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CHAPTER 1: FIELD CABLE

SECTION.1 - INTRODUCTION

Background

1. The laying of lines, the operating of associated equipment and the recovery of
lines are important tasks required of the line technicians of infantry signaller. Under the
threat of EW line is the most useful means of alternative communications. It is essential
that the level of skill, especially in the instruction of Field Cables, is of a very high
standard.

Aim

2. To set out the fundamental principle involved in line communication, its

construction and maintenance,

Definition of line communication

3. A landline telephone communication (also known as land line, or fixed-line, and

wireline) is a phone that uses a metal wire or optical fiber telephone line for transmission
as distinguished from a mobile cellular line, which uses radio waves for transmission.

4. It is one of the primary means of communication. It is neither succinct nor

exhaustive but should provide adequate reference material for both students and
instructors or to provide a source of reference for those instructing Field Cables and Line
Instruments.

THE HISTORY OF COMMUNICATION

5. The history of communication is as old as that of man himself. From the earliest
records, there is evidence of effort of man‘s desire to communication rapidly with others
beyond the range of human voice and sight. The word communication is used many
times today, and is vital to human existence. Animals and insects have their way of
communicating too, but their efforts in this direction are puny compared with those of
man. Without communication we would each live as if alone in the world. By learning
communication well, therefore, you don’t merely improve your efficiency as a worker but
also improve your efficiency as a human being. On a more local scale, the first methods
of communication were by means of Runner, Fire, Drums, Beacons and semaphore. All
these were essential in that they involved the transmission of written messages or use of
coded or visual signals.

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3. It was not until the 18th century that ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL, born on 3rd
march 1847 inverted the first telephone in 1876.

4. In the early 19th century the physicians turned seriously to the scientific exam of
speech sound. This together with historic pioneer work of OERSTED, DAVY,
STIORGION, FARADAY,PAGE and many others in the electric field paved the way to
study of graham’s electric phone. To this day the channels of communication available
on national and international scale include Railway, airways, postal services, telephone
cable, telegrams, telex, internet, domestic radios and television services

THE TELEPHONE NETWORK

The telephone network is a telecommunication network that connects telephone,which

allows telephone calls between two or more parties.

Many telephone network functional parts work together to achieve telephone

communication.
(THE MAIN FUNCTIONS OF THE TELEPHONE NETWORK)

5. The main function of the telephone network is to provide communication of

telephone services between users. Ideally these services should be;
a. On demand.

b. Capable of handling as many simultaneous calls as may be offered.

c. Private between users.

THE FUNCTIONAL PARTS OF THE NETWORK

6. Generally the network consists of the following parts.

a. Telephone.
b. Line or path.
c. Exchange.
d. Power source.

TELEPHONE

7. The telephone is necessary to convert the sound energy of speech into electric
energy and vise-versa. The both way process is called transduction. The elements that
perform it are called transducers. One of the functions of the telephone must therefore
be transduction using the microphone and the receiver as transducing elements. The
telephone must also incorporate some means where by the user can call the distant end
and be called in his or her turn. This gives three functions of the telephone as follow:-

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a. Means of signalling out.

b. Means of receiving incoming calls.
c. Transduction.

LINE OR PATH

8. The telephones are not always inter-connected physically. In both service and civil
practice, great use is now made of Radio and Relay system. The functions of any path or
line are to convey speech and signalling current between any two parts of the network. A
short two wire line is the original and the simplest transmission medium .All telephone
equipment are therefore designed to be with that line.

EXCHANGE

9. A one to one telephone circuit only requires two telephones and a line or path;
however the more usual requirement of connecting one user to any other in the network
is met by providing a path to the common point at which the line or path may be inter-
connected. This point of inter-connection is the (network) exchange and it has the
following functions;
a. Means of signalling out.
b. Means of receiving incoming call.
c.Switching or inter-connecting.

POWER SOURCE

10. Since by definition, a telephone network is an electric system, it must have all
certain sources of electric energy for generation of both speech and signalling currents
between any two points of the network.

11. IMPORTANT TERMS USED IN TELEPHONE NETWORK

a. EXTENSION- The telephone user directly connected to a private
exchange.
b. SUBSCRIBER - The telephone user directly connected to public exchange.
c. TELEPHHONE EXCHANGE - The telephone switching centre including the
building.
d. EXCHANGE AREA - Areas formed by the local exchange and the subscriber’s
lines.
e. JUNCTION CIRCUIT - It is circuit between two local exchanges of the same
local network.
f. TRUNK CIRCUIT - The circuit between two main exchanges.

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g. TANDEM EXCHANGE - The telephone switching centre for inter-connection of

trunk circuits between exchanges of different regions or countries.

TYPE OF CIRCUIT

12. A complete path or circuit must exist for the current to flow from one telephone to
another. There are three types of circuit:

a. Switched Circuit. This circuit is where telephones are connected to a

central exchange which can be either:
(1) Magneto — Unit Level Switchboard.
(2) Central Battery — Civilian Type Exchange.

b. Omnibus Circuit. This system connects all the subscribers in a parallel

circuit and a system of rings is employed to call other subscribers. It is used in
situations where line must be laid quickly or the facility of an exchange is not
available.
c. Earth Return Circuit. only one strand of cable is connected to the
telephones. The other terminal usually marked ‘E’ is connected by a short piece
of cable into an earth spike. The single cable can be an already existing one, e.g.,
a fence around a field or wood. Good communications can be achieved,
especially if the ground is wet. This form of circuit can be very useful for
Observation Posts, Mortar Fire Controllers, etc.

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SECTION 2 — CHARACTERISTICS OF LINE

Advantages and Disadvantages

13. Advantages of Line over Radio.

a. More secure.
b. Greater traffic capacity.
c. Personal touch.
d. Simple to use.
e. Rapid communications once line is laid.
f. Saves operators, radios and batteries.
g. It is not subject to screening, interference or jamming.
h. Provides communications during radio silence.

14. Disadvantages.
a. Vulnerable.
b. Less useful in mobile operations.
c. Equipment is bulky.
d. Comprehensive links take time to establish.
e. Maintenance is laborious and expensive in manpower.

Security

15. Line is not 100% secure, therefore, careful consideration should be given to a
more secure means of sending messages of a high security classification, e.g., SDS,
and runners when available. Line, once laid, must be patrolled and guarded against
possible enemy intervention, e.g., ‘tapping lines’ or cutting lines of communication.

Time

17. It is essential that the line must be working by the time given; therefore, the most
direct route should be taken. If time is short the line can be improved later by lengthening

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the working line and making crossings permanent. As a guide to instructors, a temporary
line is one which is not expected to be in use for more than 48 hours. Most lines will be
laid temporary and then made permanent at a later stage.

FIELD CABLES

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTIC OF FIELD CABLE

18. Field cable are laid and recovered very frequently and, because of the
environmental condition in which they are used, need to have strength and durability.

19. The cable use all have tough insulation to withstand rough handling, in some
stranded type cable the conductors are strengthened by the inclusion of steel strands.

20. The insulation of these cables is either PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or polyethylene.
The main use of field cables are:
a. Distribution of circuits (exchange lines) within headquarters
b. ‘Tails’ for Radio relay circuits.
c. Remote control lines for net radio.
d. Short (subscriber) lines in administrations on airfields, stores, depots etc.
e. To meet urgent requirements for communication on airfields, stores, and
depots.

FIELD CABLES REQUIREMENTS.

21. Lines in forward areas are laid by line technicians or regimental signallers /
operators on foot, as this is so; the cable must have the following requirements. it must
be; The following characteristics are necessary for Army field cables:
a. Flexible — easily laid, jointed and recovered.
b. Of low resistance — to allow good communications over several
kilometres.
c. Light - Compact and reasonably portable.
d. Mechanically strong, durable and flexible.
e. Insulated — well insulated to prevent current leakage and to be able to
stand up to hard ware.

Types of field cables

22. To meet the requirements given in paragraph 6 the following cables are in current
use.
a. Drop wire No.2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10 (D Cable.) but all instructions at the
signals division are based on D10.
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b. Cable telephone light weight (Ltwt) quad.

c. Cable telephone carrier quad
d. Cable telephone polyethylene insulated PCP sheath 10 pairs.
e. Optic fibre cable

CABLE TELEPHONE D10

Construction
23. Both conductors of this twisted twin cable are made up from 04 tinned copper
wires and 03 galvanized steel wires stranded together. The conductors are insulated
with polyethylene and protected by a nylon outer sheath (see fig 1)

Fig 1 – D10 Construction

24. D10 is a general purpose field speech communication cable. Example of its use
are ; interconnecting telephones, directly or vi an exchange, and extending insecure
combat net radio remotes to staff and command users.

. DESCRIPTION OF D10 CABLE (DROP WIRE NO10.

25. The current infantry cable is D10 (drop wire No.10) which meets all the
requirements and below is the characteristics.

a. General — Twin cable, twisted and black in colour.

b. Weight — 12 kg per pack.
c. Speech Range — < 16-24km (10-15) miles or 38 km depending on conditions
of cable and equipment in use.
d. Loop resistance -200 ohms /1.61km 136.5 ohms per mile
e. Construction — PVC coated for insulation and contains: 4 copper wires (for
conductivity) and 3 steel wires (for strength).
f. Establishment. – When using the D10 cable line communication will provided
as follows

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(1) In a three Company Air portable Battalion, with the coverage of

32..2 km, Signals will cover 19.4 km.
(2) In three Company Mechanized Battalion with the coverage of 53.1
km, signals will cover 24.2km

NOTE: The description and characteristic of our own equipment to be used should be
perfectly sound such that their capabilities are not over looked when using them for a
particular assigned task.

LIGHT WEIGHT QUAD

26. This cable consist of 4 conductors of conductors, 2 coloured white and 2 coloured
black, each conductors being of the same construction as an individual D10 conductor.
The 4 conductors are laid up inside a clear polyethylene inner sheath, which is then
protected by PVC outer sheath.

Fig 2

Uses
27. As for D10 but where 2 audio pairs are required or it may be used as a trunk
circuit for carrier telephony when loaded. Range 32km, cut off at 25khz.cable

CABLE TELEPHONE
28. The cable consists of 20 solid, hard drawn, tinned copper conductors individually
insulated with coloured thermoplastic and then wrapped in cellophane. The colours form
a code for identification and the layup is in twin formation.

29. The first 2 pairs are wrapped in a clear polyethylene sheath and travel down the
centre to act as a core. All conductors are enclosed in a polyethylene (neoprene) sheath.
(see fig 5)

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Fig 3 – 10 pair cable construction

30. As stated earlier, the colour forms a code for identification. The main use of 10
pair cable is to connect a number of vehicles in a headquarters complex to the exchange
vehicle, rather than lay D10 for each extension. It is also used in conjunction with a 10
pair terminal box to interconnect D10 and lightweight quad circuits.

31. 10 pair cable comes on drums of 400m (2 per drum), also in length of 30m for
vehicles interconnection.

32. All length of cable comes with coupler fitted by the manufacture. The ‘A and B
ends.

Field Cable Layout

33. A typical field cable layout as used in a communication network in the file is
shown in fig 8

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Fig 4 – cable layout

CHOICE OF CABLE

37. D class cables are chosen to be used in forward areas by the armed forces for
the following reasons;-
a. Can be laid and recovered rapidly.
b. Tough and flexible.
c. Able to with stand blast from shell or mortar fire and bombing.
d. Inconspicuous (not easily seen).
e. Easily maintained.
f. Can be laid over any type of land or even under water.
g. Light and reasonable portable.
h. Requires relatively few stores and personnel.

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SECTION 3 — LINE INSTRUMENTS

Portable Telephone Communication PTC

38. Description. The PTC is a lightweight field telephone and consists of a carrying
satchel containing: Main Unit — housed in a metal or fibre case.

39. Tests. The following tests are to be carried out:

a. Lift the handset and blow into microphone.
(1) Side tone heard — Telephone working.
(2) Side tone not heard —incorrectly connected. Faulty receiver or
microphone.

40. Operating. Connect the cable to the line terminals and set the switches as
follows:

a. CB Working — Calling and Answering.

(1) Set Ringer to auto / CB — to ring or answer a call.

(2) Lift the handset and dial required number..

Exchanges

41. If a line is to be laid to a number of substations, a complicated system of rings is

required to ensure adequate communications. The use of an exchange gives the
following advantages:

a. Saves telephones.
b. Saves cable.
c. Saves manpower.
d. Gives greater traffic capacity.

42. Siting.

a. Places to avoid.

(1) Power lines.

(2) Roads.
(3) Centres of activity.
b. Points to consider.
(1) Accessible to subscribers.
(2) Comfort of the operator.
(3) Camouflage and concealment.
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46. Characteristics.
a. Auto extensions /magneto /junction lines
b. Three outside lines on exchange unit.
c. Visual and audio indication of a call.
e. Conference facility.

47. Power Supplies. Power for the indicators, ringing alarm and operator‘s handset is
supplies by a central internal 24VDC non rechargeable battery, external 12V DC
rechargeable battery and external 24V DC supply.

THE EXCHANGE AREA

48. IN General: - The exchange area is the hub all line laid. A well setup exchange
area is an essential element of good line communication. Exchange areas are known as
ends and there is an expression which says, if you take care of the ends, the lines will
look after themselves.

49 Setting Terminal Strip

a. Terminal strip with the incoming lines should be neatly terminated at some
distance from the telephone exchange.
b. The terminal strip should be as far as the snake will permit, and the snake
must be buried as well as camouflaged.
c. Fasten strip to a tree or pole at a height at which a man can work on
comfortably.
d. Attach a line label about one foot away from the terminal strip.

Setting Up the Exchange Unit

50. To prepare the Exchange Unit for operation carry out the following drill:

a. Release the four securing clamps in the Exchange Unit and remove the
cover.
b. Place Unit Level Switchboard on the right or left hand side, whichever is
convenient.
c. Stand the Exchange
d. Connect an earth lead between the earth terminal ‘E’ on the three-line
Protection Unit and the earth terminal ‘E’, on the 16-line Protection Unit. This will
mean the earth connection on the ULS will have to be disconnected.

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e. Connect the cable into the socket marked SWITCHBOARD on the

Exchange Unit, and the other end of the cable into the socket marked EXTN
UNIT on the LTB.
f. The Unit Level Switchboard and the Exchange Unit are now ready for
testing and operation.

Testing and Maintenance

51. When the equipment is drawn for operational/training use, it should be thoroughly
tested and checked for serviceability as follows:

a. Check all cables and connectors for damage and cleanliness.

b. Ensure nuts/screws are not missing.
c. Check the Protection Unit and lid for damage.
d. Check all unused sockets and make secure them.
e. Internal Battery Test.
f. External Battery Test
g. Test each extension in turn by connecting a telephone and ringing in and
out.

SECTION 4 - ROUTING, ORDERS AND LABELLING

53. ROUTING (Choosing a Route).

a. The reconnaissance should be carried out by the Regimental signals officer

(RSO), regimental signals warrant officer (RSWO) or an NCO delegated.
b. Some aids to choosing a route are:

(1) Maps.
(2) Air photographs.
(3) Local knowledge.
(4) Vantage points (binos from high ground).

54. MAJOR FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A ROUTE

a. Speed.
b. Time
c. Security..
d. Ease of Maintenance
e. Ground.

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55. Speed. Line should be laid by the most direct route initially and improved later.

56. Time. Line MUST be through on time. In order to achieve this time must be
allotted for:

a. Warning Order / Briefing.

b. Reconnaissance.
c. Orders.
d. Preparation.
e. Line Lay.

57. Security.
a. The route should give cover from view and fire for the line party. (Small
Arms and Artillery).
b. Line should be inconspicuous, and line parties should leave no trace of
having been there.
c. Two lines should not follow the same route because of the risk of induction
and possible damage to two lines at once.
d. A line laid at night may well come under view by day.

58. Ease Of Maintenance. Avoid routes which have excessive crossings or which will
pose problems when maintaining the line. Therefore Maintenance arrangements
especially in static condition should include the following;

a. Provision of test points

b. Periodic line testing
c. Allotment of sections to detachments for maintenance purposes
d. Maintenance patrol reports
e. Subsequent line overhaul as necessary

59. Ground. The route you choose will be dictated by the ground. You should avoid
the following whenever possible.

a. Main roads, crossroads, railways, villages and bridges and areas of

population.
b. Open fields (danger of observation or cable damage by vehicles, animals,
etc.).
c. Water, wet or marshy ground.

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d. Bracken, heather, tops of hedges, etc., (makes cable more vulnerable to

shell fire).
e. Active power lines and other cables (causes noise on the line).
f. Centres of military activity, e.g., HQs.
g. Patrol, runner and DR routes.
h. When large areas are mined the choice of route may be limited.

60. Before making your appreciation you require the following further information from
your RSO / RSWO:
a. Location of any patrols in the area.
b. Battalion track plan.
c. Position of major obstacles.
d. Position of sentries.
e. Any additional protection (i.e., manpower, fire support on call).

61. Reconnaissance: - Reconnaissance is carried out to determine;

a. The best route.
b. The amount of stores required.
c. The size of the laying party

Sometimes it may be left to the IC lines to carry out the reconnaissance and air photo
maps are very useful as an aid to reconnaissance and fore briefing and should be of
1:50000 scale.

ORDERS
62. After reconnaissance has been made, orders must be given to the commanders
or ICs who in turn must give orders to their own line parties, ideally from a position where
the ground can be seen. The orders should be given in the same sequence (ERCATLI)
as tactical orders with minor variations.

E - Enemy; ---- General enemy location and if possible strengths, also position
of own troops.

R -- Route; -To who line has to be laid, where the distant terminal will be and
the route to be followed.

C - Crossings; ---- Number and types of crossings involved and where.

A- Amount; ---- Number of reels, drums or dispenser packs to be carried.

T- Time; ---- Time by which line is to be through and time check.

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L- Labels; ---- Labelling code and how many required.

I-- Instructions; -- Any special instruction not covered already, e.g. whether the
line is to be permanent.

63. AN EXAMPLE OF THE ORDERS IS AS FOLLOWS:

a. Prelims.
(1) Seating Plans. Pte Smith, Pte Jones.
(2) Weather will be dry and cool.
(3) First Light 0600 hrs Last Light 1945 hrs
(4) Description of Model. North Arrow, Enemy direction scale, green shaded
areas represent woods, brown tape represents major tracks, blue tape
represents small river etc. ..........

b. Ground.
(1) Bn Area in Outline. The ground is flat open countryside with a large
wooded area to the North East. There is the River .................. running North
to South through the area and two main roads, the A74 and the M21 which
run East to West. There is a railway which runs parallel to the M21 and the
main village of ...................... to the South. These will have little effect on the
lay but they will have tome to negotiate.

c. Situation.

(1) Enemy Forces. The enemy are in brigade strength advancing South
with the intentions of taking ...................... which is 5 km to our South. ETA
approximately nine hours. The EW threat is high and the enemy have
deployed active DF and intercept stations.

(2) Friendly Forces.

(a) Bn Plan in Outline. The Bn will move from its present location to
the North or south of ............................ where it will establish a
deliberate defensive position and destroy the enemy within boundaries.
The Bn will deploy as follows:
Battalion HQ Grid .........................
A Coy Grid ..........................
B Coy Grid ...........................
C Coy Grid ..........................

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(b) Atts and Dets. Nil.

d. Mission. To establish and maintain line communications by 1630 hrs in

order to allow the Bn to occupy a defensive position and destroy the enemy within
boundaries.

e. Execution.
(1) Concept of Comms. Whilst moving into its defensive position the Bn will
be on strict radio silence. The CO has decided that once in location the
primary means of communications will be line. The line is to be permanent. A
and C Coy will lay from their respective HQs to Bn HQ. The Bn line team will
lay from Bn HQ to B Coy. Main Effort is to lay line to B Coy.

(2) Missions/Tasks.
(a) Pte Smith.............You will be the line carrier, you will carry two
packs of D 10 and a telephone set.
(b) Pte Jones .............You will carry the extra equipment. You are also
responsible for making the tie backs and to assist in the crossings.
(c) I will carry the extra pack of D10, construct the crossings and label
the line where necessary.

(3) Coordinating Instructions.

(a) Timings.
i. Time out 1430 hrs.
ii. Line through by 1630 hrs.
iii. Line permanent by 1730 hrs.

(b) Route. The following route will be taken to B Coy. Follow the track
to the junction about 200 m. Cross the smaller track and follow the
hedgerow to the stream, about 400 m. Cross the stream, turn left along
the roadside using the ditch to the railway bridge where you will find B
Coy’s position about 900 m. A total distance of 1500 m.

(c) Counter-Surveillance Measures. The following measures will

apply.
i. During Occupation A2 (Radio silence may be broken)
ii. From 1630 hrs A1 (No transmissions)

(d) Labels.
i. Label code — LC12

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ii. Qty of labels — 6

iii. Location of labels (show on model)
(e) Line carrier, comd, extra equipment carrier.
(f) Procedure at the 50 m Point. The line will be handed to a
member of the exchange party with a label on it. The line is to be tested
both ways before we move off.
(g) Tie Backs. Every 100 – 150 m, change of directions, either side of
crossings, on my order.
(h) Arcs of Observation.
i. Line carrier 10-– 2 o’clock
ii. Comd 2 – 6 o’clock
iii. Equipment carrier 6 – 10 o’clock

(j) Actions on.

f. Crossings. Track crossing (show on model) line carrier go firm this side of
crossing, await arrival of remainder of line party. Line carrier is to cross, at
an angle and ensure slack is available for the crossing to be completed by
equipment carrier and myself. Ensure that the correct tie backs are done.
b. RVs. Go firm, wait for my order to move.
c. Enemy. If we come under contact, go back to last RV. If we sight
the enemy go firm and report back to Bn HQ.
d. Lost Comms. We will stop and return to the last place we had
comms, then fault find from there.

g. Summary of Execution. You must summarize on your Route and

Crossings.

h. Service Support.
(1) Dress: As you are.
(2) Line equipment: As given in the warning order.
(3) Wpns: As issued.
(4) Ammo: As issued.
(5) Rations: 24 hr ration pack to be carried.
(6) Medical: FFD and morphine to be carried.
(7) Amount of line: Three packs.

g. Command and Signal.

(1) Chain of comd: Comd, equipment carrier, line carrier.
(2) Location of HQ: Grid ...................................
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(3) Comms check: 50 m point, each crossing, DT.

(4) C/S of Line Party: Line party 2.
(5) Password: AA NN.
(6) Time check:
(7) Any Questions?

LINE LABELLING

63. Lines must be labelled so that they can easily be identified thus is easing
maintenance problems

SYSTEM FOR FIELD WIRE LABELLING

64. It is agreed that the NATO Armed Forces are to use the system for field wire
labelling described in the following paragraphs.

IMPORTANCE OF LABELLING

65. The labelling of lines is an essential of good construction.

a. Tags often form the only method of distinguishing one line from another.
b. They facilitate the handing over of lines to incoming units and
c. Make line tracing easier and lessen the work of maintenance, especially in
darkness.

66. If tags are not available, a unit is expected to improvise them, and every unit is
responsible for ensuring that its lines are generously labelled.

POINTS TO BE LABELLED

67 Lines must be labelled as they are laid, and tags must be attached as means of
identification and secured to lines at all points where confusion between lines might arise
during maintenance. Labels are to occur at the following are the points:
a. Terminal box.
b. Where routes cross. ) ) Both Sides
c. Where trenches cross. )
d. Where a coil of slack is left.
e. At joints.
f. In door and out door of office.
g. At tee-in points
h. Where type of cable changes
i. At road, track, tramway or railway junctions, or bridges, both sides.

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j. Wherever lines are attached to test boxes, telephones, terminal points.

k. Both sides of buried crossings.
l. Both / either sides of overhead crossings.
m. Where construction changes, for instance: Surface to underground, Surface to
overhead.
n. Where a line branches off the main route.
o. At frequent intervals where several lines are laid along the same route.
p. At points where future line troubles are anticipated.

68. The system of labelling regimental lines is by two letters to be selected by the
RSO. These letters will appear on the labels. The labelling system will always be shown
in the signal centre communication diagrams.

69. How to label;

a. Labels should be marked in lead pencil.
b. Marking should not disclose the unit‘s identity.
c. The signal officer will select two letters at random and these must differ from
those of neighbouring units. These unit letters appear on all labels, and each line
is allotted an Odd number, followed by the next consecutive even number.
d. If one line is teed-in to another, that part of the line which is common to both
bears both marking. E.g. from exchange - tee-in joint will bear the marking of both
units.
e. Labels should be securely attached with spun yarn by barrel hitch and reef
knots.
f. At the terminal box labels should be staggered so that one label does not
obscure another.

70. Practical labelling. It is assumed that the signal officer has chosen the letters “FO”
and the labelling code is as follows:
a. A. CO - numbered 1, 2.
b. B coy - numbered 3, 4
c. C coy - numbered 5, 6
d. Arty OP - (teed – in on ‘A’ copy’s line) numbered 7, 8

SHAPE, MATERIAL AND MARKING OF TAGS

71. An oblong shaped tag made of moisture-proof, weather-proof material is to be

used. Tags may be cut, notched, coloured or marked in accordance with standing
instructions issued by formation/unit headquarters. The marking of tags must be co-

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ordinated at division, corps or equivalent level, and must be such as not to disclose the
identity of the unit or formation

Fig 6 - shapes

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Fig 7 — Line Labelling

Material and Shape

72. Labels are exposed for considerable periods to all types of weather, and
therefore be weather proof. Cardboard and paper labels are useless. Wood (preferably
none laminated) and tin are the most satisfactory materials. Lines belonging to different
units or formations can be identified by the shape and size of the label used, and by the
position of the holes.

Marking of Labels

73. Labels must be clearly marked to make identification simple. A hot iron is far the
best method of marking them, and should always be used in static condition. The
marking remains legible for long periods; and in dark can often be read by touch. On
wooden labels ordinary HB is fairly satisfactory. On tin labels paint should be used.

Fixing of Labels.

74. All Tags must be securely fixed to the line by a strand of suitable material. At
points where all lines are labelled (such as terminal boxes or test boxes) tags are `to be
fixed in rows running obliquely or staggered so that they do not obscure one another It
should be tied to the label with a half hitch, secured to the cable with a reef knot and the
ends cut off. When ever possible, labels can be applied where there is a tie back to
prevent the labels from sliding along the line. Bare wires must never be used to attach
labels to the field cable because of the possibility of the wire cutting through the
insulation and causing earth or short circuit faults.

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Fig 8 - fixing of labels

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SECTION 5 — TASKS OF LINE PARTIES

EXCHANGE PARTY TASKS

75. It is suggested that the exchange area for the battalion is manned by the
following:
a. Regimental Signals Warrant Officer (RSWO).
b. Crew of the RSWO’s vehicle.

76. RSWO.
a. Consider problem.
b. Carry out priority reconnaissance or get assistance from another NCO.
c. Reconnoitre each area sitting, e.g.
(1) Exchange.
(2) Hitching Rail.
(3) Fifty metre point.
(4) Vehicle position — show drivers.
(5) Track plan.
d. Brief exchange party.
e. Brief one man to direct the transport which brings in line parties (where
applicable) and to direct line parties to 50 m points.
f. Reconnoitre any further lines.
g. Make out orders.
h. Brief line party commanders.
i. Check exchange area for:
(1) Camouflage.
(2) Tidiness.
(3) Lines dug in.
j. Reconnoitre fire trench positions.
K. Keep RSO up to date on state of line.
l. Make line patrol programme and duty line maintenance party.
Two Minutes Thought Can Save Two Hours Action, So Think Before You Act.

77. Remainder of Exchange Party.

a. Set up and test exchange.
b. Set up exchange area.
c. Guide in line parties.
d. Connect lines to the protection unit.
e. Bury line to 50 m points.
f. Camouflage exchange area.

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g. Prepare defensive positions.

COMPOSITION OF THE LINE PARTY

78. In man pack drill, the composition of the line party for laying and reeling-in cable
is not of a fixed size, because requirements vary a great deal. The drills laid down are
based on four men, including an NCO, who will act as commander. Smaller parties of
three or even two men can be used; such parties can maintain the speed but cannot
make the line safe so quickly. Points to be considered when fixing the size of the line
party will depend on;
a. The nature of the ground over which the line is to be laid.
b. The length of the line.
c. The amount of time available for laying
d. The amount of cable that has to be carried.
e. Transport to carry cable drums when reeling-in.
f. The availability of man power.

ORGANIZATION OF LINE PARTY

79. The organization of line party is as follows;

a. The section commander.
b. Detachment commander.
c. The base line man.
d. The four (04) linemen

80. DUTIES OF THE SECTION COMMANDER

a. To organize the work in order to employ to the best advantage.
b. To organizing the supply of cables and stores.
c. Giving clear orders to the det commanders regarding the work to be done,
(1) The time by which lines must be through,
(2) The route to follow,
(3) The labelling of lines,
(4) Location of detachments on completion of work.
d. Reconnaissance and liaison with the staff concerning proposed traffic and
tank routes, minefields, road widening schemes etc.

81. Before Leaving;

a. N0. 1 and 3 “will,” check and test all stores, clean and prepare labels and cut
length of spun yarn.

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b. No.2 ) - Detachment commander will’

(1) Supervise drawing and testing of all stores.
(2) Receive his orders from the person who did the reconnaissance.
(3) If possible do reconnaissance himself if time allows.
(4) Decide on best route from 50m point.
(5) Take his party and stores to a 50m point and give ERCATLI.

82. During Laying;

a. The No. 2 Will’

(1) Hand the end of the cable to the No. 3 or No. 1 pulling clear sufficient
cable to reach the terminal box.
(2) Test through when no. 3 or 1 reports that the cable is connected to the
terminal box.
(3) Ensure the line is laid loosely by pulling the cable from the reel or
dispenser pack.
(4) Control speed and direction of no. 1.
(5) Make tie –backs.
(6) Make all joints assisted by the N0.1.
(7) Make crossings assisted by the no. 1 and 3.
(8) Ensure the line is correctly labelled.
(9) Test back at the end of each pack and when ordered.

b. No. 1 or 3 depending on time on the size of the party, will:

(1) Hand the prepared and labelled end of the cable to the signal clerk.
(2) Remain within call of the no.
(3) Assist the No. 2 in making crossings, tie-backs and labelling.

83. After laying

a. N0. 2 “will,”

(1) Test the line after the drum or reel has finished.
(2) No. 1 or no. 3 will assist n. 2 to secure the line and check the stores.
(3) Unless otherwise ordered return along the route taken, attending the final
security of the line and improving crossings and tie-backs therefore his work
requires a great care and must not be hurried.

84. Reeling in

b. No. 3 will’

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(1) Move ahead and work at high speed.

(2) Unfasten tie-backs, remove labels and pull cable clear of under growth.
(3) Dismantle crossings assisted by other members.

c.No. 2 will’

(1) Guide the cable onto the reel.

(2) Assist in dismantling the crossings.

d. No. 1 will’; reel the cable onto the drum

(1) In open country by doubling forward, 50m to 100m and making a bight in
the cable to ease reeling-in
(2) In woods or close country by walking forward and reeling in as he goes.

Note: The commander’s duty within the party should be alternated on long lays, to
avoid fatigue.

85. In war D10 cable is laid from dispenser packs or wooden reels and not recovered
but in peacetime it is necessary to recover cable with the usage of Reeling Machine
Cable Hand when recovering cable on foot and Bar Carrying Lightweight i.e. a single bar
with two handles used for laying cable direct from a drum.

Repacking

86. When repacking cable into dispenser packs ensure the markings on the packs
correspond with ends of the cable on the drum before securing, i.e., ‘PAY OUT END’
and ‘STANDING END’. Remove the drum from the pack.

87. BASE LINEMAN

a. Test it, and ensure that it is through.
b. Ensure that it is clearly labelled
c. Ensure that it is securely tied-back.
d. Connect the line to the terminal box.
e. Write the identification of the line in the appropriate space.
f. Report to the signals officer that the line is through.
g. Await the switch board operator to test the line.
h. When the switchboard operator has tested the line, returns to the terminal
box and takes in another line in exactly the same way.

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SECTION 6 — METHODS OF LAYING CABLE

88. They are four methods of laying telecommunication cables and these are;
a. Laying by projectile
b. Laying From Helicopters
c. Laying from mule
d. Laying on Foot

89. Laying by projectile; this proves very efficiency when obstacles such as rivers,
minefields and gorges have to be crossed provided someone is on the other side. It is
done in two ways and these are;

a. Energa grenade; in this method, the cable is attached to the tail of the
grenade, with the rifle held an angle of 800 mils to the horizontal fired across the
obstacle. Range is 60 -70m approximately.

b. Line throwing rifle; it is also fired in the same way as energy grenade, using a
ballistic cartridge, it consist of a brass rod which is fitted into the barrel of the rifle
and a light weight cord. Once the cord is has been fired across the obstacle, the
cable is attached and pulled across by hand. Range is anything from 100-130m.

Note: In both cases the pack should be propped up with something, such as a small
pack to allow the cable to feed freely from the centre of the coil, and must be positioned
forward of the firer.

Laying From Helicopters

89. In very difficult country, e.g., jungle, D10 cable can be successfully laid from
helicopters.

Laying from mule

90. Mules may be used to carry packs when line parties have to lay in very
mountainous country

MAN PACK DRILL

91 Generally, The term “Man pack drill” applies to any method of laying the cable in
which the detachment has no transport, and therefore carries all its stores. The drill also
applies, with slight modification, to cable laying from any man-park apparatus.

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Fig 9 — Man pack Carrier Ready for Line Laying

92. Laying on Foot - Foot line laying parties should consist of two or three men
depending on the length of lay and the type of country. The ideal party is three men –
No.1, No.2 and No.3 i.e. commander and two men.

93. Equipment. Every member will carry the following equipment, remembered by the
pneumonic PC STILL.
P - Pliers.
C- Clasp knife.
S -Spun yarn.
T -Tools compression (normally only the commander).
I - Insulating tape.
L - Labels.
L -Lineman‘s belt.

94. Stores. The stores carried by the party will depend on the route and type of lay.
The commander should decide on which equipment to take and how to distribute it. Fore
example;

Tow men three men

a. Dispenser pack(s) + Telephone PTC 414. 1 1
b. Spare pack(s). 2 2
c. Climbing irons. 2 3
d. Crook stick. 2 2
e. Pick/shovel. 2 3
f. Telephone for distant terminal (for training purposes only). 2 3
g. Hooks cable (if issued). 2 2
h. Spare spun yarn. 1 2

LAYING FIELD CABLE FROM A VEHICLE

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95. This instruction describes the methods and drills to be used when laying cable.
Telephone D10 from a modified land rover: these drills also apply to quad and 10 pair
cables when laid from a 4 ton vehicle (unmodified).

General
96. The essential difference between D10 and other types of field cable, insofar as
line laying is concerned, is that D10 is contained in a dispenser pack; other field cables
are wound on drums. D10 can therefore be laid more rapidly.

97. The drills described are for 4 – man and 3 – man teams. The driver counts as a
working member of the team, and is allotted line duties except when he is actually
driving.

98. The drills are similar when laying quad or 10 pair cables from a 4-ton vehicle: The
method of securing of the cables differs due to the size and rigidly of the thicker cable. 4
– Ton vehicles are not modified, and use the machine.

Preparing for laying

99. All equipment must be checked to see that it is in working order and loaded in
correct position on the vehicle. The poles must be checked for fitting; guys correctly
wound so that they unwind without tangling.

100. Before laying, 2 continuous 3.2km length of the cable should be made up by pre-
jointing four 800m dispenser pack in tandem, with these pre-jointed packs the following
length of the cable can be laid:
a. 3.2 km (2 miles) of one pair.
b. 3.2 km (2miles) of 2 pairs.
c. 6.4 km (4 miles) of one pair.

101. To lay 6.4 km continuous length, the standing end’ of the cable on the laying side
of the vehicle is jointed across the bonnet to the ‘running end’ of the cable on the
opposite side of the vehicle.

102. To lay 2 pair simultaneously, the, running ends of both packs are threaded
through the ‘laying side’ front superstructure ring before passing through the crook stick.
The correct label should be attached to one of the carrying lugs of each dispenser pack.

Loading the vehicle

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103. Loading the vehicle before work is exactly the same for both teams, and the
disposition of the following stores id shown in illustrations:
a. Four 800m packs pre-jointed and fitted on each wing.
b. Ladder and poles in position on the superstructure.
c. Mattocks in the special stowage bins.
d. Labels etc, in bins on the floor of the vehicle.
e. Spare cable, guys, pickets and hammers in the well of the vehicle.

Fig 10 - Land rover modified for laying

Fig 11 - Modified land rover (rear view)

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Fig 12- Modified land rover (front view)

LAYING ALONG OPEN ROAD

104. Because of speed in laying, all members of the team must remain on the vehicle
when laying is in progress. There is no question of dropping off ‘a member of the team to
finish a job and catch up, nor of a member running behind with the crook stick. When tie-
backs have to be made, the vehicle must wait until the job is finished before proceeding.

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105. When a pack runs out it should be thrown to a safe but visible position on the
verge; the empty pack marking the approximate position of the joint.

106. As it pulled from a dispenser, D10 tends to be tout. Generously amount of slack
should be left at tie-backs.

107. Laying party should not waste time winding a neat coil of slack; it should be
pulled off and collected in a safe position with the tie-back made on the vehicle side of
the slack and labelled. The building party or the maintenance team can tidy up when
they patrol Testing back

108. The line can be tested back at any time when on the move, since the standing
end of the last pack is connected to a field telephone on the vehicle. A test should be
done whenever an empty pack has been thrown off, and the progress and location of the
team given.

Fig 13 – a 4 man team, showing travelling position

109. TASKS. OF 4 MAN TEAM

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a. No. 1 (team commander) will:

(1) Ensure that the cable runs freely for the dispenser pack through the
guide on the superstructure, back to No. 3 with the crock stick.
(2) Ensure that the standing end of the cable is connected to the test
telephone.
(3) When all stores are stowed and other team members are in
position, mount the vehicle alongside the driver and the give the order to
move off.
(4) As each pack or cable runs out, order the driver to stop and
supervises throwing off the labelled pack.
(5) Supervise the actual laying

b. No. 2 will:
(1) Ensure the all packs are correctly labelled.
(2) Connect the standing end of the cable to the test telephone with
fine, easily breakable wire.
(3) Ensure that the stowage of hammers, guys etc. is correct and read
for immediate use.
(4) Throw off each pack as is used up.
(5) As each pack of cable is used up:
a) Fix in position a replacement pack of cable.
b) Joint the standing end of the last jointed pack to the
running end of the newly positioned pack.
c) Connect the standing end of the new pack to the test
telephone.
(6) Ensure that the cable pays out smoothly, and halts the vehicle in
case of snags; make any tie-backs as ordered by the commander.
(7) Test back to the terminal periodically, giving their location and
progress.

c. No. 3 will ensure that the cable pays out cleanly and clear of the road way
by using the crook stick

110. TASKS. OF 3 - MAN TEAM (2 MEN AND A DRIVER)

a. No. 1 team commander will combine the tasks of 1 and 2 of the 4 – man
team.
b. No. 2 (crook stick – man) will ensure that the cable pays out cleanly and is
clear of the roadway.

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CROSSING DRILLS
111. As a driver in both types of the teams will perform tasks, he should wear a
lineman’s belt carrying pliers etc., he should also carry spun yarn and a light hammer, be
able to make clove hitch, a barrel hitch and coil of slack cable. The No. 1 will carry a light
hammer in addition to his normal tools.

Fig 14 - 3 man team, showing travelling position

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Fig 15 - Laying quad from a 4 – ton vehicle

Fig 17

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Fig 18 - A typical pole crossing

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Fig 19 – a typical buried crossing

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Fig 20 - A Mixed crossing using ladder

112. Quick Laying Method. Normally speed is necessary and one man rides in the
vehicle while another follows up on foot securing the cable. The vehicle is then only
required to stop at major crossings

113. Reeling In.

a. One man moves ahead freeing the cable.
b. The cable can be reeled in over the bonnet using a crook stick.
c. Alternatively the cable can be reeled in over the back. A trialling bight of 20 –
30 m is needed to achieve this.

114. In the first method a crook stick should be secured vertically to the bonnet to
guide the cable over the windscreen. A guide ring should be attached to the centre
canopy bar to guide the cable onto the drum.

115. Hints on Vehicle Laying by Night and Day. During the vehicle laying crook sticks
can easily become broken. These breakages can be reduced if the guide ring at the end

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of the crook stick is secured to the side of the vehicle. Any tension or strain is then taken
up by the securing wire.

a. By Day.
(1) Make certain when laying, that the free end of the cable is attached to a
holdfast.
(2) Ensure the cable runs freely through the guide ring or else the cable or
crook stick will break.

b. By Night. In addition to the hints for laying by day.

(1) One man MUST move ahead and control the laying of the line. Do NOT
use the crook stick from a vehicle at night.
(2) The real advantages of vehicle laying at night is to lighten loads. Speed
will not necessarily be achieved by getting the vehicle to move faster.
(3) Test back more frequently.

116. Setting up a Vehicle for a Line Lay.

a. The ACL No. 11 or 12 is fitted to the load carrying platform of the vehicle by
bolts or by the use of sandbags.
b. On some vehicles it may be necessary to fix the ACL to the tailboard.
c. The split-ring of the crook stick is attached to the vehicle by cable.
d. The cable is normally contained in dispenser packs and joined together to
allow continuous pay out.
e. Two packs on a frame are set up ready for use in case laying by vehicle is
impractical.
f. When laying from reels the break should be attached to the ACL.

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SECTION 7 - SECURING THE CABLE

111. Securing of lines - includes the use of tie-backs and the leaving of a coil of slack.
Lines must tied- back through out its building for fear of being pulled away from its
position by troops, vehicles, animals or the blast of shells. The line must tied-back to
pegs, fences, trees or some such holdfast. Avoid metal hold fast if possible (insulate if
used). Tie-backs are to be made at the following places; Troops, vehicles, animals or the
blast of shells may pull the cable out of position, so it must be tied back to a holdfast.
Avoid metal holdfasts if possible; but if used they must be insulated. When the line is
improved or laid permanently then tie-backs are made at the following places:
a. The hitching rail.
b. The 50 m point.
c. Approximately every 100 m.
d. Where the cable changes direction.
e. Each side of all crossings.
f. The distant terminal.
g. Whenever a coil of slack is left.
h. Where the direction of the route changes, e.g. at bends in the route or hedges

112. Tie-backs can be made in various ways:

a. Temporary Tie-Back
(1) A Cable is attached directly to a hold fast by a clove hitch and pulled
tight
(2) If the holdfast has no open end, e.g., a barred fence or gate then the
cable can be secured by one or two half-hitches. The whole being secured by
a half hitch

b. Permanent Tie-Back.
(1) Make a clove hitch in the cable and secure it with a barrel hitch, made
with spun yarn.
(2) Attach the free end of the spun yarn to the holdfast with a reef knot.
(3) Bobbins (see Fig 8), with the cable attached by a clove hitch and
secured to posts or walls of buildings.

Fig 21. — Temporary Tie-Backs

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Fig 22— Bobbin

Fig 23 — Permanent Tie-Back

b. Spun yarn may not always be available. However, D10 is equally effective and,
being black, more easily concealed.

113. A coil of slack is an amount of cable left on all crossings for future use.
a. 50m to 60m from the exchange, 25m of slack must be left.
b. Also after every 200m to 300m along the route, 30m to 35m of slack must be
left. Slack must be carefully coiled, labelled and secured to a hold fast.
c. A coil of slack must be left on all crossings except on foot path
crossing.

114. MAKING FAST A CABLE

a. A cable may be secured to a hold fast, either natural or artificial in the following
ways;
b. A clove hitch may be made in the cable and clip it over the end of a hold fast,
such as a post.
c. A cable may be fastened to a hold fast, such as the bough of a tree or a railing,
where it is not possible to slip a clove hitch over the free ends, by forming a bight in

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the cable, passing the bight round the hold fast and tying two half hitches round the
standing part
d. When applying either of the methods in (a) or (b) above to twisted cables, each
leg should be treated separately in order to avoid the risk of a short circuit.
e. To fasten a single cable to a bobbin a clove hitch should be used. A twisted
Cable can be fastened to a vertical bobbin by separating the cables, placing one to
each side of the bobbin, and binding the cables together close to each side of the
bobbin with spun yarn or other suitable material. If the bobbin is horizontal,
The cable should be bound to the bobbin with spun yarn, to avoid the whole weight
being carried by one leg. The cable must always lie underneath the bobbin; if
allowed to lie on top it tends to form a reservoir for water.
f. A cable may be attached to a holdfast by a piece of spun yarn by making a
barrel hitch with the spun yarn round the cable, and tying the ends of the spun yarn
round the holdfast with a reef knot. If the cable is suspended, two or three loops
should be made in it, and together, and the barrel hitch should be formed round the
group of loops on the side of the standing end

Note. No sharp edge, must be allowed to touch the cable nor must it be made fast
directly to a metal holdfast such as an iron gutter or pipe; it must be secured with spun
yarn (see above)

Fig 24 Fig 25

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SECTION 8 - JOINTING FIELD CABLES

115. Every signaller must be an expert in jointing cables. Badly made joints are
responsible for many faults and also cause a big decrease in signal strength as well as
stores especially on cables.

116. Thoroughness and care are essential. Joints will often have to be made in the
dark and with cold hands, but workmanship must not suffer. All signallers must be
trained up this standard. Badly made or poorly insulated joints such as those made in
darkness or those made under fire may give satisfactory results of communication for
few days but must be replaced at the first opportunity by a more permanent type of joint.
Badly made joints are responsible for many faults and also cause a decrease in signal
strength. Thoroughness and care are essential. Joints will often have to be made in the
dark and with cold hands, but workmanship must not suffer. Joints should be used for;
a. Joining lengths of cable.
b. Mending breaks.
c. To lengthen a working cable that has become too tout
d. To Teeing-in to a working cable.

Why Do Need Knots and Hitches.

117. To secure and joint cable when laying line, linemen may have to use some of the
following knots and hitches; in all cases of jointing, the joints should be staggered at
least 0.2 m apart.
a. Reef knot — for joining cable of equal thickness.
b. Sheep shank — for shortening cables without cutting.
c. Clove hitch — for tie-backs.
d. Barrel hitch — for tie-backs.
e. Single sheet bend - for joining cables of unequal thickness
f. Thumb knot — for fuses and tee-in joints.
118. Reef knot: - Take one cable in each hand, cross the left over the right with
thumb twist, then right over the left with another twist and pull tight. Care must be taken
not to tie either a thief or granny.

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Fig10. Reef knot

119. Single sheet bend:-Take a bight of the larger cable, about one inch long in the
left and hold it horizontally, pass the end of the smaller cable up through the bight, over
and under it, and over it again between the two cables and pull tight.

Fig11- Single sheet ben

Fig26-Thumb knot

Fig 26-Sheep shank: -

TYPES OF JOINTS
120. Joints are either permanent or temporary and are classified as follows; -
a. Permanent joints;
1) A bound joint which is properly soldered.
2) Compression tool joint
3) Tee-in joint
b. Temporal joints;
1) A bound joint but not soldered.
2) Reef knot or single sheet bend knot

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3) Self-soldering joint

PERMANENT JOINTS

121. All cables which has been in use and reeled in should be run-through at the first
opportunity and all joints should made permanent.
a. Badly made or pulled joints of all types must be re-made as permanent
joints.
b. All the cables that is intended to remain in position for a long time, say for
six months al joints should be made permanent as follows;
(1) Cut out old joint, clean the conductors, re-make the joint and solder
the knot.
(2) Insulate the joint with jointing tape and insulating tape as before.
(3) Paint the joint with a bright coloured paint, or mark it with a couple
of turn of insulating tape on each side, to indicate that it has been
soldered.

Fig27. Permanent joint

TEMPORARY JOINTS

Temporal joints
122. A field joint is either of a reef knot or single sheet bend, with a binding wire added.
The binding wire gives;
a. greater conductivity,
b. strengthen the knot and
c. Prevent ends of steel strand from piercing through the insulation.

123. Breaks in cable may be discovered by signallers who have not got a jointing tool
with them and therefore cannot make a joint. A temporary joint will have to be used
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instead; this will not be as good as a joint and should be replaced by a permanent joint
as soon as possible. Where temporary joints are insulated, an identification mark should
be made so that at a later time, permanent joints can be inserted. Any simple method
should be used for this, e.g., tying a knot in the cable.

124. Thin copper wire should be used as a binder, and the copper strand in the D3 or
D8 is very suitable for the purpose. A field joint with a bind wire is made as follows;-
a. Leave 6 inches of insulation on each; strip the insulation for 1.5 inches.
b. Joint the cables at the bared portion with reef knot or single sheet bend.
c. Strip the insulation off each end in turn, unlay the copper strands and cut off
the steel strands to within a quarter of an inch of the knot.
d. Using the copper strands and starting as close as possible to the knot, bind
down the steel ends tightly and continue for half an inch on the standing part of
the cable, twist off the ends of the binding wire.
e. Repeat the above process on the other side of the knot.
f. Strip off about a quarter of an inch of the braiding at each side of the knot,
exposing the insulation.
g. Cover the joint and the exposed insulation with a layer of jointing tape.

Cover the whole joint with a layer of tape.

125. Reef Knot. Bare about 5 cm of cable approximately 15 cm from each end to be
joined. Make a reef knot and pull tight. Remove spare steel strands and wrap the copper
strands around the exposed line. Cut off any spare and then insulate.

126. All temporary joints must be insulated with tape. Although splice joints are
insulated within the splice, they should be taped to allow smooth running.

Terminal Connection

127. Where cable is to be connected to self-piercing terminals it is advisable to bare

the last centimetre of cable to ensure a good connection. Where a push-type non-
piercing terminal is used, e.g., on the 16 line protection unit, it is advisable to wrap the
copper strands around the steel to prevent the steel strands from splaying.

128. Teeing-in. Teeing-in is used for testing the line during fault finding or to connect
another subscriber on an existing line.

129. Temporary Tee-in Joint. This is used to test the line and can be as simple as a
safety pin connected to some cable; which is then used to pierce the working line. It can

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also be more sophisticated such as metal terminals attached to cable; the self piercing
type terminals are very useful for this

130. Making a Permanent Tee-in Joint

a. Stage 1.
(1) Make a bight in the cable and bare about 5 cm.
(2) Take the tee-in cable and bare about 5 cm, approximately 20 cm
from the end.
b. Stage 2. Form a reef knot ensuring the knot is in the centre of the
bared portions.
c. Stage 3.
(1) Separate the copper strands from the steel on the tee-in cable.
(2) Cut the steel strands one cm from the knot.
(3) Bind the copper strands closely round the tee-in cable.
d. Stage 4. Insulate thoroughly; start and finish at the centre of the knot.

Fig 28- Tee-in joint

NOTE: it is necessary to join a new cable to a working cable, either to provide an Omni-
bus circuit or lengthen a working cable or line.
a. Bare 2 inches of the working cable. Take this as a centre of a bight, and
tie a thumb knot 2 inches from it.
b. Bare the end of the second cable as in (a)
c. Take the bare portion of the bight in the left hand and pass the end of the
tee-in cable up through it, down and behind both legs of the bight, then up and
through, thus forming a reef knot or single sheet bend.
d. Complete as a field joint. When binding a tee-joint only the side of the knot
nearest the tee-in cable need to be bound down.

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LENGTHENING A WORKING CABLE

131. When an existing cable becomes too tight or a portion of the cable insulation is
badly damaged, it may be necessary to insert a new length of cable without interrupting
communication. This can be done as follows;
a. On the existing cable, strip off 1.5 inches of the insulation at the two points
where the ends of the cable to be inserted will come clean.
b. Prepare the ends of the length of cable to be inserted, as for normal jointing.
c. Adopting the method for tee-in joints, but without the thumb knots, join the
ends of the length of the new cable to the two points bared in (a)
d. Cut out the unwanted portion of the standing cable i.e. the length between
the two joints, leaving the ends long enough to produce the necessary binding wire.
e. Complete the joint as a field joint.

Fig 29-lengthening a working cable

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SECTION 9 - CABLE CROSSINGS

132. General: - There are three common points to all crossings and these are;
a. A coil of slack must be left on one side except on foot path crossing.
b. The insulation of the cable must be perfectly sound and the cable with
joints should be avoided.
c. The cable must be tied-back at either side of the crossing and labelled.
Most lines will be laid temporarily and improved on the way back or later as
ordered. The diagrams and details in this section relate to improved or permanent
crossings. The main differences between temporary and improved crossings are
as follows:

133. COMPARISONS
CROSSINGS TEMPORAL PERMANENT
Buried lay taut to the surface Bury as shown in page 27
Overhead Use hooks Replace hooks with tie-
backs
Metalled road Lay taut to surface Staple every 0.9m
Culvert Without insulating tape Apply insulating tape
Railway (non electric) Lay taut to sleeper Staple to sleeper
Railway (electric rail ) Use hooks Replace hooks with tie-
backs
Power line Don’t bury between Bury between holdfasts
holdfast

BURIED CROSSINGS

134. The buried crossing is used to cross un metalled surfaces such as tracks and
gateways to fields which are likely to be used by vehicles This type of crossings is also
used when there is danger of vehicles damaging the cable. Buried crossing is
constructed as follows;

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Fig 30 — Buried Crossing

Note :
(1) Trench 150 mm wide and 230 mm deep straight across the track.
(2) Trench must extend to a minimum of 1m each side, this will give greater
protection if vehicles go off the road or turn sharply.
(3) Remove all sharp and large stone from the trench.
(4) Check the cable for soundness and Lay the cable loosely in the bottom of
trench.
(5) Cover the trench with loose soil and TURF.
(6) If the cable has been buried under grass, care should be taken to replace
turf for camouflage reasons.
(7) Tie-back on both sides

FOOTPATH CROSSING-

135. A footpath crossing is used to cross soft footpaths NOT used by vehicles. These
are used when there is danger of foot traffic only. They are most useful in exchanges
and office areas. They are used in the same way as buried crossing except that the
cable needs only to be buried to a depth of (75mm) deep.

a. Make a shallow cut, 75mm is quite sufficient.

b. Ensure No sharp edges or stones come into contact with the cable.
c. Stamp the turf back into place.
d. Tie back each side of the crossing.
e. Extend to a minimum of 0.9m either side of the crossing and check the cable.
Prize up the turf with a mattock or shovel push the cable under with the finger
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OVERHEAD CROSSING

136. An overhead crossing is constructed where a buried crossing is impractical and

where suitable supports such as poles or trees are available and where it is possible to
obtain the necessary clearance of 24fts (7m) to allow vehicle to pass. The crossing is
very vulnerable to shell fire. and constructing party are conspicuous There are three (03)
types of overhead crossing and these are;

a. Tree crossing
b. Pole crossing
c. Mixed crossing

Fig 31 — Overhead Crossing

Notes:
1. Trees or poles must be high enough to secure the cable at least 7 m each side
of the road. This guarantees a minimum of 6 m above the crown of the road
allowing for a slight sag.
2. Check the cable — NO JOINTS should be on the overhead portion.

Aid to construction
a. Climbing irons.
b. Cable hooks and poles pike (where available) should be used for speed in
construction. They should be replaced by tie-backs when improving. When

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placing a hook in position the poles pike should not be removed until the cable at
‘A’ is pulled and the horizontal portion is at the required height above the obstacle

Metalled Road Crossing

137. A metalled road crossing is used when it is impossible to make a buried or

overhead crossing. The crossing must be improved if tracked vehicles are to use the
road. A metalled road crossing is used when it is impossible to make a buried crossing
or overhead crossing.

Fig 32 — Metalled Road Crossing

Note.
a. Lay bed of softy earth straight across the road and lay the cable loosely on
the base, examine the earth and remove all stones.
b. Cover over with a layer of TURF and STAMP it down to give the crossing a
gentle camber.
c. Extend to a minimum of 1m each side of the crossing. If the road has a
grass verge the extra 1m can be buried.
d. Tie-back each side.
e. The crossing should not be made where vehicles are most likely to break.
f. Do not make the camber too high; thought must be given to DRs (dispatch
riders).
g. Where the road is not going to be used by tracked vehicles, it is sufficient to
staple the line to the roadway when this is possible without covering the line as
detailed above.

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CULVERT CROSSING

138 A culvert provides a very good alternative method of crossing a road. Whenever
possible a natural crossing such as a ditch or culvert should be used. These give greater
protection and entail less work. If there is water in the ditch, the cable must be securely
suspended above it. A culvert crossing is an alternative method of crossing a road where
there is a culvert and the water, if any, does not reach the roof

Fig 33 — Culvert Crossing

Note:

a. Lay the cable through the CULVERT stretching the cable tightly along the
roof.
b. Tie-back at each end.
c. Where the cable enters and leaves the CULVERT, bind with tape to
prevent the insulation from rubbing off.

WATER CROSSING OR MARSHY GROUND CROSSING

139. The line should be constructed overhead when crossing stretches of water as
water rots the insulation quickly. Water crossing require tie-backs more often than
usual.

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Fig 34 - Water and marshy ground crossing

140. STREAM CROSSING

a. Patrolled. When a stream is likely to be used by patrols the line should be
at least 3 m above the stream bank. If this is not possible it should be treated as a
navigable river .

Fig 35 — Stream Crossing (Patrolled)

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Note.

(1) Tie-back both sides of the crossing.

(2) No joints should be in the overheard cable.

b. Unpatrolled. When a stream is not likely to be used by patrols tie the cable back
on both sides, ensure the line is taut and clear of the water.

Fig 36 — Stream Crossing (Unpatrolled)

NAVIGABLE RIVER CROSSING

141. When a crossing is required over a navigable river or canal and an overhead
crossing is not possible, and then the only alternative is to sink the cable.

Fig 37

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Note.
a. Tie-back both sides of the crossing.
b. Weights must be used to hold the cable to the river bed.
c. Cable is to be laid at an angle through the river owing to the current.
d. method of attaching weights to the line:-
e. The weights are best attached by using a barrel hitch of spun yarn around
the weight and tying with reef knot through a clove hitch in the cable. This method
prevents the weights from sliding along when the cable is being recovered. Cable
Must Be Examined Very Carefully, No Joints Or Faulty Insulation

RAILWAY CROSSING: -

142. Railways are best crossed by cutting the cable and pass it under the rail, laying
alongside the nearest sleeper and cover the cable with loose earth or gravel free from
stones and tie-back the cable by sides of the crossing, in order to maintain its normal
position. In case of an electric rail which is live, an overhead crossing is the best except
that you have to give a clearance of 24fts (7m) above the rail. As a safety measure,
fuses must be installed in either side of the crossing in case the cable falls across the
live

a. Railway Crossing - A railway crossing is shown at Fig 27.

Fig 38 — Railway Crossing

Notes:
1. Cut cable and pass under rails, laying alongside the nearest
sleeper.
2. Cover cable with loose earth or gravel.

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3. Cable, if possible, tied back or stapled to sleeper, or buried against

sleeper. It should be positioned on the down side of the sleeper.
4. Tied back on both sides.
5. In countries where rails are flush with the ground, the cable must
be threaded through gap in rails under FISH PLATES.
6. If this was an electric railway with an overhead power cable (i.e.,
not third rail type), the crossing is exactly the same but fuses must be
placed both sides.

b. Electric Railway Crossing - Treat it as an overhead crossing and insert

fuses

Fig 39. — Electric Railway Crossing

Note:
a. As a safety measure two fuses must be inserted on the line at both sides of
the crossing.
b. The minimum height must be 6m in the centre of the overheard portion.
c. Normal tie-back.
d. To make a fuse:

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e. Make a bight in the cable, this will take the strain and avoid damage to the
delicate fuse.
f. Cut away all steel strands, leaving only one copper strand for about 25mm.
g. Cover copper strands with insulation tape.

Notes: Fuses in Cable

a. As a safety measure two fuses must be inserted on the line at both sides of
the crossing.
b. The minimum height must be 6 metres in the centre of the overhead portion.
c. Normal tie-backs.
d. To make a fuse:
(1) Make a bight in the cable: this will take the strain and avoid damage to
the delicate fuse.
(2) Cut away all steel strands, leaving only ONE copper strand for about 25
mm.
(3) Cover copper strand with insulation tape.

POWER LINE CROSSING

143. An example of a power cable crossing is shown at Fig 61. The cable need not be
buried but it is an extra precaution and the line may continue to function even after the
power line has fallen. Cables should not be run underneath, along side or parallel to
power line for short distances. It must be kept at least 30-45m away from it.

N/B. HIGH TENSSION POWER LINE -These must be avoided at all cost .they can be
recognized by the large insulations on which wires are carried. They are usually marked
“DANGER” and supports are fitted with barbed wires to discourage climbing. If a power
line has to crossed, the cable has to be buried in the ground. The bury therefore must
continue on each side of the crossing point for distance equal to the height of power
wires and should Crosse the power route at right angle.

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Fig 40 power line crossing

NOTE:
a. Cross at right angles to the power cable.
b. Bury both sides for a distance equivalent to the height of the poles or pylons
(the distance “y” m).
c. Two fuses on both sides as a safety measure.
d. Tie-backs as for a normal crossing.

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