How to remove the cold splice from a China Unicom fiber optic cable

To remove a cold splice, carefully strip the protective sleeve, clean and separate the fibers, and then prepare the ends for re-splicing using either fusion or mechanical methods.Step 1: Safety and Preparation

Before handling the fiber, wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from glass shards and ensure the work area is clean and dust-free. Gather the necessary tools: fiber optic stripper, Kevlar cutter, fiber cleaver, alcohol wipes, lint-free cloth, and a fusion splicer or mechanical splice kit depending on your re-splicing method .

Step 2: Access the Cold Splice

Locate the splice closure or tray where the cold splice is housed. Carefully open the protective sleeve or heat-shrink covering that holds the splice. Avoid pulling or bending the fiber excessively, as this can cause breakage .

Step 3: Remove the Splice

• For mechanical splices, gently separate the fibers from the splice holder. If an index-matching gel is used, clean the fiber ends with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free wipe to remove residue .
• For fusion splices, carefully cut the heat-shrink sleeve and remove the fused joint. Use a fiber cleaver to trim the fiber ends if necessary, ensuring a clean, perpendicular cut for re-splicing .

Step 4: Prepare the Fiber Ends

Strip the fiber coating using a fiber optic stripper, removing the outer jacket, Kevlar strength members, and buffer coating without nicking the glass core. Clean the bare fiber thoroughly with alcohol to remove any debris . Use a high-precision cleaver to create a flat, perpendicular end face.

Step 5: Re-Splicing

• Fusion splicing: Insert the prepared fiber ends into the fusion splicer. The machine will align the cores and perform the fusion arc to create a low-loss permanent splice. Protect the splice with a heat-shrink sleeve and allow it to cool .
• Mechanical splicing: Align the fiber ends in the mechanical splice unit, apply index-matching gel if required, and secure the fibers in the holder. Place the completed splice in a splice tray and close the protective cover .

Step 6: Testing and Finalization

After re-splicing, test the fiber using a visual fault locator (VFL) or optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR) to ensure signal continuity and low loss. Arrange the fibers neatly in the splice tray to prevent bending or stress, then close the splice enclosure securely . By following these steps, you can safely remove a cold splice from a China Unicom fiber optic cable and prepare the fibers for a reliable new splice.