8-1
Chapter 8
Locating Fibers and Faults with the Visual Fault Locator
Visual Fault Locator Applications
The fiber test module includes a visual fault locator that
helps you do the following:
•
Quickly check fiber continuity. Trace fibers to
determine the polarity of duplex connections and
identify connections between patch panels.
•
Locate breaks and bad splices. These faults scatter the
locator’s light, causing a red glow in the affected area.
•
Reveal high-loss bends. If the locator’s light is visible
around a bend in a fiber, the bend is too sharp.
•
Reveal problems in connectors. A damaged fiber inside
a connector causes a red glow in the connector.
•
Optimize mechanical splices and pre-polished
connectors: Before sealing the splice or connector,
adjust the fiber alignment for minimal glow where the
fibers meet. (Follow the manufacturer’s assembly
instructions for splices and connectors.)
Figure 8-1 shows the equipment needed for using the visual
fault locator.