UniCam connectors are reusable before the crimp tube has been crimped. If you get a red light from the UniCam High-Performance Installation Tool (TKT-UNICAM-PFC), you can un-cam the connector, remove the field fiber and re-try with the same or a new fiber. Once the metal lead-in tube has been crimped, the connector is no longer reusable.

Currently, Corning Optical Communications does not offer a national UniCam Connector installer certification. We do offer training on UniCam Connector installation via our See the Light program, or you may contact your Corning Optical Communications Sales Engineer to schedule a UniCam Connector training session.

LC and ST Compatible UniCam Connectors utilize a black adapter around the body of the connector to facilitate installation in the UniCam High-Performance Installation Tool. When using the High-Performance Installation Tool, this adapter, known as a "Load Adapter," needs to be removed before installing the UniCam Connector into the adapter panel. When using the legacy installation tool, it needs to be removed before terminating the fiber with the UniCam Connector.

For more information, view page 32 of the Standard Recommended Procedure for the UniCam High-Performance Tool Kit with the FBC-007 Cleaver or page 28 of the Standard Recommended Procedure for the UniCam High-Performance Tool Kit with the FBC-015 Cleaver.

Boots and crimp rings are provided as part of the product when buying UniCam Connectors in single packs, but are not part of the organizer (Z-PAK) offering. Customers who prefer organizer packs but need boots or crimp rings must buy these separately. Part numbers are listed on the website.

250 micron fiber that has been unjacketed with fan-out tubing moves within the tubing during connector installation and temperature cycling. The movement of the 250 micron fiber within the tubing is called "pistoning." Adding the extra 4 mm of length when working with fan-out tubing ensures a proper connection between the field fiber and the fiber stub even if pistoning occurs.

The 4 mm of protruding 250 um fiber also aids in the field cleaving process. Because fan-outs are not "bonded" to the field fiber, the cleaver needs to clamp on the 250 um coating in order to make a consistent cleave (the mechanism needed is tension in the fiber span to be cleaved). Without the exposed 250 um coating, the cleaver's fiber clamps would have to "smash" the fan-out tubing enough to develop the tension required to cleave properly, which is both very difficult to do and not desirable. Without the ability to clamp directly on the field fiber, a consistent cleave is nearly impossible. ​

If you would like to ensure that your UniCam Connector is installed properly, be sure to follow SRP-006-150, and review SRP-006-083. If you would like a visual reference, see the UniCam Connector Installation Video. Install a few connectors in your shop before going to the installation site to make sure you are using the proper technique. Test your trial connectors to quantify their quality, before installing all of the system connectors.

Corning also offers free fiber optic training, including UniCam training, with our See the Light Seminars throughout the United States and Canada.

The three most important aspects of installing a UniCam Connector are cleave quality, cleave length and insertion technique. The cleave quality and length will depend on the installer's cleaving technique and precision. There are two different cleavers specified for UniCam Connector installation: the FBC-002 and the FBC-007 cleaver. The FBC-002 delivers consistent cleaves, depending on the installer's technique. The FBC-007 is a much higher-precision cleaver relying on the technique of the installer much less. The third biggest factor is the insertion of the fiber into the back of the connector. If the fiber end face is damaged upon insertion, the quality of the termination will suffer greatly. SRP-006-368 outlines the critical steps for successful UniCam Connector termination. ​

Cleave quality and proper fiber insertion are keys to success. The TKT-UNICAM-PFC is the best kit to improve insertion loss. This tool kit includes the integrated CTS System, and the FBC-007 high-precision cleaver. 

The UniCam Connector is designed to withstand two types of withdrawal force depending upon the termination style. When installed upon 900 µm tight-buffered fiber or 900 µm tubing, the UniCam Connector is designed to withstand no more than 0.5 lbs of pull-out force. When the UniCam Connector is installed on jacketed cable containing aramid yarn, which acts as strength member, the pull-out force shall not exceed 10 lbs. ​