Protection tube for termination and splicing of ribbon optical cable

Furcation or breakout tubes are used to protect, organize, and manage ribbon optical fibers during termination and splicing, ensuring durability and proper routing into splice trays or connectors.

Purpose and Function

Protection tubes, also known as furcation tubes or breakout kits, serve several critical functions for ribbon optical cables:

• Fiber protection: They shield delicate fibers from mechanical stress, bending, and environmental damage as they exit the main cable sheath .
• Organization: Ribbons are separated into individual or grouped fibers, often color-coded, to simplify identification and routing into splice trays or patch panels .
• Transition management: They provide a controlled path for fibers from the cable to connectors or splicing points, reducing the risk of fiber breakage .

Types of Protection Tubes

1. Ribbon Fiber Breakout Kits: These kits include a cable clamp, furcation tube assembly, and ribbon tube retainers. They are designed for installation in panels, enclosures, or equipment racks and can handle multiple ribbons (up to 72 fibers per kit) with cable diameters ranging from 0.250 to 0.705 inches .
2. High Fiber Ribbon Breakout Kits: Suitable for high fiber count cables, these kits route each 12-fiber ribbon into individual color-coded tubes. They are compatible with fusion or mechanical splicing and can manage up to 864 fibers when combined with additional breakout boxes .
3. Furcation Tubing: Available in various materials and colors, furcation tubes provide tensile strength and protection for bare fibers. They are reinforced with aramid yarn to resist shrinkage and are used for both splicing and direct termination with standard connectors .

Selection Considerations

When choosing a protection tube or breakout kit for ribbon optical cables, consider:

• Cable type: Central tube or loose tube ribbon cables require different furcation solutions .
• Fiber count: Kits are available for 12 to 288 fibers or more, depending on the application .
• Termination method: Splicing versus splice-on connectors may require base kits or supplemental kits .
• Installation environment: Indoor, outdoor, or high-density panel installations may influence the choice of kit and tube material .

Installation and Usage

• Secure the cable with the provided clamp to prevent movement.
• Route ribbons into individual furcation tubes or breakout tubes.
• Use color-coded tubes for easy fiber identification.
• Mount the assembly into a panel, enclosure, or rack as required.
• Follow manufacturer instructions to ensure proper fiber bend radius and protection . Using the appropriate protection tube or breakout kit ensures reliable fiber performance, reduces the risk of damage during handling, and simplifies maintenance and future upgrades.