Alcatel-Lucent 9500 MXC, User Manual, Page: 280 / 916

Chapter 2. Outdoor Installations
Vol. III-2-38 Alcatel-Lucent
Weatherproofing
Weatherproofing kits are included with the ODU cable and lightning surge
suppressors.
Two types of weatherproofing media are supplied. Refer to:
•Mastic Tape
• Self Amalgamating Tape
Mastic Tape
The ODU cable ground kits include rolls of vinyl and butyl mastic tape. For
these, a two-layer wrap process is recommended:
• An initial layer of mastic tape. It is this tape that provides the weatherproofing.
• A top layer of vinyl tape to support good amalgamation and adhesion of the
mastic tape and to provide UV protection.
Wrapping Guidelines, Mastic Tape
To weatherproof connectors start at 1. To weatherproof a cable ground start at 3.
1. Ensure connectors are firmly hand-tightened, dry, and free from all grease and
dirt. If necessary, clean with rag lightly moistened with alcohol-based cleaner.
2. Pre-wrap using vinyl tape. Use a 25% overlay when wrapping. To avoid
curl-back do not stretch the tape too tightly at the end point.
If mastic tape is used to weatherproof connectors a three-layer process is
recommended, where a layer of vinyl tape is applied before the mastic to facilitate
easy strip-back when connector disconnection is required.
Special attention must be given to ensuring the mastic tape seals cleanly to the
primary surfaces, such as the cable jacket.
On an ODU connector, leave at least two-thirds of the smooth length of the barrel
clear of pre-wrap vinyl tape, to ensure the mastic tape has sufficient area of direct
grip.