How to connect composite optical cables to a terminal box

To connect a composite optical cable to a terminal box, you need to splice the optical fibers, connect the copper wires, and secure both inside the terminal box following proper procedures.Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Cable and Terminal Box

• Route the composite optical cable through the entry point of the terminal box.
• Remove the outer jacket of the cable to expose the optical fibers and copper wires. The copper wires should be stripped about 5–8 mm from the jacket . 2. Connect the Copper Wires
• Use a crimp tube or connector to attach the copper wires to the corresponding terminals inside the box.
• Match the color-coded wires (e.g., red to red, black to black) and secure the crimp tube to prevent copper leakage . 3. Splice the Optical Fibers
• Carefully separate the optical fibers from the composite cable.
• Use a fusion splicer or mechanical splice to join the fibers with LC pigtails or other compatible connectors .
• Coil the spliced fibers neatly inside the terminal box to avoid bending or stress . 4. Connect to Devices
• Connect the LC pigtail from the terminal box to the optical port of the receiving device (e.g., router, media converter, or RU) using a fiber patch cable .
• Connect the copper wires to the electrical port of the device using a PRJ45 or compatible connector . 5. Secure and Protect the Connections
• Ensure all cables are properly routed and secured with clamps or hangers.
• Use insulation tape or protective covers to safeguard the fiber splices and copper connections, especially at exit points .
• Replace the terminal box cover to protect the internal components from dust and environmental damage. 6. Test the Connection
• Use an optical power meter to verify the optical signal strength and check for losses.
• Confirm that the electrical connection is delivering the correct voltage and current to the connected device . Following these steps ensures a reliable connection of both the optical and electrical components of a composite cable to a terminal box, maintaining signal integrity and device functionality.