How to wind the fiber optic cable onto the cable reel

Properly winding fiber optic cable onto a reel requires careful handling, even tension, and adherence to minimum bend radius to prevent damage and maintain signal integrity.

Preparation and Inspection

Before winding, inspect the cable reel for any damage, loose bolts, or debris that could harm the cable during spooling. Ensure the reel flanges are secure and the drum rotates smoothly on its stand or jack. Check the cable specification sheet for the minimum bend radius and maximum pulling tension to avoid fiber damage.

Winding Procedure

Mount the Reel: Place the empty reel on a stable cable reel stand or jack that allows it to rotate freely. This prevents twisting and ensures smooth winding. Guide the Cable: Use a passive cable guide or manually guide the cable evenly across the drum.

Avoid piling the cable on one side, which can cause uneven tension and kinks. Maintain Tension: Keep a slight, consistent tension while winding. Too much tension can stretch or damage the fiber, while too little can result in loose loops that tangle during deployment.

Layering: Wind the cable in neat, level layers, ensuring each loop lies flat against the previous one. Avoid crossing loops or sharp bends, which can create micro-cracks or signal loss. Follow the Natural Lay: Pay attention to the cable's natural twist and lay.

Winding against it can introduce torsional stress, leading to kinks or wavy fiber. Use Figure-8 for Long Lengths: If handling long cable lengths before final installation, consider laying the cable in a figure-8 pattern to cancel twists before winding onto the reel.

Safety and Precautions

Do not exceed the maximum pulling force specified by the manufacturer. Avoid crushing or sharp bends; maintain the minimum bend radius at all times. Inspect the reel and cable periodically during winding to ensure no damage occurs.

Store the wound reel properly, keeping it in a dry, temperature-controlled environment to prevent environmental damage. By following these steps, you can ensure that fiber optic cable is wound safely, maintains its integrity, and is ready for deployment without signal degradation or physical damage.