Dust Shutter Fiber Adapter Guide: A Detailed Perspective

A fiber connector is one of the most common components in today’s fiber optic networks. But once installed with the patch cable, the dust cap may be lost or misplaced. So, what should we do to safeguard this vital link? The answer is to use a dust shutter fiber adapter.

What is a Dust Shutter Adapter?

To address the need for a dust-free environment, a dust shutter is placed over the end of an LC or SC adapter. The shutter automatically opens when a plug is inserted and closes when the fiber port is removed, providing a dust-free connection. Unlike the regular fiber adatper, the shuttered adapter has a shutter mechanism to help prevent contaminants from entering the ferrule end face.

Why Use a Dust Shutter Adapter?

The use of a dust shutter adapter helps to ensure a dust-free connection. This is especially important in data center applications where there is a need to protect sensitive equipment from dust and other contaminants. These shuttered adapters keep the fiber end interior clean and dry, which is critical to maintaining a high-quality connection. 

The second reason to use a dust shutter adapter is to help protect the eye from the laser light emitted from the end of the fiber optic cable. Without a dust shutter, the laser light can reflect off dust particles and enter the eye, potentially causing damage. The shutters will open and close automatically with the plug insertion and removal, which is easy to use.

What are the Types of Shutter Adapters?

There are three main types of dust shutter adapters: SC, LC, and MPO.

• SC Dust Shutter Adapter: The SC shuttered adapter is one of the most common adapters used in fiber optic networks. It utilizes an integral hands-free shutter mechanism that protects the behind-the-wall connector from dust contamination when the fiber port is not in use. Optcore could provide this shuttered fiber adapter with simplex SC, duplex SC or Quad SC type.
• LC Dust Shutter Adapter: The LC shuttered adapter is a specialized LC adapter that features an automatic dust shutter. The shutter protects the LC ferrule and fiber when the port is not in use and automatically opens when an LC connector is inserted. Optcore provides a full range of LC products, including the simplex LC, duplex LC, and quad LC Shutter Adapter.
• MPO Dust Shutter Adapter: The MPO Shutter Adapter is a specialized dust shutter adapter with MPO fiber optic connectors. It features a dust shutter that protects the ferrule and fiber when the port is not in use and automatically opens when an MPO trunk cable is inserted. Optcore could provide various configurations of the MPO Shutter Adapter, such as MPO OM4 Shutter Adapter and MPO single mode Shutter Adapter.

FAQs about Shutter Fiber Adapter 

Q1: What is the function of a dust shutter?
A: The primary function of a dust shutter is to protect the optical fiber and ferrule from contamination when the port is not in use.

Q2: Do all adapters have shutters?
A: No, not all adapters have shutters. Shutter adapters are typically used in harsher environments or special applications.

Q3: What is the difference between a regular fiber adapter and a dust shutter adapter?
A: An LC Shutter Adapter is a specialized fiber adapter that features an automatic dust shutter. The shutter protects the fiber ferrule and fiber end when the port is not in use and automatically opens when an LC connector is inserted.

Q5: How does the shutter know when to open and close?
A: A small switch inside the LC Shutter adapter is activated when an LC connector is inserted. This switch signals the shutter to open. The switch is deactivated when the LC connector is removed and the shutter closes.

Q6: Can I use a dust shutter adapter with fiber patch cable?
A: Yes, most shutter adapters are designed to work with the regular fiber connector but with added protection from dust and other contaminants.

Q7: Do all types of adapters come with a dust shutter?
A: No, not all types of adapters come with a dust shutter. Check with the manufacturer to verify if the adapter you want to buy has a dust shutter.

Q8: Do all manufacturers make shutter adapters?
A: No, very few manufacturers make shutter adapters. Check with the manufacturer to see if they sell an adapter for a dust shutter.

Q9: What is the price difference between a regular fiber adapter and a dust shutter adapter?
A: Shutter adapters typically cost more than regular fiber adapters. This is because they are designed for harsher environments and have an added layer of protection.

Q10: Are shutter adapters always necessary?
A: Shutter adapters are typically used in environments where dust and other contaminants could damage the optical fiber or ferrule. They are not always necessary, but they offer an added layer of protection.

Q11: What type of shuttered adapters does Optcore offer?
A: Optcore offers a full range of LC, SC, and MPO Shutter Adapters.

Final Words

We hope you enjoyed our comprehensive guide to dust shutter fiber adapters. While this is a detailed perspective, we understand that not everyone wants to get into the nitty-gritty of things. Sometimes, all you need is a quick overview of the basics. Just ignore this dust shutter fiber adapters guide if that’s the case.

Still, have more questions? Our team of professionals is always willing to assist.Send us an email or call, and we’ll be glad to answer any remaining questions you have.