288 Strip Optical Cable Stripping

Use an adjustable longitudinal fiber optic cable stripper with proper depth control to safely remove the outer sheath of a 288-core optical cable.

Tools Required

Longitudinal fiber optic cable stripper suitable for 2–288 cores, with adjustable blade depth for cable diameters 10–25 mm. Lateral tube cable slitter for cutting the outer jacket along the cable length. Fiber optic cleaver for precise fiber end preparation.

Lint-free wipes and high-purity alcohol for cleaning stripped fibers. Inspection microscope or visual fault locator (VFL) to check fiber integrity.

Step-by-

Step Procedure

Prepare the Work Area Ensure a clean, well-lit workspace free from dust and debris. Lay out all tools within easy reach. Inspect the Cable Check the 288-core cable for any kinks, bends, or damage.

Confirm the cable is intact before stripping. Adjust the Stripper Set the cutter head depth on the longitudinal stripper according to the cable diameter. Most tools allow fine adjustments in 0.

25 mm increments, with a clear scale for precision.

Strip the Outer Sheath

Place the cable in the stripper slot. Firmly hold the handles and insert the cutter head into the protective sleeve. Pull the handle along the cable to remove the outer sheath without nicking the fibers.

Optional Window Strip For mid-span access, remove a short section of the sheath to expose fibers for testing or splicing. Clean the Fibers Use lint-free wipes moistened with alcohol to remove debris and coating residues from the stripped fibers. Cleave the Fibers Use a fiber optic cleaver to create a clean, perpendicular end face for each fiber.

Inspect with a microscope or VFL to ensure smooth, defect-free ends. Repeat for All Fibers For multi-fiber termination, repeat the stripping, cleaning, and cleaving process for each fiber individually, maintaining consistency and precision.

Safety and Best Practices

Avoid excessive stripping length; typically, remove no more than 50 mm at a time to prevent fiber damage. Always wear safety glasses to protect against fiber shards. Handle fibers carefully to prevent micro-cracks or scratches that can degrade signal quality.

Using these tools and procedures ensures safe, efficient, and precise stripping of a 288-core optical cable, ready for termination or splicing while maintaining optimal network performance.