Corning CCH-01U Installation Instructions for Fiber Optic Housing

The Corning CCH-01U Closet Connector Housing is a compact, indoor fiber optic solution designed for efficient fiber management in carrier networks, data centers, and enterprise environments. As a one-rack-unit (1U) housing unit, it provides space for two CCH connector panels, cassettes, or modules. Its modular design and compatibility with Corning’s pigtailed splice cassettes and slack cassettes make it a versatile option for fiber distribution. This article provides a detailed overview of the CCH-01U’s specifications, installation process, and integration with pigtailed splice cassettes based on information from official product documentation, technical manuals, and vendor listings.

Overview of the Corning CCH-01U

The CCH-01U is part of Corning’s CCH series of fiber optic housings, which are engineered for high-density fiber connectivity in confined spaces. It is designed to accommodate two CCH panels, cassettes, or modules, with a total fiber capacity of 48 fibers and 24 ports. The housing features front and rear access with a slidable design, enabling users to insert and manage cassettes with ease. The unit is constructed from powder-coated metal and polycarbonate tray materials and is available in black with a transparent top cover for visibility.

Environmental and mechanical specifications include an operating temperature range of -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F), making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments. The CCH-01U is RoHS compliant and meets U.S. and Canadian safety standards as listed by UL. It also complies with ANSI/TIA/EIA-568A and 606 standards and is tested in accordance with Telecordia GR-63-CORE. Additionally, the housing is lockable, and field-installable lock kits are available for both front and rear doors.

The CCH-01U is designed for rack mounting in 19-inch or 23-inch equipment racks with 1.75-inch EIA hole spacing. It is shipped with strain relief brackets, routing clips and guides, and mounting brackets to ensure proper installation. The unit is particularly suited for modular fiber management and can be upgraded to full fiber capacity using Corning’s CCH Splice Cassettes (CCH-CS) or CCH Slack Cassettes (CCH-CF).

Components and Packaging

The CCH-01U is typically sold as a standalone housing unit. However, when used in conjunction with pigtailed splice cassettes such as the Corning CCH-CS12-AE-P00RE, additional components may be included to facilitate installation. The cassette itself is packaged with the following items:

• One (1) Pigtailed CCH Adapter Panel (pre-routed with 3m pigtail assembly)
• One (1) Rail for use with CCH-01U, CCH-02U, and CCH-03U housings
• Grommets for strain relief
• Cable ties for strain relief
• Protective braided tubing for incoming cable
• 12 heat-shrink splice protectors

These components are designed to support the modular and flexible installation of the cassette within the housing. The pigtail length is 3 meters, and the fiber type is single-mode (OS2). The pigtail is made of 250 µm colored fiber and has a 900 µm diameter at the connector panel, with UPC polish on the LC duplex shuttered connectors.

Step-by-Step Installation Process

The installation of the CCH-01U housing and the integration of a pigtailed splice cassette require a series of precise and methodical steps. Below is a detailed breakdown of the installation process, based on the manufacturer’s technical documentation.

1. Housing Preparation

Before inserting a pigtailed splice cassette or any module, the CCH-01U housing must be properly mounted and prepared. The housing can be mounted in a 19-inch or 23-inch rack using the provided mounting brackets. Ensure that the housing is securely fastened to the rack and that there is sufficient space for the insertion of cassettes and the routing of cables.

The housing should be cleaned of any dust or debris that may interfere with the installation or future maintenance. The transparent top cover can be removed to allow full access to the interior. Additionally, the front and rear doors can be configured with lock kits if needed for security purposes.

2. Cassette Insertion

The pigtailed splice cassette is designed to fit into the designated slot within the CCH-01U housing. The cassette includes a single rail that slides into the housing. To insert the cassette:

1. Align the rail of the cassette with the corresponding slot in the housing.
2. Slide the cassette into the housing until it is fully seated.
3. Ensure that the rail is properly engaged and that the cassette is flush with the housing.

The modular design of the CCH-01U allows for the insertion of multiple cassettes, with the housing supporting two cassettes in its 1U size. This modularity is especially useful in environments where scalability and flexibility are essential.

3. Incoming Cable Routing

Once the cassette is inserted, the incoming fiber optic cable must be routed into the housing. The CCH-01U includes a protective braided tubing and grommets to ensure strain relief and secure routing of the cable. The process involves the following steps:

1. Route the incoming fiber optic cable through the protective braided tubing.
2. Insert the cable through the designated entry point in the housing.
3. Secure the cable using the provided grommets and cable ties to prevent strain on the connector or pigtail.

Proper routing is essential to prevent damage to the fiber optic cable and to maintain signal integrity. The use of strain relief brackets and routing clips, which are included with the housing, helps to manage the cable and ensure a clean, organized installation.

4. Pigtail Management

The pigtailed splice cassette includes pre-routed pigtails that connect to the incoming fiber optic cable. These pigtails are 3 meters in length and are made of single-mode (OS2) fiber with UPC polish on the LC duplex connectors. The pigtails must be carefully managed to avoid kinks, bends, or other damage that could affect performance.

1. Ensure that the pigtails are not kinked or bent beyond the manufacturer’s recommended bend radius.
2. Route the pigtails along the designated pathways within the cassette and housing.
3. Secure the pigtails using the provided routing clips and guides to maintain organization and prevent interference with other components.

The modular design of the cassette allows for splicing to be performed away from the rack housing in a suitable workspace, if preferred. This is particularly useful in environments where space is limited or where a clean splicing area is required.

5. Splicing Process

The splicing process involves fusing the incoming fiber optic cable to the pigtail fibers within the cassette. The CCH-01U and its associated cassettes are designed to support fusion splicing, which provides a high-quality and durable connection.

1. Prepare the incoming fiber optic cable by stripping the outer jacket and cleaning the fibers.
2. Align the incoming fiber with the pigtail fiber and perform a fusion splice using an appropriate fusion splicer.
3. Apply the included heat-shrink splice protectors to each splice to ensure mechanical and environmental protection.

The splicing process should be performed in a clean and controlled environment to avoid contamination of the fiber ends. The use of heat-shrink splice protectors is essential to maintain the integrity of the splice and to protect it from potential damage.

6. Connectorization

After the splicing process is complete, the LC UPC duplex shuttered connectors must be connected to the appropriate ports on the equipment or patch panel. The connectors are pre-terminated on the pigtail and are ready for immediate use.

1. Ensure that the connectors are fully seated and latched in their respective ports.
2. Verify that the shuttered design is properly engaged to protect the connectors from dust and debris.
3. Test the connection using appropriate fiber optic testing equipment if necessary.

The LC UPC duplex connectors provide a high-performance connection suitable for data center and carrier network applications. The shuttered design helps to maintain the cleanliness of the connectors and ensures reliable performance over time.

Troubleshooting and Common Issues

Despite the robust design and reliable installation process, users may encounter occasional issues during or after the installation of the CCH-01U and its associated cassettes. Below are some common issues and their potential solutions, based on manufacturer documentation.

1. Intermittent Connection

Cause

• Loose connector
• Vibration or movement affecting connections

Solution

• Ensure all LC connectors are fully seated and latched
• Secure the cassette in the housing and ensure all cables are properly strain-relieved

If the issue persists after these checks, it is recommended to use specialized fiber optic testing equipment, such as an Optical Power Meter or OTDR, to diagnose the exact location and nature of the fault.

2. Signal Loss

Cause

• Improper splicing technique
• Damaged fiber or pigtail

Solution

• Re-splice the affected fiber using proper fusion splicing techniques
• Replace any damaged fiber or pigtail if necessary

Proper splicing and fiber management are critical to maintaining signal integrity. Users should follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and use certified splicing tools for optimal results.

Technical Specifications and Compatibility

The CCH-01U is designed to work with a range of Corning fiber optic cassettes and modules. Below is a summary of key technical specifications and compatibility details.

CCH-01U Specifications

Pigtailed Splice Cassette (CCH-CS12-AE-P00RE) Specifications

The CCH-01U is compatible with the full range of Corning CCH splice and slack cassettes, allowing users to scale and customize their fiber infrastructure according to their specific needs.

Conclusion

The Corning CCH-01U Closet Connector Housing is a compact and versatile solution for fiber optic connectivity in a variety of environments. Its modular design, compatibility with splice and slack cassettes, and compliance with industry standards make it an attractive option for data centers, enterprise networks, and carrier infrastructure. The installation process, while requiring attention to detail, is designed to be straightforward and user-friendly. With the inclusion of strain relief components, routing guides, and lockable doors, the CCH-01U provides a secure and organized platform for fiber management. When paired with Corning’s pigtailed splice cassettes, the housing enables a high-capacity, scalable fiber solution that meets the demands of modern network environments.

Sources

1. Official Product Manual
2. Corning CCH-01U Housing Specifications
3. CCH-01U Product Page