Fiber optic splicing is an important method in the installation of fiber optic networks. Fiber optic splicing is an important method of joining two fiber optic cables together.  It is a preferred solution when an available fiber cable is not sufficiently long for the required run. Besides, fiber optic splicing is designed to restore fiber optic cables. In case they are accidentally broken.Nowadays, fiber optic splicing is widely deployed in telecommunications, LAN (Local Area Network) and networking projects.

Typically, we can undertaken fiber optic splices two ways: fusion splicing and mechanical splicing.

Fusion splicing Method

Mechanical Splicing Method

If you want to make splices quickly and easily, the mechanical splice is a better choice. A mechanical splice is a junction of two or more optical fibers. The fibers are aligned and held in place by a self-contained assembly. A typical example of this method is the use of connectors to link fibers.

Which Method is Better?

Both fusion splicing and mechanical splicing method have their advantages and disadvantages. We can choose according to  the applications.

The fusion splicing provides a lower level of loss and a higher degree of permanence than mechanical splicing. However, this method needs to use expensive fusion splicing equipment. In view of this, we tend to use fusion splice for the long and high data rate lines. These rate lines are unlikely to be changed once installed.

The mechanical splicing is often used in these situations. When splices need to be made very quickly and the expensive equipment for fusion splices are not available. Some mechanical fiber optic splice allows both connection and disconnection. So a mechanical splice can be used in not permanent situations.

No matter which way you adopted, you need to follow the specific instructions strictly for perfect splices during fiber splicing,. Besides, keep all splicing tools clean is also important.