Reference · Glossary · 5 Terms
Glossary: U
Outside plant terms that start with U, in plain language, with links to the OSP map and the operations steps.
U-Guard
Also Called: Cable Guard
A U-shaped channel fastened to a pole over a riser cable to protect it from damage. It goes flat on the pole face, grouped with any existing communication risers so the climbing space stays clear (NESC; pole owner spec), except where the owner allows riser standoff brackets.
- On the Map: Riser
- SOP Step: AE-11 Terminal Coils, Closures, Drops and Risers
- See Also: Riser
Underground Closure
Also Called: Handhole Closure
A splice closure mounted in a handhole or vault on a bracket, sealed against flooding, with slack coiled beside it.
- On the Map: Underground Splice Closure
- SOP Steps: SPL-10 Closure Sealing, Grounding and Mounting, UG-11 Cable Placement Underground
- See Also: Splice Closure, Slack Coil
Underground Electric
Also Called: Buried Power · Primary Cable
Buried power cable, marked in APWA red. Striking it with a drill can energize the rig and the ground around it.
- On the Map: Underground Power
- SOP Step: UG-04 Potholing (Daylighting)
- See Also: Electrical Strike, APWA Color Code
Utility Accommodation Policy
Also Called: Accommodation Policy
A state DOT's rules for placing utilities in highway right-of-way: depth of cover, offsets, crossing angles and restoration. Read it before the design is final.
- SOP Step: UG-01 Permits and Right-of-Way
- See Also: Right-of-Way, Encroachment Permit
Utility Pole
Also Called: Pole
A wood, steel or concrete pole that carries power and communication attachments. Each pole has an owner, a number and a class.
- On the Map: Utility Pole
- SOP Steps: AE-01 Pole Attachment Applications, AE-02 Field Survey and Make-Ready Engineering, AE-05 Framing Poles
- See Also: Pole Tag, Pole Class, Joint Use