SC Fiber Connector, or square connector, is a push-pull fiber optic connector with a 2.5mm ceramic ferrule that utilizes a locking tab to secure the cable. SC connector was originally developed as an alternative to the ST connector. It is the most common fiber optic connector type used today. It is known for its push-pull latching mechanism. SC connector is available in both single-mode and multi-mode versions. In addition, it is also available in duplex configuration and conforms to the TIA/EIA 568B.3 standard. Easy to use and quick to install. Meanwhile, it is durable and has low insertion loss. SC fiber connector is widely used for datacom and telecom FTTH applications.
History
The SC Connector is a fiber optic connector released by NTT in the mid-1980s. It was originally developed as an alternative to the ST connector. Initially used in Gigabit Ethernet networks, the SC connector was adopted by the TIA-568-A specification in 1991. It was also the first one chosen as the standard connector for TIA-568-A. With improved materials and manufacturing processes, the manufacturing cost of SC connectors has gradually decreased. It has dominated the fiber optic field for more than 30 years and is currently one of the two most common fiber optic connectors.
Feature of SC Fiber Connector
Push-pull latching mechanism
SC connectors use a push-pull latching mechanism. This mechanism securely locks the connector in place, ensuring a stable connection. In addition, the internal precision alignment mechanism can accurately align the optical fiber core. Our SC/APC Field Assembly Fast Connector has excellent Zirconia ferrules and a finely made metal V-groove. It guarantees a very reliable connection for a variety of network applications.
Low insertion loss
SC connectors have low insertion loss, typically less than 0.5 dB, which is important for maintaining signal integrity over long distances.
Dimensions
The SC connector has a large outer dimension of approximately 20×10×40mm. Compared to other small connectors, the SC connector occupies a larger space.
Durable
SC connector shell is made of durable plastic material. It can withstand external vibration and impact and is suitable for various complex environments.
Compatibility
SC connectors have a standard 2.5 mm size. So, it is compatible with various equipment, such as FC or ST connectors.
Advantages and Disadvantages of SC Fiber Connector
The disadvantage of using an SC fiber connector is the size of its ferrule. It requires more space than a smaller connector like the LC fiber connector. However, the SC connector has many advantages.
Ease of Use
SC connectors have a square shape for the ferrule. Therefore, it is more compact and easier to use than previous products.
Easy to connect and disconnect
The SC connector features a snap-in design with a push-pull latching mechanism. Its sturdy hold prevents connection problems.
Reputation
The SC connector is popular with businesses thanks to a proven track record of over 30 years.
Less cost
With improved materials and manufacturing processes, the SC connector is now less expensive than the ST connectors.
Terminate Methods of SC Fiber Connector
There are several methods to terminate SC fiber connectors. There are Splicing, Heat-cured epoxy, and Prepolished/splice connectors. Each of these methods has its advantages and disadvantages. It is important to follow the correct method for your particular application. Also, it is important to follow the proper procedure to avoid any damage to the connector.
Splicing
Splicing is the most common method of terminating fiber optic connectors. Generally, splicing is used in outside plant applications, such as restoration of damaged or deteriorated fiber. It is also used in long cable runs, especially in OSPs. This method is also used to mix different types of cables.
Heat-cured epoxy
One popular method is to use a heat-cured epoxy. The advantages of this method are low cost, quick installation, and high reliability. In addition, it’s easier to use than a cold cure method, which takes more time and skill. The epoxy is cured in an oven for about five minutes. Most of these ovens are powered by AC, but some operate on battery power.
Pre-polished/Splice connectors
Pre-polished/splice connectors are ideal for fast terminations. They have angled physical contact and can be used for high-quality optical connections. Using these connectors can save installers time and effort.
Tips for using SC fiber connectors
There are a few tips when using SC fiber optic connectors.
Clean regularly
Dust and dirt can affect the connection quality of SC fiber connectors and may even cause interruption of optical signal transmission. Therefore, the ferrule and socket of the SC fiber connector should be cleaned regularly. In addition, when the SC connector is idle, a dust cap should be used to protect the connector port to prevent dust and dirt from entering.
Avoid excessive bending or pulling
Excessive bending or pulling of the SC fiber connector may cause damage. Therefore, please ensure that the bending radius of the optical fiber meets the requirements and avoid excessive stretching.
Reduce connections and disconnections
Frequent connection and disconnection of connectors will cause connector wear. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the number of unnecessary connections and disconnections as much as possible. In addition, a protective cover should be used to protect the connector.
Avoid collision
Collision may cause damage to the SC connector or loose connection. Therefore, please ensure the fiber connector is properly fixed to avoid external impact.
In Conclusion
SC fiber connector is a popular choice in telecommunications networks and is known for its push-pull latching mechanism, which makes it easy to install and use. It is the most common fiber optic connector type. As a professional fiber optic solution supplier in China, Bwnfiber provides SC fiber optic connectors in single mode and multimode duplexes across all modalities. If you need it, please contact us: [email protected].
Fiber optic cable termination is a physical connection of fiber to a device, and you can use a connector or splicing method to terminate fiber optic cable. It is a necessary step for installing a fiber optic network. It provides easy ways for fiber cross-connection and light wave signal distribution. When terminating fiber, termination errors may reduce signal loss and reduce reflections. Therefore, terminations must be in the correct style to align and connect the fibers as accurately as possible.
There are two methods to terminate fiber optic cable: connectors and splicing. Connectors are temporary, while splicing is permanent. Connectors are normally used to make a temporary joint between two fibers or connect the fiber to network equipment. On the other hand, Splicing is necessary when the cable is too long or different types of cable are needed.
Terminate Fiber Optic Cable by Connector
One fiber optic cable termination type uses a connector to join two fibers to form a temporary joint or permanent splice between the two fibers. This is a temporary way of termination. You can disconnect both fibers at any time. A fiber connector is composed of three main components: ferrule, connector body, and coupling device. The ferrule is used to align and polish optical fibers. The connector body supports the ferrule and sheaths the fibers. The coupling device provides a connection between the connector and the optical device.
There are many styles of fiber optic cable connectors, such as SC, ST, FC, LC, MU, etc. They offer easier termination at a rather lower cost. Therefore, this enables individuals to terminate their fiber optic cables. In addition, there are two methods of connector termination: field termination and factory termination.
Field Termination
Field termination is the addition of connectors in the field with specialized tools. This connector has two types. One is traditional epoxy and polish fiber connectors. Another is a fiber optic fast connector. Epoxy or polish fiber connectors are very conventional and widely used connectors. You simply glued the fiber into the connector with epoxy and polished the ends with a special polishing film. On the other hand, a fiber optic fast connector is one end of fiber bonded into a ferrule, where the end face of the ferrule is polished to a PC/UPC/APC finish. The other end of the fiber is cut and located inside the connector body.
Factory Termination
Factory termination is when the fiber optic cable has been terminated at the factory before shipment. This termination method increases installation efficiency and reduces installation costs. All are tested before being shipped to the installation site. This fiber cable is also called Pre Terminated Fiber Optic Cable. It gives installers more of a “plug-and-play” option.
Terminate Fiber Optic Cable by Splicing
Another type of fiber optic termination is the use of splicing. Splicing is the direct connection of two bare fibers without any connectors. It is a permanent method of termination. Fiber splicing is often used when a fiber optic cable breaks unexpectedly or is extended. This new cable is also called splicing fiber optic cable. Splicing is faster and more efficient than connectors. In addition, it has lower light loss (attenuation) and back reflection.
The two most common methods of fiber splicing are mechanical and fusion. There are many factors to consider when choosing which type of fiber splicing to perform.
Mechanical Splicing
Mechanical splicing uses a small mechanical splice that precisely aligns two fiber optic cables and then secures them mechanically. After the two ends are secured, a snap-type or adhesive cover is used to fasten the splice permanently. The fibers are not permanently joined, just precisely held together so that light can pass from one to another.
Fusion Splicing
Fusion splicing is the most used method of fiber optic splicing. It first uses a fusion splicer machine to align the two fiber ends. Then, an electric arc is used to “fuse” the glass ends together. Fusion splicing produces a reliable joint with low insertion loss and nearly zero back reflection, and thus, is more widely used than mechanical splicing.
Conclusion
Fiber optic cable termination is a necessary step for installing a fiber optic network. Whether you terminate the fibers with connectors or splicing, make a precise connection. In conclusion, you can choose the correct termination method according to the actual situation.
Fiber color code is a color coding system used in fiber optics as specified by the TIA-598 standard to identify cables, connectors, and individual fibers. This coding system is the EIA/TIA-598 standard developed by the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) and the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA). The EIA has since been dropped and we now only use the TIA-598 standard. This standard is the most recognized fiber color coding system worldwide. It addresses the manufacturer’s fiber color codes to follow and reference to ensure consistency across the industry.
Fiber color code plays a vital role in quickly identifying fiber optic cables. In fiber optic cables, multiple individual fibers are bundled within an outer protective jacket. Therefore, technicians must quickly identify each fiber for proper installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. The TIA-598 color coding standard uses a combination of two different colors to identify each fiber. For example, the first fiber in a cable may be blue, and the second fiber may be orange. According to different parts of the optical cable, we can divide the color coding into three categories: outer sheath, inner fiber, and connector.
Outer Jacket Color Code
The outer jacket of a fiber optic cable often has a specific color to indicate the type or application of the fiber optic cable. In TIA-598, the fiber color code defines the outer jacket color codes for different fiber types. So, fiber patch cords or fiber pigtails can identified with color coding, as they can have different colors on their outside. For optical fiber cable that contains only one type of fiber, we can easily identify it by its outer jacket color. However, the outer jacket of the premises cable containing more than one fiber type shall use a printed legend to identify the quantities and types of fibers within the cable.
| Fiber Type | Color Code | ||
| Non-military Applications | Military Applications | Suggested Print Nomenclature | |
| OM1 62.5/125µm Multimode | Orange | Slate | 62.5/125 |
| OM2 50/125µm Multimode | Orange | Orange | 50/125 |
| OM3 50/125 µm (850 nm Laser-Optimized) Multimode | Aqua | Undefined | 850 LO 50/125 |
| OM4 50/125µm (850 nm Laser-Optimized) Multimode | Aqua/Violet | Undefined | 850 LO 50/125 |
| 100/140µm Multimode | Orange | Green | 100/140 |
| OS1/OS2 Single Mode | Yellow | Yellow | SM/NZDS, SM |
| Polarization Maintaining Single-Mode | Blue | Undefined | Undefined |
Inner Fiber Color Code
Inside a multi-fiber optic cable, individual fibers are color-coded for easy identification. They are often easily identified within each cable or inside each tube in a loose tube cable. In the TIA-598 standard, inner fibers are color-coded in a group of 12 fibers and they are counted in a clockwise direction.
BWNFiber produces high-count fiber cables (up to 288 cores) with high-contrast color coding for mistake-proof splicing. [Request a Bulk Pricing List]
There are two situations for multi-fiber cables. For cables with less than 12 strands of fibers, each fiber will be identified with 12 colors. For cables with over 12 strands of fibers, the color code runs from 1 through 12 and then repeats itself with slight variations. For example, by adding a stripe to the second group (if it’s a 24-strand cable) or using another distinctive mark to distinguish the 1st group.
Connector Color Code
Fiber optic connector color coding is a specific color used to identify different types of connectors. It helps technicians quickly identify and match connectors, ensuring accurate connections within fiber optic networks. In addition, fiber optic patch cords use color coding to identify connectors and the mating adapters. However, since the advent of metal connectors such as FC and ST has made connector color coding difficult, colored strain relief shields are also used.
The standard multimode OM1/OM2 fiber patch cords are typically colored in beige or black, while OM3 and OM4 are aqua and magenta, respectively. For single-mode UPC, the standard is blue, while for single-mode APC terminations, green fiber connectors are used. It is crucial to distinguish UPC and APC connectors. Details are as follows:
| Fiber Types | Polish Style | Connector Color |
| OM1 62.5/125 | UPC | Beige/Grey |
| OM2 50/125 | UPC | Black |
| OM3/OM4 50/125 laser optimized | UPC | Aqua |
| Single Mode | UPC | Blue |
| Single Mode | APC | Green |
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The Importance of Fiber Color Code
Fiber color code can help technicians efficiently manage, maintain, and troubleshoot fiber optic cables. It offers multiple benefits in indoor and outdoor applications.
Easy to Identification
Fiber color codes help distinguish between individual fibers within a cable. In fiber optic cables, multiple individual fibers are bundled within an outer protective jacket. The color codes ensure that technicians can identify specific fibers without confusion.
Easy to Install
During installation, technicians can quickly identify fibers and connect them to the appropriate devices. This saves time and resources.
Easy to Maintain
Color coding enables easy identification of fibers. The technicians rapidly locate and replace the problematic fiber. This reduces downtime to ensure uninterrupted communication services.
Fiber Tracing
Color coding allows for efficient fiber tracing, simplifying the process of tracking a fiber’s path from start to end.
Safety Compliance
The use of color codes can indicate different safety levels or precautions required, assisting in the prevention of accidents or mishandling.
In Conclusion
Fiber color code helps us distinguish fiber types visually from the colored fiber optic jacket, inner fiber, and fiber connector. So, this color code is essential to fiber optic communications.
Understanding color codes is the first step. Building a fast network is the next. From Fast Connectors matching these colors to Quick ODN distribution boxes, BWNFiber is your one-stop partner. [Send Us Your Project Requirements]
FAQ
The TIA-598 standard is the most widely used system for identifying individual fibers, tubes, and cables. It defines a sequence of 12 colors (Blue, Orange, Green, Brown, etc.) to ensure consistency during installation and maintenance. At BWNFiber, all our fiber cables strictly follow this international standard for global compatibility.
For cables with more than 12 fibers, the sequence repeats. To distinguish the second set of 12, a black stripe (or another marking) is typically added to the buffer tubes or fiber coatings. We provide clear, high-contrast marking on all our multi-core cables to prevent splicing errors.
Yes! While there are standard colors (Yellow for Single-mode, Aqua for OM3, etc.), BWNFiber offers OEM customization services. We can produce fiber cables with specific jacket colors to match your network branding or specific environmental requirements. [Contact us for custom options].
Consistent color coding reduces “truck rolls” and troubleshooting time. Using cables with high-quality, non-fading pigments ensures that technicians can accurately identify fibers even years after installation, significantly lowering long-term maintenance costs.
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