144 Optical Cable Stripping

Stripping a 144-core optical cable requires careful, stepwise removal of the outer sheath, strength members, and fiber tubes to expose the optical fibers without causing damage.

Tools and Safety

Before starting, ensure you have the following tools and safety equipment: Cable scissors and diagonal cuttersOptical fiber strippers and tube cuttersPaper toweling and cleaning alcoholSafety glasses and a clean, well-lit workspaceNippers and rip cords for sheath removal Always follow local health and safety regulations and handle fibers carefully to avoid injury or fiber damage.

Step-by-

Step Stripping Procedure

Mark and Cut the SheathDetermine the length of sheath to remove and mark the cable. Apply a circumferential cut 150mm from the cable end, followed by two longitudinal cuts opposite each other. Carefully separate and remove the outer sheath.

Remove Rip Cords and Binder Yarns

Identify and pull the rip cords to make a longitudinal cut along the sheath. Remove binder yarns and unwind the tube elements from around the central strength member (CSM), which is typically a glass-reinforced plastic rod.

Handle Water-

Swellable Elements

Identify and remove any water-swellable yarns or gel to prevent contamination of the fibers.

Prepare Individual Tubes

Each tube contains 24 fibers. Score the tube 300mm from the end using a tube cutter set to avoid cutting the fibers. Flex the tube to remove it from around the fibers and clean off any grease.

Expose and Strip Fibers

Once the tubes are removed, use a fiber optic stripper to remove the buffer coating from each fiber individually. Clean the fibers with alcohol wipes to ensure a smooth, defect-free surface for splicing or termination.

Best Practices

Progressive stripping: Remove layers sequentially—outer jacket, aramid yarn, tubes, then individual fibers—to avoid damage. Tool maintenance: Keep cutting edges sharp to prevent nicks or scratches on fibers. Inspection: Use a fiber inspection microscope or visual fault locator to check for defects before termination.

Dummy practice: Test cutter settings on a dummy section to ensure proper depth without damaging fibers. By following these steps and precautions, you can safely strip a 144-core optical cable and prepare it for splicing or termination while maintaining fiber integrity and network performance.