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The RapidConnect Fully Loaded Wall Mount Fibre Enclosure provides a compact, ready-configured termination point for protected indoor fibre networks. It includes one removable faceplate, selected adaptors and matching colour-coded pigtails.
Choose OS2, OM3 or OM4 with LC, LCA, SC, SCA or ST connectivity. Depending on the connector format, the lockable enclosure supports up to 48 individual fibres.
The Fully Loaded Wall Mount Fibre Enclosure provides a compact, ready-configured termination point for indoor fibre optic networks. Anderson Corporation supplies the RapidConnect 48W-FL with one removable faceplate, selected adaptors and matching colour-coded pigtails. Therefore, installers receive a coordinated enclosure configuration without ordering each termination component separately.
Depending on the selected connector format, the enclosure supports up to 48 fibres with LC or LCA connectivity. Alternatively, it accommodates up to 24 fibres with SC or SCA connectivity or 12 fibres with ST connectivity. Moreover, customers can specify OS2, OM3 or OM4 pigtails to match the wider fibre system.
The lockable front door protects the internal termination area from casual contact. Meanwhile, top and bottom cable-entry openings support different pathway arrangements. As a result, the RapidConnect Fully Loaded 48W suits commercial buildings, education facilities, CCTV networks, branch offices and other protected indoor locations.
A fully loaded wall mount fibre enclosure combines the enclosure, connector interface and pigtail assembly in one specified product. Instead of receiving an empty housing, the customer receives an enclosure configured for the required fibre type and connector format.
The RapidConnect Fully Loaded 48W includes:
Consequently, the installer can focus on mounting the enclosure, preparing the incoming cable and completing the fusion splices. However, the installation still requires suitable cable glands, splice protectors, patch leads and installation consumables where applicable.
A fully loaded enclosure does not arrive with the incoming cable already terminated. Instead, its pigtails provide the factory-connectorised fibres required for fusion splicing. The technician splices each incoming cable fibre to the corresponding pigtail. Then, the factory-installed pigtail connector mates with the rear of the selected adaptor.
A fibre enclosure only becomes operational after the correct faceplate, adaptors and pigtails come together. However, each component must match the connector type, connector polish, fibre category and required capacity. Therefore, ordering an unloaded enclosure can involve several individual product decisions.
A fully loaded configuration simplifies this process. Anderson Corporation coordinates the required adaptor and pigtail arrangement before supply. As a result, the enclosure reaches the site with its core termination components already selected and installed.
This approach offers several practical advantages.
First, the customer does not need to order the enclosure, adaptors and pigtails as separate line items. Instead, the project team specifies the required configuration. Anderson Corporation then supplies the coordinated assembly.
Consequently, procurement teams can reduce the risk of missing adaptors or incompatible pigtails. Moreover, the installer receives components that correspond with the nominated fibre and connector system.
Connector names can appear simple. Nevertheless, LC and LCA configurations are not interchangeable. Likewise, SC and SCA connectors use different end-face geometries.
The fully loaded ordering process confirms the fibre type, connector format and polish before assembly. Therefore, it helps prevent combinations that could cause delays or optical incompatibility.
The adaptors and pigtails arrive installed in the enclosure. Consequently, technicians do not need to populate the faceplate before beginning termination work.
The incoming fibres still require careful preparation and splicing. However, removing a separate assembly stage can make the installation process more efficient.
Colour-coded pigtails help installers identify individual fibres during splicing, testing and documentation. Therefore, an organised pigtail set can improve both installation accuracy and long-term maintenance.
Even so, colour coding should support the network schedule rather than replace it. Installers should still label the enclosure, cable and adaptor ports clearly.
Finally, a fully loaded enclosure brings several related components together as one specified configuration. This makes the installed arrangement easier to understand, document and reproduce across multiple locations.
For example, a project with several buildings may require the same OS2 LC configuration at each distribution point. A consistent fully loaded specification helps ensure that every location follows the same termination format.
Anderson Corporation offers both fully loaded and unloaded 48W Wall Mount Fibre Enclosure configurations. Both use the same compact wall-mounted format. However, their supplied components differ.
| Feature | Fully Loaded 48W | Unloaded 48W |
|---|---|---|
| Wall mount enclosure | Included | Included |
| Removable faceplate | One included | One included |
| Fibre adaptors | Installed to specification | Ordered separately |
| Colour-coded pigtails | Installed to specification | Ordered separately |
| Fibre selection | OS2, OM3 or OM4 | Determined by separately ordered components |
| Connector configuration | Specified before supply | Configured by the customer or installer |
| Primary purpose | Ready-configured fusion-splice termination | Flexible component selection |
The fully loaded model suits customers who want a coordinated adaptor and pigtail assembly. By contrast, the unloaded enclosure suits projects that require components to be selected, supplied or installed separately.
Neither option is universally better. Instead, the correct choice depends on procurement preferences, installation methods and project-specific requirements.
For instance, an installer may already hold compatible adaptors and pigtails. In that case, the unloaded enclosure may offer suitable flexibility. Conversely, a project manager may prefer each enclosure to arrive in a consistent configuration. In that situation, the fully loaded model may reduce ordering complexity.
The RapidConnect Fully Loaded 48W uses one removable faceplate. This faceplate forms the connector interface between the internal pigtails and external patch leads.
Because the faceplate is removable, Anderson Corporation can configure it for the selected adaptor style. However, the supported fibre capacity depends on the connector footprint.
LC adaptors provide the highest density because LC connectors use a compact ferrule and body. Meanwhile, SC adaptors require more faceplate area. ST connectors require more space again because of their bayonet-style coupling.
The faceplate should not be described as a cassette. A cassette usually contains an enclosed functional assembly. By contrast, the 48W faceplate primarily supports the selected fibre adaptors.
Using the correct terminology prevents confusion during design and procurement. Moreover, it helps distinguish this conventional fibre termination enclosure from an MTP/MPO cassette-based system.
The RapidConnect Fully Loaded Wall Mount Fibre Enclosure supports several connector formats. However, each format produces a different maximum fibre count.
| Connector configuration | Maximum fibre capacity |
|---|---|
| LC or LCA | 48 fibres |
| SC or SCA | 24 fibres |
| ST | 12 fibres |
These figures describe individual fibres. Therefore, a 48-fibre LC configuration can support up to 24 conventional duplex fibre pairs. Likewise, a 24-fibre SC configuration can support up to 12 conventional duplex pairs.
Actual service capacity depends on the network architecture. For example, some systems use two fibres per connection. However, other applications may use bidirectional transmission over one fibre. Therefore, project documentation should always describe capacity in individual fibres.
LC connectors use a compact 1.25 mm ferrule. As a result, they support higher connector density than SC or ST formats.
A fully configured LC or LCA faceplate supports up to 48 individual fibres. Therefore, this arrangement suits applications that require maximum capacity within the compact 48W housing.
In RapidConnect terminology, LC identifies the applicable UPC-style configuration. Meanwhile, LCA identifies an APC configuration. The exact connector polish must remain consistent across the complete optical path.
SC connectors use a larger 2.5 mm ferrule and push-pull body. Therefore, they occupy more faceplate area than LC connectors.
The RapidConnect Fully Loaded 48W supports up to 24 fibres with SC or SCA connectivity. This format suits networks that already standardise on SC connectors or require their larger handling profile.
SC and SCA connectors must not be connected together. Their end-face geometries differ, even though the connector bodies appear similar. Therefore, the project specification must clearly identify UPC or APC polish.
ST connectors use a bayonet-style coupling. Although newer installations often use LC or SC, ST remains present in selected legacy and industrial networks.
The enclosure supports up to 12 fibres with ST connectivity. Therefore, customers maintaining an established ST-based network can use the 48W without changing the existing connector format.
Connector polish affects how the fibre end faces meet. Therefore, polish selection influences both compatibility and optical performance.
UPC connectors use a polished physical-contact end face. Meanwhile, APC connectors use an angled end face designed to reduce reflected light.
The two types must not mate together. Connecting APC to UPC can create high loss and unwanted reflectance. Moreover, the mismatched surfaces may damage each other.
Accordingly, a complete specification should identify:
Colour can help technicians recognise connector types. However, colour alone should never replace a written specification. Instead, project schedules should record the connector and polish explicitly.
The Fully Loaded Wall Mount Fibre Enclosure can use OS2, OM3 or OM4 pigtails. Therefore, customers can align the enclosure with common singlemode and multimode networks.
OS2 fibre supports singlemode transmission across longer distances and many high-bandwidth applications. Therefore, it commonly appears in campus backbones, telecommunications links and building-to-building networks.
An OS2 configuration requires compatible singlemode pigtails, adaptors and patch leads. Moreover, the connector polish must match at every mating point.
OM3 multimode fibre supports many short-distance network applications. It commonly serves internal building backbones, equipment rooms and data networks.
When selecting OM3, the incoming cable, pigtails and patch leads should follow the same fibre category unless the network design specifically documents another arrangement.
OM4 provides enhanced multimode performance for suitable higher-bandwidth applications. Therefore, it often appears in enterprise networks and data-centre environments.
An OM4 configuration uses matching OM4 pigtails. In addition, installers should select compatible patch leads and document the complete optical channel correctly.
The fully loaded enclosure supports a fusion-spliced pigtail termination method. This approach combines factory-terminated connectors with permanent fusion splices.
First, the technician introduces the incoming cable through a suitable cable entry. Next, the installer restrains the cable sheath and strength members. This step prevents external movement from reaching the internal fibres.
The technician then prepares the required cable fibres. Meanwhile, the corresponding pigtails remain routed from the rear of the faceplate adaptors.
Next, the installer fusion-splices each incoming fibre to its matching pigtail. A splice protector then reinforces the completed joint. Finally, the technician stores the protected splices and fibre loops within the available management space.
This method offers several advantages:
However, successful fusion splicing still depends on careful fibre preparation. Therefore, technicians need suitable stripping, cleaning, cleaving, splicing and inspection equipment.
For more background, see Anderson Corporation’s guide to fibre optic termination options.
The RapidConnect Fully Loaded 48W provides top and bottom cable-entry openings. Therefore, installers can select an entry direction that suits the cable pathway and mounting position.
However, the entry point must do more than provide an opening. The complete arrangement should protect and restrain the incoming cable.
A suitable cable gland or protective fitting should match the cable diameter and construction. Furthermore, installers should secure any strength members according to the cable manufacturer’s requirements.
Correct restraint prevents pulling force from transferring to buffer tubes, fibres, splices or pigtails. Consequently, external cable movement should stop at the enclosure entry.
The cable should also approach the enclosure without a sharp bend. Therefore, installers must consider pathway alignment before fixing the enclosure to the wall.
Unused openings should remain closed. This helps limit dust entry and reduces the risk of accidental contact with internal components.
Optical fibre requires controlled routing. Although it appears flexible, excessive bending can increase attenuation or damage the fibre.
Macrobending occurs when fibre follows a visibly tight curve. Meanwhile, microbending can result from local pressure, pinching or overly tight restraints. Both conditions can affect network performance.
Therefore, installers should route fibres in smooth curves. They should also follow the minimum bend radius specified for the cable, buffer tubes, pigtails and patch leads.
Inside the enclosure, technicians should:
Some reserve fibre supports future maintenance. However, excessive slack can overcrowd a compact enclosure. Therefore, installers should retain enough length for access without filling the enclosure unnecessarily.
Good routing improves more than appearance. It also allows a technician to reach one splice without disturbing unrelated live fibres.
The enclosure includes a lockable front door. Therefore, it can reduce casual access to the adaptor interface and internal fibre routing.
This feature may benefit shared communications spaces, corridors, service areas and distributed equipment locations. Moreover, the closed door protects patching from accidental contact.
However, the lock should form one part of the wider site-security plan. It does not replace controlled room access, network documentation or operational procedures.
Technicians must also maintain access to the key. Otherwise, the lock may delay legitimate maintenance or fault restoration.
Before finalising the mounting location, allow enough clearance for the door to open fully. In addition, ensure that nearby equipment, shelving or conduits will not block future access.
The RapidConnect Fully Loaded Wall Mount Fibre Enclosure suits protected indoor locations that require compact fibre termination.
Typical applications include:
For example, a school may use the enclosure to terminate a backbone cable in a separate building. Similarly, a CCTV network may use it near local switches serving several cameras.
The enclosure also suits locations where no 19-inch rack exists. Because it mounts directly onto a wall, it creates a dedicated termination point without consuming rack space.
However, the 48W is an indoor enclosure. Therefore, it should not face rain, wash-down, uncontrolled dust or corrosive exposure. Harsh locations require an enclosure with a suitable documented environmental rating.
Wall mount and rack mount enclosures perform similar termination functions. However, they suit different physical layouts.
| Consideration | Wall mount enclosure | Rack mount enclosure |
|---|---|---|
| Mounting method | Fixed to a suitable wall | Installed in a 19-inch rack |
| Rack space | Uses no rack units | Requires allocated rack units |
| Typical location | Distributed termination point | Central communications room |
| Capacity | Low to moderate | Moderate to high |
| Expansion | Limited by wall space | Additional rack panels may be added |
| Cable management | Determined by wall pathways | Integrated with rack management |
| Access | Direct front access | Access depends on rack layout |
A wall mount enclosure often suits a local termination point near the served equipment. Moreover, it can keep fibre separate from unrelated rack hardware.
By contrast, a rack mount enclosure may suit a communications room where several high-count cables converge. It may also provide more convenient expansion and patch-cord management.
Therefore, designers should not choose between wall and rack mounting based on fibre count alone. Instead, they should consider location, access, pathway alignment, expansion and maintenance requirements.
Capacity planning should begin with individual fibres. For example, a 24-fibre cable contains 24 fibres even if the initial network activates only eight.
First, decide whether every fibre will receive termination. Next, allow for future services and possible repairs. Finally, select a connector configuration that provides enough physical capacity.
Connector density also affects the result. LC supports up to 48 fibres within the 48W. However, SC supports up to 24 fibres, while ST supports up to 12.
Designers should also distinguish fibres from duplex links. A conventional duplex service usually uses two fibres. Therefore, 48 terminated fibres may support 24 duplex pairs.
Future capacity deserves particular attention. An enclosure that exactly matches today’s active requirement may leave no room for expansion. Consequently, a modest spare-capacity allowance can prevent premature replacement.
Nevertheless, maximum port capacity does not tell the entire story. The enclosure must also accommodate cable preparation, splices, pigtails and service loops. Therefore, customers should evaluate the complete internal arrangement.
Careful planning protects optical performance and simplifies future maintenance.
First, verify the required fibre count, fibre category, connector format and polish. Also confirm the selected adaptor and pigtail quantities.
Then, check the incoming cable construction and diameter. This information helps determine the required cable gland and restraint arrangement.
Next, choose a stable mounting surface in a protected indoor location. Allow clearance for the enclosure, cable pathways, open door and technician access.
Moreover, consider how the patch leads will leave the enclosure. They should follow a supported route without placing sideways pressure on the connectors.
Use fixings suited to the wall construction and installed load. Then, confirm that the enclosure sits securely and the door opens freely.
The incoming cable or conduit should never support the enclosure. Instead, the wall fixings must carry the load.
Remove only the entry plug required for the installation. Next, install the appropriate gland or protective fitting.
The gland should suit the cable diameter. Furthermore, it should support the intended restraint method without crushing the cable.
Feed the cable into the enclosure without exceeding its permitted pulling tension or bend radius. Then, secure the sheath and strength members as required.
External movement must not reach the buffer tubes or splices. Therefore, confirm the restraint before preparing the fibres.
Route the incoming fibres towards the corresponding pigtails. Next, strip, clean and cleave each fibre using suitable tools.
Complete each fusion splice and install the required splice protector. Then, place the protected splice into the intended holder or management area.
Arrange the fibres in smooth, controlled loops. Moreover, keep them clear of adaptor backs, hinges, locks and door edges.
Do not force excess fibre into the available space. Instead, retain only a practical service loop.
Inspect connector end faces before mating them. If contamination appears, clean the connector and inspect it again.
Then, connect compatible patch leads to the adaptor interface. For available fibre types, connector formats and construction options, visit the Fibre Optic Patch Leads Authority Hub
Finally, label the enclosure, incoming cable, fibres and adaptor ports. The labels should correspond with the approved network schedule.
Complete the required continuity, polarity and optical tests. Then, record the results against the correct fibre identifiers.
Clear documentation turns a group of similar fibres into a maintainable network. Therefore, every enclosure should have a unique identifier.
Useful records include:
Labels should remain legible and durable. However, they must not obstruct connector access or interfere with fibre routing.
Whenever a service changes, technicians should update the records. Otherwise, the physical network and documentation may gradually diverge.
Accurate records reduce troubleshooting time. Moreover, they lower the risk of disconnecting the wrong service during maintenance.
Contamination can cause avoidable insertion loss and reflectance. Moreover, a contaminated connector can transfer particles to the mating connector.
Therefore, technicians should inspect connector end faces before connection. If contamination appears, they should clean the connector with a suitable method. Then, they should inspect it again before mating.
Dust caps provide useful protection during storage and transport. However, they do not guarantee a clean connector. Therefore, technicians should inspect newly uncovered connectors as well.
After cleaning, connect the components promptly. This reduces the opportunity for airborne contamination to return.
The same process applies during maintenance. Whenever a technician disconnects a patch lead, both exposed end faces require appropriate inspection before reconnection.
Testing confirms that the enclosure forms part of a correctly installed optical link.
First, technicians should confirm fibre continuity and identification. Next, they should verify polarity where the network uses paired fibres.
Insertion-loss testing may then measure the complete link loss. Meanwhile, OTDR testing may help characterise splices, connectors and other events where the project specification requires it.
The exact test method depends on the network design and applicable project requirements. Nevertheless, the test reference, launch conditions and acceptance limits should remain consistent.
Record every result against the relevant cable, fibre and adaptor port. Consequently, future technicians can compare later measurements with the original baseline.
If a termination fails testing, inspect and clean the connectors first. Then, review the patch lead, adaptor, splice and fibre routing systematically.
A 48-fibre enclosure does not necessarily provide 48 duplex links. Instead, 48 fibres commonly provide 24 conventional duplex pairs.
Therefore, specifications should state individual fibre capacity clearly.
SC and SCA connectors look similar. However, their end faces differ.
Likewise, LC and LCA configurations must remain separate. Therefore, confirm UPC or APC polish before ordering.
OS2, OM3 and OM4 pigtails serve different fibre systems. Consequently, the pigtails must match the wider network design.
The Fully Loaded 48W includes the selected adaptors and pigtails. However, cable glands, splice protectors, patch leads and installation consumables may still require separate selection.
Therefore, review the complete bill of materials before installation.
A cable gland must match the incoming cable diameter. Otherwise, it may not provide suitable protection or retention.
Confirm the cable construction and diameter before selecting the entry hardware.
Without correct restraint, pulling force can reach the internal fibres. Consequently, cable movement may disturb splices or damage delicate fibre units.
Tight bends may occur at the entry, behind the faceplate or near the door. Therefore, review the complete fibre path rather than only the internal loops.
Some service length supports maintenance. However, excessive slack can overcrowd the enclosure and obstruct other fibres.
Patch leads need a clear exit path. Therefore, verify that the door closes without trapping or bending them.
The 48W suits protected indoor installations. A lockable door does not make the enclosure weatherproof.
Therefore, use an appropriately rated enclosure for outdoor or harsh environments.
| Specification | RapidConnect Fully Loaded 48W |
|---|---|
| Product type | Fully loaded indoor wall mount fibre enclosure |
| Dimensions | 280 × 230 × 45 mm |
| Faceplate | One removable connector faceplate |
| Maximum LC/LCA capacity | 48 fibres |
| Maximum SC/SCA capacity | 24 fibres |
| Maximum ST capacity | 12 fibres |
| Fibre options | OS2, OM3 or OM4 |
| Adaptors | Installed to the selected configuration |
| Pigtails | Matching colour-coded pigtails installed |
| Cable entry | Top and bottom openings |
| Front access | Lockable door |
| Termination method | Fusion-spliced pigtails |
| Mounting | Suitable vertical indoor surface |
| Typical applications | Commercial, education, CCTV, telecommunications and indoor industrial networks |
Final configurations depend on fibre type, connector format, connector polish and required capacity. Therefore, confirm these details when requesting a quotation.
A clear product specification should answer five main questions.
State the total number of individual fibres. Also allow for planned spare capacity.
Choose OS2, OM3 or OM4 according to the wider optical system.
Select LC, LCA, SC, SCA or ST. However, remember that connector choice affects the enclosure’s maximum capacity.
Confirm the exact polish. Do not rely on connector colour alone.
Review cable glands, splice protectors, patch leads, labelling materials, cleaning products and test requirements.
Providing this information allows Anderson Corporation to prepare an enclosure that matches the intended network.
Fully loaded means Anderson Corporation supplies the enclosure with the selected adaptors and matching colour-coded pigtails installed. Therefore, the installer does not need to populate the faceplate with these components on site.
The RapidConnect Fully Loaded 48W has one removable faceplate.
The enclosure supports up to 48 fibres with LC or LCA connectivity. Alternatively, it supports up to 24 fibres with SC or SCA or 12 fibres with ST.
No. A conventional duplex connection uses two fibres. Therefore, 48 individual fibres generally provide up to 24 duplex fibre pairs.
Customers can specify OS2 singlemode, OM3 multimode or OM4 multimode pigtails.
Yes. Anderson Corporation installs adaptors according to the selected fully loaded configuration.
Yes. Matching colour-coded pigtails form part of the fully loaded configuration.
Patch leads are not part of the standard fully loaded definition. Therefore, specify the required patch-lead type, connector format and length separately.
Cable-gland requirements depend on the incoming cable. Therefore, confirm the cable diameter and required gland when ordering.
No. The enclosure provides the termination and patching point. The incoming cable remains a separate component.
Yes. LCA and SCA configurations support the applicable APC connector formats. However, APC and UPC connectors must never mate together.
Any mixed configuration requires confirmation before ordering. Capacity and faceplate compatibility depend on the required combination.
No. The Fully Loaded 48W suits protected indoor locations. Outdoor installations require an enclosure with a suitable documented environmental rating.
The product primarily supports fusion-spliced pigtail termination. A pre-terminated arrangement requires separate assessment of the connectorised end, entry method and internal routing.
For product options and pathway planning, see the Pre-Terminated Fibre Optic Cable Authority Hub
The fully loaded model reduces separate component selection because it includes the specified adaptors and pigtails. Conversely, the unloaded 48W provides flexibility when customers want to source or install those components separately.
Yes. Anderson Corporation can match the fibre count, fibre category, connector format and polish to the required enclosure configuration.
The Fully Loaded Wall Mount Fibre Enclosure Knowledge Centre will provide focused guidance across configuration, installation, fibre management and maintenance. As the Knowledge Centre expands, each section will help customers specify and use the RapidConnect 48W-FL correctly.
First, this section will explain what “fully loaded” means. It will also distinguish the 48W-FL from the unloaded 48W enclosure.
Articles coming soon.
Next, this section will examine the single removable faceplate. In addition, it will explain why LC, SC and ST formats provide different maximum fibre capacities.
Articles coming soon.
This section will compare the available fibre categories. Moreover, it will explain how pigtails and patch leads must match the wider network.
Articles coming soon.
This section will explain the differences between LC, LCA, SC and SCA configurations. Importantly, it will also address the risks of mixing UPC and APC connectors.
Articles coming soon.
This section will cover cable preparation, pigtail splicing and splice protection. Furthermore, it will examine fibre routing inside a compact enclosure.
Articles coming soon.
This section will examine top and bottom cable entry, gland selection and cable restraint. It will also explain how pathway alignment affects bend radius.
Articles coming soon.
This section will provide installation planning guidance. Additionally, it will cover port identification, optical testing and network documentation.
Articles coming soon.
Finally, this section will address connector inspection, cleaning and long-term enclosure maintenance. It will also explain how orderly fibre management can reduce service risk.
Articles coming soon.
The RapidConnect Fully Loaded Wall Mount Fibre Enclosure brings the enclosure, one removable faceplate, adaptors and matching pigtails together in one coordinated configuration.
Its compact 280 × 230 × 45 mm dimensions suit protected indoor locations where a conventional rack enclosure may be unnecessary. Meanwhile, the lockable front door helps protect the termination area from accidental disturbance.
Customers can select OS2, OM3 or OM4 pigtails. Furthermore, they can specify LC, LCA, SC, SCA or ST connectivity according to the network design.
Most importantly, the fully loaded format reduces separate component selection. Therefore, it provides a practical option for customers who want a consistent fusion-splice termination assembly prepared before supply.
To discuss fibre count, connector format and pigtail requirements, request a Rapid Quote.
For additional product guidance and fibre installation videos, visit the Anderson Fibre Products YouTube channel.
