Fttp fitting

I want to upgrade to full fibre, the most direct route for the cable is in through the brick porch (UPVC), along the ceiling then down to a UPVC panel at the bottom of the stairs, where the current connection is , ( I don't know the technical term).
The Openreach engineer said he couldn't drill through the UPVC panel as it might compromise it.
Im happy to drill it myself but need to know what drill size to use?
The panel is hollow in the middle and about 20mm deep.

As I understand it, the outer cable to the house is split smaller once inside ( the porch), so I'm assuming it would be a smaller cable that runs through the UPVC?

Any comments welcome

In reply to a post by Mickmurray:

The Openreach engineer said he couldn't drill through the UPVC panel as it might compromise it.
Im happy to drill it myself but need to know what drill size to use?

I can understand the OR installer being reluctant. Plus this is likely to be a big problem if the panel needs replaced.

So I take it you have FTTC at the moment? How does that arrive at the current connection point and what is wrong with using that route?

I currently have old fashioned copper but want to upgrade, the full fibre is larger so it cannot follow the current route I am happy to drill the UPVC , I just need to know what size hole I need bearing in mind it's NOT the first point of access into the house

i would avoid the upvc as if it needs replacing you have a problem and a half.

is there any other route into your desired location. remember you can do: ont -------cat5e-----> router

>>full fibre is larger

Is it? Pretty sure mine isn't; if anything it is smaller possibly 0.75 of the OD and might be less. Son-in-law has my ladders at the minute so I can't measure the old POTS cable, but I can easily measure the OD of the fibre when I get home. The only issue might be the bend radius.

And yeh - I would emphasise that going through the uPVC is NOT the best solution. Anything that involves going through something that may later move, for whatever reason (refurbiushment, remodelling, earthquake), is a bad idea. Under, behind, alternate route anything is better than a hole.

Wait for 'Zarjaz' to reply as he is the best man to answer your question and you can trust him 100%

In reply to a post by PCJM40:

Wait for 'Zarjaz' to reply as he is the best man to answer your question and you can trust him 100%

Flattered I’m sure.

What the installer told you is correct. Drilling through a UPVC frame is a definite no no.

Even if you drill it, no installer worth their salt would use it. …. Drilling frames will invalidate any warranty you may have. It will cause damp within the area. Just don’t do it.
Is there no brickwork beneath the windows that can be drilled through ?

You haven’t answered the question on how the current copper line gets the socket in the hall ?

The cable that feeds the new fibre ONT will be thinner. It has a moulded end that goes into the ONT, the outer black sheathing is then peeled back to expose a white inner cable, approx 4-5mm tops. This cable is run to outside the black outer sheathing remains in place as it passes through the wall void. This cable then runs to an external splice point, where it connects to the feed fibre.

Is there nowhere else more suitable the small, unobtrusive, ONT might sit ? It will require a permanent power supply. From the ONT, an Ethernet cable will make the connection to the router itself …. so there’s flexibility in that set up. The installer will not be running the Ethernet cable, so you are free to do what you like with that. (NEVER run cables under carpets, or in the void by the grip strip)

So you have options, and thinking ahead now will save grief later


*the fibre feed is roughly 8mm with its black jacket on …. But drilling a bar tight hole is asking for trouble.

Edited by Zarjaz (Fri 27-Mar-26 12:42:58)