Panduit FSWN524 Installation Manual

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Cable Access Procedures for

Opti-Core Fiber Optic Outside Plant

Reverse Oscillating Lay (ROL) Cable

1.0 General Information ..................................................................................................... 3

2.0 Preparation Notes – Tools and Mat er ial s ..................................................................... 3

3.0 Procedures for End Access ......................................................................................... 4

3.1a Dielectric Sheath Removal .......................................................................................... 4

3.1b Armored Sheath Removal ........................................................................................... 5

3.2 End Access Core Preparation ..................................................................................... 6

3.3 End Access Buffer Tube Preparation .......................................................................... 7

4.0 Procedures for Mid-Span Access ................................................................................ 7

4.1 Location of Mid-Span ................................................................................................... 7

4.2a Dielectric Sheath Removal .......................................................................................... 8

4.2b Armored Sheath Removal ........................................................................................... 9

4.3 Mid-Span Access Core Preparation .......................................................................... 11

4.4 Mid-Span Access Buffer Tube Preparation ................................................................ 12

5.0 Ribbon Cleaning ........................................................................................................ 12

6.0 Bundled Fiber Preparation ......................................................................................... 13

7.0 Fiber Preparation ....................................................................................................... 14

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DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITIES

The practices containe d herein are designed as a guid e for use by persons having tec hnical skill at their own discretion and risk. The rec ommended practices are based on average cond itions. Panduit does not guarantee any favorable results or assume any liability in connection with this document.

In addition, the materials a nd hardware referenced herein appear as examples, but in no way reflect the only tools and materials available to perform thes e ins ta llati ons .

Local, State, Federal and Industry Codes and Regulations, as well as manufacturers requirements, must be consulted before proceeding with any project. Panduit makes no representations of, nor assumes any responsibility for, the ac c urac y or c omplete nes s of t his doc ume nt. Panduit disclai ms any liabi lity ar is ing fr o m any information contained herein or for the absence of same.

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(Figure 2.0) Tools and Materials

1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

This instruction manual is a step-by-step guide for end and mid-span access of outs ide plant reverse oscillating lay (ROL) cable, including sheath removal, core preparation, and fiber preparation. Local company practices and/or vendor specifications may be in place concerning cabl e acc ess and ho w it relates to a specific produc t or application. Modifications that do not exceed the cable's optical and mechanical performance specifications m ay be made to acc ommodate local company practices and specifications. These modifications should be made at the discretion of local company users. Illustrations have been provided for your reference and orientation as you follow the procedures.

2.0 PREPARATION NOTES

Gather the appropriate too ls and materials to be used for the job, ensuring they are approved for use by your compan y and are i n good working order. For future reference, record the cable identification markings, which consist of sheath n um ber , footage, and cable description cod es printed on the cable outer sheath. Printed information may vary per company request.

1. Eye and Hand Protection

2. Clean Cotton Cloths

3. Approved Cable Cutters

4. Needle Nose Pliers

5. Scissors/Snips

6. Sheath Knife

7. Buffer Tube Removal Tool (end access)

8. Primary Coating Stripping Tool

9. Buffer Tube Slitter (mid-span access)

10. Tape Measure

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(Figure 3.1.c) Grasp and pull ripcord

(Figure 3.1.a) Ring the outer sheath with a sheath knife

3.0 PROCEDURES FOR END ACCESS

This procedure is for all outside plant reverse oscillating lay (ROL) cable, armored or dielectric (non-armored). The length of the cable sheath to be removed will depend on local company practices and termination equipment. If not otherwise specified, 6 feet (2m) should be sufficient.

3.1a Dielectric Sheath Removal

With the sheath knife, “ring” the circumference of the sheath at the prescribed distance from the end of the cable. Take care not to cut too dee ply and damage the ripcords and strength yarns underneath the sheath.

Now ring the outer sheath with the sheath knife 4 to 6 inches from the cable end, using the same method and precautions explained in the previous paragraph.

Flex the cable at the ring cut to separate the sheath.

Remove and discard the cabl e end sheath section to expose the ripcords.

Grasp and wrap one of the ripcor ds around the needle nose pliers and pull bac k to the first ring-cut. Repeat this process for the second ripcord.

Remove the split she ath from the cable by holding the cable straig ht a nd pu ll ing on th e sheath. Discard the sh eath and proceed to step 3.2 for core preparation.

(Figure 3.1.b) Remove the cable end sheath section

with n eedl e nose pliers

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(Figure 3.1.d) Ring the outer sheath with a sheath knife

(Figure 3.1.e) Flex the cable at the ring cut

(Figure 3.1.f) Grasp and pull ripcord with

3.1b Armored Sheath Removal

Armored sheath removal is similar to dielectric sheath removal. Using a sheath knife, ring cut the she ath at the appro priate distance from the end of the cable. W hen making ring cuts on armored cable, it is necessary to score the steel armor after cutting through the sheath. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CUT THROUGH THE STEEL AS YOU MAY DAMAGE THE CORE UNDERNEATH. Once the steel is scored, flexing the c able should cause the armor to break cleanly along the scored line.

Now ring the outer sheath with the sheath knife 2 to 3 inches from the cable end. Score the steel as bef ore and f lex to break . Slide the sheath an d armor off the cable to expose the ripcords and core or inner sheath.

Before pulling the ripcords, nick the armor with side cutters at the points where the ripcords disappear under the sheath. This gives a starting point for the r ipcords to slit the armor

Grasp and wrap one of the ripcor ds around the needle nose pliers and pull bac k to one inch beyond the ring-cut. This will allow creation of a metal tab for proper bonding/grounding of the outer metallic shield. Repeat with the second ripcord to remove the sheath and arm or. Discard the sheath and proceed to step 3.2 for core preparation.

Note: The edge of the m etallic o verlap can cause the ripcord to break. If this occurs, rotate the ripcord away from the overlap and continue the removal operation.

This paragraph assumes the cable is a single armor/single jac ket design sheath. If the cable is a multiple sheath design, the inner polyethylene sheath or another sheath/armor layer will now be exposed. Simply follow the appropriate previous steps to remove the additional sheath(s) before proceeding to step 3.2 for core preparation.

needle nose pliers

(Figure 3.1.g) Pull back ripcord to approximately 1 inch

past ring cut to create grounding tab.

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(Figure 3.2.a) Unwrap and cut outer strength members,

(Figure 3.2.c) Cut central member to proper

3.2 End Access Core Preparation

The cable core consists of color-coded buffer tubes stranded around a central strength member. The buffer tubes are secured by binder strings . W ater absorbent tapes and yarns are wrapped around the buffer tubes and the central strength member. Outer strength member may be stranded around this assembly.

Cut the ripcords now that the proper lengths of tubes are exposed. If present, unwrap and cut to length the outer str ength members as required b y the splice closure or other termination hardware being used.

Unwrap and cut the water absorbent ta pes, yarns and binder stri ngs which are around the buffer tubes. Discard these materials.

Separate the color-coded buffer tubes from the central strength member by unwrappi ng the tubes one at a tim e. Rem ove any water absorbing tapes or yarns from around the central strength member and tubes.

Using approved cutters, cut the central strength member to the proper length for the type of closure or other termination hardware being used. The central member may be covered with a coating of plastic. This coating may need to be rem oved for a proper fit in the closure securing mechanism. To rem ove the c oatin g, “r in g” i t with a sheath knife at t he required distance from the end of the strength member. Do not cut into the underlying strength member. Using needle nos e pliers, pull on the coating to separate it from the central member. It may be necessary to make a longitudinal cut in the coat ing from the ring cut to the end to facilitate the removal process.

If the cable contains tube placeholders, separate and cut them near the end of the sheath (placeholders may be solid filler tubes or dummy tubes without fiber).

water absorbent materials, and binders

(Figure 3.2.b) Separate buffer tubes from central member.

length with cable cutters

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(Figure 3.3.a) Score buffer tubes with

(Figure 3.3.b) Wipe excess thixotropic

3.3 Buffer Tube Preparation

Following the core preparation, check the blade setting on the buffer tube removal tool by “ringing” a small section near the end of the tube.

A proper depth setting will sc ore the buffer tube, which, when gently flexed, wil l break at this point. This allows safe and easy access to the fiber or ribbons.

Measure the length of the tube to be removed and mark each tube. “Ring” the tube in 1 to 2-foot sections and remove them until the desired length of fiber or ribbons are exposed.

Gently wipe the excess thixotropic gel from the exposed fiber or ribbons with an approved lint free sof t wipe. Repeat for th e remaining tubes.

4.0 PROCEDURES FOR MID-SPAN ACCESS

4.1 Location of Mid-Span

Note: Centering the m id-span access on a reversal point of the buffer tube reverse oscillating lay (ROL) is necessary to allow the greatest length of ex posed buffer tubes to be unwound from the core.

A buffer tube revers al point is the location at which the helical twist revers es direction . By accessing a 40-inch (100 cm ) section of cable, a reversal po int should be found on any loose tube cable. This reversal point should be centered in the sheath opening.

buffer tube removal tool

gel from the fibers or ribbons

(Figure 4.1.a) Locate the buffer tube reversal point

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(Figure 4.2.c) Slit the sheath along the 3 to 5-inch section

(Figure 4.2.d) Remove the sheath section

Higher fiber count loose tube cables (excluding ribbon) will be constructed with two layers of buffer tubes . Unwrapping the outer layer of tubes will expose the inner layer. Centering the outer layer of tubes within the length of removed sheath will provide the best access to the inner layer.

4.2a Dielectric Sheath Removal

Place tape markers 40 inches (100 cm) apart from each ot her on the cable sec tion to be accessed. With the sheath knife, “ring” the circumference of the sheath at both marks, taking care not to cut too deeply and damage the core or ripcords.

In the center of the 40-inch (100 cm) section, measure and mark off a 3 to 5-inch (8-13cm) span of the outer sheath. “Ring” the cable with the sheath knife at each mark. Use caution to avoid cutting the ripcord under the cable sheath.

Gently flex the cable at the ring cuts to separate the sheath.

Carefully shave or slit the outer sheath

along the 3 to 5-inch (8-13 cm) section from one ring cut to the other using the sheath knife. Care must be taken to not damage the underlying buf fer tubes or ripcords . The section can now be removed from the cable core and discarded.

With the outer sheath removed, the ripcords and cable core are exposed. Cut the ripcords in the center of the exposed section.

Grasp and wrap one of the ripcords around the needle nose pliers and pull bac k to the outside ring cuts. Do this in both direc tions. Repeat for the other ripcord and remove the split sheath from the cable.

Cut the outer strength members if present at the center of the section and secure them away from the core.

(Figure 4.2.a) Ring the outer sheath with a sheath knife

(Figure 4.2.b) Flex the cable at the ring cut

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(Figure 4.2.f) Remove split cable sheath

Unwrap, cut, and discard the water absorbent tapes and yarns which are around the buffer tubes. Leave the buffer tube binder strings and ripcords intact at this time.

Locate the buffer tube reversal point by scanning the exposed cable core (refer back to section 4.1) T he reversal must be centered in the full mid-span access length.

Repeat the previous steps to remove additional lengths of sheath, on either side of the reversal point, t o expose the correct length of cable core. Refer to the closure documentation for specific lengths to be accessed. Proceed to Step 4.3 for core preparation.

4.2b Armored Sheath Removal

Note: This section is written assuming a single armor/single jacket cable. If a multiple jacket/multiple armor cable is being accessed, this procedure will need to be repeated for each sheath.

Armored sheath removal is similar to dielectric sheath removal. Place tape markers 40 inches (100 cm) apart from each other on the cable section to be accessed. With the sheath knife, “ring” the circumference of the sheat h at both marks, scoring the underlying ste el armor as well. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CUT THROUGH THE ARMOR.

At the center of this 40-inch section, measure and mark off a 3 to 5-inch (813cm) span of the outer sheat h. “Ring” the cable with the sheath knife at each mark, again scoring the underl ying armor. Gently flex the cable at these inner ring cuts to separate the sheath and armor.

(Figure 4.2.e) Ring cuts 3 – 5 inches apart and flexed.

Find armor overlap at ring cut, slit the sheath

over top of the overlap and peel back

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(Figure 4.2.i) Unwrap and cut outer strength members,

Examine the edge of the armor at one of the ring cuts to find the armor seam or overlap. Using the sheath knife, shave away the sheath over the t op of the o verla p to expose the seam. Use the tip of the sheath knife to carefully pry open the armor, taking care not to damage the underlying tubes. Remove the armor and sheath and discard.

With the outer sheath removed, the

ripcords and cable core are exposed. Cut the ripcords in the center of the exposed section.

Before pulling the ripcords, nick the armor with side cutters at the points where the ripcords disappear under the sheath. This gives a starting point for the r ipcords to slit the armor

Grasp and wrap one of the ripcor ds around the needle nose pliers and pull back to back to the first outs ide ring cut. Do th is in both directions. Repe at f or the ot her ripc or d and remove the split sheath from the cable.

If present cut the outer strength members at the center of the section and secure them away from the core.

Unwrap, cut, and discard the water absorbent tapes/yarns which are around the buffer tubes. Leave the buffer tube binder strings and ripcords intact at this time.

Locate the buffer tube reversal point by scanning the exposed cable core. The reversal must be centered in the full midspan access length.

Repeat the previous steps to remove additional lengths of sheath, on either side of the reversal point, t o expose the correct length of cable core. Ensure you refer to closure manufacturer’s documentation for specific lengths to be accessed.

(Figure 4.2.g) Pull back ripcord to approximately 1 inch

past ring cut to create grounding tab.

(Figure 4.2.h) Remove split cable sheath

water absorbent materials, and binders

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(Figure 4.3.c) Completed core preparation

If the cable design is a multiple sheath cable (single armor/double jacket, double armor), the inner sheath( s) are removed in the same manner. Sim ply repeat the steps above.

4.3 Mid-Span Core Preparation

Cut, unwrap, and discard the buffer tube binder strings and any tape(s) not already removed.

Starting at the center reversal point (as described in step 4.1), unwind the colorcoded buffer tubes on e at a time from the central strength member. Remove any water absorbing tapes or yarns from around the central member and tubes.

Using approved cutters, cut the central strength member at both e nds to the pr op er length for the type of closure being used.

The central member m ay be covered w ith a coating of plastic. This coating may be removed, if necessary, for a proper fit in the closure securing mechanism. To remove the coating, “ring” it with a sheath knife at the required distance from the end of the strength member. Do not cut into the underlying strength m ember. Using needle nose pliers, pull on the coatin g to separate it from the c entral strength m ember. It may be necessary to mak e a longitudinal cut in the coating from the ring cut to the end to facilitate the removal process.

If the cable contains tube placeholders, separate and cut them near the end of the cable sheath (placeholders are solid round plastic elements or hollow dummy tubes which do not contain fibers.)

(Figure 4.3.a) Separate the buffer tubes from

the central strength member

(Figure 4.3.b) Cutting the central strength

member with cable cutters

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(Figure 4.4.d) Wipe excess thixotropic gel

(Figure 4.4.c) Cut and remove the slit buffer tube

4.4 Buffer Tube Preparation

Determine how m any fibers or ribbons are to be accessed and in which tube(s) they reside. Mark the tube(s) and record this data for future reference. All other tubes may be left intact in the stor age area of the closure or termination hardware.

NOTE: BECAUSE OF THEIR SIZE, RIBBON TUBES SHOULD NEVER BE COILED OR STORED SUCH T HAT T HEIR BEND DIAMETER IS LESS THAN SIX (6) INCHES.

Ensure that the buffer tube access tool is the proper size for the d iameter of the tu be. Commercial buffer tube slitters are compatible with loos e tube optical cable. A properly sized tool will open the tube without damaging the fiber or ribbons inside.

Measure and mark the buffer tubes at the length to be removed. Use the buffer tube slitter to carefully cut the buffer tube in between the two marks. With the buffer tube now slit, but still intact, final removal can take place.

Peel the sm all slit s ection of the tube away and cut at both ends. R emove the fiber or ribbons from the remaining split section of the tube. Cut the remaining section of the tube at both ends and remove. R epeat this procedure for each tube to be opened.

Gently wipe the excess thixotropic gel from the exposed fibers or ribbons with an approved lint free soft wipe.

5.0 RIBBON CLEANING

If even cleaner ribbons are needed, then the following procedure should be used.

At no time during the cleaning operation should the ribbon be bent below its minimum bending radius. Do not wrap the ribbon around your finger.

(Figure 4.4.a) Slit the buffer tube

(Figure 4.4.b) Open the slit buffer tube and exposing

the optical fibers or ribbons

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from the fibers or ribbons

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(Figure 6.0.a) Unwind the colored binder thread

(Figure 6.0.b) Tie off a fiber bundle’s colored binder thread

Remove the bulk of t he filling com pound by wiping each ribbon individually with a lint free soft wipe.

Soak a lint free soft wipe with filling compound remover and then wipe each ribbon twice using medium pressure.

Any residual filling compound should then be removed using dry lint free soft wipes.

The use of isopropyl alcohol to remove filling compound is not recommended.

Always be sure to remove any left over solvent from the ribbons with a li nt free soft wipe. Allowing ribbons to remain in c ontact with solvents for an extended time could potentially cause damage to the ribbon matrix or fiber coating

6.0 FIBER BUNDLE PREPARATION

The bundled fiber configuration consists of groups of color-coded optical fibers bound together and positively identified by helically applied color-coded binder threads.

All fibers in bundled fiber designs are col or coded to facilitate individual fiber identification. They follow the standard color coding sequenc e defined in TIA/EIA359 standards.

Each optical fiber bun dle contains up to 12 fibers. The binder colors follow the same color coding sequence as the fiber colors. For example, a blue binder binds the first bundle of fibers, and an orange binder binds the second bundle.

Once the fiber bundles have been exposed, select a binder thread from a bundle and carefully unwind it back towards the loose tube. At the loose tub e gentl y tie the threa d off on itself 2 – 3 times. This will prevent loss of bundle integrity during handling.

from around a fiber bundle

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After tying off the first bundle’s binder thread, carefully clip the thread off leaving an approximately ¼” – ½” long tail. Mo ve to the next bundle and un wind, tie and c lip off its thread. Repeat these actions for each bundle within the loose tube.

Proceed to section 7 – Fiber Preparation, for instructions on how to prep each bundle’s exposed fibers.

7.0 FIBER PREPARATION

Optical fibers are coated with an acrylate coating to protect the fiber. Using a fiber coating stripping tool, remove the coating from the fiber. Follo w with a single wipe of an alcohol-dampened cloth to remove any residual debris.

Refer to local splicing and termination guidelines.

(Figure 7.0.a) Strip the primary coating from

the fibers with stripping tool

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Panduit FSWN524 Installation Manual

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