Are there couplings to connect SC and LC fibre optic connectors?

19.05.2023 | Can old SC and new LC plugs be mated in the same adaptor like SC and ST? 

Answer: There used to be hybrid adaptors to mate SC and LC connectors, but they were terribly expensive and because of that were rarely used. The ferrule of an SC plug has an outer diamter of 2.5 mm, the ferrule of an LC plug only 1.25 mm. To mate the two in one adaptor, the adaptor’s sleeve would have to have a larger hole on one side and smaller one on the other side. This is difficult to manufacture and thus very expensive. There are hybrid adaptors to mate different connectors that have the same ferrule size, e.g. SC and ST connectors. For connectors whose ferrules have different diameters or who differ largely from each other, adaptor cords come in handy. Adaptor cords are just patch cords with different connector types on each end.

Nobody knows everything. A comprehensive topic like IT cabling inevitably raises questions. This column gives answers to questions which reached Telegärtner’s Technical Helpdesk and which we consider interesting for everyone. Please do not hesitate to send us your questions, we will be happy to answer them. The questions will be published anonymously, of course.

Author:

Dirk Traeger

Technical Solutions Manager DataVoice