Common faults and solutions for self -supporting heavy -duty optical cables

Self-supporting heavy-duty optical cables (SSHDOCs) are specially designed to be used in outdoor environments where traditional cables may not be suitable. SSHDOCs are used for telecommunications, broadband, and cable TV networks. These cables are used to transmit data over long distances without any interruption. However, like all other cables, SSHDOCs are susceptible to faults, which may occur due to various reasons such as damage, wear and tear, and environmental factors.

This article will discuss the common faults and solutions for self-supporting heavy-duty optical cables.

Common faults and their solutions

Fiber breakage

Fiber breakage is one of the most common faults in SSHDOCs. Fiber breakage can occur due to various reasons such as excessive bending, physical damage, and improper handling during installation or maintenance. Fiber breakage can cause significant interruptions in data transmission and affect the performance of the entire network.

Solution: The solution to fiber breakage is to replace the damaged fiber. However, it is crucial to identify the cause of the breakage to prevent further damage. Excessive bending can be avoided by using proper bending radius during installation. Physical damage can be prevented by using protective sleeves and covers. Proper handling during installation and maintenance can also prevent fiber breakage.

Water penetration

Water penetration is another common fault in SSHDOCs. Water penetration can occur due to various reasons such as cracks, breaks, or improper sealing of cable sheaths. Water penetration can cause damage to the fiber and affect the overall performance of the cable.

Solution: The solution to water penetration is to identify the source of the water and repair the damage. Cracks or breaks in the cable sheath can be repaired by using specialized sealing materials. Proper sealing of the cable sheath can prevent water penetration.

Rodent damage

Rodent damage is another common fault in SSHDOCs. Rodents can chew through the cable sheath and cause damage to the fiber. Rodent damage can cause significant interruptions in data transmission and affect the performance of the entire network.

Solution: The solution to rodent damage is to use rodent-resistant cable sheaths. Rodent-resistant cable sheaths are made of materials that are not easily chewed through by rodents. Proper maintenance and regular inspections can also prevent rodent damage.

UV degradation

UV degradation is another common fault in SSHDOCs. UV degradation can occur due to exposure to sunlight, which can cause damage to the cable sheath and fiber. UV degradation can cause significant interruptions in data transmission and affect the performance of the entire network.

Solution: The solution to UV degradation is to use UV-resistant cable sheaths. UV-resistant cable sheaths are made of materials that are resistant to UV radiation. Proper maintenance and regular inspections can also prevent UV degradation.

Cable crushing

Cable crushing is another common fault in SSHDOCs. Cable crushing can occur due to various reasons such as heavy traffic, construction activities, or accidental damage. Cable crushing can cause damage to the fiber and affect the overall performance of the cable.

Solution: The solution to cable crushing is to identify the cause of the damage and repair or replace the damaged section of the cable. Proper installation and regular inspections can also prevent cable crushing.

Conclusion

Self-supporting heavy-duty optical cables are used to transmit data over long distances without any interruption. However, like all other cables, SSHDOCs are susceptible to faults, which may occur due to various reasons such as damage, wear and tear, and environmental factors. The common faults in SSHDOCs are fiber breakage, water penetration, rodent damage, UV degradation, and cable crushing. The solutions to these faults are to identify the cause of the damage and repair or replace the damaged section of the cable.