What is fiber optic splice closure?

Fiber Optic Splice Closures are protective enclosures used in telecommunications to safeguard fiber optic cable splices. Essential for outdoor networks, they provide a secure, weather-proof housing for joined cables, ensuring continuous optical paths. These closures vary in size, handling anywhere from a few to hundreds of splices, and are made from durable materials like plastic or metal. They often feature internal trays for organization and are designed for easy access and reusability, accommodating network modifications. Commonly used in telecommunications, cable TV, and broadband they are crucial for maintaining reliable and efficient fiber optic networks.

Types of the fiber optic splice closure

Fiber Optic Splice Closures come in various types, each designed to cater to different environments and applications in fiber optic networks. Here are the main types of Fiber Optic Splice Closures:

According to the shape can be divided into the following 2 types

Dome Type (Vertical Type) fiber optic splice closure:

• Design: Dome-shaped or cylindrical.
• Usage: Commonly used in outdoor environments, especially for underground, buried, and aerial applications.
• Features: Excellent for environments requiring a waterproof and dustproof enclosure. Generally, they have a high capacity for a large number of splices.

Horizontal Type (Inline Type) fiber optic splice closure:

• Design: Flat and elongated, resembling a box.
• Usage: Versatile for aerial, pole-mount, wall-mount, and underground installations.
• Features: Easier to handle and install in limited space areas. They often open like a clamshell, making them convenient for adding or removing cables and splices.

Dome &?Horizontal?Type?Common Features:

• 1. The built-in stacked welding disc is easy to open and can be removed for operation, which is convenient for line installation and maintenance.
• 2. The internal storage space is large, which can meet the containment and protection of residual fibers.
• 3. The shell material of the product is made of high-strength engineering plastic ABS, which is flame retardant, waterproof, impact-resistant, and can withstand harsh field climate environment.
• 4. The box body is sealed with vulcanized sealing strips for automobiles, which is resistant to corrosion, high and low temperature influences, and high-quality rubber seals are used at the same time, which can meet the requirements of IP65-IP68 protection level.
• Different Features:?

• Fiber Optic Vertical Splice Closure

• It has a page-type welding disc twisted at one end, which is convenient for installation and future maintenance management.

• Its flip-page splice tray can provide the bending radius protection of the optical fiber, and can be contained in large circles or small circles according to actual needs.
• Combination of mechanical seal and heat shrinkable seal. The housing and base are sealed with O-rings. The cable and base are sealed with heat shrink tubing. The housing can be opened several times over and over again.

• Fiber Optic Horizontal Splice Closure

There are at least two optical cable inlets at both ends, and cable distribution accessories are optional.

Mechanical gel sealing, linear design, suitable for various applications such as overhead, pipeline, direct burial, etc.

According to the usage scenarios, they can be categorized into the following types

Wall-mounted fiber optic splice closure:

• Design: Compact and designed for mounting on walls.
• Usage: Ideal for indoor or outdoor wall installations, such as?in buildings, data centers, or telecommunication rooms.
• Features: Typically smaller in size, suitable for locations?where space is a constraint.

Pole-mounted fiber optic splice closure:

• Design: Structured for easy attachment to utility poles.
• Usage: Used primarily in aerial applications, particularly?along roadside poles.
• Features: Often?designed to be sturdy and resistant to?environmental factors like wind and rain.

Aerial fiber optic splice closure:

• Design: Lightweight and streamlined for aerial installation.
• Usage: Specifically designed for hanging on overhead lines.
• Features: Equipped with features for withstanding wind and other stresses of being suspended.

Underground fiber optic splice closure:

• Design: Robust and sealed against environmental elements.
• Usage: Specifically made for buried applications.
• Features: High durability and resistance to moisture, soil pressure, and environmental hazards.

Pedestal fiber optic splice closure:

• Design: Similar to horizontal closures but often installed above ground.
• Usage: Common in suburban or rural areas for ground-level access.
• Features: Easy access for maintenance, often used in copper and fiber distribution networks.

Butt Type fiber optic splice closure:

• Design: Similar to horizontal closures but typically smaller.
• Usage: Used for small-scale applications, such as small buildings or residential areas.
• Features: Suitable for a small number of splices, often more cost-effective.

Refer Standards of fiber optic splice closure

Fiber Optic Splice Closures, like other components in the telecommunications industry, are governed by various standards to ensure their reliability, safety, and compatibility within fiber optic networks. These standards cover aspects like performance, durability, and environmental resistance.

Some of the key standards and specifications relevant to Fiber Optic Splice Closures include:

IEC Standards (International Electrotechnical Commission):

• IEC 61753: Specifies performance standard requirements for fiber optic devices under various environmental conditions.
• IEC 61300: Covers tests and measurements for fiber optic interconnecting devices and passive components.

TIA/EIA Standards (Telecommunications Industry?Association/Electronic Industries Alliance):?

• TIA/EIA-568: Standards for telecommunications cabling?systems, including fiber optics.
• TIA/EIA-598: Covers fiber optic cable color coding, which can be relevant for splicing.

ISO Standards (International Organization for Standardization):

• ISO/IEC 11801: Specifies general requirements for telecommunications cabling within certain types of premises.

EN Standards (European Norm):

• EN 50411: Specific to fiber optic splice closures used in conjunction with conduit and cable management systems.

IP Rating (Ingress Protection):

• Relevant for determining the level of protection against solid objects, dust, accidental contact, and water in mechanical casings and enclosures.

RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive):

• Relevant for material safety, particularly in the European Union, restricting the use of certain hazardous materials in electrical and electronic products.
• Construction of Fiber Optic Splice Closure

The construction of a Fiber Optic Splice Closure is designed to ensure durability, protection, and efficient management of fiber optic splices. Here are the key components and aspects of its construction:

Outer Shell:

• Material: Typically made of high-strength plastic or metal, designed to withstand environmental stressors like UV radiation, temperature extremes, and mechanical impact.
• Design: The shape can be dome (vertical type) or horizontal, depending on the type of splice closure.

Sealing Mechanism:

• Purpose: To prevent the entry of moisture, dust, and other contaminants that could damage the fiber splices.
• Types: Mechanical seals, heat-shrink seals, or gaskets are commonly used. The sealing mechanism is crucial for maintaining the closure’s integrity, especially in harsh environmental conditions.

Fiber Optic Splice Trays:

• Function: To organize and protect the individual spliced fibers.
• Capacity: The number of trays and the capacity per tray can vary. They are usually modular, allowing for expansion as more splices are added.

Cable Entry Ports:

• Design: Multiple entry ports are provided for fiber optic cables. These ports are usually equipped with sealing elements to maintain the waterproof and dustproof integrity of the closure.
• Flexibility: The ports can accommodate different cable diameters and types (e.g., loose tube, ribbon).

Grounding Provisions:

• For Metal Closures: Includes grounding mechanisms to protect against electrical surges and lightning strikes.

Mounting Features:

• Design: Depending on the type, closures can have features for pole mounting, wall mounting, aerial hanging, or being placed in a manhole or handhole for underground installations.

Cable Management Features:

• Includes: Fiber organizers or guides to ensure a minimum bending radius is maintained and to manage the routing of both incoming and outgoing fibers.

Locking Mechanism:

• Purpose: To secure the closure against unauthorized access, especially important in public or unsecured areas.

How to select the right fiber optic splice closure?

Selecting the right Fiber Optic Splice Closure involves considering several key factors to ensure it meets the requirements of your specific fiber optic network. Here’s a guide to help you make an informed decision:

Determine Splice Capacity:

• Consider the number of fiber optic splices you need to accommodate. Closures come in various sizes and capacities, from small ones for a dozen splices to large ones for hundreds of splices, with common capacities being 24, 36, 48, 72, 96, 144, and 288 cores.

Type of Splices:

• Choose the number of trays and the capacity per tray.

Environment and Placement:

Choose a closure type based on its installation environment:

• Aerial: For cables hung on poles.
• Underground: For buried cable networks.
• Pole-Mounted: Attached to utility poles.
• Wall-Mounted: On the side of buildings.

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Consider environmental factors like temperature extremes, humidity, and potential for water or dust ingress.

Material and Durability:

• Select a material that suits your environmental needs. For harsh environments, look for closures made of durable materials with good resistance to elements like moisture, temperature fluctuations, and UV exposure.

Ease of Access and Reusability:

• If you anticipate frequent changes or maintenance, select a closure that is easy to open and reseal without damaging the enclosure or the fibers.

Sealing and Protection:

• Ensure the closure provides adequate sealing against environmental factors. Look for IP-rated closures for waterproof and dustproof capabilities.

Manufacturer and Warranty:

• Consider reputable manufacturers and check the warranty and support options. A good warranty can be a sign of the manufacturer’s confidence in their product.
• Just like HANGZHOU ZION, as a professional manufacturer of fiber optic splice closure, Warranty high quality for you.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure the closure complies with industry standards and regulations relevant to your region or application.

Budget:

• Consider your budget, but ensure it doesn?t compromise the quality and reliability of the network.

Future Expansion:

• Consider the potential for network expansion. A closure with additional capacity can accommodate future growth.

Compatibility with Existing Infrastructure:

• Ensure the closure is compatible with the existing cables, splices, and other network components.

Consultation with Professionals:

• If possible, consult with a professional or the supplier to get the most suitable Fiber Optic Splice Closure for your specific application, especially if you are dealing with a complex fiber optic network.

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By carefully evaluating these factors, you can select a Fiber Optic Splice Closure that not only fits your current needs but also accommodates future expansions and ensures the longevity and reliability of your fiber optic network.