Fusion Splicing For Fiber Optic Cables

The use of fiber optics gained prominence in the early 1970s. If you need fiber splicing in Montgomery County, PA, consider contacting TCG Structured communications. The company has many years of experience and serves different types of clients.

It offers its services at competitive prices and unique solutions for each client. Having knowledge of cable splicing is crucial as fiber optics have a wide variety of uses, including telecommunication infrastructure, local area networks, and many other network projects.

Fiber optic splicing involves joining two optic cables together. Fusion is one of the common splicing techniques that fiber optics firms use. The splicing technique is popular as it facilitates the transmission of optical signals at very low costs. Fusion splicers are used during fusion splicing.

Maintaining a fusion splicer in good condition helps to make the splicing easier and more effective. Always ensure that the splicer’s V-groove is well-cleaned before you start the task. A splicer with contaminants will result in optical losses. You can use a thin cotton swab dipped in alcohol for the cleaning exercise.

Check the splicer’s fiber clamp regularly and remove any dust that may be present as failure to do so will result in poor connections. Clean the clamp using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol and use a dry swab to dry it. Also, clean the clever. A dirty cleaver will bring dust to fibers.

A Guide for choosing Fusion Splicers.

There is a wide range of fusion splicers in the market today. The tools vary depending on features and cost. Therefore, research widely about your specific needs before you purchase a fusion splicer. One of the most popular designs is called core alignment core splicers, which has multiple cameras to facilitate precise fiber alignment.

How Fusion Splicing Works.

Fusion splicing involves the use of electrical arcs to weld two or more optical fibers. The fusion process is permanent. The price for cleavers used in fusion splicing ranges between $1000 and $4000. If the splicing process is not done correctly, the fiber ends may not melt together as they should, and some problems may arise later. The following are the steps of fusion splicing:

Stripping the Fiber.

The first step in fusion splicing involves preparing the fiber ends that you intend to fuse. Stripe all the protective coatings and tubes on the fibers that will be fused. Only leave the bare fiber ends showing. Your cables should be as clean as possible.

Cleaving of the Fibers.

A good fusion splice is crucial to ensure the success of the fusion exercise. Cleavers are used for cutting and pulling the fibers. The end-face of the cleavers should be flat to ensure proper splicing.

Fusing of the Fibers.

The fusion process involves aligning and melting. Make sure that the ends of the fibers that need to be fused are aligned with a splicer. Once you are done with the alignment, melt the fiber ends using an electrical arc.

Protecting the Fibers.

Most fusion splices have tensile strengths of up to 1.5 lbs. Chances of breaking are low when the splicers are appropriately used. However, users need to protect them from excessive bending during the splicing process. Some of the products that you can use for protection include heat shrink tubing, silicone gel, and crimp protectors.