Fiber Cables

FIBER CABLES

Fiber Optic Pigtails

Fiber optic pigtails are essential components in fiber optic networks, used to connect fiber optic cables to patch panels or equipment. They consist of a fiber cable terminated with a connector on one end, while the other end is left open for splicing. This guide provides an overview of fiber optic pigtails, their construction, applications, and specifications.

General Description

Fiber optic pigtails are available in various configurations to suit different network requirements. They can be categorized based on fiber type, cable type, and connector type.

Fiber Types

Singlemode: Typically used for long-distance communication, with a core diameter of 9/125um.
Multimode: Suitable for shorter distances, available in 50/125um, 62.5/125um, OM3, and OM4.

Cable Types

900um Buffered: A tight-buffered fiber with a 900um diameter.
2mm Jacketed: A fiber cable with a 2mm outer jacket.
3mm Jacketed: A fiber cable with a 3mm outer jacket.

Connector Types

Common connector types include ST, SC, FC, LC, MTRJ, SMA, and E2000. Each connector type has its specific application and compatibility.

Pigtail Cable Basic Construction

The construction of fiber optic pigtails involves several layers:

Optical Fiber: The core component, available in singlemode or multimode.
900um Buffer: A protective layer around the fiber.
Aramid Yarn: Provides tensile strength, applicable only for 2mm or 3mm jacketed cables.
LSZH Jacket: A low-smoke, zero-halogen jacket for safety, applicable only for 2mm or 3mm jacketed cables.

Color Coding

900um Buffer: Yellow for singlemode, white for multimode (50/125um), orange for OM1 (62.5/125um), turquoise for OM3, and rose for OM4.
3mm Jacket: Yellow for singlemode, orange for multimode (OM1 & OM2), turquoise for OM3, and rose for OM4.

Applications

Fiber optic pigtails are commonly used in:

Wall-Mounted Patch Panels: For easy splicing and connection.
Rack-Mounted Patch Panels: For organized and efficient cable management.
Mechanical or Fusion Splicing: To connect multi-core cables.

Specifications

Fiber Diameter: 900um, 2mm, or 3mm.
Return Loss: ≤-50dB (UPC), ≤-65dB (APC) for singlemode.
Insertion Loss: ≤0.3dB max.
Durability: ≤0.2dB max increase after 500 matings.
Operating Temperature: -20 to +70 degrees Celsius.

Safety Compliance

Fiber optic pigtails comply with several safety standards:

Halogen Content Test: IEC 60754-1.
Acidity Test: IEC 60754-2.
Smoke Emission Test: IEC 61034-1/2.
Flammability Test: IEC 60332-1 & -3C.

Important Notes

Singlemode pigtails are not available for SMA connectors.
APC style connectors are available for both singlemode and multimode fibers.
APC connectors are not available for ST, MTRJ, MU, and SMA types.
APC connectors and boots are typically green in color.
2mm jackets are used for LC pigtails, while 3mm jackets are used for SC, ST, FC, SMA, and E2000 pigtails.

Ordering Information

Fiber optic pigtails can be ordered using the following part number format: AABBCC%%PT###Z

Part Number Breakdown

AA: Connector type (e.g., ST, SC, FC).
BB: Cable type (e.g., 09 for 0.9mm buffer, 20 for 2mm jacket, 30 for 3mm jacket).
CC%%: Fiber type (e.g., MM50 for Multimode 50/125um, SM09 for Singlemode 9/125um).
###: Length (e.g., 001 for 1 meter, 010 for 10 meters).
Z: Jacket material (applicable only for 3mm jacketed pigtails).

Example

ST09MM50PT001: ST Pigtail, Multimode (OM2), 900um buffer, 1 meter.
SC30MM53PT001Z: SC Pigtail, Multimode (OM3), 3mm jacket, LSZH, 1 meter.

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