WipeJoint122015 0929

Both cables are now repaired and holding air pressure. The schrader valves enable pressure to be measured, estimated by testing for outflow or used to attach a cylinder of compressed dry air if the supply fed through the cable from the telephone exchange is isolated. See notes.

The fibre cables will not be returned to the pit but will remain on the ground until more pits or some other solution to the lack of space is found.

The jointer uses an LPG torch to melt solder (60 lead/ 40 tin) which is wiped around the cable, using a piece of hide to build a thickness of solder which seals the cable and gives some strength to the joint. Sterene, a fat based product, is melted onto the work to assist the wiping process.

Paper insulated lead-covered cable was damaged by NBN builders placing too much gear in the cable pit. Cable jointers from Telstra are repairing the water-damaged circuits. They were working at this and another nearby junction pit and pillar.