1. Avoid bending beyond the minimum bend radius: Fiber optic cables are fragile and should not be bent beyond their minimum bend radius, which is usually specified by the cable manufacturer. Bending beyond this radius may result in fiber breakage or damage, which can lead to signal degradation or failure.
2. Protect fiber optic cables from physical damage: such as crushing, cutting or abrasion. This can be accomplished through the use of cable trays, conduits, or protective sleeves.
3. Storage environment: They should be stored in a clean, dry environment to prevent contamination and damage. Avoid storing them in damp or dusty places as this will affect their performance.
4. Use of appropriate handling techniques: It is very important to use appropriate techniques to avoid damaging the fiber when handling it for use. This includes the use of cable clamps or pulling eyes to avoid pulling directly on the fiber and to avoid twisting or kinking the cable.
5. Marking and organizing cables: To avoid confusion and ensure easy identification, it is important to mark and organize fiber optic cables. This can be done by using color-coded cables, marking them with unique identifiers, or using a cable management system.
6. Test cables before installation: It is important to test them before installation to ensure that they are working correctly and are not defective or damaged. This can be done by using specialized test equipment, such as an Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR), to measure the optical properties of the cable.
By following these best practices, you can help ensure that fiber optic cables are stored and handled correctly, which can help prevent damage and ensure optimal performance.
