Always store fiber optic cable by standing the reels on both flanges, or held through the center. Here are some straightforward tips to help you properly handle and store your cables. Keep Cable Connectors Clean and Dry Before using fiber optic cables, clean the connectors on the cable and on the cables or ports the. Indoor fiber optic cables are delicate pieces of equipment. They're made up of thin glass or plastic fibers that can easily be damaged by environmental factors, physical stress, and improper handling. If these cables aren't stored correctly, it can lead to a whole host of problems. As you work in the telecommunications field, you face complex challenges from rapid network growth and increasing data demands.