FiberTechs is a leading provider of quality, experienced fusion splicing services to customers in Texas and beyond. As a part of the Corning Network of Preferred Installers (NPI), our fusion splicing contractors are Corning-certified and held to the highest standards in the industry. With 27 years of providing fiber optic services, we’ve seen and handled just about every type of fiber splicing project for a wide range of clients.
Understanding Fusion Splicing in Fiber Optics
Splicing is a technique used to join two fiber optic cables together, end to end. Fiber splicing is often used over optical fiber connectors because fiber splicing is relatively permanent.
Fiber splicing can be performed using two methods: mechanical and fusion:
- Mechanical Splicing involves aligning and joining two or more fibers together using connectors. This method is quicker and easier to perform, but it allows for more loss. As a result, mechanical splicing is typically used for temporary fixes after a cable break.
- Fusion Splicing permanently fuses or welds the fibers together using an electric arc or heat. This method is the most common and preferred approach to fiber splicing, as it offers the lowest loss and strongest connection between the fibers.
Fusion splicing is a prevalent method for connecting optical fibers. To perform a fusion splice, the following tools are required:
- Fiber stripper
- Fusion splicer
- Alcohol wipes
- Fiber splice connector
- Fiber cleaver
The Fusion Splicing Process for Fiber Optic Cables
Fusion splicing is a delicate process, and if not executed correctly, it can result in connection issues or outages. A typical fusion splice involves these steps:
- Strip the fiber by removing the protective polymer coating.
- Clean the bare fiber with alcohol to eliminate contaminants.
- Cleave the fiber to create a clean break for a better fuse.
- Fuse the fibers together using a fusion splicer, melting both ends to permanently weld them together.
- Protect the newly fused fibers by reapplying the coating.
- Test the new connection with an Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) to ensure there are no losses or faults.
Advantages of Fusion Splicing
Fusion splicing is the most popular method for creating fiber optic joints due to its numerous benefits. These advantages include:
- Lower transition losses and weaker reflections
- High mechanical strength and stability in the resulting joints
- No materials required other than protection for the fiber after splicing
- Lower variable cost per fusion splice
- A more secure environment, minimizing cable failures
Contact Texas’ Fusion Splicing Experts
FiberTechs is your go-to partner for quality, reliable fusion splicing services in Texas and beyond. Contact us today to discuss your fiber optic project!