FIBER OPTIC CABLE SPLICE

PROCEDURE

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ECCN:9E991
Boeing Proprietary,
Copyright 2008 The Boeing Company ECCN 9E991
For Training Purposes Only For Reference Only Fiber Optic
FiberInspection,
Optic CableCleaning
Splice Procedure
and Testing
V15
V14
 Fiber Optic
Cable Splice Lesson Objectives
The purpose of this lesson is to prepare you to
work with the components and materials used in fiber optic
cable splice procedure.

This lesson is the fifth lesson of five lessons in

the fiber optic course:

1. Fiber Optic Familiarization

2. Fiber Optic Assembly
3. Fiber Optic Installation and Routing
4. Fiber Optic Inspection, Cleaning and Testing
5. Fiber Optic Cable Splice Procedure

Boeing Proprietary,
Copyright 2008 The Boeing Company ECCN 9E991
For Training Purposes Only For Reference Only Fiber Optic Cable Splice Procedure V15
 Fiber Optic
Cable Splice Lesson Objectives
After you complete this lesson, you should be able to:

 Be familiar with the process and procedures of the fiber optic splice.

 Recognize the criteria and limitations on the application of the splice.

 Identify the tools and equipment used for the splice.

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Copyright 2008 The Boeing Company ECCN 9E991
For Training Purposes Only For Reference Only Fiber Optic Cable Splice Procedure V15
 Fiber Optic Fiber Optic Cable Splice
Cable Splice Procedure Agenda

Introduction
Tools and Equipment
Splice Procedure

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Copyright 2008 The Boeing Company ECCN 9E991
For Training Purposes Only For Reference Only Fiber Optic Cable Splice Procedure V15
 Fiber Optic
Cable Splice Introduction
The assembly of the BACS13DN Fiber Optic Fusion Splice for the BMS 13-71
fiber optic cable material gives operators the option to replace a damaged
section of a BACC69C fiber optic cable while still installed on the airplane.
Operational experience has shown that the majority of the damage that has
occurred on a fiber optic cable is within 6 inches (15.24 cm) of a connector.
This is primarily due to improper handling.
Prior to the development of this procedure the only option to address a
damaged cable was to replace it. The splice procedure will allow more
flexibility for operational conditions.

Damaged section of Installed Splice Repair

Fiber Optic Cable

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Copyright 2008 The Boeing Company ECCN 9E991
For Training Purposes Only For Reference Only Fiber Optic Cable Splice Procedure V15
 Fiber Optic Fiber Optic Cable Splice
Cable Splice Procedure Agenda

Introduction
Tools and Equipment
Splice Procedure

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Copyright 2008 The Boeing Company ECCN 9E991
For Training Purposes Only For Reference Only Fiber Optic Cable Splice Procedure V15
 Fiber Optic
Cable Splice
Tools and Equipment
The tools and equipment needed to perform the splice procedure are
included in the MINIMOD 13-71 kit made by Aurora Optics, Inc.
This kit will include the following items to perform the splice:
• Kevlar Shears
• Cable Clamps
• Ideal Stripmaster Cable Stripper
• MicroStrip Removal Tool
• Fiber Holder
• Aurora Fixtured Precision Cleaver
• Fusion Splicer
• Lift Stand
• Shrink Sleeve

Not typically included in the kit but needed for the

procedure is a temperature controlled heat gun.
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Copyright 2008 The Boeing Company ECCN 9E991
For Training Purposes Only For Reference Only Fiber Optic Cable Splice Procedure V15
 Fiber Optic
Cable Splice
Tools and Equipment
The Kevlar Shears are used to cut the damaged area off the fiber optic
cable.

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Copyright 2008 The Boeing Company ECCN 9E991
For Training Purposes Only For Reference Only Fiber Optic Cable Splice Procedure V15
 Fiber Optic
Cable Splice
Tools and Equipment

The Cable Clamps provide pressure to the fiber optic cable preventing
the glass fiber from moving when doing the splice procedure. After
positioning the cable in the clamp, move the roller past the index mark
to provide the clamp force.

Index Mark (Typ)

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For Training Purposes Only For Reference Only Fiber Optic Cable Splice Procedure V15
 Fiber Optic
Cable Splice
Tools and Equipment
The Ideal Stripmaster Cable Stripper is used to remove the 2 jacket
layers from the cut end of the fiber optic cable. The length gage on the
tool provides a reference for the amount of jacket to be removed for the
outer and inner jacket. The procedure will require that the exposed
fiber braids are folded back onto the cable when the corresponding
jacket is removed.
Length Gage

Shown with both

jackets removed.
Fiber braid shown
folded back.
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For Training Purposes Only For Reference Only Fiber Optic Cable Splice Procedure V15
 Fiber Optic
Cable Splice
Tools and Equipment
The MicroStrip Removal Tool is used to remove the buffer coating from
the glass fiber after the jacked is removed. The cable is inserted into
the tool and is placed up to the indexed mark of the heater tray.
The tool can be used powered to provide heat that may facilitate the
removal of the buffer.

Heater Power
Connections

Stripped cable with

buffer coating not
Heater Tray removed.
Index Mark

Insert stripped cable

here.

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For Training Purposes Only For Reference Only Fiber Optic Cable Splice Procedure V15
 Fiber Optic
Cable Splice
Tools and Equipment
The Fiber Holder is used to hold the stripped cable during the cleaving
and splicing procedure. There are 2 Fiber Holder Clamps; a left (red)
and right (yellow) side. When positioned, the cable is held in the Fiber
Holder Clamp by 2 spring-loaded clips that lock close when depressed.
The Fiber Holder Camp is magnetically held into the cleaver and splicer
when used for the procedure.

Spring Clips

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For Training Purposes Only For Reference Only Fiber Optic Cable Splice Procedure V15
 Fiber Optic
Cable Splice
Tools and Equipment
The Aurora Fixtured Precision Cleaver is used to cut the stripped glass
fiber to the correct length for splicing. Lifting the blade cover to the full
up position moves the cleaver blade to arm the cutter. Depressing the
blade cover activates the cleaver blade to cut the fiber. The collection
bin collects the severed fiber after cutting.

Blade Cover
Blade Cover (Lifted)
(Closed)

Collection Bin

Cutting Blade

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Copyright 2008 The Boeing Company ECCN 9E991
For Training Purposes Only For Reference Only Fiber Optic Cable Splice Procedure V15
 Fiber Optic
Cable Splice
Tools and Equipment
The Fusion Splicer is the device that fuses the glass fibers for the
splice procedure. The splice tool has a removable top cover and
sliding fusion cover on the unit. The top cover has a small tab on the
bottom corner that aligns and inserts into a hole in the splice tool. The
sliding fusion cover opens to allow the placement of the fiber sections
to be spliced. Receivers on the side of the sliding cover hold the Fiber
Holder Clamps.
Top Cover Fusion Cover
(Removed) (Open)

Top Cover
(Installed) Fiber Holder
Clamp Receivers

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Copyright 2008 The Boeing Company ECCN 9E991
For Training Purposes Only For Reference Only Fiber Optic Cable Splice Procedure V15
 Fiber Optic
Cable Splice
Tools and Equipment
The Fusion Splicer Control Unit is an extension of the Fusion Splicer
that is connected by a cable. The Control Display Unit has a power
switch and six selections on the front to control and operate the Fusion
Splice Tool .
• CLEAN – used to clean the fibers before the splice
• INC – scrolls thru selections of the size/type of cable to be spliced
• DEC - scrolls thru selections of the size/type of cable to be spliced
• EXIT – exits selected function
• SELECT – selects function
• ENTER – begins splice

The display area on the unit

provides the visual image of the
fibers during the splicing
procedure. It also shows
information and instructions for the
operation being performed.
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Copyright 2008 The Boeing Company ECCN 9E991
For Training Purposes Only For Reference Only Fiber Optic Cable Splice Procedure V15
 Fiber Optic
Cable Splice
Tools and Equipment
The Lift Stand is a platform that allows the placement of the Fusion
Splice Tool and has clamps attached to a swing arm device that is used
to secure and lift the spliced cable.

Fusion Splice
Tool (Ref) Lifting Stand
Cable Clamp

Lifting Arm

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Copyright 2008 The Boeing Company ECCN 9E991
For Training Purposes Only For Reference Only Fiber Optic Cable Splice Procedure V15
 Fiber Optic
Cable Splice
Tools and Equipment
There are 4 different shrink sleeves that are used for the restoration of
the cable during the splice procedure.
• Integrated Primary
• Ring Clamp
• Integrated Secondary
• Outer
The sleeves are shrunk with the use of a heat gun.

Completed Splice

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Copyright 2008 The Boeing Company ECCN 9E991
For Training Purposes Only For Reference Only Fiber Optic Cable Splice Procedure V15
 Fiber Optic Fiber Optic Cable Splice
Cable Splice Procedure Agenda

Introduction
Tools and Equipment
Splice Procedure

Boeing Proprietary,
Copyright 2008 The Boeing Company ECCN 9E991
For Training Purposes Only For Reference Only Fiber Optic Cable Splice Procedure V15
 Fiber Optic
Cable Splice
Splice Procedure
• The splice procedure is found in SWPM 20-13-34
• Any undamaged terminated BACC69C fiber optic cable can be used
as the spliced end if length allows for its use.
• Only 1 splice is allowed per cable link.
• The splice is only allowed in a pressurized area.
• The splice repair can not have a clamp installed on it or can not have
multiple splice repairs stacked within a bundle.
• Once installed the splice repair area is very stiff. The splice repair
needs to be installed with enough room to allow for routing bends.

Aurora Optics, Inc.

If more training or information is c/o Larry Wesson
needed contact Aurora Optics: 7 East Skippack Pike
Suite 202
Broad Axe, PA 19002
Tel: +1-215-646-0690
FAX: +1-215-646-4721
Email: wessonl@aurora-optics.com
Boeing Proprietary,
Copyright 2008 The Boeing Company ECCN 9E991
For Training Purposes Only For Reference Only Fiber Optic Cable Splice Procedure V15