How to install a small optical fiber splice box

Installing a small optical fiber splice box involves preparing the fiber cables, securing them in the closure, splicing the fibers, and organizing them in splice trays for protection and maintenance.

Step 1: Prepare the Fiber Cable

• Remove the outer jacket of the fiber cable according to the manufacturer's instructions, exposing the loose tubes and strength members. Leave about 3 meters of cable for handling and preparation .
• Clean and abrade the exposed cable using a cleaning solution and sandpaper to ensure a smooth surface for sealing .
• Separate the fibers and remove any excess filling material, taking care not to damage the fiber cores .

Step 2: Install the Cable in the Splice Box

• Select sealing rings that match the cable diameter and place them on the cable.
• Insert the cable into the designated entry port of the splice box.
• Ground the cable shield if applicable, and wrap self-adhesive sealing tape between the sealing rings to create a secure, moisture-resistant seal .
• Secure the cable to the base of the splice box using a hose clamp or other provided fasteners.

Step 3: Splice the Fibers

• Strip the fiber coating to expose the bare fiber cores using a fiber stripper .
• Clean the fibers with lint-free wipes and isopropyl alcohol to remove dust and contaminants .
• Cleave the fibers with a precision fiber cleaver to create flat, perpendicular ends .
• Perform the splice using either a fusion splicer (welding fibers together) or a mechanical splice connector (aligning fibers with a gel or guide), depending on your equipment and project requirements .
• Protect the splice with a splice sleeve or protective cover to prevent damage.

Step 4: Organize Fibers in Splice Trays

• Place the spliced fibers into the slots of the splice tray, coiling any excess fiber neatly to maintain the minimum bend radius .
• Stack trays if multiple are required, ensuring accessibility for future maintenance. Trays can be accessed like pages in a book for inspection or repair .
• Close the tray and secure the lid to protect the fibers from dust, moisture, and mechanical stress.

Step 5: Test and Verify

• Test the spliced fibers using an OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer) or power meter to ensure low insertion loss and signal integrity .
• Document the installation for future reference, noting fiber routes, splice locations, and test results. Following these steps ensures a secure, organized, and reliable fiber optic splice box installation, minimizing signal loss and facilitating future maintenance .