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Which pigtail fiber should be used for OTDR testing

Fiber optic splice closure knowledge brief Published 01 Jun 2023

Prepared for preliminary research by the RIVO OPTICAL knowledge desk. Confirm cable count, splice capacity, sealing class, tray layout, protection sleeves and installation requirements against current standards and product documentation.

Use a launch cable (pigtail) that matches the fiber type under test, with a recommended length of about 1 km for accurate OTDR measurements.Purpose of a Launch Cable

A launch cable, also called a pigtail or 1-km reel, is used to move the first connector of the fiber link outside the OTDR dead zone. This ensures that the OTDR can accurately measure the loss and reflectance of the first connector and adjacent splices, which would otherwise be obscured by the initial pulse reflection and dead zone of the OTDR .

Fiber Type and Index of Refraction

The pigtail fiber must match the type of fiber being tested (single-mode or multimode) and the correct index of refraction. Using a mismatched fiber can lead to inaccurate measurements of splice loss, connector loss, and overall fiber attenuation . Always verify the fiber type and wavelength (commonly 1310 nm and 1550 nm for single-mode) before testing.

Recommended Length

For standard OTDR testing, a 1-km launch cable is typically used. This length provides sufficient distance to measure the first connector and any nearby splices accurately. Short patch cords or other adaptations are not recommended, as they may produce unreliable results .

Additional Considerations
  • Ensure connectors are clean and properly polished before connecting the launch cable to the OTDR.
  • Use a receive cable at the far end if the last connector needs to be measured.
  • Set the OTDR parameters correctly, including pulse width, averaging time, and distance range, to optimize trace resolution and event detection .
  • For bidirectional testing, use launch cables on both ends to improve accuracy and account for differences in backscatter characteristics. By following these guidelines, the OTDR trace will accurately reflect the fiber link's characteristics, including splice loss, connector loss, and any defects along the fiber path, ensuring reliable testing and documentation .

Which pigtail fiber should be used for OTDR testing - RIVO MULTITRADE OPTICAL SYSTEMS [PDF]

Which pigtail fiber should be used for OTDR testing

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This reference is intended for preliminary fiber optic splice closure research. Compatibility, splice capacity, sealing class, tray layout, protection sleeves, installation methods, test limits and applicable standards must be verified for the specific project.

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