How to coil up fiber optic cables

Properly coiling fiber optic cable prevents damage, maintains signal quality, and ensures neat installation.

General Guidelines for Coiling Fiber Optic Cable

1. Avoid sharp bends and excessive tension: Fiber optic cables are fragile and can be damaged if bent too tightly or pulled incorrectly. Always respect the cable's minimum bend radius and pull only by the strength member, not the jacket, unless specifically allowed by the manufacturer .
2. Use figure-eight coiling for long lengths: For cables longer than 100 ft (30 m), avoid coiling in a single direction. Instead, use a figure-eight pattern with loops 5–8 ft (1.5–2.4 m) in diameter. This reduces torsion and stress on the cable .
3. Coiling after splicing: When coiling fibers in a splice tray, first calculate the reserved length and complete splicing. Coil the fiber starting from the middle and then both sides, or from one end depending on tray space. This protects the fiber joints and prevents tangling .
4. Special handling for patch cords: Pull patch cords by the connector, which is crimped to the strength member, to avoid damaging the fiber. Never toss or twist the cable, and always clean connectors before plugging them in .
5. Use guides and supports: When coiling in the field, such as in hand holes or manholes, use traffic cones or other guides to maintain loop shape and relieve pressure at crossover points. Cardboard shims can help prevent stress at the crossover of figure-eight loops .
6. Avoid automated coiling for certain cables: Loose tube or armored cables should not be coiled using automated figure-eight machines, as this can exceed torsion, tension, and bend limits, potentially breaching the jacket or exposing armor .

Practical Tips

• Keep coils neat and organized to simplify future maintenance.
• Always handle fibers gently and avoid kinking.
• For spliced fibers, coil each fiber individually if lengths vary or if special devices are present .
• Ensure the coiled fiber is secured in trays or hand holes to prevent movement and accidental damage . By following these methods, fiber optic cables can be coiled safely, maintaining performance and longevity while facilitating easier installation and maintenance.