What happens to the primary buffer coating during termination or splicing?

During termination or splicing of fiber optic cables, the primary buffer coating is removed to expose the bare fiber glass. This step is crucial because the primary buffer serves as a protective layer, but it needs to be stripped away in order to properly splice or terminate the fiber. This process ensures that the fiber ends can be aligned and connected accurately for optimal performance, allowing light signals to pass through without significant loss or reflection.

The stripping of the primary buffer coating allows technicians to access the cladding and core of the fiber, which are the critical components necessary for creating a proper connection, whether it be through a splice or connector termination. It’s important to note that this stripping must be done carefully to avoid damaging the fiber itself during the process.