Aerial Fiber Optic Cable Installation | Complete Guide

I’ve spent years bringing high-speed internet to people by installing fiber optic cables. It’s a skilled job that requires precision, knowledge, and most importantly, safety. But the reward? Seeing communities light up with fast internet, bridging the digital divide, and pushing technology forward! That’s truly rewarding.

Installing these cables overhead is a complex task that demands careful planning from start to finish. From choosing the perfect route to the final touches, every step ensures a smooth operation for years to come.

This guide shares everything I’ve learned. We’ll explore different cable types, the intricate planning process, and the two main installation methods: the moving reel and stationary reel approaches. So, if you’re ready to gain the knowledge and confidence to tackle aerial fiber optic cable installation, keep reading!

Arrangements Before Aerial Cable Installation 

Before you zip those fiber optic cables up in the air, gotta plan smart! Start by scouting the best route, making sure it’s doable, dodging any roadblocks, and checking all the local rules. Permits gotta be in order, and grab the right gear – the best cable for the distance and weather, of course.

Apply Aerial Fiber Optic Cable Installation Methods 

There are two primary methods for aerial fiber optic cable installation: the moving reel method and the stationary reel method.

Moving Reel Method

This streamlined approach involves mounting the cable reel on a carrier attached to a truck or lift. As the vehicle travels along the route, the cable is paid out and secured with designated hardware on poles.

The deployment follows this comprehensive sequence –

Step 1: The cable reel is securely mounted on a reel carrier, typically attached to a cable trailer or aerial line truck.

Step 2: Ensure the reel is properly braked to prevent free-spinning and uncontrolled cable payout.

Step 3: As the carrier vehicle advances along the predetermined route, the cable is carefully paid off the reel without introducing any back tension or twisting.

Step 4: Guide arms or quadrant blocks are used to smoothly direct the cable towards each utility pole while avoiding excessive bending or damage.

Step 5: At each pole, the cable is supported using designated hardware like J-hooks, suspension clamps, or tangent brackets at the appropriate mounting height.

Step 6: Maintain sufficient slack cable at the first pole to allow for future splicing, storage, and expansion needs. Typically, 30-50 feet of slack is recommended.

Step 7: The installer fits a dead-end support or termination bracket, raises the cable to the correct level, and securely mounts it to the pole.

Step 8: The placing vehicle must drive parallel and as close as possible to the pole line, maintaining a constant speed and cable tension through a level-winding mechanism or tensioner.

Step 9: As the cable extends past the next pole, it is raised to the required height and placed into temporary supports like J-hooks or tangent blocks.

Step 10: This process continues span by span until the entire cable run is completed and the final dead-end pole is reached.

Step 11: At the terminating pole, the cable is tensioned to the correct sag level using a chain hoist, cable tensioner, or come-along attached to the “free” end before permanently dead-ending it to the pole.

Step 12: Finally, the cable is lifted from the temporary supports and permanently secured using tangent assemblies, suspension clamps, or other hardware as per the installation design.

Stationary Reel Method

When vehicle access is limited due to obstructions like buildings, trees, or terrain, the stationary reel method is employed. In this approach, temporary cable supports, chutes, or tangent blocks are installed at each pole along the predetermined route.

The key steps are –

Step 1: Carefully survey and mark the cable route, noting any potential obstacles or access limitations.

Step 2: At each pole location, install temporary cable supports such as quadrant blocks, roller arms, or sheave chutes at the appropriate mounting height.

Step 3: Thread a pull line, typically a lightweight polyester rope, through these temporary supports, ensuring a smooth and unobstructed path.

Step 4: Securely attach one end of the pull line to the cable using a breakaway swivel and cable-pulling grip or sock. This connection must be strong enough to withstand the pulling tensions.

Step 5: If using a winch or capstan for pulling, the pull line must first be routed through the temporary supports and back to the winch location.

Step 6: Slowly and carefully winch or pull the cable through the temporary supports, maintaining constant tension and avoiding any excessive bending or damage.

Step 7: Monitor the installation tension closely using a calibrated dynamometer or load cell. The tension must not exceed the maximum rated cable load (MRCL) specified by the manufacturer.

Step 8: If the installation tension approaches the MRCL, stop the operation and adjust the pulling setup or use additional pulleys to reduce the load.

Step 9: As the cable is pulled into position, ensure sufficient slack is left at each end for future access, splicing, and termination.

Step 10: Once the entire cable length is in place, tension it to the correct sag level using come-along, cable grips, or other tensioning devices at predetermined dead-end locations.

Step 11: Permanently terminate the cable at each dead-end pole using dead-end clamps, termination brackets, or other hardware as per the installation design.

Step 12: Remove the temporary cable supports and pull the line after the cable is properly tensioned and secured.

What Are the Safety Concerns While Aerial Cable Installation?

This job’s all about climbing high and handling some serious cables, so safety’s gotta be number one. Fall protection gear like harnesses and lifelines are a must, and you always gotta keep a safe distance from power lines. Learning how to handle the cables right and how to ground them is important too, to avoid any shocks and keep the cables working great for a long time.

Robust Cable Lashing

Once the cable’s up, it’s time to tie it down well. Pick the right kind of lashing wire and how you attach it, depending on how strong it needs to be and how it’ll hold up to the weather. The cable can’t be too tight, so you gotta leave some slack for when the wind blows or the temperature changes. Finally, make sure the cable is securely fastened to the poles and the support wire.

Making Secure Connection

Sometimes, the cable might need to be joined together or connected to other equipment. This is a specialized job that requires fancy tools, like heat welders that permanently connect two cables. Other times, they might just need to put on special connectors on the ends for easy hookup.

Double-Checking Everything

Before they call it a job, the crew does a final check to make sure everything looks good. They might use special tools to see if there are any breaks or problems inside the cable. They also kept detailed notes on everything they did, like what materials they used and where they connected the cables. This way, if someone needs to fix anything later, they’ll know exactly what’s going on.

Cleaning Up

Finally, it’s time to clean up after themselves. Throwing away any leftover materials the right way shows they care about the environment. Leaving the work area nice and tidy shows they’re professional and respectful of the neighborhood.

Types of Aerial Fiber Optic Cables

Stringing fiber optic cables overhead isn’t a one-size-fits-all job. There are two main ways to tackle it, depending on the situation. The first method uses a messenger (catenary) wire, basically a strong steel cable acting as a clothesline for the fiber optic cables. The other option is a self-supporting cable, a tough guy that can hang between poles all by itself, with no extra metal wire needed. 

These come in two flavors – ADSS cable, which is great because it doesn’t conduct electricity, and the aptly named Figure 8 cable, shaped just like its namesake. Figure 8 aerial cables are the most commonly used aerial fiber optic cables and can be divided into three main types – GYTC8S, GYXTC8Y, and GYXTC8S.

GYTC8S features –

• a small cable diameter
• low dispersion and attenuation
• excellent mechanical and environmental performances
• a steel-wire strength member for tensile strength
• a corrugated steel tape and PE outer sheath for crush resistance 
• a water-blocking system for improved waterproofing.

GYXTC8S shares similar features to GYTC8S.

GYXTC8Y exceptionally features –

• a high-strength loose tube that is hydrolysis-resistant
• a Medium Density Polyethylene jacket for low-friction installation.

End Note

Success in aerial fiber optic cable installation comes down to knowing your stuff and using the right techniques. From choosing the cable type to mastering the moving reel and stationary reel methods, you’ve covered the essential steps. Remember, safety always comes first, and working as a well-coordinated team is key. Clear communication and ongoing training ensure a smooth operation. By bridging the digital divide, we’re helping build a more connected and prosperous future for all.