How to choose a Cable Pit
Here you’ll find some steps you need to go through to ensure you select the correct Pit and Cover combination.
Size
Every enclosure is slightly different. Following are some of the key criteria that should be reviewed to choose the best width, length and depth of pit required.
- Purpose of Pit – Direction change, drawing or jointing?
- Cable depth.
- Will the pit be used for storage (now or in the future)?
- Will cables need to be segregated?
- Any site limitations or other criteria?
Environment (load ratings)
- Is the cable pit located in a trafficable area? Even if an area isn’t designed for vehicular traffic, it’s important to bear in mind possible delivery vehicles etc.
- AS3996 is a standard covering load ratings and is a tool to help you choose the correct cover for your application.
- What will the finished surface look like and should the cover match? Is aesthetics important?
- Where is the project? How strong is the cable pit for transport; some materials are brittle and not ideal for transport.
Installation
- Compare the installation instructions for various pits bearing in mind the load rating requirements.
- Depending on loading and surface finish, some polymer, plastic and other materials require special installation. These requirements can greatly effect costs and time on site and in some cases the pit may simply be expensive formwork.
- Is site access an issue? Product weight may be a concern.
Access (safety and security)
- Do the contents need to be protected from the ingress of water & foreign objects?
- Do the contents need to be protected from unauthorised entry?
- Does access pose a security risk?