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The RapidConnect HF96 Horizontal Fibre Optic Splice Closure protects up to 96 fusion-spliced fibres across four removable 24-fibre splice cassettes. Its six cable ports, IP68 rating and double-ended design support aerial, wall-mounted and direct-burial installations.
The RapidConnect HF96 Horizontal Fibre Optic Splice Closure protects fusion-spliced optical fibres in outdoor and underground networks. With four removable 24-fibre splice cassettes supplied as standard, the closure supports configurations from 24 to 96 fibres. Therefore, network designers can use one practical enclosure across several common fibre counts.
The HF96 uses a double-ended horizontal body with six round cable-entry ports. In addition, its polycarbonate shell, rubber sealing system and IP68 rating support installation in aerial, wall-mounted and direct-burial environments. As a result, the closure provides a flexible connection point for joining, branching and protecting fibre optic cables across many network types.
A horizontal fibre optic splice closure is a sealed enclosure that houses and protects fibre splices outside a conventional rack or wall-mount termination enclosure. Installers typically use this type of closure where two or more fibre optic cables meet in the field.
Inside the closure, splice cassettes organise the individual fibres and protect completed fusion splices. Meanwhile, the outer body protects the internal fibre-management system from dust, water and physical contact. Cable ports also help control the entry and exit points for each cable.
Unlike a dome closure, a horizontal closure has an elongated body with cable-entry positions arranged across its ends. Consequently, it can suit straight-through cable routes, branch connections and locations where a low-profile enclosure fits the available space more effectively.
The correct closure must match more than the nominal fibre count. For example, the designer should also consider cable diameter, the number of incoming and outgoing cables, splice allocation, branch requirements, installation environment and future network growth.
The RapidConnect HF96 combines a 96-fibre maximum capacity with a compact horizontal design. It includes four splice cassettes, and each cassette accommodates up to 24 fibres. Therefore, the installer can separate fibres into logical groups rather than placing the entire network into one management area.
The closure measures 366 mm long, 190 mm wide and 126 mm high. Because the body uses polycarbonate, it provides a durable enclosure without introducing a metal outer shell. The black finish also suits external telecommunications environments.
In addition, the double-ended arrangement provides cable-entry and exit positions at opposite ends of the enclosure. This format supports both inline and branching network layouts, subject to the selected cables fitting the available ports.
The HF96 comes with four 24-fibre splice cassettes. Consequently, it can support several common fibre-count configurations:
This modular arrangement helps installers keep fibres organised. For example, each cassette can represent a separate cable, route, service group or stage of network expansion. However, the final allocation should reflect the splice plan rather than fibre count alone.
Although the closure can house up to 96 fibres, designers should confirm how many fibres will enter, leave, continue through or branch inside the enclosure. They should also allow enough room for safe routing and storage. In particular, unused fibres and uncut buffer tubes still require controlled placement within the available space.
Each 24-fibre cassette can slide into or out of the internal assembly and lock into place. Therefore, the installer can access the required splice layer while keeping the remaining cassettes organised.
The cassettes provide a defined area for splice-protection sleeves and fibre routing. Moreover, separating the fibres across four layers can simplify identification and future maintenance. Clear labels and an accurate splice schedule further improve this arrangement.
During installation, technicians should route fibres without sharp bends, crushing or unnecessary crossover. They should also retain enough fibre for future resplicing while avoiding excessive loops. Good cassette management supports both optical performance and efficient maintenance.
The HF96 provides six round cable ports across its double-ended body:
| Port arrangement | Nominal diameter |
|---|---|
| Two round ports | 13 mm each |
| Two round ports | 16 mm each |
| Two round ports | 20 mm each |
These different port sizes provide flexibility when the closure needs to accept cables with different outside diameters. Nevertheless, the cable-jacket diameter must suit the selected port and sealing components. Fibre count alone does not determine compatibility.
Before installation, the designer should confirm the outside diameter and construction of every cable entering the closure. In addition, the installer should follow the approved preparation length and sealing process. A poorly matched or incorrectly prepared cable may compromise strain control and environmental sealing.
The six-port layout can support one incoming cable with several outgoing branches, multiple inline cables or another planned combination. However, the exact arrangement will depend on cable diameters, network topology and the required separation between cable elements.
The HF96 uses a double-ended configuration, which means cable ports appear at both ends of the closure. As a result, cables can follow a natural path through an inline joint instead of entering through one common base.
This layout can also assist with branch planning. For instance, a feeder cable may enter at one end while distribution cables leave through ports at either end. Even so, technicians should plan the internal route before stripping any cable. This step reduces congestion and helps maintain suitable fibre bend radii.
Furthermore, the horizontal body can suit installations where the available space favours an elongated enclosure. The mounting method, surrounding clearance and future access requirements should all form part of the selection process.
The HF96 carries an IP68 ingress-protection rating. The first digit indicates the rated level of protection against solid-particle ingress, while the second relates to water ingress under the applicable test conditions.
However, the stated enclosure rating does not remove the need for correct field assembly. The finished installation depends on suitable cable selection, compatible port sizing, correct rubber-seal placement, proper cable preparation and even screw tightening. Therefore, installers should inspect every sealing surface before closing the enclosure.
They should also ensure that dirt, damaged seals, displaced components or trapped cable elements do not interfere with the sealing interface. After assembly, the closure should remain accessible for inspection where the network design and installation environment allow.
The closure uses rubber sealing at the shell and at the cable inlet and outlet positions. Screws secure the main body. Together, these components create the mechanical compression needed for the sealing system.
During installation, technicians should check that the rubber seals remain clean, correctly seated and free from visible damage. They should then close the shell evenly and follow the recommended fastening sequence. Uneven assembly may place unnecessary stress on the body or sealing surfaces.
Whenever the closure is reopened, the technician should inspect the seals again before returning it to service. In particular, they should remove contamination and replace any component that can no longer form the intended seal.
The HF96 supports aerial installation. In this environment, the closure may form part of a pole-mounted or overhead fibre route. The mounting arrangement must support the enclosure independently and control the mechanical loads applied by the cables.
Cable tension should not transfer directly to the fibres or splice cassettes. Therefore, installers must secure the cable strength members and provide suitable external cable support. They should also position the closure so technicians can reach it safely for future inspection and maintenance.
Additionally, the route should prevent water from tracking along the cable into the closure. Cable loops, entry orientation and attachment points should reflect the site conditions and the approved installation practice.
The HF96 also supports direct underground burial. Before choosing this method, however, the project designer should consider the surrounding ground conditions, expected loads, drainage, route marking and future access requirements.
Where the closure sits inside a pit or chamber, the installation should avoid placing unnecessary loads on the body or cable entries. The closure should also remain clear of sharp objects and uncontrolled cable tension. Furthermore, technicians should leave enough cable slack to lift and access the closure without damaging the connected cables.
For direct burial, installers must prepare and seal every cable entry correctly before placing the closure underground. The surrounding installation should then protect the closure from excessive point loading or damage during backfilling.
Wall mounting can suit building exteriors, communications rooms, service areas and other accessible network locations. In this configuration, a secure mounting system should support the closure and connected cables.
The installer should allow enough clearance to remove the cover and access the splice cassettes. In addition, cable supports should control the approach to each port and prevent tight bends near the closure. A planned cable route makes future maintenance considerably easier.
Although the closure supports wall mounting, it performs a different role from a conventional wall-mount termination enclosure. The HF96 primarily protects fusion splices and cable joints. By comparison, a termination enclosure usually presents adaptors for patching and equipment connection.
Correct fibre routing protects the network long after the splice test has finished. First, technicians should guide buffer tubes and fibres through the designated management path. Next, they should store the required service length without creating tight coils. Finally, they should check that closing the cassettes cannot pinch or displace any fibre.
Bend-radius requirements vary with fibre and cable construction. Therefore, installers should follow the cable manufacturer’s limits throughout preparation, storage and final assembly. They should also avoid routing fibres across screw positions, cassette hinges or other moving parts.
Good routing improves more than optical performance. It also helps the next technician understand the joint, locate the correct fibres and complete maintenance without disturbing unrelated services.
The closure protects the splice only when the cable entering it also receives suitable mechanical control. Accordingly, technicians should secure the relevant cable elements so pulling, twisting and movement do not transfer to the bare fibres.
Cable preparation should follow a documented sequence. The installer should confirm the required sheath-removal length, identify the strength members, clean the internal components and route the buffer tubes before beginning fusion splicing. Moreover, every cable should match the diameter range of its selected port.
If a cable includes armour, additional strength members or a specialised outer jacket, the project should define how those components terminate. The closure specification should form one part of that broader cable-jointing procedure.
The HF96 supports single-fibre fusion splicing. Fusion splicing joins two prepared optical fibres by aligning and fusing their glass ends. A splice-protection sleeve then protects the completed joint before the technician places it into the cassette.
A typical workflow includes:
Testing should reflect the network specification. Depending on the project, this may include insertion-loss testing, optical time-domain reflectometer testing or both.
The four-cassette configuration allows a network to begin below the maximum 96-fibre capacity. For example, a project may initially use one or two cassettes while reserving the remaining cassettes for later work.
However, physical capacity does not automatically guarantee a simple expansion. The original design must also reserve suitable cable ports, internal routing space and external cable access. Consequently, designers should document the intended future configuration before commissioning the first stage.
Clear cassette labels, port records and splice schedules are especially valuable in staged networks. Without them, later technicians may need to trace fibres that the original project could have identified from the beginning.
Both horizontal and dome closures protect outdoor fibre splices. Nevertheless, their physical layouts suit different routes and installation preferences.
A horizontal closure uses an elongated, double-ended format. Therefore, it can align naturally with straight-through cable routes and installations where cables approach from different directions. A dome closure generally groups its cable entries around a common base, which can suit branching arrangements and certain vertical installations.
Neither format is automatically better for every project. Instead, the designer should compare fibre capacity, port quantity, cable diameters, mounting arrangement, available space, access conditions and future expansion.
| Specification | RapidConnect HF96 |
|---|---|
| Product type | Horizontal fibre optic splice closure |
| Closure style | Double-ended |
| Maximum fibre capacity | 96 fibres |
| Maximum number of cassettes | Four |
| Capacity per cassette | 24 fibres |
| Cassettes supplied | Four |
| Supported splicing method | Single-fibre fusion splicing |
| Number of cable ports | Six |
| Cable-port sizes | 2 × 13 mm, 2 × 16 mm and 2 × 20 mm |
| Shell sealing | Rubber sealing with screw fastening |
| Cable-port sealing | Rubber sealing |
| Body material | Polycarbonate |
| Colour | Black |
| Ingress-protection rating | IP68 |
| Installation environments | Aerial, wall-mounted or direct burial |
| Dimensions | 366 mm × 190 mm × 126 mm |
| Net weight | 2.6 kg |
| Product code | HF96 |
For the product diagram and ordering information, download the HF96 Horizontal Fibre Optic Splice Closure datasheet.
FOSC commonly means fibre optic splice closure. The enclosure protects fibre splices and manages fibres where optical cables join or branch.
The HF96 supports up to 96 fibres. It includes four splice cassettes, and each cassette accommodates up to 24 fibres.
Yes. Four 24-fibre splice cassettes come with the HF96 as standard.
Yes. The four-cassette arrangement supports 24, 48, 72 or 96-fibre configurations. However, the installer should still check cable count, cable diameter, routing and port requirements.
The HF96 has six round cable-entry and exit ports. These comprise two 13 mm ports, two 16 mm ports and two 20 mm ports.
Yes. The product specification lists the HF96 for direct-burial installation. It can also be installed in suitable underground pits or chambers when the project design provides appropriate support, access and cable management.
Yes. The HF96 supports aerial installation. The mounting system and cable supports must suit the site and prevent mechanical loads from transferring to the fibres.
Yes. Installers can wall mount the closure while allowing enough clearance for cable routing, cover removal and future cassette access.
The HF96 has an IP68 ingress-protection rating. However, the performance of the completed installation depends on correct cable-port selection, cable preparation, sealing and closure assembly.
The published HF96 specification lists single-fibre fusion splicing as the supported splicing method.
The HF96 primarily protects cable joints and fusion splices. It does not perform the same patching function as an enclosure fitted with front-facing fibre adaptors.
Match the cable’s outside diameter to the appropriate 13 mm, 16 mm or 20 mm port and its sealing components. Always confirm compatibility before preparing the cable.
The Horizontal Fibre Optic Splice Closure Knowledge Centre provides focused guidance across closure selection, installation, sealing, fibre management, testing and maintenance. As the Knowledge Centre expands, each section will help designers and installers manage outdoor fibre joints throughout the network lifecycle.
First, this section explains how horizontal closures protect fibre joints and how they differ from termination enclosures and dome closures.
Articles coming soon.
Next, this section explores splice capacity, cable count, port diameter, branching requirements and provision for future expansion.
Articles coming soon.
This section examines aerial, wall-mounted, underground-pit and direct-burial installations. In addition, it explains how access and cable support affect closure placement.
Articles coming soon.
Here, installers can learn about cable preparation, rubber seals, closure assembly and the practical meaning of an IP rating.
Articles coming soon.
This section covers splice-cassette allocation, bend-radius control, service loops, fibre identification and splice records.
Articles coming soon.
Finally, this section explains post-installation testing, closure inspection, fault access and safe re-entry procedures.
Articles coming soon.
The RapidConnect HF96 Horizontal Fibre Optic Splice Closure provides four 24-fibre cassettes, six cable ports and capacity for up to 96 fusion-spliced fibres. Moreover, its double-ended polycarbonate body supports aerial, wall-mounted and direct-burial applications.
Before ordering, confirm the required fibre count, cable quantity, outside diameters, port allocation, mounting method and future expansion plan. Anderson Corporation can then help determine whether the HF96 suits the proposed fibre-jointing application.
For additional product guidance and fibre installation information, visit the Anderson Corporation YouTube channel.
