Abstract

Optical fiber cables manufactured for outside plant (OSP) applications typically have designs that include strength members to conform to maximum pull tensile standards such as Telcordia Technologies’ GR-20-CORE tension limit requirements [1]. While there are some specialized cable designs that are capable of up to 1,000 pounds or more tensile, and others with a maximum limit of 300 pounds or less, the majority of OSP cable designs are capable of 600 pounds maximum tensile within a specified minimum bending radius, typically, twenty times the cable diameter. This tensile feature is obviously beneficial when the cable is pulled into a conduit using a conventional capstan or winching method. During the placement process, the pull tension on the cable is normally monitored and/or limited by one of several methods such as:

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