Internet cable

[JMcD23]

Between my home and the road the internet cable is buried under the garden inside a green plastic pipe, the black inner cable is intact, it is around 20 years old and has broken exposing the inner cable should I be worried, is this dangerous?

[goslow]

What is actually broken? The green plastic duct or the plastic outer sheath of the black VM cable?

Neither would be 'dangerous' as such but damage to the cable itself might merit repair depending on how exactly it is damaged.

[JMcD23]

It’s the outer green cover, interior cable seems fine. I think it’s wear and tear, it’s been buried for many years so I think the plastic is becoming brittle.

[goslow · Accepted solution]

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@JMcD23 wrote:

It’s the outer green cover, interior cable seems fine. I think it’s wear and tear, it’s been buried for many years so I think the plastic is becoming brittle.

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VM would probably renew that for you if you are a current VM customer and it is damaged/deteriorated.

Usual format is to post up some photos of the issue and advise what you want doing about it.

The VM forum team will then (usually) refer those photos on for action.

Suggest that would be best in the 'Quick Start' forum though (as VM forum staff don't respond here in 'Tech Chatter') and make it clear it is the green flexible conduit you want dealing with. Someone may actually move this existing post over to 'Quick Start' for you if they happen upon it.

[JMcD23]

My internet cable is protected by a green outer conduit, I noticed that this is breaking down, probably through old age with the plastic becoming brittle. Can VM fix or replace this as my black inner cable is exposed to the elements even though most is buried? I am covering the breaks with tape as a precaution but probably not leak proof.

[Tudor]

It’s probably because the green sheathing is expected to be buried and is not UV stable.

[JMcD23]

But, will VM replace this, that’s my question to them.

[goslow]

Your original topic has now been moved to 'Quick Start' too so you now have two topics. As advised earlier, you are most likely to get a meaningful response from the VM forum staff if you post some photos of the issue.

The cable within the green conduit is extremely tough and is designed to be left outdoors but, if the conduit is damaged and above ground, it will be best to get it renewed and buried. The VM forum staff may well send someone out to you anyway but some photos will help the VM forum staff decide what needs to be done.

[jbrennand]

I have merged the two threads

[jb66]

Virgin won't repair the green tubing, it's only there as extra protection from light digging.

Technically it doesn't need to be there at all as the cable is designed to be underground anyway.