Fiber optic cables can be more fragile than people are used to. If fiber optic cables are twisted or bent in the wrong way, they can damage them and not transmit data as intended. With this in mind, it is important to properly pull out the fiber optic cable during installation to prevent damage from occurring. Here are some tips to help you successfully run fiber optic cables without causing any damage to them.
Make sure you have enough fiber optic cable for the installation job
Before starting to pull the fiber optic cable during installation, measurements should be taken to ensure that the fiber optic cable is long enough. The last thing you want to do is run out of fiber optic cable on the job and accidentally pull it too tight. This will damage them. You should bring enough fiber optic cables to your installation. By doing this, you'll avoid running out of cables and keep your project going.
Take special care when removing fiber optic cables
If the cable spool is used correctly, the fiber optic cable can be pulled easily. But unfortunately, some fiber optic cable installers take the wrong approach to splitting fiber optic cables during installation. They end up twisting the cable and putting too much stress on the fiber optic cable, which often results in damage to the fiber optic cable. The fiber optic cable should always be removed from the spool and not pulled over the edge of the spool, as that could cause the fiber optic cord to break.
fiber optic cable
Pull the cable with proper tension
The key to pulling fiber optic cables without damaging them is choosing the proper tension. The pulling force should depend on the type of fiber optic cable installed. For example, if you use a GYTS outdoor cable, the pull force (short term) should be around 1500N. If you are using power equipment to pull the cable, you should also have appropriate tension monitoring equipment. This will keep you from pulling them too hard.
Avoid excessive bending of fiber optic cables
One of the worst things you can do with fiber optic cables is to bend them too tightly when you install them. If you bend the cable too tightly around the corners, the chance of damage increases. It's best to plan ahead how to get the cable around corners and bends without damaging them. When there is already a plan, you won't have to worry about it.
Test the fiber optic cable at the end of the installation job to ensure there is no damage
To the naked eye, the installed and finished fiber optic cable may look fine. You probably won't see any damage done to them. But that doesn't mean they will work the way you want. It is very important for cable installers to test the cable after installation to ensure it is in good working order. Running a series of tests is the way to determine if the cable is installed. If any damage is found after testing the fiber optic cable, it will need to be repaired before it can be used.
