Tag Archives: fiber pigtails

Difference between Fiber Pigtail & patch cords

Optical fiber patch cords are made from either single or multi-fiber cables (usually rated for indoor use) and connected at each end with an optical connector (either single fiber or multiple-fiber connector). Sometimes patch cords are called jumpers, especially if they are simplex or dulex. The connectors are selected to mate with the interfacing equipment or cable connectors. The important idea is that the cable has a connector at each end. The fiber can be either tight or loose buffered and the cable can be made of various diameters (1.2 mm to 3.0 mm are common). The patch cord may have one type of connector (ST FC, SC, LC, etc) on one end and a different connector on the other as long as all the fibers are connectorized on each cable end – this is a transition jumper. Patch cords are commonly used to connect ports on fiber distribution frames (FDFs).

12fibers SCUPC SM pigtail

fiber pigtail of Fiberstore

mtpmpo3

Fiberstore optical fiber patch cords with mtp connector

 

A fiber pigtails is a cable (like a pach cord or jumper) with only one end terminated with an optical connector. Patch cords are often cut into shorter lengths to make two pigtails. Pigtails are found anywhere, but more commonly in optical assemblages or optical components (in a box)

Experience of Cut the fiber jumpers

I also have used fiber optic jumpers in place of pigtails for customer directed repairs. I prefer proper equipment use per application, however I have noticed that with a fusion splicer the only complication is either the fan out assembly or the splice tray fit and the lack of color coding possibilities if using only jumpers .I do like the ability of testing a connector prior to splicing it on, but following the pigtail termination I always OTDR the fiber to ensure quality installation. That is followed at the completion of a installation with a light loss meter.

Yes, cutting a jumper gives you 2 connectors. but 2 fiber pigtails are purposed for the task of providing connectors for a permanent link installation. while the jumper is purposed with the task interconnecting two such connectors.
Standard designs that customers receive are clearer to understand as the specific function of each item is known. If the bill of materials reflects : 144 pigtails for 12 individual 6 strand fiber cables and 72 jumpers to connect to equipment to ports provided. but the list of extra jumpers and nonstandard use of jumper cables in a proposed design might be enough to scare a customer away.if i was a contracting officer and I read: 72 jumpers to be used as pigtails for 12 individual 6 strand fiber cables and 72 jumpers to connect to equipment to ports provided.