EXCHANGE CABLE CHAMBER

When the external cables reach an exchange they enter the building via a large entry plate into an underground room called the cable chamber.  In smaller exchanges the cables sometimes arrive in an underground chamber and then are fed to the MDF via a shallow cable trench which is covered by hinged wooden flooring.

Cable entry point into the exchange cable chamber, from an external manhole, before any cables are pulled thorough.

Any unused entry points are left sealed to
prevent ingress of water, gas or vermin with a plug.
The sign on the right shows the cable identification.
 

Rather immaculate cable chamber.  The cables enter the exchange from the
left and then turn upwards to the MDF.
 

A rather busy Cable Chamber.
 

MDF cables fed via a cable trench.  Note the wooden flooring which is raised. 
This flooring is constructed of hinged sections which are held up, in the open position, by catch hooks at the top.
The cables drop down to the cable chamber underneath.
This is Clerkenwell Exchange.

Last revised: 06 August, 2025

FM2