Correct stripping method for outdoor optical cables

Stripping outdoor fiber-optic cables involves carefully removing the outer jacket, armor, and inner layers using ripcords and specialized tools to avoid damaging the fibers.

Preparation

Work Area: Ensure a clean, well-lit workspace free from dust and debris. Tools: Fiber-optic cable stripper, utility knife, scissors, alcohol wipes, cleaning solution, and optionally a fiber cleaver and inspection microscope. Inspection: Examine the cable for damage, kinks, or bends before starting.

Stripping Armored Outdoor Cable

Mark the Armor: Use a knife to mark the length of armor to remove, exposing the ripcords without cutting through them. Cut and Remove Armor: Carefully cut the armor at the marked point to expose the ripcords on opposite sides of the cable. Nick the Armor: Make small nicks on each side to provide a starting point for the ripcords.

Pull Ripcords: Grip one ripcord at a 90-degree angle and pull to slice through the armor and outer jacket. Repeat with the second ripcord. The armor and jacket should come off in two pieces.

Clean Gel Adhesive (if present): Some cables have gel under the armor; clean it with a safe, environmentally friendly product.

Stripping the Inner Jacket

Expose Ripcords: Cut a few inches of the inner jacket at the cable end to reveal one or two ripcords. Mark and Nick: Mark the length of the inner jacket to remove and make a small nick to start the ripcord. Pull Ripcords: Pull the ripcords to remove the inner jacket carefully, avoiding damage to the fibers.

Handling Non-

Metallic Armored Cable

Follow similar steps for the outer jacket and inner layers, using ripcords to remove each layer progressively. Avoid using excessive force; fibers inside are delicate and easily damaged.

Cleaning and Preparing Fibers

Clean Fibers: Use alcohol wipes or a cleaning solution to remove debris and gel residue. Cleaving: Use a fiber cleaver to create a clean, perpendicular end face. Inspection: Check the cleaved fiber with a microscope or visual fault locator to ensure smooth, defect-free ends.

Safety Tips

Always wear safety glasses to protect against fiber shards. Handle knives and strippers carefully to avoid cutting yourself or the fibers. Dispose of fiber scraps properly to prevent injury.

By following these steps, you can safely strip outdoor optical cables while maintaining fiber integrity and ensuring optimal performance for terminations or splicing.