Fiber Optic Cable Installation

Improving the speed and accuracy of the data transmission is an essential requirement, in order to save time and valuable resources. Fiber optics technology is now synonymous in the communication industry, for its efficacy and excellent data transmission ability. Installation of fiber optic technology involves understanding the various risk factors, that may affect the performance of the fiber optic cables.

Installation Tips
There are numerous types of fiber optic cables, like the single-mode fiber, the multimode fiber and the plastic fiber. While installing them, it is necessary to consider their design, size and length.

Understand the Geography of the Location
First and the most important thing that you need to consider while going for fiber optic cable is that you should understand the risk factors of the place where you are going to install the cable. Conduct a thorough survey of the area and check out the physical problems like high temperatures that may cause problem in the working and installation. If your cable has metallic parts, then make sure that it is not installed in the vicinity of power cables. The power cables must be segregated from the optic cables. Also, do not ignore the government rules and follow the code of conduct while installing them. Don't hesitate to visit the local authority and check out their building code rules. This will help you avoid unnecessary government interrogations.

Plan the Pulling of the Cable
Fiber optic installation on a large-scale needs a team effort. It requires planning right from the grass root level. Every member in the installation team must be conveyed the individual responsibilities, so that there is no chaos in the later stages of executing the plan. The areas that need deft handling are logistics of cable let-off and cable pulling equipment. Splice locations and location of intermediate access points is also an important point of consideration, while installing fiber optical cables.

Limit the Minimum Bend Radius of the Cable
Well, one of the technical aspects that you can't ignore while fiber optic installation is don't exceed the cable minimum bend radius. What is the minimum bend radius of a cable? Well, every fiber cable is provided with a specification on it, that is considered as an essential parameter for the fiber optic installation. Cable minimum bend radius is the minimum curve radius of the fiber cable, that must be maintained as per the specification, before and after cable installation. You have the liberty to make larger curves but not smaller than the specified cable minimum bend radius. If you bend the fiber optic cable at a radius less than the cable minimum bend radius, then the cable may get damaged. Either, the internal fibers will get damaged or it will lead to attenuation. Attenuation is nothing but power loss of the cable and so this decreases its efficiency. The biggest threat is that the internal parts of the cable will get damaged and the external jackets will appear fine. So, you may have to change the whole cable in case of a damage.

Limit Cable Maximum Recommended Load
Every cable requires to be pulled with a force that is less than the maximum recommended load for the cable. This factor is also known as pulling tension and care must be taken not to exceed the limit. After the cable installation process is complete, it is recommended that the average residual tension on the cable must be less than the pulling tension value. For vertical installation, it is advised that the cable is clamped at regular intervals, so that the weight of the cable doesn't exceed the pulling tension.

Some Other Tips

• If possible, pull the cables with your hands.
• If you are applying mechanical force for pulling the cable, then keep a check on the pulling tension value.
• Avoid jerking and random pulling the cable
• The pulling must be steady, smooth and continuous.

The installation of fiber optic cable is a simple task, once the risk factors are properly understood and eliminated.