SC Fibre Patch Cords Price in Kenya
SC/APC to SC/UPC Single Mode Fibre Optic Patch Cord in Kenya
KSh 150.00
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Continue shoppingSC/APC to SC/UPC Single Mode Fibre Optic Patch Cord in Kenya
The SC/APC to SC/UPC Single Mode Fibre Optic Patch Cord is a pre-terminated optical cable designed to connect fibre equipment that uses two different SC connector polishing types. One end features an SC/APC connector, typically identified by its green housing, while the opposite end uses an SC/UPC connector, commonly identified by blue housing.
This type of patch cord is typically manufactured using 9/125 µm single-mode fibre, making it suitable for FTTH, GPON, telecommunications, ISP networks, optical distribution frames, fibre testing equipment and other single-mode applications. The cable provides a convenient solution where equipment or fibre infrastructure requires an SC/APC interface on one side and SC/UPC on the other.
The supplied YouTube video specifically demonstrates an SC/APC to SC/UPC optical fibre patch cord, confirming the intended connector combination for this product page.
At Fiber Optics Kenya, customers can source SC/APC to SC/UPC patch cords together with compatible ODFs, adapters, pigtails, PLC splitters, termination boxes, optical transceivers and other fibre networking accessories.
Key Product Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | SC/APC to SC/UPC Single Mode Fibre Optic Patch Cord |
| Product Type | Fibre Optic Patch Cord |
| Connector A | SC/APC |
| Connector B | SC/UPC |
| Connector A Colour | Green |
| Connector B Colour | Blue |
| Fibre Mode | Single Mode |
| Typical Fibre Category | OS2 |
| Typical Fibre Size | 9/125 µm |
| Common Fibre Standards | G652D / G657A1 depending on cable |
| Common Wavelengths | 1310 nm / 1550 nm |
| Cable Configuration | Simplex commonly |
| Typical Jacket Colour | Yellow |
| Typical Cable Diameter | 2.0 mm / 3.0 mm depending on model |
| Jacket Material | LSZH / PVC depending on model |
| Applications | FTTH, GPON, ODF, telecom, ISP, testing |
| Installation Environment | Indoor |
| Professional Installation | Available |
| Delivery | Available throughout Kenya |
What Does SC/APC to SC/UPC Mean?
Understanding the connector terminology is important when selecting fibre patch cords.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| SC | Subscriber Connector / Standard Connector |
| APC | Angled Physical Contact |
| UPC | Ultra Physical Contact |
| Single Mode | Optical fibre intended for long-distance transmission |
| Patch Cord | Factory-terminated fibre cable used to interconnect optical equipment |
The patch cord therefore has an SC connector at both ends, but the connector polishing method differs.
SC/APC vs SC/UPC
| Feature | SC/APC | SC/UPC |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Colour | Green | Blue |
| Connector Type | SC | SC |
| End-Face Polish | Angled | Ultra-polished physical contact |
| Typical Angle | About 8° | No angled end face |
| Back Reflection | Extremely Low | Low |
| Return Loss Performance | Higher | High |
| FTTH / GPON Use | Very Common | Used |
| CATV Applications | Excellent | Less preferred |
| Ethernet Networks | Application dependent | Very Common |
| Connector Compatibility | Must be used carefully | Must be used carefully |
The most important difference is the connector end-face geometry. APC uses an angled polish that redirects reflected light away from the fibre core, while UPC uses a highly polished physical-contact surface.
Why APC Connectors Are Green
SC/APC connectors are normally colour-coded green to help technicians distinguish them from UPC connectors.
| Connector | Common Colour |
|---|---|
| SC/APC | Green |
| SC/UPC | Blue |
| LC/APC | Green |
| LC/UPC | Blue |
This colour coding helps reduce installation mistakes, especially in large ODFs, patch panels and FTTH distribution systems.
Typical Optical Specifications
| Optical Parameter | Typical Description |
|---|---|
| Fibre Mode | Single Mode |
| Typical Fibre Size | 9/125 µm |
| Common Wavelength | 1310 nm |
| Common Wavelength | 1550 nm |
| Insertion Loss | Typically low, product dependent |
| SC/APC Return Loss | Typically very high |
| SC/UPC Return Loss | High |
| FTTH Compatibility | Excellent |
| GPON Compatibility | Excellent |
| Telecom Compatibility | Excellent |
| ISP Network Compatibility | Excellent |
Exact insertion and return-loss specifications should be confirmed from the specific manufacturer's datasheet.
Typical Patch Cord Construction
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Single Mode Fibre | Carries optical signal |
| Primary Fibre Coating | Protects the fibre |
| Tight Buffer | Provides mechanical protection |
| Aramid Yarn | Provides tensile reinforcement |
| Outer Jacket | Protects the cable |
| SC/APC Connector | Provides angled-polish connection |
| SC/UPC Connector | Provides UPC connection |
| Ceramic Ferrule | Precisely aligns the fibre |
| Strain Relief Boot | Protects cable at connector entry |
Single Mode 9/125 Fibre
Single-mode fibre is preferred for long-distance optical communications because it supports one principal propagation mode through a very small fibre core.
| Feature | Single Mode Fibre |
|---|---|
| Typical Core Diameter | Approx. 9 µm |
| Cladding Diameter | 125 µm |
| Typical Fibre Category | OS2 |
| Common Wavelengths | 1310 / 1550 nm |
| Long-Distance Capability | Excellent |
| Optical Attenuation | Low |
| FTTH Networks | Excellent |
| Telecom Networks | Excellent |
| ISP Networks | Excellent |
| Enterprise Backbone | Excellent |
SC/APC to SC/UPC Patch Cord Applications
1. FTTH Networks
Connect fibre equipment using SC/APC interfaces to devices or termination points using SC/UPC.
2. GPON Networks
Useful when connecting compatible PON equipment where connector polish differs between two interfaces.
3. Optical Distribution Frames
Connect SC/APC ODF ports to compatible SC/UPC fibre equipment.
4. Telecommunications Networks
Suitable for single-mode telecom equipment and fibre distribution systems.
5. ISP Networks
Use for connecting routers, optical distribution frames, testing equipment and other fibre infrastructure.
6. Fibre Testing
Useful where an optical power meter, OTDR or other instrument uses a different connector polish from the installed network.
7. Fibre Patch Panels
Connect patch-panel interfaces to compatible optical equipment.
8. CATV Networks
APC connectors are widely used where low back-reflection performance is important.
9. Enterprise Fibre Networks
Suitable for single-mode network infrastructure where the required connector interfaces differ.
10. Data and Communications Rooms
Provides short, factory-terminated optical connections between compatible devices.
Watch SC/APC to SC/UPC Single Mode Patch Cord
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/28EZ_E4-7Hw
The video provided demonstrates an SC/APC to SC/UPC optical fibre patch cord, showing the combination of an APC connector on one side and a UPC connector on the other. This type of patch cord is especially useful where two pieces of fibre equipment have SC interfaces but require different connector polish types.
The SC/APC connector uses an angled end face that helps reduce optical back reflection, making APC particularly common in FTTH, GPON and other optical systems where reflected light can affect network performance. The SC/UPC connector, meanwhile, uses a polished physical-contact end face and is common across telecommunications, Ethernet, ODF and general fibre networking equipment.
Because the cable is factory terminated, technicians can quickly connect compatible equipment without performing fusion splicing or field connectorization. Fiber Optics Kenya can supply the patch cord alongside SC adapters, ODFs, pigtails, PLC splitters, fibre termination boxes and optical testing equipment for complete fibre installations.
SC/APC to SC/UPC vs SC/APC to SC/APC
| Feature | SC/APC–SC/UPC | SC/APC–SC/APC |
|---|---|---|
| Connector A | SC/APC | SC/APC |
| Connector B | SC/UPC | SC/APC |
| Mixed Interface Connection | Excellent | No |
| GPON Infrastructure | Application dependent | Very Common |
| UPC Equipment Connection | Direct | Requires different cable |
| APC-to-APC Network | No | Excellent |
| Typical Use | Mixed SC polish interfaces | Pure APC network |
SC/APC to SC/UPC vs SC/UPC to SC/UPC
| Feature | SC/APC–SC/UPC | SC/UPC–SC/UPC |
|---|---|---|
| End 1 | APC | UPC |
| End 2 | UPC | UPC |
| Mixed APC/UPC Equipment | Yes | No |
| General Ethernet | Application dependent | Excellent |
| FTTH/GPON | Useful where required | Network dependent |
| CATV | Better suited on APC side | Less preferred |
Simplex vs Duplex Patch Cord
| Feature | Simplex | Duplex |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Fibres | 1 | 2 |
| GPON/PON | Excellent | Usually unnecessary |
| BiDi Links | Excellent | Not required |
| Standard Duplex Ethernet | Needs two fibres/leads | Excellent |
| Cable Size | Smaller | Larger |
| FTTH | Very Common | Less common |
SC/APC to SC/UPC patch cords are commonly used as simplex cables, particularly in PON and telecommunications systems.
UPC vs APC Return Reflection
| Characteristic | UPC | APC |
|---|---|---|
| End Face | Ultra polished | Angled polished |
| Typical Back Reflection | Low | Lower |
| Return Loss Performance | High | Higher |
| CATV Suitability | Good | Excellent |
| PON Suitability | Good | Excellent |
| General Data Networks | Excellent | Application dependent |
APC is often preferred where optical reflection must be minimized.
Important Connector Compatibility Considerations
The cable itself is designed specifically to provide APC on one end and UPC on the other. However, each connector should be plugged only into a matching interface.
| Patch Cord End | Connect To |
|---|---|
| SC/APC Green End | SC/APC equipment or adapter |
| SC/UPC Blue End | SC/UPC equipment or adapter |
Do not intentionally mate an SC/APC connector directly to an SC/UPC adapter or connector simply because both use an SC physical form factor. The angled and non-angled ferrule geometries differ.
Advantages of SC Connectors
Reliable Push-Pull Design
SC connectors use a straightforward push-pull coupling system.
Widely Available
SC interfaces are common across ODFs, optical boxes, media converters and telecommunications equipment.
Easy Identification
Colour-coded connector housings make APC and UPC interfaces easier to distinguish.
Good Mechanical Stability
The 2.5 mm ceramic ferrule provides accurate optical alignment.
Suitable for Single-Mode Networks
SC connectors are widely used on OS2 fibre infrastructure.
Recommended Compatible Accessories
| Accessory | Purpose |
|---|---|
| SC/APC Adapter | Connects SC/APC interfaces |
| SC/UPC Adapter | Connects SC/UPC interfaces |
| SC/APC Pigtail | Terminates APC fibre infrastructure |
| SC/UPC Pigtail | Terminates UPC fibre infrastructure |
| Fibre ODF | Organises optical terminations |
| Fibre Patch Panel | Provides rack-mounted fibre distribution |
| PLC Splitter | Splits PON signals |
| FTTH Termination Box | Provides subscriber termination |
| Fibre Joint Closure | Protects optical splices |
| Media Converter | Converts optical and copper Ethernet |
| Optical Power Meter | Measures fibre signal levels |
| Visual Fault Locator | Helps locate fibre faults |
| OTDR | Tests optical fibre links |
Why Buy SC/APC to SC/UPC Patch Cord from Fiber Optics Kenya?
| Why Choose Fiber Optics Kenya? | Customer Benefit |
|---|---|
| SC/APC–SC/UPC Options | Direct mixed-interface connection |
| Single Mode Fibre | Excellent optical performance |
| Quality Connectors | Reliable fibre connection |
| FTTH Compatibility | Suitable for access networks |
| Telecom Solutions | Suitable for professional infrastructure |
| Complete Fibre Accessories | Adapters, ODFs and pigtails available |
| Technical Guidance | Help selecting correct connector polish |
| Bulk Supply | Suitable for installers and contractors |
| Competitive Pricing | Cost-effective fibre procurement |
| Professional Installation | Fibre support available |
| Testing Services | Network testing assistance |
| Nationwide Delivery | Supply throughout Kenya |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an SC/APC to SC/UPC Patch Cord?
It is a fibre optic patch cable with an SC/APC connector on one end and an SC/UPC connector on the other. The YouTube video supplied specifically demonstrates this connector combination.
Is this a single-mode patch cord?
Yes. This type of cable is commonly manufactured using 9/125 µm single-mode fibre.
What colour is the SC/APC connector?
SC/APC connectors are normally green.
What colour is the SC/UPC connector?
SC/UPC connectors are normally blue.
What does APC mean?
APC means Angled Physical Contact.
What does UPC mean?
UPC means Ultra Physical Contact.
What is the difference between APC and UPC?
APC uses an angled fibre end face to reduce reflected light, while UPC uses an ultra-polished physical-contact end face.
Can SC/APC and SC/UPC be directly mated?
They should not normally be directly mated because the connector end-face geometries differ.
Why does this patch cord use APC on one end and UPC on the other?
It is designed to connect one piece of equipment with an SC/APC interface to another piece of equipment with an SC/UPC interface.
Is it suitable for FTTH?
Yes, where the particular FTTH equipment uses these connector interfaces.
Is it suitable for GPON?
Yes, provided the SC/APC and SC/UPC ends match the interfaces of the installed PON equipment.
Can it be used with an ODF?
Yes. It is ideal where the ODF connector polish differs from the active equipment interface.
Can it be used for fibre testing?
Yes. Mixed APC-to-UPC patch cords can be useful for connecting installed fibre to compatible test equipment.
Is SC/APC better than SC/UPC?
Neither is universally better. APC provides lower back reflection, while UPC is widely used in Ethernet, telecom and general fibre networks.
Is this cable simplex?
Most SC/APC-to-SC/UPC applications use a single-fibre simplex patch cord, although product configuration should be confirmed when ordering.
What wavelengths can single-mode fibre support?
Single-mode networks commonly operate around 1310 nm and 1550 nm, among other application-specific wavelengths.
Do you supply different lengths?
Yes. Fiber Optics Kenya can supply different fibre patch-cord lengths according to network requirements.
Do you supply SC/APC and SC/UPC adapters?
Yes. Matching adapters, pigtails and fibre termination accessories can be supplied.
Do you supply fibre ODFs?
Yes. Fiber Optics Kenya can supply ODFs and patch panels for compatible single-mode networks.
Do you provide installation and testing?
Yes. Professional fibre installation, termination and testing support is available.
Do you deliver outside Nairobi?
Yes. Fiber Optics Kenya supplies fibre optic products throughout Kenya.
Contact Fiber Optics Kenya
Fiber Optics Kenya
Lyric House
7th Floor, Room S9
Kimathi Street
Nairobi
Phone: +254 704 991 492
Email: info@fibreopticskenya.co.ke
The SC/APC to SC/UPC Single Mode Fibre Optic Patch Cord provides a convenient solution for connecting compatible APC and UPC fibre equipment within FTTH, GPON, telecom and ISP networks.
Contact Fiber Optics Kenya for competitive prices, different patch-cord lengths, compatible fibre accessories and nationwide delivery across Kenya.