How long should the fiber stripper be for the fusion splice tail

For fusion splicing, the fiber coating should typically be stripped to expose 10–40 mm of bare fiber, depending on the fiber type and splicer requirements.

Standard Strip Lengths

• Bare fiber diameter: 250 µm; coated fiber diameter: 900 µm. Strippers are calibrated to these sizes to avoid damaging the glass core .
• Recommended strip length: Most sources suggest 10–20 mm for general fusion splicing, while some equipment guides recommend 30–40 mm for optimal handling and cleaving .
• Acrylate-coated fibers: Typically strip about 1 inch (~25 mm) from each end before splicing .

Best Practices

• Use a high-quality fiber stripper appropriate for the fiber coating type to prevent nicks or microfractures .
• Apply controlled, uniform pressure when stripping to avoid bending or twisting the fiber .
• After stripping, clean the bare fiber with a lint-free wipe soaked in 99%+ isopropyl alcohol to remove dust, oil, or residue .
• Ensure the stripped fiber is properly cleaved with a flat end face before insertion into the fusion splicer .
• When using a splice sleeve, leave at least 2 mm of buffer on each side to cover the bare fiber and provide mechanical support .

Summary

For most fusion splicing applications, stripping 10–40 mm of fiber coating is sufficient. The exact length depends on the fiber type, splicer model, and whether a recoating or splice sleeve will be applied. Always follow the splicer manufacturer's specifications and handle fibers carefully to maintain splice quality and minimize loss.