A Clear Understanding of Fiber Pigtail and Patch Cord

Previously, I only know different in appearance of the fiber pigtail and patch cord. The fiber optic patch cord = fiber optic connectors + fiber optic cable + fiber optic connector. But the fiber optic pigtail = fiber optic connector + fiber optic cable. I think like this is easy to separate between them.

Recently, I have read a discussion about the difference between fiber pigtails and patch cords. There are so many professi0nal people to discuss it. They give me a clear understanding that:

Patch cords are made from either single or multi-fiber cables (usually rated for indoor use) and connected at each end with fiber cable connectors (either single fiber or multiple-fiber connector). Sometimes patch cords are called jumpers, especially if they are simplex or duplex. The connectors are selected to mate with the interfacing equipment or cable connectors.

The important idea is that the cable has a connector at each end. The fiber can be either tight or loose buffered and the cable can be made of various diameters (1.2 mm to 3.0 mm are common). The patch cord may have one type of connector (ST FC, SC, LC, etc.) on one end and a different connector on the other as long as all the fibers are connectorized on each cable end - this is a transition jumper.

Patch cords are commonly used to connect ports on fiber distribution frames (FDFs). The new MPO connecter makes it possible to run a single cable that automatically terminates 12 fibers in one easy plug in. 

Compared to common patch cord with ST FC, SC and LC connectors, MPO cable is a truly innovative and amazing group of products that really takes fiber optics into the new millennium.

Fan-out Patch Cords

A pigtail is a cable (like a patch cord or jumper) with only one end terminated with an optical connector. Patch cords are often cut into shorter lengths to make two pigtails. Pigtails are found anywhere, but more commonly in optical assemblages or optical components.

Pigtails are installed where they will be protected and spliced, let’s say on the inside of the ODF and that's why they are normally not sheathed. They have a coating color so that you slice them on the corresponding color on the out coming fiber.

On the other hand patch codes are used between the ODF to the WDM MUX or equipment. If you cut a patch code for use as pigtail then in case of future faulting where you are dealing with multiple pairs it will be difficult. But still if you need to cut the patch code check on its characteristics.

In general, the only major physical difference between patch cord & pigtail is that patch cord is a fixed length piece of cable with dual ended fiber connector type may vary & pigtail is one meter standard OFC core with white colored jacket. As per standard pigtail can only be used for OFC termination purpose & patch cord is to be used to connect the active component with ODF so that means pigtail can’t be used at the place of patch cord.

As the professional fiber optic patch cables provider, we supply a range of optical patch cord, such as LC fiber cable, ST fiber cable, MTP MPO cable, LC SC patch cord and more. If you would like to purchase our optical patch cables, please contact a Sopto representative by calling 86-755-36946668, or by sending an email to info@sopto.com. For more info, please browse our website.