An optical fibre cable (1) for installation in a duct (51) by means of
fluid flow is described. The cable (1) has a signal transmitting portion
comprising a plurality of elongate, flexible optical fibres, surrounded by
a braided covering (10) formed from textile yarns (9). The apparatus (50)
for installing the cable includes an air compressor (52) for supplying a
blowing head (53) with a conditioned air supply substantially free of
static electricity or moisture. The blowing head (53) includes drive
wheels (not shown), the speed of rotation of which (and hence the speed of
installation of the fibre cable (1), (101) is adjusted by means of s
control unit (54) powered by power supply (55). The fibre cable (1), (101)
is fed from a fibre pan (56) over guide (57) to the blowing head (53),
which is fed with an air supply from compressor (52) which is regulated by
dispenser (58).
