Mechanical systems use field-installable connectors to terminate the end of the cable and field-installable splices to join two cables together. Tool costs alone tend to sway many integrators toward mechanical systems, especially if fiber is still an occasional installation for them.Ĭonnector cost and format also plays into the consideration between mechanical or fusion systems.
Mechanical splicing systems, on the other hand, cost around $500 and include mainly wear components that can be individually replaced ( kevlar sheers, cable strippers, etc.). This unit also requires in-field power, setup time, and periodic maintenance. The majority of the cost is the fusion splicer itself which must heat or weld the fiber strands together. Reliable fusion splicing systems typically cost upwards of $5,000 with many ranging toward $15,000+. The most notable difference between mechanical splicing and fusion splicing systems is the tool cost and, frankly, this can be a barrier to entry for many integrators.
COST TO SPLICE FIBER OPTIC CABLE MANUAL
Mechanical splicing - using a self-contained assembly to hold the two separate pieces togetherįusion splicing, as implied by the name, actually fuses the two cables together, whereas mechanical splicing simply holds the two pieces in place.Įach splicing method has advantages though before we discuss the pros and cons it's important to understand what each method is not - messy, time consuming and specialized.Įarly splicing systems required messy and onerous steps including manual polishing and the application of liquids and epoxy however, modern systems, including TechLogix ECOConnectors, leverage factory pre-polished connectors with encased index matching gel, allowing for quick, easy and clean terminations in the field.Fusion splicing - using heat or an electric arc to weld the two separate pieces together.The article's summary is contained in the chart below.Īdditional information on connector formats, fiber optic tools, and termination process (including step-by-step videos) is available in the TechLogix Fiber Optic Resource Guide.įiber optic connector termination and/or the joining of two separate fiber optic cables is known as "splicing" and splicing can be accomplished with two common methods: This article explores the different methods of terminating cables, also known as "splicing", and the pros and cons between each method.
COST TO SPLICE FIBER OPTIC CABLE INSTALL
However, bulk cable alone won't make an installation - fiber requires connector termination to integrate electronics and, thankfully, the tools required to install optical connectors have also become more affordable and easier to use. In fact, many integrators have standardized on universal fiber cables with plenum indoor/outdoor ratings for both residential and commercial prewires thanks to trade costs starting at $0.20 per foot. Fiber has become more widely integrated thanks to its bandwidth, reliability, durability and cost.
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