{"id":4912,"date":"2020-12-26T17:48:51","date_gmt":"2020-12-26T23:48:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/polywaterv2.wpengine.com\/?p=4912"},"modified":"2025-05-16T12:16:09","modified_gmt":"2025-05-16T17:16:09","slug":"planning-cabling-projects-improves-success-and-safety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.polywater.com\/en\/knowledge-hub\/planning-cabling-projects-improves-success-and-safety\/","title":{"rendered":"Planning Cabling Projects Improves Success and Safety"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Originally published by Sheri Dahlke in “Cabling Installation and Maintenance Magazine,” Oct 30, 2020 Issue. Reproduced with permission.<\/em><\/p>\n

Best-practice measures help ensure your cable pull is as smooth and successful as possible.<\/h2>\n

\"\"Just one year ago, few of us would have guessed that our business practices would radically change to enable us to manage during a pandemic. While health professionals, epidemiologists, and perhaps movie directors may have envisioned the chaos of a highly infectious, deadly disease, our business plans were not developed based on this unforeseen event.<\/p>\n

Although some of our plans have been upended, the planning process continues to help us navigate this \u201cnew reality.\u201d Winston Churchill said, \u201cPlans are of little importance, but planning is essential.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both history and experiences taught us that business planning improves our odds of success and reduces our chances of failure. Planning includes assessing the current state and preparing for future outcomes. This preparedness allows a faster response if things do not go as planned.<\/p>\n

We do not plan to trip and fall while hiking. However, our packed first aid kit will help us return home safely. Planning allows us to protect our assets and to grow our retirement savings and investments.<\/p>\n

In addition, planning can open the door to other opportunities, including cost savings. Consider when mapping a road trip that by researching multiple routes, we may discover the most efficient, safest, and most successful route, including a new stopping spot along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Content: <\/strong>FAQ \u2013 Cable Pulling, Lubrication, and Tension<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Why do we skip planning? It takes time. Planning time is not lost time. Though it can be challenging, it is always worth the effort, because it gives us a sense of what is ahead, including obstacles and opportunities. A well-researched and considered plan can prevent chaos, squandered resources, and loss of money, particularly in projects where there is a major outlay of financial resources and materials.<\/p>\n

Adjusting and adapting<\/h2>\n

In the event a situation changes, our plans need to change. If our tactics are outlined in the strategy, we can then implement them and adapt as conditions evolve.<\/p>\n

Consider the example of fiber-optic cable projects. While fiber-optic cable is relatively robust, it can still be damaged. This damage may not be apparent until testing is done after the cable is installed. Fiber-optic cable is expensive, especially when adding labor costs. This is an instance where planning before the work is started prevents a \u201credo\u201d and saves in replacement costs.<\/p>\n

Following is a suggested beginning-to-end process from planning to cable installation.<\/p>\n

Route survey and cabling plan<\/h2>\n

Create a detailed plan with pulling, intermediate assist points, and cable feed locations. A careful route survey is one of the first elements to complete. Consider elevation and offsets and determine optimum splice points.<\/p>\n

Indoor installation:<\/strong> You will need to determine the type of building structure or environment and specific locations of running cable, such as under floors, in the ceiling or through conduit. In addition, determine the accessibility of the raceway.<\/p>\n

External environments:<\/strong> Develop and review a comprehensive safety and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulatory checklist to ensure that no components are omitted, from protections to traffic to maintenance hold ventilation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Content: <\/strong>Coefficient of Friction in Cable Pulling \u2014 Part 1<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Cable design and handling<\/h2>\n

Review cable specifications, as all fiber-optic cables have a maximum load or pull tension, which subjects them to being easily damaged by excessive pull, bend or crush. Ways to avoid the aforementioned damage are outlined in the steps that follow. Staying below this limit will avoid hidden damage that may surface only after the installation is complete.<\/p>\n

Pull tension<\/h2>\n

Based on the maximum cable load, use a breakaway swivel, tension-limiting capstan, or other tension-monitoring equipment.
\nAttach pulling grips to the jacket, aramid fiber, and strength member to distribute the force. A swivel is a key piece of equipment. Use of a swivel between the pull line and grip keeps the cable from twisting.
\nReview the swivel breakaway load so that the cable tension limit is not exceeded. Even for hand-pulled cable, care must be taken so that pull tension limits are not exceeded.<\/p>\n

Crush<\/h2>\n