Can I run fiber conduit in the same trench as my other utilities?

Yes. If you are already trenching for photovoltaic wiring, irrigation, low-voltage lighting, or any other utility, running the fiber conduit in the same trench is the cleanest way to do it — one trench, less yard disruption.

A few guidelines:

Separate conduit: Fiber must be in its own ½" Schedule 40 PVC conduit. Do not pull fiber through a conduit that also carries electrical conductors.

Separation from power: When sharing a trench with electrical conductors, follow the separation and depth requirements in your local electrical code. When in doubt, ask your electrician to confirm before backfilling.

Other utilities (water, irrigation, low-voltage): These can generally share the same trench without separation issues, as long as the fiber is in its own conduit.

Timing: It is easiest to lay the fiber conduit in the trench before you backfill around your other utilities. Once the trench is closed up, adding our conduit means digging again.

Specifications: For the conduit itself — size, material, depth, bends, pull string, and how the run terminates at each end — see the conduit specifications question in this FAQ.

Coordination: If you have any questions while planning the trench, give us a call before you backfill. It is far easier to adjust beforehand than after.