VIAVI / Series · Fault Locators

VIAVI FFL Series Visual Fault Locators (FFL-050/-055/-100/-105) for Optical Fiber

650 nm visual fault locators in pocket-sized and ruggedized versions, 1 mW or 5 mW, for locating fiber bends, breaks and damage.

Wavelength: 650 nm (visible)
Fiber Compatibility: Single-mode, Multimode
Output Modes: Continuous and flashing
Output Power: < 1 mW

View Models Datasheet

Overview

The VIAVI FFL Series Visual Fault Locators (VFL) are handheld tools for locating problem areas in optical fiber cables. They emit visible red light at 650 nm; light escaping from a damaged or sharply bent fiber is visible from a distance, allowing technicians to pinpoint the location of the damage. The VFL is also used for end-to-end continuity tests and fiber tracing and identification.

The series is offered in two form factors, Pocket-sized (FFL-050/055) and Ruggedized (FFL-100/105), each available in a standard 1 mW version and a High Power 5 mW version. The pocket-sized units run on two AAA batteries, while the ruggedized units use two AA batteries, offer longer battery life, a shock-absorbing construction, a lanyard/neck strap and a magnet for attaching to a rack or panel.

All versions have a universal 2.5 mm connector interface compatible with connectors such as SC, ST and FC. An included universal 1.25 mm adapter allows connection to LC and MU connectors. A Continuous/Flash control button selects continuous or flashing illumination.

Models in this series

Model	Description
FFL-050	VIAVI FFL Series FFL-050 Pocket-Sized Visual Fault Locator, 1 mW Pocket-sized 650 nm visual fault locator with 1 mW output for locating bends, breaks and damage in single-mode and multimode fiber.	Details →
FFL-055	VIAVI FFL-055 Pocket-Sized Visual Fault Locator, 5 mW High Power Pocket-sized 650 nm visual fault locator with high-power output under 5 mW and a 12 km maximum range, for locating fiber breaks and bends.	Details →
FFL-100	VIAVI FFL-100 Ruggedized Visual Fault Locator, 1 mW, 650 nm Ruggedized 1 mW, 650 nm visual fault locator that finds fiber bends, breaks and damage up to 7 km away and checks end-to-end continuity.	Details →
FFL-105	VIAVI FFL-105 Ruggedized High Power Visual Fault Locator, 5 mW, 650 nm Ruggedized 5 mW visual fault locator emitting 650 nm red light to find fiber bends, breaks and damage up to 12 km.	Details →

Key Features

Compact, ergonomic design for portability
Visible wavelength of 650 nm
Low and high powered versions (1 mW and 5 mW) for single-mode and multimode fibers
Continuous or flash illumination
Universal connector interface for quick connection
2.5 mm connector input and 1.25 mm adapter
Soft-sided carrying case with belt loop included
Pocket-sized (FFL-050/055) and ruggedized (FFL-100/105) form factors
Ruggedized versions with shock-absorbing construction and magnet for rack/panel attachment
Long-lasting battery life

Specifications

Optical

Wavelength	650 nm (visible)
Fiber Compatibility	Single-mode, Multimode
Output Modes	Continuous and flashing
Output Power FFL-050, FFL-100	< 1 mW
Output Power FFL-055, FFL-105	< 5 mW
Laser Safety Rating FFL-050, FFL-100	Class 2
Laser Safety Rating FFL-055, FFL-105	Class 3R
Range (Maximum) FFL-050, FFL-100	7 km VFL range depends on many factors, including fiber quality/loss
Range (Maximum) FFL-055, FFL-105	12 km VFL range depends on many factors, including fiber quality/loss

Interfaces and Controls

Connector Interface	Universal 2.5 mm (fixed); Universal 1.25 mm adapter
Controls	ON/OFF; CONTINUOUS/FLASHING

Power

Battery Type FFL-050, FFL-055	Two AAA
Battery Type FFL-100, FFL-105	Two AA
Battery Life FFL-050	45+ hours on continuous
Battery Life FFL-055	20+ hours on continuous
Battery Life FFL-100	90+ hours on continuous
Battery Life FFL-105	50+ hours on continuous

Physical

Form Factor FFL-050, FFL-055	Pocket-sized
Form Factor FFL-100, FFL-105	Ruggedized
Dimensions FFL-050, FFL-055	12.0 x 3.5 x 2.0 cm (4.7 x 1.4 x 0.8 in)
Dimensions FFL-100, FFL-105	21.0 x 4.0 x 2.6 cm (8.3 x 1.6 x 1.0 in)
Weight FFL-050, FFL-055	70 g (2.5 oz) With batteries installed
Weight FFL-100, FFL-105	145 g (5.1 oz) With batteries installed
Carrying Case	Soft-sided with belt loop