GR-20 Ribbon Separation 5.2.2

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GR-20 Ribbon Separation 5.2.2

• PFOC Lab Meeting
• 10/18/2005
• Presentation Modified on Feb 14, 2006
• Contributed by Scott Torrey
• Product Line Manager Ribbon Cable
• Corning Cable Systems

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Outline

• FTTH and ribbon separation
• Current test procedure
• Suggested changes

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FTTH and ribbon separation

• Verizon uses ribbon cables in both the feeder and
  distribution segments of the network
• Ribbons are now more frequently accessed to drop
  single fibers at network access points (NAPs)

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Ribbon Separation Test (GR-20 5.2.2)

• Section 5.2.2. contains 4 variations of the test
• Edge fiber pulled out of ribbon at end
• 6-fiber ribbon pulled out of ribbon at end
• Edge fiber pulled out of ribbon in mid-span
• 6-fiber ribbon pulled out of ribbon at mid-span
• Pass/Fail
• Force required to perform separation lt 4.4 N (1
  lbf)
• Ribbon matrix easily removable to access
  individual fibers without damaging coating
• Fiber coloring retained on fiber so any 2.5 cm
  length (1 inch) section identifiable
• No coating damage (5x magnification)
• Any fiber or sub-ribbon separable by tool or hand
  gt 1 meter

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Ribbon Separation Test (GR-20 5.2.2)Edge fiber
separation end sample
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Ribbon Separation Test (GR-20 5.2.2)6-fiber
ribbon separation mid-span
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Differences exist between test method and field
procedure

• More than one individual fiber often separated
  from ribbon
• Fibers typically pulled out of edge of ribbon
  vs. 90-degree angle to long-axis of ribbon
• Test requires sample size of two ribbons

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Changes and Additions

• 1. All fibers are to be separated from the
  ribbon, one at a time, using current test set up
  and equipment.
• 2. All fibers to be separated, one at a time,
  through the edge of the ribbon to reflect typical
  field practices.
• 3. If the cable under evaluation contains six
  ribbons or less then perform items 1 2 on all
  ribbons. If more than six ribbons then perform
  items 1 2 on six ribbons.
• 4. Pull six ribbon samples (less if less than a
  six ribbon cable) from six different lots, i.e.
  each sample from a different machine line up, or
  a different shift, etc. Document pedigree and
  rationale of each sample. Perform section 5.2.2
  with the changes identified in items 1-4.