Master Guide to EXFO Tips and Adapters

How to find the right EXFO Tips and Adapters

At 22 pages long, EXFO’s Tips and Adapters Guide can be a bit intimidating when you first open it.

Between the part numbers, connector types, patchcord tips, bulkhead adapters, duplex connectors and MPO options it can feel like you’re looking at hundreds of different possibilities. It’s actually much easier to navigate than it first appears.

So where do you start?

Think of it as a decision tree. Start with three simple questions:

1. Which inspection device are you using?

Most of the guide is focused on the FIP-500, with sections covering single-fibre, duplex, multi-fibre and FTTx applications.

There are also compatibility references for the other FIP families like the FIP-430.

2. What connector family are you inspecting?

The guide is organised around common connector families, including:

• SC
• LC
• FC
• ST
• E2000
• MU
• MPO
• SN
• CS
• MDC
• ODC
• Q-ODC
• OptiTap
• Pushlok

and many more.

3. Are you inspecting a patch lead or a bulkhead?

This is the step that catches most people.

For many connector types you’ll find separate options for:

• Patchcord (insertion) inspection
• Bulkhead (adapter) inspection
• Duplex inspection
• Multi-fibre inspection (MPO and related connectors)

Once you’ve identified whether you’re looking at a connector end-face or a bulkhead port, the correct tip usually becomes obvious.

Quick Reference by Section

FIP-500

Pages 3 to 11 cover the FIP-500.

FIP-400 Series

Pages 12 to 17 cover the FIP-430B.

The Bottom Line

Approach it this way:

Device → Connector Family → Connector Style (Patchcord or Bulkhead) → Tip Part Number

Follow that path and you’ll usually find the correct tip pretty easily.

If you’re still unsure, give our team a call – we’ve already spent the time figuring out which tip goes with which connector, so you don’t have to.