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How to Locate Fiber Optic Cables

    Like with so many utility lines, such as sewer and gas, digging before locating can have serious consequences. Striking utility lines can result in costly damages, project delays, injuries and in some cases even death. You may also be liable for damages that impact those around you, whether that be injuries or loss of service. It’s extremely important to know what’s beneath the ground before you dig, and not only because you’ll want to Netflix and chill after a day of hard work.

    What are Fiber Optic Cables?

    Fiber optic cables are composed of thin strands of glass or plastic fibers that transmit data using light signals. They are preferred over traditional copper cables due to their higher bandwidth and faster speeds. These cables, like other utility lines, are usually buried underground to protect them from environmental damage and physical wear and tear. Fiber is also quickly becoming a preferred internet source. More than half of all U.S. households now turn to the technology, a figure totaling more than 30 million homes.

    Step 1: Check Property Records and Existing Maps

    Before breaking ground, review any available property records, blueprints, and utility maps. These documents often indicate the location of underground utilities. Even if fiber optic cable isn’t on these records, it will go a long way toward letting you know what is beneath the ground. Striking any utility lines in addition to fiber optic cable will carry similar legal and safety risks.

    Step 2: Call 811

    It is always crucial to call 811, the national “Call Before You Dig” number, prior to beginning your project. This is true even if you are very certain of what lies beneath the surface. This is very important for a few reasons:

    • Practical: Once they are contacted, utility companies will typically mark their lines, which in some cases will be enough for you to locate the gas lines. (Note: this only tells you where the public utility lines are. These are not necessarily the only lines running underneath your property.)
    • Safety: If you dig without marked lines, you increase the risk of hitting a gas line you did not know was there, causing a gas leak. Gas leaks are extremely dangerous, so avoiding them should be at the top of your list of priorities.
    • Legal: Some states require notification via 811 before you start digging as a matter of law. California law requires calling two working days before digging, not including the date of the notification. Most other states have similar laws. Click here to see the 811 rules for your state.

    Step 3: Utilize Technology

    In order to map the obstacles that are beneath the surface of your property, you will need the help of some advanced tools. Below are a couple of examples of what you might find useful.

    Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

    Ground Penetrating Radar is a non-invasive method that uses radar pulses to image the subsurface. It can detect various underground utilities, including fiber optic cables. GPR is highly effective in identifying the depth and location of cables without excavation. It also has advantages over other methods for examining the subsurface, which you can read about here.

    Electromagnetic Locating (EM Locating)

    EM Locating does not locate the fiber optic cable itself. Rather, it detects electromagnetic signals which sometimes radiate from items in the ground. In the case of fiber optic cable, this can be used to detect signals from the metallic conduits that often house fiber optic cables.

    Can I Use a Metal Detector?

    In most cases, no. The depth of utility lines will vary depending on the company, but most are generally installed between 24 inches and 48 inches deep. Most metal detectors from consumer stores are not designed to penetrate that deep. They typically will only sense objects about eight inches beneath the surface. To use a metal detector successfully, you would need a specialized unit capable of penetrating much deeper.

    Step 4: Hire a Professional

    Due to the risks associated with digging beneath the surface, you may want to consider enlisting the help of a location professional. ART Locating has decades of experience in subsurface mapping and utility location of all kinds on commercial and residential sites, including fiber optic cable.

    Learn more about our utility location services here.