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How to Install Fiber Optic Cable Per Linear Foot

Placing a fiber optic cable per linear foot involves trenching or plowing the cable in the ground using a trencher or plow. With this process, the cost of cable placement is governed by how many linear feet the fiber cable is trenched or plowed in the ground. This cost can be $1.50 per linear foot or higher, depending on the contractor and the equipment used. Installing the fiber cable goes quickly as long as there are no obstructions.

Things You'll Need

Tractor with a cable plow
One reel of fiber cable

Instructions

- 1
  Drive the proposed route before beginning to install the fiber. This will give you an idea of the obstacles that you will encounter. Position the tractor or cable installation machine at the proposed starting point in the route.
- 2
  Load the reel onto the reel holder and secure the reel so that it will not slide off. Feed the end of the fiber cable down into the cable plow. Pull about 10 to 20 feet of fiber through the plow and out the back of the plow. This can be used for splicing.
- 3
  Start the tractor and lower the plow. Start moving forward and the plow will cut through the dirt, and deposit the cable in the trench it makes as the tractor moves forward. This process is good for areas that have a limited number of obstacles. At the end of the route, stop and raise the plow, and have someone pull a little extra cable off of the reel for splicing or other operation. Cut the cable to move to another area to start placing cable.

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