OF
Optical fibre cable
A cable line carrying light rather than current, used for protection signalling, SCADA links and substation process bus.
Schematic / SLD
IEC · X
Fibre-optic connector
A demountable joint between optical fibres, drawn as a connector on a fibre link with an optical path mark.
In plain English
What does Fibre-optic connector mean?
The fibre-optic connector shows a point where two fibres are joined by a demountable connector, such as at a patch panel or on a relay communications port. Protection signalling and process bus networks use many of them, and each one adds insertion loss to the link budget.
A simple example
The symbol does not state the connector type, polish or whether it is single mode or multimode. Mismatched connectors or polish types cause high loss or reflections. Fusion splices are a different item and should not be drawn as connectors, since they cannot be disconnected.
What the drawings help you do
Count connectors on the link for the loss budget. Check connector type against the device port. A fibre-optic connector is demountable; a fusion splice is a permanent joint.
This particular reference
A demountable joint between optical fibres, drawn as a connector on a fibre link with an optical path mark. A fibre-optic connector is demountable; a fusion splice is a permanent joint.
- Coil
- A wound conductor that can produce a magnetic field when energised.
- Terminal
- An identified point where a conductor connects.
- Signal
- Electrical information passed between devices, rather than necessarily the main power supply.
Read the source: AutoCAD Electrical: Connectors · IEC-60617 symbol preview directory
IEC · Optical fibre connector
Independent IEC-context illustration; not certified IEC geometry.
Shown as an independently authored educational illustration. Use the cited publication and drawing legend to verify the required drafting form.
Schematic · X
What it represents
The fibre-optic connector shows a point where two fibres are joined by a demountable connector, such as at a patch panel or on a relay communications port. Protection signalling and process bus networks use many of them, and each one adds insertion loss to the link budget.
The symbol does not state the connector type, polish or whether it is single mode or multimode. Mismatched connectors or polish types cause high loss or reflections. Fusion splices are a different item and should not be drawn as connectors, since they cannot be disconnected.
How to read it
- Count connectors on the link for the loss budget.
- Check connector type against the device port.
Information to show or reference
- State connector type and polish.
- Distinguish connectors from fusion splices.
- Record connector positions in the fibre schedule.
A distinction that matters
A fibre-optic connector is demountable; a fusion splice is a permanent joint.
Sources you can follow
These public references support the explanation and provide further detail. Their graphics and downloadable files remain with their publishers.
AutoCAD Electrical: Connectors
Public IEC-oriented preview of plug and jack connector forms.
IEC-60617 symbol preview directory
Public directory of IEC-oriented symbol families.
About this graphic
This illustration was authored independently by Elora Grid to explain the concept. It is not reproduced from a customer drawing, an official standard graphic or a manufacturer CAD file. Its correspondence to an exact IEC or IEEE symbol identifier has not been certified.
SVG and DXF downloads contain this original artwork. DXF uses unscaled drawing units; a GA envelope supplies no product dimensions, clearances or fabrication information. Original artwork is available under CC BY 4.0. Third-party references retain their own terms.
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