For a fiber optic fusion splice, the bare fiber should typically be stripped to a length of 10–20 mm before cleaving and splicing.

Strip Length Guidelines

• Single-mode fibers: Strip approximately 10–20 mm of the coating to expose the bare glass fiber for splicing. Single-mode fibers have a thinner coating, so careful handling is essential to avoid micro-cracks or bending damage .
• Multimode fibers: Similar strip lengths are used, but the coating is thicker, making them slightly easier to handle. The same 10–20 mm range applies, depending on the splicer specifications .
• Outer jacket removal: Before stripping the fiber coating, remove 3–5 cm of the outer cable jacket to access the buffer tubes and strength members . This ensures enough fiber length for proper placement in the splicer and for the splice protection sleeve.

Cleaving and Splicing Considerations

• Use a precision cleaver to create a flat, perpendicular end on the fiber. A cleave angle under 0.5° is ideal to minimize splice loss .
• Handle fibers gently to avoid tension or bending below a 30 mm radius, which can cause microcracks and signal loss .
• Clean the exposed fiber with 99% isopropyl alcohol using lint-free wipes to remove oils, dust, or debris .
• After splicing, slide a splice protection sleeve over the joint to prevent environmental damage and maintain long-term reliability .

Practical Tips

• Follow the fusion splicer manufacturer's recommended strip length, as some models may require slightly longer or shorter bare fiber for optimal alignment and low-loss splicing .
• Re-cleave and re-splice if the initial splice shows loss above 0.15 dB, as poor cleaves or contamination can significantly affect performance .
• For ribbon fibers, ensure each fiber is stripped consistently and loaded carefully into the splicer to maintain alignment .

By adhering to these strip lengths and handling procedures, you can achieve low-loss, durable fusion splices suitable for both field and laboratory installations.