When laying loops of fiber on a surface during a pull, use “figure-8” loops to prevent twisting the cable. The figure 8 puts a half twist in on one side of the 8 and takes it out on the other, preventing twists. Minimize mechanical pressure on the outer sheath at crossing points: (armoured) cables crossing each other generate points of high pressure, so it is important when laying in figure 8 loops it is done in a correct way. 5 miles or 4 kilometers), it may be necessary to use an automated fiber puller at intermediate point (s) for a continuous pull or pull from the middle out to both ends (midspan. Corning Optical Communications self-supporting (figure-8) optical fiber cable greatly simplifies the task of placing fiber optic cable on an aerial plant. Commonly referred to as figure 8 cable, figure 8 fiber cable, figure 8 aerial cable, self-supporting figure 8 cable, or simply figure 8 optical cable, this ingenious structure combines optical fibers with an integrated messenger wire in a distinctive “8” cross-section.