Mistakes Beginners Make While Using Fiber Splicers
Fiber splicing is a critical operation within the current telecommunications, data centers, and FTTH installations. A fiber splicer allows technicians to connect the optical fibers with minimum loss of signal, which is very fast and reliable in transmitting data.
This guide is specifically for beginners to avoid common mistakes while using fiber splicers. Moreover, in this blog, you’ll also get some easy and practical solutions to tackle all the usual problems as a beginner.
Mistakes that Beginners Make When Using Fiber Splicers
Missing Proper Fiber Cleaning.
One of the most common mistakes is not thoroughly cleaning the fiber prior to splicing. Technicians think that a swift wipe suffices, but optical fibers are very sensitive to contamination. Sometimes dust, finger oil or coating residue can inhibit proper fusion, form bubbles, weaken joints, and propagate less signal.
Incorrect Fiber Stripping
Removal of the protective coating requires high accuracy. Novices apply excessive force or an incorrect tool that ruins the glass behind. Scratches and micro-cracks run along the fiber, making it brittle and prone to breakage during or after installation. Poor stripping is also detrimental to cleaving.
Poor Fiber Cleaving
The process of cleaving results in a smooth end face of fibers that are flat. Novices hurry in this process, or work with a badly-sharpened blade. The outcome is an angled or uneven end that does not align properly during fusion, resulting in high splice loss and unreliable connections.
Neglecting Splicer Calibration.
Fusion splicers require calibration to regulate arc power based on temperature, altitude and humidity. Beginners often skip this. Failure to calibrate the splicer properly can result in insufficient fusion strength or deformation of the fiber.
Wrong Splicing Mode.
There are single-mode and multi-mode as well as specialty fiber modes provided by modern splicers. Novices utilize the default with no assessment of fiber type. These wrong settings lead to misalignment, overloss and signal reflections.
Splicing in Uncontrolled Environments.
Beginners frequently seek to splice fibers in the air where wind, dust, vibration and high temperatures may cause much fiber misalignment and reduce fusion. Interference with the environment raises the chances of contamination and misorientation, so whenever feasible, it is necessary to work in a controlled environment.
Overbending of the Fibers.
Optical fibers are delicate. Novices occasionally make them too tight, or when stacking splice trays, they often make them strain. Bending the fiber past the minimum bend radius results in attenuation and may cause permanent damage to the fiber.
Oversight of Splice Protection Sleeves.
A heat-shrink sleeve must have been applied to the splicing after the splicing. Novices usually omit this in order to save time. These unprotected splices are vulnerable to moisture, stress, and dust, which can have long-term effects.
Not Testing Splice Loss
Many technicians rely solely on the estimated loss provided by the splicer; however, these estimates are not always accurate. High-loss splices that are not detected can lead to future network performance issues.
Hurrying the Splicing Process.
New technicians are in a hurry. It causes bad cleaning, bad cleaving and misalignment. Hurrying adds to the amount of rework, downtime and expense.
Inadequate Splice Tray Organization.
Splice trays assist in working with fibers, yet beginner workers usually tend to lay fibers in any way without marking or systematic routing. Accidental damage is easily caused by poor organization, as it makes maintenance hard to achieve.
Ignoring Safety Practices
Splicing of fibers generates sharp glass pieces and high-temperature equipment. Novices disregard simple safety precautions. Hot arcs or ovens, and glass splinters, may cause injuries.
Not Reading the Manufacturer’s Manual.
Most of the beginners use trial and error as opposed to reading the splicer manual. All splicer models have their own settings and maintenance. Failure to follow the manual causes misuse, poor performance, and equipment loss.
How to Prevent Most Problems
Wipe Fibers Clean Before Splicing
Use lint-free wipes and 99% isopropyl alcohol. Do not use your fingers after cleaning the fiber. Wipe the cleaver blade and every splicer element on a regular basis.
Apply Adequate Stripping Materials and methods
Select a fiber stripper to suit your cable. Gently strip and examine the fiber with a microscope to see whether or not there are scratches or cracks.
Do Accurate Cleaving
A sharp, cleaver of excellent quality is necessary. Cut the cleaving length as suggested by the manufacturer and examine the cleaved surface to verify that it is flat and clean.
Calibrate your Splicer Periodically
Calibrate the arc according to the given instructions. Whenever you switch environments, e.g., inside or outside, recalibrate your device.
Choose the Right Splicing Mode
Before splicing, identify the type of fiber to use, and also set the mode on the splicer. Follow the user manual for the recommended settings of each fiber category.
Manage Environmental Conditions
When outside, work in a splicing tent or a splicing enclosure. Ensure a stable workspace and avoid performing splices in areas exposed to wind, dust, or harsh temperatures.
Adhere to the minimum bending radius standards
Proper cable-management tools and gentle loops in splice trays are essential to safeguard fiber integrity.
Always wear Splice Protection Sleeves
Before splicing, insert a heat-shrink sleeve and heat it correctly after fusion. Let it cool, then put it in the splice tray to provide maximum protection.
Test Splice Quality using Testing Equipment
Test splice loss, using OTDR or optical power meter. Re-splice any joint that is beyond the acceptable levels of loss.
Adhere to a Step-by- Step Splicing Procedure
Individually prepare a checklist of each splice, which involves cleaning, stripping, cleaving, alignment, fusion, protection and testing. Emphasize quality and not speed.
Check Fiber Specifications and Fiber Compatibility
Know the differences between single-mode and multi-mode fibers. Before splicing different fibers together, check core size, cladding and compatibility wavelength.
Arrange Splice Trays in a Professional manner
Label the fibers well and route them in well-organized loops with the right bend radius. Clean up trays to make them easy to maintain and debug.
Adhere to Best Practices in Safety
Wear safety glasses, discard fiber scraps in a specially designed container and do not touch any hot aspects.
Read the Manual Carefully
Read the manual of the splicer to learn about settings and features, as well as how to service it. Always use recommended accessories and consumables.
Buy Fiber Splicing Tools from Authnetic Supplier: Choose Ultra Tech
As a reputable company, Ultratech has advanced networking and fiber optic solutions that provide equipment and quality technology to telecom, ISP, and enterprise clients.
As one of the leading fiber optic cable providers in Pakistan, Ultratech values performance, affordability, and customer satisfaction, offering a broad market with networking products, fiber optic cables, best fiber optic splicing machine, and connectivity solutions.
The solutions help in supporting a current-day communication infrastructure. Ultratech, supported by professional technical services and a powerful supply chain, enables companies to create efficient and scalable future-ready networks without any doubts.
Final Thoughts
Fiber splicing is an art that is difficult and tedious yet delicate. It needs patience, practice and attention to detail. Inexperienced learners are prone to errors; however, they can avoid most of the mistakes with some precautions and expert guidance.
With a knowledge of common errors and best practices, you can obtain low-loss, reliable, and professional-quality splices. It takes time to learn proper techniques in enhancing network performance, minimizing rework, minimizing downtime and minimizing long-term service costs. As a technician, student, or even network engineer, understanding these basics creates a firm background in fiber optics.
Collaborating with an established supplier like Ultra Tech can assist professionals in adhering to the industry standards and provide a consistent and high-performance network solution.