Stripping the heavily armored optical cable

Stripping armored optical cables requires specialized tools and careful technique to remove the outer jacket and armor without damaging the inner fibers or buffer tubes.

Understanding Armored Fiber Optic Cables

Armored fiber optic cables are reinforced with metallic layers such as steel tape or corrugated aluminum, along with tensile-strength filaments like Kevlar, to protect against crushing, rodents, moisture, and environmental stress . Beneath the armor, the cable contains buffer tubes and optical fibers that are extremely sensitive to nicks or scratches, which can compromise signal integrity and require costly repairs .

Tools for Stripping

1. Dedicated Armored Wire Strippers: Hand-held strippers designed for armored cables (e.g., 4–10mm or 8–28mm models) limit blade penetration depth to avoid contact with inner fibers and buffer tubes .
2. Adjustable Blade Strippers: Tools like the SI-01 allow precise control of cutting depth via a nut and gear system, ensuring the blade only penetrates the outer sheath and armor .
3. Standard Fiber Strippers: For removing coatings or tight buffers (e.g., 900 µm or 250 µm coatings), precision mechanical strippers or automated units like AUTOPREP 2™ can be used for clean, consistent stripping .

Stripping Procedure

1. Prepare the Work Area: Ensure a clean, well-lit workspace free of dust and debris .
2. Remove the Outer Jacket: Use the armored wire stripper or adjustable blade tool to cut along the cable sheath. Adjust the blade depth carefully to avoid nicking the Kevlar or buffer tubes .
3. Expose Strength Members: After the outer jacket, carefully strip the aramid yarn or tensile filaments without cutting them, as they provide tensile strength for connectorization .
4. Strip Buffer Tubes: Use a precision fiber stripper to remove the buffer coating from individual fibers, exposing the bare glass for termination or splicing .
5. Clean and Inspect: Wipe the stripped fiber with alcohol or a cleaning solution and inspect with a microscope or visual fault locator to ensure no scratches or debris remain .

Best Practices

• Progressive Stripping: Remove layers sequentially—outer jacket, aramid yarn, then buffer tubes—to prevent damage .
• Maintain Tools: Keep cutting edges sharp and calibrated for consistent performance .
• Environmental Considerations: In cold weather, ensure tools operate reliably; some strippers may require warming for optimal performance .
• Safety: Avoid using utility knives or hacksaws, as these can easily damage fibers and reduce cable reliability . By following these techniques and using the appropriate tools, armored fiber optic cables can be stripped efficiently and safely, ensuring the integrity of the inner fibers and optimal network performance.