April 24, 2007 -- 3M has released its Closure 2 Type 505 ISG (Installed Sealing Gasket) Series, which the company calls a "complete, pressure-tight, re-enterable and reusable" closure system for protection of communications cable splices across a spectrum of applications.
According to the company, the 2-type 505 ISG closure features a factory-installed gasket which allows for quick and easy installation in both new construction and maintenance environments. Because the closures are pressure tight, water cannot invade the splices. The closures are designed for installation in a variety of aerial, buried or underground outside plant applications and are available in a variety of lengths and diameters.
3M notes that, as the demand for broadband services via DSL over imbedded copper networks grows, service providers will be required to upgrade/condition their networks, increasing the need for re-entry of the copper pressurized closures. According to the company, the new closures can increase productivity while offering virtually zero-cost re-entry. Also, the 2-type 505 ISG closure is a mechanical closure and requires no open flames or heat to install.
As DSL is also driving central office vault upgrades and expansions, with service providers requiring flame retardant closures in their central office vaults, the company notes that its 4-type series line of closures is the flame retardant version of the 2-type series. Previous versions can be upgraded to accommodate the re-enterable and reusable gasket.