XLR8 Mechanical Splice Fiber Connector Instructions

LC

LC CONNECTOR

Alcohol
Wipe

Tools Required

SC

29 mm
STRIP LENGTH
39 mm
CONN REF LINE

XLR8 Tool

Cleaver

Marker

Strip Template

Buffer Stripper,

Alcohol Wipe

2
3

Prepare the activation tool by releasing and opening the crimp handle. Move the handle release latch (1) away from the handle to
unlock. The handle (2) can also unlock and release automatically if fully
depressed and released. Also, open the connector securing lever (3) as
shown here.
NOTE: FOR 250 MICRON SKIP TO STEP 6

Insert the connector into the slot provided in the tool such that the
knurled section of the metal shaft rests on the slot opening in-line
with the connector securing lever. Also, ensure that the shoulder on the
metal shaft is in contact with the connector holding block. This will make
fiber insertion easier.

Prepare the connector for loading into the activation tool by removing the
rubber grommet covering the lead-in tube on the back of the connector.

NOTE: DO NOT REMOVE THE FRONT PROTECTIVE CAP OR REPLACE WITH AN ALTERNATE
STYLE CAP AS THIS CAP IS SIZED SPECIFICALLY FOR PROPER OPERATION OF THE XLR8
CRIMP TOOL. PROTECTIVE CAPS SHOULD NOT BE REUSED AFTER ONE TERMINATION
CYCLE SINCE THE CAPS CAN DEFORM SLIGHTLY WITH EACH CYCLE OF THE XLR8 TOOL
AND WILL RESULT IN INCREASINGLY HIGHER ATTENUATION.

Rotate the securing lever to hold the connector in place. If aligned

properly, the lever will contact the knurled section of the metal shaft.
The securing lever provides sufficient strength to hold the connector in place
during termination.

NOTE: DO NOT PUSH THE CRIMP HANDLE PARTIALLY DOWN IN ORDER TO TRAP THE
CONNECTOR DURING INSERTION. THIS CAN INITIATE THE ACTIVATION BEFORE THE FIBER
IS INSERTED CAUSING HIGH INSERTION LOSS

XLR8 Mechanical Splice Fiber Connector Instructions

Prepare the cleaver by: (1) sliding the fiber guide to the left; (2) depressing
the locking button; (3) sliding the cleave blade assembly back as far as it
will go; then (4) rotating the magnetic clamp lever to the open position.

NOTE: AVOID TOUCHING THE RUBBER PADS WITH YOUR FINGERS AS BUILDUP OF
FINGER OIL ON THE PADS WILL CAUSE THE PADS TO LOSE THEIR GRIP ON THE FIBER
REDUCING THEIR EFFECTIVENESS DURING THE CLEAVE.

NOTE: THE FIRST TIME A CLEAVER IS OPENED, MORE FORCE MAY BE REQUIRED TO OPEN THE LATCH.
THIS FORCE IS SIGNIFICANTLY LESS AFTER THE FIRST TIME AND IS DUE TO THE BLACK RUBBER PADS
STICKING TOGETHER. THE PADS MAY ALSO TEND TO STICK TOGETHER AGAIN AFTER A LONG PERIOD
OF STORAGE UNDER THE RIGHT CONDITIONS.

CTO

LC

LC

NE
CON

NN
C CO

mm
29 ENGTH
IP L

STR

OR

ECT

SC

m
36 mINE
EF L
NR
N
CO

mm
39 INE
EF L
NR
N
O

m
26 m NGTH
E
IP L
STR

82.0

.178

100
/N:

Locate the template card provided and follow the guide for the specific connector being terminated. The card depicts proper strip lengths for both SC and
LC connectors. With the end of the fiber placed even with the end point shown on the template card, mark the strip length as shown. Also place the
additional reference line mark indicated to be used as a visual aid during the insertion step.
NOTE: SAME MARKS FOR 250 MICRON TERMINATION

UP Jacket for 250 micron only

1. Install the boot by sliding the narrow end first down the fiber until
it is out of the way.

2. For 250 micron install up jacket over fiber after boot

y
Onl
ron
Mic
0
5
2

Remove the section of buffer/coating up to the first mark using a buffer

stripper. To avoid breaking the fiber, remove the buffer in several small
sections. Carefully inspect each fiber after stripping to verify the buffer coating is
also removed. Sometimes mistaken to be the fiber cladding, this coating must be
completely removed or the fiber will not fit into the connector.
NOTE: STEP 2 FOR 250 MICRON ONLY

XLR8 Mechanical Splice Fiber Connector Instructions

(8mm)

Clean the bare fiber with two passes of a 99% reagent grade isopropyl
9
alcohol wipe, being careful not to touch the fiber after it is cleaned. Also be
careful not to remove the reference mark.
NOTE: ALWAYS USE 99% REAGENT GRADE ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL FOR CLEANING.
DO NOT WIPE EXCESS PROTECTIVE COATING REMAINS FROM THE FIBER WITH YOUR FINGERS
AFTER STRIPPING. OILS FROM YOUR FINGERS CAN TRANSFER TO THE RUBBER PADS OF THE
CLEAVER REDUCING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE CLAMP ARM RESULTING IN A POOR CLEAVE.

While holding the fiber in place, gently slide the guide and fiber as far
as it will go into the cleave blade area. Be sure the fiber is straight
and level so that it passes unobstructed through the cleave area opening.
The end of the fiber should appear out the other side as perpendicular as possible with the blade assembly.

Ensure the fiber guide is in its left-most position. Then, lay the
prepared fiber onto the guide with the edge of the buffer even with
the 8mm mark.

10

11

NOTE: WHEN SLIDING THE GRAY PLASTIC FIBER GUIDE, AVOID PUSHING DOWNWARD
WITH EXCESSIVE FORCE AS THIS WILL PREVENT SMOOTH OPERATION AND CAN CAUSE
THE FIBER TO SLIDE TOWARD THE BLADE RELATIVE TO THE GUIDE RESULTING IN A
CLEAVE LENGTH LESS THAN 8MM.

13

12

Must provide clearance

for button to pop up.

Slide the blade assembly forward into its locked position to cleave
the fiber.

NOTE: KEEP FINGERS AWAY FROM THE BLADE ASSEMBLY BUTTON WHICH WILL POP
UP DURING THIS STEP.

Swing the magnetic clamp lever closed to secure the fiber perpendicular with the cleave blade.

Lift the clamp lever first. (1) Then carefully slide the guide and fiber
back from the cleave area. (2) Remember to properly dispose of the
fiber stub (3).

14

NOTE: ALWAYS OPEN THE CLAMP ARM PRIOR TO REMOVING THE FIBER. PULLING THE
FIBER FROM UNDER THE LATCH CAUSES THE FIBER TO SLIDE ON THE RUBBER PADS.
THIS CAN WEAR A GROOVE IN THE PADS OVER TIME REDUCING THE GRIP ON THE FIBER.

XLR8 Mechanical Splice Fiber Connector Instructions

8mm
250 micron

8mm

15

Step.

Remove the freshly cleaved fiber without contaminating the end face. The fiber is now ready for insertion into the connector.

NOTE: IT IS NOT NECESSARY OR RECOMMENDED TO RE-WIPE THE FIBER AFTER CLEAVING AS THIS PRACTICE COULD LEAVE DEBRIS ON THE END-FACE WHERE IT IS
DIFFICULT TO CLEAN PRECISELY. IF A MIS-CLEAVE OCCURS, STRIP THE BUFFER BACK FURTHER AND CLEAVE IN A DIFFERENT LOCATION. DO NOT TRY TO RE-CLEAVE IN THE SAME
LOCATION ON THE FIBER.

900 Micron Buffer

If fiber scrapes in channel or

hits endface against tool/back
of connector, go to Step 5.

Carefully lay the fiber onto the fiber guide channel with the fiber end close to the lead-in tube of the connector. Avoid dragging the tip of fiber along the
guide slot to prevent contaminating the fiber end-face. Gently slide the fiber into the connector as straight as possible to avoid bumping the edge of the
lead-in tube. Once inside the lead-in tube the fiber should slide in smoothly, if you feel resistance prior to full insertion do not force the fiber in. Adjust the
position by rotating the fiber slightly and try again. Remember to periodically clean out the guide slot to help prevent inadvertent contamination.
The guide slot on the activation tool should be kept as clean as possible to prevent debris from transferring onto the fiber endface.

16a

NOTE: DURING FIBER INSERTION, THE FIBER MAY MISS THE HOLE IN THE CONNECTOR AND THE ENDFACE CAN TOUCH THE OUTSIDE OF THE CONNECTOR OR PARTS OF THE TOOL.
THIS WILL CONTAMINATE THE ENDFACE AND CAUSE HIGH INSERTION LOSS IF A TERMINATION IS PERFORMED. IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED TO RE-CLEAVE THE FIBER IF THIS
OCCURS. ANY ATTEMPTS TO CLEAN THE CONTAMINATED FIBER ENDFACE WILL TYPICALLY BE UNSUCCESSFUL AND MAY EVEN DEPOSIT ADDITIONAL DEBRIS ONTO THE ENDFACE
DURING THE WIPING PROCESS.

XLR8 Mechanical Splice Fiber Connector Instructions

250 Micron

Step.

1
Step.

3
Step.

Upj

ack

et T
ube

Remove rubber grommet first. Carefully insert the fiber into the back of the connector, (avoid bumping the lead-in opening the connector with the fiber) then slide
Upjacket tube into back of connector until only a few mm show.
NOTE: DO NOT REMOVE THE FRONT PROTECTIVE CAP OR REPLACE WITH AN ALTERNATE
STYLE CAP AS THIS CAP IS SIZED SPECIFICALLY FOR PROPER OPERATION OF THE XLR8
CRIMP TOOL. PROTECTIVE CAPS SHOULD NOT BE REUSED AFTER ONE TERMINATION
CYCLE SINCE THE CAPS CAN DEFORM SLIGHTLY WITH EACH CYCLE OF THE XLR8 TOOL
AND WILL RESULT IN INCREASINGLY HIGHER ATTENUATION.
NOTE: During fiber insertion, the fiber may miss the hole in the connector and the endface
can touch the outside of the connector. This will contaminate the endface and cause high
insertoin loss if a termination is performed. It is strongly recommended to re-cleave the
fiber if this occurs. Any attempts to clean the contaminated fiber endface will typically be
unsuccessful and may even deposit additional debris onto the endface during the wiping
process.

Rotate the securing lever to hold the connector in place. If aligned properly,
the lever will contact the knurled section of the metal shaft. The securing lever
provides sufficient strength to hold the connector in place during termination.
NOTE: DO NOT PUSH THE CRIMP HANDLE PARTIALLY DOWN IN ORDER TO TRAP THE
CONNECTOR DURING INSERTION. THIS CAN INITIATE THE ACTIVATION BEFORE THE FIBER
IS INSERTED CAUSING HIGH INSERTION LOSS

16b

Insert the connector into the slot provided in the tool such that the knurled
section of the metal shaft rests on the slot opening in-line with the connector securing lever. Also, ensure that the shoulder on the metal shaft is in contact with the connector holding block.

XLR8 Mechanical Splice Fiber Connector Instructions

900 Micron Buffer

250 Micron

Use the reference line mark on the buffer to verify the fiber is fully
inserted. Once you feel the fiber firmly stop against the internal fiber
stub, check the location of the reference line mark. If fully inserted and
measured correctly, the mark should be visible just before the entrance of
the lead-in tube.

17

Use the reference line mark on the buffer to verify the fiber is fully
inserted. Once you feel the fiber firmly stop against the internal fiber
stub, check the location of the reference line mark. If fully inserted and
measured correctly, the mark should disappear into the entrance of the
upjacket tube.

17b

25.4mm
(1 in.)

1.

19
Hold the fiber securely into the connector by placing gentle but
18 consistent inward pressure enough to form a slight bow
approximately 25.4mm (1.0 in.) in the fiber.

20

Opening the connector securing lever.

2.

While maintaining inward pressure, depress the tool handle as far as

it will go to crimp the fiber into place and complete the termination..

NOTE: DO NOT CONTACT THE BOWED FIBER WHILE DEPRESSING THE CRIMP HANDLE
AS IT CAN CAUSE THE FIBER TO MOVE INSIDE THE CONNETOR BEFORE THE
TERMINATION IS COMPLETE RESULTING IN HIGH INSERTION LOSS.

21

Remove the connector by lifting the connector straight up and out of

the tool.

XLR8 Mechanical Splice Fiber Connector Instructions

22

Slide the boot up to the back of the connector and gently press onto
place while holding the connector housing.

NOTE: NEVER PULL ON THE FIBER TO ENGAGE THE BOOT OR WHILE HANDLING THE
TERMINATED CONNECTOR AS THIS CAN CAUSE A GAP AT THE SPLICE JOINT
RESULTING IN EXCESSIVE INSERTION LOSS.

Remove the front protective cap. The fiber is now ready for insertion.
Although not required with the Siemon XLR8 connector, it is always
good practice to clean the end face thoroughly just prior to connection.
This is especially true if the factory installed protective cap was removed at
any point during the termination. An alcohol wipe followed by a clean dry
lint-free wipe will ensure reliable results. A properly cleaned end face can
make a significant difference in the performance of your system.

23

WARNING:
Optical transmitters and fiber optic test equipment used in the
telecommunications industry uses invisible infrared energy.
At sufficient power, this may cause eye or skin damage.
If you work with fiber optic products, including test equipment, consider the following:
1. Do not look into fibers or connectors. They may be live.
2. Know what is happening with the fiber under test at the far end!
3. When connecting a light source, try to make it the last element you connect!
4. Whenever possible, switch off and disconnect your light source(s) before breaking any
fiber connections.
5. Always consider the hazard to other people:
a. Use warning signs, etc.
b. Keep caps on unconnected fibers whenever possible.
c. If using live optical beams, keep them low and facing away from personnel.
6. Dont view optical outputs with a microscope, use a TV camera/monitor.
7. Elect a safety officer to:
a. Train staff
b. Maintain records of equipment classification, calibrations and safety checks.
8. Be careful of cut fibers. Remember they are sharp and difficult to see!
9. Always wear safety glasses when terminating fiber connections.

Visit siemon.com/XLR8 to watch a

demonstration video of XLR8 in action.

ACTIVATION TOOL MAINTENANCE:

1. The guide slot on the activation tool should be kept as clean as possible to prevent debris from transferring onto the fiber endface.

Always use 99% regent grade isopropyl alcohol for cleaning.

CLEAVER MAINTENANCE:
1. The cleaver should be periodically cleaned for proper operation and consistent cleave quality.

Always use 99% regent grade isopropyl alcohol for cleaning.

2. It is important to keep the rubber clamping pads clean since the ability of these pads to hold the fiber security helps to ensure consistent cleave results.
Some blade assemblies can be lifted then rotated 90 degrees to gain easier access when cleaning. While paying careful attention to the sharp blade,
clean on and around both clamping pads including the pads on the top of the clamp lever. The blade can also be cleaned carefully as necessary.

Be extremely careful if using the cleave tool that allows rotation of the blade carrier as this will expose the sharp blade.
This allows easier cleaning access but over-rotation of the assembly will permanently damage the blade if allowed to
contact the tool base. Over-rotation can cause the lubricant on the bottom of the blade assembly to transfer to the clamping
pad.
3. Avoid getting debris inside the blade carrier channel and regularly inspect to ensure the blade carrier is free of debris. The cleave blade height is
precisely adjusted for proper cleaving. Debris in the channel can cause the blade carrier to change the height of the blade during the cleaving process
resulting in a mis-cleave.

When cleaning, do not remove the grease contained in the blade carrier channel as it is necessary for smooth operation.

Rev. E 03/10 100.17881.00

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Watertown, Connecticut USA
Tel: (1) 866-548-5814

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