Fiber Pigtail 尾纤

A fiber pigtail is typically a fiber optic cable with one end factory pre-terminated fiber connector and the other exposed fiber. It is usually suitable for field termination using a mechanical or fusion splicer. Compared with quick termination or epoxy and polish connections placed on the field site, the pre-terminated connectors provide time-saving, superior performance, and reliability.

In this guide, I will discuss the fiber optic pigtail basics, differences, types, and splicing.

First, the most critical difference is the fiber connector. Fiber optic pigtails have only one terminated connector on one side but bare fibers on another side. In contrast, the patch cords have two or more pre-terminated connectors on each side and have no bare fibers.

Second, the difference is the fiber cable types. Fiber optic pigtails typically use an unjacketed cable like a 90μm diameter cable. However, the patch cords usually use jacketed fiber cables, such as 2.0mm or 3.0mm fiber.

Third, the different applications. Fiber optic pigtails are mainly for fast fusion splicing applications, while patch cords are for connectivity between optical transceivers, patch panels, and backbone networks.

Finally, as a simple but quick method, we can cut a fiber patch cord into two pieces to make two pigtails. That is because it is difficult to test a pigtail in the field. Before the pigtail is spliced to the equipment, it is challenging to test the unterminated end.