Technicians routinely look at lasers to identify fiber strands in patch panels, enclosures, cables, etc.
VisiMap eliminates direct laser viewing from multi-strand fiber identification. Indirect viewing via screen. LED options that remove lasers entirely.
A compliance gap most facilities don't realize they have
FDA regulates lasers over 5mW as Class 3B. The Laser Safety Institute says any facility using lasers over 5mW should designate a Laser Safety Officer. Most don't.
Unregulated VFL power levels
Multi-Fiber Solutions has tested numerous VFLs labeled Class 2 (typically 1–2mW) that measured above 15mW. Class 3B lasers require a designated Laser Safety Officer.
Direct fiber endface viewing
Traditional VFL testing requires technicians to look directly at fiber endfaces in high-density environments — often at distances under 3 feet from the light source.
The VFL and safety
The visual fault locator (VFL) has been the go-to tool for fiber identification for many decades. It is a very inefficient way to identify fiber strands in a multi-fiber cable, and it can be very dangerous.
Technicians find themselves positioning their eyes so they can see the solid or flashing laser. In today's high-density patch panels that is often a difficult task. In some cases, such as wall-mount patch panels where the fiber couplers are mounted parallel with the wall, it is not possible to see that light at all.
Another method for identifying fibers is the clamp-on style device. These may work in some environments, but finding a spot in a multi-fiber cable, patch panel, or duplex patch cord where you can safely clamp onto a single fiber strand without risking damage to the fiber is simply not possible.
Eye safety
Search the internet for visual fault locator laser safety and you will find many different answers as to what counts as a "safe" power level. Most reputable manufacturers in the US limit output to 1–2mW.
Search the largest third-party marketplaces for a VFL to buy and you will find many options that clearly exceed 5mW. Many resellers boast usable distances of 50 km at 50mW and higher. These devices put the technicians who use them, and others at the opposite end of the fiber strand, at risk of permanent injury. Online forums show these devices are in high demand: technicians are excited to find a VFL that is better than the 1mW unit their company issues them.
Multi-Fiber Solutions has tested numerous VFLs that were labeled Class 2 (typically 1–2mW) but exceed 15mW. See the video.
How we addressed it
No laser at all
The FCM-12LED identifies, confirms polarity and continuity, and documents 12, 24, or more strands at once. Our patented method connects a transmit device using multiple colors and an encrypted, per-strand port signature at the 1st end. A miniature 3.9mm camera at the 2nd end quickly decodes and audibly announces the identity of each strand with 100% accuracy.
The FCM supplies the power and the flash sequence
The FCM-6VFL uses keyed, proprietary pen-style mini-VFLs in a field-swappable, expand-on-demand Fiber Control Module (FCM). We use existing VFL technology but remove the batteries and provide a common power source, and the FCM provides the required flash sequence. The outer casing is keyed so the FCM can only be used with these miniature VFLs. This FCM has the same inexpensive 2nd end receiver capabilities as the LED version.
How VisiMap eliminates laser exposure risk
Screen-based identification
Technicians view fiber status on a tablet or smartphone screen — never the fiber endface. The 3.9mm otoscope camera resolves impossible viewing angles in dense panels.
Zero laser risk
The FCM-12LED uses LEDs entirely — removing laser risk from the equation across multimode, single-mode, and FTTX last-mile applications.
Proprietary mini-VFL modules
The FCM-6VFL accepts only its keyed, proprietary pen-style mini-VFLs. The FCM supplies the power and the flash sequence. No batteries, and modules swap in the field.
Hands-free, eyes-free
2nd end receivers announce strand identification audibly — in any language or code. Pair with Bluetooth headphones for noisy environments.
Protect your team
Ask your team: does your facility have a designated Laser Safety Officer? If not, and your techs use VFLs over 5mW, that's a compliance gap VisiMap closes on day one.