This user manual describes the FPL Series Termination/Splice Panel, and provides all
information required to install and operate this product. All FPL panels can be mounted on
either a 19-inch or 23-inch WECO or EIA rack.
Revision History
quad cables and patch cord routing
ISSUEDATEREASON FOR CHANGE
Issue 107/2002Original.
Issue 211/2005Added 1RU 12/24 position panels.
Trademark Information
ADC is a registered trademark of ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
1DESCRIPTION
The FPL Series Termination/Splice Panel documented in this manual may be any of a number
of rack-mounted panels built using the same chassis style and incorporating similar features
such as angled adapters and vertical cable guides. Panel configurations include the following:
• Termination Only Panels—Available with 12, 24, 48, 72, or 96 termination positions.
LX.5 and LC connectors may be used with the 12, 24, 48, and 72 position panels to double
the density. These panels require connectorized fibers on both sides of the termination
bulkhead.
• Termination and Splice Panels—Available with 12, 24, 48, 72, or 96 termination
positions. LX.5 and LC connectors may be used with the 12, 24, 48, and 72 position
panels to double the density. These panels provide a transition between bare fibers and
connectorized fibers.
• High Density Termination and Splice Panel—Provides 144 termination and splice
positions in the same chassis, using standard connector types. The bulkhead on this panel
is slanted inward in a “V” design to provide room for a greater number of adapters.
Figure 1 shows an example of a termination only panel, the 72 position model. Other models
have analogous features.
VERTICAL
CABLE GUIDE
TERMINATION
BULKHEAD
REMOVABLE
FRONT DOOR
ANGLED
ADAPTERS
OPTIONAL
LOCK MOUNT
ADJUSTABLE
MOUNTING
BRACKET
2
3
4
1
5
1
6
1
PATCH CORD
DESIGNATION
8
9
0
1
2
CARD
FPL
CHASSIS
ADJUSTABLE
MOUNTING
BRACKET
CABLE CLAMP
ASSEMBLY
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4
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5
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CABLE
CLAMP
COVER
VERTICAL
CABLE GUIDE
17816-A
Figure 1. 72 Position Termination Only Panel
The features called out are as follows (from top center clockwise):
• FPL Chassis—is the boxlike, solid metal frame on which the panel is built. The chassis
shown is 8.7 inches (22.1 cm) high, 16.4 inches (41.7 cm) wide, and 12.0 inches (30.5 cm)
deep. This same chassis is also used for the 48 and 96 position panels, as well as for the
48, 72, and 96 position termination and splice panels. Shorter-height chassis are used for
the 12 and 24 position panels and a deeper chassis is used for the 144 position high density
panel. For details, refer to Table 1 on Page 8.
• Adjustable Mounting Bracket—(one on each side) can be oriented to provide either 19-
inch or 23-inch WECO or EIA rack mounting with either a 4-inch or 5-inch recess. The
panel is shipped with the mounting brackets positioned for installation in a 19-inch rack
with a 5-inch recess.
• Cable Clamp Assembly—is a kit used to clamp a cable to the panel. Two cable clamp
assemblies are provided with every FPL panel. Each clamp can accommodate a maximum
cable diameter of 0.80 inch (2.03 cm). A grounding lug is included with each cable clamp
for use if needed.
The front side of the 72 position termination and splice panel is identical to the termination only
panel shown in Figure 1. In general, the termination components of any FPL termination and
splice panel are identical to the termination components of the panel’s termination and splice
panel counterpart. Only the splice components are different.
Figure 6 on the preceding page shows the typical components unique to the splice function of a
termination and splice panel. They are as follows (from left to right in the figure):
• Splice Area—is a protected chamber within the chassis intended for splice trays. In
termination only panels, this area can be used for cable storage.
• Internal Pigtail—is a factory-installed fiber optic cable with a connector at one end and a
bare fiber on the other end. The connector end of the pigtail is terminated on the rear side
of the termination bulkhead. The bare end of the pigtail is available for splicing to a bare
fiber at the customer site. The cable from which the bare fibers are broken out for splicing
may be either Outside Plant (OSP) or Intra Facility Cable (IFC).
• Splice Tray—is a tray installed in the splice area. Each tray holds one or more splice chips
of a selected type.
• Removable Rear Access Door—provides access to the splice area.
Figure 7 shows the 144 position high density termination and splice panel. Additional features
called out here are the split termination bulkhead, which provides the room required for the
greater number of adapters, and the splice area access door, which opens into a locked
horizontal position to serve as a splice deck.
SPLIT
TERMINATION
BULKHEAD
• Optional Lock Mount—provides ability to lock rear access door.
SPLICE AREA
ACCESS DOOR
17906-A
Figure 7. 144 Position High Density Termination and Splice Panel
The FPL Series Termination/Splice Panel is designed for use in central offices, remote offices,
and in local area networks (LANs) that use a fiber optic cable system. The panel provides a
common point for performing any of the following functions:
When used with OSP cable, the FPL panel may be used for either interconnect or cross-connect
applications. Figure 12 and Figure 13 provide a pictorial comparison of these two types of
applications. As shown, in both interconnect and cross-connect applications, the OSP cable is
terminated on the rear side of the panel and spliced to the internal pigtails within the panel.
Also, in both applications, the pigtails are connected to the rear side of the adapters on the
termination bulkhead. The applications differ in what occurs on the front side of the panel.
ADCP-90-328 • Issue 2 • November 2005
• In an interconnect application, shown in Figure 12, patch cords from the FOT equipment
are connected directly to fibers spliced and terminated on the rear side of the same panel.
• In a cross-connect application, shown in Figure 13, patch cords from the FOT equipment
are terminated on one panel and the fibers are spliced and terminated on a second panel,
with cross-connect patch cords providing links between the two panels. This two-panel
arrangement provides more flexibility in testing and patching optical circuits than is
provided by a single panel arrangement.
Installation will vary depending on how the panel was outfitted in the factory and how it will be
used. Installation may include any of the following tasks: installing adapters; installing internal
pigtails; mounting the panel on the rack; installing OSP or IFC cable (either connectorized or
bare fiber); installing FOT patch cords; and installing cross-connect patch cords (in a crossconnect application only). For step by step instructions, refer to the following subsections.
FOT EQUIPMENT
CROSS-CONNECT
PATCH CORDS
OSP CONNECTOR PANEL
BULKHEAD
ADAPTER
Figure 13. Cross-Connect Application
PIGTAIL
OSP
CABLE
SPLICE
2763-B
5.1Installing Adapters
FPL panels are usually shipped with adapters already installed; however, in some case, you may
need to install adapters. The exact procedure to be used depends on the adapter type. Figure 14
shows an example. For specific instructions, refer to the installation drawing that came with the
adapters.
Note: To avoid getting dirt into the adapter, leave the dust covers in place on the adapters
when mounting them on the retainers. If dirt does enter the adapter, use the ADC Fiber
Connector/Adapter Cleaning Kit (sold separately) to clean the adapter. Follow the
cleaning instructions provided with the kit.
Pigtails may be installed in any FPL panel (including termination only panels) to utilize the rear
area of the panel for splicing. Pigtails are installed with the connectorized end connected to the
adapters on the rear side of the termination panel and with the bare fiber ends positioned within
a splice tray (for an illustration, see Figure 6 on Page 6). 3m pigtails are used with the excess
slack coiled within the chassis to provide a service loop for future use if needed.
COMPRESS
RELEASE
TABS
TABS
COMPRESS
RELEASE
TABS
ROTATE AND
SNAP INTO
SLOT
COMPRESS
RELEASE
TABS
12
Figure 14. Example of Installing Adapters
17846-A
Use the following procedure to install pigtails:
1. Separate out 12 pigtails. Apply a pair of designation tags to each pigtail for identification.
Attach one tag next to the connector and the other tag near the bare fiber end.
2. Working from the rear side of the panel, connect the pigtails to the interior side of
adapters/receptacles marked with the corresponding numbers. The connector numbers are
silk-screened on the interior side of the bulkhead, as shown in Figure 15 for the 72
position panel.
3. Group the 12 pigtails into a bundle and use the twist-lock fiber retainers provided to hold
the bundle together.
The panel can be mounted in either a 19- or 23-inch EIA or WECO equipment rack with either
a 4-inch or 5-inch recess. The panel is shipped with the mounting brackets positioned for
installation in a 19-inch rack with a 5-inch recess. For other mounting configurations, the
brackets must be removed and reinstalled in a different orientation.
Use the following procedure to mount the panel on the rack:
1. If installing the FPL panel in a 23-inch equipment rack, or if changing from a 5-inch to a
4-inch recess:
a. Remove the screws that secure each mounting bracket to the sides of the chassis and
then remove each bracket from the chassis.
b. Orient each bracket for the required mounting position as shown in Figure 20.
c. Refasten the mounting brackets to the chassis using the original mounting screws.
5-INCH
RECESS
4-INCH
RECESS
60
66
72
56
62
68
57
63
69
58
64
70
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65
71
60
66
72
19-INCH
MOUNTING
2. Align the bracket holes with the holes in the rack channel.
3. Secure the mounting brackets to the rack channel using the #12 machine screws and flat
washers provided.
5.4Installing OSP or IFC Cable
5-INCH
RECESS
4-INCH
RECESS
60
66
72
56
62
68
57
63
69
58
64
70
59
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60
66
72
MOUNTING
Figure 20. Mounting Bracket Installation
23-INCH
17827-A
Cable installation should occur after the panel is mounted in the equipment rack, as described in
Section 5.3. Installation consists of routing the cable to the panel, stripping back the outside
sheath of the cable to expose the optical fibers, installing a cable clamp to secure the cable to the
panel, and routing the fibers to the splice tray. The cable must also be grounded if it has a
metallic sheath or metallic strength member.
The cable clamp used in cable installation is shipped with the panel. Two clamps are provided
since two cables may be installed on a single panel if desired. Each clamp can accommodate
one cable with an outside diameter of 0.4 to 0.8 inches (1.02 to 2.03 cm).
Typically, only one cable is installed per panel. The cable clamp can be installed on either side.
A grounding lug is included with each clamp for grounding OSP cables that have metallic
strength members or metallic sheaths.
Allow a fiber service loop of at least 8 feet (2.5 meters) when stripping the sheath off the cable.
This will provide sufficient length for routing the buffer tubes within the FPL panel and for
splicing. After entry, the buffer tubes are routed to the splice tray. The splice tray mounts on the
bottom of the FPL panel.
Use the following procedure to secure the OSP cable at the fiber entry point and to route the
optical fibers into the FPL panel:
1. Route the OSP cable to the selected entry opening at the side of the FPL panel.
Note: Cables may enter the FPL panel from either the top or bottom and may be clamped
to either the left or right side
2. Strip back the cable sheath approximately 96 inches (2.5 meters) to expose the optical
fibers. Follow the cable manufacturer’s recommendations when stripping the sheath.
Note: If the cable is filled with water blocking compound, the cable end must be sealed to
prevent leakage. A blocking kit (accessory item) is required for sealing the cable end.
Install the kit according to the instructions provided with the kit.
Note: If cable has a metallic sheath, a special connector is provided with the cable
grounding kit (accessory item FIP-ACC-GK) for grounding the sheath. Refer to Appendix
A for the installation procedures for ScotchLok 4460 Shield Connectors which are
manufactured by the 3M Company.
3. Determine the correct clamp and grommet combination required to secure the cable to the
panel. A rubber clamp and three grommets of various sizes are provided. Select a grommet
that when placed around the cable, has a gap of nearly zero to 0.30 inches (0.76 cm). If the
cable diameter is greater than 0.70 inches (1.78 cm), only the rubber clamp is required.
4. Use the rubber clamp, clamp cover, grommet (if required), and two screws to secure the
cable end to the side of the FPL panel chassis, as shown in Figure 21 for a top entry cable
and in Figure 22 for a bottom entry cable.
Note: The Rear Protective Plate, identified in the figures, is not used with the 24 position
panel. The plate is not included in the cable clamp kit.
5. A grounding lug is provided for grounding metallic sheaths and metallic core members.
Use the nut and screw provided to fasten the grounding lug to the chassis at the point
shown in Figure 23. If the sheath bonding kit was installed, connect a bonding wire
between the connector stud and the lug. If the cable has a metallic core member, insert the
core member into the lug and tighten.
6. If splicing will not be done at this time, coil the buffer tubes around the radius limiters on
the bottom of the FPL panel and close the rear cover. If splicing will be done immediately,
proceed to the section that covers splicing.
SHEATH BONDING
KIT CONNECTOR
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OUTSIDE
PLANT
CABLE
BONDING
WIRE
GROUNDING
LUG
REAR
PROTECTIVE
PLATE
5.5Splicing
If you are installing a termination and splicing panel, and have just finished installing your OSP
or IFC cable, you can now proceed to the splicing procedure provided in this section. You will
be doing one splice tray at a time to completion, then going on to complete the next splice tray
(if the panel has more than one). For each splice tray, you will assign paired fibers and cable
subunits bundles of 12, measure for correct service loop length, remove the splice tray to a
working surface for splicing, and return the splice tray to the panel.
The purpose of a splice tray is to protect the splices. The splice tray mounts on the bottom of the
FPL panel, within the chassis in the mid-size models and on the splice area access door in the
high density model. A rubber strap is used to secure the splice tray to the bottom of the FPL
panel or to the splice area access door.
In a typical installation, the methods and procedures that will be used for splicing are
determined by local practice. Use the following procedure to organize the pigtails and buffer
tubes for splicing and to store completed splices:
Danger: Infrared radiation is invisible and can seriously damage the retina of the eye. Do not
look into the optical bulkhead of an operational transmitter or into the receiver end of an active
fiber. A protective cap or hood MUST be immediately placed over any radiating bulkhead
adapter/receptacle or optical fiber connector to avoid potential exposure to dangerous infrared
optical radiation. The protective cover also prevents dirt particles from entering the connector.
1. Uncoil all the pigtail bundles and buffer tubes from the radius limiters within the FPL
panel.
2. Group the pigtails and buffer tubes for fibers 1 - 12 into a single common bundle. Use the
twist-lock retainers provided to hold the pigtail and buffer tube bundle together.
3. Group the remaining pigtails and buffer tubes into similar bundles with one bundle for
each group of 12 pigtails and buffer tubes. Secure the bundles together using twist-lock
retainers.
4. Identify the first splice tray and the one or two bundles to be assigned to it. For a single
height tray, assign one bundle. For a dual height tray, assign two bundles.
5. Place the splice tray in its correct location in the panel and coil the one or two bundles
OSP CABLE
CLAMP
assigned to it around the radius limiters as shown in Figure 24 (12/24 position 1RU panel),
Figure 28. Left Cable Exit (Right as Viewed from Rear),144 Position Panel
6. Lay the bundle(s) across the top of the splice tray as shown in the figures and determine
the point at which each pigtail and cable subunit should be attached to the splice tray.
Note: All fibers must enter the splice tray from the same side as shown in Figure 29.
SECURE PIGTAILS AND BUFFER TUBES
TO SPLICE TRAY WITH TIE WRAPS
Figure 29. Routing Bundles into Splice Tray
2776-A
7. Mark each buffer tube and pigtail to indicate the attachment point to the splice tray. Make
sure approximately 2 feet (61 cm) of fiber are left beyond the attachment point for
splicing.
8. Remove the splice tray from the FPL panel and uncoil the bundles from the radius limiters.
9. Beginning at the points marked in step 7, remove the buffer tubes and pigtail jackets to
expose the optical fibers. Clean fibers as recommended by cable manufacturer.
10. Secure the cable subunits and pigtails to the splice tray using tie wraps. The tie wraps
should be tight enough to secure the pigtail jackets and cable subunits but should not pinch
the fibers inside.
11. Complete each splice according to local splicing practice. Note that the numbered tag that
is attached to each pigtail corresponds to the number on the bulkhead connector plate.
12. Carefully secure each completed splice to the splice chip on the inside of the splice tray.
13. When all splices are complete, place the clear plastic cover over the splice tray to protect
the finished splices.
14. Coil up the bundles around the radius limiters (in the same direction as coiled in step 5)
and place the splice tray on the bottom of the FPL panel.
15. Secure the splice tray(s) to the bottom of the FPL panel using the rubber strap provided.
An example of a splice tray mounted in a FPL panel is shown in Figure 30.
16. Record all terminations on the front designation cards as required by local practice.
17. Repeat steps 4 through 16 for the next splice tray, if any remains. Continue until all the
splice trays have been installed.
In both interconnect and cross-connect applications, FOT equipment patch cords are installed
between the FOT equipment and the FLP panel. The following sections describe the installation
procedure to use based on the application.
Danger: Infrared radiation is invisible and can seriously damage the retina of the eye. Do not
look into the optical bulkhead of an operational transmitter or into the receiver end of an active
fiber. A protective cap or hood MUST be immediately placed over any radiating bulkhead
adapter/receptacle or optical fiber connector to avoid the potential exposure to dangerous
infrared optical radiation. The protective cover also prevents dirt particles from entering the
connector.
5.6.1Interconnect Application
In an interconnect application, the FOT equipment patch cords are connected to the appropriate
bulkhead adapters/receptacles at the OSP-dedicated FPL panel and then routed to the FOT
equipment. Any excess patch cord slack must be stored at the FOT equipment or in a separate
storage panel.
Figure 30. Splice Tray Mounted in 24 Position FPL Panel
Use the following procedure to install FOT equipment patch cords in interconnect applications:
1. Connect the FOT equipment patch cord to the appropriate bulkhead adapter/receptacle at
the front side of the FPL panel as shown in Figure 31.
Note: If using biconic or ST receptacles, install a 0 dB build-out to permit installation of
the patch cord.
2. Use the retainers at the left and right sides of the FPL panel to route patch cords away from
the front side of the FPL panel.
3. Route patch cord from the FPL panel to the FOT equipment.
4. Connect the FOT equipment patch cord to the FOT equipment.
5. When all FOT patch cords have been connected, install the patch cord shields at the front
of the FPL panel. (For better access to the vertical cable guides, the patch cord shield may
optionally be removed during installation, as shown in Figure 31.)
In a cross-connect application, the FOT equipment patch cords are connected to the FOT
equipment and then routed to the FOT equipment FPL panel. Some of the excess patch cord
slack may be stored on the bottom of the FPL panel.
Use the following procedure to install FOT equipment patch cords in cross-connect
applications:
1. Connect the FOT equipment patch cord to the FOT equipment.
Cross-connect patch cords are routed between FPL panels by way of vertical cable guides and
horizontal troughs. Any excess patch cord length must be taken up within the guideways or
stored using Interbay Management Panels or a separate storage panel.
Use the following procedure for routing and connecting each cross-connect patch cord:
1. Open the front cover of both the FOT equipment and OSP-dedicated FPL panel.
Danger: Infrared radiation is invisible and can seriously damage the retina of the eye. Do not
look into the optical bulkhead of an operational transmitter or into the receiver end of an active
fiber. A protective cap or hood MUST be immediately placed over any radiating bulkhead
adapter/receptacle or optical fiber connector to avoid the potential exposure to dangerous
infrared optical radiation. The protective cover also prevents dirt particles from entering the
connector.
2. Connect the cross-connect jumper to the appropriate bulkhead adapter/receptacle at the
front side of the first FPL panel as shown in Figure 33.
Note: If using biconic or ST receptacles, install a 0 dB build-out to permit installation of
the patch cord.
3. Use the retainers at the left and right sides of the FPL panel to route patch cords away from
the front side of the FPL panel.
4. Route patch cord from the first FPL panel to the second FPL panel.
5. Connect the cross-connect jumper to the appropriate bulkhead adapter/receptacle at the
front side of the second FPL panel as shown in Figure 33.
Note: For better access to the vertical cable guides, the patch cord shield may optionally
be removed during installation, as shown in Figure 33.
6. Close the front covers on both FPL panels and latch.
ADC EUROPEAN CUSTOMER SERVICE, INC
BELGICASTRAAT 2,
1930 ZAVENTEM, BELGIUM
PRODUCT INFORMATION AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE:
connectivity.tac@adc.com
wireless.tac@adc.com
euro.tac@adc.com
asiapacific.tac@adc.com
Contents herein are current as of the date of publication. ADC reserves the right to change the contents without prior notice.
In no event shall ADC be liable for any damages resulting from loss of data, loss of use, or loss of profits and ADC further
disclaims any and all liability for indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other similar damages. This disclaimer of
liability applies to all products, publications and services during and after the warranty period. This publication may be
verified at any time by contacting ADC's Technical Assistance Center.
This appendix provides the procedures for installing Scotchlok 4460 Shield Connectors, which
are manufactured by the 3M Company and utilized in the Fiber Management Panel. The shield
connector kit provides a means for grounding cables that have a metallic shield. Use the
following procedure to install each kit:
1. The shield connector kit is comprised of the components shown in Figure 34.
ADCP-90-328 • Issue 2 • November 2005
2 SECURING NUTS
TOP
BASE
9172-A
Figure 34. Kit Components
2. Prepare the cable by cutting the shield flush with the outer cable sheath as shown in Figure 35.
If the cable has a double sheath, cut only the outer sheath and shield leaving the inner sheath
intact as shown.
Reproduced by permission of 3M Company, from 3M Instruction Bulletin, Issue 1, dated February 1985, Number 43-7018-2209-9.
3. Make a one-inch cut in the cable sheath opposite the point at which the connector will be
attached as shown in Figure 36.
1.0 IN. (25 mm)
9174-A
Figure 36. Cutting Cable Sheath
4. If installing single shield cable, insert connector base between shield and core wrap. If
installing double shield cable, insert connector base between shield and inner sheath.
5. Slide connector into cable until stops contact outer sheath. Tap on shield above connector
at point shown in Figure 37 to set teeth.
TAP HERE
9175-A
Figure 37. Setting Connector Teeth
6. Install bonding wire on stud and place connector top over bonding wire. Do not tap on
connector top.
7. Install both nuts on connector as shown in Figure 38 and tighten.