In a fiber optic cable installation, how the cable is connected to the system is critical to the network’s success. If done correctly, optical signals would pass through the link with low attenuation and little return loss.
Fiber optic pigtail offers an optimal way to joint optical fiber, which is used in 99% of single-mode applications.
This article contains basic knowledge of fiber optic pigtails, including fiber pigtail classifications, connector types, and fiber pigtail splicing methods.
What is the Fiber Optic Pigtail?
Fiber Pigtails are fiber optic cables that are terminated at one end with a factory-assembly connector and left terminated at the other end.
Thus, one side of the connector can be connected to the device, and the other is fused to the fiber optic cable. Fiber optic pigtails terminate fiber optic cables by fusion splicing or mechanical splicing.
A high-quality pigtail cable with the correct fusion splicing method can provide the best fiber optic cable termination performance.
Fiber pigtails are typically found in fiber management equipment such as ODFs, fiber termination boxes, and distribution boxes.
Fiber Pigtail vs. Fiber Patch Cord: What is the Difference
A fiber patch cord could have two different connectors installed on each end, while a fiber pigtail has only one connector. Fiber patch cords are usually jacketed, while fiber pigtails are usually unjacketed.
Fiber Optic Pigtail’s Applications:
The ends of the pigtails are stripped and spliced to a single or multi-fiber backbone. Splicing pigtails to each fiber in the backbone “Breaks down” the multi-fiber cable into its constituent fibers for connection to terminal equipment.
High-quality fiber pigtails combined with proper splicing practices provide the best performance for fiber optic cable terminations. 99% of single-mode applications use pigtails, but pigtails are also used in many multimode applications.
Some pigtail cables are specially installed to withstand harsh or extreme environments, so here comes armored fiber pigtail and waterproof fiber pigtail.
Armored Pigtails: Enclosed in an outer sheath with stainless steel tubing or other strong steel, armored fiber optic pigtails provide additional protection for the fibers inside, adding reliability to the network while reducing the risk of damage from rats, construction, unnecessary damage caused by the weight of other cables.
Waterproof Pigtail: Designed with a stainless steel strengthened waterproof unit and armored outdoor PE (polyethylene) jacket, the waterproof fiber pigtail is a great fit in harsh environments, like communication towers, CATV, and military. Waterproof pigtails have good toughness, tensile strength, and reliable performance and are easy to use for the outdoor connection.
Advantages of Using Factory-Terminated Pigtails
Lower Labor Cost
Installers working with single-mode fiber typically have a fusion splicer machine. With a fusion splicer, you splice the pigtail right onto the fiber cable in a minute or less.
Factory Guaranteed High Quality
Factory-terminated pigtails are manufactured in a controlled environment (factory) and high-quality polishing machines. The factory promises low insertion and high return loss (quiet reflection).
Each pigtail is marked with factory-tested insertion loss and return loss. In addition, there is a serial number that you can trace back to the factory measurements.
Fiber Optic Pigtail Types
Fiber optic pigtails are available in various types: Grouped by pigtail connector type, there are LC, SC, ST, FC, SCA, LCA, E2000, MU, etc.
By Fiber Type
Fiber pigtails are available in single-mode (yellow) and multimode (orange) fibers. Multimode fiber pigtails use 62.5/125 micron or 50/125-micron bulk multimode fiber cables with a multimode fiber connector terminated at one end. The jacket color of the 10G OM3 and OM4 fiber optic pigtail is usually aqua.
Single-mode fiber pigtail cables used 9/125 micron single-mode fiber cable and terminated with single-mode fiber connectors at one end.
By Connector Type
According to different types of pigtail cable connectors terminated at the end, there are LC fiber pigtail, SC fiber pigtail, ST fiber pigtail, FC fiber pigtail, MU fiber pigtail, E2000 fiber pigtail, and so on.
With different structures and appearances, each of them has its advantages in other applications and systems. Let’s go through some widely used ones.
SC Fiber Pigtail: The SC pigtail cable connector is a non-optical breakout connector with the 2.5mm pre-radius zirconia or stainless-steel ferrule. SC fiber pigtails are economical for CATV, LAN, Wan, test, and measurement applications.
Fiber pigtails are essentially used to fuse fibers to connect to patch panels or devices. They also provide a viable and reliable solution that simplifies fiber termination, saving operational time and labor costs. If you are interested in them, please get in touch with us for more detailed information!
Fiber pigtails are essentially used to fuse fibers to connect to patch panels or devices. They also provide a viable and reliable solution that simplifies fiber termination, saving operational time and labor costs. If you are interested in them, please get in touch with us for more detailed information!
FC Fiber Pigtail: FC fiber pigtail utilizes the metal body of FC optical connector, threaded structure and high precision ceramic insert. FC fiber pigtail and its related products are widely used in general applications.
ST Fiber Pigtail: The ST pigtail connector is the most popular connector for multimode fiber optic LAN applications. It has a long 2.5 mm diameter ferrule and is made of ceramic (zirconia), stainless steel alloy or plastic. As a result, ST fiber pigtails are common in Telecom, industrial, medical and sensor applications.
LC Fiber Pigtail：LC Fiber Pigtail uses the LC connector developed by Lucent Company. LC connector is now one of the most popular connectors in the world. The 1.25mm ceramic ferrule makes LC fiber optic pigtail a better choice for small size and high precision signal transmission.
By Fiber Count
Fiber optic pigtails can have 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 48…144, etc. of fiber. Simplex fiber pigtails have one fiber and one connector on one end.
Duplex fiber pigtails have two fibers and two connectors on one end. Each fiber is labeled “A” Or “B,” or a different color connector sheath is used to mark polarity.
Similarly, fiber pigtails with more than 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 48, 96, 144, and so on cores have corresponding characteristics.
Holight’s Fiber Pigtail Solution
Holight fiber optic supplies a broad range of factory-terminated and tested fiber pigtail assemblies—made with 900µm buffered fiber optic cables and PVC/OFNP/LSZH jackets, these pigtail assemblies are available in various fiber types, cable constructions, and connector options.
We have various fiber pigtails, including standard 900µm buffered fiber pigtails, 6-core to 12-core color-coded fiber pigtails, armored pigtails, waterproof pigtails, etc.
All our fiber pigtail assemblies are 100% tested to ensure excellence in performance, interpretability, and durability.
You can also customize your fiber optic pigtail based on your specific needs. A large inventory of cables and connectors allows for a quick turnaround of custom components.
Conclusion
Fiber pigtails are essentially used to fuse fibers to connect to patch panels or devices. They also provide a viable and reliable solution that simplifies fiber termination, saving operational time and labor costs. If you are interested in them, please get in touch with us for more detailed information!