How to install fiber optic cable?

To install or deploy the fiber optic cable, what should be done is not only installation, but also making well preparation before installing the cables. A professional technician completes the optical cables installation generally including following steps:

Make a thorough site survey before installation.

Work out a cable pulling plan.

Follow proper procedures.

Do not exceed cable minimum bend radius.

Do not exceed cable maximum recommended load.

Document the installation.

Make a thorough site survey before installation

A site survey is to know and identify environments or locations that needs special attention so as to plan the cabling. If the fiber optic cable has metallic components, power cables should be forbidden. Beside, building code regulations are necessary to be considered.

Work out a cable pulling plan

A cable pulling plan should include the logistics of cable let-off/pulling equipment, the location of intermediate access points, splice locations and the specific responsibilities of each member of the installation team.

Follow Proper Procedures

As optic fibers are sensitive to moisture, the cable end must be covered with an protective cap, heavy tape or other likes at all times. The let-off reel must be taken care during a pull because excess or difficult pulls, center-pull or backfeeding techniques may be employed.

Leave Extra Cable

A common practice is to leave extra cable at the beginning and at the end of the cable run. Also, extra cable should be placed at strategic points such as junction boxes, splice cases and cable vaults. Extra cable is useful should cable repair or mid-span entry be required.

Document the Installation

Good record keeping is essential. This will help to ensure that the cable plant is installed correctly and that future trouble shooting and upgrading will be simplified. All fiber optic cables have an unique lot number shown on the shipping spool. It is important that this number be recorded. Cable pre-installation and post-installation test data should be recorded in an orderly and logical fashion.

Important tips for fiber optic cable installation

Do Not Exceed Cable Minimum Bend Radius

Every cable has an installation minimum bend radius value. During cable placement, the cable could not be bent to a smaller radius. After the cable has been installed, and the pulling tension removed, the cable may be bent to a radius no smaller than the long term application bend radius specification.

Winding is allowed for fiber optic cable as long as the minimum bend radius constraints are not violated.

Do Not Exceed Cable Maximum Recommended Load

Even though fiber optic cables are typically stronger than copper cables, it is still important that the cable maximum pulling tension could not be exceeded during any phase of cable installation. After cable placement, the residual tension on the cable should be less than this value. For vertical installations, it is advised that the cable is clamped at frequent intervals to prevent the cable weight from exceeding the maximum recommended long term load. The clamping intervals should be sufficient to prevent cable movement as well as to provide weight support.

Conclusion

About the installation of fiber optic cables, it’s different in details when laying cables in different applications and environments. This article aims to give useful ideas about fiber optic cable installation. But it is suggested to be done by professional technician, and security is the first no matter where or what cables to install.