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The role of cold splicing pigtails in fiber optic cables

ODN and passive infrastructure knowledge brief Published 07 Aug 2024

Prepared for preliminary research by the GESTIONVAL ODN knowledge desk. Confirm network topology, split ratio, box or cabinet capacity, joint closure rating and loss budget against current standards and product documentation.

Cold splicing is a method of joining fiber optic cables or pigtails without fusion, using a precise alignment mechanism to create a low-loss optical connection.What is Cold Splicing?

Cold splicing, also known as mechanical or optical fiber cold splicing, is a technique used to join two optical fibers or a fiber to a pigtail without applying heat or fusion. Unlike fusion splicing, which melts the fiber ends together, cold splicing relies on a precise V-groove or alignment mechanism to hold the fibers in place, ensuring that the cores are properly aligned for light transmission . This method is faster, easier to operate, and cost-effective, especially for field installations like FTTH (fiber-to-the-home) deployments .

Fiber Optic Pigtails

A fiber optic pigtail is a short length of optical fiber with a factory-terminated connector on one end and a bare fiber on the other . The bare end is designed to be spliced to the incoming fiber in the field. Using pigtails allows technicians to leverage the precision of factory-polished connectors while creating a permanent, low-loss joint with the existing fiber network .

Steps for Cold Splicing
  1. Install the cold connector and secure the snap rings on both sides.
  2. Strip the fiber about 3 cm from each end and clean with alcohol.
  3. Cleave the fiber to the required length (typically around 1.4 cm) using a precision cleaver.
  4. Insert the fibers into the cold splicer, ensuring they are properly seated in the V-groove or alignment slot.
  5. Secure the snap rings tightly and test the connection for optical performance . Cold splicing is convenient for quick field terminations and does not require a fusion splicer, making it ideal for temporary or low-cost installations .
Advantages and Considerations
  • Advantages: Fast, easy to operate, low-cost, suitable for field deployment, minimal equipment required.
  • Limitations: Slightly higher insertion loss compared to fusion splicing, less durable under extreme environmental conditions, and may require careful handling to maintain alignment .
Applications

Cold splicing is commonly used in:

  • FTTH networks for connecting drop cables to pigtails.
  • Temporary repairs or emergency restorations.
  • Situations where fusion splicing equipment is unavailable or impractical . For optimal performance, technicians should ensure fibers are clean, properly cleaved, and aligned, and that the splice is protected with a heat-shrink sleeve or similar protective mechanism to prevent damage . By understanding cold splicing and the use of pigtails, network installers can achieve reliable, low-loss connections efficiently, especially in field environments where speed and convenience are critical.

The role of cold splicing pigtails in fiber optic cables - GESTIONVAL ODN INFRASTRUCTURE S.L. [PDF]

The role of cold splicing pigtails in fiber optic cables

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Technical note

This reference is intended for preliminary ODN and passive infrastructure research. Topology, split ratio, box or cabinet capacity, closure rating, cable type, test limits and applicable standards must be verified for the specific project.

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