A
mechanical splice connector is shown and described for sequentially performing a splice actuation followed by a
strain relief actuation by rotating a single, multiple-position
cam member or multiple
cam members from an unactuated position to a first actuated position and a second actuated position. The
mechanical splice connector aligns and retains at least one stub
optical fiber and the bare glass portion of at least one adjoining field
optical fiber, as well as strain relieving a coated portion of the field
optical fiber, or alternatively, a buffered portion of the field optical
fiber. A method is also described for sequentially performing a splice actuation followed by a
strain relief actuation, wherein the splice actuation is reversible prior to performing the
strain relief actuation in the event that the optical continuity of the splice
coupling is unacceptable, thereby avoiding potential damage to the field optical
fiber or the connector.