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The RapidConnect 148S 1RU Rackmount Sliding Fibre Enclosure provides organised fibre termination and up to 72-fibre splice capacity. Its sliding tray, dual splice cassettes and configurable SC or LC faceplates provide convenient access and flexible network deployment.
The 1RU Rackmount Sliding Fibre Enclosure provides a compact and configurable platform for terminating, splicing, protecting and managing optical fibres within a standard rack or cabinet. Designed for professional fibre installations, the RapidConnect 148S combines a sliding tray, dual splice cassettes and interchangeable faceplate options within a space-efficient 1RU enclosure.
Because the 148S is supplied unloaded, installers can select the faceplates, fibre adaptors and pigtails required for each project. Therefore, the same enclosure can support different connector types, fibre modes and termination configurations without forcing customers into a predetermined layout.
Moreover, the sliding design gives technicians direct access to the internal fibre management area. As a result, they can install, inspect and maintain fibres without removing the complete enclosure from the rack.
Product code: 148S
Rack height: 1RU
Configuration: Unloaded
Maximum splice capacity: Up to 72 fibres
The RapidConnect 148S is an unloaded 1RU enclosure for rackmount fibre termination and cable management. It provides a protected location for incoming fibre optic cables, fusion splices, pigtails, adaptors and outgoing fibre patch leads.
First, the incoming cable enters the rear of the enclosure. The installer then secures and routes the cable within the internal management area. Next, the individual fibres connect to pigtails through fusion splicing or another approved termination method. Finally, the pigtail connectors connect to the adaptors installed in the selected front faceplate.
Because the enclosure separates incoming cable, protected splices and front-panel connections, it creates an organised transition between the installed fibre cable and active network equipment. Consequently, technicians can identify, test and maintain individual fibre circuits more efficiently.
The enclosure can support up to 72 spliced fibres when correctly configured. However, the final presented-fibre capacity depends on the selected faceplate, adaptor type and internal splice arrangement. Therefore, customers should confirm the complete configuration before ordering.
Rackmounted fibre enclosures generally use either a fixed or sliding internal platform. Although both designs protect fibre connections, a sliding enclosure provides easier access to internal components.
The 148S tray slides forward from the rack. Therefore, an installer can access the splice cassettes, fibre routing and rear of the adaptor faceplate while the enclosure remains mounted. This design can simplify initial termination work and later maintenance.
Additionally, direct access reduces the need to reach through adjacent rack equipment. As a result, technicians can work more carefully around delicate fibres and connections.
A sliding enclosure can provide several practical benefits:
However, technicians must still handle the tray carefully. Before opening it, they should check that incoming cables and patch leads have enough controlled movement. They should also confirm that the surrounding rack equipment does not obstruct the tray.
Rack space is valuable in communications rooms, data cabinets and equipment racks. Therefore, the 148S uses a compact 1RU format while still providing internal space for fibre routing and splicing.
One rack unit measures approximately 44.45 mm in height. Accordingly, the 148S has an unpacked height of 44 mm and occupies one standard rack unit.
This compact format makes the enclosure suitable for installations where the designer must balance fibre capacity against available cabinet space. For example, it may support building backbones, equipment-room links, campus connections and general communications infrastructure.
However, rack height alone should not determine product selection. The installer must also consider:
Therefore, Anderson Corporation recommends confirming the complete termination design before ordering the enclosure and its associated components.
The RapidConnect 148S is an unloaded fibre enclosure. In other words, it provides the enclosure platform and internal fibre management hardware without locking the customer into one adaptor and pigtail configuration.
This flexibility allows the customer to select components that match the network. For example, a singlemode installation may require blue SC UPC or LC UPC adaptors. Alternatively, an APC system may require green SC APC or LC APC components. Multimode installations can also use the appropriate multimode adaptors and pigtails.
Because the enclosure is unloaded, customers can determine:
This approach gives consultants, contractors and network owners greater control over the finished assembly. Furthermore, it prevents the project from paying for pre-installed components that do not match the required design.
Nevertheless, an unloaded enclosure requires careful component selection. The faceplate, adaptors, pigtails and splice accessories must work together as one system. Therefore, Anderson Corporation can help confirm the correct configuration before supply.
Customers who prefer a prepared assembly can also consider the RapidConnect Fully Loaded Rackmount Enclosure.
The 148S provides a maximum stated splice capacity of up to 72 fibres. However, this figure describes the enclosure’s maximum splice capability when it uses a suitable internal arrangement.
It does not mean that every faceplate and adaptor combination automatically presents 72 fibres. Instead, the usable capacity depends on several connected decisions.
These decisions include:
For example, an LC Quad adaptor presents four fibres through one adaptor position. In contrast, an SC Simplex adaptor presents one fibre. Therefore, two faceplates with the same number of physical openings may provide different fibre capacities.
Similarly, a project may not need to use the full splice capacity. A lower-fibre-count installation can retain internal space for easier routing and future expansion. Consequently, the best configuration is not always the highest-density configuration.
Before ordering, customers should confirm both the required splice count and the required number of front-panel connections. Anderson Corporation can then match the faceplates, adaptors and pigtails to the application.
The RapidConnect 148S incorporates dual splice cassettes for organising and protecting fusion splices. Each cassette provides a controlled location for splice protectors and fibre routing.
After fusion splicing, the technician places each splice protector into the appropriate holder. The technician then routes the fibre within the cassette while maintaining suitable bend control. As a result, the completed splices remain separated from loose cables and other internal components.
Dual cassettes also allow the installer to divide fibres into logical groups. For example, the installer may separate fibres by cable, service, destination, building or network function. Therefore, technicians can identify individual circuits more easily during testing or maintenance.
The dual-cassette arrangement can support:
However, high capacity still requires disciplined installation. Technicians should avoid crossing fibres unnecessarily or forcing excess fibre into restricted areas. Furthermore, labels and connection records should match the physical cassette arrangement.
Optical fibre can suffer increased attenuation or permanent damage when installers bend it too tightly. Therefore, bend-radius management remains essential throughout the enclosure.
The 148S provides an internal platform for routing fibres around the splice cassettes and towards the front adaptors. When technicians route the fibres correctly, this arrangement helps prevent sharp turns, localised pressure and uncontrolled movement.
Good fibre management should include:
Additionally, installers should follow the minimum bend-radius requirements for the specific cable, pigtail and fibre type. Although the enclosure supports organised routing, installation technique ultimately determines whether the fibres remain properly protected.
The 148S can accept different connector faceplates. Therefore, customers can configure the front of the enclosure around their preferred connector system.
Available connector styles include:
The selected faceplate determines the adaptor format and the number of available adaptor positions. Meanwhile, the selected adaptor determines how many fibres each position presents.
SC connectors provide a larger push-pull interface that remains widely used across telecommunications, commercial and industrial networks. LC connectors, however, use a smaller form factor. Consequently, LC configurations can support greater connection density within the available panel space.
UPC and APC connectors must also remain separate. A blue UPC connector should connect to the corresponding UPC adaptor and mating connector. Likewise, a green APC connector should connect only to a compatible APC interface.
Therefore, customers should never select adaptors by colour alone. They should confirm:
Correct component selection protects optical performance and prevents mismatched connections.
SC connectors remain common across many fibre optic networks because they provide a familiar push-pull format and a robust connection.
An SC Simplex adaptor supports one fibre connection. Therefore, it suits individual transmit or receive paths and other simplex applications.
In comparison, an SC Duplex arrangement combines two SC connections. Consequently, it can support a conventional two-fibre transmit-and-receive circuit while keeping the paired connections together.
SC configurations may suit:
However, SC connectors require more front-panel space than LC connectors. Therefore, customers seeking higher density may prefer an LC configuration.
LC connectors use a small-form-factor interface. As a result, they can present more fibres within a limited faceplate area.
An LC Duplex adaptor presents two fibres. Therefore, it commonly supports a duplex optical circuit through one compact adaptor body.
An LC Quad adaptor presents four fibres. Consequently, it increases front-panel density and may suit higher-fibre-count installations.
LC configurations may support:
Nevertheless, the project team should not select LC Quad adaptors based only on maximum density. Internal pigtail routing, splice capacity and patch lead access must also remain manageable. Therefore, the complete enclosure layout should guide the final decision.
The 148S can support both UPC and APC connector formats when fitted with the corresponding faceplates, adaptors and pigtails.
UPC connectors use an ultra-physical-contact polish. They commonly appear in blue for singlemode applications. APC connectors, on the other hand, use an angled physical-contact polish and commonly appear in green.
Because the end-face geometries differ, UPC and APC connectors should not mate with each other. A mismatched connection can produce poor physical contact, excessive insertion loss and unwanted reflectance. Moreover, it may damage the connector end faces.
Therefore, the entire connection path should use a consistent polish type. This includes:
Before ordering the unloaded 148S, customers should confirm whether the network uses UPC or APC connectivity.
The enclosure does not determine the optical fibre mode. Instead, the installed adaptors, pigtails, patch leads and incoming cable establish the required optical system.
Therefore, the 148S can support singlemode or multimode installations when configured with compatible components.
Singlemode fibre commonly supports longer transmission distances and telecommunications applications. In contrast, multimode fibre often supports shorter links within buildings, data centres and equipment environments.
Regardless of fibre mode, the installer must maintain consistency throughout the channel. For example, an OS2 singlemode cable should connect through compatible singlemode pigtails and patch leads. Likewise, an OM4 multimode cable should use the corresponding OM4 connectivity.
A correctly specified enclosure configuration should confirm:
Consequently, customers should treat the enclosure and its connectivity as one coordinated system.
Fusion splicing provides a permanent optical connection between the incoming cable fibres and connectorised pigtails. Therefore, it remains a common termination method for rackmounted fibre enclosures.
A typical installation process includes:
Because fibre preparation and splicing require specialised equipment, trained technicians should complete the work. Furthermore, technicians should inspect and clean every connector before final testing.
The 148S can also form part of a pre-terminated fibre installation when the selected cable assembly and enclosure configuration allow suitable entry, routing and connection.
Pre-terminated fibre arrives with factory-installed connectors. Therefore, it can reduce field-splicing requirements and shorten installation time. However, the installer must protect the connectors during cable placement and provide sufficient space for routing the terminated ends.
Before using a pre-terminated assembly with the 148S, confirm:
Accordingly, pre-terminated installations require planning before the cable reaches the site. Anderson Corporation can help coordinate the cable assembly and enclosure configuration.
Incoming cable requires secure retention before technicians route individual fibres towards the splice area. Otherwise, movement or pulling force may transfer to the fibre splices and pigtails.
Therefore, the installer should secure the cable according to its construction and the project design. The cable should enter the enclosure without sharp bends, uncontrolled tension or pressure against other components.
After securing the cable, the installer should route the fibres so that the sliding tray can operate without pulling them. Additionally, the technician should allow controlled movement where the cable transitions between fixed and sliding sections.
A well-managed installation should provide:
The correct method will depend on the incoming cable construction. Therefore, installers should review the cable specification before beginning termination work.
The RapidConnect 148S includes a connection record book to help document installed fibre circuits.
Accurate records allow technicians to identify each adaptor, pigtail, splice and incoming fibre. Consequently, they can trace circuits more quickly during testing, fault investigation or network changes.
At a minimum, the records should identify:
Additionally, front-panel labels should correspond with the internal records. Consistent identification reduces uncertainty and helps prevent technicians from disconnecting the wrong service.
However, documentation only remains useful when teams keep it current. Therefore, every move, addition or change should include an update to the connection record.
The 148S suits protected indoor rack and cabinet installations. Depending on the complete network design, it may form part of:
However, the standard enclosure does not provide an outdoor weatherproof housing. Therefore, customers should install it within a suitable indoor rack, cabinet or protected equipment environment.
The surrounding cabinet should also provide enough depth and clearance for the enclosure, incoming cable and patch leads. Moreover, technicians should retain clear access to the sliding tray.
The unloaded and fully loaded versions serve different project requirements.
An unloaded enclosure gives the customer maximum control over the final configuration. Therefore, it suits projects with specialised connector requirements, unusual fibre counts or staged deployment plans.
A fully loaded enclosure includes selected connectivity components before delivery. Consequently, it can reduce component selection and site preparation.
| Consideration | Unloaded 148S | Fully loaded enclosure |
|---|---|---|
| Faceplates | Selected separately | Configured before supply |
| Adaptors | Selected separately | Pre-installed as ordered |
| Pigtails | Selected separately | Supplied as part of configuration |
| Configuration flexibility | Maximum | Defined before delivery |
| Site preparation | More component assembly | Reduced component assembly |
| Best suited to | Custom or staged configurations | Standardised, prepared installations |
Neither approach is universally better. Instead, the correct choice depends on the project design, labour model and required level of factory preparation.
For a prepared solution, view the RapidConnect Fully Loaded Rackmount Enclosure.
Careful planning helps installers use the available enclosure space effectively. Therefore, the project team should confirm the full design before equipment arrives on site.
The planning process should include:
First, identify the number of fibres that require immediate termination. Then, consider future expansion and spare capacity.
Next, choose SC or LC connectivity. The choice should match the existing network, equipment interfaces and required panel density.
The connector polish must remain consistent throughout the optical path. Therefore, confirm UPC or APC before selecting adaptors and pigtails.
The faceplate must match the adaptor format and required port count. Additionally, it must support practical patch lead access.
Determine how many fusion splices the enclosure will hold. Then, assign fibres across the dual splice cassettes.
Review the incoming cable diameter, construction and bend radius. Furthermore, plan how the installer will secure and route the cable.
Finally, confirm that the rack position gives technicians enough clearance to open the sliding tray and access the patching area.
This process reduces ordering errors and supports a cleaner installation.
Contaminated fibre connectors can cause insertion loss, reflectance and unstable network performance. Therefore, technicians should inspect and clean every connector before mating it.
A suitable process includes:
Additionally, technicians should keep unused adaptor ports protected with dust caps. However, a dust cap does not guarantee that an interface is clean. Therefore, technicians should still inspect the connection before use.
After termination, the installer should complete the required optical testing. Therefore, depending on the project, this may include insertion-loss testing, polarity confirmation and OTDR testing.
The results should then become part of the project handover documentation.
The sliding tray simplifies access, but technicians must still follow a controlled maintenance process.
Before opening the enclosure, identify the affected circuit and review the connection records. Next, check that patch leads and incoming cables have enough controlled movement. Then, slide the tray forward without applying force to the fibres.
During maintenance:
Consequently, the enclosure can support future additions and changes without turning the fibre termination area into an unmanaged collection of fibres and patch leads.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product | RapidConnect 1RU Rackmount Sliding Fibre Enclosure |
| Product code | 148S |
| Configuration | Unloaded |
| Rack height | 1RU |
| Enclosure type | Rackmount sliding fibre enclosure |
| Maximum stated splice capacity | Up to 72 fibres |
| Splice management | Dual splice cassettes |
| Connector options | SC, SC APC, LC and LC APC |
| Adaptor formats | SC Simplex, SC Duplex, LC Duplex and LC Quad |
| Unpacked dimensions | 430 × 300 × 44 mm |
| Unpacked weight | 3.12 kg |
| Packaged dimensions | 510 × 370 × 70 mm |
| Packaged weight | 5 kg |
| Connection record | Included |
| Application | Protected indoor rack and cabinet installations |
Because each project can use a different faceplate and adaptor arrangement, customers should confirm the required configuration before ordering.
Download the 148S Unloaded Sliding Enclosure Brochure
A complete 148S configuration may require:
However, component requirements vary between projects. Therefore, customers should provide the fibre count, fibre mode, connector type and preferred configuration when requesting a quotation.
The RapidConnect 148S provides a practical balance between rack-space efficiency, configuration flexibility and technician access.
Key advantages include:
Moreover, Anderson Corporation can help customers select the faceplates, adaptors, pigtails and other components required for the finished enclosure.
The RapidConnect 148S can form part of the RapidConnect 25-Year Enterprise Cabling Infrastructure System Warranty when the complete installation meets the applicable warranty conditions.
A system warranty considers the installed cabling channel rather than one individual component. Therefore, the project must use approved products, installation practices and testing procedures.
Customers should discuss warranty requirements with Anderson Corporation during the project design stage. That way, the correct products and documentation can be incorporated before installation begins.
Yes. The enclosure has an unpacked height of 44 mm and occupies one rack unit within a compatible rack or cabinet.
Unloaded means the enclosure does not force the customer into one preselected adaptor and pigtail configuration. Instead, customers select the appropriate faceplates, adaptors and pigtails for their network.
The enclosure provides a maximum stated splice capacity of up to 72 fibres. However, the number of fibres presented at the front panel depends on the selected faceplate and adaptor arrangement.
No. The final front-panel capacity depends on the number of adaptor positions and whether the enclosure uses SC Simplex, SC Duplex, LC Duplex or LC Quad adaptors.
The available options include SC Simplex, SC APC Simplex, SC Duplex, SC APC Duplex, LC Duplex, LC APC Duplex, LC Quad and LC APC Quad.
Yes. LC Quad and LC APC Quad options are available. Each quad adaptor presents four fibres, subject to the selected faceplate and complete enclosure configuration.
Yes. However, the faceplate, adaptors, pigtails and patch leads must use the correct and matching connector polish. UPC and APC connectors should not mate with each other.
Yes. The enclosure can support either fibre mode when fitted with compatible adaptors, pigtails and patch leads.
Yes. The 148S includes dual splice cassettes for organising and protecting fibre splices.
The sliding tray gives technicians easier access to internal fibres, splices and connections. Consequently, installation, inspection and maintenance can take place while the enclosure remains mounted in the rack.
The enclosure can form part of a pre-terminated solution when the cable assembly, cable entry and internal routing suit the selected configuration. Therefore, confirm the complete design before ordering.
Yes. Customers who want adaptors and pigtails configured before delivery can consider the RapidConnect Fully Loaded Rackmount Enclosure.
Without packaging, the enclosure measures 430 × 300 × 44 mm. With packaging, it measures 510 × 370 × 70 mm.
The unpacked enclosure weighs 3.12 kg. Meanwhile, its packaged weight is 5 kg.
Yes. A connection record book is supplied to help document fibre allocations and installed circuits.
The standard 148S suits protected indoor racks and cabinets. Therefore, it should not be treated as a weatherproof outdoor enclosure.
Provide Anderson Corporation with the required fibre count, fibre mode, connector type, connector polish and preferred adaptor arrangement. Therefore, the team can then help identify the appropriate faceplates, adaptors and pigtails.
The 1RU Rackmount Sliding Fibre Enclosure Knowledge Centre provides focused guidance across enclosure selection, fibre capacity, connector configurations, installation and maintenance. As the Knowledge Centre expands, each section will help customers plan and manage rackmounted fibre terminations throughout the complete product lifecycle.
First, this section explains how rackmount fibre enclosures protect, terminate and organise optical fibres within communications racks and cabinets.
Articles coming soon.
Next, this section explores splice capacity, presented-fibre capacity, adaptor density and future expansion. In particular, it will explain why final capacity depends on the complete enclosure configuration.
Articles coming soon.
This section explains how faceplates, adaptors and pigtails work together. Additionally, it will cover SC, LC, UPC and APC selection.
Articles coming soon.
Here, installers can learn about rack mounting, cable entry, strain control, internal fibre routing and bend-radius management.
Articles coming soon.
This section compares fusion-spliced termination with pre-terminated deployment. Furthermore, it will explore how each method affects project planning and installation.
Articles coming soon.
Finally, this section covers connector inspection, cleaning, optical testing, labelling, record keeping and ongoing enclosure maintenance.
Articles coming soon.
The RapidConnect 148S offers a flexible foundation for rackmounted fibre termination. Because it is supplied unloaded, customers can select the faceplates, adaptors and pigtails that match their precise network requirements.
Furthermore, its sliding tray provides direct access to the internal fibre management area. The dual splice cassettes then help organise and protect up to 72 fusion splices within a compact 1RU format.
Contact Anderson Corporation to confirm your fibre count, connector style, adaptor arrangement and pigtail requirements. Alternatively, use the Rapid Quote form to request a configured solution.
For more fibre optic product guidance, visit the Anderson Fibre Products YouTube Channel.
