There are many factors that affect the cost of fiber optic installation, including the size of your building and the number of fibers required. In addition to the number of strands, the cable’s length must also be accounted for. Additionally, your building must be able to accommodate enough power to operate the fiber cable network. A backup generator is highly recommended in case of a power outage.
A trained installer is the best choice for fiber optic installation. The cables are very fragile, and it’s important to handle them with care. They should not be twisted or pulled too tightly. Twisting them can damage delicate fibers. The most common way to handle the fiber cables is by pulling them, but there are other methods available as well.
Before beginning the installation process, you must first ensure that all personnel on the site are trained in safety. This means familiarizing them with common tools, components, and processes. You should also make sure that all employees are familiar with the proper methods of preventing fires and electrical shocks. It is also important to ensure that all equipment is properly grounded near high-voltage power lines.
Fiber optic installation requires a careful planning process. Your installer will need to identify the location of the fibers in your building and plan the route of the fibers. If the cable runs outside your building, you may need a backup entrance to minimize the possibility of an outage. Then, you need to make sure that you test the connection. This can be done with an optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR). This tool sends a pulse of light through the cable and measures the time it takes for the light to return to the light source.
Another important aspect of fiber optic installation is proper tooling. Fiber optic connectors are available in different styles, including LC, ST, and SC. Most of the transceivers use SC or ST connectors, but there are also LCs, which are used in higher speed networks. You should also use a meter and source to measure end-to-end loss. A flashlight-type fiber tracer is also a must-have for any installer. Most of the necessary tools for fiber optic installation are available in kit form.
The cable itself is made of a polyethylene or steel jacket, which protects the fiber from harsh environments. The cable is also equipped with a Kevlar cladding to further protect the optical fiber. These cables are also resistant to a wide range of temperatures, including freezing temperatures and hot environments.
The installation process involves laying fiber optic cable within the provider’s network, which may include splicing, connecting equipment, and testing. Once completed, you will be able to schedule turn-up, which will ensure that your fiber optic internet service is not interrupted. Depending on your needs, you may opt for a fiber optic installation that runs parallel to your existing Internet service.