What’s the difference between fiber optic fast connectors and mechanical splice?

The continuous updating of optical communication technology has promoted the large-scale development of FTTH, thereby promoting the continuous expansion of the optical fiber quick connector market. In the process of optical fiber cabling, there are generally two methods of splicing optical fibers, one is optical fiber hot fusion, and the other is splicing using fast connectors. So, what is the difference between fiber optic fast connectors and mechanical splice?

1.Fiber optic fast connector: Fast connector is a fiber optic connector that achieves fast fiber optic connection through mechanical means. It uses a prefabricated optical fiber connector head, which contains optical fiber and optical fiber connection components inside, and can be directly inserted into the optical fiber interface for connection without the need for optical fiber splicing and fine adjustment. The installation and connection process of quick connectors is relatively simple and fast and does not require special tools and equipment.

2.Mechanical splice (Pre-polished Fiber Optic Connector): The mechanical splice is also a fiber optic connector that uses prefabricated fiber optic connectors and combines mechanical and optical methods to achieve fiber optic connections. mechanical usually require optical fiber splicing and fine adjustment before connection to ensure the quality and stability of optical signal transmission. When connecting, mechanical require the use of special splicing equipment and optical equipment to complete the splicing and fine alignment of optical fibers.

The main difference between the mechanical splice and the fast connector is that it has no movable plug and is used to directly fix the optical link node when the optical fiber is connected to the optical fiber or the optical fiber with pigtail. The contact loss is about 0.1dB-0.2dB. It is mainly used for indoor wiring or wiring in small spaces, making installation more convenient and flexible.

How to install and use fiber optic connectors:

Step 1: Remove the connector tail cover and pass the cable through;

Step 2: Use a fiber optic stripper to peel off the cable sheath to a length of about 5cm;

Step 3: use Miller pliers to remove the cable sheath. Cut off the exposed coating on the edge of the clamp to expose the optical fiber;

Step 4: Wipe and clean the exposed optical fiber with a dust-proof cloth;

Step 5: Cut the optical fiber with the clamp;

Step 6: Align the optical fiber with the main body hole and insert it. When the optical fiber is initially in When in the bending state, the crimping cover is pressed down;

Step 7: Screw the tail cover on the string cable back to the connector body and tighten the shell.

The installation of fast connectors is very simple, but it should be noted that fast connectors are easily contaminated and damaged, resulting in impaired fiber performance. Keep away from dust and contaminants during installation and insert slowly.

What is the method for mechanical splice?

First use diagonal pliers to cut the steel wire in the leather cable about 20cm, and then use a wire stripper to peel off the leather cable to expose the optical fiber. Pay attention to the length. Put it into the guide groove, pull the guide groove back 3.5cm, and use Miller wire to peel off the plastic on the surface of the optical fiber to expose the bare optical fiber. Put the prepared bare optical fiber ribbon guide groove into the tool and push it out from the inside (side of the body). Connect the terminal cold and press the yellow part forward.