User's Manual

PN 8700-10 Help Hot Line (U.S. only): 1-800-530-9960 7-31
620003-0 Rev. B
7.5 Splicing Fiber Optic Cable
The fiber cable must have SC/APC connectors for the entire run. If it does not, you
can splice a pigtail, which has SC/APC connectors, to the fiber cable.
LGC offers two pigtails: 1 for single-mode fiber (PN 4013SCAPC-3) and 1 for
multi-mode fiber (PN 4012SCAPC-3).
Two methods of splicing are described here: fusion and mechanical. We recommend
fusion splices because they have the lowest splice loss and return loss.
7.5.1 Fusion Splices
Using a fusion splicer, this splicing method involves fusing together two butted and
cleaved ends of fiber. The fusion splicer aligns the fibers and maintains alignment
during the fusion process. Fusion splices have very low loss (typically less than 0.05
dB) and very low back reflection (return loss). Fusion splices should be organized in
a splice tray designed to store and protect the splices.
Mechanical splices have higher losses and higher back reflection than fusion splices
and are not recommended.
Fusion Splicing of Fiber and Pigtail
To fusion splice the fiber optic cable to the SC/APC pigtail: Option A
1. Secure both the fiber cable and the SC/APC pigtail in a splice tray that is installed
immediately adjacent to the Hub.
2. Prepare the fiber end by cutting back the polyethylene jacket, the kevlar or fiber-
glass strength members, the extruded coating, and the buffer coating in order to
expose the “bare fiber” – cladding plus core.
Ensure that sufficient slack is maintained in order to be able to reach the fusion
splicer.
3. Clean the unclad fiber core using isopropyl alcohol and lint-free wipes.
4. Cleave the unclad fiber to the length prescribed by the fusion splicer’s specifica-
tion sheets.
5. Repeat steps 2 through 4 for the SC/APC pigtail.
6. Pass the splice sleeve onto the fiber strand.
7. Position both fiber ends in the fusion splicer and complete splice in accordance
with the fusion splicer’s operation instructions.
8. Ensure that the estimated loss for the splice as measured by the fusion splicer is
0.10 dB or better.
9. Slide the fusion splicing sleeve over the point of the fusion splice.
10. Place the sleeve and fused fiber into the fusion splicer’s heater.