Everything You Must Know About Fiber Optic Splicing

Businesses need super-fast and reliable internet connections so that various work operations can be performed smoothly and the set targets can be achieved. The most preferable options opted by business owners for reliable internet access are cable or fiber internet. Though cable internet nowadays is well-equipped to provide blazing-fast internet speeds and there are trusted providers like Cox internet, for instance, who are reputed for offering top-notch services, still fiber internet seems to be a more captivating choice for entrepreneurs. Fiber internet promises the fastest speeds, which is why every business owner knows that he can boost his company’s productivity tremendously by means of an optimized fiber-optic network. 

Businesses all over the world are turning towards fiber optic technology and getting it installed in their workplaces. It is recommended to hire certified fiber optic technicians for the fiber optic installation, who know how to do their job expertly. The installation job also requires the knowledge of fiber optic splicing needed to connect fiber optic cables permanently and properly. Splicing refers to the technique by which fiber optic technicians can elongate the length of the fiber optic cables when needed by joining them together. It is also the preferred technique for fixing any broken connection. Owing to the fact that it is an important technique, here we are with everything you would want to know about fiber optic splicing: 

What is Meant by Fiber Optic Splicing?

It is a process used by a professional to fuse two or more fiber cables so that they can transmit data quickly and in several directions. 

How does Fiber Splicing Works?

To perform splicing, first of all, the protective polymer coating around the fiber cable should be removed. This is usually done by using a mechanical stripping device. 

Next, the fibers inside must be cleaned with alcohol. This is done mainly to get rid of any contaminants. 

After that, the two fiber optic cables to be spliced are cleaved with a cleaver to get neat edges at the ends of both the fiber optic cables. Cleaving helps in a seamless fusion of the fiber optic cables. This is followed by fusion. A fusion splicer is used to weld both the fiber cables together.

Once the cables have been fused, a protective coating is placed around them again to protect the delicate fibers within them. This newly-fused cable is now tested to see if it works properly. 

Splicing is, therefore, the most efficient and fastest method for elongating your fiber optic network or repairing a severed cable, and can be performed in two ways. These include mechanical splicing and fusion splicing.

Mechanical Splicing

Mechanical splicing involves a mechanical splicer instead of a fusion splicer to join the optical fibers together. It aligns the fibers and mechanically secures them. To fasten the splice, an adhesive cover might be used. 

Generally, the fiber mechanical splicing results in higher reflection as compared to fusion splicing. The mechanical splices are preferable in case of quick cable repairs or temporary installations. They apply to both single or multimode fibers.

Fusion Splicing

Fusion splicing, on the other hand, is comparatively expensive than mechanical splicing. It involves fusing two fiber optic cores permanently, so much so that the insertion loss is usually less than 0.1dB. In the case of fusion splicing, a specialized fusion splicer is used to weld two fiber optic cables, either by using an electric arc or any type of heat. The result is a continuous and transparent connection between fibers with a negligible loss of light. 

The fusion splicer performs its operations in two steps; it first aligns the two fibers and then uses an electric arc to weld them together. The efficiency of this process can be maximized if done by a professionally trained technician. 

Quick Tips for Better Splices

In order to perform more efficient splicing, make sure that the fiber is cleaned thoroughly and so are the splice tools. The contaminants are often not visible, so excessive cleaning is often needed. 

Moreover, the cleaver should be handled carefully as it is the most important tool in splicing. The angle of cleavage should be proper to avoid the escape of too much light in the air gaps.

In the case of fusion splicing, special attention must be paid to the fusion parameters, as they must be adjusted minimally. To ensure a lower loss rate, the cleaver must be precise. 

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When dealing with fiber network installation, splicing is a key technique that comes in handy for securing the fiber optic cables when needed, either to repair or to extend their length. Regardless of which of the aforementioned splicing methods you use, it is important that the splicing is done the right way. It is always advised to get a trained professional to do it to maximize the efficiency of your corporate network, which, in turn, will ensure seamless internet access, paving the way to greater business success.