Method for tying fiber optic cable binding ropes

Use a swivel pulling eye attached to the cable's strength members to safely tie fiber optic cables to a pulling rope, preventing twisting and over-tension.

Step-by-

Step Guide1. Prepare the Cable: Strip back the cable jacket to expose the aramid yarn or other strength members, leaving the optical fibers protected inside. Cut back all fibers to the end of the jacket so only the strength members are used for pulling.

2. Use a Swivel Pulling Eye: A swivel pulling eye prevents twisting forces from transferring to the cable during the pull. Loop the aramid yarn through the eye in opposite directions, then tie knots in each bundle to secure it.

3. Secure the Strength Members: After tying the knots, loop the strength members back along the cable jacket and tape them in place. This ensures the pulling force is applied to the strength members, not the delicate fibers or jacket.

4. Attach the Pulling Rope: Use a polyester or polyaramid rope for hand pulls (8 mm) or a thicker rope (12. 5 mm or more) for winch pulls.

Avoid nylon ropes due to high stretch and never use steel wire, which can damage the cable or ducts. 5. Prevent Twisting During Pull: Roll the cable off the spool instead of spinning it off the end.

Lay the cable in figure-8 loops on the ground to counteract twists. Each loop should be 5–8 ft in diameter, with the figure-8 length around 15 ft. 6.

Monitor Tension and Bend Radius: Do not exceed the cable's maximum pulling tension and always respect the minimum bend radius. Over-tension or tight bends can break fibers or cause long-term attenuation issues. 7.

Support During Pull: Use hand-tightened cable ties or Kellems grips to support the cable along the path. Ties should be snug but not deform the jacket, and excess length should be trimmed. By following these steps, you ensure that the fiber optic cable is pulled safely, minimizing the risk of fiber breakage, twisting, or long-term signal degradation.

Proper planning, monitoring, and use of the correct tools are essential for a successful installation.