1. QPL ST connectors are to be used on all fiber cable plant backbones.
2. QPL ST connectors are to be used on all cable drops for tactical applications.
3. Navy approved COTS, Commercial ST connectors may be used on cable drops for non-tactical applications.
4. Navy approved COTS, Commercial ST connectors may not be mated to the QPL ST connectors with the stiffer spring con- stant (such as at the shock mounted rack patch panel).
5. Navy approved COTS, Commercial ST connectors may be used to mate with adapters on commercial interface cards which includes Network Interface Cards (NIC).
6. ST connectors are not to be used on the cabinet exterior and for other external connectors on tactical applications. MIL-PRF-2876 multiple termini connectors are to be used for this application.
7. Since the QPL ST has been know to break off or shear the adapter tabs (pins) on plastic or softer metal ST adapters, they should not be used on these types of commercial interfaces. The Navy approved COTS commercial ST should be used in- stead.
8. Navy approved COTS commercial ST connectors may be used to mate with equipment and patch panels mounted to the interior of internal or “shock isolated” cabinets for tactical applications.
9. Navy approved COTS commercial ST connectors are not to be used to mate with equipment and patch panels mounted to the interior of in “non-shock isolated” cabinets for tactical applications.

NSN:(6060014856592)