# Fibre-optic connector

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/iec-fibre-optic-connector
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: X
Drawing use: Schematic
Reference families: IEC

## Symbol convention

Convention: IEC
Form: Optical fibre connector
Independent IEC-context illustration; not certified IEC geometry.

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.

### Terms

- 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.

Concept diagram: Identify the device and form → Read the connections and state → Check the equipment reference
A guide to reading this reference. The original symbol illustration and its drawing notes appear below; these boxes are not a wiring diagram.

- [AutoCAD Electrical: Connectors](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-7175D293-9F4C-485C-8E2D-DE684820D53B.htm)
- [IEC-60617 symbol preview directory](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-7871E6EF-24D5-467E-9B74-321FEDC9DFDA.htm)


## 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.

## Important distinction

A fibre-optic connector is demountable; a fusion splice is a permanent joint.

## Facts

- Graphic cue: Connector halves on a line with an optical path mark
- Link budget: Each mated pair adds insertion loss
- Preview: Original educational illustration; consult the publisher and applicable standard for the exact graphic

## Public references

- [AutoCAD Electrical: Connectors](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-7175D293-9F4C-485C-8E2D-DE684820D53B.htm) — Autodesk. Public IEC-oriented preview of plug and jack connector forms.
- [IEC-60617 symbol preview directory](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-7871E6EF-24D5-467E-9B74-321FEDC9DFDA.htm) — Autodesk. Public directory of IEC-oriented symbol families.

## Graphic scope

Independent original educational concept illustration by Elora Grid. Not a certified standards graphic or manufacturer footprint. Unitless; not to scale. Original artwork licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. Publisher material is linked only.