How to strip the outer sheath of a single-mode armored optical fiber

Use a sheath knife to score the outer sheath, expose the ripcords, and pull them to safely remove the armor and jacket without damaging the fiber.

Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Prepare the Cable and Tools

• Wear safety gloves and glasses to protect against sharp tools and fiber shards .
• Gather a sheath knife, side cutters, and needle-nose pliers .
• Identify the section of the cable where the sheath will be removed and mark the length to expose the ripcords . 2. Score the Outer Sheath
• Use the sheath knife to ring the circumference of the outer sheath about 3–5 inches from the cable end .
• Apply enough pressure to cut through the sheath and score the underlying armor without cutting the fiber inside .
• Flex the scored section to crack the sheath and armor, then slide the separated section off the cable end . 3. Expose and Use Ripcords
• Locate the ripcords under the sheath.
• Nick the armor at the points where the ripcords disappear under the sheath using side cutters or a knife to create a starting point .
• Grasp one ripcord with needle-nose pliers and pull it about 1.5 inches into the sheath. Repeat with the second ripcord .
• Pull each ripcord back to the ring cut to split the armor and sheath, allowing it to be removed cleanly . 4. Inspect and Clean
• After removing the outer sheath and armor, check for any gel or adhesive residue under the armor and clean it with a safe, environmentally friendly product if necessary .
• Ensure the fiber and aramid yarn are intact and undamaged before proceeding to strip inner layers or connectorization . 5. Additional Tips
• Always strip layers progressively, starting with the outer jacket, then aramid yarn, and finally the buffer .
• Use sharp, dedicated tools for aramid yarn (Kevlar) to avoid dulling blades and damaging fibers .
• Keep the cut edges clean and straight, avoiding jagged or torn edges that could compromise cable integrity . By following these steps, you can safely strip the outer sheath of a single-mode armored optical fiber while preserving the integrity of the fiber and strength members.