Temperature-measuring optical cables should be carefully laid along the monitored cable or structure, fixed securely, and protected from mechanical and environmental damage to ensure accurate and reliable temperature readings.

Key Steps for Laying Optical Cables

1. Preparation and Inspection
   • Select the appropriate fiber optic model and specifications based on system requirements and verify technical indicators on the certificate of conformity .
   • Store optical fibers upright in trays to prevent damage and ensure smooth handling .
2. Cable Routing and Fixing
   • Lay the optical cable along the surface of the cable or structure to be monitored, maintaining close contact for accurate temperature sensing .
   • Fix the cable using nylon ties, flame-retardant ties, or clamps at intervals of 1–2 meters. For zigzag layouts, use additional fixtures to maintain tight contact .
   • Leave sections of cable allowance every 500 meters, at environmental changes, or when transitioning between cable sections to prevent tension and fiber damage .
3. Bending and Handling Considerations
   • Maintain a minimum bending radius of 30–50 mm for the fiber to avoid signal loss or breakage .
   • Avoid twisting, stretching, or impacting the fiber during installation .
   • When passing through walls or conduits, ensure the fiber is not damaged and multiple fibers can pass simultaneously if needed .
4. Protective Measures
   • Use protective binding or thin steel wire ropes for fragile sensor sections, especially in industrial environments like coal yards or high-voltage switchgear .
   • In humid or harsh environments, install insulation climbers or moisture-proof measures to prevent condensation and maintain measurement accuracy .
5. Testing and Commissioning
   • Reserve testing sections (e.g., 20 meters) for system debugging and verification .
   • Ensure connectors are clean and properly installed after laying the fiber .
   • Verify that the optical cable does not compromise insulation safety in high-voltage applications .

Installation Techniques

• S-shaped or zigzag wiring can maximize coverage for multiple cables while saving fiber material .
• Relay laying every 100 meters ensures continuity and reduces stress on the fiber .
• Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors can be used for high-accuracy, real-time temperature monitoring, with multiple gratings per channel for distributed sensing .

Summary

Proper laying of temperature-measuring optical cables involves careful preparation, routing, fixing, bending control, protection, and testing. Following these practices ensures accurate temperature monitoring, long-term reliability, and minimal maintenance, particularly in high-voltage or industrial environments .