Part 1 — General
1.1 Section Includes
A.Installation and testing of fiber optic communication systems.
1.2 Related Sections
A.Section 13553: ITS Conduit
B.Section 13595: ITS Integration, Inspection, Testing, and Acceptance
1.3 References
A.National Electrical Code (NEC)
B.Telcordia Guidance
C.Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) and Electronic Industries Association (EIA) Specifications
D.Underwriters Laboratory (UL)
E.USDA Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Specifications
1.4 Definitions
A.Backbone Fiber Optic Strands - Fiber optic strands in the fiber optic cable that are the main data trunk line. They carry aggregated data between fiber hub buildings and the TOC .
B.Distribution Fiber Optic Strands - Fiber optic strands in the fiber optic cable that carry data to and from pre- terminated drop cables and the nearest fiber hub building.
C.Fiber Distribution Unit (FDU) – A storage and management box for use in cabinets and fiber hub buildings for the terminated ends and splice points of the fiber optic cable.
D.Fiber Hub Building – A small building or an area located within a government building that aggregates the data from individual devices onto fiber optic strands for transport to the TOC.
E.Fiber Optic Light Meter Test Form – Document that identifies the fiber optic strands that are impacted by the construction activities and that need to be tested.
F.Splice – The physical connection of fiber optic strands between two fiber optic cables .
G.Launch Cable – A cable designed to be used in conjunction with an Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) to measure light loss along the length of a fiber optic strand.
H.Microduct s – Small conduits that are either bundled with an oversheath or individual conduits within a larger conduit which provide more physical paths for fiber optic cables.
I.Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) – An instrument that assesses the health of fiber optic cables.
J.Trace – A visual representation of the light transmitted through fiber optic strands as produced by the OTDR test.
1.5 Submittals
A.Fiber Optic Technician Resume and Fiber Optic Training Certificate for review for fiber optic staff including installation, splice, and test technicians. Refer to this Section, Article 1.7.
1.Resume showing a t least 2 years of fiber optic work experience.
2.Fiber Optic Training Certificate of Completion from nationally recognized fiber optic training course.
3.Fiber Optic Training Certificate of Completion from Utah Learning Portal.
B.Fiber Optic Cable
1.Factory test results showing the attenuation of each fiber optic strand in dB/km measured at 1310 nm and 1550 nm for review.
2.Fiber Optic Cable Pre- Installation Test for review . Refer to this Section, Article 3.1.
C.Pre-terminated Drop Cable
1.Submit pre-terminated drop cable product sheets to Engineer for approval.
D.OTDR calibration certificate dated within 12 months of beginning of anticipated splicing for information.
E.Test Results – For Information
1.OTDR Test Results . Refer to this Section, Articles 1.8 and 3.7.
a.Include a cover sheet for each electronic PDF fiber optic testing report indicating the following: 1) Test Date 2) Test Type 3) Cables Tested 4) Statement that the installation complies with the requirements of this Section 5) OTDR User’s Name and Signature 6) OTDR Reviewer’s Name and Signature
b.Include both electronic PDF and OTDR generated versions of each test result.
c.Provide t race graphs that include the following: 1) Horizontal Axis – Distance in feet 2) Vertical Axis – Attenuation in dB 3) Identify fiber optic strands by strand number 4) Mark cable beginning and end
d.Sign or initial traces by the reviewer.
e.Provide an event table showing events with more than 0.05 dB loss containing the following: 1) Event type such as a splice or a mechanical connection 2) Distance from OTDR end 3) Light Loss (dB) 4) Reflectance 5) Identify fiber optic strands by strand number
2.Fiber Optic Light Meter Test Results . Refer to this Section, Article 3.7.
a.Include electronic PDF version of completed test form .
1.6 Splice Plans
A.Project Splice Plans
1.Request splice plans, testing forms, and device assignments to fiber optic channels at least 30 calendar days before the desired start date of splicing, and after junction boxes have been placed.
B.Field Mapping
1.The Department will complete a field mapping review to initiate development of the splice plans .
2.Provide onsite coordination during the field mapping review .
1.7 Installer Qualifications
A.Complete a three- day course on fiber optic cable installation, splicing, and testing conducted by a fiber optic supplier or established education provider.
B.Two years total and one year continuous work experience with fiber optic cable splicing, termination, and testing.
C.Complete Fiber Optic Training through Utah Learning Portal. Refer to : http://www.udot.utah.gov/go/standardsreferences
1.8 Otdr Acceptance Criteria
A.Maximum Insertion Loss – 1 dB
B.Maximum a ttenuation for fiber optic cables less than 3,300 ft (1 km) – 1 dB
C.Maximum a ttenuation at 1310 nm excluding splices as shown - 0.4 dB/3,300 ft (1 km)
D.Maximum a ttenuation at 1 550 nm excluding splices as shown - 0.3 dB/3,300 ft (1 km)
E.Maximum E vent Loss - 0.3 dB
F.Fiber optic strand trace lengths from the same fiber optic cable are within 50 ft
Part 2 — Products
2.1 General
A.Provide materials that are UL listed.
B.Provide all incidental materials including labels, hook and loop wraps, and consumables .
C.Outside plant materials meet Fluid Penetration Test standards (TIA/EIA - 455-82B).
2.2 Fiber Optic Cable
A.Meets the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) requirements .
B.Outside Plant (OSP) type, loose tube, single- mode fiber optic cable.
1.All-dielectric cable
2.Meet requirements of Table 1. Table 1 Fiber Optic Cable Specifications PARAMETERS SINGLE MODE Type Step Index Core Diameter 8.2 µm (Nominal) Cladding Diameter 125µm ± .7 µm Core to Cladding Offset ≤ 0.8 µm Coating Diameter (OSP) 245 µm ± 5 µm Coating Diameter (IP) 900 µm ± 15 µm Cladding Non -circularity ≤ .7% Proof Tensile Test 100 kpsi (0.7 GN/m²) Attenuation (Maximum Allowed) @ 850nm(MM) N/A @ 1300nm(MM) N/A @ 1310nm(SM) 0.40 dB/km @ 1550nm(SM) 0.30 dB/km Bandwidth @ 850nm(MM) N/A @ 1300nm(MM) N/A Chromatic Dispersion Zero Dispersion 1301.5/1321.5 nm Wavelength Zero Dispersion Slope ≤ 0.092 ps/(nm²·km) Maximum Dispersion 3.3 ps/(nm·km) for 1285 -1330nm < 18 ps/(nm·km) for 1550nm Cut-Off Wavelength 1260 nm Numerical Aperture (EIA-455-47) N/A
C.Use gel free f iber optic cable compl ying with Telcordia GR20 -CORE and TIA/EIA -4720000- A.
1.Use gel filled microfiber optic cables.
D.Use cable with individual buffer tubes and individual fiber optic strands color coded in compliance with EIA/TIA -598 Color Coding of Fiber Optic Cables.
1.Individual buffer tubes may contain 6 or 12 fiber optic strands only.
E.Outer Jacket Labeling
1.Date of manufacture and the manufacturer’s name.
2.A numerical sequence at intervals no greater than 10 ft .
3.“Utah Department of Transportation” or “UDOT” or “DOT” at an interval of no greater than 10 ft.
4.Marking height ⅛ inch nominal.
F.Solvent requirements
1.Must not remove any color from individual fiber optic strands . Refer to TIA/EIA -598-A or buffer tubes.
2.Not harmful to the polyethylene cable jacket.
G.Provide reels of fiber optic cable from the same manufacturer .
2.3 Connector Types
A.Standard Connectors - SC-APC. Refer to TIA/EIA 568B.
1.Used on FDU in cabinets or fiber hub buildings
2.Factory or field installed single- mode SC -APC or compatible connectors
3.Ceramic ferrules
4.Maximum insertion loss 0.30 dB
5.Connector back reflection greater than 40 dB
B.Ethernet Switch Connector – LC-UPC. Refer to TIA/EIA 568B.
2.4 Pre-Terminated Drop Cable
A.Cable
1.Six single mode fiber optic strand s
2.All dielectric, non -armored cable
3.Single buffer tube
4.Gel f ree or gel filled
5.Central core construction
6.Rated at least 400 lb pulling tension
7.Meets RUS requirements
B.Pre-Terminated Unit
1.Factory assembled.
2.Pre-terminated with a 6- strand port molded patch panel unit that acts as a cabinet FDU .
3.SC-APC connectors
C.Stranded, green jacketed No. 14 AWG locate wire with each drop cable
2.5 Fiber Optic Jumper/Patch Cords
A.Factory made
B.Buffered
C.Strengthened with aramid yarn
D.SC-APC to LC -UPC connectors
E.No more than 1 m ( 3 ft) long in field cabinets and no more than 3 m (10 ft) long in fiber hub buildings
F.Contain no splices or mid- length couplers
G.Inside plant (IP) Jumpers
1.Meet NEC jacketing requirements
2.Outer jacket color
a.Orange for multimode jumpers
b.Yellow for single mode jumpers
2.6 Hub Fiber Distribution Unit (Fdu)
A.Splice storage area with splice trays
B.One buffer tube per splice tray
C.Patch panel up to 144 terminations as shown.
D.Fiber optic SC-APC couplers installed within the patch panel
E.Cassette with 12 Single Mode Fiber (SMF) ports with pre- terminated pigtails
F.Cover to protect the terminations and splices stored within the FDU
2.7 Fiber Optic Cable Splice Enclosure
A.Complies with Telcordia GR -771
B.Corrosion resistant shell
C.Allows re-entry without replacing the cable seals
D.Strength member tie- off
E.External ground lug
F.Enclosure must be bonded inside and outside
G.Mechanism to resist cable pull -out
H.All required accessories to complete the splice
I.Six cable ports and applicable hardware
J.Dome style enclosure
K.Accommodates up to 288 splices
L.Contains two or more 36- count splice trays
Part 3 — Execution
3.1 Fiber Optic Cable Pre -Installation Test Ing
A.Test the fiber optic cable at the site storage area before installation .
B.Test two fiber optic strands from each buffer tube from one end with an OTDR, compatible with 1310 nm and 1550 nm wavelengths and single mode fiber type.
C.Test for continuity, length, anomalies, and approximate attenuation.
D.Record e ach measurement with color, location, and type of fiber measured.
E.Use at least 1,000 ft of launch cable.
3.2 Fiber Optic Cable Installation Requirements
A.Do not cut fiber optic cable or perform fiber optic splices in locations that are not shown in Department furnished Splice Plans.
B.Restore contractor -caused damage to active fiber optic cable and conduit within 24 hours of damage.
C.Lubricate cable with a manufacturer approved lubricant designed for fiber optic cable installation.
D.Use shear pins or other failsafe means to prevent exceeding the maximum cable pulling tension as rated by the cable manufacturer.
E.Maintain the following minimum bend radii:
1.Twenty times cable diameter during installation.
2.Ten times cable diameter installed.
F.Cable Slack Requirements
1.Pull and store cable slack at designated intervals , including at each junction box, fiber hub building , and other building the fiber optic cable enters according to Table 2 .
2.Slack at locations with splice enclosures is measured from enclosure end plate to conduit.
3.Provide proper storage of cable slack, both long term and short term.
a.Do not leave cable slack lying free on the ground or floor of a Cabinet , Hub, or Building except during the pulling process.
b.Neatly bind cables to be spliced together from conduit to splice enclosure with tape. Table 2 Minimum Fiber Optic Cable Slack Requirements Location Slack Length (ft) Type II and III Junction Box (No Splice Enclosure) 100 Fiber Splice Junction Box or Vault 50 (each side of enclosure – 100 ft total) Vault Outside of Fiber Hub Building 75 Building Entrance 50 (max) Building Patch Panel 50 (max) Drop Cable at Cabinet Junction Box 65
G.Damage to the fiber optic cable, defect ive cable , or nonconformance of this Section must be resolved by remov ing and replac ing entire segment s of fiber optic cable between full splice points .
H.Install fiber optic cable into standard conduit sizes by jetting or blowing method or by pulling method while adhering to the maximum cable pulling tension as rated by the cable manufacturer .
1.Install microfiber optic cable into standard- sized conduit or microduct by jetting or blowing method as rated by the cable manufacturer.
I.Install fiber optic cables into conduits or microducts:
1.Install Department -owned cables according to the color -code order in Section 13553.
2.Install third -party telecommunication entity -owned cables beginning with the last available conduit color and proceeding in the opposite order as presented in Section 13553.
J.Install fiber optic cables continuously within one conduit or microduct color throughout the entire cable run.
K.Terminate fiber optic strands as described in the Department -provided splice plans.
L.Label and tag all fiber optic cables 6 inch from each splice enclosure end plate and on the slack loop using Electromark, ACP International or Panduit PST-FO (2 inch x 3.5 inch) with the following information:
1.Strand count
2.Location of cable termination (cabinet or hub location)
3.Type of circuit such as drop cable or distribution,
4.Direction of Fiber (North, South, East, or West)
5.Example: 48 ct SMFO Hub 2- 10 3500 S Distribution East
3.3 Entry and Reentry of Fiber Optic Splice Enclosures
A.Perform all work in an environmentally controlled atmosphere .
1.Acceptable environments include office type environments in buildings, splice trailers, and splicing tents with floors.
2.Do not splic e, test, connect, or open fiber optic strand ends in locations with freezing temperatures, rain, snow, or wind- blown dust.
3.Verify connectivity and test according to this Section before closing the splice enclosure.
3.4 Fusion Splicing
A.Use fusion splice method for fiber optic strand splicing .
B.Perform fusion splices as follows:
1.Use equipment with automatic fiber optic strand alignment and automatic light injection with detection devices or profile alignment algorithms to estimate splice losses.
2.Provide splice enclosure as a protection for splices and stripped cable.
3.House splices in splice trays.
4.Use heat shrink tubing containing internal strength member to provide additional protection and strain relief for each fusion splice inside of the splice tray.
5.Comply with maximum splice loss allowance of 0.05 dB as measured with a fusion machine.
3.5 Splice Enclosure and Tray Labeling Requirements
A.Provide a minimum of 3 ft of buffer tube slack from end plate.
B.Provide label for each buffer tube located 1 inch from the splice tray. 1. Identify which fiber optic cable and direction cable is coming from on label .
2.Include device type such as CCTV, VMS, or TMS.
3.Label distribution buffer tubes with tags marked “Distribution” and include direction of path such as westbound or eastbound.
C.Provide 3 to 4 ft of fiber optic strands outside of buffer tube from each cable before splicing.
D.Store all excess splice enclosure parts and hardware within the manufacturer supplied plastic bag and place inside of the enclosure for future use.
1.Verify parts and hardware are securely fastened inside of the enclosure to prevent damage of fiber optic buffer tubes and strands.
a.Loose parts and hardware inside of the enclosure are strictly prohibited.
3.6 Pre-Terminated Drop Cable
A.Clean jumper cable connectors prior to installation using manufacturer - approved cleaning equipment.
B.Secure pre- terminated end in cabinet with hook and loop wraps.
3.7 Post Installation Acceptance Testing
A.Notify the Engineer to schedule testing with the Fiber Supervisor no more than seven calendar days after installing fiber optic cable and splicing fiber optic strands.
1.The Engineer will coordinate testing with the Department Fiber Supervisor and provide the proper test forms (Post Termination and Splicing OTDR and Fiber Optic Light Meter ).
B.Use certified technicians to test fiber optic cables.
C.Perform testing in the presence of the Engineer or authorized UDOT Fiber Group designee .
D.OTDR Testing Requirements
1.Perform testing with an OTDR capable of producing output files that are compatible with EXFO software or furnish to the Department the software necessary for viewing the OTDR data.
2.Test every fiber optic strand within the fiber optic cable and drop cable before the 30- day burn- in test . Refer to Section 13595.
a.Test unterminated fiber optic strands from both ends.
3.Conduct each test with at least a 1000 ft launch cable.
4.Conduct each test at both 1310 nm and 1550 nm.
5.Take corrective action such as re- splicing if requirements are not met and reperform OTDR test until no discrepancies exist.
E.Fiber Optic Light Meter Testing Requirements
1.Connect light source and power meter to the fiber ports at the locations identified on the Fiber Optic Light Meter Test Form provided by the Engineer .
2.Perform test before the 30- day burn- in test. Refer to Section 13595.
3.Use light frequencies of 1310 nm and 1550 nm or as indicated in test forms.
4.Perform testing using two qualified fiber optic technicians with cabinet access and two vehicles .
Source: Utah Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction, 2026 Edition. Pages 1270–1282 of 1,331.