Low-Quality Manhole/CV Covers: Critical Risks for Underground Fiber Optic Installations

Low-grade manhole covers and communication vault (CV) lids present significant technical and operational challenges for underground fiber installation and maintenance. Key issues include:

Structural Integrity Failures:

Substandard castings often lack adequate load ratings or reinforcement, leading to deflection or premature fatigue failure when exposed to dynamic traffic loads. This compromises public safety and necessitates disruptive replacement cycles, damaging adjacent cabling.

Environmental Ingress:

Poor sealing surfaces and warped geometries permit water/mud infiltration. Standing water corrodes cable sheaths and splice closures, accelerates hydrogen ingression into fiber cables, and washes away protective bedding materials. Contaminants degrade microconnectors and optical components.

Safety Issues:

Improper fitment or seized lifting points delay emergency access and scheduled maintenance. Non-compliant covers violate OSHA/NESC safety standards, increasing worker injury risks during confined-space entry.

Corrosion Acceleration:

Thin or inconsistent galvanization/zinc coatings corrode rapidly in saline/humid environments. Rust particulates infiltrate ducts, abrading cable jackets. Electrolytic corrosion between dissimilar metals further degrades infrastructure.

Operational Impacts:

Increased cable cut risks during cover replacement, higher OPEX for water pumping/re-splicing, potential signal degradation from microbend losses, and non-compliance with utility reliability mandates.

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FCST - Better FTTx, Better Life.

At FCST, we manufacture top-quality microduct connectors, microduct closure, telecom

manhole chambers and fiber splice boxes since 2003. Our products boast superior resistance to failure, corrosion, and deposits, and are designed for high performance in extreme temperatures. We prioritize sustainability with mechanical couplers and long-lasting durability.

FCST aspires to a more connected world, believing everyone deserves access to high-speed broadband. We're dedicated to expanding globally, evolving our products, and tackling modern challenges with innovative solutions. As technology advances and connects billions more devices, FCST helps developing regions leapfrog outdated technologies with

sustainable solutions, evolving from a small company to a global leader in future fiber cable needs.