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- sales@andcorp.com.au
The RapidConnect Fully Loaded 2RU Rackmount Sliding Fibre Enclosure provides a factory-configured solution for terminating up to 96 fibres. Selected faceplates, adaptors and colour-coded pigtails arrive installed, while the sliding tray and two splice cassettes support efficient splicing, routing and maintenance.
| File | File size |
|---|---|
| 296S 2RU Fully Loaded Rack Mount Enclosure Brochure | 6 MB |
The Fully Loaded 2RU Rackmount Sliding Fibre Enclosure provides a factory-configured platform for terminating, splicing and managing up to 96 optical fibres within a standard 19-inch rack. Because Anderson Corporation installs the selected faceplates, fibre optic adaptors and colour-coded pigtails before delivery, technicians can proceed directly to cable preparation, fusion splicing and testing.
The RapidConnect 296S-FL occupies 2RU of rack space. However, it provides greater termination capacity and more internal working space than a typical 1RU enclosure. Furthermore, its sliding tray gives technicians practical access to the splice cassettes, pigtails and internal fibre-routing area.
Customers can specify the required fibre category, connector format, connector polish and fibre count. Therefore, each enclosure can arrive configured for the intended network rather than as separate components requiring on-site assembly.
Request a quote for the Fully Loaded 2RU Rackmount Sliding Fibre Enclosure.
A fully loaded fibre enclosure arrives with the essential termination components already installed. Consequently, the technician does not need to assemble the front-panel configuration from separate faceplates, adaptors and pigtails.
Depending on the confirmed configuration, the RapidConnect 296S-FL can include:
Once the enclosure arrives, the technician secures and prepares the incoming cable. Next, the technician fusion splices the cable fibres to the installed pigtails. Finally, the technician protects the splices, tests the optical paths and completes the enclosure records.
As a result, the fully loaded enclosure combines four essential functions:
Because the components form a coordinated assembly, customers can reduce the risk of ordering incompatible faceplates, adaptors or pigtails. Furthermore, the factory-prepared configuration reduces the amount of enclosure assembly required on site.
The 296S-FL reference identifies the product model. However, it does not mean that the enclosure accommodates 296 fibres.
Instead, the enclosure supports up to 96 fibres, depending on the selected faceplates, adaptors and connector arrangement. Therefore, customers should not interpret “296” as a 296-fibre capacity.
The model reference can be understood as follows:
Accordingly, the model number distinguishes the fully loaded product from the unloaded RapidConnect 296S platform. More importantly, the product specification confirms its actual maximum capacity of 96 fibres.
A fully loaded enclosure should not follow a single fixed configuration. Instead, Anderson Corporation prepares the enclosure around the confirmed project requirements.
Before assembly, customers should confirm:
Anderson Corporation can then select compatible faceplates, adaptors and pigtails. Consequently, the delivered enclosure provides a consistent optical interface from the pigtail connector through the adaptor to the front-panel patch lead.
This coordinated approach is particularly important for APC configurations. Although APC and PC connectors may use the same general connector format, their end-face geometries differ. Therefore, technicians must never mate an APC connector with a PC or UPC connector.
In addition, the fibre category must remain consistent. For example, an OM4 installation requires compatible OM4 pigtails and patch leads. Similarly, an OS2 installation requires components suitable for the specified singlemode network.
The RapidConnect 296S-FL supports installations requiring up to 96 terminated fibres. However, the final capacity depends on the selected connector format and faceplate arrangement.
Compact LC configurations generally provide greater front-panel density than SC configurations. Therefore, customers requiring higher fibre counts will usually select an appropriate LC arrangement.
Nevertheless, capacity should not become the only selection criterion. Instead, the connector format must also match:
Customers must also distinguish between fibre count and duplex-port count. For example, a conventional duplex optical link uses one transmit fibre and one receive fibre. Consequently, a 96-fibre configuration can support up to 48 duplex optical connections.
Similarly, the number of visible adaptor positions does not always equal the number of supported fibres. Therefore, quotations and project schedules should state the required fibre count clearly.
An unloaded fibre enclosure gives installers complete freedom to select and assemble the termination components on site. However, that flexibility also requires the installer to source, verify and fit every faceplate, adaptor and pigtail.
In contrast, the Fully Loaded 2RU Rackmount Sliding Fibre Enclosure arrives with the nominated termination components installed. Therefore, it can reduce the preparation work required before fusion splicing begins.
Key advantages include:
However, “fully loaded” does not mean that the incoming cable arrives terminated. Instead, a qualified fibre technician must still prepare the cable and fusion splice its fibres to the installed pigtails. Afterwards, the technician must test, label and document every completed optical path.
The sliding tray provides access to the enclosure’s internal working area after installation in the rack. Consequently, technicians can reach the splice cassettes, pigtails and fibre-routing paths from the front of the cabinet.
This access becomes particularly useful when other equipment occupies the rack spaces directly above or below the enclosure. Instead of removing the enclosure or relying entirely on rear access, the technician can carefully slide the working tray forward.
The sliding mechanism assists with:
However, the incoming cable must have enough controlled slack to permit tray movement. Furthermore, technicians must keep the cable fibres and pigtails clear of the sliding mechanism.
Before completing the installation, the technician should move the tray through its intended range. As a result, any pulling, snagging or unwanted fibre movement can be corrected before the enclosure enters service.
During later maintenance, technicians should repeat this check. Consequently, they can identify routing problems before those problems place unnecessary stress on the fibres.
The RapidConnect 296S-FL contains two internal splice cassettes. Together, these cassettes provide protected storage for the fusion splices and associated fibre loops.
Each fusion splice requires protection from movement, compression and excessive bending. Therefore, the technician should place every completed splice into the cassette’s designated splice holder.
Next, the technician should route the remaining fibre around the intended management path. In addition, enough fibre should remain available for future access without overcrowding the cassette.
The two-cassette arrangement also allows technicians to divide fibres into logical groups. For example, they may organise the fibres by:
Because the fibres remain separated and documented, technicians can locate individual circuits more efficiently. Furthermore, structured cassette management reduces unnecessary fibre handling during future maintenance.
Nevertheless, technicians should avoid filling the cassettes without a planned sequence. Instead, they should establish the splice allocation before beginning work.
Optical fibres can experience additional attenuation when technicians bend them too tightly. In more severe cases, excessive bending or crushing can permanently damage the fibre.
Therefore, the enclosure provides internal space for controlled routing between the cable entry, splice cassettes and front-panel adaptors. However, correct bend management still depends on careful installation.
Technicians should:
Good internal routing protects optical performance. In addition, it makes individual fibres easier to identify and access.
Technicians should also avoid using excessive cable-tie pressure around buffered fibres or pigtails. Instead, they should use suitable management methods that retain the fibres without applying damaging pressure.
Finally, technicians should inspect the routing before closing the enclosure. As a result, they can correct trapped or tightly bent fibres before testing begins.
The RapidConnect 296S-FL accepts interchangeable connector faceplates. Therefore, Anderson Corporation can prepare the enclosure for different connector types, fibre counts and network designs.
Available configurations may include:
The selected faceplates determine the available adaptor arrangement and overall fibre capacity. Consequently, customers should confirm both the connector format and the total number of fibres.
For example, a project may require 48 fibres arranged as 24 duplex optical links. Alternatively, another project may require separate simplex services. Although the total fibre count may be similar, the required front-panel arrangement could differ.
Therefore, the quotation should identify:
This information allows Anderson Corporation to prepare a suitable and clearly identified configuration. Furthermore, it reduces the risk of supplying an enclosure that does not match the project’s active equipment.
LC connectors use a compact 1.25 mm ferrule. Consequently, they support higher front-panel density than larger SC connectors.
LC configurations commonly suit:
The enclosure can support suitable LC Duplex or LC Quad faceplate arrangements. Therefore, LC connectivity can help customers use the available 2RU rack space efficiently.
However, customers should state the required fibre count rather than relying only on the number of duplex ports. For example, one LC Duplex adaptor accommodates two fibres. In contrast, one LC Quad adaptor accommodates four fibres.
LC connectivity can support compatible OS2 and OM4 configurations. In addition, customers can specify PC or APC polish where suitable components are available.
Nevertheless, the pigtails, adaptors and patch leads must use the same connector format and polish. Otherwise, the resulting connection may experience excessive optical loss or physical damage.
SC connectors use a 2.5 mm ferrule and a push-pull connector body. Although SC connectors occupy more panel space than LC connectors, they remain widely used across commercial, industrial and telecommunications networks.
SC configurations may suit:
The RapidConnect 296S-FL can support suitable SC Simplex and SC Duplex arrangements. Therefore, the enclosure can integrate with both new and existing SC-based infrastructure.
Customers must also confirm whether the network uses PC or APC connectors. Usually, blue connector bodies identify PC or UPC singlemode connections, while green bodies identify APC connections. Nevertheless, technicians should verify the specification rather than relying on colour alone.
Because SC connectors require more front-panel space than LC connectors, the chosen SC arrangement may reduce the maximum fibre capacity. Therefore, Anderson Corporation should confirm the available capacity before preparing the enclosure.
Connector polish affects how reflected light behaves at an optical connection. Therefore, connector polish forms an important part of the enclosure specification.
PC and UPC connectors use a physical-contact end face. In contrast, APC connectors use an angled end face to reduce reflected light travelling back towards the optical source.
Most importantly, technicians must not connect PC and APC connectors together. A mismatched connection can cause:
Accordingly, the pigtail, adaptor and patch lead must use a compatible connector format and polish. Furthermore, the project records should identify the selected polish clearly.
Before preparing the fully loaded configuration, Anderson Corporation confirms the required connector combination. As a result, the installed components provide a consistent front-panel interface.
The Fully Loaded 2RU Rackmount Sliding Fibre Enclosure can support OS2 singlemode terminations when configured with compatible adaptors and pigtails. Therefore, the enclosure can form part of a wide range of singlemode networks.
OS2 fibre commonly serves longer-distance or carrier-style links. For example, it may connect:
An OS2 enclosure may use LC PC, LC APC, SC PC or SC APC connectivity. However, the selected connector format and polish must match the connected equipment and project specification.
In addition, the patch leads must use compatible OS2 fibre and connector interfaces. Consequently, the complete optical path remains consistent from the enclosure to the connected equipment.
Before commissioning, technicians should test the completed links against the project’s optical-loss requirements. Furthermore, they should record each result against the corresponding port and fibre number.
The RapidConnect 296S-FL can also support OM4 multimode installations. In particular, OM4 fibre commonly serves high-speed optical links within data centres, buildings and campus environments.
An OM4 configuration may use LC or SC connectivity, depending on the project requirements. Furthermore, Anderson Corporation can install compatible OM4 pigtails and adaptors before delivery.
Customers should maintain a consistent fibre category throughout the optical channel. Otherwise, mixed components can complicate installation, testing and later maintenance.
The enclosure records should also identify the fibre category. As a result, future technicians can select compatible patch leads without relying entirely on connector or cable colour.
Although colour coding supports identification, it should not replace written documentation. Therefore, technicians should confirm the fibre type from the project records before making changes.
Fibre optic adaptors align two connector ferrules through the enclosure’s front panel. Therefore, the adaptor type must match the connector format and polish used on both sides of the connection.
For example:
Anderson Corporation installs the selected adaptors into the faceplates before delivery. Consequently, technicians do not need to fit each adaptor individually on site.
However, installers should leave protective dust caps on unused ports. In addition, they should inspect and clean every connector before making the final connection.
After connecting a patch lead, the technician should confirm that it sits correctly without unnecessary tension. Furthermore, the patch lead should follow the rack’s designated cable-management path.
A fibre optic pigtail has a connector on one end and an unterminated optical fibre on the other. During installation, the technician fusion splices the unterminated end to a corresponding fibre from the incoming cable.
The connectorised end plugs into the rear of the enclosure adaptor. As a result, the incoming cable gains a protected and repeatable front-panel interface.
Pigtails must match the required:
Because Anderson Corporation installs the pigtails before delivery, the front-panel connectors and internal fibres can follow a coordinated sequence. Furthermore, the technician can begin splice preparation without first fitting every pigtail.
Nevertheless, technicians should verify the installed configuration against the enclosure schedule before beginning fusion splicing. Afterwards, they should maintain the confirmed sequence throughout splicing, testing and documentation.
Colour-coded pigtails help technicians identify individual fibres during splicing and maintenance. Therefore, the fibre sequence should remain consistent from the incoming cable through the splice cassette to the front-panel port.
A clear identification system reduces the risk of:
However, colour coding should support documentation rather than replace it. Accordingly, the technician should label the ports and complete the fibre record book after testing.
If the enclosure configuration changes later, the technician should update the records immediately. Otherwise, the physical arrangement and written documentation may no longer match.
The incoming cable must be secured before the individual fibres enter the splice-management area. Otherwise, external pulling forces may transfer to the fibres, fusion splices or pigtails.
During installation, technicians should:
Correct cable retention protects the internal termination. Furthermore, it reduces the likelihood of later cable movement disturbing the completed splices.
Before splicing begins, the technician should inspect the retained cable. Consequently, any mechanical problem can be corrected before the optical fibres become connected to the pigtails.
The enclosure occupies 2RU within a standard 19-inch rack or communications cabinet. Therefore, project planners should reserve two rack units at a suitable working height.
Before installation, technicians should confirm:
The enclosure should align correctly within the rack. In addition, the installer should use suitable rack-mounting hardware and support the enclosure while fixing it into position.
After installation, the tray should open and close smoothly. If movement feels restricted, the technician should check the mounting alignment and internal cable routing before continuing.
Furthermore, the planned rack position should allow suitable patch-lead management. As a result, patch leads can reach the connected equipment without tight bends or unnecessary congestion.
A qualified fibre technician should install, splice and test the fully loaded enclosure. Accordingly, the installer should follow the project specification and the applicable procedures for cable preparation, connector cleaning and optical testing.
A typical process includes:
First, the technician should verify the supplied configuration. Next, the technician should complete the mechanical installation and cable preparation. Finally, the technician should splice, test and document the terminated fibres.
Careful preparation supports reliable optical performance. Furthermore, it creates an enclosure that future technicians can understand and maintain.
Visual inspection alone cannot confirm the performance of a completed optical path. Therefore, technicians should test the installation against the project requirements.
Testing may include:
Before testing, technicians should inspect and clean the connectors. Otherwise, contamination may increase insertion loss or produce misleading results.
Each result should correspond with the relevant enclosure port and fibre number. Consequently, the final records can provide a reliable performance baseline for future maintenance.
If a result exceeds the permitted loss budget, the technician should first inspect and clean the connectors. Next, the technician should check the patching, fusion splice and internal fibre routing. Finally, the technician should repeat the test and record the outcome.
Accurate records become increasingly important as fibre density rises. Therefore, the RapidConnect 296S-FL includes a fibre record book for documenting the completed configuration.
A useful record should identify:
In addition, the physical labels should follow the same identification system as the project documentation. As a result, technicians can verify a connection before making changes.
Records must also remain current. Otherwise, outdated documentation can increase the risk of service disruption during maintenance.
Whenever a port assignment changes, the technician should update both the enclosure record and the wider network documentation. Consequently, later fault investigation can begin with accurate information.
Dust, oil and other contamination can significantly affect fibre optic connections. Therefore, technicians should inspect and clean connector end faces whenever they disconnect or reconnect a patch lead.
A suitable maintenance process includes:
Furthermore, technicians should avoid touching connector end faces. They should also keep protective caps clean because a contaminated cap can transfer debris to a clean connector.
During maintenance, technicians should avoid disturbing unrelated fibres. Consequently, structured routing, clear labelling and accurate documentation remain valuable throughout the enclosure’s service life.
For additional fibre product guidance and demonstrations, visit the Anderson Fibre Products YouTube channel.
The fully loaded and unloaded RapidConnect 2RU enclosures use the same general enclosure platform. However, they suit different purchasing and installation approaches.
| Consideration | Fully Loaded Enclosure | Unloaded Enclosure |
|---|---|---|
| Faceplates | Selected and installed before delivery | Ordered and installed separately |
| Adaptors | Compatible adaptors installed | Selected separately |
| Pigtails | Colour-coded pigtails installed | Selected and fitted separately |
| On-site assembly | Reduced | Additional assembly required |
| Configuration control | Factory prepared | Controlled by the installer |
| Flexibility after delivery | Based on the ordered configuration | Components selected on site |
| Best suited to | Defined project configurations | Custom installer-controlled builds |
A fully loaded enclosure suits projects with a confirmed fibre count and connector specification. In contrast, an unloaded enclosure may suit technicians who already hold compatible components or require complete control over final assembly.
Customers can review the RapidConnect 296S 2RU Rackmount Sliding Fibre Enclosure when an unloaded platform is preferred.
The RapidConnect 296S-FL suits rack-based fibre networks requiring greater termination capacity and internal working space than a typical 1RU enclosure provides.
Common applications include:
However, the correct configuration depends on the network design. Therefore, customers should consider fibre count, connector format, rack capacity and future growth together.
In addition, the enclosure should form part of a coordinated fibre-management system. Consequently, the incoming cable, pigtails, adaptors and patch leads should all match the project requirements.
Before ordering the enclosure, customers should assess both immediate and realistic future requirements. Therefore, the planning process should consider more than the initial number of active links.
Important questions include:
By resolving these questions early, customers can order the correct configuration. Furthermore, they can reserve suitable rack space and coordinate cable entry before installation begins.
Future capacity also deserves consideration. However, customers should balance expansion space against unnecessary initial complexity.
Therefore, the selected configuration should accommodate realistic growth while remaining clear and manageable. As a result, the enclosure can support present requirements without restricting future network changes.
| Specification | RapidConnect 296S-FL |
|---|---|
| Product type | Fully loaded rackmount sliding fibre enclosure |
| Product model | 296S-FL |
| Rack height | 2RU |
| Maximum fibre capacity | Up to 96 fibres |
| Rack compatibility | Standard 19-inch rack or cabinet |
| Access | Sliding tray |
| Splice management | Two internal splice cassettes |
| Faceplate options | SC Simplex, SC Duplex, LC Duplex and LC Quad |
| Connector-polish options | PC and APC configurations |
| Fibre options | OS2 singlemode and OM4 multimode |
| Installed components | Selected faceplates, compatible adaptors and colour-coded pigtails |
| Dimensions | 430 mm wide × 300 mm deep × 89 mm high |
| Enclosure weight | Approximately 8 kg |
| Final termination | Fusion splicing completed on site |
| Configuration | Prepared to confirmed project requirements |
The enclosure supports up to 96 fibres. However, the final capacity depends on the selected faceplates, adaptors and connector arrangement.
Therefore, Anderson Corporation should confirm the complete configuration before manufacture and supply. In addition, customers should identify any special port-labelling or documentation requirements when requesting a quotation.
The RapidConnect 296S-FL combines higher fibre capacity, sliding access and factory-installed termination components within one coordinated enclosure.
Key advantages include:
Most importantly, the enclosure arrives configured around the project requirements. Consequently, technicians can focus on cable preparation, fusion splicing, testing and documentation.
Furthermore, the coordinated component selection helps maintain consistent fibre, connector and polish specifications. As a result, the enclosure can support reliable installation and straightforward future maintenance.
The Fully Loaded 2RU Rackmount Sliding Fibre Enclosure Knowledge Centre will provide focused guidance on configuration, connector capacity, fusion splicing, installation, testing and maintenance. As the Knowledge Centre expands, each section will help customers specify and use the RapidConnect 296S-FL correctly.
First, this section will explain what “fully loaded” means and which components Anderson Corporation installs before delivery.
Articles coming soon.
Next, this section will examine how connector format and faceplate density affect the enclosure’s final fibre capacity.
Articles coming soon.
In addition, this section will cover LC Duplex and LC Quad arrangements for higher-density OS2 and OM4 installations.
Articles coming soon.
Furthermore, this section will explain SC Simplex and SC Duplex arrangements for networks standardised on SC connectivity.
Articles coming soon.
Similarly, this section will explain connector-polish selection and why technicians must never mate PC and APC connectors.
Articles coming soon.
Additionally, this section will examine pigtail preparation, splice protection and fibre routing within the two internal splice cassettes.
Articles coming soon.
Meanwhile, this section will cover incoming cable retention, service loops and bend-radius control within a sliding enclosure.
Articles coming soon.
In addition, this section will explain how accurate port, splice and destination records support safer maintenance.
Articles coming soon.
Finally, this section will cover rack installation, fusion splicing, connector inspection, optical testing and completion records.
Articles coming soon.
A fully loaded enclosure arrives with the selected faceplates, compatible adaptors and colour-coded pigtails installed. However, a technician must still fusion splice the incoming cable fibres, test the links and complete the records on site.
The RapidConnect 296S-FL supports up to 96 fibres. However, the final capacity depends on the selected faceplates and connector arrangement.
No. Instead, 296S-FL is the product model. Therefore, customers should refer to the specified maximum capacity of 96 fibres.
The enclosure occupies 2RU within a standard 19-inch rack or cabinet. Therefore, customers should reserve two rack units for installation.
Yes. Anderson Corporation installs compatible colour-coded pigtails as part of the confirmed fully loaded configuration.
Yes. In addition, Anderson Corporation installs the compatible adaptors into the selected faceplates before delivery.
Yes. The RapidConnect 296S-FL contains two internal splice cassettes. Consequently, technicians can organise and protect the completed fusion splices.
Suitable configurations may include SC Simplex, SC Duplex, LC Duplex and LC Quad. However, availability and maximum capacity depend on the selected faceplates.
Yes. However, the adaptors, pigtails and patch leads must all use a compatible APC connector format.
Yes. Anderson Corporation can configure the enclosure for OS2 singlemode or OM4 multimode applications. Nevertheless, customers must use compatible components throughout each optical path.
No. Instead, Anderson Corporation installs the pigtails before delivery. Afterwards, a qualified technician fusion splices them to the incoming cable fibres during installation.
Yes. Alternatively, customers can select the unloaded RapidConnect 296S enclosure and install their chosen components separately.
Customers should provide the required fibre count, fibre category, connector type, connector polish and preferred port arrangement. In addition, they should identify any future capacity requirements.
The RapidConnect 296S-FL provides a factory-configured platform for higher-capacity rack-based fibre termination. With support for up to 96 fibres, two internal splice cassettes and configurable LC or SC connectivity, the Fully Loaded 2RU Rackmount Sliding Fibre Enclosure can support a wide range of OS2 and OM4 networks.
To receive an accurate quotation, provide:
Anderson Corporation can then confirm the appropriate faceplates, adaptors and pigtails. As a result, the delivered enclosure will align with the project’s technical requirements.
Furthermore, factory preparation reduces the component assembly required on site. Consequently, the installation team can proceed directly to cable preparation, fusion splicing, testing and documentation.
Request a quote for the Fully Loaded 2RU Rackmount Sliding Fibre Enclosure.
Check out the official Anderson Corporation YouTube Channel for more Fibre Optic Information!
| File | File size |
|---|---|
| 296S 2RU Fully Loaded Rack Mount Enclosure Brochure | 6 MB |
