What to keep in mind when choosing fiber optic tools for fiber optic splicing

As the technicians who work with fiber opticnetworks for telecommunications or data know, one of the crucial parts of building a reliable fiber optic network is the quality of the fiber optic splicing used.  In other words, how to effectively join two fiber optic cables together.

There is a simpler way of connecting optic fiber cables called connectorization, but splicing is generally a more reliable method.  The reason is that it allows for connecting fibers which are of two different types, as well as fibers which need to be restored after they have already been installed or buried and have been accidentally damaged or severed.

There are special fiber optic tools for performing this important task, which ensures that the network is reliable.  The two basic types of fiber optic splicing are the mechanical and fusion methods.

The type of fiber optic splicing differs according to the fiber optic tools which are used to perform the task of connecting two optic fiber cables.

The use of fiber optic tools for mechanical splicing is generally less expensive, as far as the initial investment is concerned.  The tool for performing this type of fiber connection can cost as low as $1,000, but on the other hand each single splicing will cost from $12 to $40.

The fiber optic tools which are used for fusion splicing may cost from $15,000 up to $50,000, but then in the long run it could be a better investment because a fusion splicing will cost only $0.50-$1.50.

The difference between the methods for fiber optics splicing is that the mechanical type is a simpler technique which uses splice to align the two ends of the fibers and thus allow for the light to pass from one to the other.  The problem is that there is a typical loss of 0.3 dB per mechanical splice.

The fusion splicing is performed with fiber optic tools which align the fiber ends and actually fuses or welds them together via heat or electricity.  This creates a permanent connection between fibers and a lower loss of as little as 0.1 dB.

So, while both fiber optic splicing methods are reliable, one of them offers splicing with a much lower data loss, but requires a much higher initial investment than the other, so the network owners or maintenance companies need to calculate their long-term economic and performance goals, as well as calculate the volumes of work they will be performing before deciding on which fiber optic tools to purchase for their specific business.