Direct Burial Cable (DBC) is a communication cable that can be installed underground without protective casing. It has thick insulation to resist damage and offers high-quality transmission. DBC is easy to install but can be damaged during excavation, and it is more expensive than other solutions.
Direct Burial Cable (DBC) is a type of communication cable configured for installation below ground level without the need to include any special type of protective casing around the cable. Unlike other cable solutions, this means that directly buried cable does not need to be contained in any type of conduit, sheath or other protective coating to maintain its integrity. Such a cable can be used to carry transmissions such as audio and data information and will normally allow data to be transferred to and from multiple points.
The nature of the buried cable is such that it is not necessary to provide any type of external protection. Cable of this type is formulated to resist damage from heat or moisture and can also repel any elements within the surrounding soil that could cause a high rate of deterioration of the cable. This is accomplished by providing the directly buried cable with a much thicker layer of insulation than is found with other types of communications cables, with different designs using strategies such as covers or extra thick rubber insulators, the inclusion of gels designed to absorb shock and a metal core that adds extra strength and protection to the fibers that actually carry the drivetrains.
The quality of voice and data transmission achieved using buried cable is at least as good as that provided by other cable solutions. In some cases, DBC’s fiber optic design will provide higher quality than older forms of cabling. It is not unusual for this new technology to be used when the need arises to replace old, deteriorating communication cables, allowing providers to incrementally upgrade their network to take advantage of this solution.
The main advantage of buried cable is that this solution can be installed with relatively little effort, as there is no need to prepare the ground where the cable is laid by installing pipes or making other housing. Essentially, buried cable is as the name suggests; the cable is buried directly into the earth below ground level, covered and is ready for use in voice and data transmissions. Because the cable is self-contained and able to withstand many of the elements that accelerate deterioration of other forms of cable, DBC also offers the benefits of less frequent replacement and a better chance of maintaining integrity even in the event of a natural disaster.
As with any type of cable, it is possible for directly buried cable to be damaged in the course of some type of excavation. To some extent, the risk of the cable being cut while excavating the area is more pronounced, as there is no protective tube to prevent the blades of backhoe loaders and other heavy equipment from making contact with the DBC. Fortunately, damage of this type can be quickly repaired and the data flow restored in a short amount of time.
Another potential downside to using buried cable is the upfront cost associated with purchasing and installing it. Cable of this type tends to be more expensive than other solutions. This expense is partially offset by the savings generated by not using various means of external protection for the DBC, as well as by the longer life of the cable itself, barring any type of damage during an excavation.
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