BICSI Insider

EDUCATION Page 15 TECH TIP: You Don't Lose When You Fuse by Mark Boxer, OFS Applications Engineering Manager Field-installable fiber optic connectors can be very useful if you need to add an end to a jumper because they enable precise jumper lengths for clean installations. However, earlier generations of these connectors required many manual steps and gave inconsistent results. There are two types of field-installable connectors, mainly defined by the way the connectors are spliced to their fiber or jumper. As the name implies, mechanical splice-on connectors use a mechanical splice to connect to the fiber. Although these connectors are a vast improvement from earlier generations, they still offer mixed performance and are highly dependent on cleave angle, fiber gap control and index-matching gel application. In contrast, fusion splice-on connectors use a fusion splicer to make the connection to the fiber. As with traditional fiber fusion splices, fusion splice-on connectors can enable lower loss and more consistent perfor- mance versus the mechanical kind, especially in environments with varying temperatures. Low-cost connectors and splicing machines are also available, making fusion splice-on connectors a valuable tool in the fiber technician's toolbox. There are both singlemode and multimode versions, as well as different connector types and polishes. But re- member to confirm compatibility with the specific fiber, cable and connector types in question. Think about using fusion splice-on con- nectors for your field-installable connec- tors. "You don't lose when you fuse!" • Essentials of Data Center Projects, First Edition • ANSI/BICSI 002-2019: Data Center Design • BICSI 009-2019: Data Center Operations • DC101: Introduction to Data Center Design • DC102: Applied Data Center Design and Best Practices • DCDC Test Prep Flash Cards • DCDC Credentialing Exam NEW DC TOOLS FOR NEW DC KNOWLEDGE bicsi.org/dcdc TM Trust the new BICSI DCDC Program to teach you the evolving skill set of an expert data center designer. Further your knowledge. Further your career. Fusion Splice-On Connector Kit The Complete BICSI Data Center Design Consultant™ (DCDC™ ) Program

• Cover