OSP OSP Splicing & Termination Techniques 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary method used to permanently join two single-mode fiber optic strands in OSP applications?
- Mechanical splice
- Fusion splice (Correct answer)
- Connector mating
- Adhesive bonding
Correct answer: Fusion splice
Fusion splicing uses an electric arc to melt and fuse two fiber ends together, producing the lowest insertion loss and highest mechanical strength for permanent OSP fiber joins.
Question 2: What is a typical acceptable insertion loss value for a properly executed fusion splice on single-mode fiber in OSP work?
- Less than 0.1 dB (Correct answer)
- Less than 0.5 dB
- Less than 1.0 dB
- Less than 2.0 dB
Correct answer: Less than 0.1 dB
A well-executed fusion splice on single-mode fiber should produce an insertion loss of less than 0.1 dB, with quality machines routinely achieving 0.02–0.05 dB.
Question 3: What tool is used to cleave fiber optic strands before fusion splicing, and what angle must the cleave achieve?
- Fiber cutter; 10 degrees
- Precision cleaver; 90 degrees (perpendicular to fiber axis) (Correct answer)
- Scissors; any angle
- Diamond saw; 45 degrees
Correct answer: Precision cleaver; 90 degrees (perpendicular to fiber axis)
A precision cleaver scores and breaks the fiber to create a clean, flat end face perpendicular to the fiber axis (90°), which is critical for achieving a low-loss fusion splice.
Question 4: Which document standard specifies acceptance test procedures for OSP fiber optic splices in the United States?
- ANSI/TIA-568-C.3
- Telcordia GR-20 (Correct answer)
- IEEE 1680
- NEC Article 770
Correct answer: Telcordia GR-20
Telcordia GR-20 (Generic Requirements for Optical Fiber and Optical Fiber Cable) specifies the performance and acceptance test requirements for OSP fiber optic splices and cables.
Question 5: What is the purpose of a heat-shrink splice protector sleeve applied after a fusion splice?
- To color-code the splice for identification
- To mechanically protect and strain-relieve the splice point (Correct answer)
- To increase the refractive index of the fiber
- To waterproof the splice closure
Correct answer: To mechanically protect and strain-relieve the splice point
The heat-shrink splice protector sleeve slides over the splice point and shrinks to provide mechanical protection, bending strain relief, and a rigid support that prevents the fragile fused joint from breaking.
Question 6: In OSP fiber splicing, what does OTDR stand for and what is its primary use during splice testing?
- Optical Time Domain Reflectometer; measures splice loss and locates faults along the fiber (Correct answer)
- Optical Transfer Data Recorder; stores splice documentation
- Output Test Device Reader; calibrates the splice machine
- Optical Trace Display Reader; shows fiber color coding
Correct answer: Optical Time Domain Reflectometer; measures splice loss and locates faults along the fiber
An OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer) sends a light pulse into the fiber and measures backscattered light to calculate splice loss, connector reflectance, and the distance to faults or end points.
OSP OSP Splicing & Termination Techniques 1
What is the primary method used to permanently join two single-mode fiber optic strands in OSP applications?