Longitudinal stripping of buried optical cables

Longitudinal stripping involves carefully slitting the outer jacket of fiber optic cables along their length to access fibers without cutting the entire cable.OverviewLongitudinal stripping is a precision process used to access specific fibers within a buried optical cable, often for mid-span access or splicing. Unlike circumferential cutting, which slices around the cable, longitudinal stripping runs parallel to the fiber, allowing technicians to remove the jacket without damaging the internal buffer tubes or fibers .Tools and EquipmentSpecialized tools are used for longitudinal stripping:Fiber Optic Longitudinal Slitters: These devices feature adjustable blades to match the jacket thickness. Proper depth control is critical; too deep can nick fibers, too shallow may not cut the jacket cleanly .Round Cable Slitters: Manually operated tools that can handle cable diameters from 4.5mm to 40mm. They often combine circumferential and longitudinal cutting for end or mid-span preparation .Longitudinal Opening Knife Strippers: Compact tools designed for FTTH and other fiber optic cables, suitable for jackets ranging from 10mm to 25mm .Buffer Tube Strippers: For loose tube cables, precision strippers remove the buffer tube without nicking the fibers inside .Procedure and Best PracticesCable Preparation: Ensure the cable is clean and supported to prevent bending or crushing, especially for buried installations .Blade Adjustment: Set the blade depth according to the jacket material (PE, PVC, LSZH) and thickness. Modern slitting tools allow fine adjustments for consistent results .Slitting Action: Run the blade along the cable's longitudinal axis. For armored or thick jackets, robust tools like the 4.5–29mm round cable stripper are recommended .Fiber Protection: Use a fiber guide or gripper to hold the fiber in place and prevent microfractures during stripping .Mid-Span Access: For splicing or tapping, only the required section of the jacket is removed, leaving the rest of the cable intact .ConsiderationsCable Type: PE, LSZH, and armored cables require different blade materials and cutting techniques .Mechanical Stress: Avoid excessive pulling, bending, or crushing during stripping, as fiber optic cables are sensitive and performance degradation may appear months later .Safety: Always wear protective gloves and eye protection when using slitting tools to prevent injury from sharp blades.SummaryLongitudinal stripping of buried optical cables is a controlled, precision operation that requires the right tools, careful blade adjustment, and proper handling to access fibers safely. Using specialized slitting tools ensures clean jacket removal while protecting the integrity of the optical fibers for splicing, testing, or mid-span access .