+27 64 987 3021 [email protected] Mon-Fri 8:00-17:30 (SAST)
We Measure What Matters  Spectrometers  Ocean Optics

We Measure What Matters Spectrometers Ocean Optics

Browse technical resources about ADSS/OPGW cables, 5G fronthaul, data center interconnect, and fiber optic testing.

  • What does a handheld optical power meter measure

    What does a handheld optical power meter measure

    An optical power meter (OPM) is a device used to measure the power in an signal. The term usually refers to a device for testing average power in systems. Other general purpose light power measuring devices are usually called,, power meters (can be sensors or ), or lux meters. A typical optical power meter consists of a , measuring and display. The sens.


  • What are beam splitters typically used to measure

    What are beam splitters typically used to measure

    A beam splitter or beamsplitter is an optical device that splits a beam of light into a transmitted and a reflected beam. It is a crucial part of many optical experimental and measurement systems, such as interferometers, also finding widespread application in fibre optic telecommunications. One portion passes through the device while the other reflects off it, and the ratio between the two can be controlled by design.


  • What is used to measure optical cable line loss

    What is used to measure optical cable line loss

    Optical loss is measured using an optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR), which can provide a graphical representation of the fiber optic link's loss and length. Various measurement techniques are used in fiber optic deployments—one of them is the Optical Loss Test Set (OLTS). It calculates the optical signal loss between two points by comparing transmitted and received power levels. But what exactly is being measured, and why is this value so critical for. This is similar to the single-ended loss measurement of terminated cables, but uses the splice instead of connectors at the source end and a bare fiber adapter to connect the fiber to the power meter. Factors causing fiber loss are various, such as intrinsic material absorption, bending, connector loss, etc. Losses in the optical fiber can be categorified. Fiber optic loss, also known as optical attenuation, refers to the reduction of optical signal power as light propagates through an optical fiber link.

    [PDF Version]
  • What is an outdoor electrical distribution box also called

    What is an outdoor electrical distribution box also called

    Outdoor power distribution boxes, also known as weatherproof power distribution boxes, are devices designed to distribute electrical power in outdoor settings. They are built to withstand harsh environmental conditions, including rain, dust, and extreme temperatures. It helps organize, protect, and control electrical connections in residential, commercial, and industrial electrical systems. Designed to withstand exposure to moisture, dust, and temperature fluctuations, these boxes are usually made from durable materials such as metal or high-quality. Outdoor power distribution boxes are rapidly becoming essential for industries and businesses expanding operations beyond traditional indoor settings.


  • What to do if cable trays are dragged

    What to do if cable trays are dragged

    Improper Support and Fixing: Insufficient or loose brackets, hangers or supports may allow trays to vibrate or shift, risking cable damage. Adhere strictly to load tables and support spacing recommended by manufacturers. Whether installed as stainless steel cable trays, these components offer durable and flexible solutions for routing cables safely. These trays are typically made from steel, aluminium, or fibreglass, providing durability while allowing installation flexibility. Any debris or foreign material should be removed from the tray and its supports. The mechanical and electrical characteristics, tests, certifications, overall quality management, recommendations mentioned in this technical guide only apply to our own cable management ranges and cannot under any circumstances be transposed to si osure, overheating or.

    [PDF Version]
  • What types of outdoor black flat optical cables are available

    What types of outdoor black flat optical cables are available

    Discover the best outdoor fiber optic cables for your network needs. Learn about different cable types, including loose tube, aerial, and armored options, and how to choose the right one based on performance, durability, and application. Which cable type is mostly used for outdoor applications? What are the 3 main types of cable installation for outdoor applications? What color are outdoor fiber optic cables? What is the difference between. Outdoor fiber optic cables are critical for building stable, high-speed networks in real-world environments. Whether you're linking buildings, running broadband in rural areas, or building 5G infrastructure, the right cable matters. It affects performance, maintenance, cost, and reliability.

    [PDF Version]
  • What is the tax code for fiber optic patch cords

    What is the tax code for fiber optic patch cords

    The applicable subheading for both styles of Optical Fiber Cable Assemblies or Patch Cords (s/n 07061440158 and s/n LFP510071001) will be 8544. 0000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for Insulated wire, cable and other insulated electric. HSN Code is a hierarchical system of product Classification, you can explore the hierarchy below of HSN code 85447090, the most popular HSN codes used for Fiber Optic Patch Cord. Both cable assemblies are constructed from what is known as Duplex Zipcord cable. Zipcord cable appears to be two separate cables, each containing one individually sheath. Can be used for an export declaration. You may also use the analysis page to view month wise price information. This information is derived. For American exporters, the Schedule B code is a 10-digit subset of HTS codes., the extended version of the Harmonized System, called Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) is used.

    [PDF Version]
  • What level of motor wire should the blower unit be equipped with

    What level of motor wire should the blower unit be equipped with

    Gas Furnace (blower motor) requires 12 AWG copper on a 20A/120V dedicated circuit. Typical draw is 300-800W (3-8A). Know Your System: What You're Working With Before grabbing tools, take time to identify your furnace's electrical requirements. Electric furnaces typically run on 240 volts, which means you're dealing with high-voltage connections. This isn't like wiring a ceiling fan—this is serious power. This guide covers the complete wiring requirements per NEC 2023, including. The wiring of an HVAC blower motor may vary depending on the type and model of the motor, as well as the specific HVAC system it is connected to. However, there are some common elements and principles that can help you understand the basics of blower motor wiring., red, blue, or black (from low to high) to the power cord's black wire, the two neutrals (white wires) together, and the two ground wires (yellow or green) together.

    [PDF Version]
  • What does the pulling force of an optical cable mean

    What does the pulling force of an optical cable mean

    Tensile strength shows how much pulling force a fiber optic cable can handle before breaking, which is vital for cable durability and network reliability. Cable design, materials, coatings, and environmental conditions all affect tensile strength and must be considered to improve. Exceeding a cable's maximum pulling tension is one of the most common causes of installation damage, leading to signal degradation or complete failure. Remember, fiber optic glass is strong under tension but can be easily damaged by excessive force. You rely on this property to ensure the reliability of your cable during installation and operation. Stresses can occur when:. Crushing force is the relationship between the pulling force and the radius of the bend. As the radius gets smaller, the sidewall force increases.

    [PDF Version]
  • What is the working principle of an optical distribution box

    What is the working principle of an optical distribution box

    At its core, an ODF is a station that organises incoming and outgoing fiber optic cables. It serves as a central point for managing and distributing optical fibers, enabling efficient connectivity and easy access for maintenance and. Enter the Optical Distribution Frame (ODF)—a foundational component that serves as the “nerve center” for fiber optic management, enabling seamless connectivity, efficient maintenance, and scalable growth. As an important node in fiber optic access networks (such as FTTH) and backbone networks, it ensures efficient transmission. This passive layer is known as the Optical Distribution Network (ODN).


  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of mobile communication fiber optic cables

    What are the advantages and disadvantages of mobile communication fiber optic cables

    Conclusion : In summary, fiber optic cables offer superior performance in terms of speed, data capacity, and resistance to interference but may come with higher upfront costs and require specialized equipment and expertise for installation and maintenance. There are many advantages of using these cables over other kinds of communication cables, like the bandwidth of these cables is high, and they are less vulnerable than metal cables. As with any material choice, though, fiber has strengths and weaknesses. By the early 1990's, as the internet was becoming popular in the public realm, fiber optic cabling started to be laid around the world. Electromagnetic immunity – a reliable communication method. Optical fiber is capable of high-speed data. Fiber optic cables are a cutting-edge technology used for transmitting information as pulses of light through strands of fiber made of glass or plastic.

    [PDF Version]
  • What to do if the pigtail fiber is deformed

    What to do if the pigtail fiber is deformed

    Identifying a defective fiber pigtail involves visual inspection, performance monitoring, and proper testing. Get the wrong connector type, the wrong polish, or skip proper fusion splicing technique—and you're looking at elevated signal loss, increased back reflection, and a. A fiber optic pigtail is a short length of optical fiber —typically 0. 5m to 2m—that has a factory-terminated connector on one end and bare fiber on the other end. Understanding how to identify early warning signs can help reduce downtime and protect your network from unnecessary failures. This article equips engineers and network operators with actionable strategies to diagnose. Understanding the common causes of failure and implementing preventive measures is essential to maintaining reliable networks and avoiding costly downtime. If you're new to fiber optics or want to enhance your technical skills, this guide will help you understand how to splice fiber pigtails safely and efficiently.

    [PDF Version]
  • What type of rust-proof cable tray is used

    What type of rust-proof cable tray is used

    For such settings, anti-corrosive cable trays made from galvanized steel or aluminum alloy are excellent choices. Both materials offer adequate protection against light corrosion while being cost-effective and easy to install. Example: A commercial office building needed to replace its old, rusted. Corrosion-resistant cable trays are essential components in modern electrical infrastructure, especially in environments prone to moisture, chemicals, or extreme temperatures. Because of its closed design, this type of tray should e used in applications where there is minimal risk of heat generation and buildup. There is a solution for each type of environment. There are several types of cable trays, including ladder, perforated, solid bottom, basket, and channel trays. Each cable tray type performs a different function and comes in various materials such as aluminum. FRP/GRP cable tray, also called GRP tray, is made of advanced resin and fiber glass reinforcement, which is the support system for managing cables and protecting cables from heating, rain and corrosive elements.

    [PDF Version]
  • What type of steel cable tray is it

    What type of steel cable tray is it

    Common cable trays are made of galvanized,, aluminum, or glass-fiber reinforced plastic. The material for a given application is chosen based on where it will be used. Galvanized tray may be made of pre-galvanized steel sheet fabricated into tray, or may be hot-dip galvanized after fabrication. When galvanized tray is cut to length in the field, usually the cut surface will be painted with a zinc-rich compound to protect the metal from corrosion.


  • What to do if the electrical distribution box is near the front door

    What to do if the electrical distribution box is near the front door

    There must be 3 feet of clearance in front of your electrical panels, and the door must be able to open at least 90 degrees. Move any boxes or objects that obstruct your view. Expect to pay $1,500 to $2,000 to move an electrical panel, with replacement adding another $1,150 if your existing box needs upgrading. NEC Article 408 covers switchboards, switchgear, and Panelboards installation and applications. Many homeowners consider moving their breaker box for reasons such as home renovations, converting unfinished spaces, or addressing. Wherever you may want to place your circuit box, you must follow the electrical panel mounting requirements dictated by the NEC (National Electrical Code). For the sake of brevity, The National Electrical Code outlines that a breaker box must be installed in an area that provides clearance around. You need at least 3 feet of open space in front of the box. The box should be between 4 feet and 6 feet 7 inches high.

    [PDF Version]

Need Product Pricing?

Contact us for competitive quotes on any of our fiber optic products

Get a Quote