Stripping optical cables to make steps

Stripping optical fiber cables involves progressively removing the outer jacket, strength members, and buffer coatings in steps to expose the glass fiber for splicing or termination.Safety First

Always wear safety glasses and work in a clean, well-lit area free of dust and debris. Dispose of all fiber scraps properly, as broken fibers can cause injury or damage equipment . Avoid using generic wire strippers or blades, as these can nick or scratch the fiber, leading to signal loss or failure .

Tools Needed

• Optical fiber stripper: Specialized tool with multiple notches for different layers (outer jacket, 900µm buffer, 250µm coating) to avoid damaging the glass core .
• Kevlar scissors: For cutting aramid yarn or strength members.
• Fiber cleaver: To create a clean, perpendicular end face on the stripped fiber.
• Alcohol wipes or cleaning solution: To remove debris from the stripped fiber end .

Step-by-Step Stripping Process

1. Cut the Cable: Use Kevlar scissors to cut the cable to the desired length.
2. Remove Outer Jacket: Use the largest notch on the fiber stripper to gently cut and remove 2 inches (50mm) of the outer jacket without damaging underlying layers .
3. Cut Strength Members: Trim aramid yarn or other strength members close to the jacket end and wind them into a bundle for easier handling .
4. Strip Fiber Buffers: Remove the 900µm tight buffer in 3 steps, about 6–8mm at a time, holding the stripper at a 45-degree angle to reduce stress on the fiber. Then, remove the 250µm coating using the smallest notch to expose the 125µm glass cladding .
5. Clean and Inspect: Use alcohol wipes to clean the fiber and inspect with a microscope or visual fault locator to ensure a smooth, defect-free end .
6. Repeat for Multiple Fibers: If the cable contains multiple fibers, repeat the stripping, cleaning, and cleaving process for each fiber individually .

Best Practices

• Strip each layer progressively, never all at once, to avoid damaging the fiber or weakening the connection .
• Maintain sharp, clean stripping tools to ensure precision.
• Allow plenty of time for each step and avoid rushing, as even small nicks can compromise signal integrity .
• Follow manufacturer guidelines for stripper blade depth and cable type. By following these steps and using the proper tools, you can safely strip optical fiber cables in steps, preparing them for splicing, termination, or other network installations while maintaining signal quality and reliability .