Fiber optic cold connector RSC

The RSC (Ruggedized Singleway Connector) is a high-performance fiber optic cold connector designed for field-installable, mechanical splice applications in harsh environments.

Overview

The RSC connector is a ruggedized fiber optic connector manufactured from Arcap for corrosion resistance, featuring environmental sealing and an anti-vibration coupling mechanism . It is designed for both singlemode and multimode fibers, supporting various fiber sizes (8/125, 50/125, 62.5/125, 100/140, 200/280 µm) and simplex cable diameters (1.6–5 mm), . The connector uses a sprung-loaded optical contact in both plug and receptacle to maintain physical contact even under severe shock or vibration .

Cold Connector / Mechanical Splice Functionality

As a cold connector (also called a mechanical splice or fast connector), the RSC allows field termination without fusion splicing. It aligns the bare fiber with a pre-installed fiber stub inside the connector body using mechanical clamping or index-matching gel, enabling immediate optical signal transmission . This makes it ideal for FTTH deployments, emergency repairs, and small-scale installations where rapid termination is required .

Performance Characteristics

• Insertion Loss: Typically ≤0.5 dB, ensuring minimal signal degradation .
• Return Loss: SC/APC variants achieve ≥60 dB, while SC/UPC variants achieve ≥50 dB .
• Fiber Compatibility: Supports standard single-mode (G.652D) and bend-insensitive fibers (G.657A), as well as multimode fibers .
• Durability: Anti-vibration coupling and six shell keyway orientations prevent mis-mating and maintain performance in harsh conditions .

Installation and Maintenance

The RSC connector is designed for easy field installation with accessible ferrules for cleaning and simple termination processes . Its mechanical design eliminates the need for hand polishing or fusion splicing, reducing tool requirements and installation time. The connector is compatible with the HA Connector series and can be used in both patching and drop cable applications .

Applications

• FTTH networks for customer premises termination
• Distribution boxes and patch panels
• Emergency repairs or temporary connections
• Harsh environments requiring ruggedized, vibration-resistant connectors The RSC cold connector combines rugged mechanical design, field-installable convenience, and high optical performance, making it a versatile choice for both singlemode and multimode fiber networks in demanding conditions .