How to strip a butterfly-shaped optical fiber cable

Stripping a butterfly-shaped optical fiber cable requires careful, layer-by-layer removal of the jacket, strength members, and buffer coatings using specialized tools to avoid fiber damage.

Preparation and Safety

Before starting, ensure you have a clean, well-lit workspace and wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from fiber shards. Gather the necessary tools: a fiber optic cable stripper, Kevlar scissors, alcohol wipes, and a fiber cleaver for precise termination. Inspect the cable for any kinks or damage before proceeding.

Step-by-

Step Stripping Process

Measure and Mark the Cable Determine the length of cable needed for termination or splicing. Mark the jacket at the point where you will strip it, typically 7–10 inches from the end. Remove the Outer Jacket Use a cable jacket stripper or a hook-blade knife to score the outer jacket carefully.

Avoid cutting too deep to prevent damaging the Aramid yarn or fibers underneath. Bend the jacket slightly to break it along the score line and remove it. Expose and Trim Strength Members Butterfly cables often contain Kevlar or Aramid yarn for tensile strength.

Cut these fibers to the required length using Kevlar scissors, leaving enough to maintain cable strength but not interfere with termination. Separate Individual Fibers Butterfly cables have multiple fibers in a flat ribbon. Carefully separate the fibers you need to terminate or splice.

Handle each fiber gently to avoid microbends or breaks. Strip the Buffer Coating Use a fiber stripper to remove the buffer coating from each fiber. For tight-buffered fibers (900 µm) or standard buffered fibers (250 µm), ensure the stripper is fully closed before pulling to remove the coating cleanly.

Repeat until the bare fiber is exposed without nicking it. Clean and Inspect Wipe the stripped fiber with alcohol wipes to remove debris or residue. Inspect the fiber end with a fiber inspection microscope or visual fault locator (VFL) to ensure it is clean and free of defects.

Cleave the Fiber Use a fiber cleaver to create a smooth, perpendicular end face on the stripped fiber, which is essential for low-loss splicing or connectorization.

Best Practices

Strip each layer progressively, never all at once, to avoid fiber damage. Maintain your tools, keeping blades sharp for clean cuts. Dispose of fiber scraps safely to prevent injury.

Work slowly and methodically, especially with multi-fiber butterfly cables, to ensure consistent results. By following these steps, you can safely and effectively strip a butterfly-shaped optical fiber cable, preparing it for splicing or termination while maintaining optimal signal performance.