It is a complicated task to connect a workplace to a fiber or coax network. While planning the deployment of fiber cable installation, you need to work according to the environmental and topographical conditions, the installation technique, and the best equipment to complete the job perfectly. As the fiber-optic cable is one of the superior cables, you need to pay extra attention during the installation.
However, there are some common things in every installation methodology that you need to keep in mind while installing the fiber-optic cable at a workplace. This post shall discuss the top ten tips that you need to follow while deploying the cable in or around a building.
- Never Pull on Fiber
It won’t be wise to pull on the fiber itself directly. You should know that fiber optic cables come with fiberglass rods or Kevlar aramid yarn as their strength member. Instead of pulling the fiber directly, it would be best to only pull on the fiber cable strength members.
- Get more than Enough
You should know that fiber splicing is responsible for making things expensive and complicated. It would be best if you could make it in one pull. Therefore, make sure that you have more than enough cable so that the cable can easily reach its destination.
- Don’t Exceed the Cable Radius
According to the professionals, the fiber becomes sturdier than steel when you pull it straight, but it will be easily breakable when you bend it too tightly. Therefore, bending a fiber cable is a big no as it will jeopardize the fibers immediately or after a few years.
If you think that you have bent it too tightly and the fibers have been harmed, the cable must be removed and thrown away immediately.
- Always Use Innerduct
Many professionals install indoor cables directly, but according to the experts, it would be best to put them inside an innerduct. Innerduct offers a great way to identify and protect the fiber optic cable from any damage.
- Don’t Exceed the Max Pulling Load Rating
It is a big no for exceeding the maximum pulling load rating. In the long run, it would be best to use proper lubricants and before applying them to your cable jacket, make sure it is compatible with the jacket.
On more than long runs, you can pull from the middle out to both ends. It would be best if you could use a breakaway pulling eye or an automated puller that can control the tension for the job. You should always know and observe the maximum load rating of a fiber optic cable.
- Roll instead of Spinning
You must have seen many people who spin the cable off the spool; that is what we have to avoid. It would help if you always rolled the cable off the spool as spinning puts a twist in the cable for every turn on the spool. According to experts, planting a twist in the cable may affect the fibers and reduce the efficiency of a fiber optic cable.
- Plan your Installation
Creating a blueprint of your project can eliminate the 95% of problems you may face during the deployment of fiber-optic cable. Before starting working on your project, create a detailed plan in the written format to avoid any confusion.
It would be best to mention everything in a plan like, the equipment, location of equipment, fiber cable specification, data forms for testing, identification of potential issue areas, testing requirements, personnel experience level, safety issues, etc.
A detailed plan will help you in avoiding any confusion, and it would be best to distribute your plan to your team so that they can work accordingly.
- Pull instead of Pushing
While pushing can violate the bend radius, it would best to pull the cable instead of pulling it. As we have mentioned above, the bend radius should not be violated because it can harm the fibers present in the cable and reduce the performance of the overall network.
- Communication is the Key
While deploying the fiber optic cable in the long run, it is crucial to communicate and monitor along with the path of installation. Therefore, you must have at least one person to monitor the pulling equipment, one for monitoring the supply reel, and a head person who can coordinate with everyone involved in the process.
- Monitor the Supply Reel
It is also important to monitor the supply reel while you are deploying the fiber optic cable in or around the building. The monitoring will prevent the violation of the minimum bend radius in the cable.
The Final Words
While every point mentioned above is important, the major tip you must follow is to create a detailed plan before installing the cable. A blueprint will inform your team member about the process that you are going to follow, and hence it will avoid any confusion in the whole process.
