atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums Wiring - Telecom Carriers - Trunks & Services Outside Plant OSP Construction Outside Fiber installed in Winter

Ed---we purchased the 250 ft fiber with a messenger attached. We already have an outside aerial 25pr with messenger pt to pt---we'll just follow it---but we'll be installing all new hardware for the fiber messenger. The fiber (outdoor rated) will be a bit higher than the present 25pr.

That's good to know about the temperature shock. We'll try to do things gradually and nice and easy.

If we can, we'll try to hang it and finish it in the cold. In the spring, we can take another look at everything to see if all is OK---and tweak things if need be.

I'd like to take a look at the microwave antenna mounts to see if they are moving. We didn't install them, so I don't even know how they are attached.

It's great that you have an assembly with the messenger attached, but try not to cut any of the messenger strand away. Figure out a way to save the entire assembly as an intact unit, even if that means coiling unused cable/messenger in an unsightly manner. There's no sense in wasting what you have to fit one job, especially if it's temporary. If I were you, I'd attach the temporary fiber to the 25 pair copper to get it done more quickly.

Again, go back and do the job correctly when you can feel your fingertips again. That would be June in your area, correct? :p

Thanks, Ed. We'll do what we have to do. I see us going back in warmer weather to finish up the details---but our goal is to do as much as we can at this time.

We won't be cutting anything away as far as I know. This is a pre-made custom cable with both ends already on.

Once we get that puppy-dog hung--we plug stuff in--and we should be in business. That's the theory, anyway.........

....or install inner duct to the existing 25 pair duct, install your F 0, then you are in and out quick...or leave it forever.

The strain is on the inner duct not the fiber. Don't have to worry about the tension or temp as you insert the fiber.

Done it, been there, standard install in some areas.

Well, it was a good day---in fact as good a day as we've ever had.

We got our fingers, face and feet a bit cold---but we dressed for it and it really wasn't bad at all. A crystal clear day, bright, sunny and about 10 degrees with a wind chill about minus 2.

We were careful with the fiber cable at all times but encounter no problems. Majority of the time was spent up in the fire truck bucket attaching the dead ends. The outdoor sheathing was pretty hard to cut in the cold.

It took us about 4 hours after we unloaded all of our stuff. Senior tech Dave up in the bucket, Fire fighter Tom up in the bucket, and me down on the ground.

We rented a large Bosch hammer drill, two masonry bits, and 100ft of heavy duty AC extension cords.

After everything was fed into the holes, and dressed --we plugged in the media converters--unplugged the microwave patchcords from the switches and plugged in the media converters. It took about 5 minutes for all the phones to reboot...but they all came up fine.

Computer terminals were rebooted and they came up fine. When the Chief and the receptionist clicked on a main program they said "Holy Sh*t!!!" about 4 times. That's midwest talk for "Hey, it's working a whole lot faster"

All in all a nice satisfying day. This is indeed what separates us from the IT "professionals".