NBN Co Preparation and Installation Guide for SDUs and MDUs v5 ...

GUIDE 

NBN Co Preparation and 

Installation Guide for 

SDUs and MDUs 

Network Operations 

Document Number: NBN-NO-GDE-0011 

Issue Date: 23 Mar 2012 

Status: Final 

Version Number: 5.0

Copyright 

This document is subject to copyright and must not be used except as permitted below or 

under the Copyright Act 1968 (Cwth). You must not reproduce or publish this document in 

whole or in part for commercial gain without the prior written consent of NBN Co. You may 

reproduce and publish this document in whole or in part for educational or non-commercial 

purposes as approved by NBN Co in writing. 

Disclaimer 

NBN Co confidential information. 

This document is provided for information purposes only. The recipient must not use this 

document other than with the consent of NBN Co and must make their own inquiries as to the 

currency, accuracy and completeness of this document and the information contained in it. 

The contents of this document should not be relied upon as representing any requirement of 

NBN Co or NBN Co‟s final position on the subject matter of this document. Any views 

expressed by NBN Co in this document and any technical connection requirements may 

change including as a consequence of advances in technologies, or legislative and regulatory 

developments. 

NBN Co does not warrant that the processes and information outlined in this document 

comply with all (or any) laws, codes of practice or standards. The recipient must exercise its 

own judgment as to how best to perform the activities described in this document in a safe 

way, and so as to meet the requirements of all applicable laws, codes of practice and 

standards. 

Copyright © 2012 NBN Co Limited. All rights reserved. Not for general distribution. 

Environment 

NBN Co asks that you consider the environment before printing this document.

NBN Co Preparation and Installation Guide for SDUs and MDUs Contents 

Contents 

1 Introduction.................................................................................................................... 4 

2 About this Document .................................................................................................... 4 

2.1 Scope ........................................................................................................................................ 4 

2.2 Responsibilities Breakdown ...................................................................................................... 5 

3 Before You Start ............................................................................................................ 6 

3.1 Safety ........................................................................................................................................ 6 

4 Preparing for Fibre Installation ..................................................................................... 6 

4.1 Preparing New Buildings .......................................................................................................... 6 

4.2 Service Drop Conduit Installation ............................................................................................. 7 

4.3 Internal Conduit Installation ...................................................................................................... 7 

4.4 External PCD Installation ........................................................................................................ 10 

4.5 Internal Premises Wiring......................................................................................................... 11 

4.5.1 PSU AC Power Requirements ..................................................................................... 12 

4.5.2 PSU Installation Requirements .................................................................................... 12 

5 Multi Dwelling Units ..................................................................................................... 13 

5.1 External Cable Feed MDUs .................................................................................................... 13 

5.2 Internal Cable Feed MDUs ..................................................................................................... 13 

6 Post Building Completion Installation ....................................................................... 14 

6.1 Installation Connection Delays ............................................................................................... 14 

6.2 Connection Problems ............................................................................................................. 14 

6.3 Installation of the Fibre Equipment ......................................................................................... 15 

Appendix A – Glossary ...................................................................................................... 15 

Appendix B – Activity Matrix ............................................................................................. 16 

Appendix C – Australian and International Standards .................................................... 17 

Figures 

Figure 1 – Builder / Cabler Responsibilities ............................................................................................. 8 

Figure 2 – NBN Co Responsibilities ......................................................................................................... 9 

Figure 3 – Service Drop Conduit Installation (in footings option)........................................................... 10 

Figure 4 – Example Premises Connection Devices ............................................................................... 11 

Figure 5 – Example Layout for SDU and MDU buildings ....................................................................... 11 

Figure 6 – Internal Fibre Cable Feed for MDUs ..................................................................................... 13 

Figure 7 – Networking Diagram for MDUs ............................................................................................. 14 

Tables 

Table 1 – Responsibilities Breakdown ..................................................................................................... 5 

Table 2 – PCD Installation Requirements .............................................................................................. 10 

Table 3 – Power Cable Separations ...................................................................................................... 12 

Table 4 – PSU Installation Requirements .............................................................................................. 12 

Table 5 – Cable Pathway Type .............................................................................................................. 14 

Uncontrolled when printed. 

Final Version 5.0 Commercial in Confidence NBN-NO-GDE-0011 

23 Mar 2012 © 2012 NBN Co Ltd Page 3 of 17

NBN Co Preparation and Installation Guide for SDUs and MDUs Introduction 

1 Introduction 

Who is it for? These minimum Guidelines are for the owners, builders and cablers of new 

Single Dwelling Unit (SDU) and Multi Dwelling Unit (MDU) buildings in a New 

Development housing estate. 

Purpose These minimum Guidelines describe the activities and requirements for preparing 

new SDUs and MDUs for connection to an estate fibre telecommunications 

network. 

Understanding the terms and processes allows for an optimal outcome during the 

building of new premises. 

In scope These minimum Guidelines instruct builders how to prepare premises in 

preparation for the National Broadband Network. Included are: 

� Residential, Single Dwelling Units (SDUs) 

� Multi Dwelling Units (MDUs) 

� New buildings constructed on vacant lots of land within a new housing estate 

� Connecting the building to the fibre telecommunications network 

Out of scope These Guidelines exclude: 

Important 

Note for 

the 

Owner 

2 About this Document 

2.1 Scope 

� Pit and Conduit installation information, processes, methods and practices. 

These are referenced in separate documents which can be found online at 

www.nbnco.com.au/NewDevelopments 

� Access Seeker (Retail Service Provider – RSP) connection equipment or 

information 

The owner should ensure these guidelines are given to the 

builder and that the builder is aware of the requirement for them 

to be followed. The developer, if applicable, should also ensure 

the building owner is aware of, and has a copy of, this document. 

This document sets out NBN Co's requirements and specifications for 

wiring and related infrastructure to assist developers, builders and 

new home owners in New Developments to wire their homes correctly 

in order to connect to the National Broadband Network. 

To ensure a smooth connection of the National Broadband Network 

service to the premises, this guide needs to be adhered to. The 

builder and/or building owner is responsible for ensuring the building 

is wired correctly and related infrastructure is installed correctly. 

This guide has been developed to help avoid delay or unnecessary 

additional costs to the homeowner of wiring that is not to the correct 

specification. 

These are minimum specifications for NBN installation. Additional 

wiring is at the discretion of the homeowner. 

This document describes the related infrastructure requirements for builders, cablers and new 

home owners preparing a Single Dwelling Unit (SDU) and/or a Multi Dwelling Unit (MDU) in a 

new residential development for connection to the National Broadband Network (NBN). 

It sets out the obligations of building owners and builders when allocating space for fibre 

equipment in new premises to the standards required by NBN Co. 




NBN Co Preparation and Installation Guide for SDUs and MDUs About this Document 

2.2 Responsibilities Breakdown 

Who What 

Developer 

Building 

Owner 

Builder 

(and building 

subcontractors) 

NBN Co 

(or other FTTP solution 

provider) 

Ensures that their builder and/or land buyer is aware of the requirements 

set out in this document, and of the consequences of non-compliance. 

Note: The „land buyer‟ can be a builder who plans to resell the land later as 

part of a house and land package, or an owner who engages a builder to 

construct the premises. 

Therefore, the developer will make a copy of this document (NBN Co 

Installation and Preparation Guide SDUs and MDUs) available, as required. 

Gives this document to the builder to ensure the house is ready for the 

installation of fibre network equipment as per NBN Co requirements. 

Discusses and reaches agreement with the builder about the desired 

services and the placement of the fibre equipment. 

Ensures that the builder is aware of: 

� Space and pathway compliance requirements within NBN Co 

specifications 

� The correct equipment to be used to prepare for connection to the 

NBN. 

For more information: 

� newdevelopments@nbnco.com.au 

� www.nbnco.com.au 

Installs the internal customer wiring for telephone, data and other services 

(including power circuits) to the building owner‟s requirements. 

Installs the facilities to connect the premises to the fibre network, including: 

� Service Drop Conduit through which to run fibre from the street to the 

external Premises Connection Device (PCD) 

� Internal Conduit through which to run fibre from the PCD to the NBN 

Co equipment location 

� Power for the Power Supply Unit (PSU) to allow connection to the NTD 

� Note: A drawstring should protrude through the wall at the Fibre Wall 

Outlet location (FWO) from the PCD position (both ends of the 

drawstring should be tied off). 

NBN will install the following: 

� A service drop cable from the street to the Premises Connection 

Device (PCD) 

� The PCD. This device is attached to an external wall and will have 

optical fibre cable connected to it. 

� Premises cable (also known as a connecting fibre) from the PCD to 

the internal location where NBN equipment will be installed 

� A Network Termination Device (NTD). NBN Co‟s network termination 

point (at the Network Boundary) for the fibre network. It connects 

internal wiring to the NBN. 

� A Power Supply Unit (PSU). The unit that powers the NTD and 

provides battery back-up as required in accordance with government 

policy. Refer to the Power Supply and Battery Backup User Guide 

available from NBN Co. 

� The Fibre Wall Outlet (FWO). 

Table 1 – Responsibilities Breakdown 




NBN Co Preparation and Installation Guide for SDUs and MDUs Before You Start 

3 Before You Start 

NBN Co takes safety and risk management very seriously, so before you start it is mandatory 

that you familiarise yourself with the following safety guidelines. 

The tools you use are also important, and if used properly can contribute to the quality of the 

work you perform and prevent unnecessary risks. 

3.1 Safety 

NBN Co is subject to the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth), however, it is recognised 

that developers engaged by NBN Co may be subject to different health and safety legislation 

that is in place across Australia. This includes relevant regulations, standards and codes of 

practice. 

This document includes guidance to assist both NBN Co employees and contractors to 

exercise due diligence in relation to safety practices. To this end: 

� Developers are expected to have developed, to understand and comply with their own 

company Health Safety and Environment (HSE) policies and procedures. 

� Consistent with Commonwealth and State Occupational Health and Safety legislation, it is 

expected that developers will consider the risks associated with development that may 

impact on later stages of the asset lifecycle (including inspection/assurance, use, 

operation and maintenance). 

� Specific aspects the developer must consider include (but are not limited to) risks 

associated with the location of SDU fibre cabling and equipment, and risks associated with 

the method of construction/installation. 

4 Preparing for Fibre Installation 

4.1 Preparing New Buildings 

In broad terms, preparing a building for the NBN Co fibre network requires the builder to 

perform the following: 

� Extend the service drop conduit from the property boundary to the external PCD location 

� Supply the pathway (P25 communications conduit with drawstring) from the external PCD 

location to the internal Fibre Wall Outlet location 

� The FWO location should be co-located with the internal NTD and PSU as part of the 

home equipment installation 

� Provide for power requirements. 

It is essential to plan the positioning of the equipment and associated pathways as part of the 

overall building design. When determining the location of the internal conduit and consequent 

location of the NBN Co equipment, builders should consider the intended premises use in 

terms of accessibility, safety and aesthetics. For example, equipment should be easily 

accessible to people with restricted mobility, but out of normal reach of children and pets. 

To connect the building to the fibre network, NBN Co will install: 

� The service drop cable to the PCD location 

� The PCD 

� The internal fibre cable to the Fibre Wall Outlet (FWO) 

� An NTD 

� A PSU. 




NBN Co Preparation and Installation Guide for SDUs and MDUs Preparing for Fibre Installation 

4.2 Service Drop Conduit Installation 

The service drop conduit should: 

� Be white 25 mm (nominal OD) 23 mm (nominal ID) PVC-U telecommunications conduit 

labelled with "Communications". 

� Be installed between 300 mm to 500 mm below the finished ground level and covered with 

a minimum of 100 mm of aggregate prior to backfill. 

� Have bends of radius no less than 300 mm with total cumulative bend angles not 

exceeding 270 degrees, and individual bends no more than 90 degrees. 

� Have a draw string installed between the street network pit and the premises end. 

� Be temporarily sealed at the premises end during construction activity. 

� Be connected to the Developers Starter Conduit from the pit on footway as shown in 

Figure 3 – Service Drop Conduit Installation (in footings option). 

4.3 Internal Conduit Installation 

The internal conduit should: 

� Be white 25 mm (nominal OD) 23 mm (nominal ID) PVC-U telecommunications conduit 

labelled with "Communications". 

� Have bends of radius no less than 100 mm with total cumulative bend angles not 

exceeding 270 degrees, and individual bends no more than 90 degrees. 

� Be installed 100-140mm horizontally separated from the service drop conduit on the 

external wall, to the NBN Co equipment location in the premises. 

� Have a draw string installed along the length of the conduit. 






Figure 1 – Builder / Cabler Responsibilities 





Figure 2 – NBN Co Responsibilities 




Figure 3 – Service Drop Conduit Installation (in footings option) 

4.4 External PCD Installation 

NBN Co will install a PCD on the exterior of the premises. 

External Space 

Requirement 

� 300 mm wide 

� 300 mm tall 

� 100 mm deep 

� Additional 250 mm to left of PCD to open door 

Installation Height � 410 mm to 1500 mm from finished ground level to bottom of PCD 

Minimum Clearances 

Distance Between Cable 

Entry Ports 

Important 

� 250 mm from fixed services including pipes, taps and meters 

� 1500 mm from gas cylinders 

� 150 mm from corner of wall 

� 150 mm from exterior structure such as window or balcony 

� 100 mm minimum to 140 mm maximum 

Table 2 – PCD Installation Requirements 

NBN Co has the right to request re-work from the builder if, due to 

these standards not being met, faults or undesirable behaviour occurs 

in the fibre-based telecommunications equipment. 





4.5 Internal Premises Wiring 

Electrical 

Hazard 

Figure 4 – Example Premises Connection Devices 

The NTD and PSU must be installed in the same building as the main meter box or 

distribution board, and are only certified for connection to customer cabling (structured 

wiring) which is entirely enclosed within the same building. 

If any aerial or underground customer cabling is connected from the UNI-D or UNI-V 

ports of the NTD to a separate freestanding building, there is a risk to the user that a 

potential lightning hazard may be transferred via the external cable between the UNI-D 

or UNI-V ports to any connected equipment. 

The builder provides the GPO, and the optional patch panel, and structured wiring. NBN Co 

will install the FWO, PSU, NTD, and fibre. 

Figure 5 – Example Layout for SDU and MDU buildings 





4.5.1 PSU AC Power Requirements 

The fibre telecommunications equipment (specifically, the PSU) requires connection to the 

building mains 240V power to function. 

The builder must: 

� Install a single 240V power point. Ensure it is co-located within 1.5 metres of the PSU. 

� Ensure all 240V electrical cables associated with the PSU installation meet the 

requirements of AS/NZS 3000:2007 (see Appendix C – Australian and International 

Standards). 

� Maintain all cable separations according to AS/ACIF S009:2006 (or the latest issue at time 

of installation), summarised in Table 3 – Power Cable Separations. 

Service Minimum Separation Distance (mm) 

Power 100 

Gas, Water or Sewer 150 

4.5.2 PSU Installation Requirements 

Table 3 – Power Cable Separations 

Requirements for the PSU installed by NBN Co are listed below so that builders can locate 

the internal conduit correctly. 

Installation Height 

Adjacent Equipment 

Environmental 

Restrictions 

Suggested 

Locations 

� Between 700 mm and 1700 mm from finished ground level to top of PSU. 

� At least 30 mm clearance on all sides of device. 

� Less than 3 m radial from internal NTD. 

� Less than 1.5 m radial from dedicated 240V power point. 

Must not be installed in any of the following locations: 

� Damp, humid, moist or wet areas such as a kitchen, bathroom, toilet, 

laundry or under an open window. 

� Where the ambient temperature might routinely drop below 10°C such as 

an uninsulated garage. 

� Where the ambient temperature might routinely exceed 40°C, such as a 

ceiling, wall or floor cavity; masonry wall facing north or west; near a water 

or space heater or heater vent; or exposed to direct sunlight. 

� A confined area with restricted air circulation such as a closed cupboard, 

wall cavity or area restricted by curtains, clothes or furniture. 

� Subject to high dust, such as under an open window or in a work area. 

� Subject to potential damage, such as a workshop or work area. 

� Outside the normal living area or outdoors. 

� A separate freestanding building such as a garage, shed or office. 

� The primary connection point as determined by the home owner 

� Indicator lights and audible alarms accessible and obvious. 

� Out of normal reach of children or pets and protected from accidental 

knocks, damage, disconnection, unplugging or being switched off. 

� Study. 

� Lounge or living room. 

� Rumpus room. 

� Enclosed garage, or a garage under the main roof. 

Table 4 – PSU Installation Requirements 




NBN Co Preparation and Installation Guide for SDUs and MDUs Multi Dwelling Units 

5 Multi Dwelling Units 

NBN Co requirements for equipment within MDU end-user premises are typically the same as 

the methods already described. This section provides the application of these installation 

requirements with respect to the various types of MDUs. 

For the purpose of this document, NBN Co has split MDUs into two categories: 

� External Cable Feed MDUs 

� Internal Cable Feed MDUs. 

5.1 External Cable Feed MDUs 

These categories are similar to SDUs in that the connection to the premises is via an external 

underground conduit into each individual end-user premises. 

An example of this type of MDU would be a row of Villas or Townhouses. 

5.2 Internal Cable Feed MDUs 

These types of MDUs are the typical low, medium and high-rise-style apartments that have a 

communications distribution point within the building. The cabling is then reticulated 

throughout the building via internal riser shafts, cable trays and/or conduits. 

Figure 6 – Internal Fibre Cable Feed for MDUs 




NBN Co Preparation and Installation Guide for SDUs and MDUs Post Building Completion Installation 

Figure 7 – Networking Diagram for MDUs 

For more information on MDU design and requirements, refer to the NBN Co document, MDU 

Building Design Guide – New Developments on the NBN Co website. 

Cable Pathway Type 

P25 rigid communications conduit with 23mm nominal internal diameter 

Cable tray 

Duct (other than rigid conduit) 

Table 5 – Cable Pathway Type 

6 Post Building Completion Installation 

6.1 Installation Connection Delays 

Important 

6.2 Connection Problems 

Failure to comply with this document may result in delays in 

connecting the premises to the National Broadband Network or 

result in NBN Co‟s inability to make a fibre connection to the 

new premises 

Builders, developers and building owners may face delays and 

additional costs (borne by the owner of the premises) until the 

building preparations are brought into compliance with these 

guidelines. 

Where unforeseen circumstances lead to the construction of a building unable to connect to 

the fibre-based telecommunications network, building owners should contact the Retail 

Service Provider (RSP) to facilitate service activation. 

The RSP will then contact NBN Co to determine the appropriate remediation and arrange 

installation and connection to the fibre communications network. 

The building owner may incur additional charges where remediation work is required. 





6.3 Installation of the Fibre Equipment 

At any point after the builder has completed all preparatory installations (as described 

previously) and prior to building hand-over to the building owner, NBN Co can be contacted to 

arrange for installation of the fibre equipment. 

Note: Not only must the builder have completed all preparatory installations, but the building 

must have reached lock-up stage. 

Site access will be arranged with the builder. NBN Co then undertakes: 

� Installation of the PCD, NTD and the PSU 

� Installation of the service drop cable fibre from the street pit to the NTD, through the 

service drop conduit 

Verification of correct operation up to and including the NTD and PSU is conducted as part of 

the installation. No verification of correct internal customer wiring is conducted. 

Appendix A – Glossary 

Term Description 

Access Seeker A customer acquiring NBN Co wholesale services to supply services to 

Retail Service Providers (RSPs), Wholesale Service Providers (WSPs) or 

end users. 

FTTP Fibre to the Premises 

FTTP uses optical fibre cables reaching all the way to the Premises, with 

Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) fibre-sharing. 

FTTP solution provider Any company or supplier supplying fibre to the premises. 

IPTV 

MDU Multiple Dwelling Unit 

Delivery of video streams via Internet technology instead of traditional 

radiofrequency for viewing at an end user premises. 

Buildings that contain more than one dwelling unit. These can range from 

duplexes to 200+ unit apartment blocks. 

NBN National Broadband Network. 

NBN Co Company established by the Australian Government to design, build and 

operate the wholesale-only National Broadband Network (NBN). 

New Developments New real estate developments. Formerly “Greenfields”. 

NTD Network Termination Device 

FWO Fibre Wall Outlet 

NBN Co‟s network termination point at each premises, for residential fibre 

services (typically) featuring 4 data and 2 voice interfaces. 

PCD Premises Connection Device 

A unit to terminate the service drop cable to the side of the premises. 

PSU A power supply unit, which provides power to the NTD. 

SDU Single Dwelling Unit 

Premises containing only one dwelling unit. 





Appendix B – Activity Matrix 

The following shows the installation life-cycle of fibre telecommunication equipment in New 

Developments. Highlighted (in orange) is the section that this document encompasses. 

Activity Responsible Party Timing 

Installation of estate pit and conduit Estate Developer Prior to building commencement 

Installation of estate fibre FTTP solution provider Prior to building commencement 

Connection of estate fibre to the NBN FTTP solution provider Prior to building commencement 

Installation of the service drop conduit 

stub 

Building design to accommodate fibre 

equipment and wiring 

Installation of the service drop conduit 

and draw-string 

FTTP solution provider Prior to building commencement 

Builder Prior to building commencement 

Builder During base / slab stage 

Pre – Install Request submitted Builder After lock-up stage 

Installation of power to the PSU 

location 

Builder During building wiring 

Installation of internal conduit Builder During building wiring 

Installation of pre-wired customer 

wiring 

Builder / Owner During building wiring 

Installation of NTD NBN Co After lock-up stage 

Installation of PSU NBN Co 

After lock-up stage ...and when 

mains power to the premises has 

been connected and turned on 

Installation of PCD NBN Co After lock-up stage 

Installation of FWO NBN Co After lock-up stage 

Installation of service drop cable fibre 

to PCD 

Connection of service drop cable fibre 

from PCD to NTD 



After lock-up stage 

After lock-up stage 

Connection of PSU wiring to NTD NBN Co After lock-up stage 

Connecting pre-wired customer wiring 

to NTD 

Owner / Service Provider After lock-up stage 

Activation of communication services Owner / Service Provider After order from RSP received 

Installation of additional customer 

wiring (optional) 

Connection of additional customer 

wiring to NTD (optional) 

Owner 

Owner 

As required during or after 

building construction 

As required during or after 

building construction 





Appendix C – Australian and International 

Standards 

For Australian and international cabling standard compliance guidelines, refer to the following 

documents. 

Some of these documents were referred to when writing these guidelines. 

Number Title 

AS/CA S008:2010 Technical standard on requirements for Authorised Cabling Products 

AS/ACIF S009:2006 Installation requirements for customer cabling (communications Wiring Rules) 

AS/NZS 3000:2007 Electrical Wiring Rules 

AS/NZS 3080 Telecommunications Installations – Cabling Systems for Commercial 

Premises 

AS/NZS 3084 Telecommunications Installations – Telecommunications Pathways and 

Spaces for Commercial Buildings 

AS/NZS 3087 Telecommunications installations - Generic cabling systems - Specification for 

the testing of balanced communication cabling in accordance with values set 

out in AS/NZS 3080 

EIA/TIA 568-A Commercial Building Telecommunications Wiring Standard. 

HB252:2007 Communications Cabling Manual module 3: Residential Communications 

Cabling Handbook

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