How to strip a 36-core optical cable

Use a precision fiber optic cable stripper to carefully remove the outer jacket without damaging the inner fibers or aramid yarn.Step-by-Step Process1. Prepare Your Workspace and Safety Gear Ensure you have a clean, well-lit workspace and wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from fiber shards. Keep the area free of clutter and have a disposal container for scraps . 2. Identify the Cable Layers A 36-core optical cable typically has multiple layers: the outer jacket, aramid yarn strength members, buffer tubes, and the coated fibers. Each layer must be stripped progressively, not all at once . 3. Select the Proper Stripping Tool Use a fiber optic cable stripper designed for multi-core cables. Tools like the RCS-0425 or a three-hole optical fiber stripper allow you to adjust the blade depth to match the outer jacket thickness, typically 2–3 mm . Avoid generic wire strippers, which can nick the fibers. 4. Adjust Blade Depth and Position Set the blade depth so it cuts only the outer jacket without touching the aramid yarn or buffer tubes. Place the tool at the desired strip length and make a radial cut around the cable circumference . 5. Remove the Outer Jacket After scoring the jacket, gently pull or spiral the jacket off. For midspan stripping, a helical cutting motion works best. Ensure the aramid yarn underneath remains intact, as damaged yarn reduces tensile strength . 6. Trim Aramid Yarn if Needed Once the jacket is removed, use cable-cutting scissors to trim excess aramid yarn, leaving enough to maintain strength but not obstruct fiber access . 7. Inspect the Cable Check the stripped end for clean edges. The outer jacket should not be torn or jagged, and the inner fibers should remain undamaged . 8. Proceed to Buffer Tube or Fiber Stripping After the outer jacket is removed, you can continue to strip the buffer tubes and individual fibers for splicing or connectorization .TipsAlways maintain sharp blades on your stripping tools.Strip layers progressively to avoid fiber damage.For gel-filled or armored cables, additional cleaning or armor removal may be required .Practice on a spare cable if you are new to multi-core optical cable stripping. By following these steps and using the correct tools, you can safely and efficiently strip the outer layer of a 36-core optical cable while preserving the integrity of the inner fibers and strength members.