Developers handbook

Openreach: Developers Handbook

How to build a Fibre network

Contents
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

FTTP NEW
SITES QUALITY
CONTROL
CHECKLIST

DUCT
PRESENTATION
HOUSES

PRE-FORMED
CHAMBER
QUADBOX

HOME WIRING

DUCT LAYING

FRAMES &
COVERS

ONT AND BBU

POSITIONING

JOINT BOXES
FOOTWAYS &
CARRIAGEWAY

MULTI DWELLING
UNITS FROM
INTAKE ROOM
TO CUSTOMER

Openreach: Developers Handbook

How to build a Fibre network

Introduction

By working closely with you in the earliest stage of your

new development, our newsites team can create a modern
communications infrastructure that will enable your customers
to communicate in the best way possible.
This Fibre to the Premise (FTTP) network How to Guide will ensure
you have the relevant information to build the Openreach network
that will provide communication services for your future occupants
in residential properties/houses and apartments.Openreach
must complete all network and infrastructure build before your
customers move in as orders for service cannot be placed until
this has been delivered. Your nominated new site representative
(NSR) will guide you through the installation requirements and the
periodic quality inspections during the initial site meeting.
For commercial properties or copper developments please refer
tothe appropriate Howto Guide.

Avoiding damage to the Openreach U/G network

Openreach has an extensive underground network that can be
located inside and/or on the perimeter of a site. This network
is vulnerable to excavation related damage unless appropriate
precautions are taken. The precautions for avoiding damage to an
underground utility plant are contained within the Health & Safety
Guide No. 47: Avoiding Danger from Underground Services.
Thisdocument stresses the need for the availability of utility plans
on site and the use of safe digging practices.
Damage to an Openreach network by a third party can be
expensive for that party to repair. By working with you, Openreach
wants to ensure you avoid the repair and associated cost which
canconsist ofone or more of the following:
Direct Cost the cost of repair
Operational Cost delays associated with repair
Social Cost the off-site effects i.e. loss of service to emergency
services/centres or the vulnerable in society.

Enabling your customers

toplace orders for service
Openreach must complete all
network build activities beforeyou
allow a customer to move into the
premises and place an order for
service.
On time delivery will require
working closely with your
NSR to ensure on-site and inplot infrastructure are built to
specification and time.
If this is not achieved, your
customers will not be able to place
orders for service, and remedial
work will involve significant delays
and costs thatwe may seek to
recover from you.

To obtain a more precise location

of Openreach apparatus
(either within your site or
on the adjoining ground) and
avoid costly damage, contact:
Click Before You Dig
Email: [email protected]
Utilisation of the Openreach
Click Before You Dig
service has a proven record of
minimising the potential for
damage and cost.
Please note:
This is a FREE service.

Openreach: Developers Handbook

How to build a Fibre network

FTTP NEW SITES QUALITY CONTROL CHECKLIST

A quality checklist must be completed for

every phase.
Any subsequent changes to the site plan
must be communicated and agreed with your
new sites rep as soon as possible.
Any re-work may result in an associated delay
and time related charges may apply.

The Site

Developer

Site Name

Site Address

Post Code

Site Manager/
Developer Agent
Name

The Site Manager/Developer Agent

agrees to the quality standards
and conditions.

Telephone

Signature:

Email

Date:

Openreach
NSI Ref

Openreach Contact

New Sites Office

NSR Name

Telephone

Developers Handbook Version 1

Off Site Connection Location

First Occupation Date

Openreach: Developers Handbook

How to build a Fibre network

FTTP NEW SITES QUALITY CONTROL CHECKLIST

Item Audited

Developer
Shown
Quality
Standards

YES

NO

Checked
Comments
YES

NO

N/A

The property will be designed to

accommodate voice and data wiring
in a convenient place for homeowners
to use (Section 2&3)
Developer understands that NO
orders can be made or taken via a
service provider until all installation
works of Openreach equipment
to each plot has been completed,
tested, commissioned and left
connected to a permanent 240 volt
power supply
Voice and data cabling will be provided
and terminated correctly (Section 2)
Duct Installation (Section 4 & 5 As shown on the diagram)
Correct type of duct will be provided
Ducts will be laid at a minimum
depth, or exceptions agreed and
documented
Duct separation distance will be
maintained, or exception agreement
obtained and documented
Ducts will be properly trimmed
andkeyed when set in walls and enter
joint boxes at the appropriate point
Ducts will be positioned correctly
on external walls and in line with
thecable entry point
Correct rope/cables/tubing will be
installed as per instructions
Temporary duct seals will be fitted
correctly to standard
Cable/BFT left in planned location
External cable/BFT protected + sealed
in plot
Duct seal plug 1A fitted
Box Building / Frames & Covers (Section 6, 7 & 8 As shown on the diagram)
Joint boxes will be constructed as
planned, positioned correctly and
conform to drawings or alternatives
agreed and documented
Box will be installed at the correct
depth. Any deviations to plan
recorded and signed off by NSR
Base will be cast correctly

Openreach: Developers Handbook

How to build a Fibre network

FTTP NEW SITES QUALITY CONTROL CHECKLIST

Item Audited

Developer
Shown
Quality
Standards

YES

NO

Checked
Comments
YES

NO

N/A

Bolts will be fitted and positioned

correctly during construction of boxes
Ducts will be properly trimmed
andkeyed when set in walls
Frames and covers will be bedded
andcorrectly installed
Cement and brick types will be used
as specified or exceptions agreed
anddocumented
Modular boxes will be installed
andprepared as per instructions
Unmade surfaces joint box frame will
be surrounded with 100mm wide
strip of grade C30 concrete
Boxes will be free of debris or other
inappropriate material
Reinforced base cast correctly for
JBC (N)
External cable/BFT protected + sealed
in joint box
MDUs (apartment blocks) (Section 9 As shown on the diagram)
EZ Bend Fibre cable installed with
2/3metres slack at each end
Developer to install EZ Bend Fibre
cable and will be installed as per
schematic and in accordance with
manufacturers specifications. It will
be coiled safely to maintain integrity
All tubes will be presented as per
schematic and capped
Adequate space and access will be
available and maintained for FTTP
(lift, alarm, telemetry lines etc)
All designated track ways/trays/
supports will be in good working
order with separations maintained
Back box fitted in each unit at a
usable depth, within close proximity
to a double 240v outlet for FTTP
In Home Connections (Section 2- As shown on the diagram)
Back box fitted at a usable depth,
within close proximity to a double
240v outlet for FTTP

Openreach: Developers Handbook

How to build a Fibre network

FTTP NEW SITES QUALITY CONTROL CHECKLIST

Plot Numbers Inspected

Comments

Developers Representative

New Site Representative

Print Name:

Print Name:

Signature:

Signature:

Date:

Date:

Openreach: Developers Handbook

How to build a Fibre network

Home Wiring

Installation

Nowadays, home purchasers expect good access to

Broadband and the wiring youinstall will determine
their experience. Smart TVs, remote alarms, heating
and lighting controls along with digital recording
devices, games and computers all require connectivity.
Although wireless access has its place, some
technologies work better through a wired connection
to the homes broadband router. Your home wiring
strategy for the connected home should determine
your wiring requirements. The following information
is a guide for connecting the Openreach Network
to your home wiring and not a comprehensive list
of configurations. Refer to Governmental guidance
PAS:2016 for further information.

Voice extension cabling must run direct from the

ONT voice port. Connection to the ONT is made via a
BS6312 431A Plug inserted into voice port 1

Installing additional telephone sockets as part of the

overall building programme avoids the problem of
exposed wiring and will enhance the appearance of
yourdevelopment.

Extension sockets should be located close to power

sockets for easy equipment connection. A minimum
of 50mm between telephone cables and power cables
should be left throughout. Where this is not practical,
telephone and power cables must be separated by
an acceptable divider (i.e. of rigid, non-conducting
material).

Basic Materials
Openreach will supply the ONT at the time of
installation and generally 1 2 weeks ahead of
occupation. The ONT will remain the property of
Openreach. The developer will install a flush mounted
back box at the entry position of the Service Access
Hole adjacent to the external duct location. The ONT
will be installed at this location unless an alternative
position has been agreed with the NSR and the
appropriate Easy Bend (EZ) fibre cable run in a
continuous fault-free length.

Extension wiring must be telephone/data grade and

shall have plain annealed solid copper conductors
of a diameter between 0.5mm and 0.63mm. The
conductors shall be in twisted pair format. The
conductor resistance shall be of a maximum of 96
ohms/km. The cable sheath shall be PVC.
As a rule of thumb internal communication cables
should not exceed the bend radius of a 2p coin
Detailed information on cable
installation and separation is
given in the British Standard
Code of Practice 6701, Part 1
(particularly clause 6) and the
relevant sections of the latest
IEE Regulations for Electrical Installation (Regulation
525 is of particular importance).

To install telephone extension points you will need:

back box for extension sockets, flush-mounted
extension socket points, internal cable, an Insulation
Displacement Connector Tool, (IDC)BS6312 431A Plug
with crimping tool or the interconnection voice lead.
Its recommended that either Cat 5E or Cat 6 cable
is used for the provision of data sockets fitted
to the relevant Cat type outlet mounted to flush fitting
back boxes.

Please note: while the provision of internal wiring beyond the

Openreach Optical Network Termination Point (ONT) will normally
be the developers/customers responsibility, you can contract
anOpenreach engineer to do this work for you. If interested,
please contact your local Customer Network Solution Team.
www.openreach.co.uk/orpg/home/solutions/engineeringsolutions/
customernetworksolutions/cns.do. Terms and conditions for the
provision of internal wiring and charges will apply.

Wherever possible, the duct should be positioned on

the external wall to allow for the installation ofthe
ONT on the opposite side of the wall internally,
removing the need torun internalfibre cables.
8

Openreach: Developers Handbook

How to build a Fibre network

Home Wiring

Openreach installation

ONT

Voice only

Voice & data connected

ONT

CP
Router

ONT

Power
Home wiring

C
S
P

ONT

CSP

BBU

CP
Router

EZ Bend Cable
CSP: Customer Splice Point
ONT: Optical Network Termination
BBU: Battery Back UP
All installed, owned and maintained by Openreach. Developer installs home wiring and home owner provides CP equipment/router
following a communication provider order for broadband services.

Interconnecting voice lead (Item Code 77004) will be provided free

of charge by Openreach. It enables connectivity from the ONT
to a co-located voice socket/module. Upon installation it becomes
the property of the home owner.

Openreach: Developers Handbook

How to build a Fibre network

Home Wiring
EZ Bend cable

Power

Home wiring

Installed by developer

CSP

ONT

BBU

CP
Router

ONT and CP Router Co-located

Use an EZ Bend cable to site the ONT adjacent to the CSP,

otherwise in a more convenient location within the property.

CP Router located away from ONT

Home wiring

EZ Bend cable
Power

Installed by developer

CP
Router

Power
CSP

ONT

BBU

The developer must run the EZ Bend

cable in a continuous length and it
must remain free from any damage that
could reduce the lifespan of the cable.
Two metres of cable is required at
each end of the installation. It should
be left coiled and housed/protected
within a flush mounted double back
box and faceplate ready for Openreach
provision of CSP and ONT nearby.

Issues with Home wiring

Impact on delivery

EZ Bend cable too short 3rd and 4th Fix trades

cutting cable

Inability for Openreach to provision service

anddeveloper requirement to re-provide EZ
Bendcable

EZ Bend cable damaged

Poor user experience for home purchaser with

possibility of Openreach charges if called upon
torectify.

Defective or damaged home wiring creating a fault

on the line
Extension sockets not connected to Openreach ONT
Bending radii exceeded causing reduced levels
of service.

10

Openreach: Developers Handbook

How to build a Fibre network

ONT AND BBU POSITIONING

Optical Network Termination Unit (ONT)

OR

155mm

The ONT is the Openreach demarcation

point. It replaces the traditional Copper
master socket.
All network components up to the ONT including the
BBU, remain the responsibility of Openreach.
All internal networks connected to the ONT are the
responsibility of the home owner.

195mm
32mm

Optical port connects to the customer splice point

Ethernet ports connect to the CP router
Telephony ports connect to voice network.
Optical
Port

Ethernet
Ports

Telephony
Ports

DC
Power
Input

The battery backup

supports voice calls for a
limited time should there
be any interruption to
the mains power supply.

The CSP provides the joint housing for the external

EZ Bend cable and the connected end that fits into
the ONT. The CSP may
be internal or external
depending on your
house design. Your
NSR will guide you
through this.

55mm

160mm

35mm

30mm

Placement Guidelines for ONT & BBU

Install at a minimum of 300mm and a maximum
of1600mm above finished floor level.

Must be in an environment that allows for

unrestrictedventilation (not covered).

Ideally aligned with height of power outlet

(doublesocket).

Requires unrestricted access to connectors.

Please avoid fitting Openreach equipment in areas
ofhigh humidity e.g. kitchens and bathrooms.

Aligned with Customer Splice Point (CSP).

ONT must be accessible for home owner and
Openreach Engineers.

CSP

Must be in an environment above +5C but

notexceeding 25C.

ONT

520mm (minimum)
11

BBU

100mm

Customer Splice Point (CSP)

155mm

Battery backup (BBU)

Openreach: Developers Handbook

How to build a Fibre network

Duct Presentation Houses

Installation for houses

17mm
Duct Tee
90 - 50/25mm

25mm

Duct

54mm

Agree the intended location for the duct

with your NSR before installation.
Underground
joint box

Lay Openreach grey duct from the footway

joint box, with the socket end presented
to the joint box and terminated with a
90pre-formed bend on the outside of
theproperties wall.

External capping 25 and connector bend 4

should be fitted, as required.

60mm

Aesthetics will be impaired if the service

access hole is not drilled in line with the duct
and in keeping with the above dimensions.

300 to 770mm

12mm
Service hole

Please note that:

All internal wires and sockets beyond the
Openreach Fibre Optical Network Terminating
Equipment (ONT) are the responsibility of the
developer/future home owner. Any faults or
defects resulting in an Openreach visit may
incur a charge.

50mm
Ground level

25mm
FTTP

Copper 1

12

Copper 2

Openreach: Developers Handbook

How to build a Fibre network

Duct Presentation Houses

Wherever possible, the duct should be positioned

to allow for the installation ofthe ONT on the
opposite side of the wall, removing the need to
run internalfibre cables.

Limit duct runs to a depth of 350mm/450mm

beneath the proposed external ground level.

be sited in close proximity the wiring must be installed

within 20mm conduit (to protect the cable and ensure
easymaintenance).

The Openreach duct should be no greater than

15mm from the finished wall surface.

Typical Issues with duct presentation

The duct should protrude no more 75mm from

thefinished ground level.

1. Service hole not off set from duct centre.

2. Duct not cut to the appropriate height from
thefinished ground level.

A rope, cable or tube MUST be installed as

directedby your NSR.

3. Duct installed too shallow.

The duct must be left in a protected state

preventing the ingress of debris.

4. Duct protruding too far from the finished wallsurface.

5. Customers may not be able to place orders and
remedial work may incur additional costs

Wiring through cavity walls must be installed within

20mm conduit (to protect the cable and ensure easy
maintenance). The CSP and ONT should be installed
in close proximity and wiring through cavity walls
should be for the CLI (Customer lead in) only. Where
wiring is not run back box to back box then a CLI
must be used. Additional wiring through cavity walls
is permissable, and where the CSPand ONT cannot

Impact on delivery of issues

Delay in completion Openreach may refuse
tocable if we cant ensure adequate protection
The capping and covers would look unsightly
Failure to provide conduit can prevent a cable
frombeing installed.
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Openreach: Developers Handbook

How to build a Fibre network

Duct LAYING

Carriageway Road Crossings

Where our duct crosses a carriageway, adjoining
kerbs must be temporarily marked to note positions.

Duct laid beneath a carriageway crossing must be

600mm depth from the cover of the final surface
levels and, for engineering reasons (NJUG7),
separated from other services laid in parallel by
600mm (to permit us to install underground joint
boxes without the need for bends).

Openreach duct should be laid on an outer edge

of the service trench to enable box building. A draw
rope should be inserted through the duct and secured
to the marker posts at both ends of the crossing. The
appropriate plug 4B socket end and 4C Spigot.

600mm

BT 90mm PVC duct

600mm

Draw rope through duct and fasten to a stake

Footpath

Carriageway

Footpath

Ducting to the building

Cable marker No. 2 is required at the site entrance/

boundary, to ensure link up identification for our
contractors.

Duct to the premises/building must be laid at a

minimum depth of 350mm; 450mm under a soft
surface as straight as possible.

The latest information on the positioning of utilities,

mains and plant can be obtained from the National
Joint Utilities Group www.njug.org.uk

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Openreach: Developers Handbook

How to build a Fibre network

Duct Laying

Ducting general principles

All runs should be laid as straight as possible.
If needed, you can carefully bend the ducts or use
pre-formed bends supplied by Openreach

For ALL single dwelling units (SDUs) duct must be

terminated on the external surface of the property
The duct termination point should be in a location
that will allow unrestricted access for any future
maintenance activity

There should be no more than one pre-formed 90

bend in any single run of duct
Pre-formed 90 bends should not be installed in
any duct linking two joint boxes

All ducts must be provided with a draw rope after

installation, unless its agreed locally to substitute
the draw rope or a tube rather than copper

Footpath or service strip ducting must be laid at

350mm depth of cover and 450mm depth of cover
within premises

Please notify your new sites representative (NSR)

when the duct has been laid and is ready for
inspection.

All space alongside the duct must be backfilled

with granular fill to a minimum thickness of 75mm

Recommend depth of utility

apparatus
1

1
Electricity
HV 450 to 1200mm
LV 450mm

2 Cable TV & Communications


250 to 350mm

Gas 600mm

Water 750mm

5
Telecommunications
350mm

450

295

295

270

260

430

2,000mm

Footpath

Carriageway

Typical issues with carriageway road crossings

1. Insufficient depth
2. Proximity to other services

Impact of issues
Developer will have to renew duct and this may
delay any first occupation date (FOD)

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Openreach: Developers Handbook

How to build a Fibre network

JOINT BOXES FOOTWAYS & CARRIAGEWAY

Footway (JBF104/106)
Joint box designs and specifications may vary, depending on the duct layout and whether multi-way ducts
ormajor road crossings need to be incorporated into the network design.
Full technical drawings and specifications are available from your new sites rep/designer.

Materials

At no time must minimum box depth be

compromised. Consult with your Openreach New
sites representative if the 750mm minimum depth
cannot be achieved.

Bricks: British standard EN771-1 Engineering

Cement: British Standard EN197-1:2000 ordinary
mix. 3 parts sand to 1 part cement

All backfill material to be class 6N type

Specifications

Workmanship, materials and method of

construction are to comply with all current relevant
contract documents, British standards and codes of
practice for the construction industry

Base: 150mm concrete, clean and level

Brickwork: Keyed in at the corners and pointed
Frame and Cover: Set on a mortar bed and fitted
squarely to the box structure. You can purchase
lifting keys (key No. 5, item code TW1731) for the
covers from TW Tools,

Concrete to be grade C32/40 with a water cement

ration 0.4 minimum. Cement content 380kg/m2.
Aggregate maximum size 20m All in accordance
with BS8500

Duct Entries: Must not enter through corners and

be no less than 75mm from the sidewall. Should
enter wall at a minimum depth of 350mm from the
top of the frame, cut flush and clear the base by a
minimum of 100mm

All ducts shown are based on maximum

recommended values for duct type 54D
End ducts to be inline
Ducts to be positioned not less than 75mm from
aside wall

Bolts: Must be fitted in each box to allow ironwork

to be installed

Mesh to be grade B500B or B500C conforming

toBS4483

Step(s): One step is required in all boxes deeper

than 700mm. Two steps are required if the depth of
the box is more than 1050mm

Short lengths of duct 54D to be used on non-ducted

routes. Appropriate duct to be used on ducted
routes

JBF104(C): 915mm(L) x 445mm(W) x 750mm(D)

JBF 104(D): 915mm(L) x 445mm(W) x 900mm(D),
the minimum depth for boxes either side of road
crossings.

Where instructed to do so Drill 1 set of 3 holes

using a 12mm masonry drill bit to a depth of 80mm
for future fitting of MOBRA bracket.

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JOINT BOXES FOOTWAYS & CARRIAGEWAY

Joint box footway 104

internal dimensions. Brickwork English bond.
Dimensions in mm (not to scale).

225
275

365

To side wall

188

915

445

(D)
(C)
(B)
460

75
200

Bolts foundation

(B) 600
(C) 750
(D) 900

350
min
100

150

Concrete base

Duct
50
90

90

Joint box footway 106

internal dimensions. Brickwork English bond.
Dimensions in mm (not to scale).

Bolts foundation

225
710

300
To side wall

417
1310

610

(F)
(E)
150
min

(E) 1050
(F) 1200

350
min

150
min
100
min

200
min

150

Duct
50
90

17

90

Concrete base

Minimum depth for road

crossing 900mm
Sump to be fitted in boxes
deeper than 700mm

Openreach: Developers Handbook

How to build a Fibre network

JOINT BOXES FOOTWAYS & CARRIAGEWAY

Carriageway JBC4
Box design and specifications may vary. This will be determined by the duct lay-out and whether multi-way
ducts or major road crossings need to be incorporated into the design.

Materials

Frame and cover

Bricks: Grade B to BSEN771 & BSEN772

Carriageway No.4 Frame and cover to be set on a

mortar bed and fitted squarely to box structure to
Highway Agency document standards HA104.

Cement: BS12 Portland Cement

Concrete: Grade 32/40 reinforced concrete with
A393 grade mesh at 70mm cover BS EN206

Lifting keys

Mortar: designated within BS5628; Part1

requirement for mortar table 1; Type (i) BS5628.

Lifter manhole cover 4B should be used to lift the

cover and can be purchased from: TW Engineering
Tel: 0115 932 3223 or other approved suppliers.

Base
Bricks: Grade B to BSEN771 & BSEN772

Duct entries

Cement: BS12 Portland Cement

Duct to be cut flush to the internal box wall

Concrete: Grade 32/40 reinforced concrete with

A393 grade mesh at 70mm cover BS EN206

Duct must not enter through corners and be no

less than 75mm from the side wall

Mortar: designated within BS5628; Part1

requirement for mortar table 1; Type (i) BS5628.

Duct to enter wall no less than 600mm from the

top of the frame

Brickwork

Duct to be no less than 100mm from the box base.

Step to be installed

All brickwork to be keyed in at corners and pointed

Brickwork to be English bond constructed with a
10mm joint thickness of cement mortar.

225
365

275
To side wall

188
1,345

875
445

165

915

For use with carriageway

No4 frame & cover.

750

100

200

Concrete base

Carriageway box internal dimensions.

Brickwork English bond.
Dimensions in mm (not to scale).
Reinstatement to Specification for the
Reinstatementof Openings in Highways (SOHR).

A393 Mesh 950 x 950

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Pre-Formed Chamber Quadbox

Weve approved a pre-formed chamber system

Quadbox to speed up the installation process.
This means that theres no need for specialist box
building teams and concrete backfill.

fixings or drill on site. Duct entries are also easy to

achieve,using a standard hole saw mounted on a
cordless drill.

Joint box modular footways 102, 104 and 106are

the Openreach approved versions (BT specification
LN178).

The Quadbox is not a free stores item from

Openreach, but can be purchased directly from
ourapproved supplier, Cubis Industries:
www.cubisindustries.com

Box furniture items slot into moulded pockets

within the chamber, eliminating the need to cast-in

Your NSR will approve your request to use this

product.
The lightweight high-strength system is supplied
as 150mm deep twin wall HDPE rings to provide
maximum flexibility and strength which are simply
stacked on a prepared base and backfilled with
suitable as-dug or type 1 material. You must provide
aclean and level 150mm concrete base for them.
If purchasing a pre-formed chamber you must also
purchase the associated furniture.

Furniture
Cable brackets, bearers, pins and steps (where
required) are supplied in a bagged kit and easily slot
into purpose designed pockets in the chamber.
The brackets and steps drop into preformed slots.

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Pre-Formed Chamber Quadbox

Available Size Range

Product Code

Clear Opening

MJF102

725 X 255mm

MJF104

915 X 445mm

MJF106

1310 X 610mm

Duct entries
Duct entries can be cut as and where
required using a hole saw mounted on a
cordless drill.
The chambers incorporate guides which
identify drilling points to ensure correct
duct spacing.

Typical issues with Quadbox are:

1. Box too shallow
2. Base/Plinth not installed correctly or missing
3. Frame not level with surface
4. Over compaction/side wall damage allowing the
box to misshapen
5. Unapproved boxes being used
6. Core drill not used for cutting Duct entries
7. Duct not cut flush to box wall.

Potential impact on delivery is:

Delay completing work by Openreach
Additional cost
Re-work by developer
Unable to install fibre.

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FRAMES & COVERS

Cubis Industries are the only supplier of these BT approved products

Only approved frames and covers must be fitted
on your site. They are identifiable via the following
markings; EN124 B125 the British Standards
kitemark , the Manufacturers Mark (SID), the year
of manufacture and the BT identifier.

The standard frames and covers supplied by BT

are lockable. They consist of a galvanised steel
fabricated frame, fitted with unfilled galvanised steel
fabricated cover trays and cross-beams. There is also
an optional recessed frame & cover.

Security
Lockable footway frames and covers are available.
The covers are secured by one or two integrated
locks and fit into a reinforced frame that is bolted to
the joint box during installation.
The installation of the box is the same specification,
except that we supply you with the lockable frame
and cover.

They can be fitted to brick or concrete

Securing tabs on the frame need to be bent down
and bolted to the structure of the joint box during
construction
The cover has a Turnbuckle lock activated by the
Key Security 1A. All other activities associated with
opening the joint box remain unchanged
Note Where there is evidence or significant risk of
vehicles using the soft verge e.g. as an undertaking
area opposite a T-Junction, a passing point on a narrow
road or a parking area, it will be necessary to install a
carriageway chamber, frame & cover.

Ensure the lock is secure.

Lockable frames and covers are also available for the
Quadbox pre-formed chamber system.
Where ordered by the installer, security covers will
be supplied pre-fitted in the Quadbox which must be
fitted as the top ring.
21

Openreach: Developers Handbook

How to build a Fibre network

FRAMES AND COVERS

Recessed frames & covers

These may be purchased by the installer as an option
to the standard frame & cover.

Recessed frames and covers will accommodate infill

blocks to a maximum depth of 65mm.

Each cover tray is equipped with two key-hole fittings

(in the centre of the short side) one of which carries
a BT identity mark and the manufacturers three
letter identification SID. The other key-hole fitting
displays EN124 and B125 together with the BSI Kite
mark certifying the covers to BS EN124: 1994.

If you are planning to install frames and covers that

are not supplied by Openreach e.g. for block paving,
or you have any doubts about what frames and covers
to use, advice should be sought from your nominated
new sites representative.

Installation

Unapproved frames & covers

All frames and covers should be levelled to the final

running surface.

Unapproved frames and covers must not be fitted.

BT will take any necessary action against any
developer who fits unapproved frames and covers
within the BT network, including any potential claim
for damages and costs, with possible delayed SOD
payments.

Where a box is located on a grass, soft or unmade

surfaces, the frame shall be surrounded with a 100
mm wide strip of minimum grade C25/30 concrete,
to the full depth of the frame, finished level with
the top edge of the frame and the outside edge and
be straight and parallel to the frame.

If you are unsure how to specify approved covers,

please contact your new sites representative.

www.openreach.co.uk/orpg/home/contactus/
connectingyourdevelopment/installationdiagrams/
installationdiagram.do

22

Openreach: Developers Handbook

How to build a Fibre network

MULTI DWELLING UNITS FROM INTAKE ROOM TO CUSTOMER

Small MDU

ONT

BBU

CSP

EZ
Bend Cable

Incoming Fibre
Joint Box

Footway
box

Our newsite designers will create a fibre layout

based on your M&E drawings of the MDU. The
design will calculate the stores required to build the
network. Your NSR is on hand to guide you through
the ordering process to ensure the equipment is
available when you need it.

The incoming fibre will terminate in the

communications intake room or riser cupboard.
This needs to be a secure and safe location
with access for installation and any future
maintenancevisits.
Our fibre box/splitter needs to be installed at
aminimum height of 200mm and a maximum
of1500mm. Your NSR will agree the location
withyou.

23

Openreach: Developers Handbook

How to build a Fibre network

MULTI DWELLING UNITS FROM INTAKE ROOM TO CUSTOMER

Large MDU

ONT

BBU

CSP

Secondary Fibre
Joint Box

EZ Bend Cable
option for installing
fibre in MDU

Blown Fibre
Tubing or
pulled cable
Incoming Fibre
Joint Box

Footway
box

For larger MDUs there may be a requirement to install

multiple fibre boxes/splitters.

apartment to the designated fibre/splitter box

within the riser. The cable should be clearly
marked with the apartment number and left safely
coiled within the riser. 2000mm of spare cable is
required at the apartment CSP location end and
at least 2500mm of spare cable is required at
the location the fibre box/splitter is to be located
within the riser.

These boxes/splitters will be connected with fibre

tubing commonly housed within the riser space.
Each apartment will require a designated EZ Bend
fibre cable run in a continuous fault-free condition
from the designated ONT location within the

24

Openreach: Developers Handbook

How to build a Fibre network

MULTI DWELLING UNITS FROM INTAKE ROOM TO CUSTOMER

Install a flush mounted double back box at the

desired ONT location

Push some of the spare cable back into the wall

void and coil the remainder inside the back box

Install the EZ Bend cable from this point to the

designated riser termination point.

Install blanking plate to protect cable ready for

Openreach provision of CSP and ONT nearby.

Ensure there is 2000mm of spare EZ Bend cable

protruding from the back box

Your NSR will advise of all cable marking/labelling and

will check for this when calling off the work.

Fibre Tubing containing NO metal parts can be run on

shared trays. IEE Regulations apply.

IEE wiring regulations should be adhered to.

Correct sized Shouldered cleats are to be used for fixing

Fibre cable to walls.

External type cables can run to a maximum of 2000mm

from the internal building entry point. From this point
onwards all cables must either be of retarded, reduced
or limited fire hazard properties. Alternative is to house
in metallic trunking.

Plate Cable Fixings with cable ties must be used to fix

Fibre Tubing direct to walls to avoid tube damage.
Under no circumstances should cable or tubing be
secured or supported to the suspended ceiling hangers
or under floor support legs.

Fibre tubing must not be bent beyond its minimum

radius. If a tube has been bent and there is evidence of
kinking it should be discarded. Your NSR will advise on
the possibility to join or to replace.

It is the developers responsibility to provide fire

stopping on completion of the cable/tubing installation.
Openreach networks must not interfere with or be
interfered by other services within the riser or any other
shared space. E.g.

Care should be taken to avoid stretching the tubes

through installation. If the tubes are found to be
deficient through restricting installation of fibre they will
require replacement by the developer.

Un-insulated hot water pipes

Unscreened mains cables

Bends in fibre tube should be kept to a minimum and

the installation of trunking, cable trays/grids should not
compromise the bending radii

Fluorescent lighting
Heavy duty switch gear.

25

Openreach: Developers Handbook

How to build a Fibre network

MULTI DWELLING UNITS FROM INTAKE ROOM TO CUSTOMER

Bending radius For fibre tubing

7 tube cable PE and RFH type

225mm

4 tube cable PE and RFH type

200mm

2 tube cable PE and RFH type

115mm

1 tube cable PE and RFH type

115mm

1 tube unsheathed

80mm

All externally run cables must be of a type designed

for external use, comply with the bending radius
and appropriate cable separations to current IEE
regulation and the appropriate British Standards.
Consult your NSR if you or your contracted partner
is unsure of the installation requirements.

Fibre DP dimensions

Array of ports for EZ Bend

Cable located at bottom of DP

If your site is identified as being in an area of higher

than normal risk from lightning we may ask you to
provide additional protection. For example we may
ask you to provide an earth wire to the Openreach
main distribution point, or run copper tape in the
ground for the jointing chambers.

26

BT maintains that all reasonable care and skill has been used in
the compilation of this publication. However, BT shall not be
under any liability for loss or damage (including consequential
loss) whatsoever or howsoever arising as a result of the use of this
publication by the reader, his servants, agents or any third party. In

the event of a discrepancy between the contents of this document

and the contract, the Terms & Conditions shall take precedence.
This is a living document and will be subject to update and change.
The information within this document isprovided for information
purposes only. The Contract and Price List take precedence.

www.openreach.co.uk
The telecommunications services described in this publication
are subject to availability and may be modified from time to time.
Services and equipment are provided subject to British
Telecommunications plcs respective standard conditions of
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