What is Fiber Optic Splicing ?

Fibrlok mechanical splice kit Knowledge of fiber optic splice methods is vital for any fiber optic company or technician involved in telecommunications or LAN and network projects.

In a nutshell, the fiber optic joint involves the joining of two fiber optic cables. The other most common method of joining fibers is called termination or connectorization. Fiber splice typically results in less loss of light and back reflection than termination, making it the preferred method when cables are too long for a single length of fiber or when two different types of cables are joined, such as a fiber 48 with four 12- fiber cables. The splice is also used to restore fiber optic cables when an underground cable is accidentally cut.

There are two methods of fiber optic splice, fusion splice and mechanical splice. If you are just starting to connect fiber, you can examine your long-term goals in this field to choose which technique best suits your economic and performance goals.

Fibrlok Mechanical Splice - Mechanical Splicing:

Mechanical couplings are simply alignment devices, designed for

keep both ends of the fiber in a precisely aligned position, allowing light to pass from one fiber to another.

 Fusion Splicing:

In the fusion union, a machine is used to precisely align the two ends of the fiber; then the ends of the glass are "melted" or "welded" together, using a kind of heat or electric arc. This produces a continuous connection between the fibers, allowing for very low light transmission loss. (Typical loss: 0.1 dB)

Which method is better?

The typical reason for choosing one method over the other is the economy. The mechanical joint has a low initial investment ($ 1,000 - $ 2,000), but costs more per joint ($ 12 to $ 40 each). Although the cost per modification for the fusion splice is lower ($ 0.50 - $ 1.50 each), the initial investment is much higher ($ 15,000 - $ 50,000, depending on the accuracy and resources of the weld by purchased merger). The more precise the alignment (the better the alignment in less losses), the more you pay for the machine.

As for the performance of each joining method, the decision is generally based on the sector in which you are working. The casting joint produces fewer leaks and less reflections in the back than the mechanical joint, since the junction points resulting from the casting are almost continuous. Fusion splices are mainly used with singlemode fiber, while mechanical splices work with singlemode and multimode fiber.

Many telecommunications and CATV companies invest in fusion splices for their long-haul networks in a unique way, but will still use mechanical splices for shorter local cable lines. Since analog video signals require minimal reflection for optimal performance, the fusion junction is also preferable for this application. The LAN industry can choose one of the methods, as signal loss and reflection are minor problems for most LAN applications.

Fiber Splicer: Salary

The average fiber splicing technician salary in the United States is $ 195,000 per year or $ 100 per hour. Starting positions start at $ 35,100 a year, while more experienced workers earn up to $ 195,000 a year.