Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 06-06-2025 Origin: Site
Professional Guide: This particular product is a SC to SC Fiber Patch Cord with specifications, application uses, and testing procedures. The SC to SC fiber patch cord holds a key position in fiber optic communication systems. It guarantees the proper and effective operation of the communication system. The present article serves as a comprehensive guide for SC-type fiber patch cords, especially in familiarizing their specifications, color codes, available lengths, application scenarios, and quality tests. This guideline is aimed at technicians, installation engineers, and sellers to assist them in their appropriate decisions.
The SC to SC fiber patch cord, or in other words, a fiber optical jumper cable, features SC connectors on both ends. The product is marketed in single mode and multimode variants, appropriate for a wide scope of use, including data centers, telecommunications, and LAN networks.
Main Types:
SC to SC Single Mode Fiber Patch Cord
SC to SC Multimode Fiber Patch Cord
To guarantee the proper transfer of optical signals, fiber patch cords must be manufactured in accordance with certain technical specifications. The SC to SC fiber patch cord is offered in either a single mode (long-distance transmission) or multimode (high-speed short-range transmission).
Connector types, color codes, and insertion/return loss specifications are vital to the efficacy.
SC/UPC connectors feature a flat polish which is president in areas of general purpose.
SC/APC connectors, used in applications with low reflection levels, include an angled polish, suitable for video and high-power systems.
Use of colour codes (e.g. yellow for single mode, orange/aqua for multi-mode) simplifies the job of identification and helps avoid installation errors.
Category | Single Mode Fiber | Multimode Fiber | Notes |
Core Size | 9/125 µm | 50/125 µm or 62.5/125 µm | Single mode is ideal for long-distance transmission |
Connector Types | SC UPC / SC APC Simplex / Duplex | SC UPC Duplex | APC is primarily used for single mode |
Color Code | Yellow | Orange / Aqua | Yellow = SM, Orange/Aqua = MM |
Typical Lengths | 1m, 2m, 3m, 5m, 10m | 1m, 2m, 3m, 5m, 10m | Custom lengths available |
Fiber Jacket | Silicone-coated optical fiber | Silicone-coated optical fiber | Durable and flexible |
Jacket Material | PVC / LSZH | PVC / LSZH | LSZH = low smoke zero halogen (safer indoors) |
Insertion Loss | ≤ 0.3 dB | ≤ 0.5 dB | Lower is better |
Return Loss | UPC ≥ 50 dB, APC ≥ 60 dB | ≥ 35 dB | APC has the lowest reflection |
Standard lengths are the basis for fiber patch cords, covering many patch cord environments ranging from patch panels in tight racks to longer inter-rack or cross-room connections.
The outer jacket color serves not only for decoration but also for a fast identification of fiber type and space for improvement on fiber cable routing.
The symbol for single mode fiber is the Yellow color.
The different kinds of multimode fiber are indicated by either orange or aqua and are referred to as OM1/OM2 or OM3/OM4 (the former is for OM1/OM2 and the latter for OM3/OM4 respectively).
Popular lengths like 1m, 3m, 5m, and 10m are available, besides other ones that can be requested for special cases.
Proper length selection helps avoid risky situations like excess slack or tension that can be damaging to the fiber.
Jacket Color | Fiber Type | Typical Lengths (m) | Notes |
Yellow | Single Mode (SM) | 1, 2, 3, 5, 10 | Standard for single mode patch cords |
Orange | Multimode OM1/OM2 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 10 | For short-distance MM applications |
Aqua | Multimode OM3/OM4 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 10 | Ideal for 10G/40G high-speed data |
SC to SC patch cords are applied in a range of industries and situations. The selection of the type is often governed by factors such as transmission distance, required data rate and interface compatibility.
Here are some of the most common application environments:
Data Centers – High-density and high-speed connection between servers and switches is facilitated by multimode patch cords.
Metro Networks or Backbone Links – Patch cords with a single mode for the long-haul connections with low-loss.
FTTH Deployments – SC APC patch cords having simplex configuration possesses low return loss. Therefore, these cords are best used as a fiber connection for last-mile optical interlinks.
Test Labs or On-Site Maintenance – For 10-meter patch cords that are utilized for flexibility purposes during diagnostics and immediate system setups.
Careful consideration of fiber type and connector polish brings the development of reliable networks with a high level of performance.
Application Scenario | Recommended Type | Description |
Data Center Cabling | SC to SC Multimode Fiber Patch Cord | High-speed short-range, cost-effective |
Metropolitan Network Links | SC to SC Single Mode Fiber Patch Cord | Long-distance, low attenuation |
FTTH (Fiber to the Home) | SC APC Simplex | APC minimizes reflection for stable transmission |
Equipment Interconnection | SC Single Mode or Multimode Patch Cord | Depends on port type and performance requirements |
Field Testing & Maintenance | Standard length such as Patch Cord 10 Meter | Useful for equipment testing and temporary connections |
High-quality fibers offered include SC to SC patch cords tested right through with adherence to international standards like IEC and Telcordia.
Common methods for inspection and testing are:
Insertion loss and return loss tests conducted by using power meters and OTDRs for validation of signal losses as low as possible.
End-face inspection using a fiber microscope for cleanliness and polish quality is confirmed.
Mechanical strength tests used in verifying durability include tensile and bending tests.
The test of jacket integrity and color verification is performed in order to make sure that the quality and requirements are met, and it is very important for LSZH environments.
No patch cords should be put in such critical operations if they did not pass all the quality tests.
Test Item | Equipment Used | Standard / Requirement |
Insertion Loss | Optical Power Meter + Light Source | ≤ 0.3 dB (SM), ≤ 0.5 dB (MM) |
Return Loss | OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer) | UPC ≥ 50 dB, APC ≥ 60 dB |
End-Face Quality | Fiber Inspection Microscope | Clean, scratch-free, well-polished |
Mechanical Strength | Tensile Tester, Bend Test Machine | Must meet durability standards |
Length & Color | Visual Inspection + Tape Measure | Match customer's specs and coding standards |
When searching for an SC to SC fiber patch cord, it is useful to consider some of these features.
Fiber Type: Determine whether the connection is single mode for long distance or multimode for short-distance, high-speed data transportation.
Connector Type: Employed SC APC simplex connectors where precision is crucial (e.g., FTTH).
Color & Length: Observing the industry standard provides a ready reference for identification. The scale of patch cords 10m is normal for rack-to-rack and equipment links.
Application Needs: The environments, whether they are a data center, telecom room, or field deployment, can change. So, we can tailor the cable type to that environment.
Taking certified testing, routine connector polishing, and durable jacket materials into consideration when manufacturing high-quality SC to SC multimode and single mode patch cords guarantee both long-term reliability and effectiveness.
Need custom fiber patch cords or technical advice?
Reach out for personalized solutions and product catalogs from our staff.
James is a technical manager and associate at Zion Communication.
Specializes in Optical Fiber communications, FTTH Solutions,
Fiber optic cables, ADSS cable, and ODN networks.
james@zion-communication.com
+86 13777460328