Reference · Glossary · 6 Terms
Glossary: H
Outside plant terms that start with H, in plain language, with links to the OSP map and the operations steps.
Handhole
Also Called: Hand Hole · Pull Box
A small below-grade box with a load-rated lid for cable access, slack storage or splicing. It is too small to enter.
- On the Map: Handhole
- SOP Step: UG-09 Handholes, Vaults and Pedestals
- See Also: Vault, Load Rating, Slack Coil
Hardened Connector
Also Called: Hardened Port
An outdoor-rated, sealed fiber connector used on terminal ports and drops. Keep its dust cap on until the drop is plugged in, per the manufacturer's instructions.
- SOP Step: AE-11 Terminal Coils, Closures, Drops and Risers
- See Also: MST, Drop
HDD
Also Called: Horizontal Directional Drilling · Directional Boring · Boring
Horizontal directional drilling. A steerable, trenchless way to place duct under roads, driveways and waterways: drill a pilot bore, then ream and pull back the product.
- On the Map: Directional Bore Path
- SOP Steps: UG-05 Bore Planning and Rig Setup, UG-06 Pilot Bore and Tracking, UG-07 Reaming and Pullback
- See Also: Pilot Bore, Pullback, Drill Rig
HDPE Conduit
Also Called: HDPE · Polyethylene Duct
Flexible high-density polyethylene duct supplied on reels, placed by boring, plowing or trenching in continuous lengths.
- On the Map: HDPE Conduit
- SOP Steps: UG-07 Reaming and Pullback, UG-08 Other Placement Methods
- See Also: Conduit Bundle, Duct, Reel Trailer
Headend
The hub where a cable operator's electronics connect to the outside plant. The telephone-company term is central office.
- See Also: Central Office
Helix Factor
Also Called: Helical Factor
The ratio of fiber length to cable sheath length in stranded loose-tube cable, from the cable manufacturer. Use it to convert an OTDR fiber distance to sheath distance on the ground, so you dig or open the right spot.
- On the Map: OTDR with Launch Cable
- SOP Step: SPL-13 Emergency Restoration
- See Also: OTDR, Index of Refraction (IOR), Loose Tube, Footage Marks