How to open a butterfly-shaped optical cable

To open and strip a butterfly-shaped optical cable, carefully remove the outer jacket, separate the strength members, and strip the fiber ribbons using specialized fiber optic tools while following safety precautions.

Tools and Safety Equipment

Fiber optic cable stripper or precision knifeKevlar scissors or wire cuttersCleaver and buffer stripperVisual Fault Locator (VFL) for testingSafety glasses and lint-free wipesCable clamps or grips to secure the cable during stripping Always wear eye protection and work in a clean, well-lit area to prevent injury from glass fibers.

Step-by-

Step Procedure

Prepare the Cable Slide a protective boot onto the cable if terminating connectors. Secure the cable with a clamp about 10 inches from the end to prevent pulling the inner fibers out. Remove the Outer Jacket Measure and mark the cable about 65 mm from the end.

Use a cable stripper or slitting tool to carefully cut the outer jacket without damaging the fibers inside. Make shallow cuts and test on scrap sections if needed. Expose and Manage Strength Members Butterfly cables contain Kevlar or aramid fibers as strength members.

Peel back these strands and divide them into two equal bundles. Twist or tape them to prevent slippage and prepare for connector attachment or pulling. Separate Fiber Ribbons Butterfly cables have two parallel fiber ribbons.

Gently separate the ribbons and straighten them. Avoid bending the fibers sharply, as this can cause microbends or breakage. Strip the Buffer Coating Using a fiber buffer stripper, remove the protective coating from each fiber to expose the bare glass.

This step is critical for fusion or mechanical splicing. Work slowly to avoid nicking the fiber. Clean and Inspect Fibers Wipe the stripped fibers with lint-free cloths and inspect for damage.

Use a Visual Fault Locator (VFL) to check continuity and ensure no breaks occurred during stripping. Ready for Splicing or Termination Once stripped, the fibers are ready for fusion splicing, mechanical splicing, or connector termination. Keep fibers under gentle tension and avoid twisting or stressing them.

Tips

Practice on scrap cable before working on live installations. Always dispose of fiber scraps safely to prevent injury. Maintain consistent tension on fibers during handling to prevent microbends.

Use proper tools designed for fiber optics; improvised tools can damage fibers. By following these steps, you can safely open and strip a butterfly-shaped optical cable while preserving the integrity of the fibers for high-quality splicing or termination.