Fusion splicing is the most accurate method of splicing fiber optic splicer cables together. Here's exactly how this highly precise process works.
Splicing fiber optic cables is nothing like splicing metal cables together. It's a very precise process best achieved using a fusion splicer. A fusion splicer connects two fiber optic cables together by melting or fusing them in order to create one single cable. In order to minimize potential optical loss or signal loss, optical fibers must be joined together absolutely perfectly.
The fiber cable ends are first fastened into an enclosure in the splicer in order to protect them during the fusing process. Next the ends are stripped of their coating. If an outer jacket is present it is also stripped. The next step involves a tool called a fiber cleaver. A fiber cleaver is used to cut the fibers in a way which leaves the ends of the cables perfectly smooth and flat. If the ends are not absolutely flat then a perfect splice will not occur. After cleaving the ends they are placed into holders in the splicer.