User's Manual

ECLIPSE INSTALLATION MANUAL
Weatherproofing
Weatherproofing kits are included with the ODU cable and lightning surge arrestors.
Two types of weatherproofing media are supplied. Refer to:
l Mastic Tape on page 69
l Self Amalgamating Tape on page 70
Mastic Tape
The ODU cable ground kits include rolls of vinyl and butyl mastic tape. A two-layer
wrap process is recommended:
l An initial layer of mastic. It is this tape that provides the weatherproofing.
l A top layer or layers of vinyl tape to support good amalgamation and
adhesion of the mastic tape and to provide UV protection.
Where mastic tape is used to weatherproof connector s a
three-layer process is recommended, where a center layer of
vinyl tape is applied before the mastic to facilitate easy strip-
back when connector disconnecti on is required. Special atten-
tion must be given to ensuring the masti c tape seals cleanly
to the primary surfaces, such as the cable jacket.
Wrapping Guidelines, Mastic (Butyl) Tape
To weatherproof connectors start at 1. To weatherproof a cable ground start at 3.
1. Ensure connectors are firmly hand-tightened, dry, and free from all grease and
dirt. If necessary, clean with rag lightly moistened with alcohol-based cleaner.
2. Using vinyl tape, pre-wrap just the center section of the connector barrel - the sec-
tion to which access will be needed if the connector ever needs to be undone. Use a
25% overlay when wrapping. To avoid curl-back do not stretch the tape too tightly at
the end point.
On an ODU connector, leave at least two-thirds of the smooth
length of the barrel clear of pre-wrap vinyl tape, to ensure
the masti c tape has sufficient area of di rect grip.
3. Wrap with mastic tape using a half to 2/3rds width overly, and ensure there is at
least a 25 mm (1”) attachment onto the primary surfaces to either side (cable jacket,
ground wire, connector).
For a cable ground, ensure there is no possibility of water penetrating between the
ODU cable and its ground wire by first applying and forming mastic tape around the
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