Fiber Splicing: How to Save Time and Money

Fiber splicing is used to join two optical fibers.   While another common way to join optical fibers is called termination or contectorization, fiber splicing results in less light loss and back reflection than termination. This makes it the preferred method when the cable runs are too long for a single length of fiber or when joining two different types of cable together, such as a 48-fiber cable to four 12-fiber cables. Splicing is also used to restore fiber optic cables when a buried cable is accidentally severed.

There are two ways to splice optical fiber: mechanical and fusion.

Mechanical Fiber Splicing

Mechanical Fiber Splicing is typically used for semi-permanent connections in emergency restoration situations or for testing and troubleshooting. A mechanical splice aligns the fibers together with ends touching inside a sleeve allowing light to pass from one to the other. Mechanical splices are more prone to exhibit greater loss and reflection than fusion splices. A typical loss from a mechanical fiber splice is generally 0.3 dB.

Fusion Fiber Splicing

In fusion splicing a machine is used to precisely align the two fiber ends. Then the glass ends are fused or welded together using some type of heat or electric arc. This produces a continuous connection between the fibers enabling very low loss light transmission and virtually no reflection. Typical loss in a fusion splice is 0.1 dB.

Considerations

In either method, there are several factors that will result in greater loss and increased investment costs. The factors include:

Equipment: The latest the equipment the better the splice and provide instant loss results for quick response and fix.

Testing Measures: Bidirectional OTDR testing will provide the best information to how well the splice is doing.

Technician Experience: Fibers vary from one project to another. A technician with experience with fibers similar will know and implement the best methods

Environment: Dirt, dust and tiny particles will interfere with the splice and cause more loss than expected. Technician should have immaculate work environment and equipment.

There are several technical resources on the Web that provide how-to guides on fiber splicing, both mechanical and fusion. If you are looking to contract a technician to either oversee or perform the fiber splicing for your project, download our free eBook, “How to Pin-Point the Best Fiber Splicing Technician.” The eBook provides insight into the essential characteristics of a contractor who will save you time and money.