Fiber optic cables are incredibly durable and resistant to damage, but they can still break. Here's how it happens:
Common Causes of Fiber Optic Cable Breaks:
- Physical Damage: This is the most common cause.
- Bending: Excessively bending a fiber optic cable can cause the glass fibers inside to fracture.
- Crushing: Applying pressure to the cable can crush the fibers, leading to a break.
- Sharp Objects: Cutting, scraping, or piercing the cable can damage the fibers.
- Rodents: Rodents often chew on cables, causing breaks.
- Environmental Factors:
- Temperature Extremes: Extreme heat or cold can cause the cable's protective jacket to become brittle and crack, exposing the fibers to damage.
- Moisture: Water can seep into the cable and corrode the fibers, leading to a break.
- Installation Errors:
- Improper Termination: Incorrectly connecting or terminating the cable can cause stress on the fibers, leading to breaks.
- Over-tightening: Over-tightening clamps or connectors can damage the cable.
Identifying Fiber Optic Cable Breaks:
- Visual Inspection: Look for signs of physical damage, such as cuts, kinks, or crushed areas.
- Light Testing: Use a light source to shine through the cable and check for any breaks in the light path.
- Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR): This specialized device can pinpoint the exact location of a break in the cable.
Repairing Fiber Optic Cable Breaks:
Repairing a broken fiber optic cable requires specialized tools and techniques. It's best to leave this task to a qualified professional. They will typically:
- Locate the Break: Using an OTDR or other methods, they will determine the exact location of the break.
- Clean the Fibers: Before splicing the fibers, they will need to be cleaned thoroughly to ensure a good connection.
- Splice the Fibers: They will use a specialized tool to splice the broken fibers together.
- Test the Connection: They will test the connection to ensure it is working properly.
