Installation Questions
- Inside or Outside Plant Cables
- Communications Cables: Fiber Optic, Coax, Twisted Pair, Copper, Cat 5, etc.
- Utility Cables: Power, Control, Lighting
A. The recommended maximum fill ratio is 45%. Above that level, testing and experience has shown a marked increase in cable pulling tensions. Remember to check local codes for allowable maximum fill ratio.
A. The distance MaxCell can be pulled is affected by the type of duct structure, the number of horizontal or vertical changes within a run, the presence of incumbent cables or innerduct, and the number of sweeps or bends. The longest pull to date is 6,000 feet on multiple occasions. On difficult installations, MaxCell can have a tendency to enter the conduit. Always affix MaxCell to a permanent object while installing cables or flushing out the conduit. This methodology can be seen in the Installation Training video.
During the installation of cables or while flushing out the conduit structure we recommend affixing MaxCell to a permanent object in the manhole. A metal clasp or pull tape can be used to accomplish this task.
A. We recommend installing cables starting from the bottom cell and working up through the packs.
A. Yes. Unless the proper installation techniques are used, MaxCell can become entangled with the existing cable. The recommended technique is to rod an occupied conduit with a “paddle” attachment which rides on to the existing cable. See our document – Placing MaxCell in Occupied Conduit – for step-by-step instructions.
A. The weight of cables can be a factor in increased pulling tensions, but experience has shown this increase to be minor – less than 50lbs. A more important factor in cable pulling tensions is the condition of the conduit. Pull length, total degree/radius, and number of bends in the outer duct contribute significantly to overall pulling tensions.
A. Yes, MaxCell is designed so cables can be installed, removed, and reinstalled at any time.
A. No. MaxCell is pre-lubricated and additional lubricants are not necessary.
A. Although pre-lubed, we recommend that additional lubricant be applied to the cable during installation. Extensive testing has shown that this step can reduce cable pulling tensions by 15-20%.
A. MaxCell is incrementally marked every 5 feet. The pulling tapes within MaxCell are incrementally marked every foot.
A. Using proper installation equipment and techniques insures MaxCell will not spiral. The key component of this procedure is to use a swivel between the pull rope and the MaxCell pack(s).
A. Either. MaxCell is very easy to install and many customers pull MaxCell through multiple manholes in a single pull to save time.
A. Yes, MaxCell can be incrementally installed. One pack can be installed now and another pack installed later. This is a major benefit of MaxCell. For this reason, we recommend that a spare pull rope be installed along with the MaxCell pack.
A. When space is available, MaxCell can be pulled into almost any conduit structure.
A. In conduits where contaminants may be suspected, we recommend flushing the duct with water prior to placing cables within MaxCell. Similar to rigid innerduct, cable pulling tensions may increase due to the presence of these contaminants.
A. Yes. We have developed a MaxCell splice solution for field repairs. We also recommend placing a handhole to allow easy return access at the repaired location.
A. Standard sealing practices include inflatable bags, termination plugs, and foam applications.
For watertight applications, split termination plugs are recommended.
For non-watertight applications, inflatable bag termination systems are recommended. These bags, when inflated by CO2, compress to the structure of the cable placed. This method offers a silt, water, and chemical resistant solution.