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Direct-buried cable (DBC) is a kind of communications or transmissionselectrical cable which is especially designed to be buried under the ground without any other cover, sheath, orduct to protect it.[1]
Most direct-buried cable is built to specific tolerances toheat,moisture,conductivity, andsoil acidity. Unlike standard telecommunications andpower cables, which have only a thin layer of insulation and a waterproof outer cover, DBC consists of multiple layers of heavy metallic-banded sheathing, reinforced by heavy rubber covers, shock absorbing gel, wrapped thread-fortified waterproof tape, and stiffened by a heavy metal core.
DBC is preferable in some areas since it is more resistant to being the focus oflightning discharges.[2]
Most cable of this kind iscoaxial or bundledfiber-optic cable. In the 20th century much of it wasfilled cable. Direct-buried cable is cheaper and easier to lay than other kinds of cable that require protection from the earth.[1] However, DBC is also easily cut during digging or other excavations. As a result, most direct-buried cable is found on side roads, not main thoroughfares.[3]
Some power cabling is also direct-buried. This kind of cabling must follow strict regulatory procedures regarding installation[4] and backfilling. This is usually used forundergrounding in areas where overhead cabling is impractical or dangerous.