QUESTION: I have purchased from FOC in the past, including bulkheads, cleaners etc. I currently need a cable that I am having a hard time finding someone to make. I know you work with the industry experts and would appreciate a recommendation for a cable maker. I need about 100 feet of a 12 fiber cable, a 1 meter breakout on each end and SC/APC Connectors. This is single mode. The “tricky” part is I would like to have all twelve fibers exactly the same length. Where can I find this?
ANSWER:
The easiest way to guarantee exact same length of 12 fibers would be to use a 12 fiber ribbon cable as all twelve fibers are in a parallel flat matrix. They can then be broken out into 12 individual fibers and terminated to the exact same length.
There is one issue with doing this and that is that if one connector fails all 12 on that end will have to be remade to maintain the same length.
12 fiber indoor ribbon cables are quite common and available from most suppliers. Standard single mode options can be seen here. If you need an outdoor rated cable they are also available but will have fillers in order to make the cable assembly round.
For additional information, READ: Fiber Optic Connectors Explained for additional information on Fiber Optic Cables.
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