Sabtu, 28 Juni 2014

Enhancing An Effective Fibre Optic Cable Installation

By Sherry Gross


In an attempt to enhance reliability and performance of optical fibers, special care is paramount, especially in the process of installation. Some crucial guidelines regarding tensile loads, squeezing, minimum bend radius, and twisting must be considered. As a matter of fact, connectors must be protected free from scratching and contamination at all times. Close attention must be paid to these factors as violation of any parameter causes profound attenuation and damage to the conection. It is therefore worth considering the following insights on 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 second step is to plan for the cable pulling. The plan incorporates the findings made in the survey stage and serves as a communication tool for the connection team on the considerations noted. It integrates the logistics of pulling equipment, splice locations and the locations of intermediate access points. Also, it is important to detail the particular duties and responsibilities of every individual member in the fixation team.

When undertaking the exercise, it is vital to follow the required procedure. Due to their delicate nature when exposed to moisture, the end of the cables must be insulated by an end cap at all times. The process of pulling should not be done when the left-off reel is unattended to since center-pulls, back-feeding and difficult pull techniques may be applied.

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.

Remember to observe the maximum cable recommended length. Though fiber optics are stronger than copper wires, the maximum tension pulling should not be exceeded in any phase of installation. As a general rule, most wires for outdoor application have a strength ranking of 2700N. There is also a maximum load value for fiber optic that is recommended for long term application.

Apart from the cable length, there is also the uppermost load value recommended in the long run. As such, the resultant tension after the placement should be less than this value. When installing vertically, be keen to clamp the wires at consistent intervals in order to avoid the resulting weight from exceeding the specified long-term load. Nevertheless, the intervals between clamps must be enough to prevent movement and support the weight.

Finally, it is necessary to document the process. A good record keeping is important as it ensures that the process is done correctly and simplifies future upgrading and troubleshooting. Record the special lot number labeled on the shopping spool. Both pre and post installation test information should be recorded in a logical and orderly manner.




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