Fiber Optic Pigtail

What is Fiber Optic Pigtail?

 Before moving to fiber optic pigtail, we must first understand Fiber optic installation.

Fiber optic installation refers to the high-performance networking of systems. It offers greater bandwidth and a lesser chance of electromagnetic interference, which is a common issue if you use a copper cable. As you know, the network’s success depends on the method of attaching cables to the system, and fiber optic cables are the best alternative. When you connect the cables correctly, there’s a low risk of power loss. In 99% of single-mode applications, Fiber optic pigtails are the first choice. So, what is a fiber optic pigtail?

 Fiber Optic Pigtail– What is it?

Fiber optic pigtail refers to a fiber optic cable with a factory-installed connector on one of its ends. Accordingly, one side of the fiber optic pigtail can be melted with other fiber optical cables, while the other side, where a connector is attached, can be linked to different pieces of equipment.

 High-quality pigtail cables and correct fusion splicing practices ensure the best possible performance. These are often used in fiber optics management equipment like fiber terminal boxes, distribution boxes, and ODF. Fiber pigtails offer better quality in comparison to field terminated cables.

 Difference between Pigtails and Patch Cords

Unlike fiber optic pigtail, which has a fiber connector installed only at one end, a fiber patch cord is terminated at both ends with a fiber optic connector. Patch cord cables are jacketed, contrasting with fiber optic cables that come unjacketed.

 Different Types of Fiber Optic Pigtail

Fiber optic pigtails are classified under these categories– connector type, fiber count, fiber type, and application environment.

 Connector type

Several kinds of fiber optic pigtails include LC, ST, SC, MT-RJ, FC, and E2000. Each of these has different structures and offers distinct advantages in various applications and systems. Here is a summary of the most common fiber optic pigtails:

 1. ST fiber optic pigtail: This connector comprises a long ferrule made of plastic, zirconia or stainless allow with a 2.5mm diameter. It is primarily used in multimode installations such as telecommunications and sensors.

2. SC Fiber optic pigtail: if anyone is looking for an economical purchase, an SC fiber optic pigtail with a stainless alloy is the best choice. This non-optical fiber connector has a wide array of applications.

3. FC Fiber Optic pigtail: It is used in general applications. It uses metallic optical connectors with high-precision ceramic ferrules.

 Fiber Types

Fiber optic pigtails are categorized into single-mode and multimode types. One fundamental difference in their appearance, i.e., single-mode fiber pigtails are typically yellow, whereas multimode pigtails are orange.

 Fiber Counts

Fiber optical pigtails are available in various fiber counts such as 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, and 48. For better understanding, remember that a simplex pigtail comes with one connector and one fiber count, whereas a duplex pigtail comes with two fibers plus two connectors on one end.

 Application Environment

Fiber optic pigtails have diverse applications as per the environment. For instance, if the weather conditions are extreme, then specifically designed fiber optic pigtails will be used to withstand the harsh conditions. Here’s how to find the right fiber optic pigtail as per your requirement:

 • Waterproof fiber optic pigtail: It is designed with a waterproof unit and a jacket made from armored outdoor polyethylene. It is best suited for environments with harsh conditions, such as communication towers, military bases, and more. These pigtails offer high-quality toughness, reliability, and tensile performance.

• Armoredfiber optic pigtail: These fiber pigtails are enclosed in a robust steel tube inside an outer jacket and offer extra protection to the fiber. The design significantly enhances the reliability of the network. These optic pigtails are best suited to environments with a high risk of damage from rodents or construction work. Another application of armored fiber optic pigtails is high cable areas, as these can efficiently handle the weight of other cables.

 What is a fiber pigtail used for?

Fiberpigtailis only one end with a connector, and the other end is a broken end of a fiber optic cable core, which is connected to other fiber optic cable cores by welding, often appearing in fiber optic terminal boxes for connection. Optical cables and optical transceivers (couplers, jumpers, etc. are also used between them).

 How do you connect fiber pigtails?

We need to splice machine to weld the two pigtails together.

 How many wires are there in one pigtail?

It can be 12 or 24 wires normally in one pigtail.