How to fix the optical cable and steel wire in the terminal box

Secure the optical cable by fixing the steel wire to the designated column, use cable glands for stabilization, and properly coil and splice the fibers inside the terminal box to ensure long-term reliability.

Step 1: Prepare the Terminal Box and Cable

Place the terminal box at its installation location and measure the required cable length. Ensure you have all necessary tools, including a fiber stripper, cleaver, splicing tray, and cable glands . Strip the outer jacket of the optical cable to expose at least 1 meter of fiber for easy handling and coiling .

Step 2: Fix the Steel Wire (Strength Member)

The steel wire or strength member provides mechanical support. Attach it to the designated column or fixing point inside the terminal box using the cable fixing part. Use a cable gland to stabilize the cable and prevent movement, which reduces strain on the fibers and prevents micro-bending . Ensure the steel wire is securely clamped without crushing the optical fibers.

Step 3: Coil the Optical Fiber

Carefully coil the optical fiber inside the bottom of the terminal box, maintaining the minimum bend radius to avoid micro-bending and signal loss . Excess fiber from the line side or pigtails should be stored neatly in the splice tray or puffers to prevent congestion and accidental damage .

Step 4: Splice the Fibers

Insert the stripped fiber ends into the splicing tray and perform fusion splicing with the pigtails. After splicing, place protective sleeves over the fusion points and secure them in the tray . This ensures the fibers are protected from mechanical stress and environmental factors.

Step 5: Connect and Test

Route the spliced pigtails to the adapter panel and connect them to the drop cable connectors. Perform a basic light test or measure all fibers to verify signal integrity before closing the box . Proper testing ensures that no micro-bends or misalignments occurred during installation.

Step 6: Close and Secure the Box

Once all fibers are spliced, coiled, and tested, close the terminal box and secure it in its designated location. Ensure the enclosure is properly sealed to maintain environmental protection and prevent moisture ingress . Check that the cable glands and strain reliefs are tight but not over-torqued.

Key Tips

• Always maintain the minimum bend radius for fibers to prevent attenuation.
• Avoid overcrowding the splice tray to reduce tension stacking and accidental fiber damage .
• Ensure the steel wire is firmly fixed to transfer mechanical load away from the fibers.
• Use proper cable glands and strain reliefs to maintain long-term stability, especially in outdoor or aerial installations . Following these steps ensures that both the optical cable and steel wire are securely fixed, fibers are protected, and the terminal box maintains reliable performance over time.