Engineering Standard

SAES-T-632 17 February 2015

Communications Cable Splicing
Document Responsibility: Communications Standards Committee

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Table of Contents

1 Scope............................................................. 2
2 Conflicts and Deviations................................. 2
3 References..................................................... 2
4 Definitions....................................................... 3
5 Design............................................................. 4
6 Installation..................................................... 25
7 Testing and Inspection.................................. 26

Previous Issue: 2 May 2012 Next Planned Update: 17 February 2020

Primary contact: Abdullatif, Abduladhim Habib (abduah0o) on +966-13-8801356

Copyright©Saudi Aramco 2015. All rights reserved.

Document Responsibility: Communications Standards Committee SAES-T-632
Issue Date: 17 February 2015
Next Planned Update: 17 February 2020 Communications Cable Splicing

1 Scope

This standard describes mandatory requirements governing the engineering and design
for splicing methods related to installation of plastic insulated copper (PIC) and fiber
optic (FOC) communications cables. This standard applies to all cable splicing
technique required on all cable plants.

2 Conflicts and Deviations

Any conflicts between this standard and other applicable Saudi Aramco Engineering
Standards (SAES's), Materials System Specifications (SAMSS's), Standard Drawings
(SASD's), or industry standards, codes, and forms shall be resolved in writing by the
Responsible Department Manager (RDM) for this standard in accordance with internal
company procedure SAEP-302.

3 References

The selection of material and equipment, and the design, construction, maintenance, and
repair of equipment and facilities covered by this standard shall comply with the latest
edition of the references listed below, unless otherwise noted.

3.1 Saudi Aramco References

Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure

SAEP-302 Instructions for Obtaining a Waiver of a Mandatory
Saudi Aramco Engineering Requirement

Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards

SAES-T-018 Telecommunications - Symbols, Abbreviations and
Definitions
SAES-T-633 Communications Splice Closures
SAES-T-634 Telecommunications - Cable Testing and
Acceptance
SAES-T-903 Telecommunications Outside Plant Electrical
Protection and Grounding
SAES-T-920 Telecommunications Cable Information

Saudi Aramco Materials System Specification

18-SAMSS-625 Outside Plant - Fiber Optic Cable Specifications
(Single Mode and Multiple Mode)

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Document Responsibility: Communications Standards Committee SAES-T-632
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Next Planned Update: 17 February 2020 Communications Cable Splicing

Saudi Aramco General Instruction

GI-1021.000 Street and Road Closure: Excavations,
Reinstatement and Traffic Controls

3.2 Industry Codes and Standards

Building Industry Consulting Services International

BICSI OSP Outside Plant Design Reference Manual
(Latest Version)

National Fire Protection Association

NFPA 70 National Electrical Code (NEC)

Rural Utilities Service (RUS)

BULLETIN 1753F-401 RUS Standard for Splicing Copper and Fiber
Optic Cables

4 Definitions

Acceptance Test: A test or set of tests performed to demonstrate satisfactory completion

of a predetermined task or group of tasks on which project acceptance is dependent.

Bridged Tap: A connection that enables multiple appearances of the same cable pair at
several distribution points.

Buried Cable: A cable that is installed under the surface of the ground in such a
manner that it cannot be removed without disturbance to the soil. Also referred to as
direct-buried cable.

Butt Splice: A splice case or closure where cables to be spliced enter from one end only.

Cable Vault: A telecommunications space, typically subterranean, located within or

between buildings and used for the distribution, splicing, and termination of cabling.

Encapsulant: A permanent or removable filling compound for a splice enclosure to

prevent water intrusion.

Even Count: Copper cable with each 25 pair count starting with 1, 26, 51, 76, 101, etc.
All PIC cable is of even-count construction.

Odd Count: Copper cable with additional spare pairs in the pair count. 25 pair groups
count may not start pair # 26, 51, etc.

Splicing: The permanent joining of fiber ends to identical or similar fibers without the

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Document Responsibility: Communications Standards Committee SAES-T-632
Issue Date: 17 February 2015
Next Planned Update: 17 February 2020 Communications Cable Splicing

use of a connector.

Splice Case or Splice Closure: A metal or plastic housing with a semi-cylindrical

cavity used in identical pairs to clamp around a cable splice to provide a closure.

Straight Splice: A splice case or closure where one cable enters from one end and the
other cable enters from the other end.

Underground Cable: A telecommunications cable installed under the surface of the

earth in a trough or duct that isolates the cable from direct contact with the soil.

5 Design

5.1 General

5.1.1 Cables and splicing materials used on outside plant projects shall be of
filled type. Copper cables shall comply with SAES-T-920, fiber optic
cables shall comply with 18-SAMSS-625 and splice closures shall
comply with SAES-T-633.

5.1.2 The design engineer should carefully consider the amount and location
of the splice closures in underground cable plant, whether the
transmission medium is copper or optical fiber cable. The goal is to
maximize cable run and minimize splices, since they may be a source of
unpredictable amount of subsequent troubles.

5.1.3 Refer to BICSI OSP Manual and RUS Bulletin 1753-401 for additional
information on splicing requirements.

5.1.4 A proper size and type splice closure shall be used to enclose splices on
any cable splicing requirements. The design engineer shall clearly
identify and specify the proper size and type splice closure on the IFC
drawings. Refer to SAES-T-633 for additional information on splice
closures. Never use indoor splice closure for OSP work.

5.1.4.1 The function of a splice closure is to:

• Secure and protect cable and splices from mechanical and
environmental hazards
• Provide strain relief
• Allow reentry
• Encapsulant choice may preclude splice reentry

5.1.4.2 The splice closure used in both copper and optical fiber

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Document Responsibility: Communications Standards Committee SAES-T-632
Issue Date: 17 February 2015
Next Planned Update: 17 February 2020 Communications Cable Splicing

environments can be:

• Pressurized or non-pressurized
• May be watertight or vented
• Filled or non-filled
• Available in many sizes

5.1.5 All copper cable pairs and fiber optic cable strands shall be free from
defects. It is desirable that installed cable sections be tested before
splicing. Copper cables are recommended to be tested for grounds,
opens, shorts, crosses, and shield continuity; and fiber optic cables are
recommended to be tested by OTDR for continuity and dB loss.

5.1.6 Cable splices must follow the manufacturer's instructions concerning

cable bending radius.

5.1.7 For personnel safety, the shields and metallic strength members of the
cables to be spliced shall be bonded together and grounded before
splicing activities are started. (See SAES-T-903 for outside plant cable
grounding requirements).

5.1.8 Only non-filled fire retardant rated splices shall be used in buildings to
splice outside plant cables with indoor cables. Splices shall be made as
close as practical to the point where the outside plant cables enter the
building within 15 meters. OSP cables within the building shall be
wrapped with fireproof tape. Indoor cables shall be listed as
Communication Riser Cable (Type CMR) in accordance with NFPA 70
“National Electrical Code”.

5.1.9 Safety glasses shall be worn when handling glass fibers.

5.1.10 Never view open-ended fibers with the naked eye or a magnifying
device. Improper viewing of a fiber end that is transmitting light may
cause irreparable eye damage.

5.1.11 Dispose of bare scrap fibers by using the sticky side of a piece of tape to
pick up and discard loose fiber ends. Fiber scraps easily penetrate the
skin and are difficult to remove.

5.2 Copper Cables Splicing

5.2.1 Cable Sheath Removal

5.2.1.1 The length of cable sheath to be removed shall be governed by

the type of splicing hardware used. Follow the splice case

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Document Responsibility: Communications Standards Committee SAES-T-632
Issue Date: 17 February 2015
Next Planned Update: 17 February 2020 Communications Cable Splicing

manufacturer's recommendations. For pedestals or large pair

count splice housings, consider removing enough cable sheath
to allow the conductors to extend to the top of the pedestal and
then hang downward to approximately 15 centimeters (cm)
(6 inches (in.)) above the baseplate.

5.2.1.2 Caution shall be exercised to avoid damaging the conductor

insulation when cutting through the cable shield and removing
the shield. Sharp edges and burrs shall be removed from the
cut end of the shield.

5.2.2 Binder Group Identification

5.2.2.1 Color coded plastic tie wraps shall be placed loosely around
each binder group of the cables before splicing operations are
attempted. The tie wraps shall be installed as near the cable
sheath as practicable and shall conform to the same color
designations as the binder ribbons. Twisted wire pigtails shall
not be used to identify binder groups due to potential
transmission degradation.

5.2.2.2 The standard insulation color code used to identify individual

cable pairs within 25-pair binder groups shall be as shown in
Table 1. Splicing shall follow this scheme.

Table 1 - Cable Pair Identification within Binder Groups

Color
Pair No. Tip Ring
1 White Blue
2 White Orange
3 White Green
4 White Brown
5 White Slate (Gray)
6 Red Blue
7 Red Orange
8 Red Green
9 Red Brown
10 Red Slate (Gray)
11 Black Blue
12 Black Orange
13 Black Green
14 Black Brown

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Document Responsibility: Communications Standards Committee SAES-T-632
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Next Planned Update: 17 February 2020 Communications Cable Splicing

Color
Pair No. Tip Ring
15 Black Slate (Gray)
16 Yellow Blue
17 Yellow Orange
18 Yellow Green
19 Yellow Brown
20 Yellow Slate (Gray)
21 Violet Blue
22 Violet Orange
23 Violet Green
24 Violet Brown
25 Violet Slate (Gray)

5.2.2.3 The standard binder ribbon color code used to designate

25-pair binder groups within 600-pair super units shall be as
shown in Table 2. Splicing shall follow this scheme.

Table 2 - Cable Binder Group Identification

Group No. Color of Bindings Group Pair Count
1 White-Blue 1-25
2 White-Orange 26-50
3 White-Green 51-75
4 White-Brown 76-100
5 White-Slate 101-125
6 Red-Blue 126-150
7 Red-Orange 151-175
8 Red-Green 176-200
9 Red-Brown 201-225
10 Red-Slate 226-250
11 Black-Blue 251-275
12 Black-Orange 276-300
13 Black-Green 301-325
14 Black-Brown 326-350
15 Black-Slate 351-375
16 Yellow-Blue 376-400
17 Yellow-Orange 401-425
18 Yellow-Green 426-450
19 Yellow-Brown 451-475

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Document Responsibility: Communications Standards Committee SAES-T-632
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Next Planned Update: 17 February 2020 Communications Cable Splicing

Group No. Color of Bindings Group Pair Count

20 Yellow-Slate 476-500
21 Violet-Blue 501-525
22 Violet-Orange 526-550
23 Violet-Green 551-575
24 Violet-Brown 576-600

5.2.2.4 Super unit binder groups shall be identified in accordance with

Table 3. Splicing shall follow this scheme.

Table 3 - Super-Unit Binder Colors

Pair Numbers Binder Color
1-600 White
601-1200 Red
1201-1800 Black
1801-2400 Yellow
2401-3000 Violet
3001-3600 Blue
3601-4200 Orange
4201-4800 Green
4801-5400 Brown
5401-6000 Slate

5.2.2.5 Service pairs in screened cables shall be identified in

accordance with Table 4. Splicing shall follow this scheme.

Table 4 - Screened Cable Service Pair Identification Color

Color
Service Pair No. Tip Ring
1 White Red
2 White Black
3 White Yellow
4 White Violet
5 Red Black
6 Red Yellow
7 Red Violet
8 Black Yellow
9 Black Violet

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Document Responsibility: Communications Standards Committee SAES-T-632
Issue Date: 17 February 2015
Next Planned Update: 17 February 2020 Communications Cable Splicing

5.2.3 Cleaning Conductors

It is not necessary to remove the filling compound from cable conductors

before splicing. However, it is permissible to wipe individual conductors
with clean paper towels or clean cloth rags. No cleaning chemicals,
etc., shall be used. Caution shall be exercised to maintain individual
cable pair and binder group identity. Binder group identity shall be
maintained by using color coded plastic tie wraps. Individual pair
identification shall be maintained by carefully twisting together the two
conductors of each pair.

5.2.4 Expanded Plastic Insulated Conductor (PIC) Precautions

Solid PIC and expanded (foam or foam skin) PIC are spliced in the same
manner, using the same tools and materials and, in general, should be
treated the same. However, the insulation on expanded PIC is much more
fragile than solid PIC. Twisting or forming expanded PIC into extremely
compact splice bundles and applying excessive amounts of tension when
tightening tie wraps causes shiners and, thus shall be avoided.

5.2.5 Splice Connectors

5.2.5.1 Only filled splice connectors shall be used on outside plant

projects. The following list of splicing materials/connectors is
the most widely used for splicing polyethylene conductors:
 UR 18-021-952 (3M Scotchlok)
 UG 18-021-953 (3M Scotchlok)
 PICA Bond 18-022-018 (Amphenol)

5.2.5.2 The UR connector can be used to insulate, butt splice, and

seal any two or three 19, 22, 24, or 26 gauge cable conductors.
The UG connector can be used for tap splices.

5.2.5.3 Crimp the connector with a standard E9 crimping tool (E9-E or E9-Y)
until the cap of the connector is flush with the connector base as shown
in Figure 1.

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Document Responsibility: Communications Standards Committee SAES-T-632
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Figure 1 – E9 Crimping Tool

5.2.5.4 Twist each spliced pair loosely four times to prevent them from
separating. Use the following illustration shown in Figure 2 as
a reference to apply twists to conductors.

Figure 2 – Twists to Conductors

NOTE: DO NOT spin twist or make tight twists in pairs.

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Document Responsibility: Communications Standards Committee SAES-T-632
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Next Planned Update: 17 February 2020 Communications Cable Splicing

5.2.5.5 The PICA Bond or AMP connector is smaller than the

Scotchlok connectors. The use of a Picabond connector results
in a much smaller splice bundle. This smaller splice bundle is
very desirable in high pair count cables. The Picabond
connector is available with sealant for through and bridge
connections in a butt splice configuration. See Figure 3 for
various combinations of conductors using Picabond connector.

Figure 3 – A-MP Connector Shown Joining Various Combinations of Conductors

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Document Responsibility: Communications Standards Committee SAES-T-632
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Next Planned Update: 17 February 2020 Communications Cable Splicing

5.2.5.6 The crimping tool is designed to hold, cut the conductors, and
crimp the connector in one operation. The crimping tool may
be used separately as a hand held tool (Figure 4) or placed in
the holder. The holder, however, should be used whenever
making splices of 100 pairs or more.

Figure 4 – Crimping Tool

5.2.5.7 Each Picabond connector consists of a preassembled two-piece

housing (contact retainer housing and wire entry housing) and
an insulation displacement contact. This contact will accept
solid copper conductors in any combination of 19 through
26 AWG in the conductor holes. This conductor is crimped
with a standard crimping tool.

5.2.5.8 It is necessary that at least one connector be checked for

mechanical quality of crimp, with the crimp gauge as shown in
Figure 5, at the beginning and end of each shift and after every
25 pairs are connected.

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Document Responsibility: Communications Standards Committee SAES-T-632
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Next Planned Update: 17 February 2020 Communications Cable Splicing

Figure 5 – Connector Crimp Gauge

Gauging Crimped Connectors:

(1) First, select the proper gauge end: each end is stamped
with the wire size it accepts; each end has a color dot to
match the connector's color.
(2) Notice the seam in the connector and the double rib on the
gauge. Push the connector into the gauge so that its seam
faces the double rib. Place the connector so that its end is
flush with the side of the gauge
(3) Hold the free end of the connector and release the gauge.
It might fall off the connector. If it does, repeat the test
on the other end of the connector.
(4) If either ends of the connector sticks in the gauge, the
connection may be defective or insufficient pressure
applied during crimping. Recrimp the connector just
gauged and gauge it again. If the connector passes the
gauging, go back and recrimp all the connections made
since the last good gauging.
(5) Any connectors that fail the preceding inspection
procedures must be replaced. Use the A-MP hand tool to

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Document Responsibility: Communications Standards Committee SAES-T-632
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Next Planned Update: 17 February 2020 Communications Cable Splicing

recrimp or replace all defective connectors.

Commentary Note:

Defective crimping and gauging tools must be removed from

site and replaced with good quality ones and not used on any
cable splicing until they are repaired.

5.2.5.9 Specialized connectors are available for splicing operations

such as butt splices, in line splices, bridge taps, clearing and
capping, and multiple pair splicing operations. The splice
connector manufacturer's recommendations shall be followed
concerning connector selection and use.

5.2.5.10 Caution shall be exercised to maintain conductor and pair

association both during and after splicing operations.
Commentary Note:

When two cables are being spliced together, it is necessary to

maintain the correct polarity for all individual cable pairs being
spliced throughout the entire cable span. The tip conductors of
one cable must be spliced to the tip conductors of the other
cable and the ring conductors of one cable must be spliced to
the ring conductor of the other conductor.

5.2.5.11 Splicing operations that involve pairs containing working

services shall utilize splice connectors that permit splicing
without the interruption of service.

5.2.5.12 Splicing operations are necessary to complete cable transfers.

The transfer of a working line from one cable pair to another
cable pair requires a change of the cross connection at the main
frame or rearrangement at a cross-connect terminal.

5.2.5.13 Sectional transfers of cable pairs from one cable to another

cable where the pair count of the old and the new cable remain
the same may be done on a pair-for-pair basis.

5.2.5.14 Cable numbering and count identification minimize the chance

of error during a cable transfer. Cable pairs that are energized
are identified by numerical designations, and dead pairs are
identified by alphabetical designations. Cable designations, as
presented in Figure 6, shall be shown on the construction
drawings as per SAES-T-018 and include the following parts:
 Cable Type Designation
 Cable Number Designation

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 Dead Pair Designation

Figure 6 – Cable Designation

5.2.5.15 All Saudi Aramco cables shall be even count color coded
plastic insulation cables (PIC). Standard binder group to
binder group, color to color splicing is the only type of splicing
that is used by Saudi Aramco. This section covers the
following methods for copper cable splicing:
a) Straight Splices
Telecommunication cable of the same size can be joined
through the use of a straight splice. A straight splice joins
like color binder groups only, and the cable pairs are joined
color to color. All binder groups are marked at both ends of
the straight splice. The straight splice as shown in Figure 7
joins, by means of a connector, the matching cable pair
conductors (ring to ring and tip to tip) from one cable to
another cable to form a complete circuit. The cable pair
conductor must be seated firmly against the stop to ensure a
satisfactory electrical connection.

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Figure 7 – Straight Splice

b) Butt Splices
Bridge and tap connections can be accomplished through
the use of butt splices. The bridge connection joins three
or more cable pair conductors (ring-to-ring or tip-to-tip) to
form a parallel circuit. The bridge connection, or half tap
connection, as shown in Figure 8, joins three cable pair
conductors through the use of a connector. The cable pair
conductors must be set firmly against the stop to ensure a
satisfactory electrical connection.

Figure 8 – Bridge Connection

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Next Planned Update: 17 February 2020 Communications Cable Splicing

5.2.5.16 Splice Organization

Spliced pair bundles shall be arranged in firm lay-ups with

minimum conductor tension in accordance with the hardware
manufacturer's instructions.

5.2.5.17 Binder Tape

Perforated nonhygroscopic and nonwicking binder tape should

be applied to splices housed in filled splice cases. The binder
tape allows the flow of filling compound while holding the
splice bundles near the center of the splice case to allow
adequate coverage of filling compound.

5.2.5.18 Service Wire Connections

Buried service wires shall be terminated on terminal blocks

inside pedestals in areas where high service order activity or
fixed count cable administration policies require terminal
blocks. Only accepted terminal block equipped with gel filled
terminations to provide moisture and corrosion resistance shall
be used.

5.2.5.19 Cable Tag

5.2.5.19.1 All outside plant cables, copper or Fiber Optic,

shall be identified with the proper designation
using cable tag. Each tag must be stenciled with an
arrangement of letters and/or numbers as indicated
on the design drawings.

5.2.5.19.2 Figure 9 shows the types of tags made from

sheet metal that are used for cable identification
at MH, pedestals and telecommunications rooms.
Any equivalent tag may be used if approved by
Area IT, OSP supervisor.

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Figure 9 – Cable Tag

5.2.5.19.3 Tags must be placed on the cables between the

point where they emerge from a duct and the first
cable rack. A tag must be placed on lateral cables
as well as on the main cable.

5.2.5.19.4 The strap-type tag is placed around the sheath and

the tongue pulled through the slot and bent back on
itself (Figure 10). The C-type strap tag (Figure 9)
is used on cables having a diameter of 1 inch or
more. The D-type tag (Figure 9) is used on cables
with a diameter of less than 1 inch.

Figure 10 – Strap Tag

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Next Planned Update: 17 February 2020 Communications Cable Splicing

5.2.5.20 Splice Arrangements for Copper Cables

5.2.5.20.1 Buried Splices

5.2.5.20.1.1 Direct buried splice cases

accommodate straight splices, branch
splices, and load coils. Direct buried
splices shall be nonmetallic filled
type and shall be used only when
above ground splicing inside cabinets
or pedestals or inside maintenance
holes is not practicable. Refer to
SAES-T-633 for material details on
direct buried splice cases.
Commentary Note:

Although direct-burying a splice is

allowed, this method is not
recommended because the splice
is not easily accessible.

5.2.5.20.1.2 Concreate tiles or blocks shall be

placed 15 cm (6 in.) above the buried
splice case to prevent damage to the
splice case from future digging.
If the soil below the splice does not
form a firm base, a concreate slab or
block shall be placed beneath the
splice case. The concrete tiles or
blocks shall be painted with orange
color for identification as
telecommunication system.

5.2.5.20.1.3 Each buried splice shall be identified

for future locating. One method of
marking the splice point is the use of
a marker post with a warning sign.
Another method is the burying of an
electronic locating device such as
Electronic Marking System (EMS)
markers.

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5.2.5.20.2 Cable Cabinets and Pedestals

Cabinets and pedestals are housings primarily

intended to house, organize, and protect cable
terminations incorporating splice connectors,
ground lugs, and load coils. Activities typically
performed in pedestals are cable splicing, shield
bonding and grounding, loading, and connection
of subscriber service drops.

Typical splice capacities for cabinets and

pedestals in Saudi Aramco are shown in Table 5.
However, larger size pedestals are permissible if
service requirements dictate their usefulness.

Table 5 - Saudi Aramco Typical Pedestals and Cabinets Splice Capacities

Pedestal Type Maximum Splice Pair Capacity 9COM
TYPE 1 400 Pair 6000001102
TYPE 2 900 Pair 6000001140
TYPE 3 1800 Pair 6000012175
TYPE 4 2700 Pair 6000001215

5.2.5.20.3 Underground Splices (Maintenance Holes)

5.2.5.20.3.1 Underground splice cases

accommodate straight splices,
branch splices, and load coils.
Underground splices shall be filled.

5.2.5.20.3.2 Precautions shall be taken to prevent

the ingress of moisture and other
contaminants during all phases of the
splicing installation. When an
uncompleted splice must be left
unattended, it shall be sealed to
prevent the ingress of moisture and
other contaminants. All underground
splice openings that require temporary
protection, regardless of cable size,
shall be covered with CR tape.
All underground CR tape coverings
shall be flash-tested for leaks along
the seams and at the cables.

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5.3 Splicing Considerations for Fiber Optic Cables

5.3.1 Outside plant fiber optic cables shall comply with 18-SAMSS-625.

5.3.2 Only same type fibers shall be spliced together. Non-identical fibers
shall not be spliced. Splice loss shall not be more than 0.2 dB per splice.

5.3.3 Avoid damaging the cable during handling operations prior to splicing.
Minor damage may change the transmission characteristics of the fibers
to the extent that the cable section will have to be replaced.

5.3.4 The cable manufacturer's recommendations concerning bending radius

shall be observed. Unless the cable manufacturer's recommendation is
more stringent, the minimum bending radius for fiber optic cable shall be
20 times the cable diameter.

5.3.5 The cable manufacturer's recommendations concerning buffer tube bending

radius shall be observed. Unless the cable manufacturer's recommendation
is more stringent, the minimum bending radius for buffer tubes is usually
between 38 millimeters (mm) (1.5 in.) and 76 mm (3.0 in.). The bending
limitations on buffer tubes are intended to prevent kinking. Buffer tube
kinking may cause excessive optical loss or fiber breakage.

5.3.6 Handle unprotected glass fibers carefully to avoid introducing flaws such
as scratched or broken fibers.

5.3.7 Only fusion splicing technique is permitted. However, if for some

reason, mechanical splicing technique is chosen, a justifying waiver must
be issued for approval before any splice work is commenced.

5.3.8 Fiber optic splices shall be made in areas where temperature, humidity,
and cleanliness can be controlled. Both fusion splicing and mechanical
splicing (when approved) techniques may require a splicing vehicle
equipped with a work station that will allow environmental control.
Commentary Notes:

• If splice point to be located at MH, sufficient additional cable length (slack)

shall be left to reach from the MH to the inside of a cable splicer's vehicle.

• At all buried splice locations, sufficient additional cable length (slack) shall
be left to reach from the splice enclosure (or splice pit) to the inside of a
cable splicer's vehicle or other facility that maintains dust free and suitable
environment for splicing fiber optic cable.

5.3.9 Fusion splicing machines shall be kept in proper working condition.

Regular maintenance in accordance with the machine manufacturer's
recommendations shall be observed.

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Commentary Note:

The fusion splicing equipment shall have valid calibration certification

provided by the manufacturer or a lab agency approved by equipment
manufacturer.

5.3.10 Mechanical splicing tools shall be in conformance with the tool

manufacturer's recommendations.

5.3.11 The splice case manufacturer's recommendations concerning the amount

of cable sheath to be removed shall be followed to facilitate splicing
operations. The length of the sheath opening shall be identified with a
proper marking material such as a wrap of plastic tape or marker.

5.3.12 If the cable contains a rip cord, the cable jacket shall be ring cut
approximately 15 cm (6 in.) from the end and the 15 cm (6 in.) of cable
jacket shall be removed to expose the rip cord. The rip cord shall be
used to slit the jacket to the tape mark.

5.3.13 If the cable does not contain rip cord, the cable jacket shall be slit using a
sheath splitter. No cuts shall be made into the cable core nor shall the
buffer tubes be damaged.

5.3.14 If the cable contains an armor sheath, the outer jacket shall be opened
along the slit and the jacket shall be removed exposing the armor sheath.
The armor shall be separated at the seam and pulled from the cable
exposing the inner jacket. The armor shall be removed making
allowances for a shield bond connector. The inner sheath shall be slit
using a sheath splitter or rip cord. The cable core shall not be damaged
nor shall there be any damage to the buffer tubes. The jacket shall be
peeled back and cut at the end of the slit. The exposed buffer tubes shall
not be cut, kinked, or bent.

5.3.15 The buffer tubes shall be unstranded one at a time. The buffer tubes
shall not be kinked.

5.3.16 If the cable is equipped with a strength member, the strength member
shall be cut to the length recommended by the splice case manufacturer.

5.3.17 Each buffer tube shall be inspected for kinks, cuts, and flat spots. If damage
is detected, an additional length of cable jacket shall be removed and all of
the buffer tubes shall be cut off at the point of damage.

5.3.18 The cable preparation sequence shall be repeated for the other cable end.

5.3.19 The standard fiber optic color code for buffer tubes and individual fibers
shall be identical for the cables to be spliced and in accordance with

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Document Responsibility: Communications Standards Committee SAES-T-632
Issue Date: 17 February 2015
Next Planned Update: 17 February 2020 Communications Cable Splicing

18-SAMSS-625 as shown in Table 6. Splicing shall follow this scheme.

Table 6 - Fiber and Buffer Tube Identification

Buffer Tube
Color
and Fiber No.
1 Blue
2 Orange
3 Green
4 Brown
5 Slate (Gray)
6 White
7 Red
8 Black
9 Yellow
10 Violet
11 Rose
12 Aqua
13 Blue/Black Tracer
14 Orange/Black Tracer
15 Green/Black Tracer
16 Brown/Black Tracer
17 Slate (Gray)/Black Tracer
18 White/Black Tracer
19 Red/Black Tracer
Black/Yellow Tracer, or
20
Natural/Black Tracer
21 Yellow/Black Tracer
22 Violet/Black Tracer
23 Rose/Black Tracer
24 Aqua/Black Tracer

5.3.20 Buffer Tube Removal

5.3.20.1 The splice case manufacturer's recommendation shall be

followed concerning the total length of buffer tube to be
removed. Identify the length to be removed with plastic tape.

5.3.20.2 Experiment with a scrap buffer tube to determine the cutting

tool adjustment required to ring cut a buffer tube without
damaging the fibers.

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Document Responsibility: Communications Standards Committee SAES-T-632
Issue Date: 17 February 2015
Next Planned Update: 17 February 2020 Communications Cable Splicing

5.3.20.3 Buffer tubes shall be removed by carefully ring cutting and

removing approximately 15 to 46 cm (6 to 18 in.) of buffer
tube at a time. The process shall be repeated until the required
length of buffer tube has been removed, including the tape
identification marker.

5.3.21 Coated Fiber Cleaning

5.3.21.1 Each coated fiber shall be cleaned. The cable manufacturer's

recommendations shall be followed concerning the solvent
required to clean the coated fibers. Reagent grade isopropyl
alcohol is a commonly used cleaning solvent.

5.3.21.2 A tissue or cotton ball shall be soaked in the recommended

cleaning solvent and the coated fibers shall be carefully wiped
one at a time using a clean tissue or cotton ball for each coated
fiber. Caution shall be exercised to avoid removing the
coloring agent from the fiber coating.

5.3.22 Fiber Coating Removal

5.3.22.1 Fiber coatings shall be removed in accordance with the splicing

fusion machine manufacturer's recommendation concerning the
length of fiber coating to be removed.

5.3.22.2 The recommended length of fiber coating shall be removed

only on the two fibers to be spliced. Fiber coating removal
shall be performed on a one-fiber-at-a-time basis as each splice
is prepared.

5.3.23 Bare Fiber Cleaning

After the fiber coating has been removed, the bare fibers shall be cleaned
prior to splicing. Each fiber shall be wiped with a clean tissue or cotton
ball soaked with the cleaning solvent recommended by the cable
manufacturer. The bare fiber shall be wiped one time to minimize fiber
damage. Aggressive wiping of bare fiber shall be avoided as it lowers
the fiber tensile strength.

5.3.24 Fiber Cleaving

Cleaving tools shall be clean and have sharp cutting edges to minimize
fiber scratches and improper cleave angles. Cleaving tools that are
recommended by the manufacturer of the splicing system shall be used.

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Document Responsibility: Communications Standards Committee SAES-T-632
Issue Date: 17 February 2015
Next Planned Update: 17 February 2020 Communications Cable Splicing

5.3.25 Cleaved Fiber Handling

The cleaved and cleaned fiber shall not be allowed to touch other objects
and shall be inserted into the splicing device.

5.3.26 Each spliced fiber shall be protected with a sleeve and routed through the
organizer tray one at a time as splices are completed. The fibers shall be
organized one at a time to prevent tangled spliced fibers. The splice case
manufacturer's recommendation shall be followed concerning the splice
tray selection.

5.3.27 Buried splices shall be installed in handholes or splice vaults (Optiped)

to accommodate the splice case and the required splicing slack.
An alternative to the optiped is a cabinet or pedestal specifically
designated for fiber optic splice cases.
Commentary Note:

Typical locations that may utilize fiber splice pedestals are classified areas
inside plants where maintenance holes and handholes are not permitted.

5.3.28 Underground Manhole Splices

Underground splices shall be stored in manholes on cable hooks and

racks fastened to the manhole wall. The cable slack shall be stored on
cable hooks and racks.

5.4 Bonding and Grounding

5.4.1 Bonding and grounding of cables and splice cases shall be in accordance
with SAES-T-903.

5.4.2 Bonding clips shall be provided on all metallic cable to permit reliable
electrical connections to the aluminum shield for noise-shielding
purposes and for maintenance of electrical continuity.

6 Installation

6.1 Cable splice locations and other splicing details should be specified in Issued for
Construction (IFC) drawings in accordance with SAES-T-018.

6.2 The installation instructions provided by the manufacturer of splicing materials

shall be followed except where those instructions conflict with the procedures
specified in this standard.

6.3 All splice cases installed on feeder cables shall be filled, whether buried, or
underground.

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Document Responsibility: Communications Standards Committee SAES-T-632
Issue Date: 17 February 2015
Next Planned Update: 17 February 2020 Communications Cable Splicing

7 Testing and Inspection

7.1 Copper and fiber optic cable testing and acceptance shall be performed in
accordance with SAES-T-634. Quality assurance inspections shall be performed
during all phases of construction by Saudi Aramco Inspection Department
Inspector.

7.2 Fiber optic cable testing shall be performed in accordance with SAES-T-634.
Installed fiber optic cable shall be tested and pass the acceptance testing
specified in SAES-T-634. The tests and inspections shall be witnessed by the
proponent representative.

7.3 Both OTDR and optical power meter tests shall be conducted for end-to-end
cable acceptance tests.

7.4 Inspection Department Notification: The Saudi Aramco Inspection Department

shall be notified two working days prior to beginning any cable splicing or
testing so that all necessary inspections can be scheduled. The Inspection
Department shall be notified two working days prior to backfilling any trenches
or starting any acceptance testing.

7.5 As-Built drawings shall be updated daily by field installation crew. As-Built
drawings and acceptance tests results shall be provided to and approved by the
Saudi Aramco Communications Engineering Division of IT before the
Mechanical Completion Certificate (MCC) is approved.

Revision Summary
17 February 2015 Major revision. The standard has been re-written to:
(1) include fiber cable splicing, and
(2) remove reference to GTE.

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