Mastering the art of terminating fiber optic cables with SC fast connectors is essential for anyone working with fiber optic installations, repairs, or upkeep. SC (Subscriber Connector) fast connectors are highly favored in many applications for their user-friendly design and consistent performance.

What is SC Fast Connector?

An SC fast connector is a type of connector designed for quickly terminating optical fibers without the need for epoxy or polishing. It allows for fast and easy field termination of fiber optic cables, making it suitable for applications where time and efficiency are crucial. SC fast connectors typically feature a pre-polished ferrule and a mechanical splice mechanism that enables quick and reliable fiber termination. They are commonly used in field installations, temporary connections, or situations where traditional fusion splicing is not feasible or practical.

How to Install SC Fast Connector?

Step 1: Prepare the Necessary Tools and Materials

Before commencing the termination process, ensure you have all the essential tools and materials at hand:

SC fast connector

Fiber optic cable (single-mode or multi-mode, depending on your requirements)

Fiber cleaver

Fiber stripping tool

Fiber cleaning supplies (lint-free wipes and fiber cleaning solution)

Epoxy or adhesive (depending on the type of SC fast connector being utilized)

Polishing film (for polishing the connector)

Polishing puck or fixture (for securing the connector during polishing)

Fiber inspection microscope or visual fault locator (VFL)

Safety glasses and gloves

Step 2: Prepare the Fiber Cable

1. Strip the outer jacket: Utilize the fiber stripping tool to carefully remove the outer jacket of the fiber cable, revealing the individual fiber(s). Take caution to avoid nicking or damaging the fibers during this step.

2. Remove the buffer coating: Once the fiber(s) are exposed, use the fiber cutting jig once more to eliminate the buffer coating, leaving the bare fiber(s) ready for termination. Ensure that the length of the exposed fiber matches the requirement of the SC fast connector.

3. Clean the fiber(s): Thoroughly wipe the bare fiber(s) with a lint-free wipe and fiber cleaning solution to eliminate any dust, oil, or contaminants. Maintaining cleanliness is crucial for a successful termination.

Step 3: Cleaving the Fiber

1. Position the fiber in the cleaver: Carefully place the prepared fiber into the cleaver, ensuring it is aligned properly for a perpendicular cleave.

2. Score the fiber: Gently lower the cleaver blade to score the surface of the fiber. Exercise caution to avoid applying too much force, which could cause cracks or chips in the fiber.

3. Execute the cleave: Apply controlled force to complete the cleaving process. A clean and smooth cleave is essential for establishing low-loss connections.

Step 4: Installing the SC Fast Connector

1. Open the connector: If you’re utilizing a pre-polished SC fast connector, open the connector housing and gently insert the cleaved fiber into the connector ferrule. Ensure the fiber is fully seated and protrudes slightly from the ferrule’s end.

2. Apply epoxy or adhesive (if necessary): For SC fast connectors requiring epoxy or adhesive, apply a small amount to the connector ferrule before inserting the cleaved fiber. Adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific epoxy or adhesive used.

3. Cure the epoxy (if applicable): If epoxy was applied, follow the curing instructions to establish a secure bond between the fiber and the connector.

Step 5: Polishing the Connector

1. Position the connector in the polishing fixture: If you’re using a pre-polished connector, you can skip this step. Otherwise, securely place the connector in the polishing puck or fixture, ensuring that the connector end slightly protrudes from the fixture.

2. Perform the polishing: Utilize the polishing film to polish the connector end in a figure-eight motion. Begin with a coarse-grit film and gradually progress to finer grits to achieve a smooth and polished surface.

3. Inspect the connector: Following the polishing process, examine the connector end using a fiber inspection microscope or VFL. Look for any defects, scratches, or contamination. A thoroughly cleaned and well-polished connector ensures optimal performance.

Features of SC Fast Connectors

Can be Deployed Onsite with Flexible Wiring

For FTTX user-side optical fiber cabling projects, the need for fast and reliable optical fiber termination is crucial due to the numerous and scattered nature of these projects and the complex and diverse on-site construction environments.

SC fast connectors offer increased flexibility in fiber optic cabling design for FTTH networks. They enable quick and easy optical fiber termination on site, simplifying the assembly process and allowing for flexible wiring. Fiber optic fast connectors are extensively used in optical distribution cabinets, optical testers, and optical transmission networks.

High Performance, High Reliability

These connectors embedded with single-mode optical fiber feature pre-polished ends at the factory, eliminating the need for grinding or gluing at the construction site, thus ensuring high connector end quality and good reflective performance.

Easy to Install

The SC fast connector is a field-assembled fiber optic connector, requiring only simple connection tools for direct termination of home optical cables. It eliminates the need for processes like glue injection, grinding, welding, etc., making it user-friendly and easy to operate.

Wide Applicability

Fiber optic fast connectors find wide applicability in various fiber optic interconnections, including telecommunications distribution, FTTH and FTTX, passive optical networks (ATM, WDM, Ethernet), broadband, cable television (CATV), and more.

HOLGHT provides SC/APC, SC/UPC, SM/MM, and different types of fast connectors. As a manufacturer and supplier of fiber optic passive components, HOLGHT is committed to providing quality fiber optic connection solutions. If there is any further interest, please feel free to contact us.