LC and SC connectors are two mainstream types of fiber optic interfaces. The main differences are in size, connection method, and application scenarios. The specific comparison is as follows:
1. Appearance and size
- SC connector: square shell (25×9.8mm), with 2.5mm ceramic ferrule, relatively large size.
- LC connector: rectangular shell (1.25mm ferrule), only half the size of SC, suitable for high-density wiring.
2. Connection method
Please check below 2 videos of how to connection lc sc connectors:
SC fiber connector
Push-pull insert design, no need to rotate, easy to operate but easy to loosen.
LC fiber connector
RJ-45-style buckle latch is used, and the buckle needs to be pressed for plugging and unplugging, more stable.
3. Application scenarios
- SC patch cord is low cost, widely used in conventional scenarios such as enterprise networks, routers and switches.
- LC patch cord is good at high density, the first choice for data centers and SFP optical modules.
4. LC SC Fiber Optical Performance
| Optical fiber cable connector | Return loss (typical) | Return loss (typical) |
| Sc | ≤0.3dB | UPC≥50dB, APC≥60dB |
| Lc | ≤0.2dB | UPC≥50dB, APC≥60dB |
5. Other differences
- Compatibility: SC supports multimode and single-mode fiber, while LC is more suitable for high speed SFP modules.
- Durability: LC has a mechanical life of 500 plug-ins (loss fluctuation ≤ 0.1dB), while SC is slightly lower.
Conclusion
If high-density cabling or high-performance transmission (such as data centers) is required, LC connectors is better than SC. However, if the budget is limited or for conventional network deployment, please choose SC connectors, it is more cost effective.
FAQ
What is the insertion loss difference of sc lc fiber connector?
The typical insertion loss of SC connector is ≤0.3dB, while that of LC connector is ≤0.2dB. If OM4 optical cable is used, the maximum insertion loss of SC fiber optic connector is 0.5dB, while that of LC fiber optic connector is 0.2dB.
The fluctuation range of the LC fiber connectors is also different. Generally, the fluctuation range of SC is ±0.05dB, while that of LC connector fiber optic is ±0.03dB, which means that the connector accuracy of connector LC is higher.
Is there a big price difference between SC and LC connectors?
Currently, SC and LC connectors have been mass-produced, and the price is already the lowest in the history. LC connectors are slightly more expensive than SC fiber cable connector because they have a more sophisticated structure, smaller size, and require slightly more accessories.
What are the plugging and unplugging times of LC/SC connector?
The plugging and unplugging times of SC LC fiber connector can reach more than 500 times, and industrial-grade fiber optic SC connectors (such as SC patch cords) can even reach more than 1000 times. After plugging and unplugging, the insertion loss must meet ≤0.3dB (maximum value).
Can products using fiber optic SC use LC fibre connector?
Since the outer frame size of SC is twice that of LC, SC connectors can be replaced with LC duplex adapters, and SC duplex adapter can be replaced with LC quad adapters, thereby upgrading the fiber capacity.
For example, if 1U ODF uses 24 port simplex SC optical connector, the maximum number of fiber cores for fusion is 24, but if it is replaced with LC duplex connector, 48 fiber cores can be splicing.
1U Patch Panel LC connector
This patch panel is 12 port with duplex lc upc connectors, but it can fusion splice 24 cores single fiber patch cord lc to lc or lc pigtails.
1U Patch Panel SC connector
This patch panel is 24 port with SC simplex connectors, it can only fusion splice 24 cores single fiber optic patch cord sc sc or SC pigtails.
What does lc connector stand for?
LC stand for Lucent connector, it is one of fiber optic connector, with small size, light weight, suitable for high density network applications.
Which one is more durable, SC or LC connector?
Fiber optic LC SC connectors are suitable for different usage scenarios due to their own structure. If long-term high-frequency plugging and unplugging is required (such as daily operation and maintenance of data centers), it is recommended to use LC type connector, which have better life and signal stability. If it is in an environment with large vibration, temperature difference, such as an industrial site,recommended to use SC fiber connectors, because SC housing protection is better.
What does SC fiber connector insertion loss of 0.3dB mean?
Insertion Loss refers to the amount of optical power loss when the optical signal passes through the optical fiber connector, measured in decibels (dB). The smaller the value, the higher the performance and the lower the loss. SC fiber connector insertion loss of 0.3dB means that only about 6.7% of the optical signal is lost, which is suitable for high-sensitivity applications (such as long-distance single-mode transmission), better than the general threshold (such as 0.5dB), and reflects the manufacturing accuracy and reliability (such as ceramic ferrule process).
What is the impact of the use environment on the number of plug-in and unplug times?
Environmental factors such as dust, vibration, humidity, corrosion, and material degradation accelerate connector failure. In harsh environments, even high-quality connectors may have a plug-in life of 30%-60% of the nominal value. So when choosing which fiber connectors, try to choose good protective materials and structures, and verify the actual life through aging tests (such as salt spray, temperature cycle, and vibration tests).
