With the BEAD process well underway, creative ways to deploy fiber to the communities that need it are more necessary than ever. In this series, we’ll explore some innovative deployment methods and the unique benefits they offer that can help you overcome traditional installation challenges and reduce costs.
Focus #2:  OverRides
An OverRide installation typically involves installing one or more fiber cables or MicroDucts over an existing cable inside a previously installed conduit. This low-risk installation method revitalizes existing ducts with brand new pathways while avoiding the time, cost, and disruption of new construction.
What is an OverRide Installation?
OverRides are typically done by:
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Pulling and rodding work best for short distances in large conduit made of materials like PVC, transite, or terracotta.
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Air jetting works best for long distances in smaller HDPE conduit over long distances.
Unlike traditional trenching methods that often require wide and deep excavations, MicroTrenching's narrow cuts result in less damage to roads, sidewalks, and landscaping, and can provide yields of several hundred meters of fiber laid per day.
Where Is It Used?
Because they make use of the conduit that you already have in the ground—rather than working with entirely new environmental and infrastructure variables—OverRides are a great choice for any type of outdoor fiber network:
- Long-haul
- Middle mile
- FTTH
- Data centers
And they can work in any installation environment—tight urban spaces with little room to maneuver, suburban neighborhoods, as well as rural areas—where you expect demand to grow and additional capacity will be needed.
Why OverRides Over Other Deployment Methods?
OverRides offer several key advantages:
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Speed: jetting or pulling cables through existing conduit allows for rapid deployment of new fiber capacity.
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Cost-Effectiveness: no new construction means lower costs in materials, time, and labor.
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Minimal Disruption: OverRides require no digging.
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Easier Permitting: installing fiber into your existing conduit allows you to avoid the complicated permitting involved in direct-buried fiber or new construction.
Challenges and Considerations
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Challenge |
Mitigation |
|
Condition of Existing Conduit |
Your existing conduit should be in good shape and free of debris that could damage your cable. Make sure to examine the conduit carefully, clean it, lubricate it, and perform all necessary tests to ensure it’s safe to install your cable. |
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Correct Insertion Method |
Choosing the wrong insertion method can make or break your installation. Make sure you understand the material, size, and length of the pathway, and then decide on your insertion method. |
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Existing Conduit Capacity |
The fill ratio of your installation can mean the difference between success and lost time, money, and materials. Ensure the amount of space left in your existing conduit is sufficient for the cable or MicroDucts to be jetted by accurately calculating the fill ratio. |
Get the Most Out of Your OverRides Installation
Ready to learn more about OverRides? Here are some resources to help youdiscover the benefits of OverRides for your fiber upgrades:
Solution Brochure
Our comprehensive brochure has everything you need to get started and much more. Find it here.
Fill Ratio Calculator
When you’re ready to start planning your OverRide installation, use our handy calculator to make calculating the fill ratio of your existing conduit fast and hassle-free.
E-Learning Course
Dura-Line Academy, our industry-leading online training platform, offers a suite of mini-courses and an industry-recognized certificate to give you the training you need to successfully perform an OverRide installation. Access the courses here and use promo code: OverRides100 to earn your certificate free of charge.
Products
OverRides work equally well with fiber cables as well as MicroDucts, which allow you to segregate existing conduits and create pathways for now or the future. Check out our full range of MicroTechnology products.
