Monthly Archives: January 2017

Fiber Optic Cable: Storage & Handling Tips

The prevalence of fiber optic cable has become a trend which is embraced globally, since optical fiber offers unsurpassed advantages. Fiber optic cables are sensitive to excessive pulling, bending, twisting, crushing and other impact forces, for any such damage may alter the fiber property and may pose threats to its performance. So, optical cable should be stored and handled in an appropriate way. This article offers recommendations for proper storage and handling of fiber optic cable.

Fiber Optic Cable Storage

Fiber optic cable can be basically categorized into indoor fiber optic cable and outdoor fiber optic cable. Indoor cables are used exclusively within buildings whereas outdoor cables are employed in outside plant applications. Here are some factors to consider for indoor and outdoor storage.

Indoor Fiber Optic Cable Storage Recommendations
  • Always keep the reel tag that comes with the cable. There is vital information on the tag which indicates the cable description, attenuation, bandwidth and cable length. All these are valid identification of the fiber optic cable for future traceability.
  • Store fiber optic cable reels standing on both flanges, or held through center. Never store a cable reel sitting on one flange surface, which will result in possible future cable damage when unwinding.

indoor optical fiber storage

  • Once rewind the fiber optic cable to another reel, the diameter of the new reel shall be compatible with the minimum bending radius of the cable. And the original cable label details should be copied to the new reel.
  • In no circumstances shall any indoor cable boxes or reels be stored outside or in a harsh environment. Instead, indoor cables should be stored in a dry and UV protected location, such as a room or container.
  • Choose a site for storage with no risk of excessive humidity, falling objects, chemical spills (oil, grease,etc.) open flames or excessive heat. Elements like moisture and other contamination should also be considered when picking storage location.
Outdoor Fiber Optic Cable Storage Recommendations

Requirements listed below are applicable to both outdoor and indoor/outdoor fiber optic cables. Ends of the cables shall be sealed during storage.

  • All fiber optic cable reels including part used should be stored upright. Always store the reel in areas with flat firm surfaces. And use appropriate devices to secure reels to prevent reel movement during storage.
  • Avoid storage areas that are susceptible to flooding, or that could damage the cable, such as sharp, uneven terrain.
  • When the cable reel is too heavy to lift manually, it must be moved upright by lifting the cable with a forklift or reel mover. Never drop a cable reel from any height during transportation or use.
  • When unloading from a vehicle, use either the tail-lift / elevator (if fitted) or a suitable mechanical aid such as a forklift truck. Never let reels drop from the vehicle to the ground.

outdoor fiber optic cable storage

  • Before de-reeling cable, the reel should be visually inspected for possible damage caused during storage.
Considerations for Handling Fiber Optic Cable

Fiber optic cable is prone to damages due to improper handling and such damages can degrade the cable performance. Therefore the following suggestions may be useful to handle fiber optic cable properly.

1. Store the cable drums in an upright position, resting it vertically on cable flange edge not in the horizontal position. The flanges of reels shall not be interleaved, and reels must not be lifted by their flanges.

proper handling fiber optic cable

2. The rolling of the drum in the direction of the arrow decreases the chance for the cable to loosen its wind on the drum. However, you should notice that when pulling the fiber optic cable off the drum to install the cable, the arrow will point in the opposite direction to the rotation of the drum. (see the picture below).

proper handling fiber optic cable

3. When moving or handling the drum by a forklift, one should operate it in a proper manner to avoid any damage to fiber optic cable. The fork should not have any direct contact with the cable jacket.

handling fiber optic cable with forklift

4. While removing fiber optic cable from the drum. It is essential to avoid any reverse bending or twisting that may ultimately deteriorate fiber performance.

proper handling optical fiber

5. Always grounding optical fiber in figure 8 configuration, which allows for pulling of cable in both directions from a central location. It is necessary to protect the figure 8 coil form passers by. The figure 8 coil should be at least 10M by 5M. So what if the longer cable is required to be unreeled? The overwhelming weight of the coil may damage the cable at the bottom. In this case, try to spread the cable out in several figure 8 coils.

fiber optic figure 8 configuration

Conclusion

Proper storage and handling of fiber optic cable help to decreas chances for accidental damages, yet increases longevity of fiber optic cable. This article simply offers a recommended guideline for optical fiber storage and handling, while it is always wise to consult a professional for your unique application.

Why Not Consider Splice-On Connector for Field-Termination?

There is no question that the demand for network capacity is accelerating dramatically as data traffic has proliferated. Hence, a great amount of optical fibers are deployed in the field in order to cope up with the requirements. Which inevitably exerts more work stress when polishing and terminating these massive fibers. Field-installable splice-on connectors, which can be terminated at the end of the cable in field by fusion splicing, can resolve this issue. This article will shed light on the functions and benefits of splice-on connector, and explain why we should consider it seriously.

sc type splice-on connector

What Is Splice-On Connector?

A splice-on connector uses a fusion splicer to permanently join a fiber stub inside the connector with a fiber cable. The splice is protected within the boot of the connector. Splice-on connector features a factory pre-polished ferrule that eliminates the need for polishing and adhesives so they can be crimped in the field. Splice-on connectors significantly enhance the effectiveness of the termination and installation, which allow for unsurpassed performance and flexibility in the field. Moreover, splice-on connectors are easily assembled that requires minimal skill or training, and it presents the same high quality as the factory terminated one.

splice-on connector structure

The diagram above typically illustrates the SC type of the field-installable splice-on connector. It generally consists of 8 parts. In addition to stub, which is a ferrule with a short fiber, and heat shrinkable sleeve, all housing parts are almost the same design as the standard connector.

How to Assemble Splice-On Connector?

The process for splice-on connector assembly is fairly easy, and SC or LC version simply has the same procedures. Here we take SC splice-on connector for example, just follow these steps:

splice-on connector assembly procedure

Why to Consider Splice-On Connector?

Splice-on connectors generally expand our options for field-termination, technicians nowadays incline to embrace the splice-on connector for OSP environment, data center installation and multi-dwelling unit (MDU) networks. Here are six reasons why we should consider splice-on connector to network.

Fewer Components and Material Required

With a splice-on connector, the pigtail is eliminated since the fiber stub inside the connector is permanently joined with a fiber cable. The splice is protected within the connector boot. There is no need for splice tray, slack management of fiber strands, or other accessory.

pigtail splice vs. splice-on connector in cassette

Better Insertion Loss and Return Loss

Splice-on connector has better performance on insertion loss and return loss when compared with mechanical splice. By utilizing a fusion splicer, a splice-on connector creates a continuous connection in the glass by “welding” cores together. Which results in robust performance at the splice.

Installation Flexibility

Splice-on connector gives installer much more flexibility by combining fusion splicing with a field-installable connector. It allows you to run drop cables to an end-user, cut the length you need and then attach the splice-on connector and plug it in, with no shorts or excess slack. Splice-on connector makes it possible to achieve durable, high-performance connection with the same amount of time it takes to complete a mechanical splice.

splice-on connector installation flexibility

Well-Suited for Outdoor Environments

Most splice-on connector can be used in outdoor environments, providing permanent, robust connections in outdoor enclosures. They can remain stable through a wide range of temperatures and other harsh conditions.

Notification for Successful Splice

When technician successfully completes the splicing task, most fusion splicer can notify them. This decrease the chance for installer skill that is required for mechanical splicing, making it easy to use splice-on connectors regardless of you are a beginner or expert.

Significantly Decreased Price

The cost of fusion splicing tools once has stood in the way for the spread of fusion splicing. However, the industry has experienced significant decreases in splice prices in recent years. One can even choose to rent those devices if needed. Fusion splicing gains in much popularity that enables more installers to benefit from splice-on connectors for deployments.

Conclusion

Splice-on connectors simply combine the quality of fusion splicing with the ease of a field-installable connector. It enables technicians to realize greater efficiency and improve fiber management especially in tight space and high density environments. They have been extensively used in FTTx networks, cable TV backbone networks, outside plant and MDU FTTP cabling, as well as data center installation and connector restoration in the field. So why not consider splice-on connectors for your project?