Pulling and terminating fiber is only the start of the installation… how do you ensure the high-bandwidth cable you’re integrating fully performs to spec? After all, tight bends, dirty connections and loose connectors can all lead to loss, and fiber-based electronics are extremely sensitive to anything that affects the flow of light.

This article examines popular fiber optic testers, including a summary of features, testing capabilities, and cable and connector compatibility. A complementary PDF is available for download in the Future Ready Solutions Literature Library.

Fiber Optic Visual Fault Locator

The LightSpeed Technologies^® VFL-1 is a compact fiber optic visual fault locator (VFL) that’s ideal for locating breaks and out-of-spec bends in a fiber optic cable. It’s also a crucial tool for verifying mechanical fiber optic connectors are terminated properly and identifying strands during splicing and/or patching.

At a price under $50, the VFL-1 is a very affordable tool that comes loaded with features:

• 1mW visible laser transmits up to 5km / 3.1 miles
• rugged metal construction and a built-in dust cap protects the optical lens from dirt and damage
• two modes of operation accommodate testing multiple runs of cable

The VFL-1 is compatible with both multimode and single mode fiber, and supports all common connector formats.

Fiber Optic Loss Testing Kit

The Cleerline™ SSF-TKITE-100 fiber optic test kit measures optical signal loss on cable paths. It’s an essential tool for verifying cables, connectors, splices and connectivity equipment are not affecting overall signal performance by introducing too much loss. Features include:

• Optical power meter and optical light source testers for both multimode and single mode fiber
• Selectable wavelengths of 850, 1300, 1310 and 1550nm
• Simple operation and auto-off to extend battery life

At a price under $600, the SSF-TKITE-100 is often paired with VFLs and is likewise compatible with all common cable and connector formats.

Fiber Optic Loss Testing & Certifying Kit

The Cleerline™ SSF-TKITP-500 fiber optic test kit measures optical signal loss on cable paths and stores test results, allowing the installer to certify performance against a required standard. It’s an essential tool for verifying infrastructure and network performance, as well as saving, exporting and printing performance validation documentation.

At a price around $1,500, the SSF-TKITP-500 comes loaded with features:

• Optical power meter and optical light source testers for both multimode and single mode fiber
• Selectable wavelengths of 850, 1300, 1310 and 1550nm plus Wave ID auto-detection technology
• Save and export up to 1000 test reports
• Built-in VFL and flashlight
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery

The SSF-TKITP-500 is compatible with all common cable and connector formats.

Fiber Optic & Twisted Pair Length Measurement, Loss Testing & Certifying Kit

The Platinum Tools^® PT-OTDR-100 is a powerful, easy-to-use multifunction tester for both fiber optic and twisted pair cables. It provides, saves and exports a variety of cable length, signal quality and location mapping tests, and is especially useful in fiber-based installations because it measures overall cable length and length to fault through a short pulse of light.

Unlike the other testers we’ve discussed, the PT-OTDR-100 also features an oversized OLED touchscreen with a simple user interface. Other features include:

• Selectable wavelengths of 850, 1300, 1310, 1490, 1550 and 1625nm
• Single mode and multimode fiber testing — tests include OTDR cable length measurement and measurement to fault, optical power metering and optical light source measurement
• Twisted pair testing — tests include continuity, loss, wiremap, IP and TDR cable length measurement
• Cable and fault length testing from 3m to 105km / 9ft to 65 miles
• Save & export test records on flash card
• Built-in VFL and flashlight
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery

At a price around $750, the PT-OTDR-100 balances fully-loaded performance with a very affordable price.

The below chart compares the popular fiber optic testers discussed above. Additional information is available online at FutureReadySolutions.com or by emailing info@futurereadysolutions.com.