[TowerTalk] methods of using conduit in the ground for cables

[K8RI on TT]

On 4/5/2011 6:14 PM, Steve K7AWB wrote:
> As long as we are on the topic, which would be better?
>
> 1) secure the 4 inch conduit sections together in the  trench and then fill
> in the trench with dirt on top so the  sections could not move when pulling
> cables through them, or
>
> 2) keep the trench unfilled, but the 4 inch conduit sections put together,
> and pull the cables through them without the dirt on top?
>
> As I see it, once you put the dirt on top, there is no going back, but the
> conduit does not move.  On the other hand, conduit without weight on it will
> tend to move as the cables as pulled through, especially when the "last"
> cable is tried.

If I can put the conduit together "in the trench and under tension" then 
it makes little difference when I put the coax in.   In the case of 
being able to keep the conduit under tension I do not glue it, but lube 
each joint with DC4 or DC5 compound. (Silicone Dielectric Grease)  If I 
can't keep it under tension then I glue the sections together.

I use a 1/4" Nylon messenger cable  a bit over twice as long as the 
conduit with the excess coiled up in a NEMA enclosure at one end or the 
other.

73

Roger (K8RI)