Direct-buried cable

[1] Most direct-buried cable is built to specific tolerances to heat, moisture, conductivity, and soil acidity.

Unlike standard telecommunications and power cables, which have only a thin layer of insulation and a waterproof outer cover, DBC consists of multiple layers of heavy metallic-banded sheathing, reinforced by heavy rubber covers, shock absorbing gel, wrapped thread-fortified waterproof tape, and stiffened by a heavy metal core.

DBC is preferable in some areas since it is more resistant to being the focus of lightning discharges.

As a result, most direct-buried cable is found on side roads, not main thoroughfares.

This kind of cabling must follow strict regulatory procedures regarding installation [4] and backfilling.