LAND ROUTE COMPONENTS

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Land Route Components Product Description Edition 06

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 Contents

1 LAND ROUTE COMPONENTS – GENERAL OVERVIEW ..................................................... 4

2 LAND ROUTE COMPONENTS DESCRIPTION – CABLES................................................... 5
2.1 Terrestrial combined optical + electrical cable (LCP) .................................................................5
2.2 Terrestrial optical cable ..........................................................................................................6
2.3 Terrestrial power cable ...........................................................................................................8
2.4 Terrestrial earth cable ............................................................................................................9
3 LAND ROUTE COMPONENTS DESCRIPTION – JOINTS ................................................. 10
3.1 Armor Wires Anchorage Clamp (AWAC) ................................................................................. 10
3.2 Land Joint ............................................................................................................................ 11
3.2.1 ASN Land Joint for Repeated Systems ............................................................................. 11
3.2.2 ASN UR Land Joint for Un-Repeated Systems .................................................................. 13
3.3 Optical Cable Joint ............................................................................................................... 14
3.4 Power Cable Joint ................................................................................................................ 15
3.5 Earth Cable Joint .................................................................................................................. 16
3.6 System Earthing ................................................................................................................... 16
3.6.1 Sea / Beach Earth Plate ................................................................................................. 17
3.6.2 Earth Rods .................................................................................................................... 17
3.6.3 Earth Cable Beach Joint ................................................................................................. 17
4 CONTINUOUS DEVELOPMENT ...................................................................................... 17

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 Figures and Tables
Figure 1 – Terrestrial Route Components Overview ......................................................................... 4
Figure 2 – Dielectric Terrestrial Optical Cable .................................................................................. 7
Figure 3 – Duct Terrestrial Optical Cable with Copper Quads ............................................................ 7
Figure 4 – Buried Terrestrial Optical Cable with Copper Quads ......................................................... 7
Figure 5 – Terrestrial Power Cable .................................................................................................. 8
Figure 6 – Terrestrial Earth Cable ................................................................................................... 9
Figure 7 – AWAC Overview .......................................................................................................... 10
Figure 8 – Repeated Land Joint Overview ..................................................................................... 11
Figure 9 – Repeated Land Joint – Buried Version ........................................................................... 12
Figure 10 – UR Land Joint Overview ............................................................................................. 14
Figure 11 – Optical Cable Joint Overview ...................................................................................... 15
Figure 12 – Earth Cable Joint Overview ......................................................................................... 16
Figure 13 – Earth Cable Beach Joint ............................................................................................. 17

Table 1 – Terrestrial Combined Electrical / Optical Cables Main Characteristics .................................. 6

Table 2 – Terrestrial Optical Cables Main Characteristics .................................................................. 8
Table 3 – Terrestrial Power Cables Main Characteristics ................................................................... 9
Table 4 – Terrestrial Earth Cables Main Characteristics .................................................................. 10
Table 5 – Repeated Land Joint Main Features ............................................................................... 13
Table 6 – UR Land Joint Main Features ......................................................................................... 14
Table 7 – Optical Cable Joint Main Features .................................................................................. 15

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1 LAND ROUTE COMPONENTS – GENERAL OVERVIEW
The land route between submarine shore end cable and terminal stations comprises several cable
types that ensure optical/electrical/earthing functions continuity.

In addition dedicated components are implemented along the land route for jointing, earthing and
anchoring purposes.

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of these different components that constitute a land route.

Figure 1 – Terrestrial Route Components Overview

Beach Man Hole

(BMH)
Beach Joint (3.2)

Intermediate Joints
Fiber Optic/Power Land Cable
(3.2 - 3.3 - 3.4)
(2.1 - 2.2 - 2.3)
Screen
Sea cable Jointing Manhole
connection kit

Earth Joints (3.5)

Earth Cable (2.4)
AWAC (3.1)

Cable Terminating Cubicle (CTC)

(Powered system)
Screen
connection kit OR
Cable Terminating Rack (CTR)
(Un-powered system)

AWAC (3.1)
AWAC (3.1)
Sea cable

Sea
OR cable
Earth cable beach joint (3.6)
Sea Earth
plate (3.6)
Earth cable
OALC 4 beach joint (3.6) Earth rods (3.6)
SA Cable

Note: Earth rods can also be installed close to

AWAC (3.1) the CTC depending on project configurations
Sea cable

OR

Beach Earth
plate (3.6)
Earth cable
OALC 4 beach joint (3.6)
SA Cable

Note: Earth joints (3.5) are shown diagrammatically between jointing chambers however they can be
located in any suitable access chamber.

A description of these various components is given in the following paragraphs.

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 2 LAND ROUTE COMPONENTS DESCRIPTION – CABLES
The cables ensure the optical and electrical continuity between the terminal station and the beach
joint. Depending on land route characteristics, or if a particular improved immunity against
electromagnetic perturbations is required, their construction can be based on the submarine cable
design, combining optical and power transmissions in the same cable (§2.1), or they can be separated
in two cables, one housing the optical fibers (§2.2) and the other ensuring the power transmission
(§2.3).

For repeatered systems, a separate earth cable is used to ensure the connection between the sea-
earth and the station (§2.4).

2.1 Terrestrial combined optical + electrical cable (LCP)

This cable is based on the LWP submarine cable design, and is named “LCP” cable. It is used to
connect submarine shore end cable to terminal station, enabling both electrical function and optical
transmission.

Fibers are housed in a steel tube, filled with a non-hygroscopic compound. The fiber unit structure is
protected by a very high strength steel wire vault, surrounded by a copper tube, constituting what is
called the composite conductor. Axial water penetration is limited by injection of water blocking
material between the vault steel wires. The composite conductor is then polyethylene insulated and
an additional coated metallic tape is formed around the polyethylene sheath, which is covered by an
outer sheath made of black, high density polyethylene.

These cables are primarily intended to be pulled in ducts but can be direct-buried.

The metallic tape is acting as an electromagnetic screen and is earthed after installation.

LCP cable may be delivered coiled in containers or wound on drums.

Examples of OALC-4 and URC-2 LCP cables are given in Table 1, together with their main
characteristics.

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Table 1 – Terrestrial Combined Electrical / Optical Cables Main Characteristics

Repeated Systems Un-Repeated Systems

OALC-4 LCP Cable URC-2 LCP Cable

Cable diameter 23mm Cable diameter 19.6mm

Max tensile load (NOTS) 30kN Max tensile load (NOTS) 30kN

Min bend radius, Min bend radius,

0.5m 0.5m
static (no torsion) static (no torsion)
Min bend radius, Min bend radius,
1m 1m
static (coiling) static (coiling)
Min bend radius, Min bend radius,
1.5m 1.5m
dynamic dynamic

Electrical performance 12kV Electrical performance 500V

Max Fiber Count 16 Max Fiber Count 24

Temperature range, Temperature range,

Transportation and -20°C to +50°C Transportation and -20°C to +50°C
Storage Storage
Temperature range, Temperature range,
-10°C to +50°C -10°C to +50°C
Installation Installation
Temperature range, Temperature range,
-10°C to +35°C -10°C to +35°C
Operation Operation

Crush 30kN Crush 30kN

2.2 Terrestrial optical cable

This cable is used to connect submarine shore end cable to terminal station, ensuring optical
continuity and where applicable includes copper conductors to allow the electroding function. Three
basic constructions are available:

A fully dielectric cable particularly suitable for repeated applications:

Its design is based on the stranded loose tubes construction. Fibers are housed in jelly-filled plastic
loose tubes, which are SZ-stranded around a dielectric strength member to form the cable core. Outer
protection is ensured by a dielectric GRP (glass reinforced plastic) armor and a double polyethylene
sheath (general view shown in Figure 2). This cable is suitable for both buried and duct pulling
applications.

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Figure 2 – Dielectric Terrestrial Optical Cable

A duct cable that may incorporate copper conductors, particularly suitable for un-repeated
applications:

Its design is based on the stranded loose tubes construction. Fibers are housed in jelly-filled plastic
loose tubes, which are SZ-stranded around a dielectric strength member together with copper
conductors (star quads) to form the cable core. Outer protection is ensured by reinforcement yarns, a
one-side coated aluminum tape longitudinally applied with an overlap, and an outer polyethylene
sheath (general view shown in Figure 3). This cable is suitable for duct pulling applications.

Figure 3 – Duct Terrestrial Optical Cable with Copper Quads

A metallic armored cable that may incorporate copper conductors, particularly suitable for un-
repeated applications:

Its design is based on the stranded loose tubes construction. Fibers are housed in jelly-filled plastic
loose tubes, which are SZ-stranded around a dielectric strength member together with copper
conductors (star quads) to form the cable core. Outer protection is ensured by reinforcement yarns, a
copolymer coated corrugated steel tape longitudinally applied with an overlap, and an outer
polyethylene sheath (general view shown in Figure 4). This cable is suitable for buried applications
but can also be pulled in ducts.

Figure 4 – Buried Terrestrial Optical Cable with Copper Quads

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All cable designs are longitudinally watertight and are capable of housing a number of fibers
compatible with standard submarine systems.

Table 2 – Terrestrial Optical Cables Main Characteristics

CHARACTERISTICS Dielectric Cable Duct Cable Buried Cable

Cable diameter 14.9 mm 12.2 mm 15.5 mm
Max tensile load 3.5 kN 2.7 kN 2.7 kN
Min bend radius, static 230 mm 180 mm 230 mm
Min bend radius, dynamic 300 mm 250 mm 310 mm
Electrical performances
n/a DC resistance ≤8 W/km DC resistance ≤8 W/km
(electrical conductors, 2 quads, 20°C)
Insulation resistance Insulation resistance
≥500 MW.km ≥500 MW.km
Temperature range, Transportation
-40 to +70°C -40 to +70°C -40 to +70°C
and Storage
Temperature range, Installation -5 to +60°C -5 to +60°C -5 to +60°C
Temperature range, Operation -30 to +70°C -30 to +70°C -30 to +70°C
Crush 440 daN / 100 mm 220 daN / 100 mm 440 daN / 100 mm

Other variants (e.g. without copper conductors) may be used if required by actual route conditions
and system configuration.

2.3 Terrestrial power cable

This cable is used to ensure the transmission of the feeding power from the terminal station to the
beach joint.

It is made of a stranded copper conductor, covered with a cross-linked insulation and semi-conductive
layers, a helically applied screen and a plastic outer jacket.

A typical cable construction is shown in Figure 5:

Figure 5 – Terrestrial Power Cable

Table 3 summarizes main characteristics for two design variants corresponding to two different
insulation levels.

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Table 3 – Terrestrial Power Cables Main Characteristics

CHARACTERISTICS 12/20 (24) kV Cable 6/10 (12) kV Cable

Cable diameter 26.1 mm 21.0 mm
Max tensile load 1.25 kN 1.25 kN
Min bend radius 280 mm 220 mm
Core DC resistance (20°C) 0.73 W/km 0.73 W/km
10
Insulation resistance >10 W.km >10 10 W.km
Temperature range, Transportation and Storage -20 to +60°C -20 to +60°C

Temperature range, Installation -5 to +60°C -5 to +60°C

Temperature range, Operation -20 to +60°C -20 to +60°C

2.4 Terrestrial earth cable

This cable is used on repeatered systems, to ensure the connection of the power feeding equipment
to the sea-earth electrode. Two variants are available, a 2x16mm² and a 2x25mm².

Design principle for both variants is the same: Two stranded annealed round plain copper conductors
are insulated with an extruded material, covered with an inner sheath that may act as filler and a
black plastic inner sheath. The cable protection is made of two steel tapes helically applied and a
black plastic outer sheath.

A typical cable construction is shown in Figure 6.

Figure 6 – Terrestrial Earth Cable

Table 4 summarizes main characteristics for these two variants.

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Table 4 – Terrestrial Earth Cables Main Characteristics

CHARACTERISTICS 2x16mm² Cable 2x25mm² Cable

Cable diameter 21.0 mm 24.3 mm
Max tensile load 1.6 kN 2.5 kN
Min bend radius 180 mm 200mm
Conductors DC resistance (20°C) 0.58 W/km 0.37 W/km
10
Insulation resistance >10 W.km >10 10 W.km
Temperature range, Transportation and Storage -20 to +60°C -20 to +60°C
Temperature range, Installation -5 to +60°C -5 to +60°C
Temperature range, Operation -20 to +60°C -20 to +60°C

3 LAND ROUTE COMPONENTS DESCRIPTION – JOINTS

3.1 Armor Wires Anchorage Clamp (AWAC)

The AWAC is used in the beach manhole to anchor shore end submarine cable armor wires to the
beach manhole walls.

Its design consists in two zinc-coated steel plates between which the cable armor wires are clamped,
these plates being pressed onto each other with bolts. The AWAC assembly itself is secured to the
beach manhole with two anchoring bolts.

A general view of the AWAC is shown in Figure 7.

Figure 7 – AWAC Overview

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3.2 Land Joint

The ASN land joints can be used either for beach joint application or for intermediate land joint
application.

The beach joint ensures the connection between the shore end submarine cable and the terrestrial
cables in the beach manhole.

The intermediate LCP cable joint is used for the connection between LCP terrestrial cables along the
route, in intermediate manholes.

3.2.1 ASN Land Joint for Repeated Systems

The design of land joint for repeated systems is based on a physical separation of electrical and
optical functions.

The electrical connectivity is ensured with a specific connection box, in which an electrical link is
established between the electrical conductors of submarine and land cables.

The optical connectivity is ensured in a dedicated jointing box, isolated from the electrical connection.
The optical fibers are routed through the electrical connection box to this splice housing.

The electrical connection box and the optical jointing box, assembled together on a frame, constitute
the land joint. Both the electrical and optical boxes are re-enterable.

Incoming cables (LW sea side cable and land side cable, LCP or power terrestrial type) are clamped
on the metallic frame, optical terrestrial cable type being anchored directly in the optical splicing box.

A general view of the joint is shown in Figure 8 (top cover split to show electrical connection box).

Figure 8 – Repeated Land Joint Overview

An overall mechanical protection, shown in figure 9 is also available for direct burial installation.

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Figure 9 – Repeated Land Joint – Buried Version

When used as beach joint it can be installed in several possible configurations, depending on the type
of cables to be connected:

On sea side, submarine cable – power conductor and optical fibres

On land side,

 LCP type land cable, combining power conductor and optical fibres
 or Separate power and optical cables
This solution can also be used for intermediate joints where the LCP cable is used for the land route,
or in case of a repair.

The main features of this joint are provided in Table 5.

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Table 5 – Repeated Land Joint Main Features

PARAMETER FEATURE / VALUE

Cable entries 1 submarine cable
1 terrestrial power cable
2 terrestrial optical cables

14 - 25 (submarine, LCP or terrestrial power cables)

Cable outer diameter range
2 - 25 (optical cables)
Maximum splice capacity (heatshrink protection) 48
Re-openable Yes
Overall dimensions (mm) 810 x 205 x 175
Weight in air (with a 3kg optical closure) 11.5kg
D.C. resistance <0.2 ohm
Max operating voltage 15 kV
Insulation resistance ≥10 6 Mohm
Impact >100 J
Drop 0.75 m
Compression 0.8 N/cm²
Water immersion 0.6 bar
Storage temperature range -40°C / +70°C
Installation temperature range 0°C / +40°C
Installation humidity range 5 to 90 %RH
Operations temperature range -40°C / +70°C

3.2.2 ASN UR Land Joint for Un-Repeated Systems

ASN land joint design for un-repeated systems is an adaptation of ASN beach joint for repeated
systems.

Both optical and electrical connections are ensured in a customized splice housing, secured on a
holding frame.

Incoming cables (LW sea side and land side, LCP) are clamped on this metallic frame, optical
terrestrial cable type being anchored directly in the splice housing.

A general view of the joint is given in Figure 10 (housing cover removed).

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Figure 10 – UR Land Joint Overview

Table 6 – UR Land Joint Main Features

PARAMETER FEATURE / VALUE

Cable entries 4 (max 2 submarine)
Cable outer diameter range 2-25 mm
Maximum splice capacity (heatshrink protection) 48
Re-openable Yes
Overall dimensions (mm) 530x190x140
Weight in air (with a 3kg optical closure) 6.5 kg
D.C. resistance <0.2 ohm
Max voltage 0.5 kV
Insulation resistance ≥10 6 Mohm
Impact >100 J
Drop 0.75 m
Compression 0.8 N/cm²
Water immersion 0.6 bar
Storage temperature range -40°C / +70°C
Installation temperature range 0°C / +40°C
Installation humidity range 5 to 90 %RH
Operations temperature range -40°C / +70°C

3.3 Optical Cable Joint

This joint ensures the connection between terrestrial optical cables along the route, in intermediate
manholes, or is used in case of a repair.

The optical cable joint design consists in an optical housing secured on a frame, which incorporates
electrical connections for the optical cables conductors and cables screens earthing.

A general view of the optical cable joint is given in Figure 11.

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Figure 11 – Optical Cable Joint Overview

Table 7 – Optical Cable Joint Main Features

PARAMETER FEATURE / VALUE

Cable entries 4
Cable outer diameter range 2-25 mm
Maximum splice capacity (heatshrink protection) 48
Re-openable Yes
Overall dimensions (mm) 370x180x140
Weight in air (with a 3kg optical closure) 4.5 kg
D.C. resistance <0.2 ohm
Max voltage 0.5 kV
Insulation resistance ≥10 6 Mohm
Impact >100 J
Drop 0.75 m
Compression 0.8 N/cm²
Water immersion 0.6 bar
Storage temperature range -40°C / +70°C
Installation temperature and humidity range 0°C / +40°C, 5 to 90%RH
Operations temperature range -40°C / +70°C

3.4 Power Cable Joint

This joint is used between the beach manhole and the terminal station, to ensure the connection
between individual power cable lengths or in case of a repair.

It typically consists in connecting the copper conductors using a crimped copper sleeve, and
reconstituting the insulation using heat-shrinkable sleeves or self-amalgamating tape. The cable
screen is reinstated using a metallic braid placed over the re-insulated conductor and connected to

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the cable screen. An outer heat-shrinkable sleeve is applied on top of the braid to ensure the external
protection of the joint.

This joint can be installed in ducts or cable troughs/cable ways or can be directly buried in the ground.

3.5 Earth Cable Joint

This joint is used between the beach manhole and the terminal station, to ensure the connection
between individual earth cable lengths or in case of a repair.

It typically consists in connecting the copper conductors using a crimped copper sleeve and
reconstituting the conductors' insulation using heat-shrinkable sleeves; the cable screen is reinstated
using a copper braid placed over the jointed conductors and connected to the cable screen, then an
outer heat-shrinkable sleeve is applied on top of the braid to ensure the external protection of the
joint.

A general view of the earth cable joint is given in Figure 12.

Figure 12 – Earth Cable Joint Overview

This joint can be installed in ducts or cable troughs/cable ways or can be directly buried in the ground.

3.6 System Earthing

The “System Earth” provides a return path to the ground for the power feeding current of the
submerged plant.

It is constituted by buried or immersed electrodes connected to the Cable Termination Cubicle of the
Power Feed Equipment through a dedicated “earth cable” (described in paragraph 2.4).

These electrodes are connected to the earth cable arriving in the beach manhole directly or through a
short length of directly buried, armored cable e.g. a piece of OALC-4 SA cable.

The “System Earth” can be used as an anode or a cathode. It can sustain a 2A current for 25 years.

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3.6.1 Sea / Beach Earth Plate
It consists in a massive steel plate that ensures a large surface in contact with sea water. The steel
mass is dimensioned to ensure a 25 years lifetime.

The plate shape ensures its good stability when laid on the sea bed. It can also be buried when used
as beach plate.

3.6.2 Earth Rods

The system earth can also be made with metal cylindrical rods, generally 2m in length, vertically
buried in a high carbon coke backfill.

The number of rods and the depth of burial are determined from soil resistivity measurement so as to
provide a sufficiently low earth resistance.

The rods are split into 2 groups in a preferably homogeneous and symmetrical arrangement.

3.6.3 Earth Cable Beach Joint

This joint is used to connect the earth cable to the earth rods tails or to an OALC-4 SA connection
cable coming from the sea or beach plate. It is installed in beach / jointing manholes.

The joint consists in electrical connector(s) inserted inside a jointing closure. One electrical connector
is used to connect earth cable to OALC-4 cable, and two separate electrical connectors are used for
connection of earth cable with earth rods groups. Figure 13 shows an external and an internal view of
this joint.

Figure 13 – Earth Cable Beach Joint

4 CONTINUOUS DEVELOPMENT
Alcatel-Lucent follows a policy of continuous development, which may result in desirable
enhancements being available. In those circumstances, Alcatel-Lucent reserves the right to modify its
product to make use of such enhancements wherever feasible.

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