When working with fiber optic cables, there are many times when fiber optic professionals will need to join two cables together. Sometimes, they’ll do it in order to make a fiber optic cable longer to limit the tension and stress being put on it. At other times, they’ll do it to repair a piece of fiber optic cable that has been broken or damaged. Regardless of the situation, they’ll have the option of using either the fiber optics fusion splicing method or the fiber optics mechanical splicing method to connect the fiber optic cables. And while the fusion splicing method has become the more common choice in recent years, the mechanical splicing method is an excellent option for those looking to make quick and easy connections between fiber optic cables.
Unlike the fusion splicing method that requires the use of an electric arc to weld fiber optic cables together, the fiber optics mechanical splicing method involves taking two fiber optic cables and bringing them together through the use of a connector. There are four basic steps used by fiber optic professionals utilizing this splicing method. They’ll begin by stripping the protective coatings from the outside of the fiber optic cables to be joined. Next, they’ll use a cleaver to cut the two ends of the cables going to be connected. Then, instead of using heat like they do when using the fusion splice method, they’ll connect the two ends together by using a mechanical splice connector. The connector joins the cables and allows them to transmit light from the end of one fiber to the other fiber. They’ll complete the process by protecting the new fiber optic cable to prevent any moisture or debris from getting inside of it.
The fusion splicing method may be the more commonly used method these days. But the fiber optics mechanical splicing method is a much quicker option and doesn’t require the same expensive equipment as fusion splicing does. It also gives a fiber optic professional the option of disconnecting two fiber optic cables in the future if the need should ever arise.
Find out more about the fiber optics mechanical splicing method by touching base with Connected Fiber today.