Which two methods are accepted for pulling fiber-optic cable off a reel during aerial installation?

The accepted methods for pulling fiber-optic cable off a reel during aerial installation include the back-pull method and the drive-off method.

The back-pull method involves using a vehicle to pull the cable off the reel while keeping the cable tensioned appropriately. This helps in maintaining controlled and steady tension on the fiber, which is essential to avoid damaging the fragile glass fibers during installation.

The drive-off method also utilizes a vehicle but focuses on moving the entire cable reel away from the installation point, allowing the cable to unwind as the vehicle progresses. This method helps in quickly deploying long lengths of cable, particularly in aerial applications where speed and efficiency are critical.

Both methods are designed to effectively manage tension and prevent damage to the fiber-optic cables during the installation process, which is vital for ensuring the integrity and performance of the installed fiber network.