What is a coupler?
A coupler is an accessory that helps us join two polyethylene conduits, used in underground solutions for fiber optics.
Did you know that there are different types of couplers? These are mainly used in underground installations such as fiber optic, electrical, among others.
Types of couplers:
- Threaded aluminum coupler
- Threaded plastic coupler
- Plastic coupler for microduct
- Split plastic coupler
The use of a good coupler helps prevent the separation of two conduits, whether they are used in fiber pulling or fiber blowing solutions.
Joining two conduits with a coupler
Threaded aluminum coupler
Threaded aluminum coupler
Aluminum couplers have the advantage of being environmentally durable, having good airtightness and pressurization in fiber blowing solutions.
The main characteristic of these couplers is that they have a type of thread found in the center, which helps the conduits to fit equally to the coupler.
Another advantage they have is that you can remove and put them on as many times as necessary, as they are made of aluminum, the thread is more resistant.
The disadvantage is their high cost.
Threaded plastic coupler
Threaded plastic coupler
Plastic couplers also have a type of thread found in the center, and as an advantage, they have good airtightness and pressurization. These types of couplers have UV and environmental protection.
The disadvantage is that they can be reused a minimal number of times, since the thread they have is made of plastic and the wear and tear of removing and putting them on makes it difficult to connect them to the conduits.
Plastic coupler for microducts
Plastic coupler for microducts
This type of coupler is used to join two microducts. Unlike a threaded coupler, the microduct coupler has a quick-connect or fitting type of connection.
It has good airtightness and pressurization once connected to the microduct.
Quite weather resistant and used in fiber optic blowing solutions.
Split plastic coupler
Split plastic coupler
This type of coupler consists of two halves that embrace both conduits. The halves are joined and secured with screws.
Split coupler in half
Split coupler in half
The use of this type of coupler is very quick, a slot screwdriver is used to tighten the screws or an impact driver.
Implemented in underground and aerial conduits, however, very prone to leaks when implementing a blowing system for fiber optics, in addition to having poor airtightness.
Sometimes it requires the use of fusible tape for better molding of the conduit in the coupler.
