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The RapidConnect Reference Cable Kit provides configurable leads and adaptors for optical power meter and light source testing. Choose singlemode or multimode fibre, connector types, polish configurations and cable lengths to suit your equipment. Specify your required reference method to support suitable kit selection for installation, commissioning and maintenance.
The RapidConnect Reference Cable Kit provides configurable reference leads for optical power meter and light source testing. Available in singlemode and multimode configurations, it helps technicians establish a measurement baseline before testing fibre optic link loss.
Whether you commission new installations or maintain existing networks, compatible reference leads support consistent testing. Furthermore, you can specify the fibre type, connectors, polish types and cable lengths to suit your equipment.
A reference cable kit provides the fibre leads and compatible adaptors required for your selected optical loss testing arrangement.
Before measuring a link, you establish a reference using an optical light source and power meter. The equipment then compares the received optical power through the link with that baseline.
However, the reference method affects which connection losses form part of the result. Therefore, select your reference leads alongside the instrument instructions and project testing requirements.
The RapidConnect Reference Cable Kit brings these connection requirements into one configurable solution.
Optical power meter and light source testing measures insertion loss through a fibre optic link. A compatible source introduces light at one end, while the power meter measures the received level at the other.
After establishing the reference, you can measure the link and compare the result with its specified loss allowance.
Consequently, reference cable condition and compatibility matter. Contaminated connectors, damaged leads or mismatched fibre types can affect the result.
The kit supports:
Different instruments and network interfaces require different reference leads. Therefore, specify your RapidConnect Reference Cable Kit around the connections you need.
| Feature | Available configuration |
|---|---|
| Product range | RapidConnect Reference Cable Kit |
| Ordering code | RCKxx-xx, according to configuration |
| Fibre options | Singlemode or multimode |
| Multimode classifications | OM1, OM3 and OM4, as specified |
| Connector families | SC, LC, ST and FC |
| APC connector options | SC/APC and LC/APC, where specified |
| Other connectors | Available upon request |
| Standard cable length | 1 metre |
| Alternative lengths | Available upon request |
| Cable jacket | LSZH |
| Kit contents | Reference leads and adaptors according to the selected configuration |
For further product information, download the RapidConnect Reference Cable Kit datasheet.
First, identify whether you are testing singlemode or multimode cabling. Then select reference leads that match the fibre characteristics required by your testing procedure.
For multimode applications, specify the OM classification. In particular, OM1 uses a different core diameter from OM3 and OM4.
Additionally, confirm the connector type and polish at every mating interface. For example, your instrument may require SC connectors while the installed link uses LC.
Do not directly mate APC connectors with UPC connectors. Instead, specify the correct connector and polish at each end of the lead.
To simplify ordering, describe both ends individually. Examples include SC/UPC to LC/UPC and SC/UPC to SC/APC, where those configurations suit your equipment.
One-, two- and three-cable reference arrangements exist within optical loss testing. However, they establish different baselines and can produce different results.
Their acceptance depends on the applicable standard, link configuration, equipment and system warranty requirements. Therefore, confirm the required procedure before ordering your kit.
The method name describes the number of cables used to establish the reference. It does not necessarily describe the total number required for the subsequent link measurement.
The one-cable reference method establishes the baseline using one reference lead connected between the light source and power meter.
During the subsequent installed-link measurement, a launch lead and receive lead normally connect the instruments to the link. Consequently, a one-cable reference procedure can still require two test leads.
For conventional installed-link testing, this method enables the measurement to account for both end connections. Furthermore, it generally offers the lowest measurement uncertainty.
Therefore, use the one-cable method wherever the equipment interfaces and applicable testing specification permit.
The two-cable reference method establishes the baseline using two reference leads joined through a compatible adaptor.
Because this arrangement includes one mated connection, that connection’s loss forms part of the reference. Consequently, the subsequent result differs from a measurement obtained using a one-cable reference.
The method can suit particular link configurations where the specified procedure permits it. However, it should not replace the one-cable method simply for convenience.
Before testing, confirm that your project specification and any system warranty requirements accept the two-cable method. Additionally, record the reference method with your results and apply the corresponding acceptance limits.
The conventional three-cable reference method establishes the baseline using three leads with two mated connections between them.
As a result, both connection losses form part of the reference. This changes the measurement baseline compared with the one-cable method.
A three-cable arrangement may accommodate interfaces that prevent a practical one-cable reference. However, use it only where the applicable testing procedure permits it.
Furthermore, interpret the result against limits appropriate to that method.
An enhanced three-test-cord procedure includes additional measurements to account for reference connection losses.
Therefore, it is distinct from simply connecting three cables and setting a reference.
ISO/IEC 14763-3:2024 includes enhanced three-test-cord procedures for specified MPO cabling configurations. Consequently, confirm the exact procedure and required accessories before selecting equipment for those applications.
To help select a suitable Reference Cable Kit, provide the instrument model, link interfaces and required reference method.
Additionally, identify whether the test covers a permanent link, channel or another defined configuration. This helps establish the required leads, adaptors and measurement boundaries.
A reliable reference starts with suitable leads, clean connectors and correct equipment settings. Therefore, prepare the complete arrangement before measuring the installed link.
Once you establish the reference, preserve the connections required by the procedure. If you disturb the source-side reference connection, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for establishing a new reference.
Multimode loss measurements depend on how the source launches light into the fibre. Consequently, matching the OM classification is only part of selecting the testing arrangement.
Where the specification requires encircled flux compliance, confirm that the complete source and reference lead combination meets that requirement.
Do not assume that a multimode lead provides encircled flux conditioning simply because it matches the installed fibre.
Instead, provide your instrument model and testing requirements when discussing the kit configuration with Anderson Corporation.
Reference cables and OTDR launch cables support different measurement tasks.
A Reference Cable Kit provides connection arrangements for optical power meter and light source testing. By comparison, an OTDR launch cable provides fibre before the link under test to support assessment of its near-end connection.
Therefore, select the accessory according to the instrument and measurement method.
If your work also includes OTDR testing, explore our OTDR Launch Cables.
Before attributing an unexpected result to the installed link, check the reference arrangement.
| Symptom | Checks to make |
|---|---|
| Readings vary after reconnection | Inspect and clean connectors, then check adaptor condition |
| Loss appears unusually high | Confirm fibre compatibility, connector polish and cable routing |
| The result shows unexpected negative loss | Check the reference arrangement and repeat the prescribed procedure |
| Results differ between reference methods | Confirm measurement boundaries and the corresponding acceptance limits |
| One wavelength produces an unexpected result | Confirm source and meter wavelength settings |
| Results change when moving a lead | Inspect for damaged cables, stressed connectors or tight bends |
After correcting a setup problem, establish and verify the reference again where required. This provides a dependable baseline for assessing the installed link.
Reference leads connect repeatedly during testing. As a result, regular inspection helps identify wear before it affects measurements.
Keep protective caps fitted during storage. However, inspect the end faces before use because caps do not guarantee cleanliness.
Additionally, store leads without tight coils or pressure on connector boots. Always hold the connector body when disconnecting a lead.
If a lead produces inconsistent verification results, remove it from testing until you resolve the problem.
It provides configurable fibre leads and adaptors for establishing a reference and connecting equipment during optical loss testing.
Not necessarily. The name describes the reference-setting arrangement. The subsequent installed-link measurement normally requires a launch lead and receive lead.
Yes, it exists within optical loss testing. However, its suitability and acceptance depend on the link configuration, testing specification and warranty requirements.
No. An enhanced three-test-cord procedure includes additional measurements to account for reference connection losses. Therefore, follow the specific procedure rather than treating the methods as interchangeable.
Use the method required by your testing specification and equipment instructions. For conventional installed-link testing, the one-cable method is generally preferred where practical and permitted.
Yes. Specify the fibre type when ordering. Additionally, identify the required OM classification for multimode leads.
No. Setting a reference establishes a baseline for a particular testing arrangement. Instrument calibration is a separate process.
The complete testing arrangement must satisfy the applicable requirements. Therefore, confirm lead performance, launch conditions, equipment suitability and the required procedure before certification testing.
Selecting a Reference Cable Kit involves more than matching connectors. You also need to understand reference methods, fibre compatibility and test lead condition.
That is why Anderson Corporation is developing a practical Knowledge Centre dedicated to reference cable selection and optical loss testing preparation.
Whether you commission new installations or maintain existing networks, these resources will support more informed equipment and testing decisions.
Future articles will explain reference cable functions and the differences between one-, two- and three-cable reference arrangements. Additionally, they will clarify reference setting and instrument calibration.
Articles coming soon.
These guides will explore fibre matching, connector configurations and reference lead requirements. Furthermore, they will explain how instrument interfaces affect kit selection.
Articles coming soon.
Upcoming resources will cover connector preparation, reference setup and lead verification. They will also explain how to preserve the required connections during testing.
Articles coming soon.
These articles will examine inconsistent readings, unexpected loss and reference errors. Additionally, they will explain why different reference methods can produce different results.
Articles coming soon.
Future guides will cover inspection, cleaning, storage and replacement decisions. As a result, technicians can maintain a more dependable testing kit.
Articles coming soon.
These resources will explore reference cable requirements across telecommunications, enterprise networks, data centres and industrial installations. They will also consider commissioning and maintenance workflows.
Articles coming soon.
For additional fibre optic information and product demonstrations, visit the Anderson Corporation YouTube channel.
Specify your RapidConnect Reference Cable Kit around your equipment, link interfaces and testing procedure.
To help Anderson Corporation prepare your quotation, provide:
Contact Anderson Corporation at sales@andcorp.com.au or +61 3 9761 7600 to discuss your configuration.
