FIBER OPTIC CABLE SPLICING

Two Important Methods for Fiber Optic Cabling Splicing

Fiber optic splicing is widely used in telecommunications, LAN (Local Area Network) and network cabling projects. There are two ways to undertake fiber optic splicing: fusion splices and mechanical splices.

Fusion Splicing Method: Fusion splicing is the most widely used method because it is permanent, provides the lowest loss and the strongest, most reliable connection between two fibers. Fusion splicing machines are used to strip, cleave, fuse and protect the fiber.

Mechanical Splicing Method: Mechanical splicing is a better choice if you want to make splices quickly and easily. A mechanical splice is a junction of two or more optical fibers. These fibers are aligned and held in place by a self-contained assembly; we’ll typically use connectors to link fibers. This method provides fast, but temporary restoration.

Which Method of Fiber Optic Splicing is Better?

Fusion splicing and mechanical splicing have their benefits and disadvantages; choosing the best option depends on the budget and application. Mechanical splicing has a low initial investment cost per splice. Whereas the cost per slice for fusion is much higher because of the performance requirements and features of the machine used. As outlined above, fusion splicing is permanent and offers a strong reliable connection, while mechanical is a temporary fix. If the scope of your project requires a resilient, enduring connection, fiber fusion is the best investment.

In conclusion, mechanical splicing works for quick restoration and temporary connections. Fusion splicing, while more expensive, provides the lowest insertion loss, back reflection and strongest joint between fibers.