Slim lock closure from 3M weatherproofs crowded connections on FTTA installations

Tuesday, May 08, 2012

Wireless communications service providers now have a better way to protect their advanced 3G and 4G-LTE networks from signal integrity issues and service interruptions due to weather conditions.

The new 3M™ Slim Lock Closure for wireless applications weatherproofs coaxial jumper cable connections on the cell tower where 7/16 DIN connectors are used. The compact closure protects connections at the antenna and remote radio unit (RRU), fitting easily in areas where multiple connections are spaced closely together.

Today’s fiber-to-the-antenna (FTTA) cell tower architectures demand a new type of weatherproofing solution. Traditional weatherproofing methods, such as tapes and mastics, are no longer practical options for new tower technologies. The Slim Lock Closure is specifically designed with a narrow body to fit into congested areas, such as compact tower-mounted RRUs and connection-rich multi-band, multi-service antennas.

The Slim Lock Closure provides robust protection from the environment. The hard plastic closure body snaps around the connection and latches shut, sealing out water. A highly compliant sealing gel inside the closure conforms to the connection, displacing air so that condensation cannot occur, further protecting the connection from corrosive moisture.

Typically, a tower hand can install a Slim Lock Closure in a minute or less, minimizing installation time and cost. No tools are required for installation, further reducing costs.

Once installed, Slim Lock Closures can be repeatedly opened and closed for maintenance and testing, an important feature now that PIM testing has become a routine part of quality assurance processes. Moreover, the closure can be re-entered without disconnecting the antenna and interrupting service, making visual inspections quick and simple.

Source: 3M