In this month’s series of Fiber Op-Tips, we’ll be discussing deeper technical and safety aspects of fiber optics cable management. Let’s start it off with today’s article on Do’s and Don’ts in fiber optics handling.

We have recently discussed the basic fiber optics terminologies which anyone interested in this field should remember. Among these terminologies are the fiber optic cable elements. Let’s have a review of what these terms mean.

As defined by the Fiber Optic Association (FOA), cable provides protection to the fiber from stress during installation and from the environment once it is installed. It may contain from only one to hundreds of fibers inside. But basically, a cable has five makeup elements, namely core, cladding, buffer coating, strength members, and jacket.

1. Core – the center of the fiber where the light is transmitted.
2. Cladding – the outside optical layer of the fiber that traps the light in the core and guides it along – even through curves.
3. Buffer Coating or Primary Buffer Coating – a hard plastic coating on the outside of the fiber that protects the glass from moisture or physical damage. The buffer is what one strips off the fiber for termination or splicing.
4. Strength Members – aramid fibers (Kevlar is the duPont trade name) used to pull the cable. The term is also used for the fiberglass rod in some cables used to stiffen it to prevent kinking.
5. Jacket – the tough outer covering on the cable. Cables installed inside buildings must meet fire codes by using special jacketing materials.

Photo courtesy of www.fiber-optic-components.com

Proper handling of fiber optic cables is a must, hence we have simplified the safety rules provided by the FOA into a list of Do’s and Don’ts.

Do’s in Fiber Optics Cable Handling

1. Protect your eyes by wearing safety glasses. Even if you normally wear glasses, use protective eyewear with side shields to prevent flying shards from getting near your eyes.
2. Wear disposable lab aprons to minimize fiber particles on your clothes.
3. Use a black plastic mat for a work surface to make it easier to see the fibers you are working with.
4. Use a disposable container for all your fiber scraps and dispose of it properly.
5. Thoroughly wash your hands when you’re done handling fiber optics cable.

Don’ts in Fiber Optics Cable Handling

1. Don’t eat while handling fiber optics cable.
2. Don’t drink while or leave any beverage in your work area.
3. Don’t smoke while working with fiber optics cable.
4. Don’t use even simple isopropyl alcohol as a cleaner as it is flammable.

For more safety tips in handling fiber optics cable, you may download for FREE the “Safety Rules for Fiber Optics” from the FOA.

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