Smart Guide - Install fibre optic cables into connectors in 12 Steps

Depending on the length and quality of the optic fibre cables, you can opt for a simple attachment method to connect the fibres. The mode of attachment between two optic fibre cables varies according to the type of connectors used. If you ask any expert on optic fibre connector installation, they all suggest a series of procedures that every installation model will have. 

 

Installation Method: A general guider
 

Step 1:
Always start by cutting an optic cable couple of inches longer than desired length. It will save you the hassle of double attachment in the end, in case your original length falls short.
 

Step 2:
 Soak the optic fibre cables in paint thinner solution.
 

Step 3:
Remove the optic glass fibre cables from the liquid medium and dry it off completely. Always use linen cloth for drying purposes.
 

Step 4:
Once dry, remove the outer jacket of the fibre using magnifying glass. Ensure that the fibre glass is not nicked. Use a rubberised stripper for a better grip while removing the outer jacket.
 

Step 5:
While cutting the fibre coating, ensure that you have also removed the strength members. If not, it would create blocks once the connector is ready for installation.
 

Step 6:
Clean the bared optic fibre cable with a linen cloth dipped in spirit solution. For best results, propan-ol or its isomeric alcohol version is used. Ensure that the alcohol does not come in direct contact with the glass of the fibre optic cables.
 

Step 7:
You can now start the connection of the fibre optic cables using the fibre optic connectors. It is done by applying epoxy medium or by making a crimp.
 

Step 8:
Form a beaded structure at the tip of the connector before inserting the fibre optic cables into the connector.
 

Step 9:
After inserting the cable into the fibre optic connector, anchor the strength members for a permanent fixing. Don’t put too much pressure on the cable as it is very delicate at the connector site initially.
 

Step 10:
Hold the connector with care. The anchors of the strength members ensure that the fibre optics remains shielded from the physical stress.
 

Step 11:
Slowly slide the connector bracket into over the cable till it no longer moves beyond the site. Lock the connector to its brace.
 

Step 12:
Once fixed with the connector, clean and polish the fibre optic cables. 

 

Precautions to be taken in the domestic installation :

• Always prepare the ends of the fibre optic cables to be connected with connectors. It requires elaborate smoothening to correct spots, lips and fractures.

• While chipping away the older outer jacket, ensure that you are using light force. Fibre optic cables are susceptible to extensive damage during the removal process.

• Use only industrial quality of epoxy and propan-ol for cleaning and removal purposes. The local varieties are dilute versions and may not be effective in the connection process.

• Take extra care during cleaving if you wish to have a mirror-like finish.

Read More

6 Important components of a Fusion Splicing Machine

Fusion splicing is not carried out by hands. The operators use sophisticated hand-held tools and automatic machines to achieve flawless joint connectivity. The conventional components of the automatic fusion splicing machine used to join cables consist of more than 5000 distinct parts and tools. They are adjusted depending on the fusion process for single mod and multimode fibre optic cables. A brief overview is provided on some of the important components as below.

1    Optical Core or Profile Alignment Systems
Also known as the PAS module, the Optical Core Alignment System helps in aligning the fibre optic cables at a particular gradient. The alignment model is set at 90 degrees once the fibre optic cables are sufficiently illuminated. The PAS uses video camera surveillance to recognize the core of the fibres that could be used for fusion splicing.

2    PAS Software
The automatic alignment of the PAS fusion splicing module is installed with updated software that helps in estimation of the splicing loss. The PAS software keeps the loss of material and energy to a minimum.

3    Automatic Fibre Alignment Panel
The fusion splicing process is a dynamic technique. While the splicing is being carried out, the fibre optic cables are continuously on the move. This is particularly true of splicing models that cater to voluminous amount of cables. The Automatic Fibre Alignment system aligns the fibre optic cables exactly at places where the splicing is to be done. 

4    LID system
Local Injection and Detection System is a key component of the Fibre Fusion splicing machine. It detects the edges where the light bends or is reflected back. The LID system works on the principle of micro-bending that helps in establishing the amount of light passing through the spliced junction.

5    Actuators
LID Core alignment uses actuators to measure the light coupled through the fibre optic cables fused using splicing. The actuators ensure that at the fusion splicing technique produces the best transmission channel with optimal alignment. The LID and actuators help in retaining high-quality transmission of data with minimum splice loss.
 

6    Fibre strippers
The basic tool to begin fusion splicing of the fibre optic cables is the Fibre Stripper and cleaver. The set consists of cable preparation apparatus. The Fibre Strippers can handle all types of fibre optic cables. The automated Fusion Splicing Plants are suitable for:
-    Loose tube cables
-    Gel-filled cables
-    Dry water-blocked cables

They are also compatible with various styles of jackets and the armour shields used over the fibre optic cables.
Common types of strippers installed over the Fusion Splicing machine are:
-    Miller Stripper
-    Micro-strip tool
-    No-Nik Stripper
These are all Left Alignment Strippers.
Tips to be followed before and after using the Strippers
Strippers require careful cleaning after subsequent use. The process of fusion splicing may lead to significant wear and tear. Strippers need to be adjusted for the right-sized stripping every time. The automatic machines need to be adjusted correctly so that the stripper don’t knick the internal core.

Read More