Removing the outer casing of the fiber optic cold connector

Use a specialized fiber optic jacket or sheath stripper to carefully remove the outer casing without damaging the fiber inside.

Tools Required

To remove the outer casing safely, you will need:

• Fiber optic jacket/outer sheath stripper: Designed for the cable diameter, typically 2–3 mm for single-fiber cables .
• Bare fiber gripper: Provides a secure hold on the fiber without causing microfractures .
• Protective equipment: Safety glasses to prevent injury from glass shards .
• Optional: Wire stripper/splitter for larger diameter cables up to 14 mm .

Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Measure and mark the stripping length: Determine how much of the outer jacket needs to be removed for connectorization or splicing .
2. Secure the cable: Hold the fiber firmly using a gripper or clamp to prevent bending or twisting .
3. Position the stripper: Place the jacket stripper on the marked section of the cable. Ensure the blade is set to the correct depth so it cuts only the outer jacket, not the inner buffer or fiber .
4. Rotate or slide the tool: Depending on the tool, either rotate the stripper around the cable or slide it along the jacket to score and remove the outer layer .
5. Remove the jacket: Gently pull off the outer casing. If the cable has multiple layers (e.g., aramid yarn, buffer), strip each layer progressively to avoid damaging the fiber .
6. Inspect the fiber: Check for nicks, scratches, or microfractures. A 45-degree bend test can help detect hidden damage before proceeding with connectorization .

Best Practices

• Use the correct tool for the cable diameter: Mismatched tools can nick or scratch the fiber .
• Strip layers progressively: Outer jacket first, then aramid yarn, then buffer, to prevent accidental fiber damage .
• Maintain sharp blades: Dull tools increase the risk of fiber damage .
• Handle fibers carefully: Dispose of fiber scraps immediately to avoid injury . By following these steps and using the proper tools, you can safely remove the outer casing of a fiber optic cold connector while preserving the integrity of the optical fiber for reliable performance.