Selecting a basic optical cable structure (recommended structure)
Example underground trunk installation method
- Attach a pulling eye or other similar fitting on one end of the optical cable.
- Use an anti-twist fitting or the like, as shown above right, to avoid twisting in the optical cable during installation.
- Place the cable drum right above the opening of the conduit, as shown above left, in order to unwind the cable in a smooth curve from the drum. When unwinding, take care so as not to twist or form a kink in the cable. Moreover, use a corrugated flexible pipe and a bellmouth fitting to protect the cable.
- To lay an optical cable over a long distance, pull the tension member instead of the cable sheath and monitor the tension in the cable to avoid over-tension. Over-tension can result in detaching the pulling eye or squashing the cable. The maximum allowable tension differs according to the cable type, and specifications are given for individual cables. For more detailed information, refer to the relevant specifications.
- For installation along railroad tracks or in other places where strong vibrations can cause fibers to move, use a ribbon slotted-core cable (helical) with fibers secured or an SZ slotted-core ribbon cable.
Example overhead trunk installation method
- Use an anti-twist fitting or the like to avoid twisting in the optical cable during installation.
- Hanger rollers tend to cause twisting in the cable for structural reasons. If you are using hanger rollers, use them with the utmost care during the installation of a long cable since hanger rollers are likely to affect the cable in such installation.
- Place the cable drum 2H or more apart from the utility pole (H: cable roller mounting height), as shown above, to avoid sharp bends in the optical cable. It is recommended to use an 11-wheel cable roller with a 300 mm corner radius to avoid squashing the cable during installation.
- To lay an optical cable over a long distance, pull the tension member instead of the cable sheath and monitor the tension in the cable to avoid over-tension. Over-tension can result in detaching the pulling eye or squashing the cable. The maximum allowable tension differs according to the cable type, and specifications are given for individual cables. For more detailed information, refer to relevant specifications.
- If it is unavoidable to use a ribbon slotted-core cable (helical), always secure the fibers in order to prevent them from moving due to vibration after installation.
- Figure 8 cables need to be twisted once every 10 m or so to reduce vibration caused by winds.
Example on-premises installation method
- When installing a cable, it is important to monitor tensions in the cable and bend radii to ensure they are within the limits.
- When installing a drop cable onto subscriber premises, the suspension wire must be anchored.
- When securing the suspension wire of a drop cable, making a sharp bend in the optical fiber can result in a break. Use care not to break the fiber.
Example cable tension calculation method
The following are example formulae used in tension calculation.