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Fiber Optic Cable Installation and Handling Instructions
Publication 2090-IN010C-EN-P – April 2005
Overview
Optical fibers require special care during installation to ensure reliable
operation. Installation guidelines regarding minimum bend radius, tensile
loads, twisting, squeezing, or pinching of cable must be followed. Cable
connectors should be protected from contamination and scratching at all
times. Violation of any of these parameters causes increased attenuation or
permanent damage to the cable. The following are a few general comments
to consider when installing fiber optic cables.
Do not exceed maximum cable lengths
Make sure you check the installation instructions of the module for the
appropriate cable lengths to ensure proper operation.
You may experience additional attenuation loss when using bulkhead
connectors to join cables even when the total length is less than maximum.
Care should be used in maintaining total attenuation budget when joining
cables with bulkhead connectors.
Do not exceed minimum bend radius for a given cable type
Exceeding the bend radius of the cable can cause unseen damage to the
fibers of the cables that may not manifest itself for a period of time. This can
lead to an expensive restringing of cables at a later date. See the cable
specification tables later in this manual for appropriate bend radii for each
catalog number.
Figure 1 Correct Bend Radius
Avoid twisting cable
Use proper pulling techniques in laying out your cable. Putting twists in the
cable greatly increases your chances of breaking the fibers.
Bend
Radius
