Sequence of splicing 12-core optical fiber cable onto the fusion splice tray

Splicing a 12-core optical fiber cable onto a splice tray involves careful preparation, alignment, protection, and organized coiling to ensure signal integrity and long-term reliability.

Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Prepare the Fiber Cable

• Strip the outer jacket of the 12-core fiber cable using a fiber cable stripper, exposing the individual fiber cores.
• Remove the coating from each fiber to leave bare glass cores, typically using a precision fiber stripper.
• Cut and remove any aramid yarn or strength members that may interfere with splicing . 2. Clean the Fibers
• Wipe each fiber with lint-free cloths soaked in isopropyl alcohol to remove dust, oils, or contaminants.
• Ensure the fiber ends are completely clean to prevent signal loss . 3. Cleave the Fibers
• Use a high-quality fiber cleaver to create smooth, perpendicular end faces on each fiber.
• Proper cleaving is critical for low-loss splicing and stable connections . 4. Insert Fiber Protection Sleeves
• Slide a splice protection sleeve onto each fiber before splicing.
• This sleeve will protect the splice point after the fibers are joined . 5. Align and Splice the Fibers
• For mechanical splicing, align the fiber ends in the mechanical splice connector according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Ensure precise alignment to minimize insertion loss.
• For fusion splicing, use a fusion splicer to weld the fiber ends together, then place the splice in the protection sleeve . 6. Place Fibers onto the Splice Tray
• Route the fibers carefully into the 12-core splice tray.
• Internal pigtails are typically routed counterclockwise along the tray slots, while external fibers are routed clockwise.
• Coil excess fiber neatly on the winding rings provided in the tray, maintaining a minimum bend radius of 30 mm or ten times the cable diameter .
• Place the splice protection sleeves into the designated fixing grooves, starting from the middle and then moving to both sides to prevent fiber stress . 7. Secure and Organize
• Use cable ties or clips to secure buffer tubes and fibers to the tray.
• Label each fiber clearly for identification and future maintenance . 8. Test and Verify
• After splicing, test each fiber using an OTDR or power meter to verify signal integrity and ensure minimal splice loss.
• Confirm that all fibers are properly protected and coiled without sharp bends . 9. Close the Enclosure
• Once all fibers are spliced, coiled, and tested, close the fiber splice enclosure to protect the fibers from environmental factors and mechanical stress . Following this sequence ensures that the 12-core optical fiber cable is spliced efficiently, with organized fiber management, proper protection, and minimal signal loss, while maintaining safety and long-term reliability.