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RapidConnect Fibre Optic Enclosure Face Plates support ST, FC, SC Simplex, SC Duplex, LC Duplex and LC Quad adaptor configurations.
Designed exclusively for the RapidConnect 296S 2RU Rackmount, 148S 1RU Rackmount and 48W Wall Mount Fibre Enclosures.
Fibre Optic Enclosure Face Plates create the front adaptor interface for compatible RapidConnect fibre enclosures. By selecting the correct face plate, adaptor format and port quantity, installers can configure an enclosure around the connector type and fibre capacity required for the network.
RapidConnect Enclosure Face Plates support ST, FC, SC Simplex, SC Duplex, LC Duplex and LC Quad adaptor configurations. However, these face plates are not universal. Instead, they fit only the following RapidConnect enclosures:
Therefore, customers should confirm the enclosure model, connector format and required fibre count before ordering.
Available connector formats: ST, FC, SC Simplex, SC Duplex, LC Duplex and LC Quad
Compatible enclosures: RapidConnect 296S, 148S and 48W only
Configuration: Face plate selected according to adaptor format and port quantity
Example ordering code: FPSC-06 — 6-port SC face plate
A fibre optic enclosure face plate forms the removable front interface between the internal fibre terminations and the external patch leads. Each face plate contains openings for a particular fibre adaptor style.
Inside the enclosure, connectorised pigtails or compatible pre-terminated connectors plug into the rear of the adaptors. Meanwhile, patch leads connect to the front. Consequently, technicians can access individual fibre circuits without handling the incoming cable or protected fusion splices.
In addition, the face plate performs several practical functions:
However, the face plate does not determine the complete system by itself. Instead, the enclosure, face plate, adaptors, pigtails, splice arrangement and patch leads must work together.
Therefore, customers should specify the complete fibre termination requirement rather than selecting a face plate solely by its number of openings.
RapidConnect Enclosure Face Plates fit three specific enclosure platforms. Therefore, customers should not assume that the same face plates will fit every RapidConnect enclosure.
The RapidConnect 296S 2RU Rackmount Sliding Fibre Enclosure provides a higher-capacity platform for rack-based fibre termination.
Because the enclosure occupies 2RU, it provides additional front-panel and internal working space. Furthermore, its sliding tray gives technicians access to the fibre-routing and splice-management areas while the enclosure remains mounted in the rack.
Customers can configure the 296S with compatible face plates according to the required connector type and fibre count. However, the selected face plates, adaptors and internal termination arrangement determine the final capacity.
Therefore, customers should confirm both the required front-panel connections and the internal splice arrangement before ordering.
The RapidConnect 148S 1RU Rackmount Sliding Fibre Enclosure provides a compact platform for fibre termination within a standard 19-inch rack or cabinet.
Because the 148S occupies only 1RU, it suits installations where rack space remains limited. Nevertheless, customers can still select from compatible face-plate and adaptor configurations.
The 148S supports up to 72 spliced fibres when correctly configured. However, the selected face plates may present fewer fibres at the front. Consequently, customers must consider the internal splice capacity and front-panel capacity separately.
Furthermore, installers must leave enough internal space for pigtails, splice protectors and controlled fibre routing. Therefore, the highest-density face plate does not automatically create the best configuration.
The RapidConnect 48W Wall Mount Fibre Enclosure provides a wall-mounted termination point for installations that do not require a communications rack.
The 48W has one removable face plate. Consequently, the selected face plate establishes the complete front adaptor arrangement.
Depending on the selected connector format, the 48W can support:
However, customers requiring FC connectivity should confirm the available face-plate configuration and resulting capacity before ordering.
In addition, customers should coordinate the face plate with the adaptors, pigtails and termination method. As a result, the completed enclosure will provide the required capacity without overcrowding the internal fibre-management area.
RapidConnect Enclosure Face Plates fit the 296S, 148S and 48W platforms only. Therefore, customers should not use these face plates with another enclosure unless Anderson Corporation confirms compatibility.
In particular, this face-plate range does not support:
Although another face plate may appear similar, differences in its width, height or fixing positions can prevent correct installation. Furthermore, the adaptor depth may not leave enough internal clearance within an incompatible enclosure.
Consequently, customers should identify the enclosure model before selecting a replacement or additional face plate.
RapidConnect offers face plates for several established fibre connector formats. However, the correct choice depends on the existing network interface, connected equipment, required fibre count and preferred termination density.
ST connectors use a bayonet-style coupling. Although modern networks often use LC or SC connectors, ST remains present in legacy installations and selected industrial networks.
Therefore, an ST face plate may suit:
However, ST adaptors require more panel space than LC adaptors. Consequently, they provide a lower fibre density within the same enclosure area.
FC connectors use a threaded coupling to create a secure mechanical connection. Therefore, they remain relevant to selected telecommunications, test, measurement and specialised fibre applications.
An FC face plate may suit projects that require:
However, FC UPC and FC APC connectors use different end-face geometries. Therefore, customers must confirm the required polish before selecting the adaptors, pigtails and patch leads.
In addition, customers should confirm the available FC face-plate arrangement for the selected enclosure. As a result, Anderson Corporation can verify both the physical layout and final fibre capacity.
An SC Simplex adaptor presents one fibre through each adaptor position. Therefore, the number of adaptor openings generally corresponds with the number of presented fibres.
SC Simplex configurations may suit:
However, SC connectors use a larger body than LC connectors. Consequently, an SC Simplex face plate provides fewer fibres than a comparable high-density LC configuration.
An SC Duplex adaptor presents two fibres through one adaptor position. As a result, it can support conventional two-fibre transmit-and-receive circuits while reducing the number of physical openings required.
SC Duplex face plates may suit:
Nevertheless, customers should continue to specify capacity in individual fibres. For example, 24 presented fibres normally support 12 conventional duplex fibre links.
Therefore, an order should identify both the number of fibres and the number of required duplex connections.
LC Duplex adaptors present two fibres within a compact adaptor format. Because LC connectors use a smaller body than SC connectors, they support greater front-panel density.
Consequently, LC Duplex face plates commonly suit:
Although each LC Duplex adaptor presents two fibres, the project documentation should state both the total fibre count and the number of duplex connections. Therefore, suppliers and installers can interpret the requirement consistently.
LC Quad adaptors present four fibres through one adaptor position. Therefore, they provide the highest density within the standard RapidConnect face-plate range.
LC Quad face plates may suit:
However, front-panel density must align with the enclosure’s internal capacity. For example, the enclosure still needs enough room for pigtails, fusion splices, splice protectors, routing paths and service loops.
Consequently, customers should not select LC Quad purely because it provides the greatest number of front-panel connections. Instead, they should evaluate the complete enclosure configuration.
Face-plate openings and fibre capacity do not always represent the same quantity. Instead, the adaptor style determines how many fibres each opening presents.
| Adaptor format | Fibres presented per adaptor position |
|---|---|
| ST | 1 fibre |
| FC | 1 fibre |
| SC Simplex | 1 fibre |
| SC Duplex | 2 fibres |
| LC Duplex | 2 fibres |
| LC Quad | 4 fibres |
For example, a six-position face plate can present different fibre capacities:
Therefore, customers should never order a face plate using the number of openings alone. Instead, they should specify the connector format and total fibre count.
Furthermore, customers should distinguish between individual fibres and duplex services. For example, 24 individual fibres normally provide 12 conventional duplex transmit-and-receive connections.
As a result, documenting capacity in individual fibres reduces ambiguity.
A face plate may provide enough adaptor positions for the required connections. However, the enclosure must also support the corresponding number of terminations or fusion splices.
Several factors affect the completed capacity:
For example, an LC Quad arrangement may provide high front-panel density. Nevertheless, the enclosure’s internal splice capacity may establish the practical limit.
Likewise, an enclosure may support more fusion splices than the selected face plates can present. In that case, the front adaptor arrangement becomes the capacity limit.
Therefore, Anderson Corporation recommends confirming both the front-panel requirement and the internal termination requirement before ordering.
Moreover, a lower-density arrangement may provide easier fibre routing and maintenance. Consequently, the configuration with the highest theoretical capacity may not provide the best practical outcome.
The face plate supports the adaptor mechanically. However, the adaptor, pigtail and patch lead establish the optical connection.
Therefore, every component must use a compatible format.
A complete connection normally includes:
For example, an LC APC pigtail requires a compatible LC APC adaptor and LC APC patch lead. Similarly, an SC UPC system requires compatible SC UPC components throughout the connection.
However, the face plate itself does not convert:
Therefore, customers should treat the face plate, adaptor, pigtail and patch lead as one coordinated assembly.
Singlemode fibre systems commonly use UPC or APC connector polish. Although the connector bodies may share the same general format, their ferrule end faces differ.
UPC connectors use a polished physical-contact surface. In contrast, APC connectors use an angled end face to reduce reflected optical power.
Therefore, technicians must not connect UPC and APC connectors directly. Otherwise, the mismatch can cause poor physical contact, high insertion loss, excessive reflection and possible connector damage.
Accordingly, customers should state the complete connector requirement when ordering:
Colour can also help technicians identify connectors. For example, blue commonly indicates UPC, while green commonly indicates APC.
However, installers should verify the actual connector specification rather than relying only on colour.
RapidConnect Enclosure Face Plates support adaptors used with OS2 singlemode and OM4 multimode systems. However, the face plate itself does not determine the fibre mode.
Instead, the following components must match the network:
For an OS2 installation, customers may select suitable LC, SC, ST or FC components according to the network design.
Meanwhile, an OM4 installation requires compatible OM4 pigtails and patch leads. LC and SC remain common choices for modern multimode networks, while ST may remain necessary when extending legacy infrastructure.
Most importantly, installers should not mix OS2 and OM4 components unintentionally. Furthermore, accurate labels should identify the installed fibre category.
Consequently, future technicians can select suitable patch leads and replacement components without relying on connector colour alone.
A reliable face-plate configuration starts with the network requirement rather than the available panel space.
First, identify whether the face plate will fit the RapidConnect 296S, 148S or 48W.
Because this range is enclosure-specific, customers should not assume compatibility from appearance alone.
Next, state the number of individual fibres requiring termination. In particular, avoid specifying only the number of duplex services.
For example, 12 conventional duplex links normally require 24 fibres.
Then, confirm whether the network uses:
The selected format must match the pigtails, patch leads and connected equipment.
Afterwards, confirm how many fibres each adaptor position must present.
For example, SC can use Simplex or Duplex formats. Meanwhile, LC commonly uses Duplex or Quad configurations within this face-plate range.
For singlemode systems, specify whether the connection requires UPC or APC components.
Otherwise, an incorrect polish selection may create an incompatible connection.
In addition, state whether the network uses OS2 singlemode or OM4 multimode fibre.
Consequently, Anderson Corporation can match the pigtails and patch leads to the installed fibre.
Next, confirm whether the installer will use:
Because each method uses the internal space differently, the termination method can influence the final configuration.
Finally, consider whether the enclosure needs unused ports for future additions.
A modest expansion allowance may prevent the need to replace the face plate later. However, spare capacity should remain practical and clearly documented.
Fusion-spliced pigtails provide a common method for terminating incoming fibre cable inside an enclosure.
First, the technician secures and prepares the incoming cable. Next, the technician routes the cable fibres towards the splice cassette.
The technician then prepares the connectorised pigtails and fusion-splices each pigtail to its corresponding cable fibre. Afterwards, the technician protects and positions each splice within the cassette.
Finally, the technician connects each pigtail to the rear of the correct adaptor. The technician can then inspect, clean, label and test each completed optical path.
The selected face plate must provide enough adaptor positions for the required pigtails. At the same time, the enclosure must provide enough splice capacity and routing space.
Therefore, the face-plate layout and internal splice plan should form part of the same design.
Furthermore, technicians should arrange the pigtails in the same sequence as the front-panel ports. As a result, future testing and maintenance become easier.
A compatible pre-terminated cable may connect directly to the rear of the installed adaptors. In that case, the installation may not require fusion-spliced pigtails.
However, customers must confirm:
In addition, pre-terminated connectors require enough clearance behind the face plate. Therefore, the installer should confirm the complete assembly rather than assuming that any connectorised cable will fit.
For a detailed overview of factory-terminated cable assemblies, visit the Pre-Terminated Fibre Optic Cable Authority Hub.
A qualified fibre technician should install the face plates, adaptors and associated fibre components.
Before installation, the technician should confirm that:
First, the technician should install the face plate securely without distorting it. Next, the technician should fit the adaptors with a consistent orientation.
Afterwards, the technician can connect the internal pigtails or compatible pre-terminated connectors. Meanwhile, the technician should maintain a suitable bend radius behind the adaptor interface.
Furthermore, excessive fibre length should not press against the face plate, enclosure cover, splice cassette or sliding mechanism.
Finally, the technician should inspect and clean every connector before making the optical connection.
Clear labels make the completed enclosure easier to test, maintain and modify.
Therefore, each port record should identify:
For duplex services, the documentation should also identify the transmit and receive fibres where required.
In addition, the labels should match the as-built drawings and test records. Consequently, future technicians can locate a circuit without disturbing unrelated connections.
Furthermore, installers should update the records after every network change. Otherwise, the physical port arrangement and documentation may no longer match.
RapidConnect Fibre Optic Enclosure Face Plates fit only the 296S, 148S and 48W enclosures covered by this product range.
Therefore, customers should confirm the enclosure model before ordering.
A six-position face plate can present six, 12 or 24 fibres, depending on the adaptor format.
Consequently, customers should always state both the connector type and required fibre count.
One conventional duplex link normally uses two fibres. Therefore, 24 fibres generally support 12 duplex links rather than 24.
High-density face plates do not automatically increase the enclosure’s internal splice capacity.
Instead, the complete configuration must remain within both the front-panel and internal limits.
UPC and APC connectors should not mate directly.
Therefore, customers must specify the required connector polish across the complete connection.
A face plate provides the adaptor mounting interface. However, it may not include the adaptors, pigtails or other components required to complete the termination.
Consequently, customers should confirm every required component before ordering.
The highest-density configuration may not provide the best working arrangement for every installation.
Therefore, customers should also consider fibre routing, identification, maintenance access and future changes.
The RapidConnect ordering structure identifies the face-plate connector type and number of ports.
For example:
FPSC-06 — Face plate, SC, 6 port
The general format is:
FPxx-xx — Face plate, connector type and port quantity
However, different adaptor formats present different numbers of fibres. Therefore, customers should include the complete technical requirement with their enquiry.
Please provide:
Anderson Corporation can then confirm the appropriate face plate, adaptors, pigtails and associated components.
The Fibre Optic Enclosure Face Plates Knowledge Centre will provide focused guidance on connector formats, adaptor density, enclosure compatibility, capacity planning and fibre termination.
First, this section will explain how enclosure face plates support adaptors and create an accessible fibre patching interface.
Articles coming soon.
Next, this section will compare ST, FC, SC and LC face-plate configurations, including Simplex, Duplex and Quad formats.
Articles coming soon.
In addition, this section will explain the relationship between adaptor positions, individual fibres, duplex services and enclosure splice capacity.
Articles coming soon.
Furthermore, this section will examine face-plate selection for the RapidConnect 296S, 148S and 48W enclosures.
Articles coming soon.
Afterwards, this section will explain connector polish, physical compatibility and the risks of mixing UPC and APC components.
Articles coming soon.
Finally, this section will cover adaptor installation, pigtail routing, port identification, connector cleaning and network documentation.
Articles coming soon.
These face plates fit only the RapidConnect 296S 2RU Rackmount, 148S 1RU Rackmount and 48W Wall Mount Fibre Enclosures.
Therefore, customers should confirm the enclosure model before ordering.
No. Instead, the 12D uses a different enclosure configuration.
No. Consequently, customers should not install them in third-party or other RapidConnect enclosures without confirmed compatibility.
The range supports ST, FC, SC Simplex, SC Duplex, LC Duplex and LC Quad face-plate configurations.
However, the available port quantity depends on the selected connector format and enclosure.
No. ST, FC and SC Simplex generally present one fibre per adaptor position. In contrast, SC Duplex and LC Duplex present two fibres, while LC Quad presents four fibres per adaptor position.
The final supply configuration should be confirmed when ordering. Therefore, customers should specify whether they require the face plate only or a coordinated configuration with adaptors and pigtails.
Yes, provided the adaptors, pigtails and patch leads match the required fibre system. However, the face plate itself does not determine the fibre category.
No. Because UPC and APC connectors have different ferrule end-face geometries, they should not mate directly.
LC Quad provides the greatest number of fibres per adaptor position. Nevertheless, the enclosure’s internal capacity and routing arrangement may still limit the completed configuration.
First, provide the enclosure model and required fibre count. Next, identify the connector type, adaptor format, connector polish and fibre category.
In addition, advise whether the enclosure requires pigtails and spare capacity for future expansion.
RapidConnect Fibre Optic Enclosure Face Plates allow customers to configure the adaptor interface of the 296S, 148S and 48W fibre enclosures around the network’s connector and capacity requirements.
Available ST, FC, SC Simplex, SC Duplex, LC Duplex and LC Quad formats support a range of OS2 and OM4 fibre installations. However, successful configuration requires more than choosing a connector opening.
Instead, the face plate, adaptors, pigtails, patch leads, splice capacity and fibre-routing arrangement must operate as one coordinated system.
Therefore, Anderson Corporation can help match the required face plates and termination components to the:
Finally, visit the Anderson Corporation YouTube Channel for additional fibre product information and technical videos.
