There are many times when fiber optic professionals need to take two fiber optic cables and bring them together. To do it, they have the option of using either mechanical splicing or a process called fusion splicing. Fusion splicing often results in lower data loss once fiber optic cables are put into operation since it results in a seamless connection between the cables. Here are the steps that must be taken during fusion splicing.
Step 1: The fiber optic cables are prepared for fusion splicing.
Before a fusion splice can take place, the fiber optic cables that are being joined together must be prepared for it. During preparation, the protective coatings on the cables are removed along with jackets, tubes, and everything except the fibers themselves. While this is going on, fiber optic professionals must do everything they can to keep the fibers clean.
Step 2: The fiber optic cables are cleaved.
After the fiber optic cables have been prepared for fusion splicing, they must be cleaved so that they can be united. It’s important for fiber optic professionals to use a high-quality cleaver during this part of the process so that it produces fiber optic cable ends that are as perpendicular as they can be.
Step 3: The fiber optic cables are fused.
At this point, the fiber optic cables that are going through the fusion splicing process should be 100 ready to be fused together. Fiber optic professionals will use special equipment to align the cables properly before utilizing a fusion splicer to fuse them. A fusion splicer relies on an electrical arc to create enough heat to melt the fibers.
Step 4: The fiber optic cables are protected again.
Once two fiber optic cables have been joined through the use of fusion splicing, the resulting cable will need to be protected so that it doesn’t break or stretch when it’s handled. Things like heat shrink tubing and silicone gel can be placed over a splice to protect it moving forward.
At Connected Fiber, we know when and how to use fusion splicing when performing fiber optic services. Call us at 910-443-0532 today to find out more about the specific services that we can provide to those installing, maintaining, or restoring fiber optic networks.
