FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

All-In-One splicers provide all 5 splicing functions including stripping, cleaving, cleaning, splicing, and protecting – all in a single unit. UCL Swift is the only company that manufactures All-In-One fusion splicers. Before the introduction of UCL Swift’s All-In-One Splicers, the splicing process required the use of multiple pieces of equipment and tools. The All-In-One Splicer incorporates all the tools and steps necessary to fuse fiber optic glass ends together or to fuse a fiber optic connector onto a fiber optic glass strand. All-In-One splicers offer a compact termination process that is easily transported and can be used in a wide range of indoor and outdoor environments. All-In-One fusion splicers from UCL Swift can be used for fusing individual strands of fiber optic glass or for ribbon fiber, which incorporate 12-strands of fiber optic glass.

UCL Swift offers both core and cladding alignment fusion splicers. Cladding alignment splicers align the cladding of the fiber optic glass strands when fusing. The diameter of the cladding is 150 microns. Though the core of the fiber optic glass strand is either 8-9 microns, 50 microns or 62.5 microns, the cladding alignment splicer relies on the quality of the fiber optic glass to align the cores of the fiber optic glass strands. Quality cable manufacturers, like Corning, produce products of superior quality and the cores of their fiber optic glass strands are very precise and consistent. Cladding alignment is usually sufficient when working with quality fiber manufacturers. Core alignment splicers use additional motors and cameras within the device to align the cores of the fiber optic strands being fused. Core alignment splicers may be preferred when working with multiple fiber optic glass manufacturers or if the manufacturers are unknown.

A splice-on fiber optic connector is a fiber optic connector that can be fused to the end of fiber optic glass. It requires the use of a fusion splicer, such as those from UCL Swift. The main types of splice on connectors are SC, LC, ST and MPO. Though SC, LC and ST types of splice-on connectors fuse one strand of fiber optic glass at a time, MPO splice-on connectors allow up to 12 strands of fiber optic glass to be fused at one time.

Though splicing on connectors in an indoor, environmentally controlled area is ideal, it is not always possible. By keeping the 900-micron tight buffer on the exposed fiber optic glass tail of the connector, it protects it during handling prior to installation. Since stripping and cleaving on a UCL Swift splicer takes only seconds, we believe that ensuring the protection of the connector is of greater benefit to the user than the small amount of time it takes to strip and cleave it. The inclusion of the 900 tight buffer protects the connector in the event it is dropped or otherwise contaminated and must be discarded.

LC fusion splice-on connectors (FSOC) derive their name from the company that invented them, Lucent. They are smaller than the SC fiber optic connector. The smaller size of the LC permits more of them to fit into a fiber optic patch panel and provide greater fiber density per rack unit (RU).

Fusion splice-on connectors (FSOC) are considered superior to mechanically applied connectors because the termination process is quicker, the termination is more robust and signal loss due to the connection is much lower. Since you are splicing fiber optic glass to fiber optic glass, the signal loss can be almost zero. When calculating a loss budget (how much signal you can lose and still have a viable connection) for a link, mechanical connections are allocated 1.5 dB of signal loss, while fusion spliced on connections are allocated .1 to .3 dB, with 0.2 dB loss is considered standard loss associated with fusion splice on connectors. With the demand for more bandwidth constantly increasing, a link with minimal signal loss is always desired.

Green is the color used to designate an APC-style connector. APC stands for Angled Physical Contact. In an APC connector, the connector’s ferrule, the ceramic piece that holds the fiber optic glass, is angled at 8 degrees. It can only be mated to another APC-type connector. This 8-degree angle is applied to the end face of the ferrule and the fiber optic glass held inside the ferrule. When mated with another APC connector, any excessive signal is reflected away from the core of the glass, reducing return loss which can happen at connections. Return loss is an unwanted signal that is reflected back in the direction from which it came. Unlike the APC connector, a UPC (Ultra Physical Contact) connector does not have an 8-degree angle to the face of the ferrule. APC connects are the preferred connector type for broadband applications.

UCL Swift splicers have a rechargeable battery. They can operate for hundreds of terminations without being plugged directly into power. Using the splicer cord-free is ideal if working outside, up in a bucket on a bucket truck or in any environment where a power supply is not readily available. They can also be used while plugged in.

Fusion splicing a connector onto an individual strand of fiber optic cable can be done in less than a minute.

Fusion splicing with a UCL Swift All-In-One fusion splicer can be learned in about 15 minutes. A technician who is familiar with fusion splicing may need only the time it takes to navigate the menu and setup options that the UCL Swift All-In-One splicers offer.

You can use a UCL Swift fusion supplier for splicing ribbon fiber. UCL Swift’s model KR12A is specifically designed to simultaneously fusion splice 12 strands of fiber. The KR12A can also be used to splice an MPO connector onto a ribbon fiber.

An MPO connector (Multi-strand Push-On) connector is a fiber optic connector that permits the connection of multiple strands of fiber optic glass within one connector. They typically hold 12 stands of glass, though larger stand counts of 24 and 36 are available, as well as more minor strand counts. US Conec(™) developed the first 12-strand fiber optic connector, the MPT(™). Different from standard MPO connectors, the MPT has small metal pins that help align the male and female connectors. UCL Swift has splice-on MPO connectors available. They accommodate 12-fiber optic stands and can be fusion spliced to 12-strand ribbon connectors with the use of the KR12A ribbon splicer.

SC connectors are slightly larger than LC connectors. If you are connecting to legacy systems, SC may be more prevalent and you may have to use them. Newer installations may want to use LC simply because they are smaller. If rack space is a concern, the smaller body of the LC connector permits much higher strand counts per rack unit.

Standard fusion splicers will fuse one strand of fiber optic glass at a time. Ribbon fiber splicers can splice up to 12 strands of fiber optic glass at one time.

You can use UCL Swift fusion splicers outside. They are designed to work in challenging environments and include a wind cover over the area in which the fusion splice takes place. UCL Swift All-In-One splicers also come with a harness. The harness allows the user to wear the splicer and work in an area where there is no work surface available, such as in the bucket of a bucket truck, or on a ladder. If using a UCL Swift All-In-One splicer, all the systems needed to perform a splice are on the machine, including stripping, cleaning, cleaving, fusion splicing and protecting.

UCL Swift fusion splicers range in weight from model to model. All-In-One fusion splicers will weigh more than other models. The popular KF4A All-In-One splicer weighs 1.5kg (3.3 lbs) while the KR12A All-In-One ribbon splicer weighs 2.3kg (5.0 lbs). Both weights include a rechargeable battery.

You can fusion splice singlemode and multimode fiber optic cables and connectors. You simply need to set up the splicer properly. UCL Swift fusion splicers provide an easy-to-follow programming menu that allows you to configure the splicer to work with whatever type of optical fiber you are working with. UCL Swift also offers singlemode and multimode connectors that can be easily fused onto singlemode and multimode fiber optic cables. Keep in mind that you cannot splice singlemode and multimode cables to each other.

Singlemode fiber is designed to accommodate a single mode of light down its core. The light source is a laser. Singlemode fiber is generally employed where distance (up to 60 kilometers) is a consideration and where maximum bandwidth is desired. The core of the singlemode fiber is typically between 8 and 9 microns in diameter. Singlemode fiber is the type used by MSO (Multiple System Operators) such as cable television companies and internet providers. It is the type of fiber that would be run to a residence in a Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) application or any FTTX (broadband) application. Multimode fiber is designed for shorter distances, less than 550 meters, and uses VCSELs to send and receive data. The VCSELs (Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser) is an inexpensive laser that sends multiple modes of light down the fiber optic glass. The diameter of the glass core in the multimode is either 50 microns or 62.5 microns. 62.5 microns exists generally in legacy systems. 50 microns is the current standard core diameter for multimode fiber optic cables.

You would not want to fuse singlemode and multimode fiber optic glass together. They have different size cores and are not compatible. Envision trying to connect a garden hose to a fire hose.

Ribbons can include 2-12 fiber optic strands per ribbon. Ribbon cables can contain multiple 12-strand ribbon fibers. With smaller diameter ribbon fiber now available, as well as new rollable ribbon fiber which includes 12-stands per “ribbon” but is not flat like typical ribbon fiber, cables can include thousands of strands of fiber optic glass.

Fiber optic glass strands are provided by the manufacturers in either 250-micron or 200-micron diameters. 250 microns is currently the widest used, though 200 microns will see growth in the market due to its smaller diameter. If those fiber optic strands are painted for identification, the outside diameter may increase by a negligible 4-5 microns. The 250 and 200-micron fiber optic stands utilize the same size core, which for singlemode is between 8-9 microns. When the 250 or 200 strands is stripped and prepared for fusion splicing, the outer plastic coating is removed, leaving the core and protecting glass coating with a diameter of 125 microns. It is this 125-micron strand that is fusion spliced to another similar fiber optic strand, which could be in a cable or a connector.

900 micron refers to the diameter of a tight buffered fiber optic strand of glass. It is the diameter of a protected fiber optic strand that is easy to handle and will resist being damaged. Cable manufacturers extrude a 900-micron diameter jacket (also called a tight buffer) around a 250 (or 200) micron strand of fiber optic glass to protect it. It is typically used when constructing indoor cables and some indoor/outdoor cables. It is not used for outdoor cables because it would unnecessarily add to the diameter and weight of the cable.

250 microns is the diameter of standard fiber optical glass, and is the smallest unit of a fiber optic cable. Fiber optical glass manufacturers produce fiber optic glass with a 250-micron diameter.

You can fusion splice 200-micron ribbon fiber to 250-micron ribbon fiber. It will require special fiber holders (handlers) to accomplish the splice. Some additional steps will likely be required to fuse the two different sizes of ribbon fiber together. Since they both use the same size core, 8 to 9 microns, they can be spliced together and performed as desired.

You can splice other manufacturers’ connectors using a UCL Swift fusion splicer. Specific connector holders (handlers) will have to be used to ensure they are held properly in the fusion splicer.

UCL Swift is one of a few fiber optic connector companies that manufacture ferrules for use in its own products. All UCL Swift ferrules are manufactured in Indonesia at the UCL Swift facility. By controlling our manufacturing processes and applying stringent quality control practices, UCL Swift can produce ferrules of the highest quality. Since the ferrule is an integral part of every fiber optic connector, its role in the connector’s overall performance is significant.

FTTH stands for Fiber to the Home. If refers to the infrastructure installed by an MSO (Multi-System Operators), Telephone Companies (Telcos) and other service providers, where fiber optic cables are run throughout a community and individual cables are “dropped” to a residence. The fiber optic cable originates at the service provider’s head end, where all the electronics reside. In some instances, the
drop cable may support multiple users, such as MDUs (Multi-Unit Dwelling, like an apartment building).

A drop cable can be self-supporting if it was built to do so. These cables can include a metal or fiberglass support or messenger cable that is attached at both ends to a pole or structure. This cable design is often referred to as a Figure-8 since its cross-section looks like an 8, with one lobe containing the fiber and the other containing the messenger cable. Another design, knows as ADSS or All-Dielectric Self-Supporting, will use internal structures, like fiberglass rods, to bear the load of the cables weight. These ADSS cables would not include any metallic components and can be referred to as all-dielectric. A dielectric material is something that does not conduct electricity. For cable applications, the term ADSS implies the cable is safe to handle since it is not conducting an electrical current. These two cable designs require different methods for securing their ends. For the cable design using the messenger cable, the messenger component of the cable is secured at both ends of the cable run. For the design with internal strength members, the cable is securing held at each ends with devices that grip and hold the cable via friction.

A messenger cable is a single metal cable or an external component of a cable (which can be metal of fiberglass) that is used for supporting the entire length of a cable between two points. When the messenger cable is an integrated component of a cable, lashing is not required since the cable and messenger cable are one unit. This cable design is often referred to as a Figure-8 since its cross-section looks like an 8, with one lobe containing the fiber and the other containing the messenger cable. When an independent messenger cable is used, the other cable must be lashed to it using a lashing machine.

An ONT, or Optical Network Terminal is a powered device at the user’s end of a PONs optical network. It is located on the user’s property and is an outlet to the internet. It’s similar to a cable modem, but utilizes a fiber optic link versus a copper cable link. It is the device in the residence to which a router or other devices are connected to. It may also be referred to as an ONU, or Optical Network Unit. A fiber optic cable with a connection to the service provider is connected to the ONT/ONU to provide the link to the provider’s services.

An OLT, or Optical Line Terminal, is a passive (non-powered) device at the service providers end onto which users/customers fiber optic cables terminate.

Hardened drop cables and connectors are environmentally robust to provide a reliable interface in the outside plant environment. The hardened connectors combined with field-installable fusion technology simplifies installation and maintenance easily in the FTTP (Fiber to the premises) network. The hardened fusion splice-on connectors (HFSOC) are rugged to protect against extreme temperature, moisture, UV, chemical exposure and other harsh conditions typically found in the outside plant. UCL Swift field-installable hardened fusion splice-on connectors provide cost savings versus wasted cable slack and provide high-quality performance with fusion terminations. HFSOCs when utilized with drop cables also result in neatly organized cables on poles. UCL Swift HFSOCs are used with a variety of cable types, such as 5.8mm drop cable, 5.0mm drop cable, 5.4×3.0mm ROC flat drop cable, and 8.1×4.5mm SST flat drop cable.

UCL Swift makes a hardened fusion splice-on connector. The Swift HFSOC provides the highest quality standards-based field-installable connector for hardened optical applications. It is compatible with all OptiTap® terminals and enclosures. This field-installable hardened solution is ideal for both new installations and emergency repairs and reduces the amount of inventoried products in warehouses and on tech vehicles, reducing SKU’s and improving cash flow. The elimination of slack storage boxes reduces slack storage challenges and provides neatly organized cables on the pole that use only the cable you need. Cable designs include: 5.8 mm drop cable, 5.0 mm drop cable, 5.4 x 3.0 mm ROC drop cable, 8.1 x 4.5 mm SST drop cable.

Cable slack loops related to fiber optic drop cables in FTTH applications, often seen hanging on utility poles, can be eliminated by installing the appropriate length of cable between the pole and structure or enclosure. This can easily be done using UCL Swifts drop cable and field-terminable hardened fusion splice-on connector, or HDC-SOC. By using UCL Swifts drop cable and splice on connectors at the site of the installation, you can measure and cut the exact length of cable you need for the drop. This process results in a cleaner looking installation and eliminates cable waste and cable slack loops while providing the universally recognized best method of connector installation.

UCL Swift has fiber optic drop cable and a field terminable hardened connector for FTTH applications. By using this installation method versus per-terminated cable assemblies, you can produce a custom solution that fits the installation. Currently some providers estimate a waste factor of 20-30% of extra cable coiled up on the pole or trimmed off and thrown away. You can avoid having to carry a wide range of assembly lengths by building the cables onsite which requires only a fusion splicer, a reel of cable and box of connectors. UCL Swifts KF4A-HDC fusion splicer is small and easy to operate. Performing fusing splicing on site with this splicer ensures the perfect install.

A toning conductor is a component of a fiber optic cable. Because fiber optic cables may be all dielectric, that is they contain no metal, they can be hard to find when buried. This can occur when the cable is run underground to a pedestal, vault or other enclosure. The toning conductor is a metal conductor added to the cable construction that allows it to be detected underground. In the event digging has to occur in the area, the cable can be found by the appropriate means (Dig Safe or similar). The ground can be marked to avoid the accidental digging up of the cable.

No. The toning conductor does not need to be terminated.

An all-dielectric cable is one that does not contain any metal and will not conduct electricity.

FTTH is an acronym for Fiber to the Home. It refers to the process by which internet and cable companies deploy fiber optic cables for residential applications. FTTH is an overarching term that would include the passive and active devices necessary to get fiber optic based connectivity to a home.

An OptiTap® connector is a Corning registered design for an outdoor fiber optic connection used primarily for Fiber to the Home (FTTH) applications. Many companies license the design from its patent holder to build connectors that are compatible with OptiTap® terminals. UCL Swift is the only manufacturer of a field-terminable splice-on OptiTap® connector.

Though there are a few manufacturers who make a mechanically terminated OptiTap® connector that can be installed in the field, UCL Swift is the only manufacturer that produced a splice-on, field terminable OptiTap® connector.

An FRP (fiberglass reinforced polymer) or a GRP (glass reinforced plastic) is the term used to describe the strength members of a fiber optic cable. The terms are virtually interchangeable. One or more FRP/GRP rods are installed in cables generally to allow them to be self-supporting when installed in aerial applications. The cable is installed in a manner that ensure the load of the cable (and snow, ice, etc.), is carried by the FRP/GRPs and not the fiber optic strands inside the cable. FRP is more commonly used in the U.S., while GRP is used in Europe and Asia. Again, they mean the same thing.

An optical power meter is used to measure the strength of an optical signal. Typically, after the installation of a fiber optic cable, you perform signal strength test with a power meter to ensure the connects and the cable are performing as required. A power meter must be used with a light source. All components of an optical link (cable, splices and connectors) contribute to the links ultimate performance. It must be known what the required performance of the link must be to ensure the link under test passes.

A VFL (Visual Fault Locator) is used to test a fiber optic link. As the name suggests, the device is attached to the terminated end of a multimode or singlemode fiber optic glass strand and when activated, shines a red light down the link. Imperfections (breaks, bends, poor connector installation, damaged connectors or cable) will be visible as the light shines through them.

An inspection microscope is typically a handheld device that allows you to view and closely inspect the end of the fiber optic strand. The inspection scope is typically used after a fiber optic strand has been terminated onto a connector. The inspection scope, with magnification typically of 400x, makes any imperfections or contaminants on the end of the fiber visible. Using the inspection scope permits the user the benefit of knowing if the end is ready for use or needs to be cleaned or the connector re-terminated.

When terminating fiber optic cables, the standard procedure, after the fiber has been stripped of its 900µm tight buffer and/or 250µm acrylate coating (in both cases it is stripped down to the 125µm coating), the glass is wiped with an alcohol wipe to ensure all pieces of the acrylate coating are removed and that any oils or contaminants from the technician’s hands are removed.

It would depend on whether the splicer is a single fiber optic strand splicer or a ribbon fiber optic splicer. The UCL Swift KF4A single stand splicer has a blade life of 77,000 splices. That’s quite a few splices. The UCL Swift KR12A Ribbon splicer has a blade life of 3,650 cleaves, which at 12 fiber optic strands per cleave is 43,800 cleaved fiber optic strands. Both the KF4A and the KR12A are All-in-One splicers. They have all 5 splicing steps onboard. When it is time to replace the blades, the process of replacing them is simple.

The electrode life of a fusion splicer would depend on the model and the conditions under which it is used. Since the fusion splicer needs to be calibrated for where it is used, factors such as humidity, temperature and barometric pressure will influence how the electrode performs. For the UCL Swift single-strand KF4A fiber optic splicer, the electrode will provide up to 38,000 splices. The UCL Swift KR12A ribbon splicer will deliver up 1,500 splices. This is due to the ribbon splicer fusing 12-strands at a time. Each fusion splicer keeps track of the number of splices performed. Each unit comes equipped with an additional set of electrodes and the hex wrench necessary to remove and replace them.

UCL Swift has been manufacturing fiber optic fusion splicers for almost 25 years. They have quickly established themselves as a trusted brand with a quality product. The very popular All-In-One fusion splicer was launched in 2010. Currently, UCL Swift is the only manufacturer offering an All-In-One fusion splicer. All-In-One means it includes all features necessary to perform a fusion splice including stripping, cleaning, cleaving, splicing and protecting.

UCL Swift offers a superior product at a great value. With tens of thousands of fusion splicers and millions of splice-on connectors sold, UCL Swift customers come back time and time again due to the quality of the products and the support we offer. UCL Swift offers a 3- year warranty on all its new splicers. Each new unit also comes with 2 free cleaning, maintenance, and software update visits during that 3-year warranty period. When our service department gets units in (into Dallas, TX), they are turned around quickly and within 48-hrs, as a practice.

UCL Swift has been manufacturing fiber optic fusion splicers for almost 25 years. They have quickly established themselves as a trusted brand with a quality product. The very popular All-In-One fusion splicer was launched in 2010. Currently, UCL Swift is the only manufacturer offering an All-In-One fusion splicer. All-In-One means it includes all features necessary to perform a fusion splice including: stripping, cleaning, cleaving, splicing and protecting. The K33A is a single stand fusion splicer and utilizes an electrode that offers up to 18,000 splices and an onboard cleaver capable of up to 77,000 cleaves. The K33A utilizes 6 motors to manipulate the fiber optic glass stand and accurately align the cores before fusion splicing. UCL Swift offers a superior product at a great value. With tens of thousands of fusion splicers and millions of splice-on connectors sold, UCL Swift customers come back time and time again due to the quality of the products and the support we offer. UCL Swift offers a 3-year warranty on= all its new splicers. Each new unit also comes with 2 free cleaning, maintenance and software update visits during that 3-year warranty period. When our service department gets units in (into Dallas, TX), they are turned around quickly and within 48-hrs, as a practice.

UCL Swift has been manufacturing fiber optic fusion splicers for almost 25 years. They have quickly established themselves as a trusted brand with a quality product. The very popular All-In-One fusion splicer was launched in 2010. Currently, UCL Swift is the only manufacturer offering an All-In-One fusion splicer. All-In-One means it includes all features necessary to perform a fusion splice including stripping, cleaning, cleaving, splicing, and protecting. The KR12A ribbon splicer can splice up to 12 stands at one time. UCL Swift offers a superior product at a great value. With thousands of fusion splicers and millions of splice-on connectors sold, UCL Swift customers come back time and time again due to the quality of the products and the support we offer. UCL Swift offers a 3-year warranty on all its new splicers. Each new unit also comes with 2 free cleaning, maintenance, and software update visits during that 3-year warranty period. When our service department gets units in (into Dallas, TX), they are turned around quickly and within 48-hrs, as a practice.