CommScope LC - User Manual

LC and MPO Connectors
For optimal connectivity performance, invest in a Fiber Optic Inspection and Cleaning Kit for your installation team.
CommScope
®
Cleaning and Inspection Kit – 760053199 -- Consumable Replacement Kit – 760053207
Install LC Connectors into Adapter
1. Install connectors into the adapter by aligning the latch on the connector with the slot
on the adapter and gently push into place. An audible click is heard when the
connector snaps into the adapter.
2. If a high-loss condition exists, use the LC cleaning procedures and reinstall the
connector as described in Step 1.
3. When doing rearrangements or reinsertions of LC connectors, use the LC cleaning
procedures to clean all components and reinstall the connectors as described in Step 1.
Clean LC Connector and Adapter
Clean exposed connector ferrule by lightly moistening lint-free wipe with fiber optic
cleaning solution (or >91% isopropyl alcohol), and by applying medium pressure, first
wipe against wet area and then onto dry area to clean potential residue from end face.
Clean connector ferrule inside adapter by inserting lightly moistened cleaning stick with
fiber optic cleaning solution (or >91% isopropyl alcohol) inside the adapter until contact is
made with connector on opposite end. Rotate cleaning stick with medium pressure in
one circular motion as it is pulled away from the adapter. Repeat process using dry
cleaning stick.
Caution: Signal strength will be affected if end and sides of ferrule are not thoroughly
cleaned. Discard cleaning sticks after each use. Do not turn cleaning sticks back and
forth pressing against connector end face. This may cause scratches if large
contamination is present. Always inspect connector end face for contamination after
each cleaning.
Clean adapter by inserting adapter cleaning stick (or fiber adapter sleeve brush)
moistened with fiber optic cleaning solution (or >91% isopropyl alcohol) inside the
adapter and gently pull out with twisting motion. Repeat process with a dry cleaning
stick.
Caution: Do not try to clean adapter with a standard pipe cleaner. The sleeve inner
diameter of LC adapters is too small. Do not try to clean the adapter with cleaning stick if
a connector is mounted in one side. Discard cleaning sticks after each use.
Install MPO Connectors into MPO Adapter
1. Before installing, remove the dust cap and refer to the MPO cleaning instructions.
2. Attach an MPO connector end into an MPO adapter by aligning the key on the
connector body with the keyway in the adapter. Apply enough pressure till you hear a
"click" sound, which signifies that the connector is plugged into the adapter.
Male
(with guide pins)
Female
(without guide pins)
3. If a high loss is present, remove the MPO connector, use the MPO cleaning
instructions and reinstall the connector.
4. Whenever disconnecting and reconnecting the MPO connector, refer to the MPO
cleaning instructions before reinstallation.
Warning: Do not connect male connector ends to each other. Doing so will damage
the connector end face. Do not connect two female ends. If you do connect two
female ends together, the test results will present a high insertion loss.
Cleaning the MPO Connector and MPO Adapter
Clean exposed connector ferrule by lightly moistening lint-free wipe with fiber optic
cleaning solution (or >91% isopropyl alcohol), and by applying medium pressure, first
wipe against wet area and then onto dry area to clean potential residue from end face.
Clean connector ferrule inside adapter by inserting lightly moistened cleaning stick with
fiber optic cleaning solution (or >91% isopropyl alcohol) inside the adapter until contact is
made with connector on opposite end. Applying medium pressure, wipe the end face in
direction perpendicular to fiber array and all the way around each pin. Repeat process
using dry cleaning stick.
Caution: Signal strength will be affected if end and sides of ferrule is not thoroughly
cleaned. Discard cleaning sticks after each use. Do not turn cleaning sticks back and
forth pressing against connector end face. This may cause scratches if large
contamination is present. To prevent scratching the end face, always clean the MPO
connectors with a cleaning motion from top to bottom. Never clean the MPO connector
by rubbing across it from side to side.
Yes No
Clean adapter by
inserting adapter cleaning stick (or fiber adapter sleeve brush)
moistened with fiber optic cleaning solution (or >91% isopropyl alcohol) inside the
adapter and gently wiping inside surface. Repeat process with a dry cleaning stick.
Caution: Do not try to clean the adapter with cleaning stick if a connector is mounted in
one side. Discard cleaning sticks after each use.
How to Contact Us
•
•
For product information and support, visit us on the web at
http://www.commscope.com/SupportCenter
For technical assistance:
− Within the United States, contact your local account representative or technical
support at 1-800-344-0223. Outside the United States, contact your local account
representative or Authorized Business Partner.
− Within the United States, report any missing/damaged parts or any other issues to
CommScope Customer Claims at 1-866-539-2795. Outside the United States,
contact your local account representative or Authorized Business Partner.
Page 1 of 2
TECP-96-194 Rev C May 2019
Instructions for Use
700074628 Rev C

Summary

LC Connector Procedures

Install LC Connectors into Adapter

Procedure for installing LC connectors into an adapter, including alignment and audible click confirmation.

Clean LC Connector and Adapter

Steps for cleaning LC connector ferrules (exposed and inside adapter) and adapters using cleaning solution/sticks.

MPO Connector Procedures

Install MPO Connectors into MPO Adapter

Guide for installing MPO connectors into MPO adapters, emphasizing key alignment and pressure for connection.

Clean the MPO Connector and MPO Adapter

Instructions for cleaning MPO connector ferrules and adapters using cleaning solution and sticks.

ST Connector Procedures

Install ST Connectors into Adapter

Procedure for installing ST connectors into an adapter, including aligning the mark on the rim and twist-locking.

Clean ST Connector and Adapter

Steps for cleaning ST connector ferrules (exposed and inside adapter) and adapters using cleaning solution/sticks.

SC Connector Procedures

Install SC Connectors into Adapter

Procedure for installing SC connectors into an adapter, aligning the key and ensuring the white line disappears.

Clean SC Connector and Adapter

Steps for cleaning SC connector ferrules (exposed and inside adapter) and adapters using cleaning solution/sticks.

Overview

1. LC Connectors and Adapters
2. Function Description
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features
5. MPO Connectors and Adapters
6. Function Description
7. Usage Features
8. Maintenance Features
9. ST® Connectors and Adapters
10. Function Description
11. Usage Features
12. Maintenance Features
13. SC Connectors and Adapters
14. Function Description
15. Usage Features
16. Maintenance Features

This document outlines the installation, cleaning, and maintenance procedures for LC, MPO, ST®, and SC fiber optic connectors and their corresponding adapters, ensuring optimal connectivity performance. It emphasizes the importance of using a Fiber Optic Inspection and Cleaning Kit for all maintenance tasks.

LC Connectors and Adapters

Function Description:

LC connectors are designed for reliable fiber optic connections. They are installed into adapters to facilitate the connection between fiber optic cables. The design includes a latch mechanism that provides a secure fit, indicated by an audible click upon proper installation.

Usage Features:

Installation involves aligning the connector's latch with the adapter's slot and gently pushing until it clicks into place. For rearrangements or reinsertions, it is crucial to clean all components beforehand.

Maintenance Features:

Cleaning is a critical aspect of maintaining LC connectors and adapters to prevent signal degradation.

• Exposed Connector Ferrule Cleaning: This involves lightly moistening a lint-free wipe with fiber optic cleaning solution (or >91% isopropyl alcohol). Apply medium pressure, wiping first against the wet area and then onto a dry area to remove potential residue from the end face.
• Connector Ferrule Inside Adapter Cleaning: For ferrules inside the adapter, a lightly moistened cleaning stick with fiber optic cleaning solution (or >91% isopropyl alcohol) is inserted until it contacts the connector on the opposite end. The stick is rotated with medium pressure in one circular motion as it is pulled away from the adapter. This process is repeated with a dry cleaning stick.
• Adapter Cleaning: An adapter cleaning stick (or fiber adapter sleeve brush) moistened with fiber optic cleaning solution (or >91% isopropyl alcohol) is inserted into the adapter and gently pulled out with a twisting motion. This is followed by a dry cleaning stick.
• Cautions: It is essential to discard cleaning sticks after each use to avoid reintroducing contaminants. Do not turn cleaning sticks back and forth while pressing against the connector end face, as this can cause scratches if large contamination is present. Always inspect the connector end face for contamination after cleaning. Signal strength will be affected if the end and sides of the ferrule are not thoroughly cleaned. Standard pipe cleaners should not be used for adapters due to their unsuitable size. Avoid cleaning an adapter with a connector mounted in one side.

MPO Connectors and Adapters

Function Description:

MPO connectors are designed for high-density fiber optic connections, typically used in data centers. They attach to MPO adapters, ensuring a secure and reliable connection. The design incorporates a keying mechanism to ensure proper alignment during installation, confirmed by an audible "click."

Usage Features:

Before installation, dust caps must be removed. The connector end is attached to the MPO adapter by aligning the key on the connector body with the keyway in the adapter. Sufficient pressure is applied until a "click" sound confirms proper connection. If high loss occurs, the connector should be removed, cleaned, and reinstalled. Similarly, for disconnections and reconnections, cleaning is required before reinstallation.

• Warning: Male connectors should not be connected to each other, as this can damage the connector end face. Connecting two female ends together will result in high insertion loss.

Maintenance Features:

Cleaning MPO connectors and adapters is crucial for maintaining signal integrity.

• Exposed Connector Ferrule Cleaning: Similar to LC connectors, this involves lightly moistening a lint-free wipe with fiber optic cleaning solution (or >91% isopropyl alcohol). Apply medium pressure, wiping first against the wet area and then onto a dry area to clean potential residue from the end face.
• Connector Ferrule Inside Adapter Cleaning: A lightly moistened cleaning stick with fiber optic cleaning solution (or >91% isopropyl alcohol) is inserted into the adapter until it contacts the connector on the opposite end. Apply medium pressure and wipe the end face in a direction perpendicular to the fiber array and all the way around each pin. This process is repeated with a dry cleaning stick.
• Adapter Cleaning: An adapter cleaning stick (or fiber adapter sleeve brush) moistened with fiber optic cleaning solution (or >91% isopropyl alcohol) is inserted into the adapter, and the inside surface is gently wiped. This is followed by a dry cleaning stick.
• Cautions: Discard cleaning sticks after each use. Do not turn cleaning sticks back and forth while pressing against the connector end face, as this can cause scratches if large contamination is present. To prevent scratching, MPO connectors should always be cleaned with a top-to-bottom motion, never rubbing across from side to side. Avoid cleaning an adapter with a connector mounted in one side.

ST® Connectors and Adapters

Function Description:

ST® connectors are designed for robust fiber optic connections, often used in industrial and enterprise networks. They feature a bayonet-style coupling mechanism that provides a secure, twist-locking connection with the adapter.

Usage Features:

Installation involves aligning a mark on the rim of the connector body with the slot in the adapter. The connection is completed by pushing the connector into the adapter with a clockwise twist-locking motion. If a high-loss condition exists, the ST cleaning procedures should be followed, and the connectors reinstalled. For rearrangements or reinsertions, all components must be cleaned.

Maintenance Features:

Proper cleaning of ST® connectors and adapters is essential for optimal performance.

• Exposed Connector Ferrule Cleaning: Lightly moisten a lint-free wipe with fiber optic cleaning solution (or >91% isopropyl alcohol). Apply medium pressure, wiping first against the wet area and then onto a dry area to clean potential residue from the end face.
• Connector Ferrule Inside Adapter Cleaning: Insert a lightly moistened cleaning stick with fiber optic cleaning solution (or >91% isopropyl alcohol) into the adapter until it contacts the connector on the opposite end. Rotate the cleaning stick with medium pressure in one circular motion as it is pulled away from the adapter. Repeat this process with a dry cleaning stick.
• Adapter Cleaning: Insert an adapter cleaning stick (or fiber adapter sleeve brush) moistened with fiber optic cleaning solution (or >91% isopropyl alcohol) into the adapter and gently pull out with a twisting motion. Repeat with a dry cleaning stick.
• Cautions: Discard cleaning sticks after each use. Do not turn cleaning sticks back and forth while pressing against the connector end face, as this can cause scratches if large contamination is present. Always inspect the connector end face for contamination after cleaning. Signal strength will be affected if the end and sides of the ferrule are not thoroughly cleaned. Avoid cleaning an adapter with a connector mounted in one side.

SC Connectors and Adapters

Function Description:

SC connectors are widely used in telecommunications and data communication networks, known for their push-pull coupling mechanism. They are installed into adapters, providing a reliable fiber optic connection. The proper installation is indicated when a white line on the grip disappears inside the adapter.

Usage Features:

Each connector is installed by aligning the key on the connector body with the keyway in the adapter. The connector is properly installed when the white line in the grip disappears inside the adapter. If a high-loss condition is present, the SC cleaning procedures should be followed, and the connectors reinstalled. For rearrangements or reinsertions, all components must be cleaned.

Maintenance Features:

Maintaining SC connectors and adapters through proper cleaning is vital for performance.

• Exposed Connector Ferrule Cleaning: Lightly moisten a lint-free wipe with fiber optic cleaning solution (or >91% isopropyl alcohol). Apply medium pressure, wiping first against the wet area and then onto a dry area to clean potential residue from the end face.
• Connector Ferrule Inside Adapter Cleaning: Insert a lightly moistened cleaning stick with fiber optic cleaning solution (or >91% isopropyl alcohol) into the adapter until it contacts the connector on the opposite end. Rotate the cleaning stick with medium pressure in one circular motion as it is pulled away from the adapter. Repeat this process using a dry cleaning stick.
• Adapter Cleaning: Insert an adapter cleaning stick (or fiber adapter sleeve brush) moistened with fiber optic cleaning solution (or >91% isopropyl alcohol) into the adapter and gently pull out with a twisting motion. Repeat with a dry cleaning stick.
• Cautions: Discard cleaning sticks after each use. Do not turn cleaning sticks back and forth while pressing against the connector end face, as this can cause scratches if large contamination is present. Always inspect the connector end face for contamination after cleaning. Signal strength will be affected if the end and sides of the ferrule are not thoroughly cleaned. Avoid cleaning an adapter with a connector mounted in one side.

CommScope LC Specifications