How do you handle fiber splicing challenges and risks?

1 Types of fiber splicing

There are two main types of fiber splicing: fusion splicing and mechanical splicing. Fusion splicing uses heat to melt and fuse the ends of the fibers, while mechanical splicing uses a connector or a device to align and hold the fibers together. Fusion splicing provides a lower loss, higher strength, and more reliable connection than mechanical splicing, but it also requires more expensive equipment, more training, and more safety precautions. Mechanical splicing is cheaper, faster, and easier to perform, but it also has a higher loss, lower strength, and more susceptibility to environmental factors.

2 Fiber preparation

Before you can splice two fibers, you need to prepare them properly. This involves stripping, cleaning, cleaving, and inspecting the fibers. Stripping is the removal of the protective coating around the fiber, which requires a special tool and a gentle touch. Cleaning is the removal of any dust, dirt, or oil from the fiber surface, which requires a lint-free wipe and a solvent. Cleaving is the cutting of the fiber end at a precise angle and length, which requires a sharp blade and a steady hand. Inspecting is the checking of the fiber quality and condition, which requires a microscope and a visual fault locator.

3 Splicing environment

The environment where you perform fiber splicing can affect the quality and safety of your work. You need to consider factors such as temperature, humidity, dust, wind, sunlight, and vibration. Temperature and humidity can affect the performance of the splicing equipment and the fiber characteristics. Dust, wind, and sunlight can contaminate or damage the fibers and the splice. Vibration can cause misalignment or movement of the fibers during the splicing process. You need to choose a suitable location for fiber splicing, preferably indoors, away from direct sunlight, and protected from dust, wind, and vibration. You also need to use a clean and stable work surface, such as a splicing table or a tray.

4 Splice loss

Splice loss is the amount of light that is lost or attenuated when two fibers are spliced together. It is measured in decibels (dB) and it depends on factors such as fiber type, fiber alignment, fiber quality, splicing method, and splicing equipment. Splice loss can affect the signal quality and the transmission distance of the fiber optic network. You need to minimize splice loss by choosing the right fiber type, ensuring proper fiber alignment, maintaining high fiber quality, selecting the appropriate splicing method, and using calibrated and well-maintained splicing equipment. You also need to test and verify the splice loss with an optical power meter or an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR).

5 Splice protection

Splice protection is the process of covering and securing the splice joint to prevent mechanical or environmental damage. It is important for the durability and reliability of the splice and the fiber optic network. There are different types of splice protection, such as heat shrink sleeves, splice trays, splice closures, and splice boxes. Heat shrink sleeves are plastic tubes that shrink around the splice when heated, providing insulation and strength. Splice trays are plastic or metal containers that hold and organize the splices, providing support and protection. Splice closures are sealed enclosures that house the splice trays, providing waterproofing and dustproofing. Splice boxes are wall-mounted or rack-mounted cabinets that store the splice closures, providing access and security.

6 Splice safety

Splice safety is the process of following the proper procedures and precautions to avoid injury or damage when performing fiber splicing. It is essential for your health and well-being, as well as for the quality and integrity of the splice and the fiber optic network. Some of the common splice safety hazards include electric shock, laser exposure, fiber cuts, fusion arc, and chemical exposure. You need to avoid splice safety hazards by wearing protective equipment, such as gloves, goggles, and aprons; using safe tools, such as fiber strippers, cleavers, and cleaners; following the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines for the splicing equipment; disposing of the fiber scraps and waste properly; and keeping the splicing area clean and organized.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?