How to strip a 144-core optical cable

Strip the outer jacket of a 144-core optical cable progressively using a fiber optic cable stripper, taking care not to damage the aramid yarn or inner fibers.Tools and SafetyFiber optic cable stripper: Adjustable for large-diameter cables, capable of cutting the outer sheath without nicking inner fibers .Kevlar scissors: For cutting aramid yarn after jacket removal .Needle-nose pliers or tweezers: To remove stripped jacket pieces and handle fibers safely .Safety gear: Eye protection (Z87-rated) and gloves to prevent injury from sharp fibers .Step-by-Step ProcedureMeasure and Mark: Determine the length of jacket to strip based on your installation or connectorization requirements. Use tape or a marker to indicate the strip point .Score the Outer Jacket: Place the cable in the stripper's slot, adjusting the blade depth so it cuts only the outer sheath. Rotate the tool around the cable in a spiral motion to score the jacket evenly .Remove the Jacket: Gently pull off the scored section of the outer jacket. Avoid excessive force to prevent damaging the underlying aramid yarn or fibers .Handle Aramid Yarn: After jacket removal, the aramid yarn (Kevlar fibers) will be exposed. Use Kevlar scissors to cut the yarn close to the jacket end, then wind the remaining fibers into a bundle to keep them manageable .Inspect for Damage: Check the exposed fibers for nicks or cuts. Any damaged fibers can affect signal transmission, so ensure the inner 144 cores remain intact .Clean Up: Collect all stripped jacket pieces and fiber scraps in a designated container to prevent injury and maintain a clean workspace .TipsProgressive stripping: For multi-layer cables, strip each layer individually rather than attempting to remove multiple layers at once .Small cuts: Remove the jacket in small increments to reduce stress on the fibers .Maintain tools: Keep stripper blades sharp for clean cuts and consistent results . By following these steps, you can safely strip the outer layer of a 144-core optical cable while preserving the integrity of the inner fibers for splicing or termination.