What is the difference between duct and micro duct?

"Duct" and "microduct" refer to conduits used for the installation and protection of cables, typically in telecommunications and data networking applications. Here are the key differences between duct and microduct:

Size:

Duct: Ducts are larger conduits, often with a diameter measured in inches or centimeters. They are designed to accommodate larger cables and are commonly used for the installation of fiber optic cables and other communication cables in various settings.

Microduct: Microducts, as the name suggests, are much smaller in diameter compared to traditional ducts. They are typically measured in millimeters and are designed to house smaller and more lightweight cables.

Installation Space:

Duct: Ducts are often installed in underground or overhead systems, and they may require larger trenches or pathways for installation.

Microduct: Microducts are designed for more compact and space-efficient installations. They are suitable for applications where limited space is available, and they can be installed in smaller conduits or alongside other utilities.

Flexibility:

Duct: Traditional ducts may be less flexible due to their larger size and rigid construction. They are usually laid out in a straight path with bends and turns as needed.

Microduct: Microducts are generally more flexible, allowing for easier installation in tight spaces and around obstacles. This flexibility is particularly advantageous in urban environments with limited space for cable infrastructure.

Capacity:

Duct: Ducts have a larger capacity and can accommodate a greater number of larger cables.

Microduct: Microducts are designed for smaller cables and may be used to create a network of pathways for multiple microducts within a single larger conduit.

Applications:

Duct: Traditional ducts are used in a variety of applications, including long-distance telecommunications networks, backbone installations, and other scenarios where larger cables are required.

Microduct: Microducts are often employed in last-mile or access network installations, where the demand is for smaller and more flexible cables to connect individual homes or businesses.

Cost:

Duct: Traditional ducts may involve higher material and installation costs due to their larger size and more extensive infrastructure requirements.

Microduct: Microducts may be more cost-effective in certain scenarios, especially where the focus is on deploying smaller cables and optimizing space usage.

In summary, while both ducts and microducts serve the purpose of protecting and housing cables, they differ in size, flexibility, capacity, and applications. The choice between them depends on the specific requirements of the installation and the type of cables being deployed.