Which tool is appropriate for determining fault location and splice loss?

The optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR) is the appropriate tool for determining fault location and splice loss in fiber optic networks. An OTDR operates by sending a series of optical pulses into the fiber and analyzing the light that is reflected back. This allows technicians to pinpoint where faults occur in the fiber, such as breaks or high splice losses, based on the timing and intensity of the reflected signals. The data can also provide information about the quality of connections along the fiber and the overall length of the fiber run.

In contrast, while a fiber optic power meter can measure the power level of light at the output end of a fiber, it does not provide specific information about the location of faults or the loss at each splice point. An inspection microscope is used to examine the ends of fibers for contamination or damage, but it does not measure loss directly or identify faults along the length of the fiber. A visual fiber tracer is useful for identifying the presence of light in a fiber but cannot measure splice loss or accurately gauge fault locations either. Thus, the OTDR stands out as the most suitable tool for these specific diagnostic purposes.