Common Mistakes When Ordering Pre Terminated Fibre Cable

Why Ordering Accuracy Matters

Common mistakes when ordering pre terminated fibre cable can lead to costly project delays, unnecessary expenses, and installation challenges. Although ordering a pre terminated fibre cable assembly may appear straightforward, selecting the wrong fibre type, connector configuration, cable construction, fibre count, or cable length can result in a product that does not meet your project’s requirements. Consequently, reviewing every specification before placing an order helps ensure the cable assembly is manufactured correctly the first time.

This article explains the common mistakes when ordering pre terminated fibre cable and provides practical guidance to help you avoid procurement errors, improve installation efficiency, and achieve a successful deployment. For a complete overview of applications, installation methods, and best practices, read our guide to pre terminated fibre optic cable.

Mistake 1 – Choosing the Wrong Fibre Type

One of the most common ordering mistakes is selecting the wrong optical fibre.

For example, projects may require:

• OS2 Singlemode
• OM3 Multimode
• OM4 Multimode

However, selecting a fibre type simply because it is available or lower in cost can create compatibility problems later.

Therefore, confirm the fibre type matches your active equipment and network design before placing your order.

If you’re unsure, read our guide to Singlemode vs Multimode Pre Terminated Fibre Optic Cable.

Mistake 2 – Ordering the Wrong Fibre Count

Another common mistake is ordering only enough fibres for the current project.

Although this may reduce the initial purchase price, it often increases future upgrade costs.

Consequently, many organisations include spare fibres for:

• future expansion
• redundancy
• disaster recovery
• additional services

Planning ahead usually provides better long-term value than installing another backbone cable later.

Mistake 3 – Selecting the Wrong Connector

Connector compatibility should always be confirmed before manufacturing begins.

Typical connector options include:

• LC
• SC

Additionally, confirm whether the project requires UPC or APC connector polish.

Because factory-terminated connectors cannot simply be changed after manufacture, verifying compatibility before ordering is essential.

Mistake 4 – Estimating Cable Length

Estimating cable length instead of measuring the installation pathway frequently results in cables that are either too short or unnecessarily long.

Instead, measure:

• conduit routes
• cable trays
• risers
• service loops
• cabinet routing

As a result, the cable assembly will fit correctly while maintaining appropriate cable management.

For additional guidance, read our article Pre Terminated Fibre Cable Specification Template.

Mistake 5 – Choosing the Wrong Cable Construction

Every installation environment is different.

For example, projects may require:

• Indoor cable
• Outdoor cable
• Universal cable
• Armoured cable
• Dielectric cable

Consequently, selecting the correct cable construction protects the cable against the environmental conditions it will experience throughout its service life.

Our article How to Specify Pre Terminated Fibre Optic Cable for Your Project explains how to select the appropriate construction.

Mistake 6 – Forgetting Breakout Lengths

Breakout lengths are often overlooked during procurement.

However, incorrectly specified breakout lengths can make installation more difficult and reduce cable management efficiency.

Therefore, confirm:

• breakout length
• connector orientation
• cabinet layout

before requesting a quotation.

Mistake 7 – Not Including Pulling Accessories

Many installations benefit from factory-fitted pulling accessories.

Typical options include:

• Pulling Eye
• Pulling Sock
• Connector Protection System

These accessories protect factory-installed connectors during installation while simplifying cable deployment.

Learn more in our guide to Pre Terminated Fibre Cable Pulling Best Practices.

Mistake 8 – Not Requesting Factory Testing

Every pre terminated cable assembly should be factory tested before shipment.

Typical tests include:

• insertion loss
• continuity
• polarity
• visual connector inspection

Furthermore, request factory test reports where required.

To understand why these tests matter, read Factory Testing in Pre Term Fibre Explained.

Mistake 9 – Focusing Only on Price

Although competitive pricing is important, selecting the lowest quotation without considering quality, testing, support, or delivery capability can increase overall project costs.

Instead, compare suppliers based on:

• manufacturing quality
• testing procedures
• technical expertise
• delivery capability
• stock availability
• after-sales support

Consequently, choosing an experienced supplier often delivers better long-term value.

Mistake 10 – Overlooking Stocked Cable Options

Not every project requires a fully customised cable assembly.

In many cases, selecting a stocked cable can significantly reduce delivery times.

For example, Anderson Corporation stocks pre terminated fibre optic cable assemblies in 25 metre increments from 50 metres through to 300 metres and beyond.

Typical stocked configurations include:

• OS2 Singlemode
• OM4 Multimode
• 6 Fibre
• 12 Fibre
• LC Connectors
• Factory-fitted pulling eye
• 500 mm breakout length

Consequently, checking whether a stocked assembly meets your project requirements may allow installation to begin much sooner.

Real-World Scenario

Imagine a contractor ordering a fibre backbone for a new warehouse development.

Initially, the contractor estimated the cable length and selected the connector type without checking the active equipment specification.

Fortunately, these details were reviewed before manufacturing began.

As a result, the cable length was corrected, the connector configuration was updated, and factory test reports were requested before shipment.

Consequently, the installation proceeded without delays, additional costs, or replacement cable assemblies.

A Simple Ordering Checklist

Before placing your order, confirm:

• Fibre type
• Fibre count
• Connector type
• Connector polish
• Cable construction
• Cable length
• Breakout length
• Pulling accessories
• Factory testing
• Cable identification
• Delivery requirements

Completing this checklist before requesting a quotation helps minimise procurement errors.

Industry Standards and Best Practice

Before ordering fibre infrastructure, organisations should ensure their specifications align with recognised industry practices.

Further information on Australian Standards is available from Standards Australia, while structured cabling guidance is available from BICSI.

Following recognised industry guidance helps reduce procurement risk while supporting reliable long-term network performance.

Common Mistakes When Ordering Pre Terminated Fibre Cable – Conclusion

Ordering pre terminated fibre cable is much easier when every project requirement has been clearly defined before manufacturing begins.

Furthermore, avoiding common mistakes such as selecting the wrong fibre type, connector configuration, cable construction, or cable length helps reduce delays while improving installation efficiency.

Finally, reviewing your project specification, considering stocked cable options, and choosing an experienced supplier can significantly improve procurement outcomes.

For organisations planning new fibre infrastructure, our pre terminated fibre cable buying guide and pre terminated fibre cable specification template provide practical resources that help ensure every order is accurate from the beginning.

Frequently Asked Questions – Common Mistakes When Ordering Pre Terminated Fibre Cable

What is the most common mistake when ordering pre terminated fibre cable?

The most common mistake is ordering the wrong fibre type, connector configuration, or cable length because the project requirements were not fully confirmed before placing the order.

Should I measure the cable route before ordering?

Yes. Measuring the complete installation pathway provides much greater accuracy than estimating the required cable length.

Should I include spare fibres?

In most projects, including spare fibres supports future expansion and reduces the need to install additional backbone cables later.

Are factory test reports important?

Yes. Factory test reports verify that the cable assembly has been tested before shipment and meets the required optical performance.

Can stocked cable assemblies reduce delivery times?

Yes. If a stocked cable assembly matches your project requirements, it can often be supplied significantly faster than a custom-manufactured solution.