Walfront 1 in 1 Out Horizontal Fiber Optic Splice Enclosure (24 Core) Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The Walfront 1 in 1 Out Horizontal Fiber Optic Splice Enclosure is designed to provide a secure and protective environment for fiber optic cable splices. This IP68-rated enclosure ensures reliable performance in various environmental conditions, making it suitable for overhead, pipeline, direct burial, and branch connection applications. It accommodates up to 24 fiber cores and features a robust design for long-term durability.

2. Safety Information

• Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses and gloves, when handling fiber optic cables and tools.
• Never look directly into the end of a fiber optic cable that may be connected to a light source, as invisible laser radiation can cause eye damage.
• Handle fiber optic cables with care to prevent bending, kinking, or breaking, which can impair signal transmission.
• Ensure all electrical connections, if any, are made by qualified personnel and comply with local electrical codes.
• Keep the enclosure sealed properly to maintain its IP68 rating and protect internal components from moisture and dust.

3. Product Components

The Walfront Fiber Optic Splice Enclosure typically includes the following components:

• Fiber Optic Splice Enclosure Housing (PC alloy)
• Splice Trays (up to four layers, adjustable)
• Cable Glands (for cable entry/exit)
• Sealing Gaskets and Components
• Mounting Hardware (screws, brackets)
• Fiber Protection Sleeves
• Wrench
• Insulation Tape

Figure 3.1: Included components of the splice enclosure kit.

Figure 3.2: Internal view of the enclosure with splice tray.

4. Specifications

Figure 4.1: Product dimensions.

5. Setup and Installation

Follow these steps for proper installation of the fiber optic splice enclosure:

1. Prepare the Mounting Location: Choose a suitable location for mounting the enclosure, ensuring it is clean, dry, and accessible. Use the provided mounting hardware to securely attach the enclosure to a wall, pole, or other surface.
2. Open the Enclosure: Loosen the screws on the enclosure lid and carefully open it.
3. Cable Entry Preparation: Identify the cable entry ports. Unscrew the cable glands and remove any temporary plugs. Prepare the fiber optic cables by stripping the outer jacket to the required length, exposing the fiber bundles.
4. Insert Cables: Feed the prepared fiber optic cables through the cable glands into the enclosure. Ensure the cables are properly seated and secured by tightening the cable glands to create a watertight seal.
5. Fiber Routing and Management: Route the fiber bundles within the enclosure, utilizing the designated cable management features. Secure the strength members of the cables to the enclosure's anchoring points.
6. Splicing: Arrange the splice trays. Perform fiber splicing according to standard practices, using fusion or mechanical splices. Place the completed splices into the splice protection sleeves and secure them within the splice trays. The storage disc can be adjusted up to four layers based on the number of cores.
7. Close the Enclosure: Once all splicing and fiber management are complete, ensure all components are properly seated and no fibers are pinched. Carefully close the enclosure lid and tighten all screws evenly to ensure a proper seal and maintain the IP68 rating.

Figure 5.1: Cable entry glands.

Figure 5.2: Enclosure installed in a network environment.

6. Operation

The Walfront Fiber Optic Splice Enclosure functions as a passive protective housing for fiber optic splices. Once installed and sealed, it requires no active operation. Its primary role is to:

• Protect fiber splices from environmental elements such as moisture, dust, and extreme temperatures.
• Provide mechanical protection against impact, vibration, and cable stress.
• Organize and manage fiber optic cables and splices within a compact space.
• Facilitate easy access for future maintenance or expansion of the fiber network.

Figure 6.1: Enclosure protecting fiber optic connections.

7. Maintenance

Regular maintenance helps ensure the longevity and optimal performance of the splice enclosure:

• Periodic Inspection: Visually inspect the exterior of the enclosure for any signs of physical damage, cracks, or loose components. Check for any signs of water ingress or corrosion, especially around cable entry points.
• Seal Integrity: Ensure that all cable glands are tightly secured and that the main enclosure seal is intact. If any seals appear degraded or damaged, they should be replaced to maintain the IP68 rating.
• Cleaning: Clean the exterior surfaces of the enclosure as needed using a soft, damp cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the PC alloy material.
• Cable Management: If the enclosure is opened for any reason, verify that internal fibers are still neatly routed and secured within the splice trays, preventing excessive bending or stress.

8. Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues that may arise:

• Signal Loss or Degradation:
  • Check Splices: Verify the integrity of all fiber splices within the enclosure. Re-splice any damaged or poorly performing connections.
  • Cable Bending: Ensure no fiber optic cables are bent beyond their minimum bend radius, which can cause signal attenuation.
  • Connector Issues: If connectors are used, ensure they are clean and properly seated.
• Water or Dust Ingress:
  • Inspect Seals: Check all cable glands and the main enclosure gasket for proper seating and damage. Tighten loose glands or replace damaged seals.
  • Lid Closure: Ensure the enclosure lid is fully closed and all screws are tightened evenly to compress the gasket.
• Physical Damage to Enclosure:
  • Cracks or Breaks: If the PC alloy housing is cracked or severely damaged, the enclosure's protective capabilities may be compromised. Consider replacing the unit.

9. Warranty and Support

For technical assistance, product support, or warranty inquiries regarding your Walfront Fiber Optic Splice Enclosure, please contact Walfront customer service through your point of purchase or the official Walfront website. Please have your model number (738589299026) and purchase information available when contacting support.