Segregate fiber optic cable from heavy copper cables to avoid bend radius violations and crush loads. Comply with National Electrical Code requirements for cable ratings and fire safety. Yet, outdoors, they face temperature swings, moisture, UV exposure, rodents, and human interference. This guide covers how to. Lightning is an electrical discharge within clouds either from cloud to cloud or from cloud to the earth. For example, it will not only affect all DWDM fiber channels in short bursts, but also affect transmission directions. To ensure the longevity and reliability of fiber optic cables in outdoor environments, it is crucial to protect them from various external factors. Such damage can occur in a relatively short period of time and can significantly impact the long-term reliability of outside plant optical fiber. Optical fibers are thin strands of glass or plastic that transmit light signals over long distances. However, optical fibers are also vulnerable to damage from various sources, such as bending. Aerial Cable Installation Deploying fiber above ground on poles or towers removes the need for underground digging and is particularly useful when the ground is uneven, rocky or both.