TIA TSB-178

Description / Abstract: This test quantifies the force required to mechanically remove the protective coating(s) from optical fibers along the longitudinal axis. This test is not intended for any other purpose such as a means to maximize fiber strength after the coating is removed, or to specify the best conditions for field stripping of optical fibers, or to measure adhesion of the coating to the glass part of the fiber.

This test is intended primarily for testing fibers either as produced by a fiber manufacturer or as subsequently overcoated (tight buffered) using various polymers. The test can be performed either on fibers as produced, or after exposure to various environments.

Caution: Fibers can fracture while being stripped and pierce skin and eyes.

This test is designed for standard glass core, glass clad optical fibers (defined in EIA-4920000-A as Class Ia, Ib, and Ic and Class IVa, IVb, and IVc).

This test is designed for optical fibers having polymeric coatings with nominal outer diameters in the range of 250 to 900 micrometers. Application of this method to fibers with outer coating diameters