SCTE 181 2025

Recommended Practices for Optical Fiber Construction and Testing

Executive Summary

This recommended practices document is a comprehensive manual for optical fiber construction and testing. Sections are included for project management; cable handling, testing and equipment; overhead cable placement; underground cable placement; underground enclosures; bonding and grounding; cable preparation and connectorization; splicing; and activation and testing.

Scope

These recommended practices cover all aspects of optical fiber construction and testing from project management, through deployment, to activation and testing. These practices are fundamentally designed and applicable to the outside plant of the access network.

Benefits

By adhering to these recommended practices, the workforce should be able to safely and cost effectively design, manage, install and test the optical fiber network.

Intended Audience

These recommended practices are intended to be read and understood by project managers, network designers, construction personnel, outside plant technicians and workforce training designers and instructors.