Fiber color code is a color coding system used in fiber optics as specified by the TIA-598 standard to identify cables, connectors, and individual fibers. This coding system is the EIA/TIA-598 standard developed by the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) and the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA). The EIA has since been dropped and we now only use the TIA-598 standard. This standard is the most recognized fiber color coding system worldwide. It addresses the manufacturer’s fiber color codes to follow and reference to ensure consistency across the industry.
Fiber color code plays a vital role in quickly identifying fiber optic cables. In fiber optic cables, multiple individual fibers are bundled within an outer protective jacket. Therefore, technicians must quickly identify each fiber for proper installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. The TIA-598 color coding standard uses a combination of two different colors to identify each fiber. For example, the first fiber in a cable may be blue, and the second fiber may be orange. According to different parts of the optical cable, we can divide the color coding into three categories: outer sheath, inner fiber, and connector.
Outer Jacket Color Code
The outer jacket of a fiber optic cable often has a specific color to indicate the type or application of the fiber optic cable. In TIA-598, the fiber color code defines the outer jacket color codes for different fiber types. So, fiber patch cords or fiber pigtails can identified with color coding, as they can have different colors on their outside. For optical fiber cable that contains only one type of fiber, we can easily identify it by its outer jacket color. However, the outer jacket of the premises cable containing more than one fiber type shall use a printed legend to identify the quantities and types of fibers within the cable.
| Fiber Type | Color Code | ||
| Non-military Applications | Military Applications | Suggested Print Nomenclature | |
| OM1 62.5/125µm Multimode | Orange | Slate | 62.5/125 |
| OM2 50/125µm Multimode | Orange | Orange | 50/125 |
| OM3 50/125 µm (850 nm Laser-Optimized) Multimode | Aqua | Undefined | 850 LO 50/125 |
| OM4 50/125µm (850 nm Laser-Optimized) Multimode | Aqua/Violet | Undefined | 850 LO 50/125 |
| 100/140µm Multimode | Orange | Green | 100/140 |
| OS1/OS2 Single Mode | Yellow | Yellow | SM/NZDS, SM |
| Polarization Maintaining Single-Mode | Blue | Undefined | Undefined |
Inner Fiber Color Code
Inside a multi-fiber optic cable, individual fibers are color-coded for easy identification. They are often easily identified within each cable or inside each tube in a loose tube cable. In the TIA-598 standard, inner fibers are color-coded in a group of 12 fibers and they are counted in a clockwise direction.
BWNFiber produces high-count fiber cables (up to 288 cores) with high-contrast color coding for mistake-proof splicing. [Request a Bulk Pricing List]
There are two situations for multi-fiber cables. For cables with less than 12 strands of fibers, each fiber will be identified with 12 colors. For cables with over 12 strands of fibers, the color code runs from 1 through 12 and then repeats itself with slight variations. For example, by adding a stripe to the second group (if it’s a 24-strand cable) or using another distinctive mark to distinguish the 1st group.
Connector Color Code
Fiber optic connector color coding is a specific color used to identify different types of connectors. It helps technicians quickly identify and match connectors, ensuring accurate connections within fiber optic networks. In addition, fiber optic patch cords use color coding to identify connectors and the mating adapters. However, since the advent of metal connectors such as FC and ST has made connector color coding difficult, colored strain relief shields are also used.
The standard multimode OM1/OM2 fiber patch cords are typically colored in beige or black, while OM3 and OM4 are aqua and magenta, respectively. For single-mode UPC, the standard is blue, while for single-mode APC terminations, green fiber connectors are used. It is crucial to distinguish UPC and APC connectors. Details are as follows:
| Fiber Types | Polish Style | Connector Color |
| OM1 62.5/125 | UPC | Beige/Grey |
| OM2 50/125 | UPC | Black |
| OM3/OM4 50/125 laser optimized | UPC | Aqua |
| Single Mode | UPC | Blue |
| Single Mode | APC | Green |
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The Importance of Fiber Color Code
Fiber color code can help technicians efficiently manage, maintain, and troubleshoot fiber optic cables. It offers multiple benefits in indoor and outdoor applications.
Easy to Identification
Fiber color codes help distinguish between individual fibers within a cable. In fiber optic cables, multiple individual fibers are bundled within an outer protective jacket. The color codes ensure that technicians can identify specific fibers without confusion.
Easy to Install
During installation, technicians can quickly identify fibers and connect them to the appropriate devices. This saves time and resources.
Easy to Maintain
Color coding enables easy identification of fibers. The technicians rapidly locate and replace the problematic fiber. This reduces downtime to ensure uninterrupted communication services.
Fiber Tracing
Color coding allows for efficient fiber tracing, simplifying the process of tracking a fiber’s path from start to end.
Safety Compliance
The use of color codes can indicate different safety levels or precautions required, assisting in the prevention of accidents or mishandling.
In Conclusion
Fiber color code helps us distinguish fiber types visually from the colored fiber optic jacket, inner fiber, and fiber connector. So, this color code is essential to fiber optic communications.
Understanding color codes is the first step. Building a fast network is the next. From Fast Connectors matching these colors to Quick ODN distribution boxes, BWNFiber is your one-stop partner. [Send Us Your Project Requirements]
FAQ
The TIA-598 standard is the most widely used system for identifying individual fibers, tubes, and cables. It defines a sequence of 12 colors (Blue, Orange, Green, Brown, etc.) to ensure consistency during installation and maintenance. At BWNFiber, all our fiber cables strictly follow this international standard for global compatibility.
For cables with more than 12 fibers, the sequence repeats. To distinguish the second set of 12, a black stripe (or another marking) is typically added to the buffer tubes or fiber coatings. We provide clear, high-contrast marking on all our multi-core cables to prevent splicing errors.
Yes! While there are standard colors (Yellow for Single-mode, Aqua for OM3, etc.), BWNFiber offers OEM customization services. We can produce fiber cables with specific jacket colors to match your network branding or specific environmental requirements. [Contact us for custom options].
Consistent color coding reduces “truck rolls” and troubleshooting time. Using cables with high-quality, non-fading pigments ensures that technicians can accurately identify fibers even years after installation, significantly lowering long-term maintenance costs.
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Splicing fiber optic cable is a new type of functional optical cable that joins two different optical cables together through mechanical or fusion splicing. This splicing fiber cable offers improved durability and minimal loss. Fiber splicing is often used when a fiber optic cable breaks unexpectedly or is extended. In addition, it can also join two different cable types, or attach a fiber pigtail. Through fiber splicing, fiber optic technicians can extend the length of the fiber to make it long enough for use in a required cable run. In addition, splicing is also used to repair severed fiber optic cables that are buried underground or to rejoin fiber optic cables when inadvertently broken.
While the other method of joining fibers is called termination or connection, splicing is faster and more efficient. It is most commonly used in the field but has applications in cable assembly houses. In addition, it is used to restore fiber optic cables when a buried cable is accidentally severed. Splicing has lower light loss (attenuation) and back reflection than terminations or connections.
Methods of Splicing Fiber Optic Cable
The two most common methods of fiber splicing are mechanical and fusion. There are many factors to consider when choosing which type of fiber splicing to perform.
Mechanical Splicing
Mechanical splicing uses a small mechanical splice that precisely aligns two fiber optic cables and then secures them mechanically. After the two ends are secured, a snap-type or adhesive cover is used to fasten the splice permanently. The fibers are not permanently joined, just precisely held together so that light can pass from one to another. Splicing loss is typically 0.3 dB or 10%. Mechanical splicing is usually used when splices need to be made quickly and easily.
Fusion Splicing
Fusion splicing is the most used method of fiber optic splicing. It first uses a fusion splicer machine to align the two fiber ends. Then, an electric arc is used to “fuse” the glass ends together. Fusion splicing is more expensive but has a longer life than mechanical splicing. In addition, it can achieve very low-loss light optical transmission. The typical loss is 0.1 dB. Fusion splicing produces a reliable joint with low insertion loss and nearly zero back reflection, and thus, is more widely used than mechanical splicing.
Benefits of Splicing Fiber Optic Cables
1. Compared to using connectors, splicing not only provides a stronger and more reliable joint but also introduces much lower insertion loss.
2. Splicing can be used to mix several different types of fiber optic cables, for instance, connecting a 48-fiber cable to six 8-fiber cables.
Steps to Splice Fiber Optic Cables
1. Prepare the Tools and Materials
Before you begin splicing fiber optic cable, you’ll need to gather the tools and materials: fiber cable, fiber fusion splicer, protective sleeve, heat shrink tubing, stripping tool, cleaver, etc.
2. Prepare the Fiber Cable
The first step in splicing fiber optic cable is to prepare the fiber cable. Start by stripping the cable to reveal the bare fibers. Then, use a cleaver to cut the fiber to the correct length. Ensure that glass offcuts are safely disposed into an optical fiber sharps container. The offcuts can be a dangerous hazard if not properly discarded.
3. Clean the Fibers
Use an alcohol pad to clean the ends of the fibers. This removes any dirt, oil, or other contaminants. Make sure to clean the fibers thoroughly and allow them to dry completely.
4. Load the Fibers into the Fusion Splicer
Once the fibers are clean, they can be loaded into the fusion splicer.
5. Perform the Splice
Perform the splice. The fusion splicer uses a high-powered arc to fuse the fibers, creating a permanent and highly secure bond. Most fiber fusion splicers will automatically align the fibers and detect/signal once a splice has been correctly performed.
6. Protect the Splice
Once splicing is complete, it is important to protect the spliced joints to prevent any damage. Use a protective heat shrink sleeve to secure the splice.
7. Test the Splice
Finally, it’s important to test the splice. You can use an optical power meter and a visual fault locator to test the splice.
FAQ of Splicing Fiber Optic Cable
What are the methods of splicing fiber optic cables?
Mechanical splicing and fusion splicing.
Why use fiber optic splicing?
Fiber splices are typically employed for one of four reasons: to repair a damaged cable, extend the length of a cable, join two different cable types, or attach a pigtail.
Where are splicing fiber optic cable applications?
Splicing fiber optic cables exist across industries, such as Computer Networking, Telecommunications, Medical, etc.
Aerial fiber optic cable is an insulated fiber optic cable erected on tower poles specially designed for outdoor aerial, air, and overhead applications. It is also called overhead or air fiber optic cable. Aerial cables are some of the most cost-effective methods of deployment. Operators can use existing poles to avoid digging up roads to bury cables or ducts. The outer jacket of the aerial cable is enhanced with high-quality materials that resist excess heat and moisture. In addition, this cable also includes a ¼” galvanized messenger wire for stability. This figure-eight design reduces the installation time and cost by approximately 50%. Aerial fiber optic cables are commonly used in cable television, outside plants, and telecom applications.
Direct burial fiber optic cable is an underground fiber optic cable specially designed for direct buried installation with steel tape or wire armor outside. Direct burial is the most convenient way to lay optical cables. It saves the cost of pipeline and overhead installation. The cable is usually made of a plastic sheath and surrounded by a protective armor. This armored fiber optic cable protects the fiber from damage caused by rodents and other animals. In addition, the direct burial cable is also designed to be moisture-resistant, which helps prevent water from seeping into it and damaging the fibers. Direct burial cable is primarily used in direct burial in the soil or underground conduits.
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