Fiber optic pigtails and connectors

The connector on a fiber optic pigtail is called a pigtail connector, commonly types like LC, SC, ST, or FC. A fiber optic pigtail is a short length of optical fiber with a factory-terminated connector on one end and a bare fiber on the other end, designed for splicing to a main fiber cable in the field. The connector end is polished and tested in the factory to ensure low insertion loss and high return loss, while the bare end is spliced using fusion or mechanical splicing.

Common Pigtail Connector TypesLC (Lucent Connector): Small form factor, widely used in high-density applications and data centers.

S

C (Subscriber Connector or Standard Connector): Push-pull design, commonly used in P2P and PON networks, with a 2. 5mm ferrule.

S

T (Straight Tip): Bayonet-style connector, often used in telecom and industrial networks.

F

C (Ferrule Connector): Screw-type threaded connector, suitable for vibration-prone environments. Other connectors include MU, MT-RJ, and E2000, which are used for higher-density or specialized applications.

Function and Advantages

The pigtail connector allows network installers to move the most critical termination step to a controlled factory environment, ensuring reliable, low-loss connections. It simplifies field installation because technicians only need to splice the bare fiber end to the main cable, rather than terminating connectors on-site. This approach saves time, reduces labor costs, and improves long-term network performance.

In summary, the connector on a fiber optic pigtail is a factory-terminated pigtail connector, with LC, SC, ST, and FC being the most common types, chosen based on network requirements and density considerations.