Guía completa para la instalación de cables de fibra óptica

Is your home or workplace in need of a dependable and high-speed network? If yes, then the answer is Fiber optic cable installation! Therefore, this guideline intends to walk you through the steps of installing different categories of fiber cables, their associated costs of installation, and useful advice for DIY installation in the home. So, read on!

Figure 1: Fiber Optic Installation

1) How to Install Fiber Optic Cable?

Installing a cable de fibra óptica may appear difficult, but it can be simple if you follow the right directions. So, to help you out, in this section, we will discuss the step-by-step guide to installing fiber optic cable, whether underground or aerially:

Prerequisites

• First of all, you should develop a plan for whether the cabling will go under the ground, inside the walls, or other. This will direct the installation method and tools needed, such as digging, drilling, or placement through existing lines.

• Arrange all required legal documentation to eliminate access related issues on ground or aerial work.

• Also, choose the corresponding fiber cable. For lengthy distances, use single-mode; multi-mode is appropriate for shorter runs indoors. Use armored cable for underground placement to guarantee protection.

• Gather required materials such as splicing tools, OTDR testers, fiber pullers, and protective apparel, along with required tools.

• You also have to instruct the installation team about managing the fiber optic cable and the relevant safety procedures so that it poses no damage to the cable and also to workers.

Design cable management items such as labels, trimming ties, patch panels, and enclosures for easy access at both ends.

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1) After deciding the type of cable, you need to cut the operating range of the cable correctly to suit your installation, whether it is on the surface of the work panel or inside a casing. 

You should use a fiber optic cable cutter to trim the cable to the length you require. Be very careful during the cut; the fibers within should neither be bent nor crushed.

Figure 2: Prepare tools and cut the cable

Step 2) After cutting the cable, you need to peel away the outermost layers to get to the fiber strands. Keep in mind that you need a fiber stripper to accurately peel off the jacket so you can see the inner fibers. As you strip the cable, be extra cautious.

Step 3) Next, do remember! Dust can disrupt the signal and also disturbs the network performance. Therefore,use a lint-free cloth and soak it in isopropyl alcohol in order to wipe the visible portions of the fibers.

Additionally, glass fibers should not be handled with bare hands, as the signal could be affected by natural oil and dirt transfer.

Step 4) Now, you need to attach the proper connectors. These enable the fiber optic cable to be linked with devices or other cables. Here, you need to check that the connectors like SC, LC, or ST connectors are compatible with your installed fiber cable. 

Figure 3: Attach the Connectors

Step 5) When you are done with the connection, then check that the internet is working properly or not, which is absolutely confirmed through testing.

So, You can use a light source along with a power meter to check the connection. As the light source sends a signal through the fiber, the power meter checks how much signal is captured on the other end. If the signals are not of good strength, then you have to revise some of your connections. Okay!

Figure 4: Checking the Fiber Connection

Step 6) In order to prevent damage to the cable, secure the given fiber optic cable along using either cable clips or zip ties. Be careful that there are no acute bends, as these could harm the fibers and compromise the signal strength significantly. Ensure that the cable is well supported throughout its entire length.

In a review on Quora, Deb Jacobs said, it was mentioned that when installing fiber-optic cables, you should never pull on the fiber itself, as it can break. Additionally, don’t pull the cable too hard or bend it too much, as that can damage it. He further said that you, always roll the cable off the spool, not spin it, to keep it from getting twisted. Finally, make sure you have enough cable to cover the whole area you need before you start.

Figure 5: Quora Review 

2) Fiber Optic Cable Installation Cost

Next, you also have to be familiar with the cost of installing fiber optic cable. Well! Keep in mind that we couldn’t tell you the exact cost. The price of fiber optic cables runs between $0.20 and $1.50 per foot, based on the quality and type of cable. However, it varies depending on several factors which I’m going to highlight in this section!

• Type of Cable: First of all, the kind of fiber optic cables you choose affect the overall pricing to a great extent. Single-mode cables are best suited for long-range and high-speed use, although they are more expensive. In contrast, Multi-mode cables are less costly while adequately serving short, indoor installations.  

• Labor: Furthermore, keep in mind you can install fiber optic cable by own or hire a professional which is usually a recommended option to avoid any error. However, Professional installation ranges anywhere from $50 – $150 per hour, which may also vary based on complexity and region. 

• Permits: In addition, if you require fiber cable for underground, then keep in mind that you also need permits and their cost may be between $100 and $500, especially.

• Installation methods: Underground installations require trench digging and additional construction work, making it the most expensive option. The projected cost is between $10 and $30 per foot. This comes to a total amount of $5000 to $15,000 for longer distances. 

• However, Aerial Installations require the least amount of work and therefore have the lowest cost, ranging from $1 to $6 per foot. There is no need for digging. However, costs can increase if new poles(work near high-voltage lines) are needed.

Figure 6: Differences Between Underground & Aerial Installation

3) Underground Fiber Optic Cable Installation Standards

As we have discussed earlier, while placing fiber optic cables underground, there are certain standards and policies that must be adhered to for safety, legal compliance, effective monitoring, and ensuring correct installation. So, let’s have a look at them!

i) Key Industry Standards and Regulations

• Cable types: The cables you select must be capable of withstanding the elements, including temperature fluctuations and moisture.

• Installation practices: In addition, proper practices must be used that make sure cables are undamaged and are functioning at their best.

ii) Trenching Techniques 

Next, whenever you dig trenches for underground fiber optic cables, you must follow some rules and regulations which I’m going to discuss below!

• Trenching depth: The trench needs to be deep enough to ensure the cables will not be damaged; in this case, 18 inches to 2 feet deep.

• Separation from other utilities: Further, the trench must maintain a distance greater than other utilities (example, water pipes and gas) in order not to get tangled with them.

Figure 7: Underground fiber installation 

iii) Placement of Caution Tape  

To enhance safety, buried warning tapes should be placed around conduit—generally, a foot above the cable. Such measures help to alert the workers before they unknowingly break ground on cable routes.  

iv) Slack and Loop Cables  

Alongside warning tape, it is critical to add slack loops at key access locations or inside handholes. These loops will have to be adequate for changes in future or even repairs.   

v) Handholes and Enclosures for Splicing  

When joining cables, use only splice enclosures that seal fiber connections for added protection. Handholes or manholes that are easy to access but made from tough material should house these enclosures. 

vi) Permits and Local Compliance

Lastly, getting permits from the local authorities is necessary before starting the installation.

5) Home Fiber Optic Cable Installation

If you want to install fiber optic cable at your home, then it’s quite easy. But before doing so, you must make sure that you have the following requirements fulfilled or not. For instance;

• Prerequisites

• An active fiber internet plan
• Some form of access to the main entry of your house (basement or utility room, etc.)
• A Place to set up the router and ONT (Optical Network Terminal). 

• Step-by step Guide

Step 1) Start by calling your local internet provider. They will let you know if they have fiber optic service to your home address. If they do, they will explain the options available and also get you an appointment for further assistance. 

Step 2) Then determine from which point the fiber line will enter your home, as well as the pathway for running it through the interior. 

Figure 8:  Home Fiber Optic Cable Installation

Step 3) The technician will run a fiber drop cable directly to your house from the cabinet on the street or utility pole. Depending on your geography, this could be done via an underground route or overground line.

Step 4) Once the installation technician arrives at your location, they attach the cable to the ONT device which transforms light signals into readable internet data. Keep in mind that this device is usually placed in a utility room or close to the primary router. 

Step 5) Next, the router has to be connected to the ONT via Ethernet cable.

Step 6) After this, you have to test the entire setup by the technician to make sure that the internet connection is operating optimally. 

Conclusión

Thus, from all the above discussion we have concluded that the installation of fiber optic cables is very beneficial for optimal performance of your internet connection. For both underground and aerial installations, the steps are simple enough to do it right. With effective planning, the right tools, and by following standards, you can install the cable easily and get better internet at home or for other projects.

If you are looking for strong, budget-friendly fiber optic cables. Dekam offers quality solutions made to fit your needs. Contact us today and take the first step toward a faster, smoother connection!