What is a necessary condition to ensure when pulling fiber-optic cable using the intermediate pull method?

When using the intermediate pull method for fiber-optic cable installation, managing the bending radius is essential to prevent damage to the fiber. Fiber-optic cables are sensitive to bending; exceeding the manufacturer's recommended bending radius can lead to increased loss of signal or even physical damage to the fibers themselves. Maintaining an appropriate bending radius ensures that the optical fibers within the cable are protected and able to transmit light efficiently without performance degradation.

In this context, maintaining a constant speed, clearing the conduit of other cables, and ensuring adequate tension are important aspects of the installation process, but they are secondary to the critical need for proper bending management. While these other factors can impact the overall success of the installation, they do not directly address the unique vulnerabilities of fiber-optic cables. Thus, the primary consideration when pulling the cable using the intermediate method should focus on preserving the integrity of the cable through careful control of the bending radius.