Tank Industries A Division of ATC (PTY) Ltd, an authorised manufacturer and distributor for R&M in South Africa, is landing a new generation of patch boxes for fibre optic networks into the market. With these platforms for 19" racks, you can terminate up to 48 fibres in one unit (1U). For the first time, a common basic model accommodates both breakout- and splice cabling. This version for splicing cables is called, UniRack 2 and contains a removable splice tray plate.

The integrated drawer makes initial installations and network conversion more convenient. It serves as a loose tube tray, cable and pigtail deposit unit, holder of splice tray plate and a convenient work surface for splicing and patching all in one. The drawer can be pulled out and tipped to an angle of 10° with a flick of the wrist.

The new patch boxes are used for cable termination in local data networks, in structured cabling, in network cabinets for data centres or in distribution nodes for campus networks. They are also suitable for outdoor distributors where space is at a premium, e.g. on factory premises. The installation depth was reduced by about ten percent from 220 to 225 millimetres compared to earlier platforms. Despite the compact design, a 40 mm bending radius is ensured throughout – a crucial prerequisite for low-attenuating signal transmission. In closed operating state, the boxes have all-round protection from rodent attacks.

R&M developers relied on lightweight construction processes. This clever design features combined with carefully selected materials and well-tried manufacturing processes to reduce production costs.

Among the strengths of this New Generation Fibre Optic Patch Boxes, is that cables and pigtails are consistently deposited separately. This approach assures a quick, good overview. It also reduces conversion time, installation mistakes and operational interruptions.