Dust Caps for Electrical Connectors

Covers for Your Connectors

(blogger@L-com.com)

When you look at an entire link between devices, from terminal to server, for instance, the highest vulnerability point is at the connectors. That's because they are two separate products, most often a jack and a plug, that must correctly mate and allow the signal to pass with minimal loss. It's no surprise that the more connections you have in a link, the greater the loss overall.

Because they are so important and vulnerable, many people buy inexpensive connector covers to protect the connectors from anything that could harm them, including things like dust and particulates, moisture, and damage from moving or shipping the device or cable. Did you know that investing a small amount in dust cap protectors could dramatically extend the life of your devices and cables?

Fiber vs. Copper in LANs

The Fiber Optic Technology Future

(blogger@L-com.com)

The emerging field of fiber optics is no longer emerging; it's here. That's because manufacturers get better at making fiber cables and lasers each year, all amidst some of the highest prices for copper we've seen. Already, dead-run fiber networks are cheaper and greener than twisted pair cabling. Fiber is here. Are you ready?

Lightning Protection: A Little Reminder

How To Protect Your Electronic Equipment

(blogger@L-com.com)

As we enter the "high lightning" season, L-com likes to remind people of the dangers of leaving permanent or semi-permanent cabling installations unprotected from surges. There are a couple of parts to this overall problem. First, you have to realize the danger is with every installation of conductive material. The copper in Ethernet networking cables, or in coaxial cables that link up an antenna, or in the process control lines that prevent system failures; they all can have surges and the surges can all have the same catastrophic effects. Some people think this only happens with a direct strike, but even indirect strikes nearby can be destructive. Second, you have to take the time to find the appropriate lightning protection for your system. And third, you have to install the lightning protection properly so it is grounded.

Antenna Coaxial Cable Types

What kind of coax cable do antennas need?

(blogger@L-com.com)

As a major US Antenna manufacturer, L-com gets this question quite often. After all, if you are searching for an antenna, you may not think about the cabling requirements up front. But every antenna needs to be connected to a radio, and often the radio and antenna are not placed close together, so a coaxial cable is necessary.

So what kind of cable do you need?