Optical Fiber Specialists

SPLICING
SPECIALIST

Precision fusion splicing and certified OTDR testing for fiber infrastructure that demands zero-tolerance performance.

ISO 9001:2015 BICSI Certified TIA-568 IEC 61300
OTDR — Live Trace SCANNING
0 1.2km 2.5km 3.8km 5.1km -1dB -5dB -10dB -20dB
0.02
dB SPLICE LOSS
6.4
km SPAN LENGTH
PASS
TEST RESULT
10K+
Splices Completed
0.02dB
Avg. Splice Loss
500+
Projects Delivered
24/7
Support Available
15yr
Field Experience
99.8%
Client Satisfaction

What We Do

CORE SERVICES

Precision optical fiber services from cable preparation to full certification — two specialisms that work better together.

🔥
SERVICE 01
FUSION SPLICING

Arc fusion welding of optical fiber cores with automatic core-to-core alignment — achieving permanent, low-loss joins that outperform mechanical splicing by an order of magnitude. From single-fiber repairs to high-count ribbon mass fusion, we handle every scenario with calibrated precision.

  • Singlemode OS1/OS2 splicing
  • Multimode OM1/OM2/OM3/OM4/OM5
  • Ribbon cable mass fusion (12–144 fibre)
  • Armoured, aerial & micro-duct cable
  • Emergency repair & break restoration
  • Splice-on-connector (SoC) termination
  • All splice results verified by machine estimate
01
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SERVICE 02
OTDR TESTING

Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer testing sends pulses of light down every fiber span and captures a detailed backscatter trace — mapping every event (splice, connector, bend, break) with its exact distance and loss value. Our bi-directional OTDR certification covers every fiber in your installation, delivering a legally defensible record of performance.

  • Bi-directional OTDR measurement
  • Insertion loss & return loss testing
  • End-to-end attenuation measurement
  • Fault location & distance-to-fault
  • Full trace files (SOR format) provided
  • PDF certification reports per fiber
  • Compliance with IEC 61300 / TIA-526
02
🔲
SERVICE 03
FIBER INFRASTRUCTURE

Supply and installation of all fiber termination hardware — patch panels, building entry boxes, fiber termination boxes, and wall outlet boxes — engineered for durability, density, and clean cable management.

  • Rack-mount patch panels (12–144 port)
  • IP65/IP67 building entry boxes
  • Indoor & outdoor termination boxes
  • Flush & surface-mount wall outlets
  • SC, LC, FC, ST, E2000 adapters
  • Structured cable management systems
03
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SERVICE 04
SURVEY & EMERGENCY

Pre-installation fiber surveys, fault-finding, and emergency break repairs. Our teams carry full OTDR and fusion splicing kits at all times — enabling same-day mobilisation for live network outages and critical infrastructure failures.

  • Pre-build & as-found fiber surveys
  • End-to-end fault location & diagnosis
  • Emergency break & cut repair
  • 24/7 on-call technical response
  • Same-day mobilisation (most regions)
  • Full documentation after every callout
04

OTDR Testing in Detail

WHAT AN OTDR TRACE REVEALS

Every fiber we test gets a full trace report. Here's how to read one — and why it matters for your network.

Launch Splice A · 0.018dB Splice B · 0.041dB Splice C · 0.019dB Far end 0dB -5 -10 -20 0km 1.5 3.0 4.5 6.0
0.000 km Launch connector (PC) —
1.482 km Fusion splice A 0.018 dB ✓
2.971 km Fusion splice B 0.041 dB ⚠
4.463 km Fusion splice C 0.019 dB ✓
6.204 km Far-end reflection — end
📏

Exact Distance-to-Fault

OTDR locates every event — splice, bend, break, or bad connector — to within centimetres. If a buried cable fails three months after installation, we can pinpoint the dig location without guesswork.

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Per-Event Loss Measurement

Every splice and connector is measured individually. Our target is <0.02 dB per fusion splice — any event approaching the IEC 61300 limit of 0.1 dB is flagged and re-worked on the spot.

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Bi-directional Testing

We test every span in both directions and average the results to eliminate geometric artefacts. This is the only method recognised by TIA-526 and IEC 61280 for certified acceptance testing.

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Certified Report & SOR Files

Every fiber receives a PDF certificate showing all events, losses, and a pass/fail verdict against your chosen standard. Raw SOR trace files are included so you can re-open them in any OTDR software.

🔍

End-face Inspection

Every connector is inspected under 400× magnification before and after cleaning, graded to IEC 61300-3-35. Contaminated end-faces are the leading cause of network outages — we eliminate this risk completely.

How We Work

THE SPLICING PROCESS

A proven six-step methodology refined over 15 years — delivering zero-defect fiber infrastructure, every time.

STEP 01
Site Survey
Full assessment of cable routes, fiber counts, existing infrastructure, and access constraints. We produce a detailed scope of works before mobilisation.
STEP 02
Cable Prep
Precision stripping, cleaning, and cleaving of fiber end-faces using factory-calibrated tools to produce the optimal geometry for a low-loss arc weld.
STEP 03
Fusion Splicing
Automated arc fusion with active core alignment. The splicer estimates loss for every join — any result above threshold is re-cleaved and re-spliced immediately.
STEP 04
OTDR Testing
Bi-directional OTDR measurement of every span. Events are reviewed against IEC/TIA limits — any non-conformance is actioned before we leave site.
STEP 05
Termination
Professional installation of patch panels, termination boxes, and outlet boxes. All connectors are inspected under magnification and cleaned before testing.
STEP 06
Documentation
As-built drawings, splice records, OTDR trace files (SOR), and PDF certification reports delivered digitally within 24 hours of project completion.

Technical Reference

CABLE TYPES WE SUPPORT

We work across the full spectrum of optical fiber cable — from indoor patch cord to armoured long-haul underground.

Cable Type Mode Typical Application Jacket Max Distance OTDR Testable
OS2 SinglemodeSMLong-haul backbone, telcoLSZH / PVC80 km+✓
OM3 MultimodeMMData centre, 10G LANLSZH / Riser300 m @ 10G✓
OM4 MultimodeMMHigh-density DC, 40G/100GLSZH400 m @ 10G✓
OM5 Wideband MMMM400G SWDM4 data centreLSZH150 m @ 100G✓
Armoured SinglemodeSMDirect buried, outdoor conduitSteel + PE80 km+✓
Micro-duct (Blown)SM/MMFTTH, MDU, blown fiberHDPE ductSite dependent✓
Figure-8 Self-SupportSMAerial span, pole-to-buildingMessenger + PE500 m span✓
Ribbon CableSM/MMMass fusion, high-countLSZH / PVCRoute dependent✓

Why Choose Us

PRECISION YOU CAN MEASURE

Not every fiber contractor is equal. Here's what sets our work apart — in facts you can verify from the certification reports we hand over.

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Ultra-Low Loss Splicing
Typical fusion splice loss of 0.02 dB — five times better than the IEC 61300 limit. Machine-estimated loss on every splice, re-done on the spot if above threshold.
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Full OTDR Certification
Every fiber tested bi-directionally. You receive PDF reports and raw SOR trace files — a legally defensible record of network performance.
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400× End-face Inspection
Every connector inspected under magnification to IEC 61300-3-35 before and after cleaning. Contaminated end-faces are the #1 cause of network failures.
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5-Year Workmanship Warranty
Full warranty on all splicing, termination, and installation work. If it fails to meet spec within five years, we fix it at zero cost — no debate.
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48-Hour Mobilisation
Standard mobilisation within 48 hours. Same-day emergency response available in most regions — our teams carry full kit at all times.
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Complete Documentation
As-builts, splice records, OTDR trace files, and certification reports — delivered within 24 hours of job completion, every time, without having to ask.

Client Feedback

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

"

Splicing Specialist installed our entire campus backbone — 48 buildings, 2,400 fibers. Every OTDR report came back under 0.02 dB. The documentation was immaculate. Exceptional work.

★★★★★
David Harrington
Head of IT Infrastructure · Northfield University
"

We had a critical fiber break at 2 AM. Splicing Specialist was on-site by 5 AM, located the fault with OTDR, re-spliced, and had the network live before the morning shift. That kind of response is rare.

★★★★★
Sarah Okafor
Network Operations Manager · Vantage Colocation Ltd
"

Three years in our harshest industrial environment and not a single failure. The building entry boxes, termination enclosures, and every splice have performed flawlessly. Worth every penny.

★★★★★
Marcus Webb
Automation Engineer · Forsyth Manufacturing

Standards & Accreditations

OUR CERTIFICATIONS

We hold and actively maintain the industry's most respected certifications — so you can trust every meter of fiber we touch.

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ISO 9001:2015
Quality Management System
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ISO/IEC 11801
Generic Cabling Standard
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TIA-568 / TIA-526
Telecom Cabling & Testing
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IEC 61300
Fiber Optic Interconnect
🏆
BICSI Certified
Network Infrastructure
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IEC 61300-3-35
End-face Inspection Grade

Common Questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED

Everything you need to know about fiber splicing and OTDR testing before starting your project.

What is fusion splicing and how is it different from mechanical splicing? +
Fusion splicing uses a precisely controlled electric arc to permanently weld two fiber end-faces together — aligning and fusing the glass cores at temperatures exceeding 1,000 °C. The result is a join with typical insertion loss of 0.02 dB or less and near-zero reflectance. Mechanical splicing uses an index-matching gel sleeve to align the fibers physically; losses of 0.2–0.5 dB are typical, and the join degrades over time as the gel dries. For any permanent installation, fusion splicing is always the preferred method.
What does an OTDR test actually measure, and why do I need it? +
An OTDR injects a series of light pulses into the fiber and measures the time-of-flight and amplitude of the backscattered signal. From this it constructs a trace showing the optical loss (in dB) plotted against distance (in km), with every event — splice, connector, bend, macro-bend, break — marked at its exact position. You need OTDR testing because visual inspection and power meter readings alone cannot locate faults, measure individual splice losses, or detect slow-degrading events like micro-bending. OTDR is required by TIA-526-14 and IEC 61280-4-1 for acceptance testing, and it provides the baseline measurement needed to diagnose future network problems quickly.
What does "bi-directional OTDR" mean and why does it matter? +
Fiber is not symmetric — a splice or connector can show different loss values depending on which direction you measure it, due to differences in fiber geometry (MFD mismatch) and the direction of the backscatter coefficient. Testing from one end only gives a biased result. Bi-directional testing measures each span from both ends and averages the two readings to produce the true, direction-independent loss value. This is the only method accepted by TIA-526 and IEC 61280 for certified acceptance test reporting, and it is what we always deliver.
What is an SOR file and should I ask for one? +
SOR stands for Standard OTDR Record — a binary file format (defined in Bellcore / Telcordia GR-196-CORE) that stores the raw waveform data, measurement parameters, and event table from an OTDR test. It can be reopened in any compliant OTDR software, allowing you to re-analyse the trace, zoom into events, and compare results over time. You should always ask for SOR files because a PDF report shows you a snapshot, while SOR gives you the full raw data. We include SOR files as standard with every certification report.
How long does a typical fusion splicing project take? +
Duration depends on fiber count, cable route complexity, and building access. A single-building installation of 48–96 fibers including termination and OTDR certification is typically completed in 1–2 days. Larger campus or multi-building projects are scoped individually. We provide a detailed programme with every quotation, and we offer an accelerated track for business-critical or emergency situations with same-day mobilisation in most regions.
Can you test and re-certify my existing fiber installation? +
Yes — re-certification of existing fiber infrastructure is one of our core services. We perform a full OTDR survey of your existing cable, compare results against the original acceptance criteria (or applicable standards if no baseline exists), and produce a current certification report. If faults are found, we will quote separately for remediation. This is particularly valuable before major network upgrades, when changing connectivity standards (e.g. moving to 100G), or when taking over a building where documentation is missing.
What areas do you cover, and how quickly can you mobilise? +
We operate nationwide with regional teams across all major metropolitan areas and rural locations. Standard project mobilisation is within 48 hours of order confirmation. For emergency callouts — live network outages, cable breaks — we offer same-day response in most regions, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Contact us with your location and urgency level and we will confirm availability and estimated on-site time immediately.

Get In Touch

REQUEST A QUOTE

Ready to build, upgrade, or certify your fiber infrastructure? Our specialists will assess your project and respond within 24 hours with a tailored proposal.

Email
info@splicingspecialist.com
Phone
+1 (800) 555-FIBER
Service Coverage
Nationwide · Commercial · Industrial · Telco
Response Time
Within 24 hours — guaranteed
Emergency Callout
24/7 · Same-day in most regions