Furukawa FITEL S179+ Core-Alignment Fusion Splicer

The FITEL S179 is another iteration of Furukawa Electric’s flagship core-alignment fusion splicer. The successor to the popular S178 model offers even faster splicing/protection-sleeve heating, the highest quality of splices, and very convenient operation thanks to a touchscreen display. The FITEL S179 also features increased mechanical impact resistance rated IK07 (resistance to a 2 J impact – a hammer blow with a 0.5 kg mass from a height of 40 cm). The FITEL S179 is ideally suited for splicing all fiber-optic installations in Metro/LAN/FTTx networks, including splicing ultra bend-insensitive fibers (G.657B3).

  • Core alignment
  • Mirror-free alignment system
  • Ultra long-life electrodes (up to >10,000 splices per set)
  • Splice in 6 seconds, protection-sleeve heating 9 seconds
  • IK07 impact resistance

Core alignment

FITEL S179+ is Furukawa Electric’s flagship portable core-alignment fusion splicer — the successor to the popular S178 model. It combines record-low splice loss (SM: 0.01 dB), splice return loss of ≥70 dB, and three new error-compensation technologies that ensure every splice — even with a non-ideal cleave or variable atmospheric conditions — comes out with repeatable, top quality. The splicer is intended for FTTx installations, Metro/LAN networks, data centers, and splicing bend-insensitive G.657B3 fibers and stiff DROP cables.

FITEL S179+ Furukawa fusion splicer – core alignment

Splice return loss

When choosing a fusion splicer, it is worth paying attention not only to splice loss, but above all to splice return loss. A high value means the connection does not reflect the signal back to the source — this is critical in networks with DFB-class laser sources and DWDM. Leading Japanese manufacturers state a return loss of ≥60 dB. The FITEL S179+ achieves ≥70 dB — a full 10 dB above this standard.

Fusion splicerSM splice lossSplice return lossSplice time
FITEL S179+0.01 dB≥70 dB6 s
Japanese competitor A0.01 dB≥60 dB6 s
Japanese competitor B0.02 dB≥60 dB6 s

Three new technologies

ACCS — Automatic Cleave Compensation System

The fiber cleave angle directly affects splice loss. The ACCS system automatically corrects the electric arc parameters when the cleave angle is elevated (2–5°), which drastically reduces the number of splices with high loss. The operator does not need to repeat the cleave — the splicer compensates for the imperfection on its own.

ACCS – splice loss comparison with and without the system: With ACCS vs Without ACCS

FAS — Fluid Arc System

Environmental conditions — temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure — and the degree of electrode wear affect the electric arc. The FAS system monitors the arc during every splice and calibrates it on the fly, maintaining stable results even without performing manual Arc Check calibrations. The S179+ splicer keeps splice loss stable under pressure changes corresponding to an altitude difference of 1000 m above sea level.

FAS Fluid Arc System – arc stability comparison: With FAS vs Without FAS

Improved loss estimation algorithm

The new algorithm more accurately estimates the actual splice loss — especially in cases of core micro-bending, which are difficult to detect visually. The operator receives a more reliable measurement result immediately after splicing.

Operation in any field conditions

The S179+ was designed for demanding installation conditions. IK07-class impact resistance (2 J energy) means the splicer withstands a fall from a height of 76 cm from 5 different positions. The 8 N pushing-force motor guarantees stable splicing even of stiff DROP cables and installation cables.

FITEL S179+ odporność na upadek Drop Resistant 76cm

Drop

76 cm, 5 positions

FITEL S179+ odporność na zachlapanie IPX2

Splash

IPX2

FITEL S179+ odporność na pył IP5X

Dust

IP5X

FITEL S179+ odporność na uderzenia IK07

Impact

IK07

Ergonomics and ease of use

Touchscreen and chamber illumination

A wide 4.3" LCD screen with a touch panel provides intuitive operation. The splicing chamber is illuminated by 4 LEDs (3 upper + 1 lower beneath the electrodes), allowing convenient work in poor external lighting.

Removable v-groove — easy cleaning

The v-groove can be removed without tools, which greatly facilitates thorough cleaning of the chamber and optical lenses in field conditions.

NFC and WiFi — wireless connectivity

The NFC module allows locking and unlocking the splicer with a smartphone (Android 4.1+). The WiFi module provides communication with a mobile app on Android/iOS: viewing results, remote settings, data export.

FITEL S179+ demontowany v-rowek czyszczenie soczewekFITEL S179+ czyszczenie komory spawania

Power supply

The built-in battery allows typically 220 cycles (splice + heating) on a single charge. A DC 11–24 V input enables powering from common external power banks — without the need for access to mains power. The AC supply accepts 100–240 V (50/60 Hz), allowing use worldwide.

• Typically 220 splice+heat cycles on a single charge (temp. 20°C, semi-auto mode)

• Powering from a power bank via the DC 11–24 V input

• AC power supply 100–240 V — global compatibility

Technical specification

ParameterValue
Supported fiber typesSM (G.652, G.657A1, G.657A2), MM (G.651), DSF (G.653), NZD (G.655), BIF/UBIF (G.657B3), Cut-off Shifted (G.654)
Average splice lossSM: 0.01 dB • MM: 0.01 dB • DSF: 0.03 dB • NZD: 0.04 dB
Splice return loss≥70 dB
Splice time6 s (semi-auto mode)
Heating timefrom 9 s (60 mm, Power mode) • 13 s (FITEL S921, 250 µm) • 15 s (FITEL S921, 900 µm)
Battery (cycles)Typically 220 splice+heat cycles (90 s/cycle, 20°C)
Weight1.7 kg (without battery) / 2.0 kg (with battery)
Dimensions139 × 209 × 114 mm (without bumper) / 179 × 246 × 131 mm (with bumper)
Display4.3" LCD touchscreen (color)
Pushing-force motor8 N (design value)
Impact resistanceIK07 (2 J energy)
Dust / splash resistanceIP5X (dust) / IPX2 (splash)
Drop resistance76 cm from 5 different positions
Operating temperature‑10°C to +50°C
Operation at altitudeup to 5,000 m above sea level
Wind protectionup to 15 m/s
Splice / heating programsmax. 300 / max. 100
Result memory20,000 splices
ConnectivityNFC, WiFi (dongle optional)
Power supplyAC 100–240 V (50/60 Hz) / DC 11–24 V
Cladding / coating diameter80–150 µm / 100–3000 µm
Fiber cleave length5–16 mm
Compatible protection sleeves20 / 40 / 60 mm
Image magnification104× / 278× / 556×
Tension test1.96 N

Standard kit

FITEL S179+ standard kit – Furukawa fusion splicer

• FITEL S179+ fusion splicer
• FITEL S327A cleaver

• Built-in S947 battery

• HCC-05 hard carrying case

• ELR-01 spare electrodes

• S979A AC adapter + power cord

• CTX-03 cooling tray

• VGC-01 cleaning brush

• D5111 electrode sharpener

• TCC-01 tool kit

• ARS-01 anti-glare screen film

• Operating manual + quick guide

Service and support

Interlab provides professional service for Furukawa FITEL fusion splicers in Poland. If you have any questions regarding model selection, purchase, service, or calibration — please contact us.

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Product: Furukawa FITEL S179+ Core-Alignment Fusion Splicer