Fiber optic cables are fast replacing copper wire ethernet cables as the backbone of networks that provide fast and reliable data transfer. The mode of transmission is light, which is not only faster but also immune to electric and magnetic interference. Moreover, the overall size of the cable is thinner compared to a copper trunk cable, so fiber cable terminations can run across tight spaces such as conduits, ducts, or buried underground. Yet, unless properly terminated, all the advantages of an optical fiber come down to naught because it affects the cable's light loss and, in turn, its performance. Unless you opt for a pre-terminated fiber optic cable assembly, you need to do field termination while installing the network.
How to properly terminate a Fiber Optic Cable
Gather the materials
The first step, after receiving the fiber optic spool is to have all the necessary equipment on hand for termination. You need to cut the outer protective jacket and underlying kevlar or aramid yarn before you get access to the fiber core. You need epoxy or adhesive to bond the connector to the ferrule or outer jacket. Here are some of the common tools you need before you can begin the optic fiber termination:
- Safety Glasses
- Protective gloves
- Disposal bin
- Cable jacket stripper
- Polishing puck or film for face end polishing
- Shears or Scissors
- Tester & Microscope
- Appropriate connectors
- Epoxy or Adhesive
- Iso-Propyl Alcohol or any other stripping agent
- Fiber cleaver
- Strip the cable
When cutting the cable for termination, leave one inch extra on either side of the actual cable length. Remove the outer jacket using a jacket stripper. Use the shears to remove any yarn around the cable. Once you have the core exposed, use the fiber cleaver to score radially once. Bend the cable at the tongue of the cleaver to break the end cleanly.
Remove any rouge strands
Even after the yarn is cut, there may be few rough strands still connected to the cable. Use a stripping solution or IPA solution to remove such strands and remove any buffer in-between the cable and core.
Attach the connector
Depending on the usage, connect the appropriate male or female connectors on either end of the cable. Using an epoxy, adhesive, or crimping tool, attach the connector to the ferrule. Take special care not to put physical pressure on the core. Ensure the stripped end of the cable is at least half an inch outside the connector's front.
Cure the epoxy
Epoxy takes time to cure but you can accelerate the process by using a curing oven. Place the connector end with a curing holder and place the assembly inside a curing oven. Place the connector end down to prevent the epoxy from wicking down and come outside the back end of the connector.
Cleave the end and Sanding it
Once the epoxy is cured, it is time to cleave the core end as close to the connector end. Using the cleaver, again score a line once around the core without any twisting motion. Once you have a clean straight face, it is time to sand the edges based on the termination requirement. You need to use the polishing puck or films of different grades to shape your cable face end. Ideally, you need to start with coarse grit and work your work to finer grits to achieve maximum straightness. If the cable face isn't smooth, it would result in a complete light loss at the ends.
Test the connection
Using a handheld microscope, inspect the cleave quality and check the signal transmission quality, insertion loss, and return loss using the handheld tester. Once you are sure of the termination quality, you can use the cable. Any failure means you need to repeat the above steps again.
Wrapping Up
If you have followed the instructions mentioned here to the last word, you should have a fiber cable termination with utmost precision. All that remains is to connect it to the right cable wall panel and set up your network.