Pigtailed

What is it - fibre optic pigtails? 

Fibre optic pigtails are sections of optical fibre terminated with a connector on one side and an open fibre on the other for splicing or connecting to other fibre optic cables. They are used to terminate fibre optic cables so that they can be connected to optical equipment or other cable sections. Pigtails are key in fibre optic infrastructure, providing stable and reliable connections. 

Fibre optic pigtail types: 

• SC/APC - SC-type connectors with an APC (Angled Physical Contact) finish are green and offer low reflection loss, making them ideal for applications requiring high signal quality. 

• LC/UPC - LC-type connectors with a UPC (Ultra Physical Contact) finish are characterised by low insertion loss and are popular in telecommunications and networking applications. 

• LC/PC - LC-type connectors with a PC (Physical Contact) finish are widely used in various installations due to their reliability and low cost. 

• SC/UPC - SC-type connectors with a UPC finish offer low insertion loss and are often used in telecommunications networks. 

How do I choose the right fibre optic pigtails? 

Connector type: Select a connector that is compatible with the devices to which the fibre will be connected. For example, if your device requires an SC/APC connector, the best choice would be Extralink SC/APC Pigtail, which offers low reflection loss, ideal for applications requiring high signal quality.  

Insertion loss requirements: For installations where minimising signal loss is key, choose pigtails with a UPC finish, such as Extralink LC/UPC Pigtail. This type of pigtail provides low insertion loss, which is ideal for telecommunications applications.  

Type of installation: If you plan to install in an environment with high levels of optical interference, consider using pigtails with an APC finish. Due to their slanted finish, they provide better reflection performance. 

Application: For installations where reliability and low costs are required, the ideal choice will be Extralink LC/PC Pigtail. It is a versatile and cost-effective solution, perfect for a wide range of applications.  

Compatibility with existing infrastructure: Check which connectors are used in the existing infrastructure to ensure compatibility. For example, if you already have SC connectors installed, choose a suitable SC pigtail, such as a  Extralink SC/UPC Pigtail, which provides low insertion loss and is compatible with many network devices.  

The selection of suitable pigtails requires consideration of connector type, signal loss requirements, type of installation and compatibility with existing infrastructure.