The Commscope LSA-Plus connection system is a reliable and cost effective technique for installation of communications, broadcast and data wiring and has several advantages over solder tag methods, including significant time and maintenance benefits.
Commscope offers a comprehensive range of connections and wiring system, based on a standard 10 pair (unscreened) termination module and a size compatible 6 pair + screen module. There is a complementary range of accessories for testing, alternative equipment termination, cable distribution and jumpering.
All items necessary for a Commscope installation are featured in the Canford catalogue together with specially developed cable and accessories for the professional audio, data and broadcast industry.
Commscope uses an insulation displacement connection which totally eliminates the need to strip, solder or screw connect wires. Connections are made using the Krone inserter tool on a slot in the module. The slot contains wire clamping ribs and two flexible metal contact arms at 45 degrees. These cut the wire insulation and into the conductor, maintaining contact with a spring force. A gas-tight seal is formed between the conductor and the contact. The inserter tool performs the process with the correct force and also cuts the excess wire off after termination with the same action. Krone connections conform to all the standards for contact resistance, ageing, and durability including British Telecom’s D2920 specification. The technique can be learned in minutes by anyone, engineer or otherwise, and can cut installation time by up to 90%. Changes in wiring can be accommodated easily and re-termination is quick and neat.
A Commscope module consists of two rows of contacts, the upper row for permanent connection, the lower row for jumper wires. Several types of module are available in two basic forms - connection and disconnection. Connection modules have a permanent link between the equipment and jumper sides, allowing 'listen' access for test probes and other accessories. The disconnection module has a spring contact connection between equipment and jumper sides, allowing 'listen' and 'break' access to circuits with appropriate test accessories. The disconnection modules have become universal in communications installations although some broadcasters prefer the connection type for premier grade circuits at the expense of some flexibility.
Each Commscope connection slot will accept up to two wires of equal diameter. Ideally the conductor size will be 0.44mm to 0.65mm (26-22 AWG) and insulation 0.7mm to 1.4mm. The recommended wire is single strand 0.5mm conductor (standard telephone cable size per CW1308 spec). Stranded wire can also be used, 7/0.15 or 7/0.2 being preferred. The insertion of stranded wire may cut some strands, especially if smaller diameter conductors are used. Stranded and single core wire should not be mixed on a single contact slot.
ABS 6 pair + screen disconnection module
Discontinued
Introduced to cater for screened data and audio applications, the ABS module allows each screen to be continued through to the jumper side and continued. This ensures proper individual screen continuation and termination for low noise audio applications, and other audio installations where common screen termination would otherwise introduce earth loops.
237A 10 pair disconnection module
Discontinued
This is the most popular module used for audio, d.c., control and communications. It can be used for termination of unscreened pair cable or for screened audio cable where the screen either common terminates or floats at this connection point.
237B 10 pair connection module
Discontinued
Identical to the 237A except that dis-pegs, test jacks and attenuators cannot be used to break the connection between the equipment and jumper side. Used only where hard-wiring is absolutely essential.
237D 76 way earth module
Allows bulk termination of earths or screens on a termination frame. A flying lead connects the 76 slots to frame earth if required. Colour: red.
Note: The Krone name has been absorbed into the Commscope brand, therefore Krone and Commscope are one and the same.