I had a run of fiber spliced at work last summer (we got rid of a trailer that had a patch panel in it.)
- First, they prep the cable by putting a case around the area to be spliced.
- Next they splice it, although it can't be a windy day because the splicer will not have consistent temps.
The machine heats up the ends, pushes them together, then pulls them back apart just enough that there is no bulge, but not enough that there is a thin spot either. It then tests the splice to make sure it is a good one. Finally the operator slides the sleeve over the splice and the machine heats it to shrink it in place.
- The operator then places the strand into the carrier within the case and does the next one.
- When all of the strands are done, he torques all of the seals on the case and fills it with nitrogen. It can then be buried.