Buying Guide

Guide To Fiber Termination

8th May 2017 Data Communication Division

E.B. Horsman & Son

The Resource You Need

What is Fiber Termination

Fiber cable termination is the addition of connectors to an optical fiber in a cable. The glass fibers need connectors fitted before attached to any fiber network equipment.

Why Do We Terminate Fibers?

Create a connection to a device or transceiver
Extend the length of a cable
Create a multiplexed cable for exntensive networks

Common Methods to Terminate Fibers

1. Mechanical termination:

Mechanical splices are used to create two permanent joints between two fibers using an alignment fixture to reduce loss of light. Mechanical splices achieve this by matching the optical properties of the glass with index gel or optical adhesive. It is commonly used for Industrial and Commercial applications , both indoor and outdoor.

2. Fusion termination:

It is process of fusing or welding two fibers together by using an electric arc. This essentially means that the two glass fibers are being melted together to create one fiber. Fusion splicing provides the lowest loss and least reflectance as well as providing the strongest and most reliable joint between two fibers.

Fusion termination is recommended for certified jobs requiring very low dB loss because it provides better and stronger connection than mechanical splices, although it requires more costly equipment.

Top Concerns

1. Knowledge

Many users are unaware of the application for fiber and the knowledge required to terminate the connection.

2. Infrastructure

When applying a fiber network, one must consider the entire network and bandwidth.

3. Incorrect Product Selection

Every cable and connector has a specific application. One must be aware of the correct connection types to minimize loss and reflectance.

4. Training

Technicians should be trained on using the fiber termination tools and splicing a connector, but there are limited resources that offer this training.

Our Solutions

1. Experienced and Knowledgeable Staff

E.B. Horsman staff been involved in fiber projects for over 30 years and are always up to date with manufacturers’ latest fiber termination technology.

2. Cost

Fiber optic costs are being more comparable to high-end copper solutions.

3. Practical Termination Products

Advanced fiber termination products are becoming more user-friendly and require limited knowledge in fiber termination.

4. Training sessions for customers

We have the capability to set up training sessions for individuals to provide hands-on mechanical and fusion terminations training.

CheckList

Quality from a Reputable Manufacturer

With E.B. Horsman & Son, you have access to manufacturers that are leaders in fiber optics allows us to provide quality and reliable products.
Availability of End-to-End Solutions

E.B. Horsman & Son is your one stop shopping destination for end-to-end fiber termination solutions. We can provide you with cables, connectros, rack mounting equipment and active network components. Did you know that we carry single and multi-mode solutions with both mechanical and fusion?
Right Product for the Right Application

One must ensure that single mode versus multimode is used correctly for the application. Contact your local E.B. Horsman & Son representative for more assistance.
Meeting Environmental Requirements

Before choosing your fiber termination product, you must consider environmental factors for your application such as temperature, distance, and outdoor versus indoor.

Fiber Termination 101

Steps to follow before you buy your fiber termination tools:

Choose Connection Type

Decide on indoor versus outdoor application
Determine how far the fiber will be pulled

Choose Network Equipment

What ype of network equipment is required (switch, router, industrial fiber equipment

Choose Connector Type

Connector types are selected depending on the application (industrial, commercial or residential)
Is it a high density patch panel?

Decide Termination Method

Mechanical versus fusion depending on dB loss requirements

Testing

Ensuring the connector is terminated correctly
Ensuring that the cable was not damanged during the structured cabling layout and installation
Testing is required for certified jobs

Application & Product Offering

Termination Kit

Optical Fusion Splicer 915FS

The 915FS optical fusion splicer uses active cladding alignment technology which allows the technician to reliably fuse fiber optic cables with low splice losses.

Active clad alignment
Intuitive user interface
Uses the Greenlee splice on connector
150 splice’s on one battery charge including the 60mm splice protector shrink cycle
Automatic and manual modes
60 preset / user defined profiles
IP52 ingress rating

Fiber Termination Kit 49800-LAK

FastCAM Connector Opt-X Tool Kit Consisting of: Opt-X Fiber Cleaver, Opt-X Work Tray, Opt-X Flex LED Light, Fiber Jacket Stripper, Lint- Free Wipes, and Alcohol Moistened Cleaning Wipes

FCAMKIT

Includes: Tools, consumables, installation instructions and stripping templates necessary for termination of all Panduit® OptiCam® Pre- Polished Cam Connectors.

Connector Types

LC Connectors

9/125um,50/125um, and 62.5/125um
Simplex and Duplex
Panduit and Leviton Mechanical connectors available

SC Connectors

9/125um,50/125um, and 62.5/125um
Simplex and Duplex
Panduit and Leviton Mechanical connectors available

ST Connectors

9/125um,50/125um, and 62.5/125um
Simplex and Duplex
Panduit and Leviton Mechanical connectors available

Testing Equipment

Insertion Loss Test (Multi and Single Mode) 5890-FC

Insertion loss test set for multimode and single mode fiber
1310/1550nm loss measurements
Connector for FC, SC or ST
Rugged package design
Easy to use portable package
Economically priced

Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) 930XC-20C-APC-SC

One button test functions Start measurements with the push of one button
Autotest Automatically sets test parameters for optimum test results
Live fiber testing.* Tests live fibers without disrupting live services
Graphical interface. Easy to read, even in low or bright lighting conditions
Up`o 38 dB dynamic range
Probe longer cables and see smaller reflections
Measure lengths and defects
Quickly locates faults
Cable acceptance reports
Generate customized reports that include trace signature and fiber events
Long life battery. Work longer without recharge – up to 8 hours continuous use
Rugged construction. Drop-tested from 2m, impact resistant and built to perform (GR-196 certified)
BellCore standard required by major Telcos
Operational and within specification after a simulated dust storm
EMI resistant as per GR-1089

Cable

At E.B. Horsman & Son, we carry all types of fiber cables made to order from our manufacturers. We can provide multiple strand and applications including indoor/outdoor applications.

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