What to do when stripping fiber optic cable to fiber optic cable

Stripping fiber optic cables involves carefully removing the outer jacket and buffer layers in stages to expose the glass fiber without causing damage.

Preparation and Safety

• Work Area: Ensure a clean, well-lit workspace free from dust and debris to prevent contamination of the fiber ends .
• Safety Gear: Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from fiber shards and debris .
• Tools: Gather fiber strippers, kevlar scissors, alcohol wipes, fiber cleaver, and inspection equipment .

Step-by-Step Stripping Process

1. Cut the Cable: Use kevlar scissors to cut the fiber optic cable to the desired length, typically at the midpoint if splicing is planned .
2. Remove the Outer Jacket:
   • Use a fiber optic cable stripper to remove approximately 2 inches (50 mm) of the outer jacket .
   • Select the correct groove on the stripper for the cable diameter and gently cut without nicking the fiber.
   • Pull off the cut jacket piece carefully.
3. Trim Aramid Fibers:
   • Cut the aramid (strength) fibers near the jacket end using kevlar scissors.
   • Wind the fibers into a bundle to make handling easier .
4. Strip the Buffer Layers:
   • For tight-buffered fibers (900 µm), strip about 1 inch (25 mm) in small increments (6–8 mm at a time) to reduce stress on the fiber .
   • Hold the stripper at a 45-degree angle to avoid bending or nicking the fiber.
   • If the fiber has multiple buffer layers (e.g., 900 µm and 250 µm), remove each layer progressively using the appropriate groove on the stripper .
5. Clean the Fiber:
   • Use alcohol wipes or a microfiber cloth to remove any debris or residue from the stripped fiber end .
6. Inspect the Fiber:
   • Use a fiber optic inspection microscope or visual fault locator (VFL) to check for nicks, scratches, or irregularities .
   • Optionally, perform a 45-degree bend test to detect hidden damage; a nicked fiber will break under stress .
7. Cleave the Fiber:
   • Use a fiber cleaver to create a clean, perpendicular end face for splicing or connectorization .

Maintenance and Best Practices

• Tool Care: Replace dull blades immediately; a worn stripper can damage the fiber and compromise connections .
• Progressive Stripping: Always strip multi-layer cables in stages rather than attempting to remove all layers at once .
• Debris Disposal: Collect all fiber scraps in a marked container to prevent injury and contamination . Following these steps ensures a clean, undamaged fiber ready for termination, splicing, or connector installation, which is critical for optimal signal transmission and network performance .