Electical Contractor

These two topics—training and safety—are appropriate to cover together; properly trained installers will be safe workers, and safe workers are more likely to do careful, good work.

Last month, I discussed equipping installers with the tools needed for installations. Installers also need test equipment. There are many options in the sophistication and cost of fiber optic test equipment. Proper selection can reduce both equipment costs and testing labor costs.

As you near the actual installation, it’s time to determine how to outfit the crews who will do the work. Choosing the proper installation and test equipment is important, as it will affect the installation time and quality and may even deter-mine the job’s profitability.

Outside plant installation (OSP) of fiber optic cables can be a more diverse process than premises installations. OSP installs may include placing aerial or underwater cable, direct-buried cable, cable in conduit or installing conduit or innerduct and then pulling cable.

Before beginning installation of fiber optic cables and hardware in a premises installation, the site must be properly prepared for the installation of fiber optic cables, hardware and transmission equipment.

I’ve been creating these quizzes for almost 10 years now, but in reviewing my list of past topics, I realized I have never done one on the basics of fiber optics.

When I was in college many years ago, my psychology professor said, “Every year, we give the same tests, but each year, the correct answers change.” We never knew if he was joking or if research really was providing new answers. But when it comes to networking options, the same phrase applies.

Higher speed fiber optic networks demand lower losses in fiber optic cabling. Since the biggest source of loss is terminations, installers are reconsidering adhesive/polish terminations because they have lower losses. How well do you understand today’s adhesive/polish terminations?

Most of the attention to fiber optic cable specifications is focused on the cable itself, not the fibers in it. But there are more choices today in fibers that require careful consideration. How well do you understand all the possible choices? Answers are on page 126.