Estimating Loss of Mechanical Splices Interconnecting Optical Fibers, and Connector Installation Tool

A method of estimating loss of a splice between first and second optical fibers spliced together by a mechanical splice or a mechanical splice-based connector having a portion through which light leaked from the splice can emerge comprises the steps of launching light into the first fiber, collecting light leaked from the portion using a multiplicity of ports, measuring the power level of the collected light and deriving the insertion loss from the measured power level, a predetermined power level and a collection factor C representing a relationship between measured power level, predetermined power level, power level of light in the first fiber, and power level of light coupled into the second fiber previously obtained for the same or similar connecting device. The ports may be angularly spaced about the axis of the connector or splice. The predetermined power level may be obtained by measuring light emerging from the connector but without the second fiber in position.