Hot cut procedure for telecommunications network

Abstract

In a telecommunication network, having at least first and second original equipment electrically connected by at least a first existing conductor, a method is disclosed for adding intermediate equipment to the network. The intermediate equipment is connected to the first original equipment by at least a first replacement conductor and the intermediate equipment is connected to the second original equipment by at least a second replacement conductor. A method for adding uses a temporary circuit having at least first and second test conductors. The method includes the steps of electrically connecting first and second replacement conductors to the additional equipment. The first temporary conductor is electrically connected to the original conductor at a first point of connection. The second temporary conductor is electrically connected to the original conductor at a second point of connection. The second point of connection is disposed between the second original equipment and the first point of connection. The first and second temporary conductors and the first original conductor cooperate to define a temporary signal pathway between the first and second original equipment with the temporary signal pathway including the high temporary circuit. The original conductor is severed at a point of severance disposed between the first and second points of connection. The first replacement conductor is electrically connected to the first original equipment. The second replacement conductor is electrically connected to the second original equipment. The temporary signal pathway is severed.