How to tie fiber optic cables to a splice coil

Fiber optic cables should be carefully coiled in a splice tray, maintaining proper bend radius and securing fibers to prevent damage and signal loss.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Fiber Cable

• Remove the outer jacket, shielding, and any armor to expose the loose tubes or individual fibers, leaving enough length (typically 3 meters) for splicing and coiling .
• Clean the fibers with a lint-free wipe and appropriate cleaning solution to remove debris and coating residue .
• Cleave the fiber ends precisely using a fiber cleaver to ensure a smooth, flat end for splicing . 2. Perform the Splice
• Fusion Splice: Align the fiber ends in a fusion splicer and fuse them using an electric arc. Protect the splice with a heat-shrink sleeve or fusion splice protector .
• Mechanical Splice: Insert the fiber ends into a mechanical splice sleeve with index-matching gel, ensuring precise alignment for minimal light loss . 3. Coil the Fiber in the Splice Tray
• Place the splice tray on a flat surface and identify the designated slots for splices.
• Coil the excess fiber in loops, following the tray's built-in routing paths. Maintain the minimum bend radius specified by the fiber manufacturer to prevent microbends or breakage .
• Avoid overlapping fibers or creating sharp bends; each loop should be smooth and uniform. 4. Secure the Fiber
• Use the tray's clips, holders, or Velcro straps to secure the coiled fiber in place.
• Insert the spliced fibers into the tray slots, ensuring that the fusion or mechanical splice is positioned in the protective holder .
• If stacking multiple trays, ensure fibers are routed so that trays can be lifted like pages in a book for maintenance . 5. Close the Splice Tray or Closure
• Once all fibers are coiled and secured, place the tray lid or closure cover and lock it according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Ensure that the closure is sealed properly to protect against dust, moisture, and mechanical stress . Best Practices
• Always handle fibers with care to avoid injury and contamination .
• Dispose of fiber scraps in designated containers.
• Label fibers and splices for easy identification during future maintenance.
• Maintain consistent loop sizes and avoid excessive tension on the fibers . By following these steps, fiber optic cables can be neatly tied to a splice coil, ensuring low-loss connections, organized fiber management, and long-term network reliability.