AFL Noyes OFI-400 Series Optical Fiber Identifiers

AFL Noyes OFI-400 Series Optical Fiber Identifiers

The AFL Noyes OFI-400 Series Optical Fiber Identifiers are rugged handheld test instruments designed to detect optical signals on active single-mode fibers without disconnecting or cutting the fiber. The OFI-400 Series helps technicians determine whether a fiber is carrying traffic, identify the direction of signal transmission, recognize continuous-wave signals, and detect supported test tones.

Before disconnecting, rerouting, or servicing an optical fiber, technicians must determine whether the fiber is active. The OFI-400 Series provides a non-intrusive method for checking the fiber and tracing a selected optical path, helping reduce the risk of accidentally interrupting an operating service.

The instrument clamps around the fiber and creates a controlled macro-bend. A small amount of optical energy escapes from the fiber and is analyzed by the instrument. The OFI-400 then displays detected signal information without requiring access to the fiber end or interrupting the optical connection.

Identify Active Fibers Without Disconnecting the Link

The AFL Noyes OFI-400 is designed for field technicians who need to identify live fibers before performing network maintenance, restoration, routing, or disconnection work. Its handheld form and integrated display support operation in telecom, broadband, enterprise, access-network, and outside-plant environments.

• Live-fiber detection: Identifies the presence of optical signals without disconnecting or cutting the fiber.
• Traffic direction: Indicates the direction in which the detected optical signal is travelling.
• Continuous-wave detection: Detects CW optical signals used for fiber identification and tracing.
• Test-tone recognition: Detects supported 270, 330, 1000, and 2000 Hz tones.
• Core power measurement: Measures optical power detected through the controlled macro-bend.
• Two-position plunger: Supports several fiber constructions without requiring multiple interchangeable plungers.
• Backlit display: Provides readable signal information in equipment rooms, cabinets, closures, and other dimly lit locations.
• Portable operation: Uses two AAA batteries for convenient field testing.
• Five-year product warranty: Supported by AFL’s specified five-year warranty.

Controlled Macro-Bend Signal Detection

The OFI-400 optical head creates a safe and repeatable macro-bend in the fiber. This allows a small portion of the optical signal to escape for analysis while the fiber remains connected to the network.

The optical-head design is intended to keep induced insertion loss low enough that the active optical signal is not meaningfully disrupted during identification. This allows technicians to check for traffic and trace fibers while reducing the risk of a service interruption caused by disconnecting an unknown live fiber.

Fiber condition, coating type, bend sensitivity, optical wavelength, power level, and network construction can influence detection performance. The technician should select the correct plunger position and confirm model suitability for the fiber being tested.

Two-Position Plunger for Multiple Fiber Types

The OFI-400 Series uses a two-position plunger rather than requiring technicians to purchase, store, exchange, and track several separate plungers. This simplifies field operation when working with different fiber constructions.

Depending on the selected OFI-400 model and configuration, the optical head can support 250 µm coated fiber, 900 µm buffered fiber, ribbon fiber, and selected 2 mm or 3 mm jacketed fibers. Compatibility should be confirmed before testing a particular cable construction.

The correct plunger position is important for maintaining the intended macro-bend and reliable signal detection. Users should follow the operating instructions for the fiber construction and OFI-400 model being used.

CW and Test-Tone Fiber Identification

The OFI-400 detects continuous-wave signals and four commonly used test-tone frequencies: 270 Hz, 330 Hz, 1000 Hz, and 2000 Hz. When a compatible optical light source transmits one of these tones, the OFI-400 can help identify the corresponding fiber along the network path.

AFL optical light sources such as compatible OLS and CSS1-SM models can be used as signal sources for fiber identification. The selected source wavelength, tone frequency, launch power, and connector configuration should match the intended network and identification procedure.

Tone detection is useful where several fibers are routed through the same closure, panel, tray, or cable pathway. It gives the technician an additional identifier beyond the presence of general network traffic.

OFI-400 Series Application Options

The OFI-400 Series includes models intended for different field requirements. Standard configurations address routine single-mode fiber identification and core-power measurement. The OFI-400HP is designed for identifying higher-power optical circuits, while the OFI-400C is intended for selected 2 mm and 3 mm jacketed fibers.

The correct model should be selected according to the fiber construction, expected optical power, coating or jacket diameter, and required measurement capability. Model availability and specifications may vary by configuration.

Typical OFI-400 Applications

• Checking whether a single-mode fiber is active before disconnection
• Determining optical traffic direction
• Tracing fibers using continuous-wave signals or supported tones
• Identifying fibers inside closures, cabinets, panels, and splice trays
• Supporting restoration and maintenance activities
• Measuring core power without accessing the fiber end
• Identifying high-power optical circuits with the appropriate model
• Testing selected jacketed fibers with the appropriate OFI-400C configuration

Why Buy the AFL Noyes OFI-400 from Simbol Test Systems?

Simbol Test Systems supplies professional optical fiber identifiers, optical light sources, power meters, Optical Time-Domain Reflectometers, inspection systems, cleaning products, and related optical test accessories. As an authorized Canadian distributor and service center for AFL Noyes products, we support customers with product selection, calibration, repair, maintenance, and technical service.

Selecting the correct OFI-400 model requires consideration of the fiber construction, coating or jacket diameter, expected optical power, test-tone requirements, and measurement application. Simbol Test Systems can help identify the appropriate instrument and compatible light source for field identification and tracing workflows.

AFL Noyes OFI-400 Series Features

OFI-400 Series Model Selection Guide

Compatible Fiber Identification Sources

Fiber Inspection and Testing Guidance

Confirm the fiber type and construction before clamping the OFI-400 onto the cable. Use the correct plunger position and do not apply the instrument to an unsupported fiber, cable, or jacket.

For tone-based identification, confirm that the transmitting source is connected to the intended fiber and is operating at a frequency supported by the OFI-400. Follow appropriate network procedures before disconnecting or modifying any optical circuit.

Professional Calibration, Repair, and Technical Support

Regular calibration helps maintain confidence in core-power measurements and fiber-identification performance. AFL specifies a three-year recommended calibration interval for the OFI-400 Series.

Contact Simbol Test Systems with the required OFI-400 model, fiber construction, expected optical power, and identification requirements to request availability, product selection assistance, calibration service, repair evaluation, maintenance, or technical support.