Fiber Optic Installation Flashcards

What is the minimum bend radius typically allowed for a standard single-mode fiber optic cable during installation?

Answer: 20 times the cable diameter

The minimum bend radius during installation is typically 20 times the cable diameter to prevent microbending losses and physical damage.

Which tool is specifically used to cleave fiber optic strands before splicing?

Answer: Precision cleaver

A precision cleaver scores and snaps the fiber to create a flat, perpendicular end-face required for low-loss splicing.

When pulling fiber through conduit, what is the maximum pulling tension typically allowed for a standard 6-fiber loose-tube cable?

Answer: 200 lbf

Most standard loose-tube cables have a rated pulling tension of approximately 200 lbf (pounds-force) to avoid stressing the fibers.

What does an OTDR trace's 'dead zone' refer to?

Answer: The area near the launch end where reflections mask real events

The dead zone is the region immediately after the OTDR launch pulse where the receiver is saturated and cannot detect nearby events.

Which fiber optic connector type uses a push-pull latching mechanism and is commonly used in high-density patch panels?

Answer: LC

The LC (Lucent Connector) uses a push-pull latch and has a smaller 1.25 mm ferrule, making it ideal for high-density applications.

What is 'chromatic dispersion' in a fiber optic cable?

Answer: The spreading of a light pulse because different wavelengths travel at different speeds

Chromatic dispersion occurs because different wavelengths of light propagate at slightly different velocities, causing pulse broadening over distance.

When installing fiber optic cable in a plenum space, which cable jacket type is required?

Answer: OFNP (plenum-rated)

OFNP (Optical Fiber Nonconductive Plenum) cable is required in plenum spaces because it produces low smoke and does not spread flames through HVAC airflows.