LAN and Telecom Cabling Pulling fiber in flexible conduit

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Subject Author Date
Pulling fiber in flexible conduit Michael Quinlan 02-11-05
Posted by Michael Quinlan on February 11, 2005, 7:52 pm
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I have a subcontract job where I'm being asked to install a
pre-terminated fiber patch cable in a 1-1/2" Carlon plenum-gard
conduit. The total length of the run is about 100 feet, with (3)
90-degree turns one sweeping 180-degree turn. What's the best approach
for getting the conduit in place, and the fiber in it, without damaging
the fiber?



Posted by Perkowski on February 12, 2005, 1:38 am
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Michael Quinlan wrote:
> I have a subcontract job where I'm being asked to install a
> pre-terminated fiber patch cable in a 1-1/2" Carlon plenum-gard
> conduit. The total length of the run is about 100 feet, with (3)
> 90-degree turns one sweeping 180-degree turn. What's the best approach
> for getting the conduit in place, and the fiber in it, without damaging
> the fiber?
>
They sell innerduct couplings for the innerduct. You can cut the
innerduct into sections to pull fiber through and than couple to make
whole.

You have a lot of turns there, I would be very careful pulling it, do
not yank on it!

LOL

Thanks

joe perkowski


Posted by Alan Rench on February 12, 2005, 3:00 am
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> Michael Quinlan wrote:
> > I have a subcontract job where I'm being asked to install a
> > pre-terminated fiber patch cable in a 1-1/2" Carlon plenum-gard
> > conduit. The total length of the run is about 100 feet, with (3)
> > 90-degree turns one sweeping 180-degree turn. What's the best approach
> > for getting the conduit in place, and the fiber in it, without damaging
> > the fiber?
> >
> They sell innerduct couplings for the innerduct. You can cut the
> innerduct into sections to pull fiber through and than couple to make
> whole.
>
> You have a lot of turns there, I would be very careful pulling it, do
> not yank on it!
>
> LOL
>
> Thanks
>
> joe perkowski

I too would open up the smurf tube. Check with the AHJ first though. They
shouldn't have a problem if you are using approved couplings. You are
limited to 360 degrees worth of bends. Total. And even that is a tough pull
with THHN. I couldn't imagine pulling a fiber patch cord through all those
bends. If you can't open the conduit because it's in a wall or somthing then
use a lot of wire lube when you pull it. And pull Slow.




Posted by John P. Dearing on February 13, 2005, 6:25 am
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Michael Quinlan wrote:
> I have a subcontract job where I'm being asked to install a
> pre-terminated fiber patch cable in a 1-1/2" Carlon plenum-gard
> conduit. The total length of the run is about 100 feet, with (3)
> 90-degree turns one sweeping 180-degree turn. What's the best approach
> for getting the conduit in place, and the fiber in it, without damaging
> the fiber?

If I'm reading your post correctly, you have over 360 degrees of bends -
right?

Even with pulling lubricant, it will be a struggle to pull anything
through that conduit.

One thought.... If you are absolutely sure of the distance, could you
cut the conduit to length, place the fiber in it beforehand (while the
conduit is still more or less straight? Then protect the ends carefully
since the fiber cable would be hanging out. Wrap the fiber carefully in
something to protect it and attach that to the end. Then place the whole
thing in place. Unwrap the protected ends and connect.

One other thought... Get some "mule tape". It's a flat ribbon of woven
nylon fabric. Extrordinarily strong. Get enough for at least double the
distance of the conduit. Pull the mule tape completely through the
conduit (using lubricant as necessary). Only then attach the fiber to
the mule tape. Now *continue* to pull the mule tape *and* attached fiber
cable through the conduit. Add pulling lubricant as needed. The mule
tape will be absorbing nearly all of the strain of the pull, with the
fiber cable "going along for the ride" as it were.

You want a flat tape for pulling so it won't cut through of damage the
fiber cable as it makes its way through the conduit. Don't even *think*
about using any kind of rope or twine. It will slice through the cable
at some point.

At any rate, you've got a nasty job ahead of you. I would also make sure
you state to the customer that this will be a "best efforts" job and
that you can't guarantee that you won't damage the patch cable. Patch
cables aren't really designed to be pulled through twisting, turning
conduits. Tell them that you'll give it your best shot, but no yelling
if the cable breaks or is damaged by the pull.

Good luck!

John
--
John P. Dearing
A+, Network+, Server+
To reply: Just drop "YOURPANTS" in my address! 8-)


Posted by Michael Quinlan on February 13, 2005, 5:48 pm
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The conduit comes with "mule tape" (or something similar) already in
it. When attching the fiber to the mule tape, how does the mule tape
end up absorbing the strain of the pull? Won't the attached part of
the fiber be pulling the rest of the fiber through the conduit? Or do
I need to attach the fiber to the mule tape at some interval?

After looking at Carlon's web site, I can't seem to find out whether
the couplings can be added after the fiber has been installed. Can
they?



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