Fiber Connectors
What's the best way to terminate fiber optic cable? That
depends on the application, cost considerations and your own personal
preferences. The following connector comparisons can make the decision
easier.
Epoxy & Polish
Epoxy & polish style
connectors were the original fiber optic connectors. They still represent
the largest segment of connectors, in both quantity used and variety
available. Practically every style of connector is available including ST,
SC, FC, LC, D4, SMA, MU, and MTRJ. Advantages include:
• Very
robust. This connector style is based on tried and true technology, and
can withstand the greatest environmental and mechanical stress when
compared to the other connector technologies. • This style of connector
accepts the widest assortment of cable jacket diameters. Most connectors
of this group have versions to fit onto 900um buffered fiber, and up to
3.0mm jacketed fiber. • Versions are. available that hold from 1 to 24
fibers in a single connector.
Installation Time: There is an
initial setup time for the field technician who must prepare a workstation
with polishing equipment and an epoxy-curing oven. The termination time
for one connector is about 25 minutes due to the time needed to heat cure
the epoxy. Average time per connector in a large batch can be as low as 5
or 6 minutes. Faster curing epoxies such as anaerobic epoxy can reduce the
installation time, but fast cure epoxies are not suitable for all
connectors.
Skill Level: These connectors, while not difficult to
install, do require the most supervised skills training, especially for
polishing. They are best suited for the high-volume installer or assembly
house with a trained and stable work force.
Costs: Least expensive
connectors to purchase, in many cases being 30 to 50 percent cheaper than
other termination style connectors. However, factor in the cost of epoxy
curing and ferrule polishing equipment, and their associated
consumables.
Pre-Loaded Epoxy or No-Epoxy & Polish
There
are two main categories of no-epoxy & polish connectors. The first are
connectors that are pre-loaded with a measured amount of epoxy. These
connectors reduce the skill level needed to install a connector but they
don't significantly reduce the time or equipment need-ed. The second
category of connectors uses no epoxy at all. Usually they use an internal
crimp mechanism to stabilize the fiber. These connectors reduce both the
skill level needed and installation time. ST, SC, and FC connector styles
are available. Advantages include:
• Epoxy injection is not
required. • No scraped connectors due to epoxy over-fill. • Reduced
equipment requirements for some versions.
Installation Time: Both
versions have short setup time, with pre-loaded epoxy connectors having a
slightly longer setup. Due to curing time, the pre-loaded epoxy connectors
require the same amount of installation time as standard connectors, 25
minutes for 1 connector, 5-6 minutes average for a batch. Connectors that
use the internal crimp method install in 2 minutes or less.
Skill
Level: Skill requirements are reduced because the crimp mechanism is
easier to master than using epoxy. They provide maximum flexibility with
one technology and a balance between skill and cost.
Costs:
Moderately more expensive to purchase than a standard connector. Equipment
cost is equal to or less than that of standard connectors. Consumable cost
is reduced to polish film and cleaning sup-plies. Cost benefits derive
from reduced training requirements and fast installation
time.
No-Epoxy & No-Polish
Easiest and fastest
connectors to install; well suited for contractors who cannot cost-justify
the training and supervision required for standard connectors. Good
solution for fast field restorations. ST, SC, FC, LC, and MTRJ connector
styles are available. Advantages include: • No setup time
required. • Lowest installation time per connector. • Limited
training required. • Little or no consumables
costs.
Installation Time: Almost zero. Its less than 1 minute
regardless of number of connectors.
Skill level: Requires minimal
training, making this type of connector ideal for installation companies
with a high turnover rate of installers and/or that do limited amounts of
optical-fiber terminations.
Costs: Generally the most expensive
style connector to purchase, since some of the labor (polishing) is done
in the factory. Also, one or two fairly expensive installation tools may
be required. However, it may still be less expensive on a
cost-per-installed-connector basis due to lower labor cost.
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