Installation manual

10 Keep all ports and connectors free of dust.
Caution
Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable can build up ESD charges when being pulled into a
new installation. Before connecting any cable to the switch, discharge ESD from the cable
by plugging the RJ-45 connector into a LAN Static Discharge device or use an equivalent
method.
Fiber Optic Cable
Fiber optic cable must be handled carefully during installation.
Every cable has a minimum bend radius, and fibers will be damaged if the cables are bent too sharply. It
is also important not to stretch the cable during installation. We recommend that the bend radius for
fiber optic cable equal 2 inches (51 mm) minimum for each 90-degree turn as shown in Figure 15: Bend
Radius for Fiber Optic Cable on page 42 .
Note
Kinks and sharp bends can destroy or impair the cable’s ability to convey light pulses
accurately from one end of the cable to the other. Use care in dressing the optical fiber
cables: provide satisfactory strain relief to support the cable and maintain an adequate bend
radius at all cable turns, particularly where the cable connects to the I/O module.
Figure 15: Bend Radius for Fiber Optic Cable
1 = Minimum 2-inch (51 mm) radius in 90° bend
Preventing Radio Frequency Interference
If you use UTP cabling in an installation, take precautions to avoid RF interference.
RF interference can cause degradation of signal quality, and, in an Ethernet network environment, can
cause excessive collisions, loss of link status, or other physical layer problems that can lead to poor
performance or loss of communication.
Preparing Your Site
BlackDiamond X Series Switches Hardware Installation Manual 42