Questions & Answers

Q
What is APC polish?
A
APC (Angled Physical Contact) polish refers to a connector end face that is polished at an 8° angle. This angled tip, combined with a specific end face radius, minimizes back reflection to about -60dB. APC connectors are typically green for easy identification.
Q
What is plenum rated?
A
A cable is "plenum rated" when it meets specific fire safety requirements for installation in plenum spaces—these are air-handling areas typically found above suspended ceilings or under raised floors, used to circulate air in buildings. Plenum-rated cables are designed to minimize the spread of flames and toxic fumes in case of a fire, emitting low smoke and toxicity.
Q
What is UPC polish?
A
UPC (Ultra Physical Contact) polish refers to a connector end face that has been polished with an extended process, resulting in a slightly more conical head shape and improved surface quality. This type of polish achieves a higher return loss (about -50dB or higher), meaning less back reflection compared to standard PC (Physical Contact) polish, which has about -40dB return loss.
Q
Can these assemblies handle environmental hazards like wind and rain?
A
Yes. The PE jacket and integrated messenger protect the cable from wind, rain, UV exposure, and temperature extremes typical in outdoor aerial installations.
Q
What does “figure-8” configuration mean?
A
The figure-8 design integrates the fiber cable with a built-in messenger wire, allowing aerial installation without separate lashing, simplifying deployment and reducing labor costs.