FTTH Installation Checklist for Field Techs

Phase 1: Pre-Arrival Prep

Before leaving for the job, verify the order in your system and stage the truck. A well-prepped tech finishes faster and has fewer call-backs.

• Order details verified: address, service plan, ONT model, scheduled time
• Customer contact info on hand (call ahead 30 min if SOP requires)
• ONT and power adapter for the customer's plan
• Drop cable: aerial, buried, or premise type for the specific install
• SC/APC pigtail and patch jumper appropriate for the wall outlet style
• Splice closure or pre-connectorized drop terminal
• Mounting hardware: wall plate, bracket, fasteners, conduit fittings
• PPE: laser safety goggles, work gloves, safety glasses
• Ladder appropriate for height of installation
• Test gear charged and calibrated (PON meter, VFL, microscope, OTDR if required)

For a complete tool list, see our FTTH installation tool list.

Phase 2: Site Arrival and Survey

• Confirm customer identity and explain the work
• Identify ONT location: power outlet within 6 feet, ventilation, no direct sunlight
• Identify wall entry point: minimize cable run, avoid windows, use existing penetrations where possible
• Verify drop fiber availability at the network access point (NAP, hand-hole, or aerial terminal)
• Check OLT port status with NMS or dispatch (port enabled, ONT not already provisioned)
• Photograph existing conditions if disputes are likely (some operators require this for billing)

Phase 3: Cable Pulling and Routing

• Verify drop cable length is sufficient with 15% slack at each end
• Use large cable pulling grips for longer runs, small grips for drop fiber
• Maintain minimum bend radius (typically 25mm for drop fiber, 75mm for distribution)
• Avoid sharp staples, tight zip ties, and hard kinks
• Drip loop on outdoor entries to prevent water ingress
• Cable tagged at both ends with order ID
• Conduit fittings sealed where cable enters the building

For a deeper look at routing methods see our aerial vs buried vs microduct comparison.

Phase 4: Termination and Splicing

Pre-Terminated Drop

• Verify factory connector caps are intact
• Inspect both end-faces with the fiber microscope
• Clean if needed with CLEP cleaner
• Mate at NAP and wall outlet without dragging the connector across surfaces

Field Termination (Mechanical Connector)

• Strip cable to spec length
• Cleave 250um buffer to spec with the mechanical cleaver
• Insert into mechanical connector per kit instructions
• Verify continuity with VFL

Field Termination (Fusion Splice-On Connector)

• Strip 250um buffer
• Clean fiber with isopropyl alcohol and lint-free wipe
• Cleave per fusion splicer spec
• Splice to hot fusion connector using palm splicer or full-size splicer
• Verify splice loss less than 0.1 dB on splicer display
• Heat-shrink protector applied

Phase 5: ONT Mounting and Power

• Mount ONT level and accessible (not behind furniture)
• Allow ventilation around the unit
• Strain-relief on fiber pigtail (no bends within 25mm of the connector)
• Plug power adapter into a non-switched, non-GFCI outlet where possible
• Verify power LED is on after plug-in

Phase 6: Testing and Verification

This is where most jobs are passed or failed. Run every test and document the results.

For ONT power level details see our ONU power level spec guide. For drop cable testing specifics see our drop cable testing guide.

Phase 7: Customer Handoff

• Walk the customer through ONT location and what each light means
• Demonstrate WiFi connectivity if managed WiFi is part of the service
• Provide support number, account details, and any login credentials
• Show the customer the cable route so they understand where not to drill
• Get signature on completion ticket if required
• Photograph completed install, ONT, and serial number

Phase 8: Documentation and Closeout

• Service order updated with installation details
• Test results uploaded to the operator system
• ONT serial number tied to customer account
• Photos uploaded
• Materials used logged (drop fiber length, splice closures, attenuators)
• Truck restocked from materials van

For full documentation requirements see our as-built documentation guide.

Truck Stock Checklist

What every FTTH install truck should carry, every day:

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the customer is not home?

Follow the operator's no-show SOP. Most carriers require 1-2 contact attempts (call, knock) followed by a return-to-dispatch. Document the attempt with timestamps for billing.

What if optical power is out of range?

Inspect connectors first. Add an attenuator if power is too high. If power is too low, troubleshoot per the no-signal troubleshooting guide before sign-off.

Do I need an OTDR for every install?

Most residential drops are short enough (under 200m) that OTDR characterization is not required. Carriers typically require OTDR documentation only for backbone, MDU, and business-class drops. Check the operator's commissioning spec.

What if the customer wants the ONT in a different location?

Move it if technically feasible. The fiber may need to be re-routed or extended. If the customer requests a location that requires a custom drop run beyond the standard scope, raise a change order with dispatch.

The Bottom Line

FTTH installation is a checklist business. Skip steps and you book a return truck roll. Run the list and you finish in 90-180 minutes with zero callbacks.

The biggest source of repeat visits is connector contamination during installation. Inspect, clean, inspect again, mate. Every connector, every install. The microscope earns its price back in saved truck rolls within the first month.