While quite obvious to those in the fiber industry, this basic question is common among those outside of this niche. With that, we’ll do our best to give a high-level overview and definition of the fusion splicer.

Fusion Splicer Definition:

A fusion splicer is a device that uses an electrical arc to weld two pieces of fiber cable together. This process of welding the cables together is called “fusing” or “splicing”. Thus the devices “splice” the cables using “fusion” and are called “Fusion Splicers.”

The process in which this equipment works is as such: Two Strands of fiber are mounted on corresponding fixtures and properly aligned. The fiber ends are inspected under a microscope as the quality of the ends and the proper angle at which they fuse is important to reduce “splice loss”. The machine then splices the two fibers with the electrical arc.

Originally, fusion splicers used nichrome wire to heat each fiber end but now there are advanced techniques more commonly employed including gas flames, CO2 Carbon Dioxide and of course most commonly electrical arcs.

Fusion Splicer Users:
Typical users of fusion splicers and splicing hardware include telecommunications workers, cable companies employees, the military and anyone else who might work with fiber-optics on a regular basis. Regular users of these devices greatly appreciate the increased speed and precision as well as automatic splicing capabilities that come with the latest models.

When it comes to high-volume fiber splicing, you want to be able to operate quickly.  The following are some of the current lineup of the fastest fusion splicers on the market and their associated splicing speeds:

Fujikura FSM-60S:
Fiber Splicing Speed: 9 Seconds
Sleeve Heating Speed: 30 Seconds
Total Splice Time: 39 seconds

Sumitomo Type-39:
Fiber Splicing Speed: 9 Seconds
Sleeve Heating Speed: 30 Seconds
Total Splice Time: 39 seconds

Fujikura FSM-50S:
Fiber Splicing Speed: 9 Seconds
Sleeve Heating Speed: 35 Seconds
Total Splice Time: 44 seconds

For those accustomed to old fusion splicers that take a minute or longer just to splice the fiber these models must be the subjects of their daydreams.

Let me know if I missed any of the other top models when it comes to high-speed fiber and fusion splicers!

eBay is a great place to find discounts on products of all stripes, but when buying expensive hardware such as fusion splicers, careful consideration is always recommended.

It is extremely important to ask questions.  When buying from an eBay seller, it’s a good exercise to communicate with them before buying to get a good feel for the seller.

Some questions to ask to help you make a decision:

1) Authorized or Open Market vendor?
Is the seller an approved authorized vendor by the manufacturer?
If not, where do they source their equipment from?

For example, according to their website, Fujikura only authorizes AFL to distribute their splicer products in the USA.  If you see Fujikura splicers sold by other distributors you’ll have to get more details on what they’re offering since they don’t have that direct authorized relationship with Fujikura.  Similarly, Sumitomo Electric USA and also Power & Tel are authorized as Sumitomo Distributors.

2) Warranty?
How long of a warranty is provided and is the product eligible for support?
Who provides the warranty support and any extended maintenance?
Do they replace your product if it goes down?  Repair it?  Send a loaner?
Do they replace your product or provide a loaner with the exact same model?.. or an equivalent?

3) Hardware History (if buying used):
What is the arc count on the splicer?
Has this unit ever been in need of repair in the past?
Has the fiber splicer been used in rugged conditions?

4) Seller Background
Do your typical due diligence checking BBB, asking for references, check eBay history, etc, etc…

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Hopefully these questions will help arm you with the information you need to make the best decision when buying fusion splicers on eBay or other online auctions.