ABSTRACT: Hardened Fiber Optic Connectors (HFOCs) and Hardened Fiber Optic Adapters (HFOAs) are passive telecommunications components used in an Outside Plant (OSP) environment. They provide drop connections to customers from fiber distribution networks. These components may be provided in pedestal closures, aerial and buried closures and terminals, or equipment located at customer premises such as a Fiber Distribution Hub (FDH) or an Optical Network Terminal or Termination (ONT) unit.

These connectors, which are field-mateable, and hardened for use in the outside plant (OSP), are needed to support Fiber to the Premises (FTTP) deployment and service offerings.

Issue 2 of GR-3120:

• Includes updates to various requirements and test procedures, and contains a new test program matrix making the document clearer and easier to use
• Contains new criteria for mechanical performance, chemical resistance, endface geometry, thermal expansion, and more
• Aligns with the newest issues of GR-326,Generic Requirements for Singlemode Optical Connectors and Jumper Assemblies, and GR-771, Generic Requirements for Fiber Optic Splice Closures