Armored Fiber Optic Cable

In today's rapidly advancing technological landscape, the need for strong and reliable internet connectivity is more important than ever. Armored fiber optic cable has emerged as a pivotal solution, offering the high-speed data transmission along with the enhanced durability needed for challenging environments.

In this post, we'll dive into what an armored fiber cable is, its structure, benefits and types, as well as its many applications.

What is an Armored Fiber Optic Cable?

Armored fiber optic cable adds an extra layer of protection, such as a metal jacket, to withstand harsh environments (vibrations, extreme temperatures, gas, fire, and moisture) and minimize network downtime while ensuring reliable operation.

Structure of Armored Fiber Cable

At its heart, armored fiber cable features one or more thin glass fibers that carry light. This central component is the key to transmitting data. To safeguard these delicate fibers, a light steel tube acts as a suit of armor, protecting them from crushing, bending, wear, and even curious rodents.

For extra strength, a layer of Kevlar, a strong, heat-resistant synthetic material, is wrapped around the armor. This Kevlar boosts the cable's tensile strength, making it resistant to pulling and stretching. Finally, the outermost layer, typically made of polyethylene (PE) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), shields the cable from environmental threats like moisture, ultraviolet rays, and chemicals.

Benefits of Armored Fiber Cables

• Enhanced Durability: Armored fiber optic cable offers enhanced durability due to its additional protection, which significantly improves its service life in complex and extreme environments. Significant cost savings in the long run can also be achieved with this enhanced durability.
• Security: Due to strong physical protection, this cable prevents tampering, rodent invasion, and electromagnetic interference. Resulting in the security of the data being transmitted, which is very critical in government or financial institutions as well as other industrial applications.
• Improved Resilience: Armored fiber effectively provides resilience due to armoring layer which helps to distribute stress more evenly across the cable, preventing the delicate glass fibers from breaking.

Armored Fiber Cable Types

Based on Metal Tube / Armor Type:

• Interlocking Aluminum Armored Fiber Cable: It is a type of armored optic cable in which fibers are wrapped in helically shaped aluminum armor. It offers ruggedness and superior crush resistance.
• Corrugated Steel Armored Fiber Cable: It is a type of armored optic cable in which fibers are wrapped in coated steel tape longitudinally. It offers extra mechanical and rodent protection.

Based on Termination Style:

• Field-terminated Armored Fiber Cable: Suitable in Outdoor applications
• Pre-terminated Armored Fiber Cable: Adopted for indoor applications

Based on Application:

• Indoor Armored Fiber Optic Cable: This type of cable is designed for indoor applications, including use between and inside buildings. Typical indoor armored fiber cable types include GJFJV, GJFJZY, GJFJBV, GJFJBZY, GJFDBV, and GJFDBZY. These cables are often used in settings such as data centers, office buildings, and residential complexes where they can be routed through walls, ceilings, and floors without the risk of damage from external forces. The robust construction ensures reliability and longevity, making them ideal for environments where space is limited, and the risk of cable damage is high.
• Outdoor Armored Fiber Optic Cable: This cable is used for outdoor applications and comes in two versions: light armor and heavy armor. The lightly armored cable has a durable plastic jacket and is suitable for various applications, including industrial and semi-harsh environments. The heavily armored cable, protected by a wire circle, is ideal for direct burial installations, such as riverbeds and ocean floors, guarding against damage from animals and the environment.

Compliance with Standards for Armored Fiber Optic Cables

International Standards

• ISO/IEC 11801: Covers general-purpose cabling for buildings, ensuring suitability for diverse environments.
• ITU-T G.652: Defines single-mode optical fiber characteristics for long-distance, high-speed networks.
• IEC 60794: Specifies mechanical properties, environmental resistance, and fire safety for optical fiber cables.

National Standards

• ANSI/TIA-568.3-D: Provides specifications for optical fiber cabling in commercial buildings, ensuring performance and reliability.
• GR-20-CORE: Outlines requirements for optical fiber cables, ensuring durability in harsh conditions.
• RoHS Compliance: Restricts hazardous substances in cables, promoting safety and environmental protection.

Fire Safety Standards

• UL 1666: Ensures riser-rated cables meet fire safety standards for vertical installations.
• NFPA 262: Ensures cables meet fire safety requirements for use in air-handling spaces.

Testing and Certification

• ETL and UL Listings: Independent testing verifies safety and performance standards.
• CE Marking: Indicates compliance with EU health, safety, and environmental regulations.

These standards ensure armored fiber optic cables are safe, reliable, and suitable for various applications, providing confidence in their performance across different environments. For more information, refer to the IEC, ITU, and TIA.