HARDENED FIBER OPTIC CONNECTOR COMPATIBLE WITH HARDENED AND NON-HARDENED FIBER OPTIC ADAPTERS

The invention relates to a fiber optic connector and cable assembly comprising:a fiber optic cable including an optical fiber, a jacket surrounding the optical fiber, and at least one strength member for providing the fiber optic cable with axial reinforcement;a connector housing including a first end positioned opposite from a second end, the first end defining a plug portion adapted for insertion in a fiber optic adapter and the second end receiving the at least one strength member and the optical fiber of the fiber optic cable;a ferrule positioned at the first end of the connector housing, the ferrule receiving an end portion of the optical fiber, the ferrule defining an axis that extends through the connector housing from the first end to the second end of the connector housing;a spring for biasing the ferrule in a direction that extends outwardly from the first end of the connector housing along the axis of the ferrule; andan insert that mounts within the connector housing, the insert including a first portion that forms a spring stop for retaining the spring within the plug portion of the connector housing, the insert also including a cable retention portion to which the at least one strength member of the fiber optic cable is secured.