Successful fiber installations require technicians who possess the following skills.
As fiber optic networks are increasingly becoming the norm, finding fiber technicians with the crucial skills needed to install these networks is key. While the installation of fiber cables and copper cables can have similarities, there are some significant differences technicians need to be aware of. Before FiberPlus undertakes a fiber installation project, we ensure that our crew members have at least the following five crucial skills for successful fiber installations.
Fiber Handling
Fiber cables are much more fragile than copper cables, so technicians must understand these physical differences to ensure safe handling of the wires. Maintaining the cleanliness of fiber cables and avoiding breakage during installation is essential for limiting losses on the cable and keeping the cables sealed from the elements. Technicians must also avoid sharp bend radiuses which, although they may not break the fiber, can cause a lot of signal loss.
Health and Safety Practices
Successful fiber installations are also safe installations. A safe installation means that all installers have been trained on health and safety codes that ensure that no damage is caused to people or equipment involved. A team should be trained on the following safety practices relevant to the following conditions:
- Working at height in any job that requires ladders or accessing rooftops
- Working in confined spaces and around gas, water, and other live utility pipes.
- Electrical safety
- Understanding safe weather conditions to install in
- Optical power hazards
- Chemical hazards
- Physical hazards
Equipment Knowledge
Many successful fiber installations can now be completed with a minimum of equipment, which cuts down on training requirements. For instance, pushable fiber can be deployed without the need for expensive blowing machines, and pre-connectorization can help teams avoid fiber splicing. However, the entire installation crew must be familiar with the equipment they will be using. This is necessary for a successful deployment, as failure to operate machinery correctly could result in severe damages.
Customer Service
For many homeowners installing fiber, the installation crew is the face of the company, and their attitude, behavior, and knowledge reflect on the entire business with which they are associated. Because of this, it is important to FiberPlus that our technicians represent our company and the fiber optic industry well when interacting with any customers.
Familiarity with Installation Methods
While an installation method is often determined ahead of time, unforeseen obstacles may materialize once the deployment begins. Because of this possibility, teams must be trained and experienced enough in fiber optic installation methods so that they can re-route an installation with minimum disruption to the customer.
By gathering a team of skilled works, you can ensure successful fiber installations.
Get in Touch with FiberPlus
FiberPlus has been providing data communication solutions for 28 years in the Mid Atlantic Region for a number of different markets. What began as a cable installation company for Local Area Networks has grown into a leading provider of innovative technology solutions improving the way our customers communicate and keeping them secure. Our solutions now include:
- Structured Cabling (Fiber Optic, Copper and Coax for inside and outside plant networks)
- Electronic Security Systems (Access Control & CCTV Solutions)
- Wireless Access Point installations
- Public Safety DAS – Emergency Call Stations
- Audio/Video Services (Intercoms and Display Monitors)
- Support Services
- Specialty Systems
- Design/Build Services
FiberPlus promises the communities in which we serve that we will continue to expand and evolve as new technology is introduced within the telecommunications industry.
Have any questions? Interested in one of our services? Call FiberPlus today 800-394-3301, email us at info@fiberplusinc.com, or visit our contact page. Our offices are located in the Washington, DC metro area and Richmond, VA. In Pennsylvania, please call Pennsylvania Networks, Inc. at 814-259-3999.