How to strip a fiber optic patch cord

Stripping a fiber optic patch cord requires carefully removing the outer jacket, strength members, and buffer coatings without damaging the glass fiber inside.

Safety First

Always wear safety glasses and work in a clean, well-lit area. Fiber shards are sharp and can cause injury, so dispose of scraps properly. Avoid rushing the process to prevent accidental damage to the fiber or yourself .

Tools You Will Need

• Fiber optic stripper (manual or heated for buffer coatings)
• Kevlar scissors for cutting strength members
• Utility knife or hook blade for outer jacket
• Optional: automated stripping tools for consistent results

Step-by-Step Stripping Process

1. Remove the Outer Jacket

• Mark the length of jacket to remove, typically 7–10 inches from the end .
• Use a circular score or hook blade to cut the jacket carefully, avoiding the ripcords or inner fibers .
• Pull the ripcords at a 90-degree angle to remove the jacket cleanly. For armored cables, cut and remove the armor first, then use ripcords to strip the jacket .

2. Cut Strength Members

• Exposed Aramid yarn (Kevlar) provides tensile strength. Cut it to the required length using Kevlar scissors, being careful not to nick the fiber underneath .

3. Strip the Buffer Coating

• Use a fiber optic stripper to remove the primary (250 µm) and secondary buffer coatings.
• Ensure the stripper is properly adjusted so the glass fiber is not nicked. The cut should be straight and clean, not jagged .
• For tight buffer fibers (900 µm), repeat stripping until the bare fiber is fully exposed .

4. Clean the Fiber

• After stripping, clean the fiber with alcohol wipes to remove any debris or coating residue. This ensures optimal performance for splicing or connectorization .

Tips for Success

• Strip each layer progressively, never all at once, to avoid damaging inner layers .
• Maintain your tools; dull blades can tear the jacket or buffer .
• Practice on spare cables to develop consistent technique before working on critical patch cords . By following these steps carefully, you can safely strip a fiber optic patch cord and prepare it for splicing, termination, or testing without compromising the integrity of the fiber.