DATASHEET

Fiber Optic Test Cords

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Overview

Fiber optic test cords connect your tester to the fiber link you’re testing and therefore act as a “window” into it. If that “window” is of poor quality or dirty , then your measurements will inaccurate. That’s why Fluke Networks offers a wide array of test cords that match the quality of our instruments. These test cords will also work with other vendors’ equipment, with exceptions noted below. (Always check your testers’ documentation to ensure you’re using acceptable test cords.)

Technician Testing a Fiber Optic Network

 

Features

  • Includes Test Reference Cords for Accurate Loss Measurements, Launch Fibers for OTDR Measurements, and Port Protection cords 
  • Supports a wide variety of connector types including LC, SC, ST, FC, MPO and E2K in UPC and APC versions 
  • Features the Durable Fluke Metal LC connector with latching mechanism tested to 10,000 insertions 
  • Test Reference Cords, used for optical loss (Tier 1) measurements, include reference grade connectors and fiber to minimize measurement errors
  • Launch Fibers are packaged in a rugged, convenient zipper case, designed for use with our T-Pak magnetic / hanger / hook and loop strap. Also known as launch packs or Dead Zone Eliminators used for OTDR (Tier II) testing

Award-Winning, Durable Metal LC Connectors

Fluke Networks Test Reference Cords and Launch Fibers with LC connectors feature our unique metal latch design.  Traditional LC connectors use a single-piece plastic design that flexes the latching mechanism each time the connector is inserted and removed and eventually breaks, making them unsuitable for repeated use in testing.  The Fluke Networks Metal LC latching system uses a multi-piece metal design with a spring located between the latch and connector body.  Since this latch is not part of the body and does not flex, the life of the latching mechanism is greatly improved, thereby extending the life of the LC connector and therefore the TRC’s and launch cords. 

Metal LC Connectors

Metal LC connectors

The Metal LC connector is compliant with IEC 61754-20 and TIA-604-10B intermateability standards.  That latch has also been tested for up to 10,000 insertions with no degradation in performance and passes all Telecordia GR-326-CORE durability tests including thermal, humidity, vibration, flex, impact, and salt spray.  While the connector itself is the most rugged available, the glass fiber endface is still susceptible to damage, so it’s important to inspect the endface to make sure it’s contaminant-free and to properly clean it if necessary. 

Metal vs. Plastic LC Connectors

Metal vs. plastic LC connectors

  1. Durable Metal Construction with Non-Flexing Latch
  2. Rounded Latch Release: Easier on the Fingers
  3. Rounded Corners for Easier Insertion
  4. Greater Leverage: Less Force Required
  5. Color Coded for Use with CertiFiber™ Pro: Reduces Setup Errors
  6. Available for MM, SM, UPC and APC
  7. Meets and ISO & TIA Intermateability Standards (LC)

Compact, Rugged, and Convenient OTDR Launch Cords

OTDR launch cords don’t have to be big and clumsy.  Fluke Networks Launch Cords are enclosed in a compact, rugged, and convenient zip case that allows the user to pull out as much or as little cable as needed to keep things organized.  The case is compatible with Fluke’s T-Pak™ Magnetic Meter Hanger (sold separately), which allows the case to be suspended out of the way using its magnetic / hanger / hook and loop strap.

Launch cords are long fiber links that allow an OTDR to properly measure the performance of the first and last connector on a fiber optic link.  The reflection from the OTDR port effectively blocks the OTDR from seeing the first part of the cable, so using a launch fiber allows the OTDR to separate the reflection from the port and the first connector in the link.  Fluke’s launch cords use reference grade fiber and connectors to minimize the impact of the cord on the measurements.  When used in sets of three, these cords also support the OptiFiber™ Pro OTDR’s SmartLoop™  that tests two fibers in both directions and averages the measurements as required by TIA-568.3-D in seconds - without taking the OTDR to the far end.

Technician Testing a Fiber Optic Network Using a OTDR Launch Cord

 

Test Reference Cords (TRC’s)

Today’s fiber networks operate with tighter and tighter loss requirements, so accurate measurements are critical.  That’s why our Test Reference Cords are designed with the highest quality reference grade connectors and cabling.  TRC’s are color coded to make it easy to set reference correctly – one of the leading causes of measurement errors – and are designed to work with the CertiFiber Pro’s Set Reference Wizard which virtually eliminates mistakes.

Note that multimode Test Reference Cords with an “EF” designation include Encircled Flux conditioners designed for use with the CertiFiber Pro and are not recommended for use with other testers.

How to Set Reference on a CertiFiber Pro

Setting reference on a CertiFiber Pro

Port Protector Cords

Port Protector cords are short (1 ft / 0.3 m) cords designed to be installed in the OTDR’s port, and then attached to the appropriate test cords or Launch Fiber.  The end of the cord remains plugged into the tester during testing and the fibers under test are plugged into the other end.  This greatly reduces the risk of damage to the tester’s port, which can be difficult and costly to repair.  If the port protector cord is damaged, it can be quickly replaced at low cost.   Fluke Networks’ port protector cords feature reference grade connectors and fibers.  This, plus their short length and location next to the port of the OTDR make them invisible to the OTDR and they will not negatively impact your measurements. 

Models

 

Model

Description

Function

Fiber Type

Test Reference Cords – Kits (set of four) - 50µ Multimode

MRC-50EFC-SCFCKIT

EF TRC KIT 50 FOR TESTING FC FIBERS

TRC Kit

MM 50µ

MRC-50EFC-SCLCKITM

MULTIMODE 50UM EF TRC KIT EM (2 SC/LC, 2 LC/LC), METAL

TRC Kit

MM 50µ

MRC-50EFC-SCSCKIT

EF TRC KIT 50 FOR TESTING SC FIBERS

TRC Kit

MM 50µ

MRC-50EFC-SCSTKIT

EF TRC KIT 50 FOR TESTING ST FIBERS

TRC Kit

MM 50µ

Test Reference Cords – Kits (set of four) – 62.5µ Multimode

MRC-625EFC-SCFCKIT

EF TRC KIT 62.5 FOR TESTING FC FIBERS

TRC Kit

MM 62.5µ

MRC-625EFC-SCSCKIT

EF TRC KIT 62.5 FOR TESTING SC FIBERS

TRC Kit

MM 62.5µ

MRC-625EFC-SCSTKIT

EF TRC KIT 62.5 FOR TESTING ST FIBERS

TRC Kit

MM 62.5µ

MRC-62EFC-SCLCKITM

MULTIMODE 62.5UM EF TRC KIT EM (2 SC/LC, 2 LC/LC), METAL

TRC Kit

MM 62.5µ

Test Reference Cords – Kits (set of four) – 9µ Single-mode

SRC-9-SCFC-KIT

SINGLEMODE TRC KIT 2M (2 SC/FC, 2 FC/FC)

TRC Kit

SM

SRC-9-SCLCAPCKIT-M

SM TRC SC/LC APC KIT (2 SC/LCAPC, 2 LCAPC,LCAPC), METAL

TRC Kit

SM

SRC-9-SCLC-KIT-M

SINGLEMODE TRC KIT 2M (2 SC/LC, 2 LC/LC), METAL

TRC Kit

SM

SRC-9-SCSCAPCKIT

SINGLEMODE SIMPLEX TEST REFERENCE CORD SC/SC APC KIT

TRC Kit

SM

SRC-9-SCSC-KIT

SINGLEMODE TRC KIT 2M (4 SC/SC)

TRC Kit

SM

SRC-9-SCST-KIT

SINGLEMODE TRC KIT 2M (2 SC/ST, 2 ST/ST)

TRC Kit

SM

SRC-9-SCE2KAPCKIT

SINGLEMODE SIMPLEX TEST REFERENCE CORD SC/E2K APC KIT

TRC Kit

SM

Test Reference Cords (Individual) - 50µ Multimode

MRC-50-EFC-SCFC

MULTIMODE EF TRC 2M 50UM (SC/FC)

TRC

MM 50µ

MRC-50-EFC-SCLC-M

MULTIMODE 50UM EF TRC 2M (SC/LC), METAL

TRC

MM 50µ

MRC-50-EFC-SCSC

MULTIMODE EF TRC 2M 50UM(SC/SC)

TRC

MM 50µ

MRC-50-EFC-SCST

MULTIMODE EF TRC 2M 50UM (SC/ST)

TRC

MM 50µ

MRC-50-FCFC

MULTIMODE TRC 2M 50UM, FC/FC

TRC

MM 50µ

MRC-50-LCLC-M

MULTIMODE 50UM TRC 2M (LC/LC), METAL

TRC

MM 50µ

MRC-50-SCSC

MULTIMODE TRC 2M 50UM, SC/SC

TRC

MM 50µ

MRC-50-STST

MULTIMODE TRC 2M 50UM, ST/ST

TRC

MM 50µ

Test Reference Cords (Individual) – 62.5µ Multimode

MRC-625-EFC-SCFC

MULTIMODE EF TRC 2M 62.5UM (SC/FC)

TRC

MM 62.5µ

MRC-625-EFC-SCLC-M

MULTIMODE 62.5UM EF TRC 2M (SC/LC), METAL

TRC

MM 62.5µ

MRC-625-EFC-SCSC

MULTIMODE EF TRC 2M 62.5UM (SC/SC)

TRC

MM 62.5µ

MRC-625-EFC-SCST

MULTIMODE EF TRC 2M 62.5UM (SC/ST)

TRC

MM 62.5µ

MRC-625-FCFC

MULTIMODE TRC 2M 62.5UM, FC/FC

TRC

MM 62.5µ

MRC-625-LCLC-M

MULTIMODE 62.5UM TRC 2M (LC/LC), METAL

TRC

MM 62.5µ

MRC-625-SCSC

MULTIMODE TRC 2M 62.5UM, SC/SC

TRC

MM 62.5µ

MRC-625-STST

MULTIMODE TRC 2M 62.5UM, ST/ST

TRC

MM 62.5µ

Test Reference Cords (Individual) - 9µ Single-mode

SRC-9-FCFC

SINGLEMODE TRC 2M (FC/FC)

TRC

SM

SRC-9-LCLCAPC-M

SINGLEMODE TRC 2M (LC-LCAPC), METAL

TRC

SM

SRC-9-LCLC-M

SINGLEMODE TRC 2M (LC/LC), METAL

TRC

SM

SRC-9-SCAPC/FCAPC

SM TRC (2M) FOR TESTING SCAPC/FCAPC

TRC

SM

SRC-9-SCAPC/LCAPCM

SINGLEMODE TRC 2M (SCAPC-LCAPC), METAL

TRC

SM

SRC-9-SCAPC/SCAPC

SM TRC (2M) FOR TESTING SCAPC/SCAPC

TRC

SM

SRC-9-SCFC

SINGLEMODE TRC 2M (SC/FC)

TRC

SM

SRC-9-SCLCAPC

SINGLEMODE TRC 2M (SC-LCAPC)

TRC

SM

SRC-9-SCLCAPC-M

SINGLEMODE TRC 2M (SC-LCAPC), METAL

TRC

SM

SRC-9-SCLC-M

SINGLEMODE TRC 2M (SC/LC), METAL

TRC

SM

SRC-9-SCSC

SINGLEMODE TRC 2M (SC/SC)

TRC

SM

SRC-9-SCSCAPC

SINGLEMODE TRC 2M (SC-SCAPC)

TRC

SM

SRC-9-SCST

SINGLEMODE TRC 2M (SC/ST)

TRC

SM

SRC-9-STST

SINGLEMODE TRC 2M (ST/ST)

TRC

SM

OTDR Launch Cords - 50µm Multimode

MMC-50-FCFC

MULTIMODE LAUNCH CABLE 50UM FC/FC

Launch

MM 50µ

MMC-50-LCLC-M

MULTIMODE 50UM LAUNCH CABLE 105M (LC/LC), METAL

Launch

MM 50µ

MMC-50-SCE2K

MULTIMODE LAUNCH CABLE 50UM SC/E2000

Launch

MM 50µ

MMC-50-SCFC

MULTIMODE LAUNCH CABLE 50UM SC/FC

Launch

MM 50µ

MMC-50-SCLC-M

MULTIMODE 50UM LAUNCH CABLE 105M (SC/LC), METAL

Launch

MM 50µ

MMC-50-SCSC

MULTIMODE LAUNCH CABLE 50UM SC/SC

Launch

MM 50µ

MMC-50-SCST

MULTIMODE LAUNCH CABLE 50UM SC/ST

Launch

MM 50µ

MMC-50-STST

MULTIMODE LAUNCH CABLE 50UM ST/ST

Launch

MM 50µ

OTDR Launch Cords – 62.5µm Multimode

MMC-62.5-FCFC

MULTIMODE LAUNCH CABLE 62.5UM FC/FC

Launch

MM 62.5µ

MMC-62.5-LCLC-M

MULTIMODE 62.5UM LAUNCH CABLE 105M (LC/LC), METAL

Launch

MM 62.5µ

MMC-62.5-STST

MULTIMODE LAUNCH CABLE 62.5UM ST/ST

Launch

MM 62.5µ

MMC-62-SCFC

MULTIMODE LAUNCH CABLE 62.5UM SC/FC

Launch

MM 62.5µ

MMC-62-SCLC-M

MULTIMODE 62.5UM LAUNCH CABLE 105M (SC/LC), METAL

Launch

MM 62.5µ

MMC-62-SCSC

MULTIMODE LAUNCH CABLE 62.5UM SC/SC

Launch

MM 62.5µ

MMC-62-SCST

MULTIMODE LAUNCH CABLE 62.5UM SC/ST

Launch

MM 62.5µ

OTDR Launch Cords - 9µm Single-mode

SMC9-E2KAPC/E2KAPC

SM 9UM LAUNCH CORD (160M) FOR E2KAPC/E2KAPC

Launch

SM

SMC-9-FCAPC/FCAPC

SM 9UM LAUNCH CORD (160M) FOR FCAPC/FCAPC

Launch

SM

SMC-9-FCFC

SINGLEMODE LAUNCH CABLE 9UM FC/FC

Launch

SM

SMC-9-LCAPC/LCAPCM

SINGLEMODE LAUNCH CORD 160M (LCAPC/LCAPC), METAL

Launch

SM

SMC-9-LCLC-M

SINGLEMODE LAUNCH CABLE 160M (LC/LC), METAL

Launch

SM

SMC-9-SCAPC/E2KAPC

SM 9UM LAUNCH CORD (160M) FOR SCAPC/E2KAPC

Launch

SM

SMC-9-SCAPC/FC

SM 9UM LAUNCH CORD (160M) FOR SCAPC/FCUPC

Launch

SM

SMC-9-SCAPC/FCAPC

SM 9UM LAUNCH CORD (160M) FOR SCAPC/FCAPC

Launch

SM

SMC-9-SCAPC/LC

SM 9UM LAUNCH CORD (160M) FOR SCAPC/LCUPC

Launch

SM

SMC-9-SCAPC/LCAPCM

SINGLEMODE LAUNCH CORD 160M (SCAPC/LCAPC), METAL

Launch

SM

SMC-9-SCAPC/LC-M

SINGLEMODE LAUNCH CORD 160M (SCAPC/LCUPC), METAL

Launch

SM

SMC-9-SCAPC/SCAPC

SM 9UM LAUNCH CORD (160M) FOR SCAPC/SCAPC

Launch

SM

SMC-9-SCAPC/ST

SM 9UM LAUNCH CORD (160M) FOR SCAPC/STUPC

Launch

SM

SMC-9-SCE2KAPC

SINGLEMODE LAUNCH CABLE 9UM SC/E2000APC

Launch

SM

SMC-9-SCFC

SINGLEMODE LAUNCH CABLE 9UM SC/FC

Launch

SM

SMC-9-SCFCAPC

SINGLEMODE LAUNCH CABLE 9UM SC/FCAPC

Launch

SM

SMC-9-SCLCAPC-M

SINGLEMODE LAUNCH CABLE 160M (SC/LCAPC), METAL

Launch

SM

SMC-9-SCLC-M

SINGLEMODE LAUNCH CABLE 160M (SC/LC), METAL

Launch

SM

SMC-9-SCSC

SINGLEMODE LAUNCH CABLE 9UM SC/SC

Launch

SM

SMC-9-SCSCAPC

SINGLEMODE LAUNCH CABLE 9UM SC/SCAPC

Launch

SM

SMC-9-SCST

SINGLEMODE LAUNCH CABLE 9UM SC/ST

Launch

SM

SMC-9-STST

SINGLEMODE LAUNCH CABLE 9UM ST/ST

Launch

SM

Port Protector Cords (0.3 meter) Multimode

MRC-50-LCLC-0.3M-M

MULTIMODE 50UM TRC 0.3M FOR OTDR PORT (LC/LC), METAL

Port Protector

MM 50µ

MRC-50-SCSC-0.3M

MM 50UM TRC 0.3M FOR OTDR PORT (SC/SC)

Port Protector

MM 50µ

MRC-62.5-LCLC.3M-M

MULTIMODE 62.5UM TRC 0.3M FOR OTDR PORT (LC/LC), METAL

Port Protector

MM 62.5µ

MRC-62.5-SCSC-0.3M

MM 62.5UM TRC 0.3M FOR OTDR PORT (SC/SC)

Port Protector

MM 62.5µ

Port Protector Cords (0.3 meter) Single-mode

SRC-9-LCLC-0.3M-M

SINGLEMODE TRC 0.3M FOR OTDR PORT (LC/LC), METAL

Port Protector

SM

SRC9SCAPCLCAPC.3MM

SINGLEMODE TRC 0.3M FOR OTDR PORT (SCAPC/LCAPC), METAL

Port Protector

SM

SRC9SCAPCSCAPC0.3M

SM 9 UM TRC 0.3M FOR OTDR PORT (SCAPC/SCAPC)

Port Protector

SM

SRC9SCAPCSCUPC0.3M

SM 9 UM TRC 0.3M FOR OTDR PORT (SCAPC/SCUPC)

Port Protector

SM

SRC-9-SCLC-0.3M-M

SINGLEMODE TRC 0.3M FOR OTDR PORT (SC/LC), METAL

Port Protector

SM

SRC-9-SCSC-0.3M

SM 9UM TRC 0.3M FOR OTDR PORT (SC/SC)

Port Protector

SM

 

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