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Figure 31: Binding Post Blocks
The binding posts can be random access, where the technician chooses a free binding post and attaches it to
the assigned cable pair. Or in most urban centers/districts, they are dedicated, which means that a splicer has
attached the binding posts to the cable pairs in advance and the Assignment Group assigns the binding post
on the order.
Fuse Links
Binding posts are connected to the pair with fuse links.
A fuse link is a piece of wire that acts as a fuse between a binding post and a cable pair in case of high voltage
contacts on the cable pair. It is composed of a different alloy than that of the cable pair, and it is typically of a
different gauge as well. A fuse link must always be used for electrical protection.
When terminating a fuse link to a cable pair, the assigned cable pair should be identified and UB
Scotchlok
should be used to connect the fuse link to the pair using the proper Scotchlok tool. Pliers should never be
used here.
Pedestals
A pedestal is similar to the RA or SLIC in application and can be metal or plastic. Pedestals are used as
terminals where there is underground cable.
Pedestals come in many styles and shapes. Some are designed to look like the landscape (like the large rock
you see on the right) and others are in the base of city lampposts, sharing space with Cable TV. The non-
shared side is often the electrical utility.
Most pedestals, however, are metal boxes of various shapes that are smaller than SAC/JWI’s.
Some older pedestals have no binding posts and the drop is attached directly to the cable pair. More modern
pedestals have binding posts, insulation displacement connectors and even BIX 1A water resistant blocks.