• Can I blow more than one blown fibre unit into a tube?
No more than one blown fibre unit should be installed in an individual tube. If a greater fibre capacity is required and no spare tubes are available along the same pathway then simply remove the existing fibre unit, and replace with a higher fibre count unit. When blowing a unit into the last remaining tube, consideration should be given to whether there is any risk of future capacity limitations and could allow a planned strategy to overcome this e.g. by installing a higher fibre count unit in the final tube.

• What is the typical blowing distance of each fibre unit?
The distance that each blown fibre unit will blow is dependent upon the tube route topology, the size of the unit, the installation equipment and the quality of the blown tube low friction inner. In some cases the climatic conditions may also alter the blowing distance. The Sirocco® system has been rigorously tested in a variety of climatic conditions, and all typical blowing distances are detailed on the product datasheets. It is also essential that all installers are trained by Prysmian to enable optimum performance of the products in the field.

• How do I install the blown fibre units?
The blown fibre units are installed using the Sirocco® range of installation equipment. The installation methodology can be acquired by attending the Sirocco® installation training course available in the UK or overseas (on request). Alternatively, there is a list of approved installers who have the training, experience and equipment to complete the installation for you.

• What size of blown tube should I use?
The 5mm tube is the standard tube size for all applications and will accommodate all Sirocco® blown fibre units. The 3mm tube is typically only used on short distance applications and accommodates the 2f and 4f units. Consideration must be given, when choosing the appropriate size / number of tubes, to anticipate future requirements.

• Can I connect one tube to a tube of another size?
Lengths of 3, 5 or 8mm tube can be interconnected using the appropriate reducer connectors. These will support installation through tubes of different dimensions with minimal reduction in installation performance. However, the blown fibre installation should commence at the route end with the largest tube size, and blown through progressively smaller tube sizes.

• For what applications can this range of products be used?
The product range has been used in many applications within metropolitan access networks or premise networks. Typical installation projects include customer connections, Fibre to the Home, Campus Networks, WANs, LANs, military establishments, etc.

• In what climatic conditions can the products be installed?
Sirocco Systems have been installed as far and wide as Australia, South Africa, Scandinavia and SE Asia. With wide deployment in Europe as well, all global climatic conditions have been met and overcome.

• If I need more capacity can I pull out one unit and blow in another?
All Sirocco Blown Fibre Units can be easily "blown-out" of the tube and recovered into a Blown Fibre pan. Once removed, another Blown Fibre Unit can be installed conventionally.

• Can I re-use a blown fibre unit once it has been withdrawn?
All withdrawn units can be readily used either immediately or at a later date providing the storage conditions are adhered to, and the unit was not damaged on removal from the tube. Consideration needs to be given to the length of the second route (it must obviously be no longer than the original connection).

• Is there a network design / planning service available?
Prysmian and its Sirocco partners are able to provide preliminary design input to commence the planning process. This will include suggested Blown Fibre Tube topology and customer connection options.

• How do I save money by using blown fibre?
The principal cost saving result from the deferment of fibre costs from the outset of a planned network roll-out. Installing empty tubes and subsequent installation of fibre on demand will result in a fibre lean network deployment strategy. In addition, Sirocco blown fibre can be installed from an outdoor location, into external tubing, through the building external / internal transition, into indoor tubing to the internal presentation point. Blowing through, avoids the need to splice at building entry (indoor and outdoor tubes are simply plugged together with connectors in a Gas Seal Unit).

• Do I require a licence from BT to install the products?
No, Prysmian holds all the licence requirements necessary from BT and is able to sub-licence the right for its customers to install the Sirocco® products using the Sirocco® range of installation equipment.

• Where can I purchase the blown fibre products and installation equipment?
Prysmian operates globally and all Sirocco® products can be procured through your nearest Prysmian representative. These products are also available through our Sirocco partners (details on request).

• Is Sirocco a new product?
No, Sirocco is the new brand name for the entire blown fibre system product range that Prysmian has produced over the last decade. As such the products are well established and represent mature technology.

• Is there any on-site training available?
The training school is situated at Prysmian's UK manufacturing location in Bishopstoke, near Southampton. However, recognising that this may not be convenient, particularly for some of our overseas customers, Prysmian can arrange on-site training courses when requested.