Cut Sheet

© Panduit Corp. 2014
BEST PRACTICES
FS083
For Technical Support: www.panduit.com/resources/install_maintain.asp
Page 8 of 14
4.0 MID-SPAN ACCESS CABLE
SHEATH REMOVAL
PROCEDURES
This procedure is intended for cable mid-
span access of optical cable with loose
tube dry core construction. This design
utilizes a single polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
sheath applied directly over the cable core.
4.1 Location of Midspan at Buffer Tube
Reversal Point
A buffer tube reversal point is the location
at which the helical twist of the buffer tubes
change direction. Centering the mid-span
at this point allows the buffer tubes to be
easily and safely unwound.
By accessing a 40-inch (100 cm) section of
the cable core, a reversal point can be
found on nearly all loose tube cable
products. Once this reversal point is found,
the cable can be measured and marked
from this point for the proper amount of
cable core to be accessed.
High fiber count cables (greater than 144
fibers) may be constructed with two layers
of buffer tubes. Removal of the outer layer
of tubes will expose the inner layer.
Prepare and handle the inner layer in the
same manner as the outer. Additional
lengths of sheath may need to be removed
to center a reversal point for the inner layer
of buffer tubes.
Where mid-span access points are known
before cable installation, slack loops may
be left to facilitate cable entry. Slack loop
lengths of 96 inches (244 cm) should be
sufficient in most cases for proper routing
and storage of the buffer tubes within the
closure.
Buffer tube reversal point