Opening the armored fiber optic cable

Opening an armored fiber optic cable requires specialized tools and careful techniques to remove the outer jacket and armor without damaging the inner fibers.

Understanding Armored Fiber Optic Cables

Armored fiber optic cables have a protective layer—typically stainless steel, corrugated steel tape, or Kevlar—around the optical fibers to resist crushing, bending, moisture, and rodent damage . The inner fibers are delicate, so the goal is to remove only the outer armor and jacket while keeping the buffer tubes and fibers intact .

Tools Required

• Fiber optic cable stripping knives or utility knives with rigid blades for controlled cutting .
• Micro Armor Removal Tool for spiral steel armored cables, designed to remove armor quickly and precisely .
• Safety gear: gloves and eye protection to prevent injury from sharp metal edges.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Prepare the Work Area: Ensure a clean, stable surface and adequate lighting. Wear safety gloves and goggles.
2. Inspect the Cable: Check for visible damage and confirm the cable type (single-mode, multimode, indoor, or industrial armored).
3. Score the Outer Jacket: Using a fiber optic stripping knife, carefully make a longitudinal cut along the cable's outer jacket. Avoid cutting too deep to prevent fiber damage .
4. Remove the Armor: For corrugated or spiral steel armor, use the Micro Armor Removal Tool or a specialized stripping knife to peel back the metal layer along the scored line .
5. Expose the Inner Fibers: Once the armor is removed, gently separate the buffer tubes or fiber bundles without applying tension to the fibers.
6. Clean and Prepare for Splicing or Termination: After opening, clean the exposed fibers and proceed with splicing, testing, or connector installation.

Safety and Best Practices

• Never pull directly on the optical fibers; always handle the cable by the outer jacket or buffer tubes .
• Maintain the minimum bend radius to prevent fiber breakage.
• Work slowly and avoid twisting or forcing the cable through conduits during preparation.
• Use tools specifically designed for armored fiber to reduce the risk of accidental cuts or damage. By following these steps and using the proper tools, you can safely open armored fiber optic cables for installation, splicing, or maintenance while preserving the integrity of the optical fibers .