Armored fiber optic cable stripping

Stripping armored fiber optic cable requires carefully removing the outer jacket, metal armor, Kevlar fibers, and buffer layers without damaging the delicate optical fibers inside.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting, gather the following tools: Armored cable cutter or utility knifeKevlar scissorsFiber stripper for 250µm or 900µm fibersAlcohol wipes and fiber cleaning toolsSafety glasses and a clean work area Inspect the cable for damage and confirm the type (single-mode or multimode) and connector requirements. Plan the cable path to avoid sharp bends or high-tension areas, as armored cables are stiffer than standard fiber cables.

Step-by-

Step Stripping Process

Remove the Outer Jacket: Use an armored cable cutter or utility knife to score the outer jacket gently. Bend the cable at the scored line until the jacket separates. Avoid cutting too deeply to prevent nicking the metal armor or fibers.

Strip the Metal Armor: Armored cables may have steel tape, corrugated metal, or flexible metal tubing. Remove the armor section by section, bending or peeling it away carefully. Use gloves if necessary, as the metal edges can be sharp.

Cut Kevlar Strength Members: Kevlar fibers provide tensile strength. Trim them with Kevlar scissors, taking care not to pull or damage the inner fibers. Expose the Inner Fiber: Strip the inner cladding and buffer using a fiber stripper.

For tight-buffered fibers (900µm) or buffered fibers (250µm), remove the coating gradually. Do not use excessive force, as the glass fiber is fragile. Clean the Fiber: Use alcohol wipes to clean the exposed fibers and a professional connector cleaning pen for ferrules.

Inspect the fiber with a scope if available to ensure no scratches or debris remain.

Safety and Best Practices

Always wear safety glasses to protect against fiber shards. Work in a clean, well-lit area to prevent contamination. Strip layers progressively, never all at once, to avoid damaging underlying fibers.

Maintain sharp cutting tools to ensure clean cuts and reduce the risk of fiber cracks.

Testing After Stripping

After preparing the fiber, perform standard optical tests: Visual Fault Locator (VFL) to detect breaks or bendsInsertion Loss (IL) and Return Loss (RL) testing for signal integrityContinuity tests to verify correct routing and polarity Following these steps ensures that armored fiber optic cables are stripped safely and efficiently, preserving both mechanical protection and optical performance.