Reference · Glossary · 6 Terms
Glossary: V
Outside plant terms that start with V, in plain language, with links to the OSP map and the operations steps.
Vacuum Excavation
Also Called: Hydro-Excavation · Vac Truck
Digging with suction and water (hydro) or air, used to expose utilities without striking them.
- On the Map: Pothole
- SOP Step: UG-04 Potholing (Daylighting)
- See Also: Potholing, Tolerance Zone
Vault
Also Called: Splice Vault
A below-grade enclosure large enough to enter, for cable access and splicing. Confined-space rules apply; during construction that is 29 CFR 1926 Subpart AA.
- On the Map: Vault or Manhole
- SOP Steps: SPL-02 Safety for Splicing, UG-09 Handholes, Vaults and Pedestals
- See Also: Manhole, Confined Space, Handhole
Vertical Ground
Also Called: Pole Ground · Ground Wire
The ground wire that runs down a pole to a ground rod or butt plate. Strand and hardware are bonded to it per NESC and owner spec.
- On the Map: Vertical Ground and Bonding
- SOP Steps: AE-05 Framing Poles, AE-08 Strand Placement and Tensioning
- See Also: Bonding
Vertical Load
Downward force on a pole from its attachments, wires, ice and the downward part of guy tension.
- SOP Step: AE-02 Field Survey and Make-Ready Engineering
- See Also: Pole Loading, Down Guy
Visual Fault Locator
Also Called: VFL · Red Light
A bright visible-light source that makes breaks and tight bends glow, and helps identify fibers at short range.
- SOP Step: SPL-01 Job Preparation
- See Also: OTDR
Voltage Testing
Also Called: Voltage Detector
Checking existing strand, guys and hardware with a voltage detector before touching them, because a fault can energize them (employer safety program; OSHA 29 CFR 1910.268(m)(3) for metal power conduit, vertical power ground wires and streetlight fixtures).
- SOP Step: AE-04 Site Safety and Traffic Control for Aerial Work
- See Also: Bonding