Terminating Fiber Optic Cable
The procedure for terminating fiber optic cable is a function of the type of connector being used, rather than the type of fiber.
There are two types of connectors most frequently used today: ST and FCPC.
As ST connectors may be used with either multimode or single-mode fiber and do not require any expensive, special equipment — unlike FCPC connectors — this article will focus exclusively on termination using ST-type connectors.
All tools required for this type of termination can be purchased in standard fiber terminating kits available from fiber optic equipment manufacturers.
Instalation
Fiber optic cable offers the installer a great deal of freedom and flexibility during the actual installation process.
For starters, fiber is light and easy to handle, and much less of it must be laid than the amount of co-ax required to provide an equal level of transmission capacity.
The specifics of how and where fiber can be laid is mostly a function of the type of fiber being used. As discussed in the “Cable Construction” section of this article, fiber is available in a wide range of constructions, each designed to withstand certain types of environmental conditions and application challenges.
In general, all fiber uses less duct space than co-ax and, in fact, may often be laid without ducts — simply passing between walls and flooring wherever convenient. It can also accommodate structural curves and turns, although any tight bends must have a turning radius of at least 1 inch.
Similar to using electrical cable, the first step in terminating fiber cable is to strip it. This involves stripping back the plastic coating of the fiber cable to reveal the glass core inside. A tool called a fiber-optic stripper, which looks like a small pair of pliers with jaws that grip the coating, is often used in this process.
Once this is done, the stripped material is trimmed back and inserted into a restraining grommet or sleeve, also called a boot.