A mechanical splice is a way for a technician to hold two optical fiber ends together precisely without using heat. These devices are often cheaper than fusion splice units and can be used to mate fibers in premises installations, office optical interfaces or inside homes with CPE.

To make a mechanical splice the protective coating, jackets, tubes and strength members must be stripped off leaving only the bare cores showing. This ensures that the fibers are clean before they are cleaved.

Cost

When splicing fiber cables, there are two main methods: mechanical and fusion. Both of these techniques require specialized tools and training to use properly, but each method has its benefits and disadvantages.

Cost is another consideration for choosing which splicing method is best for your application. Generally, fusion splicing systems are more expensive than mechanical splicers. They also tend to require a larger upfront investment in tools and training. However, they can be much less expensive over time.

The main reason for this is that fusion splicers are more dependable and can resist signal loss over time. They also have 24/7 support lines that help technicians solve problems quickly.

As a result, many integrators choose to use fusion splicers for data centers. Depending on the equipment and training required, a fusion splicer can be worth the additional cost over time.

On the other hand, mechanical splicing is more cost-effective and can be used for temporary splices or in situations where fusion splicing is not an option. The downside of this is that the splices may not last as long and will likely lose their strength over time.

Typically, the cost of mechanical splices is higher than Fusion Splicer due to tool costs and the labor required to perform splicing tasks. Moreover, the insertion loss of a mechanical splice is usually higher than a fusion splice.

The cleaver used in mechanical splicing must be able to split the fibers evenly and without nicks or other damage to the cable end. A quality cleaver will produce a mirror-smooth cleave angle that is perpendicular to the fiber axis.

Cleaving fibers with a high-quality cleaver can make or break the performance of a splice. A low-quality cleaver will produce high back reflections and light loss, which can lead to failure in the fiber.

A cleaver should also be precise and can be difficult to maintain. Keeping a cleaver clean and properly maintained will ensure it lasts for years to come.

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Performance

Fusion splicing is a permanent method of joining fiber optic multimeter and is preferred by many telecommunications companies for long-haul networks. It has a low insertion loss and creates less back reflection than mechanical splicing.

Generally, mechanical splicing is used for shorter cable runs or in cases where fusion splicing is not practical. It does not require any additional equipment and does not require heat to join the fibers. This makes it ideal for applications where splicing can be done quickly and efficiently.

To begin splicing with a mechanical device, the bare fibers must be stripped of coatings, jackets and other materials that would interfere with the splice process. These materials include coatings, jackets, tubes, and strength members. It is also important to strip the primary buffer coating so that bare fibers can be seen clearly.

Cleaving the bare fibers requires proper preparation and attention to detail. Using the correct cleaver, using a quality cleaver, and following the instructions for use from the manufacturer of the cleaver will yield more consistent and lower loss splices.

Aligning the spliced fibers is important to the splicing process. A manual alignment unit may be used, or a more sophisticated automatic splicer will automatically align the fibers. Visual alignment is a common technique for manual units, while automated units use a laser beam to measure the distance between fiber ends and automatically align the spliced fibers.

Splice quality is affected by a variety of factors, including fiber end separation and fiber end angle. These parameters should be adjusted on a job-by-job basis to achieve the desired quality. Optimum fusion settings are determined by fusion time and fusion current, both of which need to be carefully and methodically adjusted.

In most cases, a OTDR trace or an optical power meter will be required to verify the spliced fiber is able to transmit light accurately at the splice point. Some splicers also have the ability to perform a simple pull test on the spliced fibers to confirm the strength and quality of the spliced connection.

Installation

If the goal of fusion splicing is to form a low-loss joint that meets tensile strength requirements, then the installation process must follow a strict set of procedures. Among the most important are good fiber cleaning, high quality cleaving, and splice protection.

Step 1: Clean the fiber - It is important to remove all dirt, dust, and other contaminants from the fiber to be spliced. This is to ensure that the splicing is as efficient as possible. You should also use a vacuum cleaner to help remove any excess material from the fiber that might interfere with the splicing process or cause unwanted splice loss.

Next, you must strip the primary buffer coating off of each fiber to expose the bare length of the fiber. This helps limit the depth of insertion and minimizes splice loss.

Cleave the fiber - To create a properly cleaved end that is perfectly perpendicular to the fiber axis, you must use a good cleaver. These cleavers are expensive, often costing $1,000 to $3,000. They are designed to nick the fiber and then pull or flex it into a clean break.

This is critical for a successful fusion splice, as it ensures the fiber ends remain perfectly flat and perpendicular to one another. A good cleaver can produce a cleave angle of less than 0.5 degrees.

In addition to using a high-quality cleaver, you should protect the splice from bending and tensile forces by wrapping it with a protective sleeve or covering it with heat shrink tube. These methods will prevent the fiber from bending or breaking during normal handling and transportation.

After the splice is completed, you must place it inside a splice closure to seal it. This closure will then protect the spliced fiber from the environment and keep it safe from moisture and other potential problems.

Finally, you should place it in a splice tray to allow for easy storage. These trays are often used in splice closures for outside plant (OSP) installations or patch panel boxes in premises applications, such as MDUs and office optical interfaces.

Maintenance

If a fiber optic cable is cut or damaged in a construction project, the best way to repair it is with a mechanical or fusion splice. These types of splices are less costly than traditional fiber connections and can help extend a network. However, they may not be as robust, which could result in signal loss over time.

Both splices use a specialized device to hold the two fiber ends together. The splice is then pulled and tightened to create a strong connection. In addition, a special splice protector is usually applied to prevent breakage.

One of the most common uses for fusion splicing is to extend cable length. A new building may require a longer cable than previously used or a network extension might be needed at a remote location.

Fusion splicing is usually done above ground in a mobile unit, like a trailer. In this environment, it is easier to splice the cable in a controlled setting and avoid exposing it to the elements.

Before splicing, the fiber ends should be cleaned to remove any dirt or debris. They should also be aligned using the fiber stripper and splicer's alignment tools. The fibers should then be inserted into the splicer and clamped, and then testing can be performed to determine its strength.

Once the splice is made, it can be protected by applying heat shrinkable tube or silica gel to the joint. These materials can withstand both bending and tensile force, which ensures the splice will not break in normal handling.

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To complete a fusion splice, there are four steps: Step 1: Cleave the Ends

The first step is to cleave the fiber ends so that they can be pulled apart with minimal loss of optical power. Ideally, the cleaver should be able to produce a cleave angle of 0.5 degree or less to ensure the end is as perpendicular to the fiber as possible.

In addition, the cleaved ends should be mirror-smooth to ensure a proper splice. This requires a professional-grade cleaver that can cost $1,000 or more.

The spliced end should then be visually tested to determine the splice's optical loss. This is typically done with an OTDR, which will take a picture of the cable and record the loss at the splice. This information will allow the technician to make corrections should a fault occur in the future.