Understanding IP66 & IP67 & IP68 Rating Connector for Waterproof Fiber Patch Cables

When choosing the fiber patch cable for harsh outdoor environments, it’s essential to consider the IP rating of the connector. IP66, IP67, and IP68 are the three most common ratings for waterproof fiber connectors, but what do they mean? This beginner’s guide will explain everything you need about IP66, IP67, and IP68 rating fiber optic connectors for waterproof patch cables.

IP Rating Connector Basics

IP stands for Ingress Protection, a standard that defines how well a device is protected from solid objects and liquids. The first number in an IP rating refers to the level of protection from solid things (such as dust, fingers, and moisture), and the second number refers to the level of protection against liquids. The table below summarizes each IP level’s solid and liquid protection capabilities.

First Value	Solid Object Protection	Second Value	Moisture Protection
0	No protection.	0	No protection.
1	Protected against solid objects over 50mm	1	Protected against vertically falling drops of water
2	Protected against solid objects over 12mm	2	Protected against direct sprays of water up to 15 degrees from vertical.
3	Protected against solid objects over 2.5mm	3	Protected against direct sprays of water up to 60 degrees from vertical.
4	Protected against solid objects over 1mm	4	Protected against water splashed from all directions, safe ingress permitted.
5	Protected against dust limited ingress	5	Protected against low pressure jets of water from all directions.
6	Complete protection against dust ingress.	6	Protected against strong jets of water from all directions.
		7	Protected from full immersion between the depths of 15 centimetres and 1 metre.
		8	Protected from permanent full immersion up to a specified pressure.

Below, let us look at the three most common IP ratings for waterproof fiber optic connectors.

• IP66 Fiber Connector: IP66 fiber connector is protected against dust and can withstand powerful water jets from all directions.
• IP67 Fiber Connector: IP67 fiber connector is protected against dust, can withstand powerful water jets from all directions, and is submersible in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes. The IP67 connector is the most common type of waterproof fiber connector.
• IP68 Fiber Connector: IP68 fiber connector is protected against dust and can resist water up to 1.5m deep for 30 minutes. IP68 is the highest ingress protection rating for a fiber optic connector.

ODVA Waterproof Fiber Patch Cable Types

ODVA waterproof connectors are mostly made of plastic, using sealed rubber gaskets and threads, bayonets, and other links, the fiber optic connectors are fully enclosed within the waterproof connector. And each model of the waterproof connector has a unique matching waterproof flange.

The advantage of ODVA connectors and patch cords

• First, the fiber optic cable using non-metallic reinforcement of the outdoor pull far fiber optic cable or field TPU soft armored fiber optic cable increases the cable’s flexibility, significantly improving the wiring of fiber optic cable.
• Second, the waterproof connector will be fully enclosed fiber optic connectors wrapped up, its waterproof performance greatly enhanced, fully meet the needs of the general waterproof environment.
• Third, the matching design has a special waterproof flange, breaking the use of restrictions. This type of waterproof connector has been used in the market recently, and different manufacturers design and produce various shapes of connectors.

Disadvantages of ODVA connectors and patch cords

• First, most ODVA connectors from the different brands are not compatible.
• Second, there are restrictions on using fiber optic connector models, generally involving most LC connectors, SC connector and MPO connector.
• Third, because it is fully wrapped and waterproof, the internal space is limited, so the built-in fiber optic connectors have some restrictions, generally LC duplex, SC simplex, MPO.

ODC Waterproof Fiber Patch Cables

ODC stands for Out Door Connector and is both stable and water and dust proof. It is frequently utilized in fiber optic transmission in challenging situations such as FTTA (Fiber To The Antenna), mining, sensor, and power transmission. It has a stainless steel casing, rubber cushions on the interior, a spiral bayonet, a single-key& pin guide connection, and a high level of tension. The IP rating is 67. There are two varieties of ODC: plug and socket, which are connected directly without an adaptor.

Usually, there are two and four cores. However, six and eight cores can be modified. There are currently ODC brands such as Huber& Suhner, Amphenol, Rosenberger, TE, and so on, and ODC from these brands are compatible. Optcore also provides our own ODC connectors, designated as OP-ODC A, OP-ODC B, and OP-ODC C. A and B are compatible with most other brands’ ODC connectors, and ours are less expensive. Type C has a unique design that is incompatible with others. Yet, it is available for multi cores and gives customers additional options.

Mini-SC Waterproof Fiber Patch Cables

Mini-SC is a new outdoor waterproof fiber optic connector designed primarily for FTTH outdoor installations. It is tiny and straightforward to install, and the grade can reach the IP67 rating. The Mini-SC fiber patch cable features Mini-SC waterproof fiber connector that SC houseless core, spiral bayonet, and multilayer rubber cushions the Mini-SC waterproof connector. It works with 3.0-5.0mm round cables and FTTH drop cables.

FAQs About IP rating Fiber Patch Cables

Q: What is the typical IP rating fiber patch cable application?

A: The IP rating fiber patch cable is suitable for harsh environments in outdoor applications and will give many years of dependable service. It is typically used in Telecoms, Broadcast, Medical, Military, oil and gas, petrochemical, mining, and other outdoor applications where dust and water are present.

Q: What is the difference between an IP66 and an IP67 connector?

A: The IP67 connector is dust-tight and has a higher ingress protection rating than the IP66 connector. The IP67 connector can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes.

Q: What is a waterproof fiber connector?

A: A waterproof fiber connector is a type of optical fiber connector designed and manufactured to resist water ingress. Waterproof fiber connectors are available in various styles and configurations and are used in multiple applications, including cable television, telecommunications, data communications, and computer networking.

Final Words

IP rating Waterproof fiber optic connectors and patch cables are available in various styles and configurations to meet the needs of harsh outdoor applications—Remember to choose a suitable connector for your application to ensure optimal performance. If you have questions about the IP rating of waterproof fiber optic connectors and patch cables, don’t hesitate to contact Optcore.