Tools and connectors

The family of EZfit series tools and connectors from Andrew is designed for all 50 Ω coaxial cable applications.

They are designed to work with both Extremeflex aluminium smoothwall and Heliax corrugated copper transmission line cables, allowing users a choice without using two separate connectors.

Previous generations of the company’s tools and connectors included a full range of A and B series sizes; the EZfit is designed to bring consistency by streamlining all connectors into one EZfit variety.

EZfit is about 15% lighter than previous generations.

Brass is used as the body base material and the centre contact is either gold or silver plated, depending on the interface. All other surfaces are tri-metal coated.

The insulator is made of either polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) per ASTMD1457 or methylpentene copolymer.

Additional benefits of the connectors are built-in features that include self-aligning, self-gauging and self-feeding guides to prevent over-coring, which can lead to poor electrical performance.

The O-ring design minimises water ingress when properly installed, alleviating the need for secondary weatherproofing. All O-rings are made of ethylene propylene rubber (EPDM) per ASTM D1418 to ensure the tightest seal against most ingress.

Hand prep tools are now available for each of the connector sizes. Termination issues are reduced to a minimum by using the tools that provide installers, contractors and network operators an option to core and prep cables without the use of power tools at the job site.