The virtues of mechanical fiber splice technology

Spanish fiber-optic network connectivity technology vendor KeyFibre asserts that mechanical splice technology should now be considered alongside fusion splicing for performance and durability when it comes to connecting optical fibers.

The company, which offers its KeyQuick line of mechanical splice technology, including the KeyCleave fiber cleaver, says that an increasing number of communications service providers are adopting mechanical splices, particularly for in-building applications such as multiple dwelling units (MDUs) and businesses.

Mechanical splices can now be considered across a wide range of environments, including those within the temperature range of -40 and +75 degrees C, KeyFibre contends. The advances in performance complement the lower cost of mechanical splices versus fusion splices, the company adds.

Naturally, KeyFibre prefers that installers consider its technology when evaluating mechanical splice options. The company offers a mechanical splice made of a clear material that enables use of a visual fault locator (VFL) to verify the success of the splice operation.

The splice, which uses a V-groove design, can support average insertion loss of 0.04 dB and a return loss of greater than or equal to 64 dB using a vertical cleave, KeyFibre says. The vertical cleave approach is less expensive than using an angled cleave, which would require more expensive equipment than the KeyCleave, the company says.

Source: Lightwave