Fiber Optic Cables

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FaradayFF

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California
Hi Guys,

When running fiber optics cables in conduits, do you typically use innerduct to provide additional mechanical protection? I'm having a hard time picturing how the FO cables would be pulled together with copper cables in the same bundle, unless the innerduct is not used. Any shared insight would be appreciated.

Regards,
FaradayFF
 
The work at LaGuardia involves a ton of fiber optic, line and low voltage cabling. None of the FO is getting run with the low or line voltage conductors. There are 4" PVC duct banks with 3-4 1" innerduct going from place to place for the FO.
 
As long as the fiber cable does not have any metallic components, there is no reason not to run it in a common conduit with power. 770.110(B)(2)
 
Not code required, but if you are using innerduct, wouldn't you put the fiber in one duct, and the copper in another??
 
As long as the fiber is jacketed fiber and there is not a huge difference between the ODs of the fiber cable and the other conductors, I see no reason not to just pull it in, like any other conductor or cable.
 
One issue to consider and why innerduct is used, fiber can be damaged by the weight of copper cables laying on it. The NECA NEIS fiber optic recommended practice does not discuss this, but it mentions not to install fiber in the same cable tray, and to use a fiber duct (smurf tube).
And yes fiber can be pulled into any raceway as long it is non metallic. Fiber is pretty tough, my experience is to keep that minimum bend radius, otherwise there are high losses.
 
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