We already know the types of fiber optic cables, how to make splices and the tools to make them, but now we will give you more details about the types of tools we have to carry out a successful installation.
Jacket strippers
Strippers or peelers allow us to safely, quickly, and accurately remove the jacket or sheath of fiber optic cables, especially outdoor plant cables.
To remove the outer fiber jacket, which is made of polyethylene (HDPE) thermoplastic insulation, strippers that perform either longitudinal or transverse (and even spiral) stripping are recommended. You can find them in various designs and for different cable diameters.
Figure 1. Strippers
Fiber optic strippers
Stripping pliers are a tool that helps us strip the fiber and leave it bare, ready to work. There are several types of strippers; choosing the correct one depends on the fiber's diameter.
The most basic type only has a notch that helps remove the 250 um coating and leaves the fiber bare (125 um) ready for work.
Another type of stripper has two notches, which are sized to remove the 900 um coating and the 250 um cladding.
The most complete stripper has three notches. This tool can remove the jacket of indoor plant cables from 1.6 – 3 mm, the 900 um coating, and the 250 um cladding, to leave the bare fiber strand (125 um).
Figure 2. 3-step strippers
All these strippers come factory-calibrated; however, they have a screw for field calibration, as with time and use, they must be readjusted due to wear, drops, or impacts.
Loose tube slitter
This stripper makes a light cut in the loose tubes to expose the fibers without damaging them. They are available for both transverse and longitudinal cuts.
The longitudinal cut made by these slitters is along the loose tube. Normally, these slitters or strippers have different grooves. Different cutting methods are presented here because some slitters have more than one blade for the different diameters of the tubes, and their blades can be replaced.
Figure 3. Loose tube slitters
Precision cleaver
The precision cleaver will allow us to make a perpendicular cut to the fiber, which will be very important when splicing.
Figure 4. Precision cleavers
The blades of the cleavers are said to be made of diamond to cut the glass (fiber) without difficulty. Their lifespan depends on the number of positions; that is, when the edge of one position no longer makes adequate cuts or finally no longer cuts, the blade can be rotated to the next position.
Figure 5. Blades for precision cleavers
Cleavers are identified by the number of steps; that is, there are 1, 2, and 3-step cleavers. To learn more about these tools, consult our entry: Difference between one, two, and three-step cleavers.
This tool is the ideal companion for the fusion splicer, as it is essential to have one to perform a fusion splice. They are also indispensable for mechanical splicing or pre-polishing.
It is important to know that proper cleaning, handling, and storage are necessary to prolong the life of the pliers, cutters, and blades. In addition to these tools, there are others for inspecting the fiber, for cleaning and handling, which we will present in the second part of this entry.
Remember to visit the Incom and Icoptiks websites, where you can browse catalogs and review the products illustrated in this blog. If you need advice or a quote, do not hesitate to contact us.
