Certified Fiber Optics Practice Exam

A fusion slicer utilizes what method to heat fibers to approximately 2000 degrees Celsius?

1. Electric

2. Gas

3. Inductive

4. Infrared

The correct answer is: Electric

A fusion slicer employs an electric method to heat the fibers to approximately 2000 degrees Celsius. This process is critical as it enables the fibers to soften and bond seamlessly during the splicing operation. The electric arc created between two tungsten electrodes generates the necessary heat to melt the ends of the optical fibers, allowing them to fuse together. Electric fusion splicing is widely used in the installation and maintenance of fiber optic cables due to its efficiency and reliability. The precision of the electric method also helps ensure that the splice joint has minimal signal loss, which is essential for maintaining the performance of fiber optic networks. Other heating methods, such as gas, inductive, or infrared, are typically not employed in fusion splicing because they may not provide the controlled and concentrated heat required for optimal splicing conditions. Using these methods could lead to inconsistencies or insufficient heating, resulting in compromised splice quality. Hence, the electric method is the standard choice for effective fiber fusion splicing.