Visual Fault Locators

A Visual Fault Locator (VFL) is a compact, portable device used in fiber optic communications to detect faults such as breaks, bends, or bad splices in optical fibers. It works by emitting a visible red laser, typically at 650 nm, into the fiber. If the fiber is damaged, the light leaks out at the fault location, allowing technicians to easily spot the problem. VFLs are widely used for continuity testing, splice verification, and connector testing in short-range fiber networks like LANs and FTTx, with a range of up to 5 km. However, they are less effective for long-distance testing due to the limited travel distance of the visible light. This tool is essential for quick troubleshooting and maintenance of fiber optic cables.