72F Inline Fiber Optic Splice Closure
This 72F inline fiber optic splice closure provides environmental protection and management for optical fiber splices in outdoor access networks. Engineered for straight jointing, branching, and midspan storage, the closure accommodates up to 72 fusion or mechanical splices across hinged splice trays. The unit seals to an IP68 rating, ensuring long-term barrier protection against water ingress and particulate contamination in harsh outside plant installations.
Key Features
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Splice Capacity: Accommodates up to 72 splices across 3 hinged splice trays, supporting 24 splices per tray or a base capacity of 36 splices depending on configuration.
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Cable Port Configuration: Equipped with 8 cable entry ports (4 ports on each side) to support inline, drop, or branching configurations.
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Cable Diameter Range: Accommodates cable outer diameters from 3 mm to 16 mm using chemically resistant grommets.
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Midspan Capability: Integrated internal routing space supports midspan loose tube storage and un-cut buffer tube branching.
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Splicing Versatility: Compatible with fusion splice methods using heat-shrinkable protective sleeves as well as mechanical splices.
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Splitter Integration: Supports optical splitter installation for passive optical network distribution points.
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Optical Fiber Management: Maintained 30 mm minimum bend radius throughout routing channels and splice trays to minimize macrobending loss.
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Environmental Ingress Protection: IP68-rated housing seals against continuous water immersion and environmental exposure.
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Corrosion-Resistant Hardware: External hardware constructed from stainless steel to prevent rust in underground or coastal atmospheres.
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Cable Retention: Internal clamps secure both galvanized steel wire and fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) central strength members.
Product Configuration
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Outer Housing: High-strength black polymer casing with stainless steel external hardware.
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Splice Trays: Up to 3 hinged splice cassettes, each handling up to 24 splices.
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Sealing Elements: Chemical-resistant rubber or silicon grommets for port weatherproofing.
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Internal Routing: Dedicated paths for bare fiber protection and midspan buffer tube slack storage.
Applications
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Access Network Branching: Drop-off splicing points feeding distribution cables into subscriber drop cables or optical splitters.
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Straight Jointing: In-line jointing for standard loose tube cables and microduct optical cables.
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Underground Systems: Placement directly inside utility manholes, handholes, and underground cable ducts.
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Aerial Deployments: Direct mounting onto telegraph poles, utility poles, and aerial strand infrastructures.
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Direct Wall Mounting: Building entry points and external building facade attachment.
Deployment & Mounting Methods
The lightweight 1.03 kg black polymer housing permits single-technician handling across multiple outside plant physical topographies:
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Pole Mounting: Secured to utility or telegraph poles using external mounting brackets.
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Manhole and Duct Deployment: Direct placement inside underground utility vaults, footway boxes, or manholes without supplementary enclosures.
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Wall Mounting: Fastened directly to external walls or interior equipment room surfaces.
Selection Considerations
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Port Availability vs. Cable Outer Diameter: Confirm that the 8 available entry ports match incoming feeder and outgoing branch cable diameters between 3 mm and 16 mm.
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Splice Quantity Planning: Standard deployment accommodates 36 to 72 splices. High-density networks requiring more than 72 joints require alternate closure formats.
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Central Strength Member Type: The retention hardware accommodates both rigid metallic galvanized steel wire and non-conductive dielectric FRP rods.
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Splitter Packaging Dimensions: Ensure secondary passive optical splitters fit within the internal tray layout alongside working splices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this closure store un-cut buffer tubes for midspan access?
Yes. The internal layout includes dedicated slack routing space designed to hold expressed, un-cut buffer tubes while dropping individual fibers to the splice trays.
What cable sizes seal within the entry ports?
The ports accept cable diameters ranging from 3 mm to 16 mm using the included chemical-resistant silicon or rubber grommets.
Which splicing methods are supported?
The splice trays hold fusion splices protected by heat-shrinkable sleeves, as well as standard mechanical splices.
Is the closure rated for underground water immersion?
Yes. The polymer body and chemical-resistant grommet system provide verified IP68 ingress protection against dust ingress and continuous water immersion in manholes.
This 72F inline fiber optic splice closure delivers an IP68-sealed splicing and branching solution for aerial, duct, manhole, and wall installations. By combining a 72-fiber splice capacity, midspan buffer storage, and support for cable diameters from 3 mm to 16 mm, the unit provides reliable mechanical protection and optical performance across modern outside plant access networks.
