A laser shutter provides integrated protection against laser beams, an international first for LC connectors. A flat spring in the adapter opens when the connector is unplugged and covers the fiber stub. No laser beam can escape from the adapter. Any danger of injury is there-fore ruled out, allowing the LC to be utilized risk-free in publicly accessible applications such as Fiber-to-the-Desk and Fiber-to-the-Home. R&M also offers a semi-transparent dust cap that enables the connection to be visually checked safely.

This system involves color coding with colored plastic frames, mechanical coding with additional clips, and plug-out protection. The body of the adapter is a single piece and therefore sturdier than welded plastic parts. The new LC Duplex connector system is suitable for grade C, D and M optical fibers, for single mode fibers ground straight or at an angle and for multimode fibers.

Reichle & De-Massari AG (R&M) develops and produces cabling solutions for communication networks. R&M has earned a reputation as a quality leader with its excellent copper and fiber optical products. The company has its own marketing organizations in 30 countries. It generates 78 percent of its sales abroad. Sales in 2008 totaled CHF 247 million; EBIT was 7 percent. The company is wholly owned by the Reichle family and is now being run by the second generation as an independent family-owned company.