A new technical document from OFS covers the basic guidelines for installation of fiber-optic cable in underground plant.
The guide outlines best practices for cable placement in conduit, innerduct, handholes, and manhole structures and is intended for use by personnel with prior experience in planning, engineering, or placement of underground cable. (A working familiarity with underground cable requirements, practices, and work operations is necessary, as the guide does not cover all aspects of underground construction work.)
The 22-page document covers conventional cable placement techniques that are used to pull or blow (via cable jetting) the cable into the conduit or innerduct. OFS notes that innerduct may be direct buried or placed in larger diameter conduits. Or in some applications, the innerduct may be lashed to an aerial strand.
The guide opens by describing 5 general rules for placing fiber-optic cable in underground plant. Directly quoting from the guide, these general rules are as follows:
1. Conduct Route Survey and Inspection
"It is recommended that an outside plant engineer conduct a route survey and inspection prior to cable installation. Manholes and ducts should be inspected to determine the optimum splice locations and duct assignments. A detailed installation plan, including cable pulling or blowing locations, intermediate assist points, and cable feed locations should be developed based on the route survey."
2. Check for Maximum Rated Cable Load
"The maximum rated cable load (MRCL) for most OFS outside plant fiber optic cables is 600 lb; however, the cable documentation should always be checked, because lower values of MRCL may apply for some cables. When using pulling equipment to install cable, measures should be taken to ensure that the MRCL is not exceeded. This includes the use of breakaway swivels, hydraulic pressure relief valves, and electronic tension control systems."
3. Define Minimum Bend Diameter
"The minimum bend diameters for OFS cables are defined for both dynamic and static conditions. The dynamic condition applies during installation when a cable may be exposed to the MRCL, e.g., while pulling the cable around a sheave or capstan."
4. Observe Temperature Limits
"Storage and installation of OFS fiber-optic cable is limited to the temperature ranges. Be aware that solar heating due to sunlight exposure can increase the cable temperature well above the ambient temperature."
5. Guarantee Underground Optical Cable Precautions
"Before starting any underground cable placing operations, all personnel must be thoroughly familiar with local company safety practices. Practices covering the following procedures should be given special emphasis:
Innerduct
Cable Lubricant
Cable Placing Methods
Pulling Fiber Optic Cable
Blown Optical Cable Installation
Optical Cable Coiling
Racking Fiber Optic Cable and Innerduct
View/Download the full guide (PDF) for more information describing each of the listed procedures.
