In today’s rapidly evolving technological environment, the need for strong and reliable internet connections is more important than ever. Armored fiber optic cables have become a key solution, providing high-speed data transmission along with the enhanced durability required for challenging environments.

In this article, we will take a deep dive into what armored fiber optic cable is, its construction, benefits and types, and its many applications.

What is Armored Fiber Optic Cable?

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

Armored fiber optic cable structure

At the heart of armored fiber optic cables are one or more thin glass fibers that transmit light. This core component is key to transmitting data. To protect these fragile fibers, a lightweight steel tube acts as armor, protecting them from crushing, bending, abrasion, and even curious rodents.

For added strength, the armor is wrapped with a layer of Kevlar (a strong, heat-resistant synthetic material). Kevlar increases the tensile strength of the cable, making it resistant to pulling and stretching. Finally, the outermost layer, usually made of polyethylene (PE) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), protects the cable from environmental threats such as moisture, UV rays, and chemicals.

Advantages of Armored Fiber Optic Cable

Enhanced durability: Armored fiber optic cables have enhanced durability due to extra protection, which greatly increases their service life in complex and extreme environments. This enhanced durability can also lead to significant cost savings in the long run.

Security: Due to its strong physical protection, this cable is resistant to malicious tampering, rodent intrusion and electromagnetic interference. This ensures the security of transmitted data, which is critical in government or financial institutions and other industrial applications.

Improved elasticity: Armored fiber effectively provides elasticity due to the armor layer, which helps distribute stress more evenly across the cable, preventing the fragile glass fibers from breaking.

Armored fiber optic cable types

Classification by Metal Tube/Armor Type:

Interlocking Aluminum Armored Cable: This is an armored cable where the optical fiber is wrapped in a spiral aluminum armor. It offers robustness and superior crush resistance.

Corrugated Steel Armored Cable: This is an armored cable where the optical fiber is longitudinally wrapped in a coated steel tape. It provides additional mechanical and anti-rodent protection.

Classification by termination method:

Field-terminated armored optical cable: suitable for outdoor applications

Pre-terminated armored optical cable: suitable for indoor applications

Classification by application:

Indoor armored fiber optic cable: This type of fiber optic cable is designed for indoor applications, including use between buildings and inside buildings. Typical types of indoor armored fiber optic cables include GJFJV, GJFJZY, GJFJBV, GJFJBZY, GJFDBV, and GJFDBZY. These cables are often used in environments such as data centers, office buildings, and residential areas, where they can pass through walls, ceilings, and floors without the risk of damage from external forces. The rugged construction ensures reliability and service life, making it an ideal choice for environments where space is limited and the risk of cable damage is higher.

Outdoor Armored Cable: This cable is used for outdoor applications and is available in two versions: light armored and heavy armored. Light armored cables have a durable plastic jacket and are suitable for a variety of applications, including industrial and semi-harsh environments. Heavy armored cables are protected by a metal wire loop and are ideal for direct burial in the ground, such as riverbeds and seabeds, to prevent damage caused by animals and the environment.

Comply with armored optical cable standards

International Standards

ISO/IEC11801: Covers general building wiring, ensuring suitability for different environments.

ITU-TG.652: Defines the characteristics of single-mode optical fiber for long-distance, high-speed networks.

IEC60794: Specifies the mechanical properties, environmental resistance, and fire safety of optical fiber cables.

National Standards

ANSI/TIA-568.3-D: Provides specifications for fiber-optic cabling in commercial buildings, ensuring performance and reliability.

GR-20-CORE: Outlines requirements for fiber-optic cables, ensuring durability in harsh conditions.

RoHS Compliant: Restricts hazardous substances in cables, promoting safety and environmental protection.

Fire safety standards

UL1666: Ensures riser-rated cables meet fire safety standards for vertical installations.

NFPA262: 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 that armored fiber optic cables are safe, reliable, and suitable for a variety of applications, thereby ensuring their performance in different environments.

Conclusion

Armored fiber optic cables offer unmatched durability, security, and resiliency, making them ideal for indoor and outdoor applications in challenging environments. Whether for government, financial, or industrial use, these cables ensure reliable, secure data transmission.

Source: Dongguan HX Fiber Technology Co., Ltd