Hands-On ETA Fiber Optic Installer (FOT-FOI) Certification

Course Description

This Hands-On 4-day course (Optional 3 Day without ETA Certification, you will receive a BTS Certificate of Completion) has been customized to provide technicians with a refresher and practical understanding of fiber optic theory and fiber applications for singlemode and multimode fiber. It also includes an introduction to fiber splicing (This is not a Fiber Splicing course See our other courses for Fiber Splicing and Testing)

This is a Certification Course, it is designed to Confirm the technicians fiber optic knowledge.

This is an ETA Approved course and covers all aspects of the Electronics Technicians Association International requirements for the FOT-FOI certification giving the participant a refresher on applicable methods and standards.

The course is comprised of 2.5 days of review on Inside Plant Fiber (ISP) and Outside Plant Fiber (OSP), Connector installation methods, testing standards, and methodologies. Testing is 1.5 days and comprised of a written and a hands-on skills test.

Successful participants will receive ETA Certification that is valid for 4 years.

Our instructors have actual field experience and have faced the same obstacles as your team. Our Real World Experience allows us to provide the participants with the answers and the skills to overcome their daily challenges.

Students Will Learn

Fiber Manufacturing Methods.
Fiber Optic Theory and Waveguide Functions.
Singlemode (OSP) And Multimode (ISP) Fiber Types.
The Causes of Attenuation, Optical Reflection and Refraction.
Optical Dispersion Characteristics and Pulse Spreading Issues.
Loose Tube Style Trunk Cables
Distribution and Feeder Cables.
Fusion Splicer Applications and Fiber Alignment Systems
Mechanical Splicing Uses and Applications
Optical Connector Styles and Applications
Back Reflection Issues and Angled Physical Contact Connectors
Patch Panels and Functions for Distribution and Transmission
ISPOSP Style Splice Closure Styles and Function
Cable Entry Methods and Splitter Configurations
Drop Cable Connectivity and Security
Cable Installation Methods as Direct Bury, Aerial and Ducted
Emergency Restoration Issues, Future Planning, Restoration Kits
Safety Practices
Topologies for Urban and Rural Communities
Splitters, ONTsOLTsODNs
Intro to Optical Testing and Troubleshooting.
Visible Light Sources, OTDRs And Power Meters
Testing Methods For ISPOSP Systems
And More...

Target Audience

Technicians, installers, splicers, contractors, telecom managers, electricians, and anyone involved in repairing, installing, maintaining, designing, evaluating, or provisioning fiber optic systems and local area networks.

Prerequisites

A basic understanding of telecommunications and basic fiber optic splicing, termination and testing are required prior to taking this course. This training is available in additional BTS courses.

Course Outline

Module I: Fiber Optic General Studies

• Common Industry Terminology
• History of Fiber Optics
• Advantages/Disadvantages of Fiber Optics
• Basics of a Fiber Optic Communications System
• Fiber Types and Manufacturing Processes (Lecture and Video)

Module II: Fiber Optic Safety Issues

• LASER Safety and Warning labels
• Types of LASER’s
• LASER Output Power Levels
• Eye Safety Precautions
• Safe Glass Disposal Practices
• Food and Drinks Not Safe
• Proper Person Cleanliness
• Safe Work Surroundings
• Confined Spaces Issues

Module III: Fiber Optic Cable Installation

• Project Considerations
• Cable Pre-testing
• Cable Reels Identification and Handling
• Proper Cable Pulling Techniques
• Outdoor Cable Design Characteristics
• Direct Bury Cable Installation
• Directional Boring Methods
• Buried Cable Depths
• Man Holes and Vaults
• Cable Pulling Specifications
• Tensile Strength and Bend Radius
• Avoiding Installation Obstacles
• Grounding and Bonding Fiber Cables
• Identifying Cable Types
• Work Area Protection Issues

Module IV: Fiber Optic Connectors

• Connector Types
• Different types
• Use of connectors
• ST Style Connector Assembly; Hand and/or Machine Polishing and Inspection
• SC Style Connector Assembly; Hand and/or Machine Polishing and Inspection
• FC, LC, MIL-C Series, Biconic, etc.

Module V: Splicing

• Mechanical and Fusion Splicing
• Fusion Splicer Types and Operations
• Precision Cleaver Operation
• Set-up Fusion Splicer and Cleaver Work Stations
• Practice Fiber Stripping, Cleaning, and Cleaving
• Practice In-Line Fusion Splicing
• Practice Pigtail Fusion Splicing
• Qualify Acceptable Splices

Module VI: Fiber Optic Testing

• The dB Scale and Units of Loss
• OTDR Functions for Testing
• OTDR Testing for Splices, Distances and Back Reflection
• OTDR Trace Guidelines
• The Dead Zone
• Trace Events and Interpretation
• Testing at Various Wavelengths
• System Loss Parameters
• Calculating System Loss
• Total System OTDR Testing
• Optical Loss Test Set’s (OLTS)
• Referencing the Test Set First
• Measuring Cable System Loss
• Documenting Test results