Fiber Optics Test Equipment: Diagnosis Needed

Testing for continuity, checking signal loss and troubleshooting problems – these are the reasons why a fiber optics test equipment is here for. After a cable set-up, installation, connection and termination has been made, fiber optic testing is in order. One has to check whether everything – every parameter for a fully functional and operational fiber optic system is within specifications.

A fiber optics test equipment is made to test for different parameters and factors. As important as having the right tools – and fully functional at that, is the necessity of knowing how to use these. It is thus advised that before going to the field for actual work, one must check every fiber optics test equipment he will be using, making sure these are working well and properly calibrated.

Before one goes out to the field, it is important that one have the cable layouts to have a guide on what needs testing. One also needs to record results of the test data gathered. This documentation is important so that there will be records for reference and for tracing back if it would be necessary.

Some of the commonly used fiber optics test equipments are:

Fiber Optic Tracer

This fiber optics test equipment is used to check for continuity and to trace a fiber’s path from one point to another. This type of equipment has a LED source that mates to a fiber optics connector. With a cable attached for testing, one needs to look at the other end point to see if the light from LED source is transmitter through the fiber. If one finds no light, check the intermediate connections to determine the defective portion of the fiber optics cable. Also, instead of a LED, tracers that are more powerful use a laser. The breaks in fibers or the high loss connectors can easily be seen with the obvious red laser light.

Fiber Optics Microscope

This is used to check the quality of the termination process on the connectors. This allows one to do the inspection procedure from several angles. Always be careful though when checking cables with this microscope, making sure no power is present in it.

Fiber Optics Power Meter

This fiber optics test equipment measures power. The meter should be set at the appropriate range before doing the test. Check if there is enough power for the system. Having too much power overloads the receiver, while having too little will make the receiver treat the signal as noise.


Do you want all the necessary testing tools?

If you want a more complete set of tools or equipment for your fiber optics testing job, then you may like having a fiber optics test kit. One can choose from many brands out there. It is important that you get high-quality tools to help you perform your fiber optics testing efficiently, and do these the safest way.