Difference Between LC And SC

Optical connectors are used for connection between network devices at data centers and for the connection of optical fibers to equipment on customer premises (e.g. FTTH). Among the various types of fiber connector, SC and LC are two of the most commonly used connectors. SC vs LC: what’s the difference and which one is better? If you still have no answer yet. You may find some clue here.

Definition：
SC stands for subscriber connector and is a standard-duplex fiber-optic connector with a square molded plastic body and push-pull locking features. SC connectors are typically used in data communication, CATV, and telephony environments.
SC is a snap-in connector also with a 2.5 mm ferrule that is widely used for it’s excellent performance. It was the connector standardized in TIA-568-A, but was not widely used at first because it was twice as expensive as a ST. Now it’s only a bit more expensive and much more common It’s a snap-in connector that latches with a simple push-pull motion. It is also available in a duplex configuration.
LC is a small form factor connector that uses a 1.25 mm ferrule, half the size of the SC. Otherwise, it’s a standard ceramic ferrule connector, easily terminated with any adhesive. Good performance, highly favored for singlemode.
The LC, MU and LX-5 use the same ferrule but cross-mating adapters are not easy to find.
LC is covered in the TIA connector intermateability standard FOCIS-10 (TIA-604-10).
The difference between LC and SC fiber optic connector lies in the size, the handling and the connector history.
Size: LC is half the size of SC. Actually, one SC-adapter is exactly the same size as a duplex LC-adapter. Therefore LC is more and more common in central offices where packing density (number of connections per area) is an important cost factor.
Handling: SC is a true “push-pull-connector” and LC is a “latched connector”, although there are very innovative, real “push-pull-LCs” available which have the same handling capabilities like SC.
The History of Connector: The LC is the “younger” connector of the two, SC is wider spread around the world but LC is catching up. Both connectors have the same insertion loss and return loss capabilities. Generally, it depends where in the network you want to use the connector, no matter SC or LC, even the other different kinds of connector

Summary
Both SC and LC are designed to achieve data transmission. As for the question “SC vs LC: what’s the difference and which one is better?” Three basic points can conclude them: 1. SC has a larger connector housing, and a larger 2.5mm ferrule. 2. LC has a smaller connector housing, and a smaller 1.25mm ferrule. 3. SC used to be all the rage, but now it’s LC. You can fit more interfaces on line-cards, panels, etc with LC connector.