External Fibre Optic Runs

[JonnyAlpha]

Hi,

We have a fibre optic cable connecting two buildings. A while ago the supporting cable snapped at one end and the caretaker did a repair. He has tied it in several places to a phone cable and at one end cable tied it to shorten it.

 

My question is, how do these right angle bends affect the signal?

 

I have asked several times for it to be replaced as it now sits on top of the playground climbing equipment, presenting a greater risk of being snapped and a danger to children.

 

I’m on my phone and couldn’t see an add image option, so here’s a link.

https://imgur.com/gallery/jtTgxBS

[synaesthesia]

Bend-radius wise that's likely to be fine, however I'd be more concerned about the friction biting into that over time.

[Aprice]

It's probably 'OK' but I'd at least get some cable clips on it, and soften the bend anyway.

[PotNoodleTech]

That's not best practice for keeping fibre lines in good condition the bend radius looks too tight and there should be no tension or stress on the cable. I would have it repaired properly with new metal support line (or the old one reinstated if that's possible).

 

If they won't pay for it to be fixed then wait till it fails and say I told you so.

[HPlum78]

I cannot tell if that bend is ok or not (and I used to install fibre) you can only really tell by getting the cable details off the outer sheath and then might be able to look it up, also again you cannot tell if that is an armored cable and is of the self support type (also if it has any UV protection) all is in the detail on the cable... A general rule was if no manufacturing details were available then the bend radius should not be smaller than 20x the cable diameter (but this could have changed as I just dont do installs anymore...) The strain on the cable over time will probably split the outer protection and kill your cable quicker, looking at the picture! Edited June 24, 2024 by HPlum78

[HPlum78]

https://www.millsltd.com/default/external-overhead/aerial-cable-clamps-grips.html

 

Used these guys in the past, it needs some proper hangers on and the other end being propped up on play equipment also dont sound like the best idea if you want that connection to work for much longer!