How to Splice Fiber Optic Cables

Fiber optic cabling is the neural network of modern society, carrying everything from breaking news to that meme you liked on Instagram last night. It is what powers internal servers and modern Internet connections, resulting in faster speeds than ever. Thanks to fiber splicing, when fiber breaks, that endless flood of data does not need to stop.

Before we can explain how to splice fiber optic cables, we need to establish what splicing is as well as the different methods. Continue reading to learn more.
 

What is Fiber Splicing?

Fiber optic splicing is the process of joining two different fiber optic cables and creating one functioning cable. When done correctly, splicing creates a cable with improved durability and minimal loss.

The two most common methods of fiber splicing are mechanical and fusion. Both perform the same function, but the procedures differ greatly.
 

Mechanical Splicing vs. Fusion Splicing

There are many factors to consider when choosing which type of fiber splicing to perform. One is simpler, but the other is more precise. Read on to learn the details.
 

Mechanical Splicing

A mechanical splice aligns two or more cleaved fiber tips and keeps the fibers together with an assembly, usually a plastic snap-type cover. Mechanical splicing takes much less time and effort, using no power supplies and very few tools. However, a mechanical splice is often considered temporary and can cause an insertion loss of about 0.3 dB, meaning light will pass through a little less efficiently than before.
 

Fusion Splicing

Fusion splicing is the most used method of fiber optic splicing and the main one we will discuss. Rather than using a cover to align the cables, this method involves heating and melting the ends together. This creates a much more durable connection that can reduce loss to 0.02 dB. Between increased durability and improved performance, technicians usually opt to use a fusion splicer when possible.

Fusion splicing is also the most reliable method for single-mode fibers. Different from multimode fibers, single-mode fibers have a thin core that transmits signals without touching the fiber’s edges. Since fusion splicing won’t alter the fiber’s structure, it is recommended for long-term fixes.
 

How Does Fusion Splicing Work?

Using cameras to align the two fiber ends and clean them of dust or dirt, a fusion splicer provides heat from an electrical arc to weld the ends together, then further tests the integrity of the weld by giving the fiber a tug.

How to Splice Fiber Optic Cables

Thanks to technological advancements, this complicated process can be broken up into a handful of simple steps:

1. Strip the Fibers: Before fusing, remove the cable jacket and coating. Using a tool like a mechanical fiber stripper, reduce the coating and exterior until all that is left are bare fiber cores.
2. Clean the Fibers: Although a fusion splicer will burn off impurities before the fusion, the fibers need to be cleaned in the case of any contaminants residing further down the line. Carefully applying a fiber optic cleaning solution should remove most dust or particles.
3. Cleave the Fibers: This step requires the most precision. Using a fiber cleaver, carefully create a break within the fiber with ends that are perpendicular to the fiber axis.
4. Align the Fibers: If using a splicer with automatic alignment, simply place the fiber ends within the device’s holder. For splicers with manual alignment, match the fiber end faces so the electrodes are centered.
5. Fuse the Fibers: The device will weld the two ends together, then test to make sure they are securely joined.
6. Protect the Splice: Once the fusion has been inspected, apply a heat-shrink sleeve around the newly fused area to protect it from contamination. Some splicers may do this automatically.

 

Choosing the Right Fiber Optic Splicer

Just as there are different fiber optic cables, there are many different fusion splicers to handle those cables. Whether a ribbon splicer that can handle 16 fibers at once or a cladding alignment splicer for cost-effectiveness, it is critical to choose the right splicer.
 

Single Fiber Splicer

Keeping up with improving technology, most single fiber splicers can now handle fibers as small as 250 microns. The accuracy and precision also translate to a splice loss of only 0.02 dB, and they can complete a task in about 10 seconds. The Fujikura FSM-70S is a single-fiber model that delivers a remarkable balance of precision and splicing speed.
 

Ribbon Fiber Splicer

When conducting many fusion splices at once, a ribbon fiber model may be the best choice. Also called a mass fusion splicer, these devices can conduct many splices at once; up to 16 in some models. When time is the most important factor, a ribbon fiber splicer is likely the best choice. Models like the Sumitomo Quantum Type Q101-M12 deliver precise splices with a wide range of 1 to 12 fibers.
 

Core Alignment Splicer

A core alignment splicer does the aligning for the user through a mix of light, cameras, and automated fiber holders. The machine does not perform a splice until it has perfectly aligned the two fibers by their cores. The device can also adjust the alignment based on pre-set parameters for the splice, so this type of splicer is best for consistent results. The Fujikura 90S+ is a core alignment model that maintains a quick splice time.
 

Cladding Alignment Splicer

Rather than aligning the core of the fibers, a cladding alignment splicer only requires the outer cladding to align. Matching the cladding on the outside of the fibers can result in lost accuracy when splicing, but these devices are quicker and cost less than the more precise models. A cladding alignment splicer is an acceptable option for jobs where loss rate is a lower priority.

 

Fusion Splicing Equipment

ATEC recommends the following products for your fusion splicing and fiber testing applications: