ABSTRACT

Fibre-optic cables are significantly different from copper cables. Fibre-optic cables transmit data through very small cores over long distances at the speed of light. These cables come in a wide variety of configurations. Important considerations in any cable installation and operation are the bending radius; tensile strength; ruggedness; durability; flexibility; environmental conditions, such as temperature extremes; and even appearance. Due to fibre-optic cables’ light weight and extreme flexibility, fibre-optic cables are more easily installed than their copper counterparts. They are easy to handle and they can be pulled through conduit and piping systems over long distances using various installation techniques. The minimum bend radius and maximum tensile loading allowed on a fibre-optic cable are critical during and after installation. A tensile load causes attenuation and may ultimately crack the fibre-optic core. The tensile loading allowed during installation is higher than the permissible loads during operation. The minimum bend radius allowed during installation is likewise larger than the bend radius allowed during operation.