How to Terminate Fiber Optic Cable

Fiber optic cables are being used in an increasing number of applications, especially in networking for computers and cable/Internet. Preparing these cables, however, takes time, and one of the biggest steps in preparing a fiber optic cable is cable termination. Learning how to terminate fiber optic cable can allow a person to modify his own network or devices or find a job within the technical or telecommunications industries.

Step 1: Strip the end of the cable down with the fiber cable stripper.

Step 2: Inject epoxy into the connector ferrule.

Step 3: Insert the fiber optic cable into the connector wall. The bare core of the wire should protrude about 1/2 an inch from the ferrule front.

Step 4: Crimp the cable with the cable crimper. This makes the connection between the connector and the jacket secure.

Step 5: Place the cable in the curing holder. The connector should face downward.

Step 6: Cure the cable in the curing oven.

Step 7: Cleave the fiber with the fiber optic cleaver. Get as close to the ferrule tip as you can.

Step 8: Polish the tip of the cable using the 5-15 micron film, 5 micron aluminum oxide film, 3-6 micron diamond film, 1 micron diamond film, and HX film in order. You essentially are sanding down the cable tip.

June 7, 2011

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