How to Tie Off-Wire Optical Cable

To tie off optical or wire cables safely, use the cable's strength members, attach a swivel pulling eye, and secure with tape to prevent slippage during pulling.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Cable

• Strip the outer jacket carefully using a jacket stripper or cable slitting tool, avoiding damage to the inner fibers or conductors .
• Remove any strength members, binders, or gel in loose tube cables as needed .
• Cut the fibers at the end of the jacket to ensure no stress is transferred to the fibers . 2. Bundle Strength Members
• Twist the cable's strength members (usually aramid fibers like Kevlar) into a single bundle .
• These members are designed to bear the pulling tension and protect the fibers from stress . 3. Attach the Pulling Eye
• Slide a swivel pulling eye onto the bundled strength members about 12 mm (1/2 inch) from the jacket .
• Tie the strength members in a double knot to secure the pulling eye. Note that aramid fibers are slick, so the knot alone is not sufficient . 4. Secure with Tape
• Pull the strength members back along the cable and wrap tightly with electrical tape to prevent slippage under tension .
• This ensures the cable can withstand maximum pulling tension without damaging the fibers . 5. Pulling the Cable
• Attach the pulling rope to the swivel eye and pull the cable carefully, monitoring for twists or kinks .
• Always follow the manufacturer's specifications for minimum bend radius, maximum pulling tension, and crush loads to avoid permanent damage . 6. Additional Tips
• For vertical installations, tie off cables at intervals shorter than the maximum vertical rise to prevent fiber breakage .
• Use innerducts or protective conduits to prevent accidental damage during installation .
• Allow for thermal expansion and contraction in outdoor installations by leaving slack or loops as needed . By following these steps, you can safely tie off and pull optical or wire cables while minimizing the risk of fiber breakage, excessive attenuation, or long-term damage .