How to strip a 4-core optical fiber cable with a skeleton

Strip a 4-core optical fiber cable by progressively removing the outer jacket, aramid yarn, and buffer coatings using specialized fiber strippers and scissors, ensuring the glass fibers remain undamaged.

Preparation and Safety

• Work in a clean, well-lit area free from dust and debris to prevent contamination of fibers and connectors .
• Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from sharp fiber shards .
• Lay out all tools within easy reach: fiber optic strippers, cleavers, scissors, alcohol wipes, and inspection microscope .

Step-by-Step Stripping Process

1. Remove the Outer Jacket
   • Use a fiber optic cable stripper or a three-hole segmented stripper to cut the outer sheath along the desired length .
   • For a skeleton (helical) cable, rotate the stripper around the cable to create a spiral cut, then gently pull off the jacket .
   • Take care not to damage the aramid yarn (Kevlar) strength members underneath .
2. Trim the Aramid Yarn
   • Cut the exposed aramid yarn to the required length using Kevlar scissors or cable-cutting scissors .
   • Avoid pulling or fraying the yarn, as it provides tensile strength to the cable.
3. Expose Individual Fibers
   • Separate the four cores carefully, ensuring each fiber is free from tension or kinks .
   • Use a fiber optic stripper to remove the primary buffer coating (typically 250 µm) from each fiber .
   • For tight buffer fibers (900 µm), adjust the stripper blade depth according to manufacturer guidelines to avoid nicking the glass .
4. Clean and Inspect
   • Wipe each stripped fiber with alcohol wipes to remove debris and coating residue .
   • Inspect the fiber ends with a fiber inspection microscope or visual fault locator (VFL) to ensure a clean, smooth cleave .
5. Repeat for All Fibers
   • Perform the stripping, cleaning, and inspection for each of the four cores individually, maintaining consistency and precision .

Tips for Success

• Always strip layers progressively, never attempt to remove multiple layers at once .
• Keep stripping tools sharp and properly maintained to ensure clean cuts .
• Handle fibers gently to prevent micro-cracks or breakage, which can degrade signal quality . By following these steps, you can safely and efficiently strip a 4-core optical fiber cable with a skeleton design, preparing it for splicing or connector termination while preserving the integrity of the glass fibers.