DIRECT ANSWER / 01
Confirm bend radius for the assembly and installation state
Bare-fibre bend performance is not the minimum bend radius of a complete cable, boot or harness. Separate installation loading from installed operation and review the exact assembly documentation, routing and connector exits. Do not apply one diameter multiplier universally.
Use this for onboard routing, rack slack, armoured cable and preterminated pulling. Corning product/installation documents distinguish installation and operation limits; their numbers belong to those products. Confirm ARRANEX configurations separately and leave radius, pulling and repeated-flex requirements open until approved.
SELECTION MATRIX / 02
Purchasing decision matrix
| Item | Identify | Correct action | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Object | Bare fibre, jacketed cable, boot or breakout | Request limits for the complete assembly | Applying bare-fibre values to armour |
| State | Installation pulling versus operation | Record separate limits and loading conditions | Using static limits for pulling |
| Envelope | Exit, turns, rack doors and service route | Mark tightest bends on the layout | Checking total length alone |
| Radius/diameter | Dimension definition and measurement location | Label units/radius; do not mix radius and diameter | Treating diameter as radius |
| Repeated movement | Cycles, loading and mechanical-life needs | Review dynamic duty and validation separately | Assuming static acceptance covers all movement |
RFQ INPUTS / 03
Minimum inputs a supplier can verify
| Category | Required input or confirmation |
|---|---|
| Assembly data | Cable/fibre references, jacket, boots, branches and drawing |
| Site layout | Route, exit angle, available radius, pulling state and service slack |
| Approval scope | Installation/operation limits, dynamic conditions, tests and change rules |
BUYER FAQ / 04
Purchasing FAQ
Can bend-insensitive fibre be bent arbitrarily?
No. Complete-assembly mechanical and optical limits still apply.
Is one multiplier valid for every cable?
No. Use specific documentation, state and loading; rules of thumb do not replace approved data.
Does armour imply a smaller radius?
Do not infer that from the jacket label. Confirm construction and assembly limits.
What belongs on the routing drawing?
Datums, exits, bend radius, loading state, breakouts and service space.
What if the supplier provides no bend data?
Leave it open; do not publish a guarantee or freeze an unverifiable route before sample/layout approval.
SOURCES / 05
Sources and applicability
Sources checked: 2026-10-02. This guide clarifies purchasing fields; it does not replace current equipment data sheets, full standards or the approved project drawing.