design and technical specifications to follow when connecting your project. These will to help our network stay as responsive as possible to long-term demand and future innovations.
For more information on following the design rules outlined below during installation, please download our developers guide.
Ducting
By mapping current trends, and by using our extensive experience of designing duct layouts, we can realistically assess what communications your site will need - both today and in the years to come. This provides the foundation for defining the main infrastructure around your development.
Our main network is provided in 90mm PVC duct (D54). How much of this is used will depend on the amount of cable required to feed the site now, and what may be required to support further phases of construction.
When providing duct to housing, there is a limit of four duct tees and a maximum length from the jointing chamber of 80 metres. This is the maximum length of cable that we are able to pull through the ducting, should we need to replace it in the future.
Jointing chambers
The number and size of Openreach jointing chambers is determined by:
The type of cables used can also affect the number and sizes of the chambers needed to service your development.
All jointing chambers must be built to Openreach standards, using the relevant CN construction diagrams This will ensure that all jointing chambers are durable and built to the standard demanded by the Highways Agency.
Positioning equipment
We try to position jointing chambers and other network elements where they will cause the least problems for people and traffic when the box is open for installation and maintenance.
When connecting the network to a block of flats, we always try to place a 90mm duct into the optimum position to service all the dwellings and provide good maintenance access.
To avoid unsightly surface wiring, separate 6-wire cables are run from the 90mm duct into each flat. These cables are usually installed by the site electrician when the flats are built.
When providing infrastructure to business units, we will provide 90mm ducts into an agreed position in the construction.
All Openreach ducts entering a building must be fitted with gas seals. Your dedicated Openreach new site representative can provide more information about this when they visit your site.
Current design rules require the internal Distribution Point (DP) to be located within two metres of the duct entry point within the building. If you wish for the DP to be provided in an alternative location, you will need to provide a cable tray to the desired location.
The Openreach network extends as far as the DP. It's up to the customer to arrange internal wiring beyond the DP. For details of how Openreach can assist you in the provision of internal wiring, please click here.
Please note that Openreach will charge the developer for any additional internal cabling and necessary cable jointing/terminations beyond the duct entry point.
