Fiber optic test equipment measures the performance of fiber optic devices in your data communication network. Using fiber optic devices, you can monitor your data network with variables such as optical power, optical loss, optical fiber length and joints.

Depending on your requirements, you can choose from various types of fiber optic test equipment such as a fiber optic power meter, a fiber optic light source, a fiber multimeter, an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) or a fiber fault locator. Each of these pieces of equipment assists you in achieving efficient operation of your fiber optic devices.

Some important parameters you must consider before purchasing fiber optic test equipment are:

1. The parameter you want to test using the fiber optic test equipment: power, loss or number of joints
2. Specifications of the fiber optic system: wavelengths, fiber light source type, fiber optic glass type and fiber connection interface
3. Working environment for the fiber optic test equipment: indoor or outdoor

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy appropriate equipment from reputable manufacturers of fiber optic testing equipment

Once you have identified your requirements, search for different fiber optic test equipment for sale in the market.

I recommend: Optical Wavelength Laboratories (OWL) designs and manufactures fiber optic test equipment that includes handheld testers, adapters and accessories. Fluke, a reputable manufacturer of optoelectronic test equipment, also offers fiber optic testers including a fiber optic fault locator and an OTDR. You can also buy a fiber optic fault locator or a fiber optic length meter at OZ Optics. Handheld fiber optic test equipment and accessories are available at Agilent, a reputable manufacturer of measurement equipment.

Buy new or used fiber optic test equipment from distributors or retailers

You can compare fiber optic test equipment based on features and prices at distributors or retailers' website. You can also opt for used fiber test equipment if the fiber optic test equipment pricing for new equipment is out of your price range.

I recommend: Tequipment.NET is a supplier of fiber optic testing devices from reputable manufacturers such as Fluke, Extech, OWL and Wilcom. Cables Plus, a wholesale supplier of data connectivity solutions, provides fiber optic test equipment. You can buy used fiber optic cable test sets at Test Equipment Depot, which also offers new testing equipment, including fiber optic test devices. Value Testers is another retailer of fiber optic test equipment for the telecom, electronic and electrical industries. Testers And Tools is another retailer offering fiber optic test equipment, including cable testers and leak detectors.

Lease fiber optic test equipment

For short-term fiber optic testing requirements, lease from a reputable supplier instead of buying fiber optic equipment

I recommend: Electro Rent Corp. rents test equipment, including fiber optic test equipment and accessories. You can also lease fiber optic test equipment from Test Equipment Connection. Fiber Instrument Sales is a reputable supplier of fiber optic testing equipment that also offers leasing service.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  While updating your fiber optic test equipment software, make sure it's compatible with the existing hardware system.
• •  Keep an inventory of standard fiber optic test equipment accessories such as adapters, connectors and batteries.