Outside communications plant pedestal closure including facilities for protecting insulation of insulated conductors therein against oxidative cracking

A pedestal closure (20) in which insulated transmission media of cables are connected together includes a metallic housing (21) and a protective cover (22). The cover comprises a white pigmented plastic material for reflecting solar energy which is disposed in close proximate relationship with sidewalls and a top of the housing. The cover is easily installed by causing bolts which are used to secure together portions of the housing to extend through a slot which is provided in the cover. The slot has a length which is such that when one of the bolts engages a portion of the wall of the cover which defines an inner end of the slot, a lower end of the cover is substantially at ground level. The use of a pedestal which includes a cover as disclosed herein extends the useful life of insulation of transmission media exposed within the pedestal by retarding the oxidation rate.