What tools are used to open armored optical cables

Armored optical cables are opened using specialized tools such as armored cable slitters, fiber strippers, and cutting scissors to safely remove the outer sheath and armor without damaging the fibers inside.

Key Tools

1. Armored Cable Slitter A professional-grade tool designed to cut through the armored layer and outer sheath of fiber optic cables. It allows longitudinal and circumferential slitting for mid-span access or end preparation. The slitter features adjustable blades to ensure clean, precise cuts without harming the inner fibers, and is suitable for cables with steel, aluminum, or copper armor . 2. Fiber Optic Cable Strippers These tools remove the protective coatings from individual fibers or buffer tubes. Types include:

• FOS03 Fiber Strippers: Remove the coating from the fiber itself.
• CFS-2 Cutting Scissors: Strip outer sheaths and cut aramid strength members.
• RCS-0425 Stripper: Cuts around insulation layers with adjustable depth for precise stripping . 3. Utility Knives or Sheath Cutters Used carefully to remove the outer jacket of the cable. Safety gloves and glasses are recommended to prevent injury from sharp armor or fiber shards .

Safety Precautions

• Always wear safety gloves to protect hands from sharp steel rods or fiber shards.
• Use safety glasses to prevent eye injury from flying debris or accidental laser exposure.
• Avoid excessive bending, pulling, or crushing of the cable to prevent fiber damage .

Procedure Overview

1. Inspect the cable for damage and confirm type (single-mode, multimode, armored).
2. Position the armored cable slitter for a longitudinal cut along the armor.
3. Adjust the blade to fit snugly against the cable and pull the tool along the length to slit the armor.
4. Rotate the tool if a circumferential cut is needed for mid-span access.
5. Use fiber strippers or scissors to remove the inner coatings and aramid fibers, exposing the glass fibers for termination or splicing . Using these tools correctly ensures efficient, safe, and damage-free access to the fibers inside armored optical cables, which is critical for maintaining network performance and longevity.