How to strip the fiber optic cable riser tube

Stripping a fiber optic cable riser tube requires carefully removing each protective layer—outer jacket, aramid yarn, and buffer coatings—using specialized tools to avoid damaging the fiber.Tools and Materials NeededFiber optic cable stripper with multiple grooves for different buffer sizesKevlar scissors or shearsAlcohol wipes or cleaning solutionLint-free cloth or microfiber wipeFiber optic cleaver (for termination)Safety glasses and glovesStep-by-Step Process1. Prepare the Cable Ensure the work area is clean, well-lit, and free of dust. Inspect the cable for any kinks or damage before starting . 2. Remove the Outer JacketMeasure and mark the length of jacket to strip.Use a fiber optic cable stripper or a utility knife to carefully cut the outer jacket without nicking the inner layers.For armored cables, use the ripcords to pull off the armor and jacket in two pieces, avoiding strain on the fiber . 3. Cut Aramid YarnAfter removing the jacket, you will see the aramid (Kevlar) fibers.Use Kevlar scissors to cut the yarn close to the jacket end, bundling the fibers to make handling easier . 4. Strip the Buffer CoatingsUse the fiber stripper to remove the 900-micron and 250-micron buffer coatings in small increments (about 6–8 mm at a time).Hold the stripper at a 45-degree angle to reduce stress on the fiber and prevent breakage.If your stripper has multiple grooves, use the appropriate groove for each buffer size . 5. Clean the FiberWipe the stripped fiber with an alcohol wipe or cleaning solution to remove debris and any gel adhesive.Use a lint-free cloth or microfiber wipe to ensure the fiber is clean and ready for termination . 6. Inspect and Prepare for TerminationUse a fiber optic cleaver to create a clean, perpendicular end face.Inspect the cleaved fiber with a microscope or visual fault locator to ensure it is free of defects .Best PracticesStrip each layer progressively; never attempt to remove all layers at once .Take small cuts to avoid stressing or breaking the fiber.Maintain your stripping tools to keep blades sharp and precise.Dispose of fiber scraps safely in a marked container to prevent injury . Following these steps ensures a clean, safe, and precise stripping of a fiber optic riser tube, ready for splicing or connectorization.