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Fiber Optic Test Equipment

Shop fiber optic test equipment for optical power and loss measurement, cable qualification, certification, connector end-face inspection and production quality control. Use the filters below to compare test functions, fiber compatibility and available equipment.

Shop Fiber Optic Cable Testers & Test Equipment

Fiber Optic Testing for Power, Loss, Certification & Inspection
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Fiber optic testing equipment should be selected according to the measurement or inspection task being performed. Testing optical power, measuring insertion loss, qualifying a network link, certifying installed cabling and inspecting a connector end face require different instruments and procedures.
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Precision Fiber Products offers equipment for several stages of fiber testing and quality control. The current collection includes optical power meter and light source equipment, fiber cable qualification and certification solutions, video inspection systems, connector end-face inspectors, ferrule length gauges, loopbacks and test adapters.
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Before choosing a fiber optic cable tester, determine what result is required. A product that measures optical power does not necessarily certify a complete link, and an inspection system does not measure optical loss. Selecting the correct equipment requires matching the test function, fiber mode, wavelength, connector interface and reporting requirements.

Fiber Optic Test Equipment by Application

Fiber Optic Power Meters and Light Sources

 
A fiber optic power meter measures the optical power received from a fiber, transmitter or test source. Measurements are normally performed at wavelengths supported by both the instrument and the fiber system.
 
A fiber optic light source provides a controlled optical signal for testing. When a compatible light source and power meter are properly referenced and used together, technicians can measure insertion loss through a fiber link, cable assembly or connectorized component.
 
PFP currently offers an IDEAL fiber optic power meter and light source combination for single-mode and multimode testing. Its listed features include a four-wavelength power meter, an 850 nm multimode LED source, relative dB measurements and adapters for several common connector interfaces.

 
Before ordering, confirm:
 

  • Supported wavelengths

  • Single-mode or multimode compatibility

  • Measurement range and resolution

  • Required connector adapters

  • Calibration requirements

  • Whether stored results or reporting are needed
     

Do not assume that every power meter and source combination is a complete optical loss test set. Confirm that the selected fiber optic test kit supports the required procedure and documentation.

Fiber Optic Cable Testers for Qualification and Certification

 
Fiber optic cable testers may be used to evaluate network performance, measure optical loss or document whether an installed link meets defined application requirements. The required equipment depends on whether the task involves verification, qualification or formal certification.
 
Qualification equipment determines whether a link can support a particular network application. PFP currently lists SignalTEK FO equipment capable of qualifying compatible copper and fiber cabling, performing bit error rate testing and measuring optical link loss.
 
Fiber certification equipment performs tests according to selected limits or standards and creates documented results. The available FiberTEK FDX modules support selected multimode and single-mode certification applications when used with the compatible LanTEK platform.
 
Qualification and certification are not interchangeable terms. Before selecting a fiber certification tester, verify:
 

  • The cabling standard or network application

  • Required fiber mode and wavelengths

  • Whether testing must be bidirectional

  • The type of pass/fail documentation required

  • Compatibility between the tester and test modules

  • Reference cords and connector adapters

  • Result storage and export requirements

Fiber Inspection Scopes and End-Face Inspectors
 
A fiber inspection scope allows technicians and production personnel to examine a connector end face for contamination, scratches, pits, chips or other visible conditions. Connector inspection should be performed with equipment and procedures appropriate for the connector and application.
 
PFP currently offers video-based inspection products, including the PFP EASYCHECK fiber optic end-face inspector and the Krell in-line video inspection system.
 
The EASYCHECK system includes 400X magnification, image capture and storage, an integrated display and adapters for selected 1.25 mm and 2.5 mm connector applications. The Krell system provides 400X in-line video inspection without requiring the connector to be removed from the test arrangement.
 
An inspection microscope or video system evaluates the physical condition of the connector end face. It does not replace an optical power meter, insertion loss test or cable certification procedure.

Ferrule Length Gauges and Production Inspection Equipment
 
Ferrule length gauges are mechanical inspection instruments used during connector manufacturing and quality control. They measure ferrule position or protruding ferrule length rather than optical power or signal loss.
 
PFP offers ferrule length gauges for selected 1.25 mm, 2.5 mm and 3.17 mm ferrule formats. Available products support connector and ferrule applications such as LC, MU, FC, SC, ST and SMA, depending on the specific gauge.
 
Before selecting a gauge, confirm the ferrule outside diameter, connector family, required measurement range and manufacturing tolerance. A ferrule gauge should not be described as a general fiber optic cable tester because it performs a specialized dimensional measurement.

Fiber Loopbacks, Bare-Fiber Adapters and Test Accessories
 

Fiber loopbacks provide a return path for compatible equipment and may be used during connectivity, equipment-port or network-interface testing. The current PFP collection includes selected LC and SC loopbacks for single-mode, multimode, OM3 and OM4 applications.
 

A loopback is a test accessory rather than a measurement instrument. Its function depends on the equipment and procedure with which it is used.
 

Bare-fiber adapters provide temporary access to unconnectorized fiber for compatible testing or measurement equipment. Select an adapter according to the fiber dimensions, instrument interface and connector style required by the setup.
 

Inspection adapters and microscope adapters must also match the connector ferrule and inspection equipment. Similar-looking adapters should not be assumed to be interchangeable.

How to Choose Fiber Optic Testing Equipment
 
Use the following criteria when comparing fiber testing equipment:

 

  • Test objective: Determine whether the task requires power measurement, insertion loss testing, qualification, certification, visual inspection, dimensional measurement or connectivity testing.

  • Fiber type: Confirm whether the link or assembly uses single-mode or multimode fiber.

  • Test wavelength: Match the equipment and light source to the wavelengths required by the fiber system and testing procedure.

  • Connector interface: Identify the FC, LC, SC, ST, SMA or other interface and obtain the appropriate test or inspection adapters.

  • Measurement requirements: Review the required range, resolution, accuracy and calibration specifications.

  • Documentation: Determine whether the application requires stored results, downloadable reports or a pass/fail certification record.

  • Field or production use: Portable field testing, laboratory work and repetitive production inspection may require different equipment configurations.

  • System compatibility: Confirm that meters, sources, modules, adapters, reference cords and software are designed to work together.

    A high search volume does not make one instrument appropriate for every test. Choose the equipment according to the required measurement and the fiber system being tested.

Fiber Optic Testing Applications
 
Fiber optic test instruments and accessories may support applications such as:
 

  • Telecom and broadband installation

  • Data center fiber deployment

  • Fiber cable qualification

  • Installed cable certification

  • Optical power measurement

  • Insertion loss testing

  • Connector end-face inspection

  • OEM cable assembly

  • Production quality control

  • Ferrule measurement

  • Laboratory testing

  • Network maintenance and troubleshooting

  • Patch cable and equipment-port testing

    The equipment required for each application may differ. Review the individual product specifications before selecting a tester, source, inspection system, module, adapter or accessory.

Fiber Optic Test Equipment FAQ

  • The equipment depends on the test being performed. Common options include optical power meters, light sources, loss-testing equipment, qualification testers, certification systems and fiber inspection scopes. Production environments may also use ferrule gauges and specialized adapters. No single fiber optic cable tester performs every measurement.

  • A fiber optic power meter measures the optical power received from a fiber, transmitter or test source at supported wavelengths. When used with a compatible light source and the correct reference procedure, it can also help determine insertion loss through a fiber link or cable assembly.

  • A light source provides a controlled optical signal at a specified wavelength. The power meter measures the signal after it passes through the fiber link. Comparing the referenced power with the received power allows technicians to determine the link’s insertion loss.

  • Qualification determines whether a link can support a particular network technology or application. Certification tests the installed cabling against selected standards or defined limits and normally produces documented pass/fail results. Confirm which result is required before selecting equipment.

  • Only when the tester, source, modules and adapters support both fiber types and the required wavelengths. A product’s connector may physically fit more than one system without providing the correct optical test conditions. Review the complete specifications before testing.

  • Inspection can reveal contamination or visible damage on the connector end face. These conditions may affect optical performance and test results. Use a compatible fiber inspection probe, inspection scope or video system, and follow appropriate safety, inspection and cleaning procedures.

  • Use the product filters above to compare optical power meters, light sources, fiber cable testers, certification equipment, inspection systems, ferrule gauges and test accessories. Contact Precision Fiber Products for help identifying the equipment, adapters and fiber compatibility required for your application.

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