Stripping the fiber optic cable before splicing

Proper fiber optic stripping requires careful layer-by-layer removal, use of specialized tools, and protection of the bare fiber to ensure a high-quality splice.Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Prepare Your Workspace and Tools Ensure a clean, well-lit work area and wear safety glasses to protect against fiber shards. Gather essential tools: fiber optic jacket stripper, buffer stripper, fiber cleaver, alcohol wipes, dust-free cloth, and protective sleeves for the bare fiber . 2. Strip the Outer Jacket Use a cable stripper to remove the outer plastic jacket carefully. Score the jacket without cutting too deeply to avoid damaging the inner layers, such as aramid yarn or buffer coatings. Strip progressively, layer by layer, rather than all at once . 3. Remove Aramid Yarn (Kevlar Strength Members) Cut the aramid yarn with specialized sharp cutters designed for Kevlar. Avoid pulling or twisting, as this can damage the fiber or reduce tensile strength . 4. Strip the Buffer Coating Use a fiber buffer stripper to remove the 900µm coating from the fiber. Place the fiber in the correct groove of the stripper and pull gently in small increments (about ¼ inch at a time) to prevent breaking the fiber . 5. Insert Protective Sleeves Before stripping the fiber end face, slide a protective sleeve onto the fiber. This prevents contamination and protects the bare fiber during handling and splicing . 6. Clean and Inspect the Fiber After stripping, clean the bare fiber with alcohol and a lint-free cloth. Inspect the fiber for scratches or nicks, as even minor damage can lead to cracks and signal loss . 7. Minimize Exposure Time Keep the stripped fiber end face exposed for as short a time as possible. Avoid touching it or letting it contact other surfaces to prevent contamination . 8. Proceed to Cleaving and Splicing Once stripped and cleaned, use a fiber cleaver to create a perpendicular end face. Then proceed with either fusion or mechanical splicing, ensuring precise alignment and minimal insertion loss .

Key Tips

• Always maintain sharp, clean stripping tools.
• Strip each layer individually and progressively.
• Handle bare fibers gently to avoid micro-cracks.
• Use protective sleeves before preparing the fiber end face.
• Work efficiently to minimize fiber exposure to air and contaminants. Following these steps ensures a clean, undamaged fiber ready for high-quality splicing, reducing the risk of signal loss or future fiber failure.