Fiber Optic Cable Clipping

Fiber optic cable clipping involves carefully cutting, stripping, and preparing the fiber to ensure clean, precise ends for splicing or connectorization.

Tools Required

Proper fiber optic cable preparation requires specialized tools to avoid damaging the delicate glass fibers:

• Fiber Optic Strippers: Remove the outer jacket and buffer coatings without harming the core fiber. Tools like the FOS03 or Thorlabs TSK1 kit provide matched blades and fiber guides for precise stripping .
• Cable Cutters and Kevlar Scissors: Used to cut the outer sheath and Kevlar strength members cleanly .
• Fiber Optic Cleaver: Produces a flat, perpendicular cleave essential for low-loss splicing .
• Utility Knife or Razor Blade: Can score the jacket for careful removal, but requires steady hands and experience .
• Bare Fiber Gripper: Holds the fiber securely during stripping to prevent microfractures .

Step-by-Step Clipping Process

1. Remove the Outer Jacket: Use a fiber jacket stripper or utility knife to carefully cut and peel off the outer sheath, exposing the Kevlar fibers and coated glass strands .
2. Handle Kevlar Strength Members: Twist Kevlar fibers into a rope-like strand and cut with metal scissors to prevent fraying .
3. Strip the Buffer Coating: Use a fiber optic stripper to remove the buffer coating from individual fibers, exposing the glass core without causing scratches or microfractures .
4. Clean the Fiber: Wipe the exposed fiber with a lint-free cloth and fiber optic cleaning solution to remove debris .
5. Cleaving: Place the fiber in a cleaver and follow manufacturer instructions to produce a clean, perpendicular end face. The quality of this cleave directly affects signal loss and long-term reliability .

Safety Considerations

• Eye Protection: Always wear safety goggles to prevent injury from microscopic glass shards .
• Hand Protection: Gloves protect against cuts and exposure to sharp fibers .
• Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area, especially when using adhesives or cleaning chemicals .

Tips for Optimal Results

• Use tools matched to the fiber's cladding and coating diameter to avoid damage .
• Avoid using regular scissors or pliers, as they can crush or splinter the fiber .
• Ensure the cleave is perpendicular and smooth to minimize signal loss during splicing or connectorization . By following these steps and using the correct tools, fiber optic cable clipping can be performed safely and efficiently, ensuring high-quality connections and minimal signal degradation.