A fiber enclosure is a box used to protect fiber optic cables and fiber optic splices from the surrounding. The device is readily available for indoor and outdoor mounting. An outdoor fiber enclosure is usually weatherproof with a variety of watertight seals. In a standard wall-mounted splice box, fiber optic cables are supported by cable ties. The cable strength members are securely fastened into the support of the enclosure. The metallic strength members should safely be grounded. The cable jacket, also known as a sheath, will stop at the splice cable tie. That is why the optical fiber tubes and the individual tight-buffered fibers continue straight into the splicing trays. www.shiningfiber.com shares the top tips for selecting a fiber box.
Individual optical fibers should not be exposed outside the splice tray. Fusion splices and mechanical fiber optic cables are contained in the trays.
Tips for selecting a fiber enclosure box, choose the right enclosure.
1. Wall Vs. Mount
When talking about interconnects, you should be looking at the two primary options available on the market. This is not to say that there aren’t other options available. You will just be narrowing your thoughts down to the two major options fondly used in the industry.
2. Rack Mount Enclosures
This is one of the prominent types of enclosures used by experts in the industry. It comes in multiple sizes and configurations. Over and above, you can have the enclosure anywhere. This could be from a basic rack unit to the 8RU (the space that the box will take up)
If you have an estimate of 72 fibers that need installation and you are utilizing a 6-pack adapter plate, you may need a 4RU rack that accepts about 12 plates. On the other hand, if you are using a 2-rack adapter, you should invest in a 2RU rack with 6-adapter plates.
This will depend on what you would like to do, especially if you splicing the back. While splicing, you should ensure that you have sufficient room for the fiber management and the splice trays.
That is why now, with wall mounts, you should apply the same idea as in the rack mounts other than the fact that you need to understand just how much room you have when it comes to installation.
The dimensions of the wall mount are essential. It would help if you also looked at the number of adapter plates that it holds.
That said, there are three major ways to utilize fiber enclosures. It all depends on the accessories installed on the box. An ideal example is the slide-out 1RU rack mount enclosure that is often used in several applications. The fiber adapter panels, coupled with MTP cassettes, can also be used.
Final Thoughts
When choosing a fibre enclosure for your interconnectivity needs, you should weigh your options and go with the best device available on the market. The style of connectors you shall be using is important as it determines the number of adapters you need.
