Wednesday, 2 July 2014

Insights On Fibre Optic Cable Installation

By Sherry Gross


Fiber optics that has been improperly placed is susceptible to damage. In order to enhance handling and good performance, it is imperative that some procedures and guidelines be followed in the connection of these cables to prevent damage and limiting their usefulness. This article, therefore, takes you through the pertinent issues and facts during fibre optic cable installation.

When planning for the placement, begin by carrying out a site survey. This preliminary visit of the site is intended to familiarize you with the general conditions and ascertain the specific locations and circumstances that call for special attention. The survey entails identifying potential challenges such as high temperatures, weak walls and operating machinery to help provide for them well in advance during routing. In addition, this stage enables you to get acquainted with the building code and regulations in place and to seek for clarification from the relevant resource person concerning the same.

The data obtained in the survey stage is then used to design a good cable pulling plan. Through the plan, the team members are briefed on the findings noted in the survey. It contains the logistics on intermediate access points; let-off and splice locations. It is also during this planning that tasks are assigned and specified to the individual group members engaged in the connection.

The actual process of connection entails specific systematic procedures. When laying out the fiber optic, it is worth knowing that they are sensitive to moisture, and hence ought to be enclosed by a heavy tape or end cap always. There are numerous techniques applied in pulling, but whatever the method employed, always attend to the let-off reel.

During the exercise, be sure not to exceed the minimum bend radius. Remember that every wire poses a minimum installation bend radius value. When placing them, it is important not to bend the cables to a smaller radius. On installing and after removing the pulling tension, they may only be bent to a radius not smaller than the specified long term application length of the radius. Coiling and wrapping is allowed as long as it does not violate the constraints of minimum bend radius.

Just like the minimum radius, there is also a constraint on the maximum length. Fiber optic comes stronger than copper, however, the length of the optic connector must be maintained lower than the maximum recommended length during all phases of installation. The average strength ratings of many connectors stand at 2700 N.

The maximum load value is also a matter worth your concern for long term application. There is a set upper load value for long term performance. Always ensure that the remaining tension after connection is less than the maximum value. For those engaged in vertical clamping, clamp the cables such that the interval between them is regular and sufficient to ensure that the weight remains within the set limit.

Simply put, the process of placement is simple and systematic. The basic steps outlined above can be applied to any kind of connection. It begins with developing a pulling plan after which certain laid down procedures are followed in doing the placement. The connection is done within the minimum set bend radius and maximum recommended load. It is important to document the entire process.




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