Fiber connector identifier — Free Online CalculatorChoose the picture. Read the specification.
Choose the connector illustration that matches the part in front of you. The tool returns its body format, ferrule, coupling method, standards, and common application scenarios.
LC
SC
FC
ST
MPO
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Compare the body shape and locking mechanism. Housing color may indicate fiber or polish, but it does not change the connector family.
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Fiber Connector Identifier, with a useful next step.
A fiber connector identifier helps technicians classify a connector from the physical part in front of them before ordering replacements, building a patching plan, or connecting test equipment. The most reliable visual clues are the body shape, ferrule size, keying, and coupling mechanism. LC uses a compact RJ-style latch and a 1.25 mm ferrule; SC uses a larger square push-pull body; FC uses a threaded metal coupling; ST uses a bayonet-style quarter-turn lock; and MPO/MTP uses a wide keyed ferrule that carries multiple fibers. Housing color can suggest APC or UPC polish, but color alone is not proof of connector family or end-face geometry. Use the selected specification as a practical identification aid, then confirm the exact part number, polish type, fiber count, polarity, and adapter compatibility in the manufacturer datasheet. APC and UPC/PC end faces must not be mated together. For purchasing, the related product link below takes the user from visual identification to the correct connector family, while the linked technical article provides additional context for field decisions.
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Connector features that are safe to identify visually
The coupling mechanism is usually the strongest clue: LC has a small latch, SC pushes straight in, FC screws on, ST locks with a quarter-turn bayonet, and MPO/MTP carries multiple fibers in a keyed rectangular ferrule. Housing color is useful, but it is not conclusive proof of polish or fiber type.
| Type | Body / lock | Ferrule | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| LC | RJ-style latch / push-pull | 1.25 mm ceramic ferrule | Data-center patching |
| SC | Push-pull snap-in | 2.5 mm ceramic ferrule | FTTH and PON equipment |
| FC | Threaded screw-on coupling | 2.5 mm ceramic ferrule | Test and measurement equipment |
| ST | Bayonet quarter-turn lock | 2.5 mm ceramic ferrule | Legacy campus networks |
| MPO / MTP | Keyed push-pull | Multi-fiber MT ferrule | 40G / 100G / 400G parallel optics |
Important: never mate an APC connector with a UPC/PC connector. The end faces are geometrically different and can cause excessive loss or damage. Inspect, clean, and verify both ends before connecting live equipment.