Oikodomisis

Installation of a Floor Box in Apartment Buildings: What the legislation defines for vertical fiber optic routes in the stairwell

Anyone who has lived in or managed a typical Greek apartment building (built 1970 - 2000), knows that any intervention in the common areas is equivalent to... a council of war.

When it comes time to run fiber optic (FTTH) to the building, the biggest challenge is not technological, but practical and legal. How will the cable go up from the ground floor to the 5th floor without ruining the aesthetics of the marble staircase? And most importantly, can a "difficult" neighbor or administrator deny you access to high-speed Internet?

As engineers, we are often faced with these conflicts. Let's explain how a building's "Vertical Wiring" is designed, what the famous Floor Box is, and what the law says about your rights.

1. The Architecture of the Staircase (The Vertical Journey)

As we saw in a previous article, the central pipe of the provider from the street ends in a central box on the ground floor (the BEP - Building Entry Point).

A central trunk cable (Riser Cable) must start from the BEP which will rise vertically to the entire height of the building. Because there are no internal telecommunications shafts in the old apartment buildings, the providers follow the following method:

  • They place a thin, unobtrusive plastic channel (Trunking) in the corner of the stairwell (usually next to the elevator shaft or at the corners of landings).
  • This channel runs continuously from the ground floor to the top floor. Inside it hides the thin optical fibers intended for all apartments.
Illustration for 1. The Architecture of the Staircase (The Vertical Journey)

2. What is a Floor Box?

Illustration for 2. What is a Floor Box?

It is not enough just to pass the cable. There must be a "station" on each floor so that each apartment can get internet. This stop is called the Floor Box.

The Placement

It is a small, usually white, plastic or metal box that is screwed high into the wall (to keep it out of easy reach of children or pets) on every floor or every two floors.

His function

Inside this box, technicians do splicing or use ready-made splitters (Splitters). Practically, they detach 1, 2 or 4 "hairs" from the central cable that goes up, and leave them waiting.

The Connection

When you request activation, the technician will open your floor's Floor Box, clip a thin cable into standby, and run it (through an even thinner conduit) over your door into your apartment.

3. Legislation: Can admin block you?

This is the most frequently asked question. The answer based on the European directive and Greek legislation (Law 4463/2017 on reducing the cost of installing high-speed networks) is clear: No, it cannot arbitrarily prohibit you from installing.

The state treats fiber optic networks as Basic Public Utility Infrastructure (like electricity and water).

  1. Unanimity not required: If you want fiber, 100% of the owners' meeting does not need to agree to run the central channel in the stairwell.
  2. The Process: The provider (or their contractor) must notify the administrator of the impending installation (usually by a written notice/study). The administrator has the right to propose an alternative, more aesthetic route (if this is technically and financially feasible), but does not have the right of universal refusal.
  3. Damages Restoration: The law protects the apartment building. The provider is legally and financially responsible for returning the common areas to their original condition (eg cleaning of dust, caulking of any unnecessary holes).
Illustration for 3. Legislation: Can admin block you?

4. Technical Specifications & Fire Safety

Illustration for 4. Technical Specifications & Fire Safety

Because the installation takes place in common areas, the providers' engineers follow strict rules:

Avoiding Static Elements

Technicians are prohibited from drilling columns (reinforced concrete load-bearing body) with large drills. Routing is usually done through masonry (bricks).

Fire safety (LSZH)

Fiber optic cables used internally and plastic ducts must be of LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) specifications. If a fire occurs in the stairwell, these materials do not release toxic gases (halogens) and do not emit thick black smoke, allowing the building to be evacuated safely.

Junctions with Current

Fiber optic channels must be kept at a distance from PPC central power panels, not because the fiber is at risk of interference (as we have seen, glass is not affected by current), but for reasons of pure electrical safety during maintenance.

Summarizing

The "vertical" arrival of optical fiber to your apartment building is an inevitable, but highly positive upgrade that increases the value of the entire building. Floor Box is the digital hub of your floor. In case you encounter resistance from co-owners, remember that the law is on the side of technological progress, as long as the installation is done with respect to the aesthetics and safety of the common areas.

Next Step: The fiber has arrived, it's attached, the system is set up... but suddenly the internet is crawling or cutting out. What could be wrong with the glass?

We continue with the troubleshooting guide: Troubleshooting Fiber Optics: Why the speed drops (excessive cable bending, dirty connectors, losses).

Related Articles

What is FTTH (Fiber to the Home): How fiber comes from the street to your home and what you need to dig Indoor Fiber Optic Cabling: What "waits" (pipes) and boxes to leave when retrofitting for the provider Fiber Optic Splicing: How It's Done, What A Splicer Is, And Why It's Not A Job For DIYers Fiber Optic Troubleshooting: Why the speed drops (excessive cable bending, dirty connectors, losses)

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