On average, a mechanical splice can take around 10-30 minutes to complete, while a fusion splice can take around 30-60 minutes to complete. A chart developed by Fiber Optic Association master instructor Joe Botha helps technicians calculate the amount of time it will take to conduct a fusion-splcing project. The FOA mentioned the chart in its November 2011 newsletter, stating, "We've been asked many times, 'How long does it take to. The time it takes to splice a fiber optic cable can vary depending on several factors, including the type of splice, the equipment used, and the level of expertise of the technician performing the splice. This is necessary when a cable needs to be extended, or repaired, or when multiple fibers need to be connected to support a network. The networks' efficiency and reliability depend on how well these wires are spliced. With this in mind, we have prepared the ultimate guide on how to use a fusion. With experience and proper tools, fusion splicing a single fiber typically takes about 5–10 minutes, while mechanical splicing may take slightly less.
