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What Are The Optical Cable Inspection Steps?

I. Incoming Acceptance Inspection

Upon arrival of optical cables at the construction site or warehouse, the following inspections shall be conducted to ensure compliance with contract and standard requirements.


Packaging and Labeling Inspection

Check if the outer packaging is intact, without damage, moisture, or deformation.

Verify label information (e.g., cable model, length, production date, manufacturer name) against the order documents.


Documentation Review

Ensure completeness of certificates, factory test reports, and quality warranties.

Verify that technical parameters (e.g., attenuation coefficient, bandwidth, tensile strength) meet design requirements.


Visual Inspection

Inspect the cable sheath for smoothness, absence of scratches, bubbles, or irregularities.

Check the integrity of end seals (for cables with protective end caps).

 

II. Optical Performance Testing
Professional instruments (e.g., OTDR, optical power meter) are used to test optical characteristics.


Attenuation Test

Use an OTDR to measure the attenuation of each fiber, ensuring compliance with standards (e.g., SMF ≤0.36 dB/km @1310nm).

Record test results and compare them against factory reports.


Length Verification

Measure the actual fiber length using an OTDR and compare it with the nominal length; the deviation should be ≤1%.


End-Face Inspection

Use a fiber microscope to inspect connector end faces for cleanliness, scratches, or contamination.

 

III. Mechanical Performance Testing
Conduct mechanical performance tests on samples to ensure suitability for the installation environment.


Tensile Strength Test

Apply tensile force up to the rated value as per standard (e.g., GB/T 7424.2), hold for 1 minute, and check for breakage or attenuation changes.


Crush Resistance Test

Apply specified pressure to the cable and check for sheath deformation or optical performance degradation.


Bend Test

Bend the fiber cable around a mandrel (e.g., 10x the cable diameter) and verify that attenuation changes remain within allowable limits.

 

IV. Environmental Performance Testing
Perform sampling tests to evaluate performance under specific environmental conditions (e.g., temperature extremes, humidity).


Temperature Cycle Test

Expose the cable to cyclic temperature variations (e.g., -40°C to +70°C) and monitor attenuation stability.


Water Resistance Test

Submerge the cable or apply hydrostatic pressure to assess sheath sealing integrity and attenuation performance.

 

V. Installation Process Inspection
Monitor installation activities in real-time to prevent damage.


Tension Monitoring

Use a tension meter to ensure installation tension remains below 80% of the cable’s rated tensile strength.


Bend Radius Control

Maintain a dynamic bend radius ≥20x the cable diameter and a static bend radius ≥10x the diameter.


Splice Protection Check

Inspect splice closures for proper sealing and fixation to prevent water ingress or loosening.

 

VI. Final Acceptance Inspection
Conduct comprehensive tests after installation to validate system performance.


End-to-End Attenuation Test

Use an optical power meter and OTDR to measure total link attenuation, ensuring alignment with design specifications.


Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD) Test

For high-speed networks (e.g., >10G), verify that PMD values meet standard requirements.

 


Post time: Sep-23-2025