Fibre Optic Cable Splicing

and
Terminating
What is fibre opticcable
splicing
• Simply put, fiber optic splicing involves joining two fiber optic
cables together
• The other, more common, method of joining fibers is called
termination or connectorization
• Fiber splicing typically results in lower light loss and back
reflection than termination
When is splicingdone?
• 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
• To restore fiber optic cables when a buried cable is
accidentally severed.
Methods of Splicing
• There are two methods of fiber optic splicing
• Mechanical
• Fusion
Mechanical Splicing
• A mechanical splice is a junction of two or more optical fibers
that are aligned and held in place by a self-contained assembly
• The fibers are not permanently joined, just held together in a
precisely aligned position thus enabling light to pass from one
fiber into the other.
• Typical loss: 0.3 dB
Fusion Splicing
• Fibre optic fusion splicing is a joining method whereby a
machine is used to precisely align two fiber ends then the
glass ends are "fused" or "welded" together using some type
of heat or electric arc.
• Produces a continuous connection between the fibers
enabling very low loss light transmission.
• Typical loss: 0.1 dB
Mechanical vs FusionSplicing
• Cost benefit
• Mechanical has low initial investment ($1,000 - $2,000) but costs
more per splice ($12-$40 each)
• Cost per splice for fusion splicing is lower ($0.50 - $1.50 each) but
the initial investment is much higher ($15,000 - $50,000
depending on the accuracy and features of the fusion splicing
machine being purchased
Mechanical vs FusionSplicing
• Performance
• Based on the industry you are working with the performance of
this two splicing methods may vary
• Because resulting points from fusion splicing are almost
seamless, fusion splicing tends to produce less back reflection as
well as lower light loss
Mechanical vs FusionSplicing
• Performance
• Fusion splicing is usually used with single mode fiber while
mechanical spicing usually used with both multi mode fiber as
well as single mode fiber.
• Telecommunication companies as well as CATV companies are
willing and ready to invest their time and money on fusion
splicing for their single mode networks
Mechanical vs FusionSplicing
• Performance
• The same organizations also tend to put into use mechanical
splicing for their short, local cable runs.
• Given that for optimal performance video signals usually require
minimal reflection, fusion splicing has managed to remain the
first choice for many companies
Fibre Optic SpicingSafety
Fibre Optic Hazards
• Vision
• Skin Puncture
• Ingestion
Fibre Optic Hazards -Vision
• Avoid looking directly into fibre end with naked eye
• Severe burning of the retina resulting in permanent scarring on
the retina, does not heal, sight impaired for life
• Severe burning of retinal nerve end, does not heal, sight lost for
life
Fibre Optic Hazards -Vision
• Wear safety glasses with side shields
• Every termination and splice produces shards (scraps) of optical
fiber which is potentially very harmful to your eyes
• The sharp ends of the fiber may cause it to imbed itself in the eye
or surrounding tissue, making it even more difficult to remove.
• Unlike metallic particles, they cannot be removed with magnets
Fibre Optic Hazards -Skin
Puncture
• Shards of fiber are tiny, thin and often very sharp where they
break off the fiber
• Can easily puncture your skin, burying themselves deep
enough to be difficult to pull out
• Being transparent they practically disappear once imbedded in
your skin. In most parts of your body
Fibre Optic Hazards -Skin
Puncture
• Become a nuisance in body, perhaps infecting or causing an
irritating bump, until they eventually work themselves out
• Be extremely careful whenever handling fibers, especially
when stripping fiber or scribing and breaking
Fibre Optic Hazards -Ingestion

• Keep all food and beverages out of the work area. If fiber
particles are ingested they can cause internal hemorrhaging
Fibre Optic Hazards –Other
Hazards
• Chemicals:
• Fiber optic splicing and termination use various chemical cleaners
and adhesives as part of the processes
• Even simple isopropyl alcohol, used as a cleaner, is flammable
and should be handled carefully
• Manufacturers will supply "material safety data sheets" (MSDS)
Fibre Optic Hazards –Other
Hazards
• Splicing hazards:
• Fusion splicers use an electric arc to make splices, so care must
be taken to insure no flammable gasses are present in the space
where fusion splicing is done
Fibre Optic Hazards –Other
Hazards
• No Smoking
• Smoking should also not be allowed around fiber optic work
• The ashes from smoking contribute to the dirt problems with
fibers, in addition to the possible presence of combustible
substances
Fibre Optic InstallationSafety
Rules
• Work on a black work surface as it helps to find fiber scraps
• Wear disposable aprons to minimize fiber particles on your
clothing. Fiber particles on your clothing can later get into
food, drinks, and/or be ingested by other means
Fibre Optic InstallationSafety
Rules
• Always wear safety glasses with side shields and protective
gloves. Treat fiber optic splinters the same as you would treat
glass splinters
• Never look directly into the end of fiber cables until you are
positive that there is no light source at the other end.
Fibre Optic InstallationSafety
Rules
• Use a fiber optic power meter to make certain the fiber is
dark. When using an optical tracer or continuity checker, look
at the fiber from an angle at least 6 inches away from your eye
to determine if the visible light is present..
• Only work in well ventilated areas
Fibre Optic InstallationSafety
Rules
• Contact lens wearers must not handle their lenses until they
have thoroughly washed their hands
• Do not touch your eyes while working with fiber optic systems
until your hands have been thoroughly washed
Fibre Optic InstallationSafety
Rules
• Keep all combustible materials safely away from the curing
ovens
• Put all cut fiber pieces in a properly marked container for
disposal
• Thoroughly clean your work area when you are done
• Do not smoke while working with fiber optic systems
Fibre Optic Disposal
Clean Up Procedure
Fibre Geometry Problem
Fibre Geometry Problem
Fibre Optic ColourCode
Fusion Splicing GoldenRule

• Safety First
• Wash hands before you start
• Prepare a clean work environment
• Strip, Clean, Cleave
• Never clean after cleaving
• If you remove it clean it
• Always use dust caps
• Leave spare cable/fiber when possible
Fusion Splicing Steps
Splicing