What is the meaning of Fiber Optic Splicing?
It is a process used by a professional to fuse two or more
fiber cables. Fiber optic splicing typically results in lower light loss and
back reflection than termination making it the preferred method when the cable
runs are too long for a single length of fiber or when joining two different
types of cable together, such as a 48-fiber cable to four 12-fiber cables.
How does Fiber Splicing Works?
Step #1 – Strip the fibers
The splicing process begins with the preparation for both
fibers ends to be fused. So you need to strip all protective coating, jackets,
tubes, strength members and so on, just leaving the bare fiber showing. It is
noted that the cables should be extremely clean.
Step #2 – Clean and cleave the fibers
Cleave the fiber. A good cleaver is necessary for a successful
splicing. When fusing the fibers together, you can either align the fibers
manually or automatic, depending on the type of machine you have. Once the proper
alignment is obtained, an electric arc will be used to fuse the fibers
together, forming a permanent weld of the two fiber ends.
Step #3 – Fuse the fibers
When fusing the fiber, there are two important steps:
aligning and melting. First of all, align the ends of the fiber within the
fiber optic splicer. After the proper alignment is achieved, the fiber is
melted by an electric arc, and the two fiber ends are permanently welded
together.
Step #4 – Protect the fiber
Use heat shrink sleeves to protect the optical fiber. This
protects your fiber from any external factors or future breakage it may
encounter.
Tips for Better Splices
Tips #1
It cannot be spliced when there is light in the optical
fiber, because splicing when there is light may cause deterioration of splicing
quality.
Tips #3
Do not look directly at the end face of the fiber when cleaving
the fiber or it may be blinding. Most laser light sent down an optical fiber is
at a level that will permanently damage an eye for sure and fast to.
Tips #4
Do not splice the optical fiber if it is connected to a
high-power device, such as EDFA. It may also cause damage to the device.
BD-FS-81 Fusion Splicer
Baudcom offers many types of fiber optic fusion splicer. For more information, please visit Baudcom.
