R&M launches fibre optic connectors for extreme use

Created July 31, 2023
Technologies and Products

Reichle & De-Massari (R&M) is launching a new fibre optic connector for extreme outdoor applications. The HEC (Harsh Environment Connector) was developed for the fibre optic connection of 5G and mobile communication antennas.

In addition to Fibre to the Antenna (FTTA), R&M sees potential fields of application wherever fibre optic data transmission is installed in harsh environments, including aerial deployment for broadband supply in rural areas. The new outdoor connector housing can be used to connect fibre optic cables in railway, wind power, and industrial facilities, chemical plants, ports, on oil platforms, in mining, and in the event sector.

The connector comes in two versions: HEC-BR (Bayonet Release) with a 32-mm diameter and HEC-QR (Quick Release) with a 19-mm diameter. R&M has tested the HEC in accordance with all the rules for outdoor cabling. It meets the requirements of protection class IP68, Telcordia GR 3120, IEC 61753-1, and MIL-STD-883. This means that the housing remains waterproof for at least seven days at a depth of three meters. It can withstand temperatures from -40°C to +85°C and high mechanical loads such as a tensile load of 450 N. This makes the HEC one of the strongest outdoor connectors in its class.

The quarter-turn (bayonet) fastener compliant with IEC 60603-7 variant 01 (ODVA) decouples the connector and the inner housing. The Quick Release features a push-twist-pull fastener, allowing top packing densities without having to compromise on performance.

The decoupled housing of the HEC-BR and HEC-QR minimises the influence of temperature fluctuations, cable shrinkage, and mechanical loads. The blind-mating assembly technology developed by R&M makes it possible to couple the HEC with one hand wearing gloves in low visibility. The blind-mating elements also protect the ferrules in the mounted connectors if the HEC is not plugged in or closed with a protective cap.

For more information, visit https://www.rdm.com

rm-launches-fibre-optic-connectors-for-extreme-use

This article was written
by Peter Dykes

Peter Dykes is a independent telecoms and technology journalist who has over that last 30 years written for a wide range of B2B publications and companies. A former BT engineer, he specialises in networks and associated support systems. He is currently Editor of Optical Connections.

You may also be interested in...

  • Technologies and Products

    R&M to expand above-ground fibre kit

    Reichle & De-Massari (R&M) is expanding its portfolio for fibre-optic-based above-ground cable laying, supporting fast, large-scale FTTx network connectivity in suburban and rural regions. The portfolio includes splice closures, box and terminal systems for cabling to masts and above-ground fibre optic distribution, outdoor adapters, and cables. The global Precon program is also new. It simplifies […]

    Read More
  • News and Business

    Deutsche Telekom Global Carrier taps Ciena for Lambda network extension

    Deutsche Telekom Global Carrier has introduced a new route along its Lambda network, spanning from Sofia, Bulgaria, to Varazdin, Croatia, using Ciena’s WaveLogic 5 Extreme 800G built upon the company’s DWDM architecture This, says DT, establishes a trajectory between Sofia and Vienna, Austria, that is significantly shorter than the previous pathway, resulting in a 5ms […]

    Read More
  • News and Business

    CommScope to expand North Carolina fibre facility

    CommScope® plans to invest US$60.3 million over the next four years to expand its manufacturing facilities based in North Carolina. These plans bolster CommScope’s ability to meet U.S. supply demands driven by federal initiatives to bring ‘Internet For All’ – including in underserved and rural broadband markets – and will also enhance production capacity over […]

    Read More