When it comes to FTTH deployment, most fiber jumper cables are complicated structures with tight buffered fibers and aramid fiber strength members inside plastic jackets.

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Fiberstore (FS.COM) | What to Look Out for When Installing Buried Microduct?
When it comes to FTTH deployment, most fiber jumper cables are complicated structures with tight
buffered fibers and aramid fiber strength members inside plastic jackets. These cables are adequate
for factory termination into prefabricated assemblies, which are not ideal for field termination or
fast installation. Therefore network installers are turning to install microduct underground as it can
be laid relatively quickly and does not require specialist fiber crews.
Microducts are typically small-diameter (typically 3 to 16 mm), flexible, or semi-flexible ducts
designed to provide clean, continuous, low-friction paths for placing optical cables that have
relatively low pulling tension limits. Unlike the conventional optical cables like SC to LC patch cable,
microduct allows installation in existing underground duct. Up to four individual microducts can be
installed depending on the diameter of the duct and the available space within the duct. Compared
to installing larger sub ducts or direct bury fiber, the cost of installing microduct is lower both in
terms of material and time. Some tips are provided below to make the direct bury microduct for
fiber installation smoother, quicker, and more satisfactory for all involved.
Things You Should Do
 Obtain proper right-of-way permits.
 Identify existing underground utilities, such as buried cables and pipes.
 Investigate the soil condition, in order to determine the installation depth, whether duct should
be used, the type of fiber cable that should be used and plowing equipment needed.
 Keep the trenches as straight as possible.
What to Look Out for
When Installing Buried
Microduct?

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Fiberstore (FS.COM) | What to Look Out for When Installing Buried Microduct?
 Always cut the microduct with a manufacturer-approved tube cutter.
 Before installation, make sure that the sealing plug is in place at the ends of the microduct to
prevent dirt and water entering the duct.
 Allow plenty of excess pull-cord to exit the duct (3ft or more) - this will be needed when it
comes to installing fiber.
 Make sure the draw cord is trapped in place by the sealing plug.
 Do not exceed the maximum pulling force.
 Bury microduct deep enough in the ground to prevent it being damaged by other utilities,
rodents, tree roots and freezing ground water.
 Ensure the bottom of the trench is level so that the microduct lies flat; this makes installing the
fiber in the duct easier.
 Backfill the trench before installing the microduct to prevent damage by stones.
 Fiber cable warning labels should be buried directly above the cable.
 Backfill above and to the side of the microduct, to prevent damage by stones when you
compact the backfill above the microduct.
 When installing an access box, support the microduct to maintain its alignment where it passes
through the access box.
Things You shouldn’t Do
 Install with inexperienced personnel.
 Dig where an area is unmapped or unknown.
 Create sharp bends in the duct.
 Leave stones or rocks in the trench.
 Share the space with leaking, unmapped sewage pipes.
 Leave jagged edges on the microduct.
 Do not exceed the maximum pulling tension rating.
 Do not twist the cable - twisting the cable can stress the fibers.
 Do not exceed fiber optic cable minimum bending radius.
 Do not use heavy tools to position the ducts.
 Do not allow the duct to undulate in the trench - apply tension if necessary to straighten routes.
To sum up, the above texts have listed several points that we should look out for when installing
microduct. Besides that, you are supposed to follow these best practices to achieve optimum
results.

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Fiberstore (FS.COM) | What to Look Out for When Installing Buried Microduct?
Calculate if there is sufficient space in the duct
 Allow an extra length of duct to compensate for the stretching that happens as the microduct is
drawn into the duct
 Allow for expansion of the microduct if air temperatures or storage temperatures are high.
 Allow 24 hours to pass before restraining the microduct to allow it to reach the same
temperature as the duct and jointing chamber
 When using a winch to pull in the microduct, do not exceed the maximum pulling force, by
using a mechanical fuse; a fuse is not required if pulling in the microduct by hand
 Always use a swivel to prevent the microduct twisting as it is pulled into the duct
 Always use a pulling sock to distribute the pulling force over the first part of the microduct
Summary
As noted before, microducts are an important part of many fiber deployment as it does not require
specialist fiber crews and can be buried quickly. However, cable installation is never an easy thing,
adding to time and cost. Thus following the above instructions and using high quality equipment is
critical to ensuring successful deployments. FS.COM is always committed to provide the most
cost-effective solution to help your data transmission initial for future proof. Our fiber optic
products are well-tested with high quality and low price. If you have any requirement, you can send
your request to us.

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Fiberstore (FS.COM) | What to Look Out for When Installing Buried Microduct?
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Notice: This document is for informational purposes only and does not set forth any warranty, expressed or
implied, concerning any equipment, equipment features, or service offered or to be offered by Fiberstore.
Fiberstore reserves the right to make changes to this document at any time, without notice, and assumes no
responsibility for its use. This information document describes features that may not be currently available.
Contact a Fiberstore sales team for information on feature and product availability.
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