Fiber optic wires are used in high-speed communications, and a fiber splicer installs, repairs, and maintains them. To cut, connect, and test wires, a professional employs a variety of specialized tools and techniques. He or she is usually given specialized training in how to diagnose cable problems and perform delicate repairs. An expert fiber splicer might work as an assembler and installer for a consumer electronics manufacturer, or as a fiber optic technician for a communications company, such as a cable television and Internet provider.
Optical fibers are tiny wires made of glass or plastic that are capable of transmitting massive amounts of data via light pulsations. Splicing fibers together entails cutting and exposing bare fibers before joining the ends with specialized crimping tools, glues, and precision arc welders. Fiber bundles are usually bundled together and insulated with a moisture-proof sheath to form a cable. Professional fiber splicers frequently add adapters to the ends of completed cables so that they can be plugged into computers or other electronic devices.
Fiber optic cables are prepared, cut, and spliced in manufacturing plants for use in consumer electronics, computers, and other commercial devices. Fiber splicers help with the installation and assembly of various products, such as wireless adapters and sensors, by arranging fragile wires, welding or gluing pieces together, and assisting with their installation and assembly. They also insulate cables and prefabricate couplers and joiners for use in large-scale communications.
A communications company’s fiber optic technician might specialize in splicing and installing cables inside homes and businesses, as well as maintaining outdoor and underground lines. A fiber splicer must be able to measure lines accurately, cleave them at the proper location, identify individual fibers based on their color and arrangement within a cable, and splice them with auxiliary fibers that connect to computers, wireless routers, and cable outlets.
A high school diploma is usually required for employment as a fiber splicer, as well as extensive on-the-job training as an apprentice or assistant. A new fiber splicer typically spends one to five years working under the guidance and supervision of experienced professionals, depending on the employer and the nature of the job. Some job seekers enroll in classes at vocational schools or community colleges to learn more about the job and improve their chances of landing a job. There are also many professional organizations that offer certification courses and exams to help technicians improve their credentials, such as the Fiber Optic Association in the United States.