As business owners are seeking higher bandwidth connectivity, fiber optics has become popular to companies all over the world. This is because of the optimization it could give to their data networking and telecommunications performance. The optical fiber cables certified fiber optic technicians use during network installations are composed of strands of glass fibers that are surrounded by an insulated casing. And, by using pulses of light, they generate connectivity through light-emitting diodes (LED). These cables send communication signals and data over long distances.
Business establishments powered by fiber optics enjoy numerous benefits when installed properly. Hence, it’s important to follow these rules during cable installations:
Maintain the Minimum Bend Radius
Every cable is designed by cable manufacturers to have a specified minimum bend radius. And it is important to maintain the cable’s minimum bend radius in order to properly install these fiber optic cables. When you bend optical fiber cables tighter than how it ought to be, it could result in the attenuation of the cables and broken fibers. That being said, how you bend your cables may affect the performance of your fiber optic network.
Avoid Exceeding the Maximum Pulling Load Rating
Cable manufacturers have a specific value of tensile rating for every cable. And when you install fiber optic cables, it is crucial that you don’t exceed the given maximum tensile rating. Optical fiber promises high-performance in data networking and telecommunications. But, it could only be delivered successfully if you are careful in the pulling load rating you give to your cables. Hence, if you use a mechanical pulling device, be wary that you don’t go beyond the given maximum pulling load rating.
Reach the Maximum Vertical Rise
During the installation of fiber optic cables in business establishments, the need to install vertical rise cables might become necessary eventually. And when you install them, it is essential that these vertical cables are at the top of the run. Just like in the items mentioned above, there is also a maximum vertical rise that needs to be observed in order to secure these cables. When it reaches its maximum rise, it can be installed without intermediate support points.
Protect Your Cables
As mentioned earlier, communication signals are transmitted through fiber optic cables. Because of that, there is a need to provide a clear and protected pathway for the cables you install. And the best way to do that is by utilizing ducts and conduits. With the help of ducts and conduits, you would be able to sectionalize your cables and perform additional cable pulls without entangling an operating cable. This doesn’t just help you protect your cables from physical damage, but also aids you by avoiding downtime.
Make Use of Fiber Optic Cable Slack
In a growing business, the need to repair and relocate cables is bound to arise eventually. And for that reason, acquiring a slack cable with the length around 20 to 30 feet would come in handy. With the help of a slack cable, you can shift a damaged point with only one splice point in the permanent repair. And if you have sufficient cable slacks available, you can even relocate terminals or cable plants without splicing. That being said, this could help you reduce manual labor and cut cost in terms of hardware materials.
