Fiber-Optic and Copper Cable Installation Safety

Fiber-Optic and Copper Cable Installation Safety

Introduction

Fiber optic and Copper Cable are the two most essential means of transmission. Copper cables have been used as the prime source of electric wiring since 1980s. Whereas on the other hand, optic fiber are relatively the recent means of transmission. Although, optic fiber have successfully replaced the use of copper in a number of applications. However, it is important to note that the copper cable still have a number of uses and benefits. Besides the various purposes that both the fiber optic and copper cable fulfils, their installation remains the most highlighted concern to date. The fact that these medium are associated with high amount of current and voltages makes them a huge safety theft in not just the installation phase however also in the post-installation phases.

Discussion

The potential safety threats that are associated with the installation procedures of these cables makes inevitable that the company takes all the necessary steps in order to prevent any damage or loss. However, there also exist as number of precautionary and preventive steps that can be taken to ensure safe installation and post installation phases.

The very first step that needs to be taken is to ensure that the optic fiber and copper cables that are about to be installed should comply with all the three requirements that includes the federal regulations, the international standards and the companies requirements. The NEC or the National Electrical Code gives very comprehensive details regarding the safe installations of cables and fiber optics, which is also in full compliance with the International Standards that are followed all over the world (Horace, 2008).

The NEC offers useful information regarding the standard and appropriate diameter of cables, maximum current and voltage ratio they can carry, appropriate current and temperature ratings, use of wires in different circuitry, maximum duration until which they can be used and many other similar details that can contribute chiefly towards reducing the accidents as a result of inappropriate installation.

It is important to note that many of the optic fibers manufacture companies do not always make them in accordance with the international standards. In addition, the standards are also ever changing as a result of the development in the research sector in the field. Therefore, the company cannot rest by deploying only the international or local standards. It is important that a team of experts analyze if the working conditions and the copper cables and fiber optics are in accordance with the pre-defined standards.

The next step is to the deploy measures that ensures the compliance with PPE or Personal Protective Equipment. This term refers to the necessary equipment or goods that will ensure the safety of the individuals installing the wires and the individuals using them later for maintenance and other purposes. This equipment includes helmets, protective clothing, goggles, and other equipment or garment or that is designed for the sake of protecting the workers from injury and other sever or non-severe ...