Defnition of Fibre Optic

Fibre Optic is a thin strand of highly transparent glass or sometimes plastic that guide light.
It is used as a medium for carrying information from one point to another in the form of
light. A basic fbre optic system consists of a transmitting device, which generates the light
signal; an optical fbre cable, which carries the light; and a receiver, which accepts the light
signal transmitted. The fbre itself is passive and does not contain any active properties
Basic Construction of Optical Fibre.
1.Core:
The centre of the fbre through which the light is transmitted.
2. Cladding:
The outside optical layer of the fbre that traps the light in the core and guides it
along and even through curves.
3. Bufer coating or primary coating:
A hard plastic coating on the outside of the fbre that protects the glass from
moisture or physical damage.
Fiber optic cable functions as a "light guide," guiding the light introduced at one end of the
cable through to the other end. The core and cladding are manufactured together as a single
piece of silica glass. The core regions refractive index (or optical density) is greater than the
Core
Cladding
Coating
Core
8.3
m
Clad
ding
125
m
Coa
ting
250
m
Cross Sectional View of a Single Mode Fiber Side View of a Single Mode Fiber
cladding layer. The glass does not have a hole in the core, but is completely solid throughout.
The light is "guided" down through the core. The cladding traps the light in the core using an
optical technique called "total internal refection. The third section of an optical fbre is the
outer protective coating called the "primary bufer coating". This coating is typically an
ultraviolet (UV) light-cured acryl ate applied during the manufacturing process to provide
physical and environmental protection for the fbre. During the installation process, this
coating is stripped away from the cladding to allow proper termination to an optical
transmission system.
Constructional Details of Fibre Optic Cable
Rip Cord
Water Blocking Material
(Jelly)
Outer Sheath (Jacket)
Double Layer for Direct
Buried Single Layer
for Duct Cable
Steel for !rounding
"hread #aper
Dielectric Strength
$le%ent (&e'lar)
Central Strength Me%ber
Optical (ibre)
!el*(illed Buffer "ube
Outer Sheath
(Jacket)
Steel )heath for
!rounding
Dielectric Strength
$le%ent (&e'lar)
"hread and #aper
!el (illed
Buffer "ube)
Central Strength
Me%ber
Optical fibre)
Types of Fiber Optic Cables
There are two types of fber optic cable commonly used:

1. Multi Mode Cables
2. Single Mode Cables
1. Multi Mode Cables
Over the years a variety of core sizes have been produced but these days there are only two
main sizes for Multimode fbers. These cables are most widely used in data networks. The
numbers 50/125 & 62.5/125 represent the diameters of the fbre core and cladding, these are
measured in microns which are millionths of a metre.
2. Single Mode Cable
Single Mode cable has a core diameter of 8.3 to 10 microns. It is the most commonly
used cable in Telecommunication for transmission systems. The numbers 8.3/125
represent the diameters of the fber core and cladding,
Note:Both multimode and single mode fbres have an outside diameter of
125 microns - about 5 thousandths of an inch - just slightly larger than
a human hair.
Defnitions of Terms used in Fibre Optic Cable
1. Terminations
Patch panels:-
Provides a centralized location for patching fbres, testing, monitoring and restoring
cables.
Connector:
A non-permanent device for connecting two fbres or fbres to equipment where they
are expected to be disconnected occasionally for testing or rerouting. It also provides
protection to both fbres.
Ferrule:
A tube which holds a fbre for alignment, usually part of a connector
LC Connector
LC stands for Latched Connector and its interconnect is based upon the RJ-45
telephone interface. The LC Connector uses Zirconia ceramic ferrules in a free-
foating and pull proof design.
SC connector
SC Stands for Single Coupling. It is Square shaped snap-in connector that latches
with a simple push-pull. The SC connector has the advantage (over ST) of being
duplexed into a single connector clip with both transmit/receive fbres.
MU Connector
The MU stands for Miniature Unit fbre-optic connector, which features compact size,
high packaging density, and high performance and a simple push-pull design. The
MU connector ferrules are half the size of the standard FC, SC connectors and are
excellent for high density installations.
ST Connector
ST Stands for Straight Tip. The ST connector is spring-loaded bayonet mount and
have a long cylindrical ferrule to hold the fber.
FC Connector
The FC stands for "Face Contact" The anti-rotation key prevents fbre end face
damage and rotational sensitivity and the foating ferrule prevents shock and
vibration.
PC Connector
Physical Contact Connector
FPC Connector
Flat Physical Contact Connector
APC Connector
Angled Physical Contact Connector
SPC Connector
Super Physical Contact Connector
UPC Connector
Ultra Physical Contact Connector
2. Splicing
Splice enclosures
For long cable runs outside, the point where cables are spliced, sealed up and buried
in the ground, put in a vault of some kind or hung of a pole.
Splice panels
Connect individual fbres from cables to pigtails
Splice:
A permanent joint between two fbres
Mechanical Splice:
A splice where the fbres are aligned by mechanical means
Fusion Splice:
A splice created by fusing two fbres together
Fusion Splicer:
An instrument that splices fbres by fusing them, typically by electrical arc.
3. Measurements
Attenuation:
The reduction in optical power as it passes along a fbre, usually expressed in decibels
(dB).
Bandwidth:
The range of signal frequencies or bit rate within which a fbre optic link or network
will operate.
Chromatic dispersion:
A property of optical fbre due to which diferent wavelengths travel at diferent
speeds and arrive at diferent times, resulting in spreading of a pulse in an optical
waveguide.
Decibels (dB):
A unit of measurement for optical power which indicates relative power. A -10 dB
means a reduction in power by 10 times.
dBm:
Absolute Power, Optical power referenced to 1 milliwatt.
Nanometer (nm):
A unit of measure used to measure the wavelength of light (meaning one one-
billilonth of a meter)
Optical Loss:
The amount of optical power lost during transmission of through fber, splices,
couplers, etc. expressed in dB.
Optical Power:
It is measured in "dBm", or decibels referenced to one miliwatt of power. While loss is
a relative reading, optical power is an absolute measurement, referenced to
standards. Absolute power is measured to test transmitters or receivers and relative
power to test loss.
Optical Return Loss, back refection:
Light refected from the cleaved or polished end of a fbre caused by the diference of
refractive indices of air and glass.
Power budget:
The total amount of power lost in the link. Often used in terms of the maximum
amount of loss that can be tolerated by a given link.
Polarization Mode Dispersion:
The spreading of a pulse in an optical waveguide by virtue of diferent light paths
lengths is called Modal dispersion.
Refractive index:
A measure of the speed of light in a material, a property of optical materials that
relates to the velocity of light in the material
Scattering:
The change of direction of light after striking small particles that causes loss in
optical fbres and is used to make measurements by an OTDR
Wavelength:
A term for the color of light, usually expressed in nanometers (nm) or microns (m).
Fiber is mostly used in the infrared region where the light is invisible to the human
eye.
4. Test Equipment
Optical Power Meter:
An instrument that measures optical power from the end of a fbre
Laser Source:
An instrument that uses a laser or LED to send an optical signal into fbre for testing
loss of the fbre
Optical Loss Test Set (OLTS):
A measurement instrument for optical loss that includes both a power meter and
laser source
Reference Test Cables:
Short, single fbre cables with connectors on both ends, used to test unknown cables.
Mating Adapter:
Also called couplers, allow two cables with connectors to mate.
Optical Microscope:
Used to inspect the end surface of a connector for dirt.
Fibre Optic Splicing
There are two methods of fbre optic splicing, fusion splicing & mechanical splicing.
Mechanical splicing is usually carried out for emergency restorations whereas fusion splicing
is done for permanent repairs of damaged cable or to connect the reels of cable during
installation
Mechanical Splicing:
Mechanical splices are simply alignment devices, designed to
hold the two fbre ends in a precisely aligned position thus enabling light
to pass from one fbre into the other. (Typical loss: 0.3 dB)
Fusion Splicing:
Fusion splicing is the joining and fusing of two fbres by placing them between two electrodes,
and discharging an electric arc over the fbres. This splice technique is non-refective. Fusion
splicing machine is used to precisely align the two fbre ends then the glass ends are "fused"
together using electric arc. This produces a continuous connection between the fbres
enabling lower loss and less back refection than mechanical splicing because the resulting
fusion splice points are almost seamless. (Typical loss: 0.1 dB)
+o*+ik Stripper
Cutter
Cable
cutter
,and -ir
Blo.er
-ir Jet
/)opropyl -lcohol
S.ab
(ibre Stripper
Round Jacket Stripper
Longitudinal
Cable Jacket
Slitter
Sci))or
".i00er
Buffer "ube
Stripper
Buffer "ube
Stripper
Cleaning
"ape
Preparation of
Fibre Optic Cable for Splicing
1.Removal of outer jacket
Remove the fbre optic cable's protective jackets and bufers to allow access to
the optical fbre. Make sure the blades or cutting members are not damaging
the bufer tubes.
2.Cutting of Kevlar.
The Kevlar can be trimmed using scissors or Kevlar cutters.
3.Cleaning of Bufer Tubes.
Clean the jelly on bufer tubes with isopropyl wipes.
4.Fixing of cable in the enclosure.
The cable should be fxed in the enclosure according to the recommendations
of the manufacturer of the splice enclosure.
5.Stripping of Bufer Tubes.
The bufer tubes, like the outer jackets, can be removed by mechanical
stripping tools. Use care not to kink or damage the internal coated fbres.
Optical Fiber Splicing Process
1.Stripping of fbers
Once the coated fbre is exposed, Use fber stripper to strip fbre to appropriate
length. Take care not to damage the fbres in the process.
2.Cleaning
After the coating is removed, clean the fbre with specially designed isopropyl alcohol
wipes so that the fbre squeaks.
3.Cleaving
A good cleave is the key to obtaining a good splice. Use cleaver to cut the fbre. After
cleaving do not touch or clean the fbre.
4.Splicing
The fbre is now ready to be spliced mechanically or Fusion. Insert the fbre carefully
in the mechanical splice or in the fusion splicer for splicing. While inserting in the
mechanical splice make sure that fbre is inserted directly in the groove and do not
touch any other surface. Fusion splicer will automatically align and fuse the fbre.
5.Protection.
In case of fusion splicing cover the splice with heat shrink sleeve and place it in the
heater, for mechanical splice carefully close the mechanical splice.
6.Organizing.
Organize the fbre in the enclosure properly Make sure that organising do not cause
Micro-bending.
Testing
Cables need to be tested for continuity, end-to-end loss and any other potential problems.
For long outside plant cables with intermediate splices, all individual splices need to be
verifed with an OTDR, since that's the only way to make sure that each one is good. Within
the network testing for power is necessary as power is the measurement that tells whether
the system is operating properly.
Tools and test equipment for the job.
1.Source and power meter, optical loss test.
2.Reference test cables.
3.Cleaning materials - lint free cleaning wipes and pure alcohol.
4.OTDR and launch cable for outside plant jobs.
Measurement of Optical Power & Loss
There is a diference between the power coupled into a component like a cable or a connector
and the power that is transmitted through it. This diference is what we call optical loss and
defnes the performance of a cable, connector, splice, etc.
Measuring power
Power in a fbre optic system is like voltage in an electrical circuit. To measure power,
attach the meter to the cable that has the output you want to measure. Turn on the
transmitter/source and note the power the meter measures.
Testing Loss
Following two methods are used to measure loss. Optical Loss Test Sets houses a light source
and power meter in the same unit. For both methods two units of loss test sets (one at each
end of the fbre under test) are required.
Single Ended Loss
This test is initiated from one end and results are displayed at both units.
Double Ended Loss
In this test Laser source is initiated from one end and the result is displayed at the
other end.
Both test method measure the loss of two ODF connectors (one on each end), the loss of cable
and splices in between. Most commonly FASTTEST setup method is used for loss testing.
Fiber Optic Link
under Test
Optical
Loss
Test Set
Optical
Loss
Test Set
Transmitter Receiver
Test

Patch
Cord
Test

Patch
Cord
FASTTEST SETUP
Prior to perform Loss test measurement, a reference measurement must be stored in both
units. The reference measurement includes the loss caused by the test setup components
including test jumpers. The unit will store a reference reading of power level at the end of
test jumper. This reference measurement is subtracted from the overall loss so the fnal loss
result represents the loss of system under test alone.
Referencing Optical Loss Test Unit
There are two referencing methods in practice for Loss test sets and both results in accurate
loss measurement.
1.Loop-back Method with only one test jumper
2.Side-by-Side Method with two test patch cords and a mating adapter.
1. Loop back Method
The main advantage of the loop back referencing method is that there is no need to bring
both units at same location. This is performed by connecting a single test patch cord from the
units Source Port (FASTTEST Port) to Detector Port.
After performing the loop-back reference, simply disconnect the test patch cord from
the Detector Port and connect it to the ODF of Fiber link Under Test.
Optical
Loss
Test Set
Source of FASTEST port
not to be disrupted once
the reference is set.
etector Port! isconnect
this end and connect to OF
of FO lin" under Test
It is very important not to disconnect it from the source port (FASTTEST Port)
because the amount of light coupled or injected into the test patch cord varies from
one connection to another.
If the test patch cord is disconnected from the source port, it is required to repeat the
references.
The loop-back test is performed individually on each of the two units.
An important advantage of the loop-back method is that it automatically takes into
account the loss of the test patch cord and Mating adapters, allowing a true
measurement of the fber itself.
2. Side-by-Side Method
To perform the side-by-side reference procedure,two test patch cord are connected via a
Mating adapters and then connect the test patch cord ends to the Source Port (FASTTEST
Port) on one unit and the Power Meter (Detector Port) on the other.
When using the side-by-side reference method, both units must be brought to a
common site to take the appropriate references.
Optical
Loss
Test Set
FastTest Port
#ot to be disrupted once
the reference is set
Optical
Loss
Test Set
etector Port $
Po%er &eter Port
&atin' Adapter
isconnect here to connect to
OF of FO lin" Under Test
Receiver
Transmitter
Once the side-by-side reference is performed, disconnect the test jumpers at the
Mating Adopter and connect both test jumpers to the ODF of Fiber Link Under Test.
Much like the loopback reference, it is very important not to disconnect the test
jumper from the source port as the amount of light coupled or injected into the test
patch cord will vary from one connection to another. If the test patch cord is
disconnected from the source port (FASTTEST Port), it is required to repeat the
reference.
Note: Before measuring optical loss with an automated OLTS, referencing is a
crucial procedure that should be performed before every test session.
Single Ended Loss Measurement
To measure the Single-ended loss only launch cable is used and the loss is measured by
mating the FO cable under test to the reference launch cable and measuring the power out at
the far end with the meter. Following losses are measured.
1.The loss of the connector mated to the launch cable.
2. The loss of fbre, splices or other connectors in the cable you are testing.
Double Ended Loss Measurement
To measure the double-ended loss in addition to the reference launch cable a receive cable is
also attached to the meter. In a double-ended loss test, we attach the FO Cable Under Test
between two reference cables, one attached to the source (FASTTEST Port) and other to the
power meter (Detector Port). This way, we measure two connectors' losses, one on each end,
plus the loss of all the cable or cables in between.
Power Budget
Losses occur at many points in a fbre optic system. We have to ensure that the light source
launches enough power into the fbre to provide enough power at the receiver. The receiver
has limited sensitivity.
Transmitter output - Receiver input = Losses + Margin (All calculations are done in dB)
Types of Loss
For single mode fber cable with two most commonly used wavelengths 1310 nm and 1550
nm
The attenuation measurement will vary depending upon which wavelength is in use.
Attenuation is measured in dB and is quoted as attenuation in dB/km.
Fiber Loss Variables
Attenuation:
All fber has losses from absorption and back refection of the light caused by
impurities in the glass. Attenuation is a function of wavelength and needs to be
specifed or measured at the wavelength in use.
Modal Dispersion:
The higher the data rate, the shorter the distance the signal can travel before modal
dispersion creates an inability to accurately detect the signal (i.e. a "1" from a "0").
Dispersive Losses:
Another dispersion efect, which causes pulse spreading, and limits distance is
chromatic dispersion, where the broader spectrum of light can result in varying
travel times for diferent parts of a light pulse.
Splices:
Although small and often insignifcant, there is no perfect loss-less splice. Many
errors in loss calculations are made due to a failure to include splices. Average splice
loss is usually less than 0.1 dB.
Connectors:
Like splices, there is no perfect loss-less connector. It is important to note that even
the highest quality connectors can get dirty. Dirt and dust can completely obscure a
fber light wave and create huge losses. A 0.5 dB loss per connector is commonly the
worst case scenario assuming a cleaned and polished connector is used. There will
always be a minimum of two connectors per fber segment, so remember to multiply
connector loss by two.
Safety Bufer:
It is common to add a loss as a design margin. Allowing 2 - 3 dB of loss can take fber
aging, poor splices, temperature and humidity, etc., into account and ensure a solid
system.
NOTE:
To determine minimum/maximum losses and maximum distances you need to
identify all of the above variables. Failure to identify even one of these variables can
create potential problems
Fiber Terminology
Calculating Power Budget
There are commonly two diferent calculations you require with fber. Each assumes you have
known values for diferent sets of variables.
One calculation determines the maximum signal loss across a piece of pre-existing
fber (Link Loss)
The other calculation determines the power budget of a fber link.
The frst calculation below will calculate link loss through a known length of fber.
Second calculation below Calculate the power budget of the link (i.e. maximum signal loss is
simply the sum of all worst-case variables within your fber segment.)
Table( Attenuation Criteria
Optical
Fiber Type
Loss/Km Loss
in dB Connector Splice
1310nm 1550nm
In dB
Single Mode 0.35 0.23 0.50 0.09
1. Link Loss Calculation
The measured value of attenuation of a FO link should not exceed the sum of
allowable attenuation of each component.
These components are: -
The Fiber Optic cable
The FO connectors
The Splices
Link Loss (dB) = Cable Loss + Connector Loss + Splice Loss
Cable Loss (dB) = Cable length (Km) x Attenuation Coefcient
(db/Km)*
Connector Loss (dB) = Number of Connector Pairs x Connector Loss
(dB)*
Splice Loss (dB) = Number of Splices x Splice Loss (dB)*
(*) : from above table for Attenuation Criteria
). Optical Po%er *ud'et Calculation
Optical Power Budget = (Fiber Attenuation x km) + (Splice Attenuation x No
of splices) + (Connector Attenuation x No of connectors) + (Safety Margin)
OTDR Trace Analysis
Non-Refective
Event
(Fusion Splice,
Bend)
Non-Refective
Event
(Micro Bending)
Noise
Out ut End-
F!ce
Refection
"n-ut End-
F!ce
Refection
Dead
Zone
#$n!%ic
R!nge
Refective Event
(&onnector, Mec'!nic!l
Splice)
#ist!nce
(%)
(
%
d
B
%
E
n
d

t
o

E
n
d

L
o
s
s
Refective
Event
Dead Zone
Refective
Event Loss
Dead
Zone
Launc
h Level
Non-
Refectiv
e Event
Loss
Non-
Refective
Event Loss
caused by
Micro-
Bending or
Bad Splice

There are four main settings that the technician must set on the OTDR before OTDR testing.
Those are Wavelength, Index Of Refraction, Pulse Width and Distance.
1. Wavelength-
The behaviour of an Optical system is directly related to the wavelength of transmission. Not
only Optical fbre will exhibit diferent loss characteristics at diferent Wavelengths, but
splice loss value also difer at diferent wavelengths. In general fbre should be tested with
both wavelengths i.e. 1310 and 1550nm for single mode fbres. If testing is only to be
performed at one wavelength it should be done with 1550nm considering the following points
1550nm will see longer distances down the fbre due to the lower attenuation as
compared t0 1310nm.
1550nm is more sensitive to losses incurred by bending during installation and
organising of fbres in the splice enclosures after splicing.
2. Index Of Refraction-
The index of refraction sets the OTDR to the proper speed of light for a particular fbre link
being tested.
Changing the IOR value will change the distances to events on the OTDR trace, and
also the overall length of the fbre.
The IOR of a particular fbre is usually provided by the manufacturer.
3. Pulse Width or Duration-
This is another setting that must be selected to receive the clearest information from the
OTDR trace. The length of time that the OTDR's laser is turned on is called the "pulse
width". As the OTDR turns the laser on and of, the duration of the laser being on results in
a pulse of a certain length.
Shorter pulse widths provide better traces of events that are close together, as the
shorter pulse widths will have shorter dead zones after refective events. However,
short pulse widths will result in a noisy, hard to interpret trace for long distance fbre
link, as the OTDR process weaker returned signals.
Long pulse widths means more light energy is injected in the fber. The more light
injected means the more light is refected back from the fber to OTDR. It causes
longer dead zones, and reduces resolution of events that are close to each other.
Long Pulse width is therefore used to see long-distance down a cable.
The General Rule to set Pulse width is:
Short Fibre Link = Short Pulse Width

Long Fibre Link = Long Pulse Width
Shorter pulse widths can be used on longer fbre links to give greater detail to events
close to the OTDR and for fault analysis.
4. Range or Distance-
The range on an OTDR is the maximum distance that OTDR will acquire data samples. This
parameter is generally set at twice the distance of of the end of the fbre.
Note:
Neglecting to set any of these parameters properly can result in erroneous reporting by
the OTDR.
Dead Zone
The OTDR is designed to detect the back scattering level all along the fbre link. It measures
the back scattered signals which are much smaller than the signal sent to the fbre. When
there is a strong refection then the power received at the OTDR is much higher than the
backscattered power which saturates the OTDR. OTDR requires time to recover from the
saturated condition. During this time OTDR cannot detect the backscattered signal
accurately. The length of fbre which is not fully characterized during the recovery period is
termed as dead zone.
This afect is similar to the one when we are driving a car at night and that another cars
headlight dazzle our vision momentarily.
The dead zone depends on the pulse width, the refectance, the loss and the location.
Cleaning of Connectors
Proper cleaning of connectors is very important. The core diameter of a single-mode fber is
only about 9um. This generally means you cannot see streaks or scratches on the surface.
Follow the under mentioned procedure to clean the connector.
.
1.Clean the connector by rubbing it on cleaning tape or a new, dry cotton swab using a
small circular movement.
2.Blow away any remaining lint with compressed air.
If the connector has greasy dirt on its tip follow the following procedure.
1.Take a new Moisten cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol.
2.Clean the connector by rubbing the cotton swab over the surface using a
small circular movement.
3.Take cleaning tape and rub it in small circular motion to remove the alcohol
dissolved sediment and dust.
4.4. Blow away any remaining lint with compressed air.
Do Not Forget to clean the connector with cleaning tape
after cleaning it with isopropyl alcohol swab.
L
Specifcations and procedures for Cable Installation
1. Cable Depth:
The depth at which buried cable can be placed will vary with local conditions i.e
Type of soil. However fber optic cable must be buried at a minimum depth of 80
cm.
Table showing depth of Buried Fiber Optic Cables*
Location Depth
Soft Soil 80 ~ 120 Cm
Hard Soil / Rock Soil Minimum 80 cm
Road Way crossing Minimum 110 cm
Under mentioned diagram shows the typical layout of Direct Buried cable.
12 c%
12 c% Soft Sand
Soft Sand
32 452 c%
52 4612 C%
Min 6Meter
Back
filling
(ront 7ie.
(iber Optic
Cable
Soft Sand
Soft Sand
Back filling
Warning
"ape
Side 7ie. of "rench
Soft Sand
Le'end
Back filling
8ndi)turbed
$arth
In certain installation areas, for example, rights-of-way with limited access (public highways,
private property boundaries, water ways, Culverts and under the bridges, cable must be
buried in a duct and if such installations are done after the installation of cable, Fiber Optic
cable must be protected in the afected area with PVC pipe, iron barring and concrete.
Cable must be protected at all constructions site such as unimproved roads, streets and alleys
that may later be paved or hard surfaced9 *Deviations from desired depth
should be noted on drawings
CAUTION:
Depths less than those specifed may expose the cable to erosion or excavation
damage.
In conditions where these depths are not feasible or permitted Iesser depth is
permissible provided additional protection inthe form of concrete casements
or sub duct is provided.
Splice Points
Splice point locations must be chosen carefully for easy access for future maintenance.
Splicing must always be done in the car and in order to reach splicing vehicle, ensure a
minimum of 10 ~ 15meters of extra cable on both cable ends at each splice point
At Hand Holes and Man Holes place the cable slack vertically (in line with the cable
route)
In the case of a buried splice point, coil and bury the slack Horizentally .Figure 5
Hand hole
20 Cm
Warning Tape
10~15M slack
Splice Pit
2 x 2 Meter
80~120 cm
Splicing Van
Points To Remember
Safety First!
Small scraps of glass i.e. cleaved-of ends of the fbres being terminated or
spliced is very dangerous! They are extremely sharp and are basically glass
needles that will easily penetrate fesh then break of and become nearly
impossible to remove. Once in the body it will likely become infected. If they
get into the eyes, they are very hard to fush out. Don't even think about what
happens if you eat one. Always follow these rules when working with fbre.
Find and dispose-of all cut fbre fragments immediately after cutting.
Buried Splice #oint
Man ,ole
,and ,ole
Buried !int
T!p Vie"
20 cm
10cm
S!#t Sand
S!#t
Sand
$0 ~80 cm
80 ~120 Cm
Min 2Meter
Back
#illing
%r!nt Vie"
Warning
Tape
10cm
Tiles
&irect Buried
Splice
Dispose-of all scraps properly.
Handle cut fbre fragments with tweezers only
Do not drop them on the foor where they will stick in carpets or shoes and be carried
elsewhere.
It is your responsibility to ensure that no fbre fragments escape and injure
someone. If you lose a fbre fragment you must look until you fnd it.
5.Fiber fragments can stick to the cover of the cleaver. Move slowly when opening the
cover. Always look on the inside of the cover if you dont see your fragment on the
shelf of the cleaver.
If you cant fnd your fragment, get more light on the subject and work area.
Do not move the cleaver until the fragment has been found.
Use a magnifying glass if you need to but FIND THAT FRAGMENT.
6.Do not eat or drink anywhere near the work area.
The light in Transmission system is infrared and you can't see it therefore always be
careful with your eyes.
When using a fbre optic microscope. NEVER look into a fbre unless you personaly
confrm no light is present. Use a power meter to check it.
Zero Tolerance for Dirt
With fbre optics, our tolerance to dirt is near zero. Airborne particles are about the size of
the core of SM fbre- they absorb lots of light and may scratch connectors if not removed! Dirt
on connectors is the biggest cause of scratches on polished connectors and high loss
measurements!
Try to work in a clean area.
Always keep dust caps on connectors & patch panels when not in use. Keep them
covered to keep them clean.
Use lint free pads and isopropyl alcohol to clean the connectors.
After cleaning with isopropyl alcohol swab do not forget to clean it with the Cleaning
Tape.
Tools and Materials
Make sure to have the proper tools for the job.
Confrm that all tools are in good shape before you head out for the job. This includes
all the cable tools and test equipment.
Make sure that your test cables are good? Without that, good terminations are tested
as bad every time.
Make sure that your test equipment is fully charged and you have sparebattery
backup.
Documentation and Record Maintenance
It is very hard to troubleshoot cables when you don't know how long they are, where is the
route or how they were tested originally! So keep good records. It is recommended that the
following records be maintained and kept current on a daily basis:
schematic drawings to include "as-built" information for street maps records
splice loss data
end-to-end optical loss measurements
end-to-end OTDR signature traces
end-to-end power meter tests