Stripping fiber cores from optical cables

Use a specialized optical fiber stripper to carefully remove the protective coatings and buffers without damaging the glass core.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Prepare Your Workspace Ensure a clean, well-lit area free from dust and debris. Lay out all tools, including fiber strippers, kevlar scissors, alcohol wipes, and a fiber cleaver, within easy reach to maintain efficiency and safety . 2. Cut the Cable Jacket Use kevlar scissors to cut the cable to the desired length. Then, using the largest groove of a fiber optic stripper, gently remove about 2 inches (50mm) of the outer jacket. Pull the jacket off carefully to avoid stressing the inner fibers . 3. Remove Strength Members Cut the aramid yarn (strength fibers) near the end of the jacket using kevlar scissors. Wind the fibers into a bundle to make them easier to trim, exposing the tight-buffered fiber underneath . 4. Strip the Buffer Coating Use the fiber stripper to remove the buffer coating in small increments, typically 1/4–3/8 inch (6–8mm) at a time. Hold the stripper at a 45-degree angle to reduce stress on the fiber. If your stripper has multiple grooves, use progressively smaller grooves to remove the 900µm and 250µm buffers down to the 125µm cladding . 5. Clean the Fiber After stripping, clean the exposed fiber with a lint-free wipe and alcohol to remove any debris or residue. This ensures a smooth surface for termination or splicing . 6. Inspect the Fiber Use a fiber optic inspection microscope or visual fault locator (VFL) to check the cleaved fiber end. Ensure it is clean, smooth, and free from nicks or scratches, as imperfections can cause signal loss or connection failure . 7. Protect and Store If not immediately terminating, cover the stripped fiber ends with protective caps or sleeves to prevent contamination or damage. Store the fibers in a clean, secure container until ready for use .

Best Practices

• Always take small, controlled cuts rather than attempting to remove too much coating at once .
• Maintain your stripping tools to keep cutting edges sharp .
• Avoid using generic wire strippers or blades, as these can create microscopic nicks and stress fractures in the fiber .
• Practice on spare fibers to develop precision and reduce breakage during actual installations . By following these steps and using the proper tools, you can safely strip the fiber core of an optical cable, ensuring reliable and efficient terminations or splices.