Cable sand questions, answered

From us. We deliver cable sand anywhere in the UK, usually next day on mainland Britain, from a single bulk bag to artic loads. Loose tipper loads start at 10 tonnes. Send the quote form or call 0161 707 7773.

It is the Energy Networks Association Technical Specification 97-1, "Special backfill material for cable installations": the industry standard for the sand and other backfill around power cables. The trade often writes it ENATS 97-1.

UKAS is the United Kingdom Accreditation Service, which accredits testing laboratories. A UKAS test certificate means the sand was tested by an accredited lab, which is what network operator jobs usually ask for.

No. Kiln-dried sand is very fine and bone dry, made for brushing into paving joints. Cable sand is laid damp and compacted around the cable, and bone-dry sand is hard to compact.

Markers laid in the trench above the sand, so anyone digging later finds them before the cable. Warning tape is printed plastic tape; cable tiles are tougher covers that also protect the cable. The spec says which to use.

Not from this site. For pipe bedding, gravel and other aggregates, our sister site agg.directory lists suppliers across the UK.