Nowadays, fiber optic cables are widely used for data transfer and telecommunication purposes. Armored fiber optic cables are associated with a particular type of these fiber optic cords. Armored cables stand by advanced protection and flexibility, and they can resist a variety of factors that tend to cause damage. Once they are resistant to moisture, pressure, rodents, and not only, multiple data centers, industrial facilities, and campuses utilized an armored fiber cable in their infrastructures. In this article, we’ll walk you through what is armored cable and present to you the types of armored cable.
Fiber optic armored cable at the glance
Armored fiber optic cables contain a cable covered with a metal jacket surrounded by a unique polyethylene jacket material. It is needed for advanced protection against abrasion, moisture, pressure, and crush concerns. Armored fiber optic cords can be set up in ducts or underground facilities with a higher level of protection from any dirt. Apart from that, the common application of these cords is an installation in networks for improved technical security.
Common types of armored cables
Classification of armored fiber optic cables depends on several criteria, including a type of metal for cable covering, the method of installation, and particular uses. Keep reading and find out the main kinds of armored cables.
Type of metal
If the criteria for classification is a metal type, then armored fiber optic cables can be divided into interlock and corrugated. Interlock armored cables incorporate an aluminum shell wrapped around a cable core. Such cables are pretty robust and crush-resistant, making them ideal for either indoor or outdoor uses. On the other hand, corrugated cables involve a steel covering. A steel armored cable suits any outdoor purposes and ensures improved mechanical protection. Both interlock and corrugated can be used in areas and places with increased hazards, like excessive oil, moisture, rodents, and others.
Method of installation
Since armored cables consist of a solid metal layer, their installation isn’t as simple as in standard fiber optic cables. Depending on the termination method, there are field-terminated and pre-terminated solutions. The first ones provide improved performance that is great for outdoor uses, while the second variant of cables offers a better transmission quality and is typically used indoors. It is worth mentioning that pre-terminated armored cables come in two variations. Armored fiber patch cables are more robust and flexible, while armored fiber trunk cables offer several connectors at every end.
Applications
There are also indoor and outdoor types of armored fiber optic cables. Indoor ones consist of the inner jacket that is covered by an interlocking metal shell. Traditional indoor armored cables include GJFJV, GJFJZY, GJFGBV, and others.
At the same time, an outdoor armored cable is designed for complicated outdoor spaces and comes in light armor and heavy armor variations. The first solution of an outdoor armored fiber optic cable offers a plastic jacket and excellent durability, while the second variant is relatively resistant against rodents and severe outdoor damages.