Fiber Termination Box

Fiber Termination Box (FTB) also called fiber optic terminal box, is a box which used in the terminal of the fiber optic cable laying to protect the fiber optic cable and for  fusion splice of pigtails. FTB stands for fiber terminal box, mainly used for indoor fiber optic cable straight through connection and branch connection and cable terminal fixed, pigtails tray storage and provide mechanical and environmental protection for the fiber and its components, and it also allow for proper inspection to maintain the highest standards of fiber management. It is widely used in municipal and rural telephone network systems, data and image transmission systems, CATV cable TV series, FTTX, FTTB, etc 

Cable termination boxes are mainly divided into the following categories: one is the fiber optic panel 86 type, the size is 86*86mm, and the other is a slightly larger size wall box, all for indoor use. We will explain in detail the outdoor use of fibre optic cable termination boxes in the “Fiber Distribution Box (FDB)”. 

Fiber Terminal Box Category

To help customers find the correct box suitable for your project with less time and cost, YINGDA distinguish different boxes by part number starting with FTB for this series, for the smallest box, use FTB86, following A B C … is for different appearance and internal structure. 

According to the fiber counts maximum used, it can be divided into 1 core, 2 core, 4 core, 6 core, 8 core, 12 core, 16 core, 24 cores etc. Normally fiber count is the same as the quantity  of SC adapters, if it is LC adapters, the fiber count will be double. Most popular type is FTB86 box, it is 86*86mm, but internal and external are a little different according to customer requirements, some rosette with rotate plate with sleeve slots, some without. some adapters fix inside of the box, some type fix on the sides of the box, the cable enter from the bottom or sides of the face plate, the panel cover is also differs from each other.

Above models mostly are made of plastic material, but there are also metal type of end user terminal boxes indoor mounting  like cold rolled steel. Below mainly introduce several types of metal fiber terminal box.

Production Process

All of Yingda’s products are made of brand new raw materials and all production processes are in accordance with strict execution standards. All products are shipped after 100% inspection and passing. Refuse to inferior quality products and unqualified products to impact the market or damage the interests of customers.

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Basic Function

Fiber optic terminal box as the terminal equipment of fiber optic cable network, mostly should have 5 basic functions as below

Fixing

After the fiber optic cable enters the rack, its outer sheath and reinforced core should be mechanically fixed, ground protection parts should be added, end protection treatment should be carried out, and the fiber optic should be grouped and protected.

Splicing

At user side, can fusion splice the optical fiber cable with pigtails in this socket panel, the excess fiber is coiled and stored, and the fusion splice is protected.

Distribution

The connector of pigtails are inserted into the adapter to achieve optical docking with the optical connector on the other side of the adapter. The adapter and connector should be able to plug and unplug flexibly; the optical path can be freely deployed and tested.

Storage

Provide storage for various cross-connected optical cables between racks, so that they can be placed neatly and regularly. There should be enough space and ways in the fiber terminal box to ease cable wiring, adjustment, and can meet the minimum bending radius requirements.

Splitting

With the development of fiber optic network, the existing functions can no longer meet many new requirements. At present, fiber optic network components such as splitter, wavelength division multiplexer and optical switch are directly added to the fiber optic terminal box.

Internal Structure

Different wall outlet internal structure is different, some is only for fusion, some can be with end termination connectors SC LC; the cable wiring way  can be direct connection or branch connectors as below:

Adapter Port Wall Outlet
Adapter type is mainly to connect the pigtails of the inside and outside of the box. Adapter mainly are SC LC, FC square type, simplex, duplex or quad maximum. The adapter is usually installed inside the socket panel or on the slot or port of one side.
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Non-Adapter Wall Outlet
The non-adapter style is generally used for direct fusion, optical fiber protection and storage. It can be larger fiber counts like 12cores, 16cores possible. There is no adapter port or slot, but inside will be heat shrink protection tube slots instead.
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Branch Connection
Divergent connection means that the fiber optic cable must be cut outside this box and then spliced or terminated with the fiber inside the panel. The number of cores of this kind of fiber optic cable into the home is relatively small, the cost of the cable itself is relatively low, and the size of the box is also relatively small, it is a fiber optic terminal product, which can be docked with a skin line or router, etc.
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Direct Connection
Straight-through fiber optic cable means that the fiber optic cable in and out of the box does not have to be cut, directly part of the fiber optic cable is fused or terminated inside the panel, and the rest of the fiber optic cable continues to the next fiber optic node for use. Save wiring costs, construction is convenient for quick connection, the number of cores is relatively large, more suitable for use between floors.
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Fiber Terminal Box Features

  • Provide protection for connection of fiber optic cable and pigtails.
  • Provide space for wiring and storage, easy to install and operate.
  • The box with sufficient impact strength, easy installation in different use cases.
  • Wall mount, desktop or direct channel place can be ok.
  • Scope of application: 3.1×2.0mm skin cable or indoor fiber optic cable
  • For home or work area (FTTD) fiber optic interface.
  • Connection type: SC LC FC ST with common type adapter.
  • Made of high quality ABS PC PP material with certain fireproof performance.
  • With dustproof device to prevent dust from entering.
  • Output port: 1 2 4 6 8 12 24 etc.

Package Information

Yingda provides all kinds of package methods for customers, like PP bag or inner cardboard box with foam pack.

PP Plastic Bag
1pc wrap by plastic film, 500pcs/ master box; Cost effective of freight cost and unit cost, compact size.
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Inner Cardboard Box
1pc/inner box, 100pcs/master box; Unit cost is higher, heavier weight, but better protection during transportation.
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How To Open Terminal Box?

All fiber optic terminal box are closed before delivery, and total enclosed when use to prevent dust. Most of the FTB nap box can be open by hand, some need screw drivers or special lock.

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Spare Parts

If no sepcial requirements, all FAT box is installed on wall, embedded in wall or desktop. So the standard accessory is  Expansion Screws.

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Optional Accessory

However, on side construction installation will need other tools for different application, for example, after fusion splice, will need heat shrink protection tubes to protect the fiber joints, nylon ties to fix the cable in place, buffer tube to protect the bare fiber bundles from broken. Furthermore, there may need sleeve slots if there is no slots while need this function,  adapter blocks to prevent dust, etc.

Order Instructions

  • Fiber count: 1core, 2core, 4core, … etc
  • Adapter: SC LC ST FC, UPC APC or PC
  • Pigtails: Connector type, fiber length, fiber type, etc
  • Print LOGO: where, what and size?
  • Accessory: wall mount screws, nylon tie, sleeve, buffer tube, blocks, etc
  • Rotate splice tray: yes or not, shape ?
  • Pack: plastic bag, cardboard box, etc

Frequently Asked Questions

With more than 10 years fiber optic experience, we help solved many  problems with the use, features, applications or price. Below mainly describe popular questions for your reference. Any more questions, pls contact our sales representatives.

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What Is Fiber Termination Box？

Fiber optic terminal box as the name suggests is used in the fiber optic terminal access point, used for fusion, termination, storage, or fiber protection. There are many different shapes and capacity according to the usage scenario. Fiber Termination Box can also be called fiber optic splitter box, fiber optic face plate, socket panel, fiber wall socket, fiber optic outlet, which all belong to the category of fiber optic terminal box.

What Tools Do You Need to Terminate Fiber?

Usually, will load with pigtails and adapters in the termination box at factory to save labour cost and freight cost, and the pigtails connectors already inserted into the adapter. There are input and output of the cables to make light go through the box. 

Input Side
The feeder cable go in and fusion splice with pigtails bulkhead, and fix the fiber joint in the box heat shrink protection slots, where need the fusion splicer, cutter, cable strippers, sleeves, kimwipes, and other related tools. This Step may called Heat Fusion Splice.
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Output Side
Will need finished products like pigtails or jumpers(done at manufacturer) or drop cable with connectors (done on site construction).  If need fast connector with drop cable, should equipp with ftth drop cable tools like: fiber cleaver, drop cable stripper, miller striper, alcohol, or kimwipes, fiber cleaner pen, etc.  This Step may called Cold Mechanical Splice.
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Whole Box
After all are done, will use power meter, visual fault locators, or OTDR to test the optical performance like optical signals, fiber broken and attenuation loss.
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How Do You Install A Fiber Termination Box?

Fiber Optic Termiantl Box is widely used in the floors, or office buildings or at home. So it is mostly wall mounted or desktop, The wall mount expansion screws are equipped with the box at factory, the wall mount holes are aleady at the back of the outlet, please drill mounting holes on wall, then fix the outlet, it is easy and fast to finish the installation. No need special tools or manuals. (see dotted line circle)

Can Use Shutter Adapters In FTTH Box?

Yes, Of course. Automatic shutter adapter is mainly used to stop dust from entering the adapter and contaminating the fiber end face, which is more convenient than the normal adapter dust cap and does not need to be removed and put on manually. It has the difference between front shutter adapter and side shutter adapter, SCshutter adapter and LC shutter adapter, single core shutter adapter, duplex shutter adapter, quad shutter adapters, which needs to be decided according to the actual demand and the structure of the box adapter port. Also like normal adapters, it has the difference between with flange and without flanges.

Can Use FC Adapter, ST Adapters?

Normally, fiber optic outlets are SC adapter port, it is rectangular. If use SC adapter, it is  the same size as LC duplex adapter, so LC can be used too. If need FC or ST adapters, should use rectangular type.

How Long Of The Fiber Optic Pigtails In Box?

If customer not specify, 1 meter will be enough, if cost limited, can be shorter, longer 1.5meter or 2mter is possible. Due to the small internal size, so the cable will be coiled inside, bend radius is very important to maintain good quality, suggest to use G657A1 or G657A2 fiber instead of G652D.

Do You Have Any Test Reports?

All of our products are made of brand new material, and our products have been tested by SGS environmental protection test report ROHS. To protect the environment, everyone is responsible.

If other test reports are required, we can cooperate with customers to verify within our own company or submit to third-party institutions for inspection. However, the customer must clearly inform the requirement in the order confirmation link. For different requirements, there will be slight differences in the ratio of materials used and the production process of the product. For example, flame retardant test, impact test, drop test, etc.

FTB86E Wall Outlet ROHS test report

Laser Print vs Silk Print, What Are The Difference?

In order to better enable our customers to improve brand awareness and expand regional influence, Yingda can print the brand, part number or other information that our customers need.  So if you  need, please share the original information in PDF. AI, CDR. or JFG formation, then will make for you.  There are 2 types of printing methods, see below explanation:
Silk Print LOGO
Silk printing use paint and can be in colors, not limited to one color, which helps to promote the brand and increase recognition. However, it requires logo molds, one color a mold, if more than 2colors will increases the cost; at the same time, manual printing is required, several colors have to be printed several times, the production cycle will be lengthened, and labor costs will increase accordingly. The cost is charged by color quantity too.
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Laser Print LOGO
Laser engraving （laser print ）can only print one color, such as gray, white or black, etc. The advantages are many, such as machine printing, fast and convenient; laser printing will not change color over time, more durable than silk screen printing; laser engraving is not limited to the physical plane, non-planar can also be operated, increasing the practicality. But it can not print more than 2 colors or color. In addition, it is a relatively large initial investment.
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PP plastic material

What Is The Best Material for FTB Box: PP ABS PC ?

Fiber optic terminal box is mainly used for indoor installation, there are plastic and metal material, at present we mainly analyze the plastic material. In fiber optic industry, plastic mainly has three kinds:PC PP ABS or several kinds of plastic mixed materials.

  • Polypropylene =PP
  • Polycarbonate=PC
  • Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene=ABS

ABS vs PC, Which Is Better?

Polycarbonate (PC) is temperature resistant, and somewhat flame retardant/self-extinguishing. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is a blend of three different plastic materials – Acrylonitrile, Butadiene, and Styrene. When comparing, ABS vs Polycarbonate for patterns and colors, polycarbonate always wins. So at present, most fiber termination box indoor is ABS material, PC is mostly used in fiber optic splice closures which used outdoors.

PP vs ABS, Which Is Better?

Some properties of ABS are the same as the PP’s. At the same time, ABS also has some other properties that PP does not have.

ABS is impact resistant, which is better toughness than PP. The temperature resistance of ABS is also better than PP’s. Both ABS and PP have shiny surfaces, and the surface of ABS is shinier than PP’s. 

To sum up, because the fiber optic terminal box is used for indoor environment, the requirements are not as high as outdoor. Therefore, the most used is PC + ABS alloy material. This material is better than ABS alone, not so strong as PC. The price of raw materials ABS PC PP tell the truth.

However, with the increasingly competitive market and the serious impact of the epidemic on the world economy, so the cost requirements are getting lower and lower, and currently many customers in the market can only accept the price of ABS material. There are lower requirements market may choose PP material too. But from the life span and possible maintenance comprehensive consideration, Yingda still recommend customers choose ABS + PC material.

Can You Meet UL94V0 Flame Retardant Standards?

It is ok. At present, the indoor face plate is not flame retardant. If customer need, the quotation and the finished product will be made according to the flame retardant standard UL94V0. 

UL 94, the Standard for Safety of Flammability of Plastic Materials for Parts in Devices and Appliances testing, is a plastics flammability standard released by Underwriters Laboratories of the United States. The standard determines the material’s tendency to either extinguish or spread the flame once the specimen has been ignited. UL-94 is now harmonized with IEC 60695-11-10 and 60695-11-20 and ISO 9772 and 9773.

From lowest (Least flame-retardant) to highest (Most flame-retardant):

  • HB: slow burning on a horizontal specimen; burning rate < 76 mm/min for thickness < 3 mm or burning stops before 100 mm
  • V-2: burning stops within 30 seconds on a vertical specimen; drips of flaming particles are allowed.
  • V-1: burning stops within 30 seconds on a vertical specimen; drips of particles allowed as long as they are not inflamed.
  • V-0: burning stops within 10 seconds on a vertical specimen; drips of particles allowed as long as they are not inflamed.
  • 5VB: burning stops within 60 seconds on a vertical specimen; no drips allowed; plaque specimens may develop a hole.
  • 5VA: burning stops within 60 seconds on a vertical specimen; no drips allowed; plaque specimens may not develop a hole.
UL94 vo flame retardant test