CFOT - Certified Fiber Optic Technician Splicing Techniques Questions and Answers

Question 1

A technician performs a fusion splice but the OTDR trace shows a significant loss of 0.5 dB.
Microscopic inspection of a subsequent cleave from the same cleaver reveals a jagged, angled end-face.
Which of the following is the MOST likely cause of the high splice loss?

Accepted Answer

A worn-out or damaged cleaver blade

Answer

Incorrect fusion splicer arc power

Answer

Contamination on the fiber surface

Answer

Mismatched fiber core diameters

Question 2

When comparing fusion splicing and mechanical splicing, which statement is generally true?

Accepted Answer

Fusion splicing results in a more permanent bond with lower typical insertion loss.

Answer

Mechanical splicing offers lower insertion loss and better long-term reliability.

Answer

Fusion splicing requires a lower initial investment in tools and equipment.

Answer

Mechanical splicing physically melts and welds the two fibers together.

Question 3

A technician is preparing to protect a newly completed fusion splice. What is the correct procedure regarding the heat-shrink splice protection sleeve?

Accepted Answer

Slide the sleeve onto one of the fibers BEFORE performing the fusion splice.

Answer

Apply the sleeve after the splice has been placed in the splice tray.

Answer

Select a sleeve that is shorter than the stripped fiber area.

Answer

Heat the sleeve with a handheld lighter until it shrinks tightly.

Question 4

Which of the following describes the primary purpose of the 'cleaving' step in the fiber optic splicing process?

Accepted Answer

To create a precise, flat, and perpendicular end-face on the fiber.

Answer

To strip the outer jacket and buffer coatings from the fiber.

Answer

To melt the fiber ends together using an electric arc.

Answer

To clean any contaminants from the bare fiber using isopropyl alcohol.

Question 5

During a fusion splice, the technician notices tiny air pockets or voids near the splice point on the splicer's screen, and the resulting splice has high loss. This common defect is often referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Bubbles or inclusions

Answer

Cladding mismatch

Answer

Hackle

Answer

Core runout

Question 6

What is the primary function of a heat-shrinkable splice protection sleeve used after a fusion splice?

Accepted Answer

To provide mechanical strength and environmental protection to the bare splice.

Answer

To increase the numerical aperture of the splice point.

Answer

To act as an index-matching gel to reduce back reflection.

Answer

To align the fibers automatically before the fusion process.