Method for coiling 24-core lc optical cable

Coil 24-core LC optical cables using controlled bend radius, organized fiber trays, and tension management to prevent damage and maintain performance.Key ConsiderationsCable Type: A 24-core LC optical cable typically uses loose tube fibers with aramid yarn strength members and may be single-mode or multi-mode, often with LSZH jackets for outdoor use . Bend Radius: Always maintain the minimum bend radius specified by the manufacturer to avoid microbending or macrobending losses. For most 24-core distribution cables, this is typically 10 times the cable diameter for static coiling and 15–20 times for dynamic handling . Tension Control: When coiling, ensure uniform tension across all fibers. Tension should be moderate—enough to keep fibers in place without stretching. Industrial winding machines can adjust tension from 20 g to 2 kg depending on fiber type .Coiling MethodsMiddle-First Method: Place heat-shrink sleeves or spliced fibers in the center of the splice tray first, then coil fibers outward to both sides. This protects splices and avoids sharp bends .End-to-End Method: Start coiling from one end of the fiber, fix the heat-shrink tube, and then coil the remaining fiber toward the other end. This method is faster and flexible for varying fiber lengths .Individual Fiber Handling: For fibers that are unusually long or short, coil them separately at the tray ends to prevent tangling and maintain organized layout . Tray Layout: Use dedicated grooves or circular trays to separate fibers by branch or core group. This prevents confusion between fibers and simplifies future maintenance . Standards Compliance: Follow IEC 60794-1-133:2025 for multiple coiling and uncoiling performance, ensuring the cable can withstand repeated handling without degradation .Practical TipsAvoid overlapping fibers in the tray to reduce stress points.Label each fiber or core group for easy identification.Ensure fibers are not twisted; maintain natural curvature.For high-density LC cables, consider modular splice trays to accommodate all 24 cores neatly. By following these methods, a 24-core LC optical cable can be coiled safely, maintaining low insertion loss, minimal back reflection, and long-term reliability.