Home Support Centre Wiring for broadband What is an underground lead-in pipe?

What is an underground lead-in pipe?

Our network is typically built up to the boundary of the property. A lead-in pipe is needed to get the network cable from the point on the boundary where our network terminates (the network terminal) to the point on the building where the internal cabling needs to connect to our network (known as the external termination point or ETP). The lead-in is the property owner's responsibility and can be installed by an electrician or builder.

If you don't comply with this information, you run the risk of a refusal to connect your premises to the network and will be required to meet the cost of rectifying any sub-standard installation.

There are three components to an underground lead-in:

  1. Lead-in pipe with associated pre-formed bends. This protects the cable and makes it easier to replace or add cable:
    The lead-in pipe should be a minimum of 20mm internal diameter and should be telecommunications green in colour which can be purchased from electrical wholesalers.
  2. Lead-in cable. We require a draw tape rather than a cable be installed except in rural areas or down long driveways (>150m). There are different cable choices including copper, fibre or hybrid. We'll use the draw tape to install the correct cable for the property. In rural areas or down long driveways (>150m) use Hexatronic MPB901048/1 (Ruggedised 1 x 5/3.5mm with trace wire)
  3. External Termination Point (ETP) to house the connection point between the inside and outside cabling.
    The ETP should be positioned as close as possible to the front of the building at a minimum height of 300mm above finished ground level with a maximum height of 1500mm.
    We'll provide and install the correct ETP.

If you don't comply with this information, you run the risk of a refusal to connect your premises to the network and will be required to meet the cost of rectifying any sub-standard installation.

Ideal lead-in duct layout