fiber optics (optical fiber)

Fiber optics, or optical fiber, refers to the medium and the technology associated with the
transmission of information as light pulses along a glass or plastic strand or fiber. A fiber optic cable
can contain a varying number of these glass fibers -- from a few up to a couple hundred. Surrounding
the glass fiber core is another glass layer called cladding. A layer known as a buffer tube protects the
cladding, and a jacket layer acts as the final protective layer for the individual strand.

How fiber optics works

Fiber optics transmit data in the form of light particles -- or photons -- that pulse through a fiber
optic cable. The glass fiber core and the cladding each have a different refractive index that bends
incoming light at a certain angle. When light signals are sent through the fiber optic cable, they
reflect off the core and cladding in a series of zig-zag bounces, adhering to a process called total
internal reflection. The light signals do not travel at the speed of light because of the denser glass
layers, instead traveling about 30% slower than the speed of light. To renew, or boost, the signal
throughout its journey, fiber optics transmission sometimes requires repeaters at distant intervals to
regenerate the optical signal by converting it to an electrical signal, processing that electrical signal
and retransmitting the optical signal.

Types of fiber optic cables

Multimode fiber and single-mode fiber are the two primary types of fiber optic cable. Single-mode
fiber is used for longer distances due to the smaller diameter of the glass fiber core, which lessens
the possibility for attenuation -- the reduction in signal strength. The smaller opening isolates the
light into a single beam, which offers a more direct route and allows the signal to travel a longer
distance. Single-mode fiber also has a considerably higher bandwidth than multimode fiber. The light
source used for single-mode fiber is typically a laser. Single-mode fiber is usually more expensive
because it requires precise calculations to produce the laser light in a smaller opening.

DEFINITION

fiber optics (optical fiber)

Fiber optics, or optical fiber, refers to the medium and the technology associated with the
transmission of information as light pulses along a glass or plastic strand or fiber. A fiber optic cable
can contain a varying number of these glass fibers -- from a few up to a couple hundred. Surrounding
the glass fiber core is another glass layer called cladding. A layer known as a buffer tube protects the
cladding, and a jacket layer acts as the final protective layer for the individual strand.

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How fiber optics works

Fiber optics transmit data in the form of light particles -- or photons -- that pulse through a fiber
optic cable. The glass fiber core and the cladding each have a different refractive index that bends
incoming light at a certain angle. When light signals are sent through the fiber optic cable, they
reflect off the core and cladding in a series of zig-zag bounces, adhering to a process called total
internal reflection. The light signals do not travel at the speed of light because of the denser glass
layers, instead traveling about 30% slower than the speed of light. To renew, or boost, the signal
throughout its journey, fiber optics transmission sometimes requires repeaters at distant intervals to
regenerate the optical signal by converting it to an electrical signal, processing that electrical signal
and retransmitting the optical signal.

Types of fiber optic cables

Multimode fiber and single-mode fiber are the two primary types of fiber optic cable. Single-mode
fiber is used for longer distances due to the smaller diameter of the glass fiber core, which lessens
the possibility for attenuation -- the reduction in signal strength. The smaller opening isolates the
light into a single beam, which offers a more direct route and allows the signal to travel a longer
distance. Single-mode fiber also has a considerably higher bandwidth than multimode fiber. The light
source used for single-mode fiber is typically a laser. Single-mode fiber is usually more expensive
because it requires precise calculations to produce the laser light in a smaller opening.

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Multimode fiber is used for shorter distances because the larger core opening allows light signals to
bounce and reflect more along the way. The larger diameter permits multiple light pulses to be sent
through the cable at one time, which results in more data transmission. This also means that there is
more possibility for signal loss, reduction or interference, however. Multimode fiber optics typically
use an LED to create the light pulse.

While copper wire cables were the traditional choice for telecommunication, networking and cable
connections for years, fiber optics has become a common alternative. Most telephone company
long-distance lines are now made of fiber optic cables. Optical fiber carries more information than
conventional copper wire, due to its higher bandwidth and faster speeds. Because glass does not
conduct electricity, fiber optics is not subject to electromagnetic interference and signal losses are
minimized.

In addition, fiber optic cables can be submerged in water and are used in more at-risk environments
like undersea cable. Fiber optic cables are also stronger, thinner and lighter than copper wire cables
and do not need to be maintained or replaced as frequently. Copper wire is often cheaper than fiber
optics, however, and is already installed in many areas where fiber optic cable hasn't been deployed.
Glass fiber also requires more protection within an outer cable than copper, and installing new
cabling is labor-intensive, as it typically is with any cable installation.

Fiber optics uses

Computer networking is a common fiber optics use case, due to optical fiber's ability to transmit
data and provide high bandwidth. Similarly, fiber optics is frequently used in broadcasting and
electronics to provide better connections and performance.

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What is Fiber Optic Splicing

Knowledge of fiber optic splicing methods is vital to any company or fiber optic technician involved
in Telecommunications or LAN and networking projects.

Simply put, fiber optic splicing involves joining two fiber optic cables together. The other, more
common, method of joining fibers is called termination or connectorization. Fiber splicing typically
results in lower light loss and back reflection than termination making it the preferred method when
the cable runs are too long for a single length of fiber or when joining two different types of cable
together, such as a 48-fiber cable to four 12-fiber cables. Splicing is also used to restore fiber optic
cables when a buried cable is accidentally severed.

There are two methods of fiber optic splicing, fusion splicing & mechanical splicing. If you are just
beginning to splice fiber, you might want to look at your long-term goals in this field in order to
choose which technique best fits your economic and performance objectives.

Mechanical Splicing vs. Fusion Splicing

Mechanical Splicing: Mechanical splices are simply alignment devices, designed to hold the two fiber
ends in a precisely aligned position thus enabling light to pass from one fiber into the other. (Typical
loss: 0.3 dB)

Fusion Splicing:
In fusion splicing a machine is used to precisely align the two fiber ends then the glass ends are
"fused" or "welded" together using some type of heat or electric arc. This produces a continuous
connection between the fibers enabling very low loss light transmission. (Typical loss: 0.1 dB)

Which method is better?

The typical reason for choosing one method over the other is economics. Mechanical splicing has a
low initial investment ($1,000 - $2,000) but costs more per splice ($12-$40 each). While the cost per
splice for fusion splicing is lower ($0.50 - $1.50 each), the initial investment is much higher ($15,000 -
$50,000 depending on the accuracy and features of the fusion splicing machine being purchased).
The more precise you need the alignment (better alignment results in lower loss) the more you pay
for the machine.

As for the performance of each splicing method, the decision is often based on what industry you
are working in. Fusion splicing produces lower loss and less back reflection than mechanical splicing
because the resulting fusion splice points are almost seamless. Fusion splices are used primarily with
single mode fiber whereas Mechanical splices work with both single and multi-mode fiber.

Many Telecommunications and CATV companies invest in fusion splicing for their long haul
singlemode networks, but will still use mechanical splicing for shorter, local cable runs. Since analog
video signals require minimal reflection for optimal performance, fusion splicing is preferred for this
application as well. The LAN industry has the choice of either method, as signal loss and reflection
are minor concerns for most LAN applications.

Fusion Splicing Method

As mentioned previously, fusion splicing is a junction of two or more optical fibers that have been
permanently affixed by welding them together by an electronic arc.

Four basic steps to completing a proper fusion splice:

Step 1: Preparing the fiber - Strip the protective coatings, jackets, tubes, strength members, etc.
leaving only the bare fiber showing. The main concern here is cleanliness.

Step 2: Cleave the fiber - Using a good fiber cleaver here is essential to a successful fusion splice. The
cleaved end must be mirror-smooth and perpendicular to the fiber axis to obtain a proper splice.
NOTE: The cleaver does not cut the fiber! It merely nicks the fiber and then pulls or flexes it to cause
a clean break. The goal is to produce a cleaved end that is as perfectly perpendicular as possible.
That is why a good cleaver for fusion splicing can often cost $1,000 to $3,000. These cleavers can
consistently produce a cleave angle of 0.5 degree or less.

Step 3: Fuse the fiber - There are two steps within this step, alignment and heating. Alignment can
be manual or automatic depending on what equipment you have. The higher priced equipment you
use, the more accurate the alignment becomes. Once properly aligned the fusion splicer unit then
uses an electrical arc to melt the fibers, permanently welding the two fiber ends together.

Step 4: Protect the fiber - Protecting the fiber from bending and tensile forces will ensure the splice
not break during normal handling. A typical fusion splice has a tensile strength between 0.5 and 1.5
lbs and will not break during normal handling but it still requires protection from excessive bending
and pulling forces. Using heat shrink tubing, silicone gel and/or mechanical crimp protectors will
keep the splice protected from outside elements and breakage.

Mechanical Splicing Method

Fibrlok Mechanical Splicing KitMechanical splicing is an optical junction where the fibers are
precisely aligned and held in place by a self-contained assembly, not a permanent bond. This method
aligns the two fiber ends to a common centerline, aligning their cores so the light can pass from one
fiber to another.

Four steps to performing a mechanical splice:

Fibrlok Mechanical SpliceStep 1: Preparing the fiber - Strip the protective coatings, jackets, tubes,
strength members, etc. leaving only the bare fiber showing. The main concern here is cleanliness.
Step 2: Cleave the fiber - The process is identical to the cleaving for fusion splicing but the cleave
precision is not as critical.

Fibrlok Mechanical Splicing KitStep 3: Mechanically join the fibers - There is no heat used in this
method. Simply position the fiber ends together inside the mechanical splice unit. The index
matching gel inside the mechanical splice apparatus will help couple the light from one fiber end to
the other. Older apparatus will have an epoxy rather than the index matching gel holding the cores
together.

Step 4: Protect the fiber - the completed mechanical splice provides its own protection for the splice.

Tips for Better Splices:

1. Thoroughly and frequently clean your splicing tools. When working with fiber, keep in mind that
particles not visible to the naked eye could cause tremendous problems when working with fiber
optics. "Excessive" cleaning of your fiber and tools will save you time and money down the road.

Clauss Fiber Cleaver2. Properly maintain and operate your cleaver. The cleaver is your most valuable
tool in fiber splicing. Within mechanical splicing you need the proper angle to insure proper end
faces or too much light escaping into the air gaps between the two fibers will occur. The index
matching gel will eliminate most of the light escape but cannot overcome a low quality cleave. You
should expect to spend around $200 to $1,000 for a good quality cleaver suitable for mechanical
splicing.

For Fusion splicing, you need an even more precise cleaver to achieve the exceptional low loss (0.05
dB and less). If you have a poor cleave the fiber ends might not melt together properly causing light
loss and high reflection problems. Expect to pay $1,000 to $4,000 for a good cleaver to handle the
precision required for fusion splicing. Maintaining your cleaver by following manufacturer
instructions for cleaning as well as using the tool properly will provide you with a long lasting piece
of equipment and ensuring the job is done right the first time.

3. Fusion parameters must be adjusted minimally and methodically (fusion splicing only). If you start
changing the fusion parameters on the splicer as soon as there is a hint of a problem you might lose
your desired setting. Dirty equipment should be your first check and them continue with the
parameters. Fusion time and fusion current are the two key factors for splicing. Different variables of
these two factors can produce the same splice results. High time and low current result in the same
outcome as high current and low time. Make sure to change one variable at a time and keep
checking until you have found the right fusion parameters for your fiber type.

101 GUIDELINES FOR FIBER OPTIC

CABLE INSTALLATION
1. Never directly pull on the fiber itself. Fiber optic cables have Kevlar aramid yarn
or a fiberglass rod as their strength member. You should pull on the fiber cable

strength members only!

2. Never exceed the maximum pulling load rating. On long runs, use proper
lubricants and make sure they are compatible with the cable jacket. On really
long runs, pull from the middle out to both ends. If possible, use an automated
puller with tension control or at least a breakaway pulling eye. Know and
observe the maximum recommended load rating of the cable.

3. Never exceed the cable bend radius. Fiber is stronger than steel when you pull
it straight, but it breaks easily when bent too tightly. These will harm the fibers,
 maybe immediately, maybe not for a few years, but you will harm them and the

cable must be removed and thrown away!

4. Always roll the cable off the spool instead of spinning it off the spool end. This
will put a twist in the cable for every turn on the spool! Never twist the fiber
cable. Putting a twist in the cable can stress the fibers too.

5. Make sure your fiber cable is long enough for the run. Fiber splicing make
things complicated and expensive. And it needs special protection. Try to make
it in one pull.
6. Indoor cables can be installed directly, but you might consider putting them
inside innerduct. Innerduct provides a good way to identify fiber optic cable and
protect it from damage, generally a result of someone cutting it by mistake! You
can get the innerduct with pulling tape already installed.

7. Plan the Installation. Create a detailed, written plan of installation. You can
eliminate 95% of the problems installers can encounter by simply creating this
plan. The plan should include equipment and supplies, fiber cable specification,
location of equipment, testing requirements, data forms for testing, personnel
 experience level and assignment, installation methods, identification of potential

problem areas, safety issues, etc.

8. Pull, do not push cables. Pushing can result in violation of the bend radius.
9. Monitor the supply reel. Monitoring the supply reel during installation is

necessary to prevent violation of minimum bend radius.

10. Communicate along the path of installation. When installing long runs,
communicate and monitor along the path of the installation. Fiber cables can
and do jump from unmonitored pulleys. The minimum crew should have one
person monitoring the pulling equipment, one monitoring the supply reel, and
one coordinating all involved in the installation.
11. Use proper tools and techniques. A vehicle for pulling the cable is not a proper
tool, unless a breakaway swivel is also used. Proper techniques depend on the
cable design and the location of the installation. For example, proper technique
is pulling a cable into a conduit. Proper technique is placing or laying a cable in

a cable tray or raceway.

12. Use fiber optic cable lubricant. Lubricate the cable when installing in conduits.
Lubrication reduces the pulling load and the chance of breakage. The lubricant
 has to be compatible with the cable jacket material.

13. Train installation personnel. Properly train and instruct the people who will do
the installation. Proper training reduces expense through reduction of breakage
and excess attenuation.
14. Use the figure 8 technique. Divide long pulls into several shorter pulls, using the
figure 8 technique for storing cable at the intermediate locations. The cable is
placed on the ground in a figure 8 pattern. This pattern is large, at least 10-20
feet from top to bottom of the pattern. When all the cable is placed in this
pattern, the pattern is lifted and flipped over, so that the loose end is on top.
This loose end is pulling into the next section of conduit or duct. This technique

prevents twisting in the cable.

15. Comply with vertical rise limits. Know and observe the maximum vertical rise
distance limit. Exceeding this limit can result in fiber breakage, excess
attenuation, and, in loose tube cables, fibers sliding from cables. Cables in
vertical installations that are longer than the vertical rise limit must be tied off at
distances less than this limit. Loose tube cables must be looped.
16. Allow for thermal expansion and contraction. In outdoor installations, a common
practice of 2.5 foot sag for 150 foot span is good for thermal expansion and
contraction. Failure to allow for thermal expansion can result in increased
attenuation and breakage of fibers.
17. For tough installations, use loose buffer tube fiber cables. Loose tube cables
can be more forgiving of abuse than tight buffer cables. The reason is that the
excess length of fiber in the buffer tube and the ability of fiber to move from low
stress region to higher stress region.
18. Observe the temperature operating range. Install a cable in locations in which
the temperature range imposed is within the temperature operating range.
Violation of the temperature operating range can result in excessively high
attenuation.
19. Cap or seal water blocked cables. Cap off or seal the ends of cables with water
blocking gel or grease. These materials can flow out of the cable, causing
maintenance problems in cable end boxes.
20. Protect fibers and buffer tubes. Confine fibers and buffer tubes in protective
structures, such as splice trays and cable end boxes. Fibers and buffer tubes do
not have sufficient strength to resist breakage due to normal handling of copper
cables.
21. Loop vertically installed loose tube cables. Install vertical, unfilled, loose tube
cables with loops to prevent the fiber from slipping to the bottom of a vertical
run. If this happens, attenuation can increase and fibers eventually break.
22. Check continuity and attenuation. Check the continuity and attenuation of the
cable before each operation. These checks should be performed as-
received/before installation, after installation, after splicing, and after connector
installation.
23. Mark cable as “Fiber Optic Cable”. Mark cable as “fiber optic cable” in all
locations in which it can be easily reached. Such marking will alert electricians
to the nature of the cable.
24. Make As-Built Data logs. Make as-built data logs on all cables. Keep these data
available to those who will perform maintenance and troubleshooting. These
data logs should include both insertion loss measurement and OTDR
measurements.
25. Safety precaution – no food, drink or smoke. Do not eat, drink, or smoke in any
area in which bare glass fiber is created. Bare glass fibers can cause splinters
which are very difficult to find and remove.
26. Safety precaution – do not look into fiber without checking status. Never look
into a fiber, cable, or connector unless you know for sure that there is no laser
light in the fiber. For extensive work with fiber optics, safety glasses with IR filter
is recommended.
27. Leave service loops. Leave cable and fiber service loops everywhere. You will
regret not doing so. Service loops allow you to pull excess cable or fiber into a
location where you have experienced a problem. It is much cheaper to pull in a
service loop than to replace an entire run of fiber cable.
28. Segregate or isolate the work area. Rope off or otherwise isolate the area of
cable installation to prevent access to unauthorized or untrained personnel. This
will avoid safety problems such as fiber splinters and unintentional abuse.
29. For direct burial installations, the cable should lie flat in a trench, free of any
large stones or boulders that may deform the cable.
30. Do not allow vehicles to drive over a cable.
31. Ensure that the proper cable length has been installed before cutting off excess
cable.
32. Avoid placing cable reels on their sides or subjecting them to shock from
dropping.
33. Fiber optic cables should be placed in their own dedicated ducts or trays. Do
not mix copper cable and fiber cable in the same ducts or trays.
34. After the fiber optic cable is installed into a duct or innerduct, end plugs should
be installed to provide an effective water seal. The ducts and innerducts should
be kept free of debris and maintained watertight at all times.
35. Ducts and innerducts should be sized to meet present and future cable
installation requirements. A maximum 40% fill ratio is a good rule of thumb to
follow for duct size.
36. The fiber pulling rope or tape should be sequentially marked (foot or meter) for
easy identification of distance.
37. The pulling tape should have a rating for greater than maximum anticipated
pulling tension.
38. Before the start of any cable pull, all ducts and cable vaults should be carefully
inspected for damage or deterioration, and to address any safety concerns.
39. The electric spark generated by a fusion splicer can cause an explosion when
flammable gases are present. Fusion splices should therefore not be used in
vaults.
40. To minimize cable tensions, reel vault locations should be set near the sharpest
bend locations. Pulling and reel locations should also be set at corner vaults
where possible.
41. Identify lightwave equipment that will be used and ensure that the equipment
will function properly with the fiber cable being installed.
42. When an outdoor rated fiber cable enters a building, it should be spliced to an
indoor-type fiber cable within 50 feet from the cable entrance to meet NEC
code.
43. All vertical cable must be secured at the top of the run. A split mesh grip is
recommended to secure the cable.
44. The vertical attachment point should be carefully chosen to comply with the
cable’s minimum bend radius while holding the cable securely.
45. If future cable pulls in the same duct or conduit are a possibility, the use of
innerduct to sectionalize the available duct space is recommended. Without this
sectionalization, additional cable pulls can entangle an operating cable and
could cause an interruption in service.
46. A small amount of slack cable (20-30 feet) can be useful in the event that cable
repair or relocation is needed.
47. Cables should be tested after shipping. Damage to cabling can occur during
shipping or installation. Failing to test fiber cabling after it is delivered is a
common mistake made by installers.
48. If insertion loss suddenly increases with an adapter or connector, the cause
may be dirt. You should always clean the connector and adapter before
plugging them in.
49. Properly attach the pulling eye and swivel to the cable. Ensure that the pulling
eye and swivel assembly have no sharp edges and can easily fit through all
conduits, pull boxes, and cable trays.
50. When pulling the fiber out of a section, coil the cable on the floor in a figure 8
pattern to avoid twisting. Continue the cable pull until all the cable has been
pulled through.
51. Identify the exact fiber optic cable route and ensure that it meets all installation
specifications. Obtain all required fiber cable installation authorizations and
permits along the route.
52. Record all required fiber optic facility details, including proper route drawings,
fiber assignments, loss readings, OTDR traces, etc.
53. Prepare emergency repair plans.
54. Only remove connector and adapter duct caps prior to making the connection.
Do not let the connector tough any surface once the duct cap has been
removed.
55. When making a connection, the connector should attach to the adapter
smoothly. Do not rotate the connector when making the connection.
56. For screw-in connectors such as FC connector, tighten them only “finger tight”.
Never force a connector onto an adapter.
57. A fiber optic cable should be tested three separate times during an installation:
on the reel, the splicing test, and the final acceptance test.
58. Extreme caution should be observed when performing an aerial installation. The
proper personnel should be contacted so that they are on the site when work is
performed near high-voltage lines.
59. Cables that are installed in the vicinity of high-voltage power lines should be
grounded, including all-dielectric cables.
60. Maintain proper clearance between the fiber optic cable and power cable at all
times. Always make allowances for power cable sag due to weather and current
conditions. Cable sag increases in warm weather or when power cable is
passing heavy current.
61. When a steel messenger wire is used for aerial installation, avoid zigzagging
the messenger wire from one pole side to the other. Instead, make sure it is
kept on one side as much as possible.
62. Follow Building Codes: Always obey all local, and national, fire and building
codes. Be sure to “firestop” all cables that penetrate a firewall. Use plenum
rated cable where it is mandated, etc., etc.
63. Do make every effort to pull cables from a conduit in as straight an angle as
possible. Pulling on an angle can cause damage to the cable.

64. Use a generous amount of cable pulling lubricant on the entire run, especially
on the leader (pulling eye & mesh). The person may stop the cable pull from
time to time to prepare and apply more lubricant. Use only lubricant that is
expressly designed for cable pulling. When working in freezing temperatures,
use a lubricant that is designed not to freeze.
65. It is important to use a rope size that give minimal stretching during the pull.
Stretching of the rope is undesirable for several reasons including that it makes
for a very unstable pull, and takes away control from those doing the pulling.
66. Use extreme caution when removing the pull eye. Do not use a blade to slit the
mesh. Instead, use a pair of electricians scissors or diagonal cutters. Work your
way from the back of the cable toward the pull eye, while lifting the mesh
upward, away from the cable.
67. It is extremely important to take an accurate measurement when planning an
order for a custom pre-terminated fiber optic cable assembly. These custom
assemblies cannot be returned unless out of box defective.
68. Optional pulling eyes are highly recommended. The pulling eye (and associated
cable netting) will protect the pre-terminated ends during the pull.
69. Underground conduits, if newly installed, should be a minimum size of between
1.5″ to 2″. If the run is long, or if you anticipate the possibility of additional future
pulls; Then you may want to install a conduit of up to 4″ (or greater).
70. Try to design the conduit run with a few bends as possible. If there are too
many bends in the run then you may consider installing junction boxes in lieu of
bends.
71. Cable may be placed in a Figure 8 pattern if it needs to be removed from the
reel. This pattern minimizes the accumulation of cable twist. Care should be
 taken to prevent cable damage while the cable is in this configuration.

72. The cable should not be installed in environments exceeding its specified
maximum and minimum installation temperature. For loose tube and ribbon
cable this is typically specified for an installation temperature of -30C to +75C.
73. Riser cables are generally required for vertical applications and plenum cables
are required where there is a positive air pressure space.
74. The cable weight in an unsupported vertical rise shall be less than the specified
long term operating load. Your manufacturer’s specification sheet should be
consulted for specifics. Intermediate cable attachment points however are
recommended for optimum performance.
75. Bonding and Grounding: Follow your company and local/national bonding and
ground procedures when using fiber cable with metallic components.
76. When pulling the cable off the reel onto messenger mounted cable blocks,
special care should be given to size and location of the 1st and last pulley. The
reel should be placed as far as practical from the 1st pulley to minimize the
angle of the 1st bend. A cable shoot/pulley larger than the specified bend radius
is recommended to minimize the cable bend at the first and last pulley locations
or at any location with a change in direction.
77. On runs from 40m to 100m, use proper lubricants and make sure they are
compatible with the cable jacket.
78. On runs over 100m, use proper lubricants and pull from the middle out to both
ends.
79. If possible, use an automated puller with tension control or at least a
breakaway-pulling eye.
80. Avoid placing fiber optic cables in raceways and conduits with copper cables to

avoid excessive loading or twisting.

81. Attach cables with plastic clamps having large surface areas. Avoid pinching or
squeezing cable. Cable clamps should be installed manually with gentle

pressure.
82. Use a wet wipe to loosen particles on the end of the cable connector using a
circular or straight wiping motion while using care to avoid wiping over area of
pad that has already been used. Do not use a back and forth scrubbing action.

83. Cleaning fiber optic transceivers. Choose an optical grade lint free swab that fits
easily into the transceiver barrel. The swab should be gently placed into the
barrel of the connector and rotate no more than one turn. DO NOT rotate back-
and-forth or round-and-round because this could grind debris into the
transceiver. The swabs should only be used ONCE.

84. Cable Blowing or Jetting in Duct Applications. A crash test should be performed
to determine the maximum push force. Excessive pushing will cause the cable
to cork screw in the duct or fold over which will damage the fiber.
85. Cable blowing. Consider the route to determine the maximum blowing distance.
Follow the blowing equipment suppliers blowing distance recommendations;
3000 to 6000 feet is a typical blowing length. A set up with multiple blowing
machines may be required.
86. Cable blowing. Maintain proper air flow to “blow” the cable verses “pushing” the
cable. Use an air compressor with a minimum of 375 cfm. The minimum air
pressure in the duct should be 100 psi with 125 psi recommended.
87. Cable blowing air cooler. Air compressor cooler should be used as
recommended by the blower equipment manufacturer. Typically this is when the
ambient air temperature exceeds 80˚F.
88. Cable blowing. Use only cable/duct lubricants recommended by its blowing
equipment manufacturer for optical fiber cable.
89. Do not store cable within the closure or pedestal unless there is enough room to
accommodate the minimum specified cable bend radius.

90. Grounding: Cable with metallic components shall follow the bonding and
grounding requirements of the customer and local or national codes.
91. Midspan access of fibers in buffer tubes: To minimize fiber damage, use a
Midspan Access Tool to open the buffer tube such as a Corning OFT-000. Care
should be taken to use the correct insert size.
92. Conduit Installations General Information: Try to design the conduit run with a
few bends as possible. If there are too many bends in the run then you may
consider installing junction boxes in lieu of bends.
93. Use plastic bushings on conduit ends to avoid damage to the cable during the

pull.
94. For cables using aramid yarn alone as the strength member, the jacket can be
removed to expose the yarn. The yarn should be tied in a knot with the pull
rope, so that the jacket will not be inadvertently used for strength. Optionally,
the jacket can be tied into a tight knot before pulling. After pulling, the knot

should be cut off.

95. For cables using aramid yarn and an fiberglass central member, a pulling grip
should be used. The strength member should be attached independently. This
 can be accomplished by weaving the strength member into the fingers of the
grip, and then taping it together. All strength members should be gripped
equally to ensure proper distribution of tension.

96. Buried cable installations. Identify cable locations with surface markers.

Anticipate obstructions.
97. Test jumpers must be of the same fiber core size, performance and connector
type as the cable system (e.g. 50/125 μm FX2000 jumpers for a 50/125 μm
FX2000 optical fiber system) and shall be one to five meters long.

98. Number of 90 degree turns. The number of 90 degree turns on a pull shall not
exceed 6 for aerial cables and 4 for underground cable-in-conduit.
99. Pulling underground fiber optic cable. Special fiber optic blocks should be used

on all turns or angles.

100. And always use a swivel pulling eye because pulling tension will cause
twisting forces on the cable.

101. If cables are present in ducts through which the fiber cable is to be pulled, the
existing cable types should be identified and the owner of the cable called to
inform him of the action, and to identify any safety concerns.