Welcome to Fluke Fiber 04: Tier 1 Certification with the CertiFiber Pro
Course Duration: 35–45 minutes
This course turns the basics into certification. You'll set up a ProjX project, choose the right limit and reference method, run the Set Reference wizard and TRC Verification, and certify duplex links with the Fluke CertiFiber Pro in Smart Remote mode.
What You'll Learn:
- Explain Tier 1 and identify the CertiFiber Pro models
- Handle the ports and test reference cords correctly
- Set up a ProjX project and test settings
- Run Set Reference and TRC Verification and read the results
- Certify, read, and retest links, and choose the right test mode
Course Structure
- Tier 1 Certification & the CertiFiber Pro
- Kit, Ports & Test Reference Cords
- Project & Test Setup
- Set Reference Wizard & TRC Verification
- Running the Certification Test
- Results, Retests & Other Test Modes
- Final Assessment — 10 questions, 80% (8 of 10) to pass
Each section ends with a knowledge check. You get two attempts, and a first miss gives you a hint, not the answer. Finish the check to unlock the next section. You'll enter your name and email just before you submit the final assessment. Your results are emailed automatically to the training administrator, with a copy to you, whether you pass or not.
Section 1: Tier 1 Certification & the CertiFiber Pro
Tier 1 certification measures each fiber's loss and length with an optical loss test set (OLTS), and compares the loss with a limit. It's the baseline acceptance test for every new fiber link (TIA-568.3, ISO/IEC 14763-3).
The Fluke CertiFiber Pro is a Versiv OLTS module: a main unit and a remote unit, each with a light source and a power meter.
| Model | Sources |
|---|---|
| CFP2-100-M | Multimode: 850 nm (±30) and 1300 nm (±20) LED sources |
| CFP2-100-S | Singlemode: 1310 nm and 1550 nm Fabry-Perot laser sources |
| CFP2-100-Q (Quad) | Both |
| CFP2-100-QI | Quad plus dual-end inspection |
| Spec (Fluke datasheet) | Value |
|---|---|
| Test speed | About 3 seconds for two fibers at two wavelengths, with length and the loss budget calculated |
| Launch | Encircled Flux compliant (TIA-526-14-B, ISO/IEC 14763-3, IEC 61280-4-1) |
| Length range | 12 km multimode, 130 km singlemode |
| Operating temperature | −10 to 45 °C |
| Calibration | Every 1 year |
Section 2: Kit, Ports & Test Reference Cords
Ports
Each CertiFiber Pro module has an OUTPUT port (the source) and an INPUT port (the power meter), plus a VFL port. LC adapters are standard; SC, ST, and FC adapters are optional.
Test reference cords (TRCs)
- TRCs are high-quality cords used only for testing. Fluke's have metal-latch LC TRCs rated for up to 10,000 insertions.
- Multimode: Fluke's EF-TRCs are tuned to give an Encircled Flux compliant launch (TIA-526-14-C, IEC 61280-4-1). Fluke says that if you use your own TRCs, you must use a mandrel and non-bend-insensitive multimode fiber, and compliance still isn't guaranteed.
- TRC connectors must match the link's connectors: LC-to-LC for an LC link, SC/LC for a mixed link.
- Inspect and clean every TRC end-face before every connection (course 2).
Section 3: Project & Test Setup
ProjX project
- PROJECT › CHANGE PROJECT › NEW PROJECT, and name it after the job.
- Under Test Setup, set the module to CertiFiber Pro.
- Set up cable IDs, as a list or a sequence, so every result is labeled automatically.
Test settings
| Setting | What to choose |
|---|---|
| Test Type | Smart Remote for duplex links: the main and remote units at opposite ends, testing two fibers at once |
| Fiber type | The installed fiber, for example OM4 or OS2 |
| Test limit | The limit the project specifies, in writing: for example ANSI/TIA-568.3-E, or a cabling vendor's stricter limit |
| Reference method | 1 Jumper. Fluke says this must be used for link testing for warranty applications. |
| Connections / splices | The number of mated connections and splices in one fiber. The tester uses these, with the reference method, to calculate the loss budget. |
| Bi-directional | Off unless the specification requires it. Fluke notes the standards and most cabling vendors don't require it for Tier 1. |
Section 4: Set Reference Wizard & TRC Verification
The Set Reference wizard walks you through referencing and checking your TRCs (Fluke knowledge-base procedure):
- Power on both units and let the sources stabilize (warm up) before referencing.
- HOME › SET REF › RUN WIZARD › NEXT.
- Connect the main and remote units together with the TRCs as the screen shows, then tap SET REFERENCE. If a power-level warning appears, inspect and clean the TRCs.
- Tap NEXT, then disconnect the TRCs from the INPUT ports only. Never from the OUTPUT ports.
- Plug known-good TRCs into the INPUT ports, and join the main and remote cords with singlemode-grade bulkhead adapters.
- Tap NEXT to run TRC Verification.
Reading TRC Verification
| Check | Target (Fluke) |
|---|---|
| Multimode TRC-to-TRC connection loss | Better than 0.15 dB. Higher losses distort every link result. |
| RE-VERIFY (source stability) | A change greater than ±0.02 dB means the sources haven't stabilized yet |
| How often | Fluke suggests verifying the TRCs about every 500 tests, and whenever results look suspicious |
The tester stores TRC verification results automatically, labeled by date and time, which is useful evidence for the project record.
Section 5: Running the Certification Test
- Leave the TRCs on the OUTPUT ports. At each end, connect the INPUT-port TRCs and OUTPUT-port TRCs to the link's two fibers.
- Inspect and clean the link's end-faces at the panel or outlet before mating.
- Press TEST. In Smart Remote mode the CertiFiber Pro certifies both fibers at both wavelengths (for example 850 and 1300 nm) in about 3 seconds.
- Read the result: loss, length, and margin for each fiber and wavelength, with an overall PASS or FAIL.
- Save it under the cable ID (ProjX advances to the next ID).
Section 6: Results, Retests & Other Test Modes
Reading the result
- Margin = limit − measured loss. Positive margin is a pass, and more margin is better.
- A negative loss or an implausibly low loss means the reference is suspect. Re-verify the TRCs.
- A FAIL at both wavelengths usually points to a dirty or damaged connector. A FAIL mostly at the longer wavelength points to a bend.
Retest after repair
Clean or repair, re-inspect, then retest and save the new result. Keep the original FAIL in the project too: it shows the problem was found and fixed.
Other CertiFiber Pro test modes
| Mode | Use |
|---|---|
| Smart Remote | Standard duplex certification with the main and remote units (about 3 s) |
| Loopback | Main unit only, testing fibers looped back to it, or test cords (2 s or less) |
| Far End Source | The remote acts as a source only, for single fibers or links where only a source can be placed (2 s or less) |
Final Assessment
Answer all 10 questions. You need 80% (8 of 10) to pass. These questions are different from the section knowledge checks. Enter your name and email below the questions, then submit.
Your Information
When you submit, your results are emailed automatically to the training administrator, and a copy is sent to the email address you enter here — whether or not you pass.
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