NTT Blog

Quick Tip: Bend Radius & Running Fiber Optic Cable

The most critical element in running fiber optic cable is “Bend Radius”.

Because of cable design the typical tight bends made while running or making permanent electrical cable are not tolerated well by fiber optic cable. Without a cable specification sheet you don’t know the allowable bend radius under stress or in place.

A good rule of thumb is 20 times the cable outside diameter when pulling the cable and 10 times the outside diameter when lashed in place. For example, while pulling a 1/2 inch diameter cable allow for a 10 inch sweep. When lashed in place make sure it’s a 5 inch sweep.

Bend radius is important in order to have successful cable performance. Kent McCord of CEE News and Electrical Construction & Maintenance explains that “bending can also permanently damage the fiber by causing micro cracks, especially during cable installation when pulling forces are to be expected. The result is known as bend loss: a loss of signal strength that may compromise the integrity of the data transmission.” [1]

NTT Training is an approved training organization of the Fiber Optic Association.  Participants of our fiber optic seminar will be able to maintain fiber optic networks and learn the skills to minimize network downtime.

To learn more about our Fiber Optic Training call (855) 712-7353 or CONTACT NTT TRAINING today!

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Post Author: Bob Block – NTT Training Electrical Maintenance / Fiber Optic Instructor

[1] Implications of the New Fiber Optic Bend Radius Standard in Cabling by Kent McCord | CEE News – Electrical Construction & Maintenance Online: http://ecmweb.com/cee-news-archive/implications-new-fiber-optic-bend-radius-standard-cabling