What is Armored Optical Cable? Types of Armored Fiber Cable
What is Armored Optical Cable? Types of Armored Fiber Cable
Blog Article
In today’s rapidly evolving technology 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. But what is armored optical cable?
What is Armored Optical Cable?
Structure of Armored Fiber Cable
At the heart of an armored fiber cable is one or more thin glass fibers that transmit light. This core component is critical to transmitting data. To protect these fragile fibers, a lightweight steel tube acts as armor, shielding them from crushing, bending, abrasion, and even curious rodents.
For added strength, a layer of Kevlar (a strong, heat-resistant synthetic material) wrapped around the armor. 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), which protects the cable from environmental threats such as moisture, UV rays, and chemicals.
Advantages of Armored Fiber Cable
Enhanced Durability
Armored cables have enhanced durability due to the additional protection, which greatly improves their service life in complex and extreme environments. This enhanced durability can also achieve significant cost savings in the long run.
Security
Due to its strong physical protection, the cable is resistant to 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 optical fiber effectively provides elasticity due to the armor layer, which helps to distribute stress more evenly on the cable and prevent the fragile glass fiber from breaking.
Types of Armored Fiber Cable
According to the metal tube/armor type:
Interlocking aluminum armored fiber optic cable. This is an armored fiber optic cable. In which the optical fiber wrapped by a spiral aluminum armor. It has strong and excellent crush resistance.
Corrugated steel armored fiber optic cable. This is an armored optical cable. The optical fiber is longitudinally wrapped in a coated steel tape. It provides additional mechanical and rodent protection.
According to the application scenario
(1) Indoor armored optical cable
This type of optical cable designed for indoor applications, including use between buildings and inside buildings. Typical indoor armored optical cable types include GJFJV, GJFJZY, GJFJBV, GJFJBZY, GJFDBV and GJFDBZY. These optical cables commonly 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 structure ensures reliability and service life, making it an ideal choice for environments with limited space and a higher risk of cable damage.
(2) Outdoor armored optical cable
This type of optical cable is used for outdoor applications and comes in two versions: light armored and heavy armored. Light armored optical cables have a durable plastic sheath and are suitable for a variety of applications, including industrial and semi-harsh environments. Heavy armored cables are protected by metal wire rings and are ideal for direct burial in the ground, such as riverbeds and seabeds, to prevent damage caused by animals and the environment.
According to the termination method
Field-terminated armored cables: suitable for outdoor applications.
Pre-terminated armored cables: suitable for indoor applications.
International Standards for Armored Fiber Optic Cable
(1) ISO/IEC11801
Cover general wiring in buildings, ensuring suitability for different environments.
(2) ITU-TG.652
Defines the characteristics of single-mode optical fibers for long-distance, high-speed networks.
(3) IEC60794
Specifies the mechanical properties, environmental resistance, and fire safety of optical fiber cables.
Certification of Armored Cables
(1) ETL and UL listings
Independent testing verifies safety and performance standards.
(2) CE mark
Indicates compliance with EU health, safety, and environmental regulations. Report this page