Fiber-optic terminations
Aug 1, 2009 12:00 PM, By Jim Hayes
Follow these procedures to create low loss and reliable terminations.
The termination process
Figure 2. The termination process
Select figure to enlarge.
For all types of adhesive/polish connectors, the termination process is similar. (See Figure 2.) Start by preparing the cable, stripping off the outer jacket and cutting off strength members. Next, strip the fiber with a special tool that removes the plastic buffer coating without damaging the fiber. Then clean the fiber, and set it aside. Apply adhesive to the connector or fiber, and insert and crimp the fiber into the connector body.
After the adhesive is set, the fiber is then cleaved close to the end of the ferrule. Polishing takes three steps. First, air polish to grind down the cleaved fiber to near the end surface of the ferrule. Then polish on two different grades of abrasive film placed on a rubber pad using a polishing puck to keep the fiber perpendicular to the surface.
The process takes longer to read about than actually do. An experienced installer can terminate multifiber cables in about one minute per fiber, using the time required to cure the adhesive to prepare other connectors and reduce the time per connector.
It's important to follow termination procedures carefully, as they have been developed to produce the lowest loss and most reliable terminations. Use only the specified adhesives, as the fiber-to-ferrule bond is critical for low loss and long-term reliability. And, like everything else, practice makes perfect!
Jim Hayes is author of “The Fiber Optic Technicians Manual” and co-author of “Data, Voice and Video Cabling.” He currently serves as president of the Fiber Optic Association.
Send questions and comments to: don.markley@penton.com
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