scope:

This technical report gives recommendations for handling and installation of optical fibre cables on metropolitan communication networks. Installation methods covered by this document include underground ducts, trenchless technique, blowing in microducts, aerial installation on poles, lashed aerial in metropolitan networks, direct buried and use of trenches. Special installation situations such as tunnelling and lead-in installations, on-bridges, underwater, use of sanitary sewers, high pressure gas pipes and drinking water pipes are commented and detailed. Installation and maintenance of optical fibre cables on overhead power lines including: - optical ground wire (OPGW) fibre cable; - optical phase conductor (OPPC) fibre cable; - optical attached fibre cable (OPAC); - all dielectric self-supporting (ADSS) optical fibre cable. are not covered by this document and are referred to in IEC TR 62263 which includes an extensive coverage on recommendations to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment when installing or maintaining these types of optical fibre cables on overhead power lines.