How Fiber Optic Pigtail and Fiber Patch Cord Differ from Each Other?

In fiber optic cable installation, the attachment of cables to the system is vital to the success of the network. If performed properly, optical signals can even pass through the link with low attenuation and little return loss. To joint optical fiber, fiber pigtail offers an optimal way, which is used in 99% of single-mode applications. This post provides some basic knowledge of fiber optic pigtail, including fiber pigtail splicing methods, pigtail connector types, and fiber pigtail classifications.

Specification of Fiber Pigtail 

A fiber optic pigtail is a fiber optic cable that is terminated with a factory-installed connector on one end and leaves the other end. Hence you can link the equipment to the connector side and the other side is melted with optical fiber cables. To terminate fiber optic cables via fusion or mechanical splicing there is the use of a Fiber-optic pigtail. For fiber patch cable terminations high-quality pigtail cables, coupled with correct fusion splicing practices offer the best performance possible. In fiber optic management equipment like ODF, fiber terminal box, and distribution box, you will find fiber optic pigtails.

Fiber optic pigtails are available in different types: Grouped by pigtail connector type, there are ST fiber pigtails, LC fiber optic pigtails, SC fiber pigtails, etc. There is even availability of single-mode fiber optic pigtail and multimode fiber optic pigtail.

Difference Between Fiber Pigtail vs Fiber Patch Cord

Fiber optic pigtail has installed a fiber connector at only one end, and the other end is left empty. With fiber optic connectors both ends of a fiber patch cord are terminated. Patch cord fibers are usually jacketed, whereas fiber pigtail cables are unjacketed for those who are usually spliced and protected in a fiber splice tray. Moreover, to make two pigtails patch cord fiber can be cut into two pieces. To avoid the problem of testing a pigtail cable in the field some installers prefer to do this. You just need to test the performance of a fiber patch cord, and then cut it into halves as two fiber pigtails.

Fiber optic pigtails are used to splice with the fiber so that they can be connected to the patch panel or equipment. For easier fiber termination, pre-terminated fiber cable also presents a feasible and reliable solution, effectively saving operating time and labor cost.