This Recommendation specifies splices of single-mode and multimode optical fibres. It describes suitable procedures for splicing that should be carefully followed in order to obtain reliable splices between single optical fibres or ribbons. The procedures apply to both single optical fibres and ribbons (mass splicing).

In addition, this Recommendation describes the optical, mechanical and environmental properties, recommended test methods and recommended test severities that should be considered for an optical fibre splice. Moreover, validation tests of the splice procedure are given to obtain the expected optical splice properties.

Further information is provided in chapter 6 of [b-ITU-T TR-OFCS]. The fibres should be in accordance with [ITU-T G.651.1], [ITU-T G.652], [ITU-T G.653], [ITU-T G.654], [ITU-T G.655], [ITU-T G.656] and [ITU-T G.657].