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www.fibre-systems.com
PROFILE JOHN GUEST
blowing of the fibre – as is, of course, the push-fit connection between the sections of duct. Te ducts are typically installed directly (direct buried) or indirectly (within protective ducting) in the ground unpopulated, and then the fibre or mini-cable is blown between distribution points or to the subscribing premises. It is crucial that the adjoining sections of duct line up perfectly, thereby ensuring the smooth transition of fibre through the intersections. Te implications of a poor connection or subsequent connector failure can involve civil engineering works and the considerable associated disruption, cost and customer inconvenience’. John Guest’s typical customers in the fibre
systems arena are system providers, utility companies and installation contractors – ‘typically whoever is ultimately responsible for the installation reliability should have a vested interest in what is being put in the ground,’ said Hall. He continued: ‘Te benefit of a post-installed
blown fibre system as opposed to a pre-installed system is that you can install fibre point-to-point without corrupting light transmission by the need to fusion splice at each directional change – a problem encountered with pre-made fibre cables at diverging distribution points requiring fibre fusion
splicing or other mechanical junction, usually with an associated degradation in performance. Te other big advantage is that additional fibres can be added or upgraded over time; capacity being restricted by the internal diameter of the duct.’ While fibre optics currently represent a small
part of John Guest’s business it is growing fast, with turnover up significantly in the last 12 months. Te company supplies components and provides
aſter-sales support to its customers but doesn’t get involved in installation. Hall said: ‘Fibre installation has reduced significantly in complexity over the years – the aim is to fit and forget, providing ‘sleep-at-night’ confidence. However, the connectors are oſten used in very technically and environmentally demanding areas – and while the connector may appear a relatively simple and insignificant consumable component, the implications of failure are oſten considerable and therefore connector decision should not be taken lightly – excuse the pun’. While John Guest has competitors, Hall says the
company ‘has quality and experience on its side’. He added: ‘John Guest is the standard rather than just a brand; we invented the push-fit connector, aſter all. ‘Reliability is absolutely essential. Unlike all
other application areas we operate in – where if there is a problem you can shut off system pressure and replace the connector, in blown fibre – if the system is populated you must first de-install the fibre point-to-point, replace the connector and re-install fibre point-to-point. Replacement of the connector once populated with fibre is complex, so long-term reliability is essential’. Hall believes the quality and reliability stands
the company in good stead for the future. He concluded: ‘Fibre to the home (FTTH) is growing fast around the world and it is proving to be a good market for us aſter considerable up-front investment; we have developed a significant range of blown fibre connectors specifically for the FTTH market. Of course, as we are well aware, the FTTH market is ironically less developed here in the UK than in many other countries. But activity in the UK is increasing to satisfy a growing demand and John Guest is well placed to support this. ‘And while we remain a family owned
independent company, manufacturing in the UK, we are a truly global operation – with 10 fully owned subsidiary companies providing marketing, stock-holding and aſter-sales support around the globe, and with distribution partners in more than 60 countries. We are very proud of that.’l
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