HDPE
High-density polyethylene. Tough and flexible, it comes in long continuous lengths.
- Common underground and for long pulls
- Resists moisture and abrasion
Pathways · MA, NH & RI
Innerduct Installation for Fiber Pathways
Innerduct is the protective tube that fiber optic and copper cable is pulled through. Accutech Communications installs, repairs and maintains innerduct in underground, overhead and indoor runs for businesses in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.
Why innerduct
Why fiber runs in innerduct
Innerduct gives communication cable a protected, organized pathway, which matters most for fiber.
Fiber is strong along its length, but crushing, tight bends and debris can damage it. Encasing it in innerduct reduces the risk from moisture, dirt and debris, which is especially important in underground and overhead runs where cable is exposed to changing conditions.
Innerduct also keeps a pathway organized. Each cable gets a dedicated route, which makes cable easy to locate and reach for maintenance, repair or troubleshooting. Because the pathway is already in place, cable can be added or replaced later without disturbing what is already there.
- Inside buildings in duct rated for the space it runs through
- Underground between buildings
- Overhead runs exposed to the elements
- Inside larger conduit to divide it into separate pathways
- Repairs of damaged innerduct
Materials
HDPE, PVC or corrugated steel?
We install all three. The right one depends on where the run goes and how much protection it needs.
PVC
Rigid or flexible plastic duct that resists corrosion.
- Indoor and outdoor runs
- Indoor duct must carry the right fire rating for the space
Corrugated steel
The most protection against crushing and impact.
- For runs at risk of physical damage
- Resists corrosion, abrasion and impact
Innerduct vs. conduit
Innerduct, conduit or both?
The two are often used together. Conduit is the larger, more rigid pipe that forms the main pathway; innerduct is the smaller, flexible tube that runs inside it or on its own. Pulling several innerducts through one large conduit divides it into separate pathways, so each fiber or copper cable has its own route.
Indoors, innerduct has to be rated for the space it runs through. The National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) treats indoor innerduct as a raceway for fiber and communications cable, with plenum, riser and general-purpose ratings that match the cable it carries. Where a run is exposed or needs metal protection, EMT conduit is the usual choice.
- Conduit the main protected pathway, rigid or metal
- Innerduct flexible subdivisions inside it, or a pathway on its own
- Pull line normally left in each duct so the next cable is easier to pull
- Bend radius gentle sweeps in the duct protect the fiber inside, especially at turns and where the duct enters a closet
How a job runs
How an innerduct job runs
From the first look at the route to the tested cable inside the duct.
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01
Survey the route
Where the run starts and ends, how long it is, and whether it goes underground, overhead or inside the building.
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02
Choose the material
HDPE, PVC or corrugated steel, picked for the route and the protection the cable needs.
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03
Install the duct
The innerduct goes in on its own or inside existing conduit, with a pull line left in it.
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04
Pull and terminate
The fiber or copper is pulled through the duct and terminated at each end.
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05
Test
The finished cable is tested before handover.
From our clients
What clients say about our crews
They treated our staff with respect while the work was being conducted. ... No assumptions were made, everything was verified prior to accutech completing any work.
What is innerduct?
A flexible protective tube that communication cable, usually fiber, is pulled through. It runs on its own or inside a larger conduit, and protects the cable while keeping each run in its own pathway.
What is the difference between innerduct and conduit?
Conduit is the larger, rigid main pathway. Innerduct is the smaller, flexible tube that runs inside conduit or on its own, dividing a pathway so cables can be added or replaced without disturbing each other.
Do you install innerduct underground?
Yes. Underground and overhead runs are where innerduct matters most, because the cable is exposed to moisture, dirt and changing conditions.
Which innerduct material do you use?
HDPE, PVC or corrugated steel, depending on the run. HDPE is common underground and for long pulls, PVC for many indoor and outdoor runs, and corrugated steel where the cable needs the most protection from impact.
Can you repair existing innerduct?
Yes. Besides new runs, we repair and maintain innerduct that is damaged. Where a larger conduit is already in place, adding innerduct inside it splits it into separate pathways for new cable.
What affects the cost of innerduct installation?
The length and route of the run, whether it is indoors, overhead or underground, the duct material, whether conduit is already in place, and how many cables it needs to carry now and later. We work from our office in Hopkinton, MA across Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island, and estimates are free: call 978-579-0006.
Do you also install the fiber?
Yes. We install, terminate and test the fiber that runs through the innerduct. See fiber optic cabling installation.
Request an estimate
Plan the pathway before the fiber
Estimates are free. Call the office or send the details online.
Helpful to have ready
- Where the run starts and ends: closet, floor or building
- The rough length and route
- Whether it runs indoors, overhead or underground
- Any conduit already in place
- The cable that will go in it, now and later