Frequently Asked Questions
Is your SMCI system compatible with traditional splice enclosures such as Raychem
or Corning?
A- Yes! All of JETT’s utilized SMCI products are fully compatible with traditional splice
enclosures.
Does this product have any negative effects on the road surface?
A- No! Over 400km of SMCI have been installed around the world since 1996. There
have been no reports of road damage or accelerated degradation as a result of the
SMCI System. SMCI is the only solution that is able to maintain your road structure
as it was before.
How is the shallow depth being perceived by Cities and Carriers?
A- Many cities immediately see the value in a very affordable fiber installation that
does not tear up roads, hinder traffic, or present risk to existing infrastructure. These
cities are excited to allow carriers the opportunity to install essential telecommunications
infrastructure with an affordable and fast installation method.
Are there any concerns with corrosion of the copper central tube?
A- Copper is used in MCS Road cables because of its excellent thermal properties, outstanding
resistance to corrosion, ease of fabrication, and good strength, and fatigue resistance. Copper
has been used in common materials such as water pipes, roofs, and power cables for many
decades. It is often added to steel and nickel alloys to make them more corrosion resistant.
Can the cable be used in applications outside of the road?
A- Yes, the cable is rodent and corrosion resistant and is suitable for direct burial. This makes
transitioning from the road simple and eliminates the requirement for a transition splice or
the installation of ducts. If the use of ducts is preferred, MCS Road cable can be pulled like any
other cable and is specified for installation tensile loads of up to 2700 N (600 lbs).
Are individual fibers color-coded for easy identification?
A- Optical fibers contained in MCS Road cables are color coded in accordance with TIAIEIA-598A,
“Optical Fiber Cable Color Coding.” Optical fibers are segregated in groups by color-coded
binders and are contained in the central copper tube. In this respect, the cable design is similar
to central tube (SST) cables and does not contain buffer tubes.
What information is available regarding the reliability of MCS Road cable following
installation?
A- The probability of digging up an MCS Road cable is roughly equivalent to that of a conventional
U/G cable. However, if city road construction crews have been briefed on the appearance of
MCS Road cable installation grooves, and know to be aware for them, the risk of inadvertent
damage is much lower for MCS Road cables compared to traditional cables. The location of the
cable is readily apparent, greatly reducing the likelihood of a dig up even in an emergency. With
conventional and surface inlay cables, digging relies on the accuracy of locating equipment and
the delicate use of a backhoe.
How easily and accurately is this cable located?
A- When complete, an MCS Road cable installation resembles an expansion joint commonly found
in concrete and has a neat, clean appearance. This makes the locating surface inlay cables faster
and easier than conventional U/G cables. In the event of repaving over the MCS Road cable
installation, the cable is tone able and allows easy locating.
What about frost heave?
A- The adverse effects of frost heave can be managed by giving consideration to the potential
movement of monolithic structures on all sides of the cable. The cable route should be
engineered to allow placement utilizing existing expansion joints between monolithic structures
such as curbs and sidewalk panels. In addition, the use of foam spacers and rubber hold-downs
allow cable movement, cushioning and protecting the cable from external forces.
What happens in the event of road grinding or resurfacing?
A- To accommodate roadway improvements, the optimum depth for cable placement is determined
in consultation with the Cities/Municipalities Streets Engineering Department prior to cable
installation.
What would happen if hot asphalt came in direct contact with the MCS Road cable
during road repairs or resurfacing?
A- Hot asphalt applied directly on top of the MCS Road cable would not damage the cable or the
optical fibers within. This is due to the crush and heat resistance of the copper central tube.
Corning Cable Systems has conducted testing that involved direct paving over an MCS Road
cable. No cable damage or increased optical attenuation resulted.