Ring stripping on optical cables involves making a controlled circular cut around the cable jacket to access the inner fibers without damaging them.

Tools Required

• Cable ring and slitting tools such as the Jonard JIC-4366 or Greenlee PA1822 universal cable slitter .
• Fiber strippers for removing buffer coatings.
• Scissors, alcohol, lint-free tissues, and a permanent marker for marking and cleaning .
• Safety glasses to protect eyes from accidental fiber shards .

Step-by-Step Ring Stripping Procedure

1. Measure and Mark: Determine the location on the cable where you want to access the fibers. Mark the area 1–2 inches above and below the intended opening .
2. Adjust the Tool: Set the ring blade depth according to the cable diameter. For example, the Greenlee PA1822 allows adjustment from 0.18 to 1 inch in diameter, with a maximum cut depth of 3mm .
3. Position the Cable: Place the cable between the blade and the adjustable bracket of the tool. Ensure the blade rests on the exterior of the jacket without pressing too hard on the inner fibers .
4. Perform the Ring Cut: Rotate the tool around the cable in a circular motion until the jacket is scored completely. The goal is to cut through the outer sheath without nicking the inner buffer or fiber .
5. Remove the Jacket: After the ring cut, gently bend the cable at the scored line to break the jacket, then slide it off to expose the inner layers. For multi-layer cables, strip each layer progressively: jacket, aramid yarn, and buffer .
6. Buffer Stripping: Use fiber-specific strippers to remove the primary and secondary buffer coatings, taking care not to touch the glass fiber itself . The cut edge should be clean and straight.

Safety and Best Practices

• Always wear safety glasses to prevent injury from fiber shards .
• Maintain sharp blades to ensure clean cuts and avoid jagged edges .
• Avoid nicking or scratching the optical fiber, as even minor damage can lead to cracks and signal loss .
• For mid-span access, ring the cable 1–2 inches above and below the desired opening to allow safe removal of the jacket .

Additional Tips

• For figure-8 or webbed cables, use the slitting guide to separate the webbing before performing the ring cut .
• Automated stripping tools can improve consistency and reduce operator error, especially for high-volume assembly .
• After stripping, clean the exposed fibers with alcohol and lint-free tissues to remove debris before connectorization .

By following these steps and using the proper tools, you can safely perform ring stripping on optical cables while preserving the integrity of the inner fibers.