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Optical Fiber Cabling

The specifications for optical fiber cabling consist of one recognized cable type for the horizontal subsystem and two cable types for the backbone subsystem:

  • Horizontal - 62.5/125 µm multimode (two fibers per outlet).
  • Backbone - 62.5/125 µm multimode or single mode.

All optical fiber components and installation practices shall meet applicable building and safety codes.

Optical Fiber Cables:

  • Cables shall be marked according to applicable electrical codes.
  • Horizontal cables shall contain a minimum of 2 fibers (typically 6 or 12 fiber cables are used for backbone cabling).
  • For multimode, 62.5/125 µm, graded index is specified.
  • For single mode, a 8.7-10 µm dispersion unshifted core with 125 µm cladding is specified.

Optical Fiber Patch Cords:

  • Shall be a two-fiber indoor cable of the same type as the cables they connect to.
  • Shall allow for easy connection and reconnection and ensure that polarity is maintained (568SC configuration required).
  • Shall perform a cross-over of fiber positions A and B. If provided in simplex form, ends shall be identified "A" and "B".

Optical Fiber Cabling Installation:

  • Testing is recommended to ensure correct polarization and acceptable link performance. An informative annex is provided for optical fiber link performance.

Installation of Optical Fiber Connecting Hardware:

  • Connectors shall be protected from physical damage and moisture.
  • Distribution facilities for optical fiber should terminate no more than 144 optical fibers per 14 rack spaces [622 mm (24.5 in.)] or 2 ft. x 2 ft. wall space.
  • Capacity for 12 or more fibers per rack space [44.5 mm (1.75 in.)] should be provided.
  • Optical fiber connecting hardware shall be installed:
    • To provide well organized installation with cable management.
    • In accordance with manufacturers' guidelines.

Optical Fiber Connections:

  • Recommended adapter (coupler) and connector is designated as 568SC (duplex SC). ST connectors are allowed, where an installed base exists.
  • In cross-connects, a simplex or duplex connector is allowed.
  • For the work area side of the telecommunications outlet, the 568SC duplex SC connector is specified. 568SC patch cords are required for two-fiber applications.
  • Outlets shall be securely mounted at planned locations.
  • The two positions in a duplex connector are referred to as "position A" and "position B".
  • The outlet shall have:
    • The ability to secure optical fibers.
    • Cable management means to ensure a minimum bend radius of 30 mm (1.18 in.).
    • The ability to store at least 1 m (3.28 ft.) of optical fiber cable.

  • Identification of fiber types:
    • Multimode connectors and adapters shall be beige in color.
    • Single mode connectors and adapters shall be blue in color

  • 568SC connectors are rated for a minimum of 500 mating cycles.
  • The 568SC adapter performs a cross-over between position A and position B of two mated connectors.
  • Unterminated fibers shall be stored in a telecommunications outlet box.

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