Installation and Access of a Novel Stranded Loose Tube Optical Fiber Outside Plant Micro Cable Design

Abstract:
Efficient installation and easy preparation for optical fiber splicing are valuable cable performance properties. Micro cables are a family of cable designs intended primarily for installation in micro ducts, typically by blowing. A novel stranded loose tube micro cable design has been introduced that has demonstrated excellent blowing performance and has substantially improved accessibility to buffer tubes over conventional micro cable designs. Additionally, optical fibers in buffer tubes expressed from the cable sheath and strength member and then coiled mid-span demonstrate excellent thermal stability. This paper details the methods and results of installation trials and comparison of the results to the predictions of a Corning Optical Communications blowing model. Cable handling studies and tube accessibility are discussed along with expressed tube thermal testing of this new cable.