Instead of using optical fiber connectors, it is possible to splice two optical fibers together. fiber splicer can be defined by the fact that between two fibers optic cables it provides a permanent or relatively permanent connection. Few manufacturers offer fiber optic splices that can be disconnected, but for repeated connection and disconnection they are not intended.
The need for fiber optic splices arises on many occasions. One of the most common is when a fiber optic cable that is available for the required run is not sufficiently long. In this case, to make a permanent connection it is possible to splice together two cables.
In two ways fiber optic splices can be undertaken:
Mechanical splices
Fusion splices
When there is a need for the splices to be made quickly and easily there is the use of mechanical splices or fiber cleaner. It is important to strip back the outer protective layer on the fiber optic cable to undertake a mechanical fiber optic splice then clean it and perform a precision cleave or cut. It is necessary to get a very clean cut while performing the cut to the fiber optic cable.
Once cut off the ends of the fibers that are to be spliced are placed into a precision-made sleeve. To maximize the level of light transmission they are accurately aligned and then they are clamped in place.
Mechanical and fusion splices
In different applications, there is the use of the two types of fiber optic splices. For applications where splices need to be made very quickly the mechanical ones are used. For mechanical fiber optic splices few of the sleeves are advertised as allowing connection and disconnection. In this way in applications, a mechanical splice can be used where the splice may be less permanent.
A lower level of loss and a high degree of permanence is offered by fiber stripper. However, they may need the use of expensive fusion splicing equipment. Because of this, they are used more for the long high data rate lines that are installed, and once installed they are unlikely to be changed.
