Getting bulky fiber jumpers through an innerduct

Tom White, Equifax Payment Systems

problem

When you need to install premade fiber jumpers, sometimes the ends are too large to fit through the innerduct (FDDI connectors, for example).

problem

Use one of the plastic payout tubes from an empty cable box, slitting the tube lengthwise.

procedure

1. Get a plastic payout tube from an empty cable box. After slitting the tube lengthwise, spread it apart far enough to lay the fiber jumper inside.
2. Insert the fiber into the payout tube and insert the tube into the innerduct.
3. Have someone hold the other end of the fiber jumper while you pull it through. The fiber will flow through the plastic payout tube and into the innerduct with no nicks or cuts.

While a co-worker holds one end (end A) of a bulky fiber jumper cable, pull an inserted, makeshift payout tube along a slit innerduct so you can easily feed the fiber through.

Note that you'll probably need to use a clean piece of payout tube for each situation because the innerduct (especially rigid types) tends to tear the guide tube.

Tom White is manager of voice communications at Equifax Payment Systems (Madison, WI).

quick tip

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Something fishy for drill-bit protection

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Scott R. Huffman, Low Voltage Solutions Inc.

problem

Anyone who does low-voltage work and keeps 24- to 54-inch drill bits knows it's difficult to find a good place to store them.

problem

For less than $10, you can store and protect up to six of your $15 to $50 drill bits by using fishing-pole storage holders available at a sporting goods store. You can mount them safely inside your van, knowing that the pole storage holder's closed-end piece will protect your bit-and your own flesh-from getting damaged.

Scott R. Huffman is president (and an installer) at Low Voltage Solutions Inc. (Sidney, OH).

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