- (61) 3 9761 7600
- sales@andcorp.com.au
RapidConnect Fibre Optic Mechanical Splices provide a fast, practical way to join compatible singlemode and multimode fibres without a fusion splicer. Supporting 250 µm coated and 900 µm buffered fibre, each compact splice delivers typical insertion loss of ≤0.3 dB when correctly prepared and installed. Supplied in a pack of five.
A Fibre Optic Mechanical Splice provides a practical way to join two optical fibres without using a fusion splicer. Instead of permanently fusing the glass with an electric arc, the mechanical splice holds two carefully prepared fibre ends in precise alignment. Consequently, light can pass from one fibre into the other while the splice maintains a secure physical connection.
RapidConnect Mechanical Splices suit technicians who need a portable and cost-effective fibre joining method. In particular, they can support fibre restoration, low-volume installations, testing and situations where fusion-splicing equipment is unavailable. Each pack contains five mechanical splices, which makes it convenient to keep a small quantity ready for field work.
A successful mechanical splice still requires accurate fibre preparation. Therefore, technicians need a suitable fibre stripper, precision cleaver and lint-free cleaning materials. They must also follow the correct preparation and installation procedure. Although the method avoids fusion-splicing equipment, it does not eliminate the need for clean working practices, competent handling or optical testing.
Mechanical splicing can provide a permanent joint when the application, optical-loss budget and environmental protection permit it. However, fusion splicing generally delivers lower insertion loss, lower reflectance and greater mechanical consistency. For that reason, technicians should select the joining method according to the network, installation environment and required service life.
RapidConnect Mechanical Splices support both singlemode and multimode fibre. In addition, they accommodate 250 µm coated fibre and 900 µm buffered fibre. Their compact construction allows technicians to organise the completed splice inside a compatible splice tray, enclosure or sealed closure.
A fibre optic mechanical splice is a small device that aligns and secures two individual optical fibres. The fibres remain separate pieces of glass. However, their cleaved end faces meet closely inside the splice’s alignment structure.
The splice holds the fibre cores in alignment so that the optical signal can cross the joint. Therefore, the quality of the fibre preparation directly affects the final result. A clean, flat cleave supports efficient light transfer. Conversely, a contaminated, chipped or angled cleave can increase insertion loss and reflectance.
Unlike a fusion splice, a mechanical splice does not melt the glass together. Instead, its internal structure positions the fibres and mechanically retains them. As a result, technicians do not need an electric arc, fusion-splicing electrodes or a powered fusion splicer.
Nevertheless, mechanical splicing remains a precision process. The cores inside singlemode fibre are extremely small. Therefore, even a minor alignment error can affect optical performance. Technicians must prepare both fibres consistently and insert them according to the product instructions.
A mechanical splice is also different from a fibre optic adaptor. An adaptor aligns two connector ferrules, while a mechanical splice joins two prepared bare fibres. Accordingly, the mechanical splice becomes part of the fibre pathway and normally sits within a protective tray or enclosure.
The RapidConnect Fibre Optic Mechanical Splice offers a compact joining solution for both singlemode and multimode fibre. Each device measures approximately 40 mm long and 4 mm wide. Therefore, it can fit within many appropriate fibre management systems.
The outer body uses high-grade thermoplastic, while a metal alignment sleeve supports precise fibre positioning. This combination creates a lightweight device that protects and retains the prepared fibre ends.
The splice accommodates both 250 µm coated fibre and 900 µm buffered fibre. However, these measurements describe the fibre coating or buffer diameter. They do not refer to the diameter of a complete fibre optic cable.
Technicians must first open and prepare the cable. They must then expose the individual fibres, remove the required coating or buffer length, clean the bare glass and produce a suitable cleave. After that, the prepared fibres can enter the splice.
The product has a typical insertion-loss specification of no more than 0.3 dB under suitable installation conditions. However, actual field performance depends on fibre compatibility, cleanliness, cleave quality, alignment and correct operation. Therefore, every completed link should undergo appropriate testing.
A mechanical fibre splice works by bringing two cleaved fibre ends together inside a precision alignment structure. The structure controls their position across the joint. Consequently, it reduces lateral movement and helps align the two fibre cores.
First, the technician strips the coating or tight buffer from each fibre. Next, the technician cleans the exposed glass. A precision cleaver then creates the end face required for the splice.
After preparation, the technician inserts the first fibre into one side of the mechanical splice. The second prepared fibre enters from the opposite side. Both fibres then meet near the centre of the device.
The splice’s locking mechanism secures the fibres. Therefore, the fibres should remain in their intended positions after activation. The completed device can then sit inside a suitable splice holder or tray.
Many mechanical splice designs use an optical matching material between the fibre ends. This material can reduce the optical effect of the small air gap between the cleaved fibres. However, technicians should rely on the instructions and specifications supplied for the particular mechanical splice rather than assume every design works identically.
The splice does not provide cable-level strain relief by itself. Therefore, the installer must secure the cable strength members, buffer tubes and fibres within the enclosure. Otherwise, pulling or movement of the cable could transfer force to the individual fibres or the completed joint.
Optical fibre carries light through a very small glass core. Therefore, a splice must maintain accurate core-to-core alignment. Several factors can affect that alignment.
Lateral offset occurs when the two fibre cores sit slightly to one side of each other. Angular offset occurs when the fibre ends meet at different angles. Moreover, an excessive gap between the fibres can increase loss and reflectance.
Core diameter and concentricity can also influence the result. For example, singlemode fibre has a much smaller core than common multimode fibre. Consequently, singlemode splicing generally demands tighter alignment accuracy.
A mechanical splice controls fibre position through its internal alignment structure. Nevertheless, the splice cannot fully correct badly prepared fibre ends. Therefore, the cleave remains one of the most important factors in mechanical-splice performance.
Cleanliness matters equally. Dust, coating residue, moisture or cleaning contamination can interfere with the fibre interface. As a result, technicians should clean each stripped fibre with an approved lint-free wipe and suitable fibre cleaning fluid.
After cleaning, the technician should avoid touching the bare glass or cleaved end. If the fibre contacts a contaminated surface, it should be stripped, cleaned and cleaved again.
Insertion loss describes the optical power lost as light passes through a component or joint. It uses decibels, or dB, as the unit of measurement. Therefore, a lower result generally indicates better optical transmission through the splice.
The RapidConnect Mechanical Splice has a stated typical insertion loss of ≤0.3 dB. However, this figure depends on correct fibre preparation and installation. It should not be interpreted as a guaranteed result under every field condition.
A poor cleave can increase insertion loss. Likewise, dirt on either fibre end can disrupt light transmission. Incorrect insertion depth, mismatched fibres or incomplete locking can also affect the result.
The network designer should include the splice in the complete optical-loss budget. For example, the link budget may include fibre attenuation, connector loss, adaptor loss, splitter loss and splice loss. Therefore, even a relatively small amount of loss at each joint can become important when a link contains several components.
Technicians should test the finished link rather than rely solely on the component rating. Depending on the network and project requirements, they may use an optical loss test set, optical power meter, light source or optical time domain reflectometer.
Insertion loss is not the only relevant optical measurement. Reflectance describes the light returned towards the source at an optical interface. Return loss expresses the relationship between transmitted and reflected power.
The small interface between mechanically joined fibres can produce more reflection than a well-made fusion splice. Therefore, mechanical splices may require additional consideration in reflection-sensitive systems.
High reflectance can affect some high-speed links, analogue optical systems, passive optical networks and links that use reflection-sensitive transmitters. Consequently, the installation designer should consider both insertion loss and reflectance where the application demands it.
A clean cleave, correct fibre contact and proper splice activation help control reflection. Nevertheless, a mechanical splice should not automatically be treated as optically equivalent to a fusion splice.
Where reflectance performance is critical, confirm the project limits before choosing the splicing method. In addition, test the installed joint with equipment and procedures appropriate to the system.
RapidConnect Mechanical Splices support singlemode fibre. Therefore, they can join compatible singlemode fibres when the application allows mechanical splicing.
Singlemode fibre uses a small optical core. As a result, accurate alignment becomes especially important. The technician must produce consistent cleaves and keep both fibre ends completely clean.
Where possible, join fibres with compatible optical and dimensional characteristics. Although two fibres may both be described as singlemode, their detailed construction can differ. For example, mode field diameter, core concentricity and bend performance can influence splice behaviour.
A mechanical splice may support singlemode restoration, low-volume installation or testing. However, technicians should assess the optical-loss budget and reflectance requirements first. Fusion splicing will generally remain the preferred method for high-volume, long-distance or performance-critical singlemode networks.
The RapidConnect splice also supports multimode fibre. Common applications may include premises networks, industrial facilities, equipment rooms and short-distance data links.
Multimode fibre has a larger core than singlemode fibre. Consequently, minor alignment differences may have a smaller effect than they would in singlemode fibre. Nevertheless, correct preparation still remains essential.
Technicians should join compatible multimode fibre types wherever possible. For example, the two fibres should have suitable core diameters and transmission characteristics. Joining dissimilar multimode fibres can produce unpredictable loss or launch-dependent results.
Mechanical splicing may provide a useful option for repairing or extending a multimode link when a fusion splicer is unavailable. However, the completed link must still meet the application’s channel-loss requirements.
Optical fibre commonly appears in either 250 µm coated or 900 µm buffered form within a cable or connectivity assembly. Therefore, understanding these measurements helps technicians select and prepare the correct fibre.
A 250 µm fibre normally consists of the 125 µm glass fibre plus its protective primary coating. Loose tube fibre optic cables commonly contain this construction inside colour-coded buffer tubes.
A 900 µm buffered fibre has an additional protective layer around the coated fibre. Tight-buffered cables, pigtails and some internal fibre assemblies commonly use this construction.
The RapidConnect Mechanical Splice accommodates 250 µm coated fibre and 900 µm buffered fibre. However, the fibre must be prepared according to the splice requirements. In particular, technicians generally strip the relevant coating or buffer from the section that enters the alignment area.
Cable construction remains a separate consideration. A complete cable may contain an outer jacket, strength members, water-blocking materials, armour, buffer tubes and multiple fibres. Therefore, the mechanical splice does not directly accept a complete cable.
Instead, the installer prepares the cable and routes its individual fibres into a splice tray. The cable and its strength members also require suitable restraint. Consequently, the enclosure protects the fibres while preventing external forces from reaching the splice.
Mechanical splices suit several practical field applications. However, the correct use depends on the installation, network design and performance requirements.
A damaged optical fibre can interrupt communications, monitoring or data services. Therefore, technicians may need a fast restoration method.
A mechanical splice allows them to join compatible fibres without transporting a fusion splicer to the site. This can help restore continuity while the team plans a permanent repair.
In some cases, the mechanical splice may remain in service. However, the network owner should decide whether its loss, reflectance, enclosure and mechanical protection meet the long-term requirements.
Power, bench space and controlled working conditions may be limited in remote locations. Consequently, a compact mechanical-splicing kit can provide a useful alternative.
Technicians still need reliable fibre preparation tools and a clean work area. Nevertheless, they do not need an electric arc or fusion-splicing power source.
Purchasing or transporting a fusion splicer may not be practical for one or two joints. Therefore, mechanical splicing can reduce the equipment required for low-volume work.
The economics change as splice quantities increase. Although a fusion splicer costs more initially, its per-splice consumable cost may be lower. Consequently, fusion splicing often becomes more economical for larger projects.
Mechanical splices can support temporary fibre connections during testing, fault investigation or network reconfiguration. For example, a technician may need to connect bare fibres while tracing a route.
However, the installer must still protect the bare glass and control laser safety. Temporary does not mean uncontrolled. Therefore, the splice should remain secured and protected throughout the test.
Mechanical splices may suit some building, campus and industrial fibre installations. In particular, they can support repair work or limited fibre extensions.
The splice must sit within a suitable enclosure or patch panel. Moreover, the completed link must meet the application’s optical requirements.
Mechanical splices can help trainees understand fibre stripping, cleaning, cleaving and alignment. Therefore, they can support practical instruction before trainees progress to more complex field work.
However, training must include safe fibre handling and disposal. Bare glass fragments can penetrate skin and are difficult to see.
Mechanical and fusion splicing both join optical fibres. However, they use different joining methods and serve different priorities.
A mechanical splice aligns and clamps two prepared fibre ends. By contrast, a fusion splice uses an electric arc to melt and permanently join the glass.
| Consideration | Mechanical Splice | Fusion Splice |
|---|---|---|
| Joining method | Mechanical alignment and retention | Glass fibres fused by an electric arc |
| Main equipment | Stripper, cleaner, precision cleaver and installation tools | Fusion splicer, stripper, cleaner, cleaver and heat-shrink oven |
| Power requirement | No powered fusion splicer required | Fusion splicer requires power |
| Typical installation speed | Fast for isolated joints | Fast once equipment and workflow are established |
| Initial equipment cost | Lower | Higher |
| Consumable cost per joint | Generally higher | Generally lower |
| Insertion loss | Generally higher than fusion splicing | Generally lower |
| Reflectance | Generally higher | Generally lower |
| Mechanical consistency | Depends on retained alignment | Permanent glass joint |
| Best suited to | Repairs, low-volume work, restoration and testing | High-volume, permanent and performance-critical networks |
| Protection required | Splice tray and appropriate enclosure | Protection sleeve, splice tray and appropriate enclosure |
Mechanical splicing offers portability and lower entry cost. Therefore, it can be attractive when only a small number of fibres require joining.
Fusion splicing provides stronger optical performance in many applications. In addition, the fused glass joint usually offers better retention and long-term stability.
Neither method is automatically correct for every project. Instead, the installer should consider splice quantity, optical budget, reflectance, environmental exposure, equipment access and required service life.
Choose a mechanical splice when its practical benefits align with the network requirements.
It may be appropriate when:
However, consider fusion splicing when:
Therefore, product selection should begin with the network requirements rather than equipment convenience alone.
A mechanical splice does not require a fusion splicer. However, technicians still need appropriate fibre preparation and testing equipment.
A fibre stripper removes the coating or tight buffer without damaging the glass. Because 250 µm and 900 µm constructions differ, the tool must suit the fibre being prepared.
A damaged fibre can break during installation or later service. Therefore, technicians should inspect and maintain the stripper regularly.
The cleaver creates the flat fibre end face required for alignment. Consequently, cleave quality has a direct effect on splice performance.
A worn, contaminated or incorrectly adjusted blade can produce chipped or angled cleaves. Therefore, technicians should clean the cleaver and rotate or replace its blade according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Use lint-free wipes and an approved fibre cleaning fluid. In addition, keep the working surface free from dust, cable gel and coating debris.
After cleaning, do not touch the exposed glass. Otherwise, contamination can transfer back onto the fibre.
Some mechanical splice designs use an installation or activation tool. Therefore, confirm whether the selected device requires a dedicated tool before attending the site.
Do not force or improvise the locking mechanism. Instead, follow the supplied product procedure.
Cleaved glass fragments are sharp and difficult to see. Therefore, place every fragment directly into a dedicated sharps or fibre disposal container.
Never leave fibre fragments on the bench, floor or clothing. In addition, do not dispose of loose fragments in a general waste bin.
A visual fault locator can help identify continuity problems or excessive visible light escaping at a splice. However, it does not replace quantitative loss testing.
An optical light source and power meter can measure end-to-end loss. Alternatively, an OTDR can locate and assess events along a fibre route. Therefore, select the test method that matches the project requirements.
Always follow the instructions supplied with the mechanical splice. Nevertheless, the following sequence explains the general process.
First, disconnect active transmitters or confirm that the fibre is safe to handle. Never look into a fibre end because infrared laser light may be invisible.
Use suitable test equipment to confirm fibre status. In addition, follow the site’s safety and access procedures.
Open the cable using tools appropriate to its construction. Then, retain the required length of strength members, buffer tubes and fibres.
Secure the cable within the enclosure. Therefore, cable movement will not transfer directly to the fibre joint.
Confirm the fibre colours and records before cutting or splicing. This step prevents accidental interruption of another service.
Where practical, label the fibres and splice tray. Accurate documentation also makes future maintenance easier.
Remove the specified length of 250 µm coating or 900 µm buffer. However, avoid nicking or scoring the glass.
If the fibre appears damaged, cut it back and prepare it again. Continuing with damaged glass can create an unreliable joint.
Use an approved lint-free wipe and suitable fibre cleaning fluid. Then, allow the fibre to dry if the cleaning method requires it.
Do not repeatedly wipe a cleaved fibre after producing the final end face. Instead, follow the prescribed strip, clean and cleave sequence.
Place the prepared fibre into the precision cleaver at the required length. Next, operate the cleaver according to its instructions.
Dispose of the offcut immediately. After that, protect the cleaved fibre from contact and contamination.
Guide the fibre into the correct side of the mechanical splice. Do not bend or force the glass.
Confirm that it has reached the specified position. Then, retain it as directed by the product procedure.
Repeat the stripping, cleaning and cleaving process for the second fibre. Next, insert it from the opposite side.
The two prepared ends must meet correctly within the alignment structure. Therefore, observe any fibre-bowing, marking or insertion guidance supplied by the manufacturer.
Operate the locking mechanism or installation tool as instructed. This action secures the fibres and maintains their alignment.
Do not over-activate or modify the device. Moreover, do not reuse a splice intended for one-time permanent activation.
Test continuity and optical performance before closing the enclosure. If the result falls outside the accepted limit, investigate the preparation and alignment.
Where the product procedure permits adjustment, follow that procedure. Otherwise, remove the splice, prepare fresh fibre ends and use a new splice.
Place the device into a compatible splice holder or tray. Then, route the fibres without exceeding their minimum bend radius.
The fibre should not carry tensile load. Therefore, secure the cable, strength members and buffer tubes independently.
Close the enclosure according to its environmental rating. Finally, record fibre identification, splice location, test results and completion date.
Good documentation supports future fault finding. In addition, it helps the network owner understand the installed loss and joining method.
Mechanical splicing can produce a reliable result when technicians control the process. However, several common problems can increase insertion loss.
An angled, chipped or fractured end face prevents the fibres from meeting correctly. Consequently, poor cleaving remains one of the most common causes of splice failure.
Clean and maintain the cleaver. In addition, replace or rotate the blade when performance declines.
Dust, coating particles, cable gel and dirty cleaning materials can contaminate the joint. Therefore, keep the preparation area organised and clean.
Use each part of a wipe only once. Otherwise, the wipe may transfer contamination back to the fibre.
Too much or too little exposed fibre can prevent correct positioning. Consequently, technicians should follow the specified preparation dimensions.
A marker or measuring guide can improve consistency. However, do not mark the bare glass.
If either fibre stops before reaching the intended position, a gap can remain between the end faces. As a result, insertion loss and reflectance may increase.
Never overcome resistance by applying excessive force. Instead, remove the fibre and investigate the cause.
Joining fibres with different optical characteristics can create additional loss. Therefore, confirm the fibre types before splicing.
Colour alone may not prove compatibility. Check the cable records, fibre specification and network documentation.
An incompletely or incorrectly activated splice may not retain the fibres. Conversely, excessive force may damage the device or glass.
Use the correct tool and procedure. Furthermore, do not modify the splice to suit an incompatible fibre.
A good splice can fail if the enclosure transfers cable movement to the fibres. Therefore, secure cable jackets and strength members before organising the splice tray.
Maintain suitable bend radii. In addition, avoid trapping fibres beneath tray covers or other splices.
The mechanical splice body does not replace a sealed fibre enclosure. Therefore, technicians must protect the joint from moisture, dust, impact and uncontrolled movement.
For indoor installations, place the splice in a suitable tray, patch panel or enclosure. The fibre-routing system should maintain bend radius and prevent contact with doors, covers or sharp edges.
For outdoor installations, use an appropriately rated sealed splice closure. In addition, seal all cable entries according to the closure manufacturer’s procedure.
Underground pits can experience water ingress, condensation, pests and repeated maintenance activity. Therefore, never leave a mechanical splice exposed inside a pit.
Direct burial also requires a purpose-designed cable jointing system. The small splice component alone cannot provide the necessary sealing, mechanical protection or cable retention.
Temperature rating represents only one environmental consideration. Although the RapidConnect splice has an operating range from –40°C to +75°C, the entire installed system must suit the environment. Consequently, the enclosure, cable seals, splice tray and cable components must also meet the project requirements.
A splice tray organises and protects the completed joint. Therefore, tray compatibility forms an important part of product selection.
The 40 mm × 4 mm RapidConnect Mechanical Splice requires a suitable holder or mounting position. Confirm the available space before installation.
Route the fibres smoothly around the tray. Moreover, maintain the minimum bend radius specified for the fibre or cable.
Avoid crossing fibres unnecessarily. Clear routing makes future inspection and maintenance safer.
The tray should also prevent the splice from moving. Otherwise, enclosure vibration or handling may transfer force to the fibre ends.
In a multi-fibre cable, record the tray number, fibre colour and splice position. Consequently, future technicians can identify the correct joint without disturbing adjacent fibres.
Testing confirms whether the installed joint meets the project’s optical requirements. Therefore, technicians should define the acceptance criteria before beginning work.
A visual fault locator launches visible red light into the fibre. Excessive visible light at the splice may indicate poor alignment, a gap or damaged fibre.
However, a VFL provides a visual indication rather than an accurate insertion-loss result. Consequently, use it mainly for continuity checks, fault location and permitted splice optimisation.
A calibrated light source and optical power meter can measure total end-to-end loss. This method provides a direct assessment of the complete link.
Use the correct wavelength and reference method. In addition, clean and inspect the test leads and connectors before testing.
An OTDR displays events along the fibre route. Therefore, it can help locate and assess a mechanical splice.
OTDR measurements can vary by direction because of differences in fibre backscatter. Consequently, some projects require bidirectional testing and averaging.
Event dead zones and distance resolution can also affect short links. For that reason, technicians must configure the OTDR correctly and interpret the trace with care.
Record the instrument, wavelength, reference method, fibre identification and measured result. In addition, retain OTDR traces where the project requires them.
Documentation creates a baseline for future maintenance. Therefore, it adds value even when the splice initially passes.
Optical fibre work involves invisible laser energy, sharp glass fragments and cleaning chemicals. Consequently, every installation requires appropriate safety controls.
Never look into the end of a fibre, connector or test lead. Visible darkness does not prove that the fibre is inactive.
Disconnect or isolate optical sources where possible. Otherwise, use suitable equipment to confirm the fibre’s status.
Wear appropriate eye protection during fibre preparation. In addition, keep food and drinks away from the work area.
Place fibre fragments in a dedicated container immediately. Because the fragments are transparent, they can easily remain on a bench or become embedded in clothing.
Follow the safety information supplied with cleaning products. Moreover, provide adequate ventilation where the product instructions require it.
Technicians performing regulated customer cabling work must also understand the relevant Australian requirements. The Australian Communications and Media Authority explains the Cabling Provider Rules and applicable cabling standards. Therefore, installers should confirm the registration, competency and compliance obligations that apply to each project.
A mechanical splice can support either a permanent or temporary connection. However, the intended service period does not determine suitability by itself.
For a permanent installation, the splice must meet the optical-loss budget, environmental conditions and network-owner requirements. It must also receive suitable strain relief and enclosure protection.
For a temporary repair, service restoration may take priority. Nevertheless, technicians should still test and protect the joint.
A temporary mechanical splice can allow a network to operate until a planned fusion-splice repair occurs. Therefore, it can reduce downtime while giving the maintenance team time to organise equipment, access and replacement cable.
If the splice will remain permanently, update the network records accordingly. In addition, confirm that its measured loss remains within the link acceptance limit.
RapidConnect Mechanical Splices have a stated shelf life of ten years when stored in their original packaging. Therefore, keep unused units sealed until required.
Store the pack in a clean and dry location. In addition, protect it from crushing, excessive heat, moisture and contamination.
Do not place loose splices in an unclean toolbox compartment. Dust or debris may enter the fibre insertion points.
Check the packaging and device before use. If a splice appears damaged, contaminated or previously activated, do not install it.
Stock rotation can also support reliable field use. Therefore, record purchase or receipt dates where organisations hold larger quantities.
| Specification | RapidConnect Mechanical Splice |
|---|---|
| Product type | Fibre Optic Mechanical Splice |
| Pack quantity | Five splices |
| Fibre compatibility | Singlemode and multimode |
| Supported fibre construction | 250 µm coated fibre and 900 µm buffered fibre |
| Typical insertion loss | ≤0.3 dB |
| Operating temperature | –40°C to +75°C |
| Dimensions | 40 mm long × 4 mm wide |
| Body material | High-grade thermoplastic |
| Alignment component | Metal alignment sleeve |
| Intended reuse | One-time use for permanent applications |
| Shelf life | Ten years in original packaging |
| Fusion splicer required | No |
| Product code | MEC |
Specifications apply under suitable preparation and installation conditions. Therefore, actual field performance may vary with fibre type, cleave quality, cleanliness, handling and testing method.
No. A mechanical splice aligns and retains the fibre ends without melting the glass. However, technicians still require a suitable stripper, cleaning materials and precision fibre cleaver.
Yes, it can form a permanent joint when the application permits it. Nevertheless, the splice must meet the project’s optical, mechanical and environmental requirements.
The two methods offer different benefits. Mechanical splicing requires less expensive equipment and suits low-volume or restoration work. However, fusion splicing generally provides lower loss, lower reflectance and greater long-term consistency.
Yes. It supports compatible singlemode fibre. However, the technician must prepare and align the fibre accurately because singlemode cores are small.
Yes. The splice supports compatible multimode fibre. Nevertheless, confirm that the fibres have suitable optical characteristics before joining them.
No. The 250 µm and 900 µm measurements refer to individual fibre coating or buffer dimensions. The installer must open and secure the cable before preparing its individual fibres.
The supported fibre range includes 250 µm coated and 900 µm buffered fibre. However, confirm the required preparation and combination against the installation instructions before proceeding.
The stated typical insertion loss is ≤0.3 dB under suitable conditions. However, actual results depend on fibre compatibility, preparation, cleanliness, cleave quality and alignment.
Yes, provided the completed splice sits inside a suitable sealed outdoor closure. The mechanical splice should not remain directly exposed to moisture, dust or uncontrolled movement.
The splice may form part of an underground joint when an appropriately rated sealed closure protects it. However, it should never remain loose or exposed inside the pit.
The RapidConnect Mechanical Splice is intended for one-time use in permanent applications. Therefore, use a new device if the original splice must be removed or remade.
Depending on the project, use an optical loss test set, optical power meter or OTDR. A visual fault locator can also assist with continuity checks, but it does not replace quantitative testing.
The two fibre end faces must meet accurately. Therefore, an angled, chipped or contaminated cleave can increase insertion loss and reflectance.
No. The enclosure must secure the cable jacket and strength members. In addition, the splice tray must organise and protect the individual fibres.
Each RapidConnect pack contains five Fibre Optic Mechanical Splices.
The lowest equipment cost does not always produce the lowest total project cost. Therefore, assess the complete installation before selecting mechanical or fusion splicing.
For a single repair, a mechanical splice may avoid the cost and transport requirements of a fusion splicer. In contrast, a large project may favour fusion splicing because of its optical performance and lower consumable cost per joint.
Network criticality also matters. A temporary monitoring link may tolerate a different loss level from a long-distance communications backbone.
Environmental conditions require equal attention. Even an optically acceptable splice can fail if moisture enters the closure or cable movement reaches the fibres. Consequently, enclosure selection and cable restraint remain essential.
Finally, consider the technicians’ experience. Mechanical splicing appears simple, but consistent results still depend on preparation skills. Proper training, clean tools and documented testing provide the strongest foundation for a reliable installation.
RapidConnect Mechanical Splices provide a compact and accessible fibre joining option for technicians who need flexibility in the field.
They support both singlemode and multimode fibre. Moreover, they accommodate common 250 µm coated and 900 µm buffered fibre constructions.
Because no fusion splicer is required, technicians can carry the splices as part of a portable restoration or low-volume installation kit. The pack of five also provides a practical quantity for occasional field use.
Their compact 40 mm × 4 mm design supports organisation within suitable splice trays and enclosures. In addition, the metal alignment sleeve helps position the prepared fibre ends.
Most importantly, Anderson Corporation can help customers assess whether mechanical splicing suits the intended application. This support helps prevent the product from being used where fusion splicing, different connectivity or additional environmental protection would provide a better result.
The Fibre Optic Mechanical Splice Knowledge Centre will provide focused guidance on mechanical splicing, fibre preparation, testing, fault prevention and method selection. As the Knowledge Centre expands, each article will help technicians make informed decisions throughout the installation and maintenance process.
First, this section will explain mechanical splice construction, fibre alignment and common terminology.
Articles coming soon.
Next, this section will examine stripping, cleaning, cleaving and safe fibre handling.
Articles coming soon.
This section will cover installation workflow, splice trays, enclosure protection and fibre management.
Articles coming soon.
Here, technicians will find guidance on insertion loss, reflectance, VFL testing, optical loss testing and OTDR assessment.
Articles coming soon.
Finally, this section will compare joining methods, equipment costs, optical performance and suitable applications.
Articles coming soon.
A Fibre Optic Mechanical Splice provides a fast and portable method for joining compatible optical fibres without a fusion splicer. Therefore, it can support emergency restoration, low-volume installation, testing and selected permanent connections.
However, successful mechanical splicing still depends on accurate stripping, cleaning, cleaving and testing. The completed joint must also sit inside a suitable splice tray and protective enclosure.
RapidConnect Mechanical Splices support singlemode and multimode fibre, including 250 µm coated and 900 µm buffered constructions. Each pack contains five splices.
Contact Anderson Corporation for pricing, availability or assistance selecting the correct fibre joining method for your application.
Be sure to check out the rest of the Anderson Product Range for another product that may be suitable for you!
Check out the official Anderson Corporation YouTube Channel for more useful Fibre Optic Information!
