Choose Fiber Optic Splice Closure Based On Your Needs
When it comes to performance, there are two things to look for when choosing a fiber optic splice closure: sealing method and material.
The sealing method affects the performance of fiber optic splice closure sealing, waterproof, dustproof and so on.
The material determines the ability to resist the external environment, such as waterproof level, impact resistance, heat and cold resistance, etc.
How to Check the Sealing of Fiber Optic Splice Closure?
Sealability Test
After the fiber optic splice closure is encapsulated by the specified procedure, the inflation pressure inside the fiber optic splice closure is (100±5) kPa, and it is immersed in a vessel of clean water for 15min at room temperature. Then you observe for 15min, if the fiber optic splice closure has no bubbles escaping, that is, well sealed.
Re-encapsulation Test
Before testing, you should re-encapsulate the fiber optic cable splice closure 3 times following the specified procedure. Inflation pressure inside the cable splice closure is (100±5) kPa, and no bubbles should escape when immersed in a container of clean water at room temperature for 15min.
Water Immersion Test
After the fiber optic splice closure is encapsulated as specified, it is immersed in 1.5m deep room temperature water for 24h, and no water should enter the cable splice closure.
Are Fiber Optic Splice Closures Installed Indoors or Outdoors?
The main consideration for indoor and outdoor splice closure is the difference in waterproof level.
Generally, IP55 waterproof grade splice closure can be used indoors, while higher waterproof grade splice closure is needed outdoors, for example, water often accumulates in communication wells, if the waterproof effect of the splice closure is not good, it will not only lead to water entering the interior with a lot of sediment, but also affect the transmission effect of optical fiber.
The highest waterproof level of the splice closure is IP68.
In general, the IP rating consists of two digits. The first number is a number between 0 and 6, indicating the degree of protection against the ingress of solid objects (such as dust or dirt).
The second number in the IP rating will be a number between 0-9, indicating the quality of moisture resistance under exposure or immersion. Thus, the highest waterproof rating of the splice is IP68.
Materials of fiber optic splice closure
The main materials used for fiber optic splice closure are PP, PP+glassfiber, PC, and PC+ABS, which are all important materials for fiber optic splice closure, and they each have their own advantages in terms of product performance.
PP + glass fiber has better toughness and high impact resistance, but is slightly soft, and the surface looks rough with frequent patterns of glass fiber flow.
PC has excellent electrical insulation, extensibility, dimensional stability & chemical resistance, high strength, heat resistance and cold resistance. It also has the advantages of self-extinguishing, flame retardant, non-toxic, colorable, etc.
However, it is difficult to process because the fluidity is not very good, and the surface of PC closure is easily scratched.
For Southeast Asia and the Middle East, vertical splice closure is usually made of PP+glass fiber, and horizontal splice closure is usually made of PC.
Besides the factors mentioned above, the quality of the splice closure can also be judged simply by its appearance: the fiber optic cable splice closure should be intact in shape and free from defects such as burrs, bubbles, cracks, hollows, warps and impurities. All the base color should be uniform and continuous.
The Impact Resistance of the Splice Closure
Common impact resistance levels:
- IK08 – Protected against 5 joules of impact (the equivalent to the impact of a 1.7kg mass dropped from 300mm above the impacted surface)
- IK09 – Protected against 10 joules of impact (the equivalent to the impact of a 5kg mass dropped from 200mm above the impacted surface)
- IK10 – Protected against 20 joules of impact (the equivalent to the impact of a 5kg mass dropped from 400mm above the impacted surface)
Parameters of Fiber Optic Splice Closure
There are 2 types of splice closures, horizontal fiber optic splice closure and fiber optic vertical splice closure. The vertical type will not be used in cases where underground burial is required, other than that, it is no different from the horizontal type.
Fiber optic splices
There are two main types of fiber optic splices, one is fusion splice and the other is mechanical splice. The fiber optic splice trays used for fusion splicing and mechanical splicing are also different.
Cores of fiber optic cable
If you need to fuse 24 cores fiber optic cable, you can choose 24 core splice closure. A large core splice closure can fuse fiber optic cable with small cores, large core splice closure has enough internal space, when you need to increase the number of fusion splice cores, just increase the number of fusion splice trays.
Other factors to consider
- Whether there is a need for splitter assembly. Cable splice boxes can be divided into tapable and non-tapable types.
- Whether the installed PLC can fit into the splice closure, and whether the PLC has a header or not.
- The thickness of the cable, choose the right import and export diameter of the fiber optic splice closure.
Hello-signal can meet the customization needs of clients who demand a large number of products. Markets in different countries will also have different requirements for the color of the box. The factors listed below are available for you to consider when purchasing.
| Capacity/Number of cores | 24 cores/36 cores/48 cores/72 cores/96 cores/144 cores/288 cores |
| Material | PP/PC/PP+glassfiber/PC+ABS? |
| In and out wire diameter | Ф13, Ф15, Ф16, Ф18, Ф21, Ф23, Ф25 |
| Waterproof level | IP55/IP65/IP68 |
| Impact rating | IK08/IK09/IK10 |
| Sealing structure | Heat Shrink Seals/Mechanical Seals |
| Color | Black, Orange, Green,etc. |
Basic Requirements for Performance
It is essential to choose a splice closure from a qualified manufacturer. A compliant splice closure should meet the following requirements:
- Capable of restoring the integrity of the fiber optic cable sheath and the mechanical continuity of the fiber optic cable reinforcing members.
- Can supply electrical connection, grounding or disconnection of metal components in fiber optic cables.
- Provides space for placement of fiber optic connectors and fiber optic storage.
- Protects fiber optic splices from environmental influences and provides long-term corrosion resistance. In addition, material aging resistance and insulation properties are also factors to be considered.
- Good sealability. Fiber optic splice closures are generally required to be effective against water, moisture and harmful gas infiltration for 20 years.
- A certain level of mechanical strength. The fiber optic performance should be unaffected when the fiber optic splice closure is pressurized up to 70% of its strength.
- Removable and reusable. In the construction and maintenance, when the splice needs to be repaired, there is no need to cut off the cable, just open the splice sheath, repair and then encapsulate, which is important for repairing the fault quickly using the remain length of the fiber, saving time&material, improving economic efficiency and ensuring smooth communication.
- If needed, the fiber optic splice closure should also be termite-proof.
- The fiber optic splice should be protected against moisture after being maintained by the splice closure. There is no need to increase the attenuation of the fiber optic splice before maintenance, as well as to meet the following requirements:
- Optical function: the remaining fiber in the fiber optic splice closure wrap around the fiber placement equipment, in the operation of the fiber optic splice closure equipment, the fiber optic splice should have no obvious additional attenuation.
- Sealing function
- Re-seal function
