Ten guidelines for fiber optic cable installation

The ten guidelines for fiber optic cable installation are as follows:

1. Never pull the fiber itself directly. Fiber optic cables consist of two or more glass or plastic fiber optic cores, which are fragile and can only pull on the strength components of the fiber optic cable.

2. Do not exceed the maximum tensile load rating. In the long run, use the proper lubricants and make sure they are compatible with the cable jacket. Pull from the middle to the ends, where possible, use an automatic puller with tension control or at least a split eye puller, knowing and adhering to the recommended maximum cable load rating.

3. Do not exceed the cable bend radius. Fibers are stronger than steel when pulled straight, but tend to break when bent too tightly. This can damage the fiber immediately, and the cable must then be removed and thrown away.

4. Always roll the cable away from the spool, not from the end of the spool. Each turn of the spool will twist the cable, so do not twist the fiber optic cable. Additionally, twisting the cable can also stress the fiber.

fiber optic cable

5. Make sure your fiber optic cable is long enough to support the cable run. Fiber splicing complicates and increases costs, and requires special protection.

6. The indoor cable can be installed directly, but you may consider putting it in the inner conduit. Innerduct provides a great way to identify fiber optic cables and protect them from damage, you can get the inner duct using the pull straps installed.

7. Plan the installation. With a detailed written installation plan prepared in advance, you can eliminate 95% of the problems in the installation process. The plan should include equipment and supplies, fiber optic cable specifications, equipment locations, test requirements, test data sheets, personnel experience levels and assignments, installation methods, identification of potential problem areas, and safety concerns.

8. Pull the cable during construction, do not push the cable as pushing may violate the bend radius.

9. Monitor supply reels. To prevent violations of the minimum bend radius, the supply reel must be monitored during installation.

10.Communicate along the installation path. For long-term installations, communicate and monitor along the installation path. Fiber optic cables will fall off unmonitored pulleys, so at least one person will monitor the pulling equipment, one person will monitor the feed tray, and one person will coordinate all personnel during construction.