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Product FAQs

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Cable

• If I order a hybrid cable, which fibers are first, multimode or single-mode?

For an exact answer, please contact your Corning Cable Systems Customer Service Representative at  (800) 743-2671 with the part number of the cable in question.

General Rule of Thumb for STANDARD orders: Fibers are placed in a hybrid cable in the order of increasing core size. For example, let's use a 36-F cable containing (12) 62.5 micron, (12) 50 micron, and (12) single-mode fibers. Fibers 1-12 will be single-mode, fibers 13-24 will be 50 micron multimode, and fibers 25-36 will be 62.5 micron multimode.

• What is a self-supporting cable? Can it be installed in an aerial environment in the same fashion as ALTOS® cable?

A self-supporting cable is a loose tube cable that can be installed in an aerial environment without the use of a messenger. Self-supporting cables are reinforced with internal strength members to support their own weight. There are two major types of self-supporting cables, Figure-8 and All-Dielectric Self-Supporting (ADSS). Figure-8 cables are loose tube cables with a messenger extruded onto it. This type of cable can be attached to the poles by splitting the messenger from the cable and attaching the messenger with similar clamps and dead ends as normal steel messenger. ADSS cables are round and do not use any metallic components. Extra aramid yarn is applied to the cable to support its weight between poles. Since the strength members of ADSS cables cannot be separated from the cable, ADSS cables require special tangent clamps and dead ends for installation. Please consult the Corning Cable Systems Recommended Procedures for installing Figure-8, (SRP-005-026) or ADSS cables (SRP-005-038).

• When pulling cable through conduit, how should I attach the pulling grip?

Once the appropriately sized pulling grip is chosen, the pulling grip may be installed directly over the outer jacket. Sufficient bond and tensile strength is created by this procedure. For more information, please consult Corning Cable Systems SRP-005-044 for all OSP cables. For installing a wire mesh pulling grip on multifiber tight-buffered cables with and without interlocking armor, please consult Corning Cable Systems SRP-005-024.

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Connectors

• Can an FC connector be connected to an SC connector?

Yes, there are two methods for connecting two connectors of different types.

To directly connect them you will need a hybrid connector adapter. An FC/SC adapter will accept an FC connector on one side and an SC connector on the other side. Both connectors should be flat polished for this method to work. If you must connect angled connectors, the second method MUST be used to prevent damage to the connectors.

The second method uses a hybrid jumper and two connector adapters. A hybrid jumper is a cable with two different connectors on each end. These connectors should match the two connectors that you want to connect. This will allow regular connector adapters to be used in the patch panels to connect the system. This method does add one extra connector pair loss to the system budget.

 

• Can fiber optic connectors be directly terminated onto 250 µm fibers?

No, it can be done ONLY with the use of a furcation (fan-out) kit. Loose tube cables typically contain fibers with an outer diameter of 250 µm, which is too small to adequately support a connector. A furcation kit, such as the buffer tube fan-out kit, will add a 900 µm OD protective tubing around the 250 µm fibers. This protective tubing will provide strain-relief and support for the connector.

• How do I test MT-RJ Connectors?

Click here for the MT-RJ Field Test Procedure For Test Equipment with Fixed Optical Ports.

• How do I test Single-Fiber Connectors?

The single most important test of an installed link is end-to-end attenuation. This is a measure of the optical power loss between cable termination points. Click here for the complete procedure.

• What is anaerobic adhesive and can it be used with all connectors?

Anaerobic adhesive is a two-part epoxy that will cure when the adhesive and activator are combined. The adhesive is injected into the connector ferrule and the fiber is dipped into the activator before insertion in the ferrule. A complete cure takes less than one minute. There are no curing ovens or lamps required with this type of adhesive; therefore, no electricity is necessary and less time is needed to set-up for an installation.


Anaerobic epoxy should ONLY be used with connectors approved for its use. Anaerobic adhesive should only be used with connectors that have a ceramic ferrule and a metal ferrule holder. The following is a list of Corning Cable Systems connectors that can use anaerobic epoxy.

Fiber Type	Connector Type	Part Number
SM	FC	95-200-10
SM	SC	95-200-08
SM	SC	95-250-08
SM	SC	95-211-08
SM	ST® Compatible	95-250-06
SM	FC/APC	95-211-10
SM	FC	95-250-10
MM	FC	95-100-10
MM	SC	95-100-16
MM	ST Compatible	95-100-11
MM	ST Compatible	95-101-01
MM	ST Compatible	95-101-44
MM	SC	95-100-48


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Optical Fiber

• Should fibers be cleaned after they are cleaved?

No. Fibers cleaned after cleaving will leave residue on the end-face of the connector. This will affect the performance of the fusion splicer.

• What is the color code for fibers in fiber optic cable?

The identification scheme used in Corning Cable Systems Fiber Optic Cables is based on EIA/TIA-598, "Optical Fiber Cable Color Coding." EIA/TIA-598 defines identification schemes for fibers, buffered fibers, fiber units, and groups of fiber units within outside plant and premises optical fiber cables. This standard allows for fiber units to be identified by means of a printed legend. This method can be used for identification of fiber ribbons and fiber subunits. The legend will contain a corresponding printed numerical position number and/or color for use in identification.

Position	Colors	Abbreviation
1	Blue	BL
2	Orange	OR
3	Green	GR
4	Brown	BR
5	Slate	SL
6	White	WH
7	Red	RD
8	Black	BK
9	Yellow	YL
10	Voilet	VI
11	Rose	RS
12	Aqua	AQ
13-24	Colors 1-12 with a Black Tracer	Example: BL/BK, OR/BK, etc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Hardware

• Can you install a wall-mount patch panel into an equipment rack?

Yes, with the purchase of a universal rack mounting kit (p/n BKT-ALL-R23-xx, where xx is the color). Some patch panels come supplied with movable brackets that allow rack mounting without purchasing the additional kit. Check the installation instructions or contact your Corning Cable Systems Customer Service Representative at (800) 743-2671 for more information.

• What is a NEMA-rated cabinet?

NEMA is the acronym for National Electrical Manufacturers Association. NEMA publishes a standard that provides descriptions for common types of enclosures used in the electrical industry and describes the different levels of protection to the enclosed equipment against specific environmental conditions. NEMA Publication No. 250 categorizes the enclosures used in the passive fiber optics industry. A typical enclosure used outdoors would carry a NEMA Type 3R classification. If this enclosure needed to resist hosedown, it would carry a NEMA Type 4 classification, etc. For copies of this standard, contact:

National Electrical Manufacturers Association
2101 L Street, NW, Suite 300
Washington, DC 20037

• What is encapsulant and should I use it?

Encapsulant is used to prevent water penetration into a splice closure. Encapsulant is typically available as a two-part flowable compound that solidifies after mixing, or as a dry pelletized aggregate. It is added to the closure during the sealing procedure. Most modern direct-buried closures are tested for water penetration under a waterhead pressure of 20 feet for seven days. If your application is not subject to a waterhead pressure of 20 ft or greater, or continuously submerged, encapsulation is an option for you, not a requirement.

If you encapsulate, be sure to use a splice closure designed for encapsulation. Splice closures that are designed to accommodate encapsulation will likely have an inner closure within the main closure body. This inner closure is intended to isolate the splice tray area from the encapsulant. This allows the craftperson to re-enter the closure and access the fiber with minimum difficulty.

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Ribbon

• How can I access individual fibers in a ribbon in a mid-span access situation?

There are three different methods of accessing individual fibers in a ribbon.

The first method is a Peelable Ribbon Mid-Span Access Kit (TKT-060). This kit is used to remove a section of ribbon matrix from peelable ribbon. A section of cloth tape is placed on a plastic strip and drops of Loctite adhesive are placed on the tape at a regular interval. The ribbon is then placed over the drops of glue until they are completely dry. When pulling on the ribbon, the matrix will adhere to the tape and peel from the fibers.

The second method is a Ribbon Mid-Span Access Kit (TKT-050). This kit contains a matrix softener compound that is applied on the ribbon to chemically remove the matrix.

The third method involves using a ribbon splitting tool (RST-000). The splitting tool allows a craftsperson to perform the following splits on the ribbon in a mid-span access situation: 12/12, 6/6, 4/8, 2/10, 4/4, 2/6, 2/4 and 2/2.

• Is it possible to splice a ribbon cable to a regular loose tube or tight-buffered cable?

Yes, there are two methods for splicing ribbons to individual fibers.

The first method involves the use of a Fiber Organizer Tape Applicator or FOTA kit (p/n TKT-026). This kit allows a craftsperson to field ribbonize loose/bundled 250 µm fibers into a ribbon made of tape. The ribbonized fibers can then be spliced to the ribbon using a mass fusion splicer. This method will allow you to obtain the full time saving benefits of mass fusion splicing. If you need to splice a ribbon cable to 900 µm tight-buffered fibers, the second method must be used.

The second method simply consists of separating the individual fibers from the ribbon. Each fiber can then be spliced using a single-fiber fusion splicer.

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Splice Equipment

• Can a CamSplice™ mechanical splice be re-used?

A fiber can be removed and re-inserted into a CamSplice mechanical splice. This should be limited due to contamination of the gel every time the fiber is removed and re-inserted.

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Testing Issues

• How do I test a cable reel?

Upon delivery, cables should be visually inspected and optically tested. Corning Cable Systems optically tests all reels prior to shipping; however, transportation damage can occur on rare occasions and optical continuity should be tested. Using an OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer), an access jumper with like fiber, a pigtail (short fiber jumper with a connector on one end), and a mechanical splice, all fibers can be tested for continuity and attenuation. Mechanically splicing into each fiber at one or both operating wavelengths will provide fast, accurate measurements.

• How do I test MT-RJ Connectors?

Click here for the MT-RJ Field Test Procedure For Test Equipment with Fixed Optical Ports.

• How do I test Single-Fiber Connectors?

The single most important test of an installed link is end-to-end attenuation. This is a measure of the optical power loss between cable termination points. Click here for the complete procedure.

• How much loss am I allowed in my system?

Individual connectorized links are characterized with a maximum allowable loss in order for system equipment to operate properly. This maximum loss is known as the loss budget. Each system component (fiber, splices, and connectors) has a designated loss dependent on length, type, and wavelength. System designers specify maximum loss for these components and the sum total of those components on the connectorized link is the designated loss budget for that fiber. When performing your end-to-end attenuation tests, system loss must be below the designated loss budget to achieve optimum system performance.

• What equipment is necessary to test my system?

Corning Cable Systems recommends the use of a light source and power meter in conjunction with an OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer). End-to-end and OTDR attenuation tests provide a quantitative measurement of the installed fiber system and it's components. End-to-end attenuation measured with a light source and power meter provides optical power loss between termination points. These loss values are dependent upon system length, wavelength, and number and type of splices and connectors. The attenuation measured is independent of launch direction. In order for these measurements to meet system requirements, the loss must be below the designed loss budget. Each connectorized link should be measured after complete installation. An OTDR provides a graphical display of individual system components with access to one end only. The graphical display provides the most complete analysis on a fiber link, known as a signature trace. These traces provide length measurements as well as identify any anomalies in the installed cable plant. A combination of these two pieces of measurement equipment will provide the installer the most accurate attenuation measurements and documentation for their system.

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Tools

• If I already have a UniCam® connector tool kit, do I also need a CamSplice™ tool kit to assemble CamSplice mechanical splices?

The Unicam tool kit contains all of the tools required to install CamSplices except the CamSplice assembly fixture. Although the assembly fixture is optional, it is recommended to make it easier to assemble and obtain good splice losses. The assembly fixture can be obtained separately by ordering p/n 2104040-01.

• When do I have to use a No-Nik® stripping tool instead of a Miller tool when stripping fibers?

Typically, the Miller tool can be used to strip the coating of any 250 µm fiber. For some applications where stripping 900 µm tight-buffered fiber is required, the No-Nik will be the only stripping tool able to remove several millimeters of coating without breaking the fiber. Several cable manufacturers, including Corning Cable Systems with the TBII® fibers, are now offering tight-buffered fibers that are very easy to strip as a standard product. With these fibers, several centimeters of coating can be removed easily with the Miller tool.

• Which fiber access tool do I need to perform a mid-span access on a fiber optic cable?

Depending on the type of cable and the application, Corning Cable Systems offers a variety of fiber access tools.

The No-slack Optical Fiber Access Tool (NOFAT, p/n NFT-000) is used for accessing fibers in a buffer tube with no cable slack. It accommodates buffer tubes from 2.4 mm to 3.0 mm.

The Optical Fiber Access Tool (p/n OFT-000) accommodates 2.6 mm and 3.0 mm buffer tubes in both standard Mini Bundle® and ALTOS® cables.

The Universal Access Tool (p/n UAT-000) is compatible with 4.0 mm to 22.0 mm tubes.

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Miscellaneous

• Do you rent fiber optic equipment?

Yes. Corning Cable Systems Engineering Services rents single-fiber fusion splicers, mass fusion splicers, Optical Time Domain Reflectometers (OTDR), and attenuation test sets. Click here for more information on our Equipment Rental Program, or contact your Customer Service representative at (800) 743-2671 (U.S. & Canada) - (828) 901-5000 (international).

• What are the dimensions of a cable, a piece of hardware, a connector, etc.?

Dimensions and weights are typically listed for most products in specification sheets or in a product catalog. If you need a current copy of a specification sheet, please visit our Product Library, or contact a Customer Service representative at (800) 743-2671 (U.S. & Canada) - (828) 901-5000 (international) .