Standard Operating Procedure: Fiber
Optic Cable Procurement, Inspection, and
Processing
Document Version: 1.0 Effective Date: [Insert Date] Author: [Your Department/Name]
Approved By: [Approver Name/Title]
1.0 Purpose
This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) defines the systematic process for the
procurement, receipt, inspection, repackaging, and dispatch of specific fiber optic cable
assemblies. The primary goal is to ensure that all processed cables, specifically MPO-to-
MPO, MPO-to-4LC Duplex, and MPO-to-6LC Duplex types (both Single-Mode and Multi-
Mode, with emphasis on Multi-Mode), meet established quality standards and customer
requirements before they are dispatched.
2.0 Scope
This procedure applies to all activities related to the handling of incoming MPO-to-MPO,
MPO-to-4LC Duplex, and MPO-to-6LC Duplex fiber optic cable shipments within the
facility. It covers the entire workflow from the initial goods receiving stage, through
mandatory quality control inspections and testing, to the final repackaging, labeling,
and dispatch operations. All personnel involved in these stages are required to adhere to
this SOP.
3.0 Responsibilities
• Procurement Department: Responsible for sourcing cables from approved
vendors according to defined specifications and purchase agreements.
• Receiving Department: Responsible for accepting deliveries, verifying shipment
contents against purchase orders, and transferring goods to the designated
inspection area.
• Quality Control (QC) Inspection Team: Responsible for executing the sampling
plan, performing all required inspections (polarity, end face, insertion loss) using
calibrated equipment, documenting results, and managing non-conforming
products.
• Packaging Team: Responsible for the careful repackaging of conforming cables
into specified materials and accurately applying all required labels.
• Dispatch Department: Responsible for the final packing of orders into shipping
cartons and coordinating the shipment logistics.
4.0 Procedure
4.1 Goods Receipt
Upon arrival of a fiber optic cable shipment, the Receiving Department personnel shall
perform an initial check. This involves verifying the delivered goods against the
corresponding Purchase Order (PO), confirming that the cable types (MPO-MPO,
MPO-4LC Duplex, MPO-6LC Duplex), fiber modes (SM/MM), and quantities match the
order details. Any discrepancies identified during this initial verification must be
documented and immediately communicated to the Procurement Department for
resolution. Once verified, the received cables are carefully transferred to the designated
incoming quality control inspection area, ensuring batch integrity is maintained.
4.2 Sampling for Inspection
To ensure representative quality assessment without inspecting every single unit, a
sampling plan is implemented. The QC Inspection Team is responsible for randomly
selecting a sample size equivalent to 10% of the total quantity received for each specific
cable type and manufacturing batch. The selection process must be random to avoid
bias. Details of the selected samples, including batch numbers, cable types, and
quantities drawn, must be meticulously recorded in the inspection log for traceability.
4.3 Quality Control Inspection
The selected sample cables undergo a series of rigorous quality checks:
• 4.3.1 Polarity Check: Each cable in the sample set must be tested for correct
polarity configuration. This test is performed using certified polarity testing
equipment. The results must align with the required polarity standard (e.g., TIA
Type A, Type B, Type C) as specified in the purchase order or technical datasheet.
The outcome for each cable (Pass/Fail) is recorded.
• 4.3.2 End Face Inspection: The connector end faces on all sampled cables are
critically examined under high magnification, typically using a 400x fiber optic
inspection microscope. The objective is to detect any defects such as pits,
scratches, cracks, debris, or contamination. Acceptance is based on predefined
criteria, often aligned with industry standards like IEC 61300-3-35. Minor
contamination may be cleaned following approved procedures, followed by re-
inspection. Findings (Pass/Fail), potentially supported by images of defects, are
documented.
• 4.3.3 Insertion Loss (IL) Measurement: The insertion loss for every fiber path
within the sampled cables is measured. This requires a calibrated Optical Loss Test
Set (OLTS), comprising a stable light source and power meter (e.g., JJR instrument).
Standard testing methodologies, including the use of appropriate reference cables
and mandrels for Multi-Mode testing, must be strictly followed. The measured IL
values must not exceed the maximum limits specified in the product
documentation or PO. All individual IL readings must be recorded.
• 4.3.4 Documentation and Non-Conformance: All results from the polarity, end
face, and IL inspections are systematically recorded on the official Incoming
Inspection Report associated with the batch. Any cable failing any part of the
inspection must be clearly tagged, physically segregated from conforming
products, and documented as non-conforming. The QC Manager and Procurement
Department must be notified promptly to determine the disposition of failed units
(e.g., return to vendor, scrap, further investigation). If the number of failures within
the sample exceeds a predetermined acceptance quality limit (AQL), the entire
batch may be rejected or subjected to 100% inspection.
4.4 Repackaging
Cables that have successfully passed the QC inspection (representing an accepted batch
based on sampling, or individually passed units if 100% inspection was performed) are
cleared for repackaging. The Packaging Team carefully removes the cables from their
original vendor packaging. Each cable assembly is then properly coiled, taking care not
to violate minimum bend radius requirements, and individually placed into a new,
designated 12x12 inch transparent polybag (or other specified packaging). This ensures
the cable, especially the connectors, remains clean and protected.
4.5 Labeling
Following bagging, specific labels must be applied to each package. Typically, two to
three different types of labels are required, such as a product identification label (part
number, description), a traceability label (serial number or batch number), and a QC
approval label (indicating it passed inspection). These labels must be affixed securely to
the exterior of the transparent bag in predefined positions according to the company's
labeling guidelines. Information on labels must be accurate, legible, and durable.
4.6 Final Packing and Dispatch
Individually bagged and labeled cables are collected and grouped according to specific
customer orders or stocking requirements. The Packaging Team then packs these
grouped cables into appropriate outer shipping cartons, using sufficient dunnage and
protective materials to prevent any damage during handling and transportation. The
Dispatch Department takes over, completing the necessary shipping documentation,
sealing the cartons securely, and arranging for the logistics of dispatching the shipment
to the customer or transferring it to finished goods inventory.
5.0 References
• Applicable Purchase Orders and Specifications
• IEC 61300-3-35: Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components -
Basic test and measurement procedures - Part 3-35: Examinations and
measurements - Visual inspection of fibre optic connectors endfaces.
• TIA-568 Series Standards (or relevant regional/international standard for polarity
configurations).
• Vendor/Product Specific Datasheets (for IL limits, etc.).
• Internal Quality Manual / End Face Acceptance Criteria Document.
• Operating Manual for JJR OLTS (or equivalent test equipment).
• Company Labeling Guideline Document.
• Work Instruction for Connector Cleaning.
6.0 Appendices (Examples)
• Appendix A: Incoming Inspection Report Template
• Appendix B: Label Specifications and Placement Guide
• Appendix C: Visual Aid for End Face Defect Classification
End of Procedure
