Common Causes of Fiber Optic Failure and How to Prevent Them

Fiber optics are a common feature of many industrial and commercial facilities, and ensuring they work properly at all times is a key task for any such location. This includes knowing common fiber optic failure causes, plus how to steer clear of them or remedy them if they do crop up.

At Redi, fiber optics are just one of numerous areas we’re happy to provide our industrial construction expertise in for clients around Nevada, Wyoming, Colorado, Idaho and nearby parts of the Western US. We offer both fiber optic installations and maintenance services, including helping clients understand fiber optic failure causes and avoid or remedy them. Here are some of the most common, plus basic tips from our professionals.

How Fiber Optics Work in Commercial and Industrial Settings

Before we get into fiber optic failure causes, let’s first lay out how fiber optics actually work in commercial and industrial settings. Fiber optics are thin strands of glass or plastic that transmit light signals, allowing for high-speed data transfer and communication. These strands are carefully protected within cables that can run for long distances without signal loss or interference.

Fiber optic installations involve carefully routing and connecting these cables to create a network infrastructure that supports fast and reliable communication. It requires specialized equipment and trained professionals to ensure proper installation, maintenance, and repairs.

Common Causes of Fiber Optic Failure

Despite their durability, fiber optic cables can still experience failure due to a variety of factors. Here are some of the most common causes:

Bending Issues

One of the more common causes of fiber optic failure is improper bending or flexing of the cables. Fiber optic cables are designed to have a certain bend radius, and exceeding this radius can cause micro cracks in the optical fibers. These cracks can lead to signal loss and ultimately result in failure of the cable.

Connector Contamination

Another common cause of failure is contamination on the connectors. This can happen when dust, dirt, or other debris gets into the connection point between two cables. When this happens, it can cause signal loss and affect the overall performance of the cable.

Physical Damage

In some cases, physical damage to the cable itself can also lead to failure. This can happen if the cable is bent or twisted too much, causing breaks or kinks in the fibers. It can also occur if the cable is crushed or cut through by objects such as heavy machinery or sharp tools.

To prevent physical damage, it is important to handle cables with care and avoid placing them in areas where they may be at risk for being damaged. Regular inspections of cables should also be conducted to identify any potential signs of wear and tear.

Fade Types

Within fiber optics, there are a couple “fade” concerns that involve the fiber optic line or light output being cut off in some way:

• Backhoe fade: Also known as JCB fade, this type occurs when digging or construction equipment severs a cable. Because a backhoe is the most common example of equipment that creates this issue, it was given this name.
• Attenuation fade: With attenuation fade, on the other hand, some kind of blockage interrupts the light signal within fiber optics. The most common blocker here is contamination at fiber endpoints, but things like glass damage can also cause it. Ensuring fiber ends are properly cleaned and installed correctly will help avoid attenuation fade.

Signal Misalignment

In other cases, issues between fiber optic transmitters and receivers can cause signal misalignment. This is when the light signals are not aligned properly, causing issues where they don’t transmit or receive at the correct levels. This can be caused by things like temperature changes, aging equipment, and even cable movement.

To avoid signal misalignment, regular maintenance and inspections of fiber optic equipment are crucial. Any changes in temperature or physical movements should also be taken into consideration when setting up and maintaining fiber optic networks.

General Fiber Optic Tips to Avoid Failure

Along with some of the specific tips we’ve listed already, here’s some general advice for dealing with fiber optics and avoiding fiber optic failure causes:

• Proper installation: Be sure to follow the specific installation guidelines for your equipment and cable type. Improperly installed fiber optic cables can lead to signal loss or damage.
• Regular inspection: As previously mentioned, regular inspections of fiber optic equipment are crucial to ensure proper functioning and identify any potential issues before they become major problems.
• Follow manufacturer guidelines: Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when setting up and maintaining fiber optic networks. This includes recommended cleaning methods, handling procedures, and installation techniques.
• Use high-quality components: Using high-quality components can make a significant difference in the performance and longevity of your fiber optic network. Don’t skimp on quality when it comes to things like connectors, cables, and other essential parts.
• Test regularly: Regular testing of your fiber optic network can help identify any potential issues before they cause failures. It’s also important to test after any changes or maintenance.

At Redi, we’re happy to help with all fiber optic and related industrial construction services around Idaho, Nevada, Wyoming, Colorado and other parts of the Western US. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you build a reliable and efficient fiber optic network for your business or organization.