Fiber optic cable question

[Phokus]

Hey guys,

Does anyone know what you have to do to add the fiber optic connectors to the fiber optic cable? Also, do you know how long that usually takes? Thanks.

 

[frostgiant]

It is, unfortunatley, difficult. I think the price per end is around $50. You need to polish the glass and use all different types of nifty tools. Never done it, but seen it done.

 

[Xanathar]

It can be either a newer crimp style connector, which is more expensive but takes 5 minuts to do. Or it can be the older polish and glue type which takes about 10-20 miuntes depending on skill. Realize each fiber is really 2 ends per end of cable (send and receive) so for a full cable (2 ends on each end, 4 connectors total) if would be about 20-30 miuntes for the crimp style, and 40-80 miuntes for the polish/glue. >With hand held kits, in the factory they have large machines that do it quickly, but im assuing this is on site after running bare fiber<

 

[Phokus]

Ah, so if i'm doing the crimped version, and say in best case scenario, i'm doing 20 minutes to crimp 1 fiber cable, i should expect to maybe be able to crimp and install 2 fiber cables in an hour?

And thanks again xanathar, you've been great help...

 

[Xanathar]

Yes, but not including running the cable (drilling holes, attaching to walls, mounting cabinet (ALWAYS USE A CABINET))

 

[CTR]

If you are using crimped ends, count on re-crimping at least 10% of them. Even if your contract labor is experienced, crimping fiber ends is still a hit-or-miss prospect. I've personally done both the hot-melt/polish method and the crimping method. Both were tedious, but the old-style polish and melt was more reliable. At any rate you have to test the cables after you make them. Same as with copper.

We buy all of our fiber patch cables pre-made now. You just measure how long you need it, and order it in that length. Arrives in 1-2 days and everybody is happy.