Fusion Splicing vs. Mechanical Splicing
For outside plant work, fusion splicing is almost always the right choice. Mechanical splices are faster for emergency restoration but have higher typical loss (0.2-0.5dB vs. 0.02-0.1dB for fusion) and degrade over time in outdoor environments.
Tools of the Trade
A professional splice kit includes:
- Fusion splicer (Fujikura 70S+ or equivalent)
- OTDR for testing (Viavi MTS-2000 or equivalent)
- Fiber cleavers (Fujikura CT-50)
- Stripping tools for both buffer tube and fiber coat
- IPA and lint-free wipes for cleaning
- Heat shrink protection sleeves
- Splice enclosure and sealing supplies
The Splicing Process
Every splice starts with proper preparation: clean the work area, protect against wind, and give your eyes time to adjust to the light conditions. Strip the buffer tube and individual fibers with the right tool for each layer — never use a utility knife.
The most common cause of bad splices is contamination. Clean every fiber with IPA before cleaving. Clean the cleavers regularly. Keep the splicer's V-groove clean.
Reading OTDR Results
An OTDR trace from both directions tells you everything about your splice quality. A well-made single-mode fusion splice should show:
- Loss: 0.05-0.1dB typical, <0.1dB maximum
- No visible reflectance event
- Symmetric loss when measured from both directions
Need Professional Fiber Splicing?
Richesin Engineering's certified splicing crews are available throughout Oregon, Alaska, and Hawaii.
Learn More