Armored fiber patch cable, just as the name indicates, is made with robust connectors and a stainless steel armored flexible tube inside the outer jacket, which acts as an effective protection against rodent, moisture and other issues that may cause the damage.
The Structure of Armored Fiber Patch Cables
The outer sleeve of armored patch cable is usually made of plastics like polyethylene to protect it against solvents and abrasions. The layer between sleeve and inner jacket is an armored layer made of materials that are quite difficult to cut, chew and burn. Besides, this kind of material is able to prevent the fiber patch cable from being stretched during cable installation. Ripcords are usually provided directly under the armored and the inner sleeve to aid in stripping the layer for splicing the cable to connectors or terminators. And the inner jacket is a protective and flame retardant material to support the inner fiber cable bundle. The inner fiber cable bundle often includes structures to support the fibers inside, like fillers and strength members. Among them, there is usually a central strength member to support the whole fiber cable.
The Features of Armored Fiber Patch Cables
Armored fiber patch cable serves as a member of the patch cable family, thus it retains all the features of standard patch cables. However, comparing with those common patch cables, armored fiber patch cables are much stronger and tougher. For example, once stepped by an adult, standard patch cables may get damaged easily and fail to work normally. But things are totally different with armored patch cables which can withstand the strength and perform well. Besides, armored patch cables are rodent-resistant, that means as long as armored patch cables are employed in applications or systems, you don’t need to worry about rats biting the cables any longer.
Basically, armored fiber patch cable offers the benefits and features of a traditional patch cable, but with the production and durability of armor. Armored fiber patch cable features light-weighted that allows high flexibility without causing damage, which proves to be helpful especially in limited space. Moreover, it offers an ideal option for harsh environments without adding extra protection. Apparently, armored fiber patch cable provides an efficient solution for all fiber cable problems such as twist, pressure and rodent damage.
The Types of Armored Fiber Patch Cables
There exist two types of armored fiber patch cable, namely, indoor armored fiber patch cable and outdoor armored fiber patch cable.
Armored fiber patch cable used for indoor applications often consists of tight-buffered or loose-buffered optical fibers, strengths members and an inner jacket. The inner jacket is commonly surrounded by a spirally wrapped interlocking metal tap armor. As the fiber optic communication technology develops rapidly with the trend of FTTX, there is a fast growing demand for installing indoor fiber optic cables between and inside buildings. Indoor fiber patch cable experiences less temperature and mechanical stress. Besides, it can retard fire effectively, which means it only emits a low level of smoke in the face of fire. This type of armored cable is rugged and crush resistance.
Outdoor Armored Fiber Cable is made to ensure operation safety of the fiber in complicated outdoor environment. Most Outdoor Armored fiber patch cables are loose buffer design, with the strengthen member in the middle of the whole cable, loose tubes surround the central strength member. Inside the loose tube there is waterproof gel filled, the whole cable materials and gels inside cable between the different components (not only inside loose tube) help make the whole cable resist water. The combination of the outer jacket and the armor protects the fibers from gnawing animals and damages that occur during direct burial installations.
The Application of Armored Fiber Patch Cables
Armored patch cable is generally adapted in direct buried outside plant applications where a rugged cable is needed and for rodent resistance. Armored cable withstands crush loads well. Cable installed by direct burial in areas where rodents are a problem usually has metal armor between two jackets to prevent rodent penetration. Another application of armored patch cable is in data centers, where cables are installed under the floor and the fiber cable is easily being crushed. Single or double armor fiber patch cable is typically used underwater near shore and shoals. Armored patch cords are used in customer premises, central offices and in indoor harsh environments. The patch cords provide flexible interconnection to active equipment, passive optical devices and cross-connects.
Conclusion
In summary, When transmitting data or conducting power in harsh environments, protecting your cables is crucial to safe and reliable operation. This is where armored fiber patch cables come into play. Armored cables are used in applications where cables will be exposed to mechanical or environmental damage under normal operating conditions. These applications include power circuits in industrial plants, commercial buildings, processing plants and central and substation utility applications. Moreover, armored cables may be installed in trays, racks, hangers to eliminate the need for conduit.
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